#i do wanna draw more of my headcanons of their characterizations and interactions more. i must draw more sloppy comics. I MUST

[bmpmp3]

vocal synths and winter designs

[scarlet-empresss]

Simon Riley x reader relationship headcanons Sooo after nearly seven years of being a mostly inactive member of the fandom, writing countless fics that nobody ever got to see - I can say I’ve developed a fairly clear picture of how I envision some of these characters. Therefore, here are some of the things I think would characterize Simon as a partner (and a few of just him as a person). English is not my first language so please bear with me :)

Friends first. I feel like he's not one to rush into a serious relationship without having strong foundations laid out first. You're a trustworthy, longtime teammate he's been working with for years, who has seen his darkest side and inner demons resurface, and still be accepting of him as a person? Or perhaps you're a civilian working at the coffee shop he frequents; the same civilian who spilled his usual at him one time, leading to an unexpected, but most certainly intruguing friendship? Let's fucking roll with either.

Following the first point—he's not a 'love at first glance' type of guy. He needs a connection, a spark; that spark that comes from knowledge and insight, both gained through meaningful interactions and a genuine bond. This is what Simon seeks. (Bonus points if you're a medic/nurse, because, you know, I fucking love medic x soldier trope)

Now let's get to the love language—definitely acts of service. You're tired after a long day at work? Boom, you've got a nice and hot bath waiting for you, together with your favorite snacks and a glass of wine/book to read (could be both). Running low on essentials, be it your favorite type of coffee, a preferred perfume, tampons, the likes? Well, expect it to be restocked as soon as possible. He'll change the oil in your car, scrape the frost from the windows, anything you as much as mention. If you're sick, he'll do whatever makes you feel better, whether that's a warm compress or something as simple as a bowl of soup and a couple of ice packs. He wants to take care of you. He might not be an expert at expressin his feelings through words, but he'll damn sure cook you a three-course meal and a dessert to show you how much he appreciates you.

That being said, he's an exceptional cook. He doesn't have many opportunities to experiment in the kitchen during deployments or safe houses, but you can be sure that Simon is behind the pots and pans preparing mouthwatering meals whenever he's back home. It's relaxing, and he simply enjoys spending time cooking for you and himself.

Not into excessive PDA - hand holding is okay, but when you two are in a crowd (which he hates), there's a hand on the small of your back or lingering on the back of your neck. Behind closed doors, he's more openly affectionate. Whether you're simply making a sandwich in the kitchen or he breezes past you, he's likely to stand behind you and simply rest his chin on the top of your head, rough hands on your hips, or when you two are sitting on the couch, his arm is either around you or resting on your thigh.

Non sexual intimacy is a big yes; head scratches, hand holding, shoulder rubs, baths together, or anything of the sort. But there's one thing that melts him completely and that's when you kiss his eyelids. If you're his teammate and you're in a relationship, he will appreciate you helping him out of his gear, washing the dirt and grime off his hands or helping him apply the camouflage paint on his face.

He may call you "love" or "sweetheart," but he attempts to restrict these terms of endearment primarily behind closed doors. He's not exactly fond of overtly cutesy pet names either, so he appreciates the occasional "Love" or "Si," but he draws the line at anything more ostentatiously affectionate. "Don't ya ever call me pookie again, got it, sweetheart?"

Wanna wake up before that man? Yeah, good luck with that. He's a proper, bona fide early riser, an early bird, prepared for the day well before the rays reach the horizon. It's like clockwork, a routine that's been ingrained into his circadian rhythm, something that governs his inner system. If he's not out on a morning jog, he'll lie on his side of the bed, staring at you, silently admiring. Oh, and he'll know if you wake up and pretend to be still asleep.

Simon values the power of silence. Quiet as he may be at certain times, this man is not indifferent; he's an observer. He considers observation as a means of learning and appreciates the sheer volume of knowledge that can be gleaned from the study of behaviors, facial expressions, and other body language cues. Furthermore, a comfortable silence may be the strongest indicator of the powerful connection between two people. That's how he knew there was truly something special between you and him.

HOWEVER. The previous point doesn't right away mean that he despises talking. Sure, he's not one for an idle chit-chat, but I feel like it’s a very frequent idea that he’s the brooding and sullen type who prefers grunting over speaking, kinda like Daryl Dixon (that's a huge compliment to Simon). I’d say, Simon is somewhere in between—more of a ‘I speak only when I want to/have something really meaningful to say’. If he's got something on his mind, he'll let you know. And, surprisingly, he has a way with words like the smoothest motherfucker ever.

Not surprisingly, he's a bit of a softie when it comes to animals, especially dogs. Not one to baby-talk when he sees a dog, he merely offers gentle pats on its head or side (if he's more familiar with the dog, I see him petting it like dads do lol). He’s also very careful about the animals and makes sure not to touch one without asking the owner first. As for service dogs, he's especially careful, keeping a safe distance and showing due respect for their role.

You know you're gonna have a K9 at your home when you get with this man.

He's not a fan of surprises or gifts, because he wasn't raised in a family full of hugs and "I love you's" or selfless acts of affection. He struggles to convey his gratitude in the conventional manner, so it's often expressed, albeit indirectly, through acts of service. No matter what it is that you've gifted him, he's grateful for the thought and consideration all the same.

But you better believe he will surprise you in turn. He goes out of his way to procure anything and everything you so much as mention wanting, be it a trivial trinket or something more significant. He's always listening, always paying attention.

Not very into verbal compliments, but his eyes speak an entire novel about how he feels about you. Gentle glances, lingering stares, and silent admiration. He might not be overtly forthcoming with his praise, but one look is worth more than a thousand words.

Big spoon. He's a tad bit paranoid about having his back vulnerable—much like a cat and its exposed belly. It has nothing to do with trust—as he does trust you. It's merely a product of his inner paranoia, though there's a touch of protectiveness in there, too. Beacuse he'd much rather have you enveloped in his arms, ensuring him the sensation of protecting you with his whole body. Perhaps with time he would let you spoon him, but I wouldn't count on it early on in the relationship.

He's territorial, not in a jealous, envious, or controlling sense but rather in a protective and defensive manner. He doesn't like men or women making advances on you, especially unsolicited physical contact or overt flirting. While he won't try to be overbearing or overly assertive, he will make it abundantly clear that such behavior is uncalled for and unacceptable.

civilian!reader - get ready for some self-defense lessons. He'll ensure that you know basic moves that can give you the time to escape a dangerous situation. Simon is well-versed in the brutality of the world, and he won't sugarcoat anything. If you're in danger, you run; if you feel something's wrong, you run. He can't always be there to protect you. So he's drilled this mantra into your brain: no matter how strong, tough, skilled you think you are, you simply can't trust that your enemy won't wield a knife or gun.

But one of the very first things he's given you even before you two became a couple was a can of pepper spray.

He's a direct, straight to the point man, which is why he has no time for beating around the bush. There's no awkward tip-toeing with hints that may go unexplored, no subtle suggestions that may fall flat—he's all in. Whether it's on a mission, in bed, or an argument, Simon lays it all on the line because you're worth it. He will commit to you wholeheartedly, leaving nothing on the table, giving you everything he has to offer because you deserve nothing less.

You fell first, but he fell harder—this man adores you. Although he's not mushy, he won't shower you with affection and cute nicknames all the time, he loves you. And when Simon Riley loves someone, you can be damn sure he means it. His loyalty knows no limits and once he's attached to you, he'll never let go. He'll go through and beyond any lengths to make sure you're happy and safe.

Though he might not openly admit it, he likes it when you take the initiative, whether it's in bed, in your relationship, or just life in general. He values your opinions and respects and acknowledges your boundaries, and makes sure to let his own boundaries and needs be known as well. So, step up and make yourself heard, cause he will listen.

He values honesty highly and has a razor-sharp bullshit detector. Can smell bullshit from miles away, actually. Therefore, never, ever lie to him. Because he will uncover the truth, one way or another. Lies are the one thing that can shatter his trust beyond repair, making it a cardinal sin in his eyes. So, don't shy away from telling him the truth—no matter how difficult or inconvenient or painful it may be.

Now it gets a bit complicated here, because while he expects honesty from his s/o, Simon himself holds back some things. These are largely related to his past or the missions he has been on, the things he has seen. He doesn't want to lie to you, but he does it to protect himself and you. You just have to accept the fact that there are certain things he won't ever tell you.

Is capable of being absolutely terrifying without even trying, let alone when he wants to be. His height, muscles, and scars are a force to be reckoned with. So you don't have to be worried about going on a walk with him in the middle of the night or wearing something a bit more revealing, cause he will beat the living shit out of anyone who dares to touch you.

Absolutely no one can defeat him in arm wrestling or even come close to his grip strength.

Very awkward around babies, and I mean extremely awkward. Like Jane Smith holding a baby in Mr&Mrs Smith. He doesn't know a flying shit about caring for children, especially since he didn't have a positive parental influence growing up or any good role models. The subject of starting a family is still a bit sore; though he would likely grow more open to discussing it as time goes on. Still, a major aspect of his psyche seems terrified of becoming like his father.

Would die a thousand deaths for you.

[0rb0t]

Don't mind me, just talking about Shadow as being on the autistic spectrum, and how his portrayal in the games and anime (before 2010s era) reflected this even if it was never outright stated.

(TIME FOR A CHARACTER ANALYSIS ABOUT SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG)

    When I was in high school, I struggled a lot in social situations, I'd go completely stiff and just watch people. I had a "resting bitch face", I never really could have conversations and seemed to just fixate on things. I'd make observations that irritated people. I'd ask "why" a lot. (Asking why or even asking 'obvious' questions seemed to make people think I was questioning their judgment, or that I was challenging them. But no, I just didn't understand and wanted clarification. I still run into this a lot and I wish people would stop assuming I have ulterior motives. I just wanna understand stuff better cause it doesn't connect for me. Even if it seems obvious. I'm the genius that asked my mom why she was crying at her dad's funeral when I was 11. It's not that I didn't understand why Grandpa was gone, I knew he passed away, but it hadn't really landed for me, and my brain registered my mom's sadness before it registered the why.)

    I didn't like small talk (still don't) and would rather every interaction have a specific purpose. You'd never catch me at a party and I didn't think drinking or drugs looked fun or interesting. The act of rebelling didn't interest me either. The few interests I did have were something I'd always go back to, and I couldn't function without them. (For me, drawing has always been a huge part of my life and if I didn't have a pencil or pen and paper, then I couldn't hear. I know, very weird. If I were doodling or just even had my sketchbook open, I could study a lot easier. In High school, my teachers started telling me to put the sketchbook away, and my grades plummeted because my attention did, too. Trying to tell them just kind of led to the same old "well everyone else can't doodle so you can't either". I wasn't in any of the special ed stuff because I guess I masked too well.)

    Sonic 06 and Sonic X have the same characterization for Shadow, especially in Japanese, and I think that's honestly the best he'd ever been-- he's quiet, he's reserved, he observes and he doesn't like to "waste time". Not because he's edgy, not because he's a jerk or too serious, but because he struggles in social situations and he's more introverted. He doesn't want to be the centre of attention, he doesn't enjoy any of that. Shadow also behaves like an adult, and I'm sure a ton of us on the spectrum have heard that before, that we're very mature for our age. In reality, we can't relate with our peers and have very fixated interests that don't really expand to other things. Limited interests and we just wanna do stuff tied to that. We know so much about that one thing or those things, but those things won't get you ahead in school. Unless you're LUCKY and your fixation is math, oy vey! (My fixation was etymology. I loved learning and knowing where words came from. Useful for 2 seconds in English class, quickly loses its usefulness in a skill-oriented world.)

    I don't even think he's naturally boastful, at least he wasn't since SA2 (when he was an antagonist), but Sonic brings out a competitive side in him. Sonic brings out the childhood-self that he lost to trauma and being sealed away. Shadow never got to be a normal kid/adult. He has always had expectations placed on him. I think Sonic really brings out a side of him that even surprises himself. It's why he will even say very often "What am I doing?" or "This is such a waste of time!" but he won't STOP… Because he's having fun and doesn't know how to describe his own feelings. Shadow's the type who'll say "I'm fine" no matter what state he's in when you ask if he's okay. My spouse is like this actually-- I can often tell when he's feeling down, but he doesn't know how to describe emotions beyond functional things like "i'm healthy" or "i'm unhealthy", so he'll say he's fine even if he's having a melancholy day. I struggle with understanding my emotional responses, but not necessarily identifying them. A lot of people on the spectrum do struggle with identifying their emotions beyond empirical things. "Do I feel sick? No? then I'm fine" Shadow is exactly like this. And because his expression is so neutral, sometimes intense, he gets mistaken as being angry or too serious. In reality, he's just standing there. He's not gonna expend energy smiling when he's got nothing to smile about. Why force yourself to emote for people? Especially if it feels unnatural.

    Another thing about Shadow being autistic is if he's got nothing to say, then he won't say it. If he wants to leave, he'll leave. Good luck stopping him! But for many actual people it's not an option to leave. We can't just teleport out or skate at lightning speeds like he can, so we have to just sit there and do little coping or self soothing methods to keep ourselves in the moment and calm. We don't often see Shadow stimming in traditionally understood ways, like lip biting or rubbing his arms or fidgeting with his fingers-- but he often stands with his arms crossed. This CAN BE a stim. Feeling the weight of your arms on top of each other, it allows for you to be aware of your own body. I fold my arms a lot in public, because I'm usually playing with the hem of my sleeves, or I'm rubbing my arms or squeezing them. Shadow doesn't seem to do any of that but he's rarely seen without his arms folded.

    When his arms aren't folded, he stands so still and just stares at people. He looks completely out of his element. He doesn't seem to have a relaxed stance--until the anime, where he's shown standing with his hand on his hip. Rouge also does this, leading to the popular headcanons that Shadow is unintentionally imitating Rouge-- his masking leads him to identify the most 'normal' person in the room and copy their behavior in order to blend in better. Unfortunately it rarely, in my experience, leads to people NOT thinking I'm weird. Sometimes I'll even start imitating speech patterns or accents and BOY. I don't even realize I'm doing it until it HAPPENS. So embarrassing. But Shadow absolutely imitates everyone around him. We can see him do this even as far back as Sonic Heroes--that scene where he's nodding or shaking his head to whatever Rouge is saying. The scene where Sonic starts getting competitive and Shadow starts kind of imitating his posture and his way of speaking to become competitive with them-- I don't even think he realizes he's doing it. But it also makes sense with his NAME.

    His name is Shadow. I think of Peter Pan, where Peter's Shadow can sometimes get away from him. Usually it does everything he does, but sometimes it gets away and does its own things, and Peter has to catch it. Wendy sews the shadow back on in Hook. I think Shadow's name is referencing that as well, that just like a shadow, he mimics those around him. He's watching over them, but also copying them. Learning to blend in.

    Another moment I adore is in SA2 (and Sonic X) when Amy Rose hugs him from behind. According to the 2010s era and early IDW, you'd have expected Shadow to push her away or yell DONT TOUCH ME or whatever. But no, he actually just goes REALLY RIGID and doesn't even say anything. It isn't until Amy realizes her mistake that Shadow turns around to look at her, smiling like 'What are you doing???' But in Sonic X, they changed this scene further into autistic territory--

    Shadow doesn't even TURN to her. He goes rigid, yes, and his eyes widen and he just stands there looking towards the audience like 8| He's completely OUT OF HIS ELEMENT. He prepared for the mission, NOT to deal with random people HUGGING HIM. He's probably not been hugged since Maria over 50 years ago. We don't even know if Maria hugged him much because Shadow has always seemed pretty touch-averse. I love GIVING hugs and I love receiving hugs but only from people I'm REALLY close to. I don't even like getting hugs from extended family. My spouse? VERY touch averse. He'll get hugs from me but hugging and touch are just not his thing. Shadow is not a huggy person, but he does tend to hold hands.

    We know he grabbed and held Maria's hand, running with her-- but we never actually saw that until Sonic X (2003) he can be seen running with her away from the military, and he's holding her hand as he leads her. In Shadow the Hedgehog, Maria often grabs Shadow's hand when telling him things. This is also a grounding method to bring the person into the moment. For me, I feel like I can focus better on what my spouse is saying to me when he holds my hand and it's crowded or busy. Even in our home, if he wants to tell me something, I recommend that he hold my hand or touch my arm so I can focus on him better. This happens with Shadow.

    Sonic doesn't tend to hold peoples' hands. In Sonic X he usually just picks people up, but we do see him grab Elise's arm in 06 and run with her. But holding hands? Not really his thing! Shadow does do it more often though. In Sonic X S3, in the episode, Molly's Dream, Shadow's immediate way of leading Molly away from danger is to grab and hold her hand. He even keeps holding her hand until she lets go. It speaks to me the sort of childlike behavior he may still be exhibiting, but not that I'm trying to say that autistic people are more like children. From my experience on the spectrum, I am more childish than my peers. I still react like a kid might to things, and I don't really think like an adult is expected to. I am mentally behind my peers as well, I think my emotional maturity is lower? But it's hard to measure that without a doctor. It's not just about laughing at fart jokes or knowing to pay bills, it's like, how I problem solve is more creatively aligned with kids than it is adults. This is both great and terrible, depending on the situation. A situation that requires math and stuff cannot be solved my way. A situation that involves encouraging kids to try again or be nice to each other, well it's very useful because I can communicate with them on their level (I was a teacher in South Korea for over half a decade, my brain was great for being a teacher but not great for other things).

    I think Shadow really gets misread as a mean guy a lot, but he really isn't. I also don't really enjoy the headcanons that imagine him as very outgoing and whimsical when he was on the ARK, and I especially don't like headcanons that infantilize him-- I really don't like headcanons where people infantilize autistic people. We've seen Shadow when he loses his memories a few times. In Heroes, but also in S3 of Sonic X-- his personality is still the same. He's still reserved, he's still quiet, he still struggles in social situations and prefers getting to the point rather than dilly-dallying. I'd argue that he was exactly like that before the incident on the ARK, too. It's just that the incident caused his inner peace to be destroyed. His precious person, Maria, was no longer around and he lost everything all at once. He doubled down on the one thing that made sense: Revenge. But even after all of that was sorted out, he's not gonna just magically be a different person. He's still reserved, he's still serious, he's still "get to the point". If he played FFXIV, he'd only focus on main quests, and never do side quests. He'd never spend money on cosmetics, probably. He's likely a person who values gameplay over story. If the game is broken or the mechanics aren't utilized well, that's probably more what he'd be fixated on than whether the story was good or not. He'd skip through dialogue because he reads fast, even if the dialogue is voiced (my spouse does this and it drives me nuts. SHADOW I BEG OF YOU PLEASE DO IT FOR ME, DISABLE THE VOICE ACTING IN OPTIONS SO I STOP HEARING THE FIRST UTTERANCE OF A WORD EVERY TIME U MASH THROUGH THE DIALOGUE)

    Trauma affects people in all kinds of ways. I don't think all autistic people are like Shadow, because autism is a spectrum and no two people present exactly the same, although there will be similarities. Shadow's trauma happened at a time where he barely knew himself already, so that's why it was so easy for him to fixate on revenge, and then he'd be content with dying afterwards because he figured he had nothing left to live for. Finding out he was wrong was the best thing that could have happened to him.

    I was really saddened when SEGA decided he was an edgelord who hated everything and had no friends because that's such a horrible read of this nuanced character. In my personal headcanons for Shadow, he's actually very into plants and flowers, because Maria loved the planet so much. And eventually he learns to love the planet because of nature. Shadow's never going to be a people person, in fact he probably still doesn't care much for people as a whole, but that doesn't mean he won't step up when they need his help. Which is why his line in Sonic 06 is still so poignant. "If the world chooses to become my enemy, then I'll fight like I always have." Basically, it really doesn't matter, I've made my choice, I know who I am now and I get to make those decisions. No one else will shake the foundations of who I am.

    And because he knows who he is, he doesn't feel the need to repeat it and boast about himself. He's confident, not arrogant. He can be smug and competitive, but that's playfulness, not cruelty. He's quiet and may just straight up walk away while someone is mid-sentence, but that's not because he's evil or intentionally being a jerk-- it's just how he is. He needs to work on it if he wants to have friends, but his friends already understand him very well. They know that he's like that, and from what we saw in The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, occasionally they forget it's not personal. I'm happy to see them admitting "oh no, I completely misjudged you, I'm so sorry!" because it's been way too long since we've heard the main cast apologize to Shadow for assuming he was a big jerk on purpose.

    Knowing the restrictions on how Shadow is written have been lifted, I'm really hoping we can get more of how he's meant to be, the reserved, socially awkward but well-meaning hedgehog we love. Autistic Shadow FTW!

    

(our experiences and headcanons

may differ, that's okay.)

[sapphicdib]

for that ask game, 🙏? also 💭 with nsh? :>

🙏: What character do you think deserved to get more lore?

Hmmm…I don’t actually know! I really like the amount of lore we get for characters, I’d probably want more lore for the world! Like specifically how things work. How do iterators WORK exactly? How to data pearls actually store data? HOW DO THEY MAKE SCUGS. LIKE I WANNA SEE THE BIOENGINEERING SHIT. Also, If we do get iterators in the Watcher DLC i do NOT want to meet any iterators that are in the current game, unless its moon and pebbles. i dont WANT to see suns or wind or sig’s structures, because i feel like at this point adding more to them might ruin their previous characterization.

im not against new iterator content im just against iterators we’ve already seen

ANYWAYS THAT WAS A TANGENT i also want more insight into ancient society!!! so i guess those don’t count as “characters” but YEAH.

💭: What do you think is the most unique headcanon you have about NSH?

These ones are so hard bc I so rarely interact with the fandom outside of my friends that I can’t tell what counts as “unique” or not. Maybe my design? I make him a pale green, very lithe rather than blocky, and I feel like I make him more…feminine(?) than a lot of others. Also clearly I draw it in a completely non-canon compliant outfit 99% of the time.

OH!! Maybe that Chasing Wind is her best friend. That literally has no canon basis and it’s just because I think they’re cute together based on how I’ve made Wind up. Bc Wind is so vague he’s basically the fandoms collective OC, it basically just depends on what you do with him so yeah. does that make sense? ANYWAYS HURRICANE IS THEIR SHIP NAME OKAY!!

Idk I like my Sig headcanons, not sure how much they deviate from the norm but I’ve written literal college level essays backing up my reasonings for them and stuff so I feel like they’re pretty good LOL.

anyways this is actually really fun. i fucking love analyzing rain world and shit actually despite my love of shipping too (…though that’s technically still analyzing the characters and stuff despite what some people seem to think, shipping isn’t just mindless, though it’s perfectly valid if it is!) so :DDD

[alevolpe]

So I just read your HCs, and I love how you characterized Ami as having autism. She was always my favorite character-- we even share a birthday-- and I'm glad that I'm not the only one who sees her as being on the autism spectrum.

I'm also not ashamed to admit that I teared up a little reading what happened to Luna. I love the relationship Ami and Luna have, both in the actual show and in your headcanon.

Thank you so much!!

I love that more people are open to the autistic Ami hc now. It was always a bit of a no brainer to me, but I understand why some people pushed the idea away.

That said I love her. I've mentioned before that even back a year ago Ami was prob my 4th or 5th fav, but getting to draw her and write her more and more (and a bit of Makoami magic lol) she has srly grown on me. She's still not my fav, Mako my beloved, but she has a serious soft spot in my heart, I go back to her a lot for comfort.

So I'm always so super happy when people tell me they like my characterization of Ami.💙

Her and Luna's relationship is something I srly wanna explore more.

I see Ami as an outcast, but not really cause her peers actively dislike her, but cause Ami has chosen to distance herself from them, deciding to focus on her studies and academics instead.

This lack of interaction with people her own age has made it difficult for her to relate with them, being actually much easier to interact with people older than her (since that level of informality is never broken and that's where Ami is at her most comfortable).

I see Luna as a middle-aged woman at least and for her, connecting with Ami was easy since the beginning, even if it took her a bit for Ami to warm up to the idea of this 'new reality'. Ami does not want to do this. She said it to Luna since the beginning, initially refusing to aid her and turning her back on Luna's offer to become a senshi.

Though Luna stuck around, not only cause this is her mission, but also because she saw a loneliness within Ami (despite Luna's mission being JUST to reawaken the senshi, she couldn't overcome her maternal instincts). Ami is initially perplexed by this, but slowly starts to warm up to Luna, enjoying her company, her talks, her advice, her compliments, affirmations..

I can see a conflict within Luna at this point, coming to care about this girl, but feeling extremely guilty about her behavior, being very easy to be read as, well, grooming, for a lack of a better term. Tho Luna genuinely cares.

I think multiple factors influenced Ami to finally try being a senshi a go. Seeing someone being attacked by monster (which had Ami initially just simply ran away from it, Ami's but a simple human, powers or not, she's scared), an odd sense of responsibility put on her (Ami being an extreme people pleaser, if an authority entaskes her with something, she feels a sense of duty and drive to make the person proud), but ultimately I think the major factor was Luna.

Luna is the primary reason Ami became a senshi (refresher to the join order of the girls in my AU: Ami awakens first with Luna, then Rei joins, then Usagi). It's not easy, in fact it puts a severe strain on her, both physically and mentally, but Ami pushes through, for Luna. Eventually made easier (and harder in some ways) by the avdent of Rei joining the team.

Loosing Luna is something that will keep resonating withAmi throughout the series. It's like loosing a second mother, especially since Saeko has been fairly absent through her life (though Saeko will be more present, suspecting something is up with her daughter and she will genuinely try to "mother", Saeko is a disaster, in many ways more than Ami herself).

She will start asking herself why she is even doing this anymore, since Luna's not here, who is she even fighting for anymore? It's a very selfish question, she's aware, but I think it's a form of coping from her part.

Despite asking such a question constantly, she never makes to leave, she would never, she knows she can't, cause she cares too much about her friends. She knows she's now fighting for them too, but this would be the first time such thought would be a conscious reflection in her mind, having had Luna be such a central staple on her mind for so long.

Unknowingly, Luna had eased her among loving peers. It was never all easy, they had fights and they will have more, but Ami finally belongs. It's a bitter sweet feeling for her.

Ami loves her team.

At this point, she cares so much about Usagi, being the first to show her how to "friend". Starting as just an odd aloof girl that joined her team, to seeing her as a girl who always strives to make others happy. Bringing cheerfulness into team since the very first day, something that Ami became so accustomed to, she would never realize how much she would miss it til having to go back to an empty apartment, color seeming to drain along the walls in the lack of her presence. A simple genuine smile, something that seems so simple, yet so rare, Ami cherishes it so dearly.

And Rei.. Rei's complicated, she likes to make herself as such. Ever since the beginning, Rei seemed cold, refusing Luna's offer like Ami had done prior. Though this time, Luna just seemed to run in a wall every time she went to the temple. Talks, explanations, pleads, bargains, nothing seemed to work.

"I can talk to her if you'd like"

She really didn't want to, but for Luna, she will. The talk went as well as you expected it, an incredibly frustrated Rei trying to deal with recent accusations of her temple attracting mysterious attacks on students. Despite that, Rei didn't try to physically ward off Ami like she did with Luna many times (Luna is still pretty scared of that broom).

"Did that dumb cat send you? Listen, I have a job to do here, so you either get to the point or you get out of my way."

...

"So?"

"My name is Ami, Ami Mizuno" offering her hand to Rei to shake.

...

*Sigh*, Rei unashamedly pinching her nose in frustration. "If I shake your hand will you tell that dumb cat to-"

"Luna"

"What?"

"Her name is Luna"

"Yes! I know her name! She's been harrassing me in my own house for the last 2 weeks! Alright, listen. I don't know what kind of program you guys are a part of and I have no interest to know, but let me put this into clear terms so that maybe an actual 'person' might understand this better than a stupid cat. NO! Now scram, I'm busy!"

.. "..." "ok" bowing and turning to leave.

That night, something akin to guilt seemed to boil within a restless Rei Hino. She knew it wasn't due to how she confronted the girl, she had all rights to be angry! Tho a seemingly related vision of the girl with blue hair, lying perfectly still in a pool of what seemed to be her own blood stuck with her.

Rei will tell herself that she joined the team to get Luna to stop harrassing her and that the team NEEDS her. Like, come on, how is such a team meant to go on without the grandiose Rei Hino leading them to victory?! Earth would have no shot. HA!

Rei would never admit part of the reason she did join, was Ami, seeing the girl get hurt, or possibly killed, haunted her. She blamed Luna for this. Ami should've never been a part of this. Ami's weaker, almost fragile combat figure seemed like a cruel joke to Rei. Seeing the girl even shivering from her powers (Ami's not immune to her own powers), the small girl curled up into a ball in a desperate attempt to keep herself warm in a relatively cool night. With a loud sigh and exaggerated movements, Mars made to cup Mercury's hands.

Ami, being obviously perplexed and put off by this, but almost too weak to pull back, finding comfort in her companion's warmth after having to endure numerous and stressful post-fight recory sessions with nothing but the comfort of helpless Luna offering her kind words of encouragement.

It would take a while for both Ami and Rei to fully come to terms to the idea that they were 'friends'. When the newly recruited Usagi asked, Ami had no answer ready, which is extremely unusual of her. 'Friends? Are me and Rei friends? We're companions, teammates, we never really hang out outside of missions or just studying silently at the temple', though Ami enjoyed her presence. Except when Rei was needlessly rude to Luna, Ami enjoyed being around her. It didn't feel quite as lonely, even if they never openly spoke about their lives, hobbies, families... 'I guess we're not friends'.

Ami hated being so logical at times, but she couldn't help it.

Throughout the season and into season 2, this relationship between the two grew stronger, especially due to the 'Usagi' phenomenon LOL. Making it so effortless to bridge the two into more intimate moments outside of uniform. A mission to check on an amusement park became a fond memory for Ami. A picture taken of the 3, looking so much like the pictures she'd see of her school piers sharing among each other of their 'hangouts'. Funny how that worked.

Rei and Ami's friendship would def have its highs and lows, mostly stemming from Luna and how differently each girl would see her. Ami being very capable of holding a grudge toward Rei's treatment of her. All of it reaching a terrible boiling point at the moment of Luna's death and discovering about Rei vision. Again, Ami was absolutely blinded by rage and grief. She loved Rei. Rei's no murderer, but she let her primal emotions take over and with the events of season 2 after that, the two never got a moment to grief or a moment to reconcile. Rei still holding a massive grudge toward Ami, refusing to even speak to her outside of sailor business, while Ami is eaten by grief and guilt.

Mako being her main source of comfort at this point (Usagi tries, but she also has her own demons to fight still). The previously mostly unknown, if nice, tall girl that joined her team late, seeming to take steps to take care of a broken Ami, offering support, food, and and a shoulder to cry on.

Luna's influence will be felt by the team and not forgotten. Ami especially will carry her momery forever.

Idek why I wrote ell this LOL. I feel inspired at times , srry 😅.

Thank you for the ask <3.

[officialgleamstar]

Hi! For the ask game - I'd love to see you break down Garnet and Lug ^_^ have a nice day!

ask game

hi sootball! :D yippee, another day of being weird about oxventure characters XD <3

Garnet

How I feel about this character

ough i absolutely ADORE garnet. my thoughts on her are pretty simple. i just like her. but they are all positive ehehehe shes so COOL, i love when a female character dresses in traditionally masculine clothes, especially in historical settings. and she's a lesbian. to me <3

All the people I ship romantically with this character

as with every other deadlands character XD just edie! deadlands, in my head, is truly a polycule with edie in the center

My non-romantic OTP for this character

SILAS <33333 qpr of all time

My unpopular opinion about this character

i dont know that i really have one? tbh i think garnet, as a whole, is very hard to characterize. i dont tend to love other people's depiction of her in fan works, but i also do not like my depiction of her lmaooo ill go back through her episodes and take some notes on characterization mayhaps

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon.

i would love for garnet to, in character, confirm that she was raised by a single dad! no real preference on what happened with her mom, just. single dad. girldad. i just think that would be neat :] (has this happened, actually. am i just forgetting something. head in hands. i need to rewatch deadlands before the new season comes out)

Lug

How I feel about this character

lug has a special place in my heart... for being the only mike PC who does not have a special place in my heart XD that being said, i think he's fantastic, even if he doesnt grab me the way that eggy and silas and barney do. i love mike playing a more serious character while still having that goofy edge, i LOVE the concept of a passive aggressive barbarian, and he's fun to draw <333

All the people I ship romantically with this character

i really like him with happen, and i really like him with willowfine :] i could be swayed with other ships as well im sure

My non-romantic OTP for this character

once again. willowfine LOL i think they could be besties

My unpopular opinion about this character

i dont think i particularly have one! i generally agree with what other people say about him. so instead, i will give a headcanon that i brainstormed with my dear spouses dora and hop - i think lug is pretty short for a firbolg, so he doesn't see himself as big as he is. cressida or happen make some joke or complaint about being short and he tries to join in and cressida gets so mad XD

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon.

speaking of lug being small for a firbolg - i wanna see other firbolgs!! i wanna see lug interact with another firbolg!!!!!!!! i think its so interesting that hes so isolated, and i want to know if thats common for firbolgs or if thats a lug specific deal

[celerydays]

okay but do u think ominis has this like secret kink for dark magic….? just the thought of sebastian using imperio on him, body submitting under the gentle but firm demand of obedience that comes on like a wave; it’s all just too much !

OHH?? interesting question 👀–

My first gut reaction is to think that no, I don't think he would...and I think I would stick by that if I'm going off of canon interactions and my own personal headcanons and characterization for him...

BUT maybe in some scenarios, if he felt more open towards looser morals and allowing dark magic to have more of a presence in his life, I could see that becoming a secret kink he discovers as a way for him to deal with his own trauma regarding dark magic, by either doing it or having it done unto him consensually/on his own terms 🤔

That being said, I do enjoy the occasional "improper/naughty usage of Imperio" as a trope to explore especially in regards to our usually sweet cinnamon roll (some related Ominis fics I'm now thinking of thanks to this ask lol: Just This Once | under your spell (and ready to drown) – please heed the tags and triggers!)

Anyway, I've had a portrait/image of a dark!Ominis dancing around in my mind lately and I kinda wanna draw it even more now ahahaha

[dca-lunar]

“Hi!! My name’s Lunar! I’m a Daycare Attendant in the Pizzaplex with my brothers, Sun and Moon. Uhh... I decided to try makin’ an account here, ‘cause it seems fun. So yeah! Ask me stuff, or something.”

(Alright, let’s freaking do this)

--RULES--

Be nice, please. This feels like a given, but I haven’t really done this before, so advice and patience would be greatly appreciated. Also, please don’t get mad if you feel like I didn’t characterize Lunar correctly or something. While I will try to keep it mostly the same as the original, this is still MY interpretation of Lunar, which WILL include my personal headcanons and ideas about Lunar, which should be made obvious by the above image.

Keep all interactions SFW, as the Mun is a minor. Very basic questions, like if Lunar knows “where babies come from” or if they know what sex is are ok, but that’s it.

Shipping is allowed, with other characters or OCs, as well as multiple at the same time, just not with any of the other DCAs that show up in SAMS (Sun, Moon, Eclipse, Bloodmoon), as Lunar considers them his brothers. Other fan-made DCAs should be fine, as long as it’s different enough to be considered a separate character and not just an alternate version of one of the aforementioned DCAs and they don’t have a sibling relationship with any of the aforementioned DCAs. If you want to have a ship-based interaction with Lunar, please communicate that as clearly as possible with me, otherwise all interactions will be interpreted as purely platonic (except for Roxanne. UNLESS communicated to be intentionally Roxanne x Lunar OR intentionally NOT Roxanne x Lunar, Lunar will be portrayed with a CRUSH on Roxanne, but other than that, having a platonic relationship with her.)

DNI anti-LGBTQ, aroace exclusionists, pro-shippers, pedos/pedo supportive, incest supportive, and NSFW accounts.

Other rules will be set if there is a problem (I highly doubt that there will be, but I jus’ wanna be safe-)

--About Mun and Muse--

Muse

Lunar

Ageless, 08/11

Male, He/They/It

Pansexual

ND

ESFP-T

Likes to create things. Drawings, game mods, clay models, plushies, etc... They’ll try their hand at anything he can get the stuff for!

Favorite colors are pastel blues and light greys.

Sometimes forgets color exist. Yes, I just stated their favorite colors, but like- There's a setting he found when moving bodies that can just completely disable his ability to see colors, or even just specific colors, that it likes to mess with a lot, especially when they're feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed. But they forget to turn it back on sometimes-

Has been registered in the Pizzaplex’s database as an official daycare-based animatronic. They saw an opportunity for more unpaid help for their dwindling daycare and decided to let Lunar continue to help, after an observation of Lunar helping Sun with the kids during business hours.

Usually wears a short, blue dress with bloomers (to make it poofy) and a ribbon wrapped around his waist with a crescent moon on it, a big white hood with the same shape at the bottom, and a third crescent on his forehead, held there with the help of some string.

Lunar still shares a body with Moon, but they made an agreement that Lunar can change his outfit if they know it’s going to be out for more than a few hours, and vice-versa.

Mun

Rook (@rook2ii)

Minor, 08/08

Genderfluid, She/They

Omnisexual

ND (Diagnosed ADHD and likely anxiety)

INTP-T

(OOC stuff will be in parenthesis AND italics, like this! Just so that other things written in parenthesis or italics aren’t confused for OOC, which they probably wouldn’t anyway-)

Favorite colors are purple and orange, with yellow as a close 3rd.

Likes to draw and write, usually making sketches, pixel art, character designs, short stories, songs, poems or origami. Usually creates while in a school environment, as lots of emotions seem to come from there, which is an excellent source or creativity and inspiration. Can and does draw digitally on occasion, but my tablet (not drawing tablet) kinda sucks-

Likes learning languages. Isn’t fluent in any besides English as of yet though. Currently trying to learn Spanish, German, and ASL.

Way too many personas, most of which aren’t even used very much. (Only 4 or 5 of them are used consistently)

[miammey]

(Some) BSD Poly-Ships I like and Why + Headcanons I think

I say “some” because these are just the ones I can think of rn, I’m doing this out of boredom

Minor Manga Spoilers!! Characters, basically

Dazai x Chuuya x Kunikida

⁃ I don’t think this one’s that uncommon

⁃ Dazai x Chuuya and Dazai x Kunikida are obvious, but you can’t tell me Chuuya and Kunikida wouldn’t get along personality wise

⁃ Seriously, they’d complain about their coworkers and work and stuff over lunch. I just think they’d vibe

⁃ My idea for how they start this relationship is so oddly specific

⁃ Basically, Dazai and Chuuya dated in the mafia, not the best relationship, broke up when Dazai left, yada yada

⁃ Dazai started dating Kunikida after a few years in the Agency, because Dazai’s apparently into men who can beat the shit out of him

⁃ Later, Dazai and Chuuya reunite as Double Black, want to maybe try with their relationship again and make it work now that Dazai’s trying to grow as a person

⁃ Thing is Dazai and Kunikida are together so uh oh

⁃ While Dazai is trying to figure out how to relationship again, Kunikida and Chuuya meet, and get along well

⁃ Really well

⁃ Shenanigans happen, and boom, they’re all dating. That solves all of Dazai’s relationship problems

⁃ It’s so stereotypical but I think it’s cute, and it works

Ranpo x Poe x Mushitarou

⁃ A classic

⁃ Mushitarou gets dragged into ranpoe’s lovey-dovey murder mystery relationship and can’t process it properly

⁃ Like, they invite him to cuddle and stuff and he just bluescreens

⁃ Seriously, I doubt he was ever in a serious relationship before

⁃ Then bam! Two loving boyfriends that adamantly refuse to leave him out

⁃ I don’t have too much to say, I just this they’d be soft and kinda awkward, and also very cute

⁃ Also, we need canon interactions between Mushitarou and Karl, it’s a sin we don’t have any that I can think of

⁃ This one is so short compared to the other two, I just really don’t know what else to add (if you have an headcanons please tell me)

Dazai x Chuuya x Jouno x Tecchou

⁃ First quartet and it was created in my head out of spite

⁃ No seriously, I started thinking of this after I saw some stuff saying “suegiku is better than soukoku blah blah blah” and I’m prone to getting angry for no reason

⁃ Seriously! Both pairs can exist at the same time without any interference, ship wars are so stupid I can’t (and this is coming from someone who ships suegiku practically like a religion, I seriously need to draw more pairings)

⁃ But I also like every possible combination of pairings in this so that’s a bonus

⁃ Poor Chuuya and his tall ass BFs, he climbs them all like trees /hj

⁃ There is so much bickering, Tecchou mostly acting as mediator but he isn’t afraid to butt in

⁃ They TRY and stay organized when sleeping in one bed, but most of the time they end up on some weird pile and at least one of them is on the floor

⁃ Dazai is blessed with strong boyfriends to pick him up and not topple over when he tackles them

⁃ Also other things like Dazai canceling Jouno’s Ability so his senses don’t overwhelm him (if his senses are connected to his Ability at all), I need to mention that every time they are in any relationship together (romantic, platonic, forced in the same room for some reason)

⁃ Dazai would probably eat Tecchou’s weird food combinations, I don’t know why I have this feeling

⁃ Chuuya and Tecchou keeping their sadistic BFs in line. I don’t know why, I feel like they’d just get along, Tecchou’s so chill when he’s not trying to cut someone up with a sword

⁃ I think this is the only pairing here with no fan content at all, I wanna do something about it but that means trying to figure out Dazai and Chuuya’s characterization and story so I can properly get their personalities right

I want to mention Fyodor x Nikolai x Sigma, but at the same time my brain’s like “Sigma’s like 3, he’s their son”, and both can coexist in my mind (not at the same time, ew), but I also just don’t know what to say?? My brain juice has run dry for today, what a relief for many, I can shut up!

[melovez]

I wanna hear what you have to say about Clint! I’ve always been p neutral towards him since he’s not an NPC I interact with often anymore and I don’t really have any strong feelings about his characterization, so hearing someone who appreciates him would be cool (esp since it seems like 90% of the fandom really hates him lol)

i think the best way to go about this for me is to counter the common arguments i see against clint? so that’s what i’ll do

my big long explanations below the cut

1. Clint is a “nice guy”

clint makes misguided comments in his first heart event, yeah. but this isn’t a prolonged trend for him. clint does not remark that he feels owed anything. clint does not remark that emily is a bitch or anything for not returning his feelings. if anything clint just yearns at his seat at the saloon until happenstance puts him and emily in the same conversation. i don’t really think he’s ever forward or creepy towards her, not canonically. at festivals when he talks to the player about her it’s him confiding in the player. is it weird? yes, of course it’s weird. but he’s not a bad person for it, he’s just painfully awkward

2. Clint is ugly

is he ugly? is he really? are you just letting your preconceived dislike of him influence how you think he looks? is it because he’s one of like 4 fat characters in this game? like maybe that’s a little harsh but what with how many people i see slim down and buff up everyone in the valley when they draw them, even characters that have clearly rounded faces and figures in their sprites, even characters that remark about their own weight like shane, i do think i’m justified in wondering if the fact that clint doesn’t fit the box of slim fit hansome young bachelor has anything to do with why people say he’s ugly.

3. Clint is stalking Emily

i think this stems from a misinterpretation of the heart event where he asks emily out on a date. hes not hiding in the bush because he wants to watch her in secret. he’s hiding in the bush because he chickened out when he was on her doorstep. he even says he just wants to leave. he wasn’t hiding there with a pair of binoculars or anything, when the player shows up it’s not long after he fled to hide.

4. Clint doesn’t deserve Emily

i see people who hate clint say this often and like… yes? did you read the note in his room where he admits he has no chance with her? like this is a matter of opinion ultimately but it’s another thing that gives me the impression people who say these things about clint never actually take the time to get to know him before they judge

5. Clint still hits on Emily after you marry her

this one i agree sucks but honestly i chalk it up to how he’s programmed. i do not think it was concernedape’s intention to make him hit on your wife. also it’s not like crushes magically go away after your crush starts dating someone else. again, i agree this is definitely uncomfortable but without an update to the game or a mod there’s no way around it

6. Emily hates Clint

i see this one in headcanons a lot and it’s just so absolutely baseless it’s clear people who hate clint are just trying to justify themselves doing so. emily never says anything bad about clint. emily seems to want to go to grampleton with him, even just as friends. i mean they’re listed as friends on the stardew wiki. i don’t know what else to say. these characters have absolutely no ill will between them canonically

Conclusion

so like. here’s what i think is happening.

first, people take a liking to emily. they do all emily’s heart events first. emily’s eight heart event makes them not like clint, and i mean of course it does, even i can admit he soured that heart event with emily. and then i think since that makes people not like clint, they go into all of his heart events already not liking him, and this leads them to misinterpret everything he does, and in turn understand him to be some antagonistic chatacter.

but he’s not. clint is really just like any other mediocre dude in this game. hell, i think shane is a WAY more unlikable character than clint is and yet i see shane fans shitting on clint like he’s worse! i seriously don’t understand it. don’t get me wrong, shane is one of my favorite bachelors, but if you ADORE shane and DESPISE clint it really makes me wonder what the difference there is.

if anyone reads this and take personal offense to it i apologize that i made you feel that way but in the end stardew valley is a game you are welcome to consume however you like. don’t like clint? don’t talk to him, then. i do not think less of you for doing so. but when i see people in the tag being like “omg there’s so little content of (very popular bachelor/bachelorette)” i die a little inside because there’s basically only three types of clint fan content. fic/art where he’s a background/side character, fic/art where he’s portrayed as a slob/asshole/nice guy/pig/idiot, or on rare occasions, fic/art where he’s shipped with emily. and i do not want to see literally any of that.

there is like 1 good clint fanartist on tumblr but i don’t wanna name drop in this post cuz i don’t wanna draw negative attention to them but i can recommend them elsewhere.

anyways that’s my defense of clint. make of it what you will

[boltwrites]

Hi!! If its not too much of a bother, can you explain how does your writing process looks like? You just write really well and i wanna try my hand at writing haha

sure, it’s no problem! i’m gonna put my answer under a cut so i can be as thorough as possible!

first of all, i feel like it’s important to mention my background, because it’s important that u understand how long i’ve been writing!

i’ve been writing fanfic for over 10 years

i’ve been roleplaying for 5 years

i graduated this past year with an english degree, so i did study english and writing for 4 years at college

all of these things mean i spend a LOT of time writing. i’ve been practicing in multiple different fields for over a decade! so if you’re just starting, especially if you’ve never written anything creatively before, don’t worry if you don’t write like me!

if you’re writing for the first time, here’s a few tips that i think are REALLY important:

read. read a lot. specifically, read works from authors you want to emulate and write similarly to. when you spend a lot of time reading something, it will inevitably be fresh on your mind and it’ll help you give your prose a little kick (this is why recently i haven’t been too fond of my own writing, because i haven’t read an actual book for pleasure [besides Finnegans Wake, which doesn’t count] in forever)

practice! when i first started writing fanfic, i was in middle school, and that worked in my favor, because i would post things that were outlandish or “cringey” without worrying what others would think - and i’m a better writer for that. understand that writing takes practice, and your first pieces won’t always be your favorites, but as long as you have fun writing them, it’ll be worth it

reading will help with this, but understand certain conventions of fiction writing that aren’t present in technical or professional writing - a problem i see a lot is when people are scared to use contractions or other words like “gonna” and “wanna” - you need to use contractions and other informal language to make your dialogue flow smoothly, and dialogue is often what draws someone in to your characterization

as for my own writing process... i’m going to start with how i run this blog! writing for a canon character is a lot different than developing a canon one, so here’s how i write canon characters:

i like to start out with headcanons, because they’re informal and set a foundation for how you want to play/write the character. this is why i wrote out some physical affection and nsfw headcanons for both Bolin and Mako - by asking myself “how would this character react in this situation” and writing the answer down, i gain a deeper understanding of the character, and now that i have that headcanon written down, i can refer back to it if i ever need to

rewatch the source material! this helps me a lot when it comes to voice, as well as character mannerisms. watch specifically for the character you want to write for - how do they move? how do they speak? is there anything you think you would have written differently if you had been in charge of the scene?

when you’re writing dialogue, imagine your character saying it. this will help you figure out if what you’re writing is accurate to their portrayal. obviously this is more helpful when the character is in a situation that is similar to canon, and can be less helpful when you’re writing something that would never happen in canon (like, a sex scene, per say). dialogue is important, so making sure it matches the character is an important step

understand that the character will not always do everything you want them to. this is present in all writing, but not every character will fall into every trope ever. trying to shoehorn a character into a situation that doesn’t fit their personality, or using them as a plot device, can end poorly and feel awkward and clunky. ask yourself: would this character actually do that? Are they brave enough/shy enough/self-assured enough? this is the reason why i don’t like writing jealous!top!Bolin - although the idea is very tempting, i can’t write it, because i would be fighting against Bolin’s character and putting him into a situation i don’t think he would be comfortable with. there are going to be some instances where you have to scrap a really nice idea because the character doesn’t work right with it, and that’s ok.

as for my actual writing process, i don’t have much of one when it comes to this blog (if you want to know about how i write original fiction, or how i write blood is thicker than water, that’s a different answer so lmk and i’ll answer that too!). 

for most of what i write here, i see the prompt and i immediately have some idea of what i want to write for it. i’ll think about it in the shower or when i’m brushing my teeth, figuring out some of the main ideas i want to include.

I’ll use warm hands, warm heart as an example (since it’s longer and sfw lmao). i already knew i was writing a feminine firebender reader who was going to give Bolin a massage, so I had to come up with a scenario in which that would happen.

i decided that the best option would be to have the firebender be a masseur by profession, especially since i wanted this to be a pre-relationship fic. but, i didn’t want the interaction to seen like it was a part of her job that she was forced to do. so, instead, i made Bolin a pro bending trainer (and idea i actually nabbed from a Bolin x Wei fic, shh) so that they could have a workplace relationship, instead of her being a masseur and Bolin just asking for a massage.

i didn’t actually come up with the scenario until i started writing, and i played around with the scenario, fleshing out the setting and reader’s relationship with her coworkers and her job - the exposition at the beginning of the story. this helped me figure out how i was going to introduce Bolin, and the rest of it fell into place, since I knew that Bolin likes to give people he likes little gifts and help them out, as well as compliment them, I knew how he would interact with the reader. the rest of it just kind of worked out, which i know isn’t very helpful for you, sorry. i hope this helped a little anyway!

[alabasterswriting]

Hey, were so you stand on the whole fandom discourse thing? Like do you ship mileven or byeler or lumax or elmax? Was mike being an asshole or was Will being a bad friend? Was Mike right or was Max right? Do you like Lucas and Mike bromance or Mike and Will bromance/romance? Is Will gay or ace or just not in puberty yet? Srry for the questions but you’re like the most level headed person ive seen and i wanna know what u think?

Oh, oh this is going to be long. Warning! Long Post!

Okay, well, first let me just say that I hate discourse. I think it’s silly and stupid for fandoms to rip characters apart and fight over something like this when we should be bolstering each other up with our mutual love over a piece of media. However, the discourse after this season of Stranger Things is particularly upsetting because I think it all comes down to the fact that the character writing this season wasn’t very strong. They were paper-thin and the characters themselves didn’t get as much meaningful interaction as I think the story needed. It was so much action that a lot of the necessary quiet moments got lost.

But onto your questions.

So, the ships. I’ll be honest, I’m not a hardcore shipper of any of them. Except maybe Jopper, but that’s only because I really wanted El to have that mother figure in Joyce that she can’t get from Terry, and for Will and Jonathan to have that father figure in Hopper that they can’t get in Lonnie. Also, I really want Will and El to be siblings. But back to your question. I am an aromantic asexual. I also vacillate between liking romance to being completely put off by it, the latter of which tending to happen when it is thrown in my face. If you’re asking me if I like the ships this season, I would have to say no simply because I felt like they came at the expense of the friendships and bonds between the core characters. If you’re asking me if I like them in general, then yes. I think mileven is cute, and I think byler can be cute, and I think lumax is hilarious, and elmax would be wonderful.

Do I honestly think that Mike and Will will get together? No. It’s not going to happen. I can see Will maybe having a crush on Mike, and that being something he will struggle with, but Mike is 100% in love with El and that’s fine. That’s life. Will is a kid living in 1980s rural Indiana. The show has already shown that homophobia is a thing. He and Mike are friends, and I don’t think with all the work on Mike and El that it would make sense to suddenly flip it now. And Mike and El are cute, and I liked how this season they showed that puppy love stage is not all it’s cracked up to be. I liked how they showed growing pains in their relationship. I liked how Mike and El had to learn to balance their romantic relationship with their friends. I wish it had been handled better, but I liked how they were able to show that even though Mike and El aren’t a perfect relationship, they do have a special bond and I enjoyed that.

Does this mean I don’t enjoy byler fics and headcanons and edits and parallels? Hell no! I love that shit. I love it the same way I do mileven. And honestly, I could get behind milevill. I think El and Will would be more platonic, with Mike in the middle, but poly shipping is generally how I get around shipping wars. And I hate how characters get demonized when shipping goggles get put on, and these three are demonized to high heaven for it, to the point that shippers degrade their actual characters down to one aspect.

In regards to the characterization of Mike and Will this season, I see both sides. It’s been implied that Mike has been ditching his friends all summer to spend time with El in the cabin. He’s apparently been there everyday since she got back. And on the one hand, this makes sense. El isn’t allowed out and if Mike isn’t there then she’s alone. That sucks, especially because El has already been through far too much isolation in her life. It’s also sort of implied that they like spending time with just the two of them and that the rest of the party either doesn’t visit often or the only time the whole party is together is the rare occasion when El is allowed out. We can sort of see this by the fact that Max and El aren’t really friends, but El still feels comfortable enough to go to her for advice on Mike, and the way that Will calls her Eleven instead of El until about the middle of the season. Ergo, Mike has been ditching them to spend time with her every day, away from the party. And that’s got to be frustrating. Will doesn’t seem nearly as frustrated with Max and Lucas, which could be because they’re not as puppylove-ish, and because he has the opportunity to get to know Max. He knows her more as Lucas’ girlfriend, but he seems more comfortable in her presence. So we can guess that Lucas and Max spend more time with the group than Mike and El. And frankly, if I was Will and my best friend had been doing this every day for a month while I third-wheeled, I would have snapped too. And probably a lot earlier. Especially if the only thing I had asked of him was one day of his time to do something not related to romance. It wasn’t right what Mike was doing, even if it was understandable. But that was part of Mike’s arc - learning to balance his romantic relationship with his friendships.

As for Will, like I said above, it’s implied that Will has been third-wheeling for an entire summer. Mike has been ditching them for all this time and that’s a big change he has to deal with. All Will wants is to go back to how things were before he was completely traumatized. D&D is the only thing he has from before the Upside Down, so of course he would want to have a guys day and play it. Will is allowed to want something other than just being a support for his friends. Unfortunately, he does fail to read the room. Now, I can imagine that maybe he thought playing D&D would cheer Mike and Lucas up, but he could have been more understanding of the situation. Mike and El were going through a rough spot and Will could have done a better job of being there for him. Now, it’s possible that because of Lucas and Max’s constant breakups that he doesn’t think it’s that big of a deal, but considering Mike has been spending all his time with El, Will probably should have been able to realize now was not the time to insist on playing a game. I also don’t think that Will calling El a “stupid girl” was Will being mean or angry at El however. He was mad at Mike. He was placing the blame on Mike. His target was Mike and that Mike was breaking up the party. Not El. Max and El are his friends, though they’re not close, and Will was calling out the fact that that Mike was ditching them, rather than thinking El was actually a stupid girl. And he has a point. He even asks where Dustin is and questions the fact that Mike isn’t wondering. Dustin got back the day before after being gone a month. So, while Will definitely could have been more sensitive to Mike’s problems, he also had legitimate reasons to be angry. Just like Mike had legitimate reasons to be upset.

And I will say here that both Mike and Max are correct when it comes to El. Mike is monopolizing a lot of El’s time. It’s not a bad thing in itself, but El needs friends outside of him. It’s unhealthy not to. And Mike was also right to worry about her burning herself out with her powers. His concern was completely valid. But Max was also right. It wasn’t right of Mike to lie to El like that and then not apologize, especially after she caught him and called him out on it. The fact that Max was there to teach El how to be herself and make decisions for herself outside of Mike and Hopper was something she needed to grow as a person. And Max was also right when she told Mike that El knew how to work her powers better than he does. That it’s her decision on how far to go. Now, this does have its drawbacks because El might not actually know when to draw the line. She goes too far, and that’s where Mike’s concern is completely valid. Both of them have good points and are coming from a place of caring, but they’re also teenagers and don’t know how to handle all of these issues correctly.

As for Mike and Lucas vs Mike and Will, I think this is such a stupid thing to fight over. They’re all best friends. Mike and Lucas were stated to be best friends in season 1 because they live next door to each other, but Mike “calls bull” on that logic because he’s also best friends with Dustin and with Will. He and Will have been friends since kindergarten and we saw a lot of that in season 2, which was wonderful. This season both Mike and Lucas are in relationships and can relate to each other better than Mike and Will who are having a discourse in their relationship because they’re maturing at different rates. Mike and Lucas want to move forward because they have relationships blossoming that makes the future happier, where Will is stuck in the past because the past is where all his happiness is. Do I wish we had gotten a moment between Will and Mike where they actually talk about their fight and how everything has changed, or that we got a better goodbye from them at the end? Absolutely. Their friendship deserved that. But I also loved how Lucas was Mike’s wingman, and all around relationship guru. I also really liked how Lucas and Will worked together this season. Lucas reached out to Will, and even though it didn’t go far, I really liked all the little moments they had together. They are all best friends but even in friend groups there are people you go to for different things.

And is Will gay? Oh boy. Okay, so, personally, I think Will is gay. There’s been a lot of subtext and the show bible does seem to imply he’s on the spectrum somewhere. BUT. This is not canon. Things change all the time when writing and until it is explicitly stated by either the show runners or the show itself, then this is still just speculation. I can also totally see Will as ace. I knew I was ace before I even had a word for it and I was like 11 years old. Will could be ace. I don’t think he is simply because we never get representation, but it’s totally possible. It’s also possible that he’s both. You can be homoromantic asexual. You can also be aromantic homosexual. The two aren’t mutually exclusive and I kind of like the idea of him being homoromantic asexual. Or he might be completely gay and yet be so traumatized that sexual attraction is horrific. He’s been violated so violently in ways so similar to rape that I can easily imagine anything sexual as triggering. And yes, at 14 you are old enough to start thinking about sex. It’s normal. Even I thought about it at that age, even though I thought it weird that anyone would ever find it enjoyable. It is also completely possible that, due to that trauma, Will just isn’t there yet. Trauma does cause brain damage. He could very easily have regressed mentally to the point that he just hasn’t begun to mature yet.

Sorry for the long post, but there you go. Frankly, I think the characters this season were just very poorly written, and I think fandoms tend to not know what to do when characters behave differently than expected. But the thing is, these characters are growing up and changing. Smart people can be dumb. Kind people can get angry and lash out. Protective people can be selfish. A good person making the wrong choice doesn’t automatically make them bad. People are not so one-dimensional that “shy, quiet, artistic” doesn’t mean they can’t ever be “annoyed, moody, and angry”. “Loyal, charismatic, and smart” characters can also be “oblivious, tunnel-visioned, and dumb.” The problem with this season is that they didn’t allow the characters to really interact outside of their pairings. Dustin wasn’t with the party at all. Will and Mike never get meaningful resolution. Max and El never really talk about the problems in their relationships. Like Max and Lucas have broken up 5 times? Why? What is the story there? Will and El barely talk at all even though they have the most in common and end up living together by the end. And Lucas and Max don’t have much interaction at all. The romance sort of overshadowed the fact that these kids are all friends. And it should have been clearer that even though they’re all growing up and apart, they’re also all traumatized and understand each other on levels no one else can. It’s varying levels of trauma, but we don’t see them really band together to build each other up. And I think we needed that level of platonic love to really show that, yeah, we may not be focusing on these relationships as much this season, but they’re still there, rather than “Mike only cares about Eleven” and “Will and Mike apparently aren’t friends anymore.” The action overshadowed the heart this season, and I think that’s where some of the subtler character arcs got lost. 

I hope that answered your question and thank you!

[sicilitude]

13, 28! This is just a dynamic duo.

mun writing questions! 

13. What do you look for in an RP partner?

Honestly if you like, don’t cross boundaries placed in my rules, and respect my muse and characterization (don’t call her pale/thin or godmod etc), then we can rp. I don’t really want to have super high expectations for casual stuff and like, it’s its own kind of fun 

For anything more than that--ho boy  It’s basically just the same as before, but with like  A special interest in AUs, and historical nonsense. I don’t want or expect textbook kinda knowledge. I just wanna like, explore stuff with yah, like goofy moments in history, or neat intersections, or particular angst moments, or what have you  mostly it’s about like, figuring out how to get the most out of how our characters interact with each other. If we can like, work things out so that both our characters have intertwined character arcs that like, mesh well together? Ye, that’s what I’m looking for  That and like, big ol space opera type AUs 

28. What makes you want to back away?

The TLDR is 

I don’t practice reblog karma but if u don’t like, at least send in some numbers or emojis for a headcanon meme before you reblog it

if u repeatedly ask for starters and then disappear after they’re written, and come back 2 weeks later looking for another starter, I’ll be annoyed 

can’t do kids’ trauma. Here I like, am totally okay with you doing it or having it in your backstory and stuff like that, but boi howdy am I not prepared to deal with that in rp format

edge for shock value or like, played off as a quirky lil tidbit XD rawr kinda thing 

if ur muse really only uses my characters for emotional labor I’m gonna be kinda mad 

I just got real ranty so that’s all cut 

There’s a handful of things, but also like, I’m both kind of skiddish and pretty willing to give second chances so like, yeah, keep that in mind

If like, there’s an ask meme like this, where you only have to send in an emoji or a number, and you reblog it without doing that, I’m gonna be a little off-put. It literally takes no effort, and like, it’s just a courteous thing to do? You can totally reblog aesthetics and starter memes and all that kinda stuff and I won’t mind. But like, for headcanon memes? Just be nice and send one in 

Dropping or not replying to starters of more involved threads--like, the kind that you have to plot out in advance--will kinda grind my gears if it happens frequently. I have some hangups about like, asking people to reply to things, so I totally get dropping things now and then, but like, if I write the starter, and then it’s liked and never replied to, and then that happens again, and again, I’m just not gonna write em. I absolutely don’t mind like, small things disappearing, or life getting in the way and you forget and all of that, but like, if it’s a pattern, I’m just not gonna put that effort into it. It hasn’t happened with anyone who I still see around in a while, but there were a few people a while back who would just, send starters in and then ghost, only to pop up and ask for another starter. 

I have a hard time with anything that like, hurts kids. Tragic backstories are great. Vi’s got one, too. She’s basically a 12 year old for almost a millenia and during that time she literally tries to starve her not-her-real-dad Rome by cutting the grain supply off and is an angry kid and all of that, and like, I do understand muses who had really hard childhoods, and people are allowed to do what they want, but I get like, kinda queasy when actually confronted with like, yeah. 

Included in that is like, people with headcanons that seem like they’re only there to be cruel or that like, seem to trivialize pain? I know that’s a very difficult line to draw sometimes, but like  sometimes it really seems like some headcanons just exist to be edgy. And listen. I love edge. Shadow the hedgehog? Love that disaster. Lord Byron? Hell yeah. Serial killer stuff is kinda pushing it on a good day, tho, and like  IDK there’s just some hcs that really read like just, memeing pain in a way that I’m not super comfortable with 

And last thing. If it’s obvious that my muse is only there to like, be an emotional crutch for you muse, I’m gonna drop yah. I play some pretty maternal characters, and Vi being kind of mom-y is natural, but she also has her own problems and dreams and all that, and isn’t there to like, coddle. This used to be a big problem with Maia, where like, some muses would treat her like a really good mom who always knew what to say or was there to be comforting and all of that,, without really acknowledging the fact that Maia isn’t good at those things. 

jfsad;k klAnyway  That was a long ramble, sorry abt that 

[twilightofthe]

Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano, annnnnnnd Luke Skywalker

Probs gonna be a long post since I Cannot Shut Up, so here we go!

OBI WAN (see look I told you this was gonna be long)

How I feel about them:  HELLO HI YES I LOVE HIM A NORMAL AMOUNT.  Okay okay, besides the fact that he is Very Nice To Look At (c’mon, I must, I have EYES), I genuinely love Obi Wan because he wants to be a good person so, so badly, and he’s always ALWAYS trying to be better because he doesn’t believe he already is a good person.  His life is a literal living hellhole and he doesn’t crumple under all of that tragedy like literally everyone else does, he takes a moment, puts a cheeky smile back on his face, and gets back up and keeps going.  He can be a hypocrite, he tends to look over things he really shouldn’t or gets the wrong idea about things and just shuts off what he doesn’t want to deal with, he’s overconfident and a little snobby and petty and a bit of an asshole, and he makes mistakes because he is human, and I love him for all of those flaws because if he was perfect, I wouldn’t like him as much.  He’s funny and reckless and would literally die before letting anything he cared about get hurt, he wants to do everything at once so he can help everyone and he literally gives all of himself to a cause because he cares and y’all, he is the most distinguished disaster I have ever come across and he deserves peace and rest and loved ones who don’t die in his arms or betray him and he’s one of the most brilliant fighters I have ever seen and he just draws you in.  You can’t help but want to watch him.

Romantic ships:  I will love him and Anakin together past my dying breaths; they’re soulmates.  I can also enjoy seeing him with Quinlan or Ventress, and of course Satine.

Non-Romantic OTPs:  Anakin again, I just love them and will take them any way I can get.  Also Cody, Cody is great.  And Ahsoka-- especially post-Order 66 (c’mon Kenobi movie don’t let me down now).  And Padmé!  Ugh, I’m mad TCW refused to let us see the Obi/Pads friendship the movies promised us they had.

Unpopular Opinion:  Two big ones.  First, that Anakin is the most important person in his life.  I can’t see it any other way, and I know other people would disagree.  Second, that he’s a good person and ALSO kinda a jerk.  He’s one of the most popular figures in this fandom with the most mercurial fanbase.  I’d say a good 85% adore him, but then the 15% who don’t hate him with a burning passion.  Seriously, it’s like to these people Palpatine was a better Master to Anakin than he was, jeez-- I’m digressing.  Anyway, it’s like in retaliation, the other 85% have put him up on a pedestal as someone who’s done no wrong whatsoever.  And here I am in the middle like, I love him to hell and back and always will, he’s legit one of my favorite characters, but he isn’t perfect.  Like I said, it’s hard for me to like perfect characters with no flaws.  So yea, I guess that’s it.

Something I wish would happen/had happened with them in canon:  MORE OBIKIN MOMENTS BECAUSE I’M NEEDY.  Ok but in reality, there’s a couple things, most I’m discovering have to do with female characters.  I wish he hadn’t faked his death when Ahsoka was there.  I get why Anakin had to be there to witness it, otherwise he wouldn’t believe it, but Obes, my dude, there was no reason why you had to (further) traumatize a sixteen year old over this.  She really did not need to have you die in her arms, you of all people know how shitty that feels.  I also want to know why he didn’t speak up (or if he did and we didn’t see it) at Ahsoka’s trial.  Was he being punished for Mandalore?  Going off of that, I wish we actually got to see him mourn Satine for more than 0.5 seconds of him looking sad after she died and then it literally never being brought up again (I’m looking at you here, Season 7, give me SOMETHING).  I’d also like to see him having some sort of meaningful interaction with Leia that would make her naming her only child after him make more sense (I actually have a really good penpals style idea about this, but I don’t know if I’d be able to write it before the Kenobi show comes out and josses it).  Also, I heard that the original Twin Suns episode of Rebels was supposed to have Kanan going to Tatooine with Ezra, and I really would like to see a Kanan/Obi Wan interaction, it just sounds like so much potential for angsty goodness!!! ;_;

AHSOKA

How I feel about them: My brave, brave girl!  She was what got me into the prequels in general, if you can believe it (wow, my star wars watching order is just WEIRD), I had to know more about her after seeing literally one glimpse of her in Rebels and then saw the Tumblr fandom explode.  She’s enduring and snarky and clever and a total badass and I adore how we got to see her grow from a spunky little kid into a shining, confident young woman who I’d follow anywhere.  Anyway, I love her and god did she deserve so much BETTER FROM EVERYTHING.  HER LIFE SUCKED TOO AND SHE TOLD LIFE TO FUCK OFF AND KEPT GOING.

Romantic ships:  I adore her and Kaeden Larte from the Ahsoka novel and you can pry my headcanon that they’re still together up to the Sequel trilogy out of my cold dead hands.  Also Barriss Offee (WHY DO ALL MY STAR WARS SHIPS HAVE A PATTERN?  CAN WE NOT BE BETRAYING EACH OTHER FOR FIVE SECONDS PLEASE).  Also Riyo Chuchi, that was really cute!!!

Non-Romantic OTP’s:  Snips n’ Skyguy all the way!!!!  But also argh, I adore Ahsoka and Rex and everything about them and Season 7 is going to KILL ME.  I also love seeing Ahsoka and Padmé interact, and I really do like the little bits we see of her and Obi Wan and I want MORE of them >:(

Unpopular Opinion:  This is gonna sound weird since I just said that seeing Ahsoka in Rebels was what got me into TCW and the prequels, but I really didn’t like her characterization in Rebels all that much after I went back and saw her in TCW.  I know she grew up and was traumatized and matured, but Rebels!Ahsoka just seemed a bit too severe, a bit too peaceful (she’s always been a firebrand), a bit too quiet.  Yea she grew, but I feel like the environment she grew up in wouldn’t foster the personality change she got in Rebels.  She was a bit of a hot mess in TCW, and the Ahsoka novel kinda showed more of that personality in an older version of her and felt more right than what we got in Rebels.  

Something I wish would happen/had happened with them in canon: A GROUP HUG WITH ANAKIN AND OBI WAN IN SEASON 7, PREFERABLY HER PICKING THEM BOTH UP LEGEND OF KORRA STYLE.  Ok but really there’s a LOT of things.  First, that she never liked Lux Bonteri.  I’m sorry, I’m petty.  He just reminds me way too much of my IRL friend’s stupidass boyfriend who I Do Not Like and I never got what Ahsoka actually saw in him ;p  Second is that I did not like how Ezra saved her in Rebels.  It’s a grumpy point for me because I certainly like how she managed to outlive the entire Order that kicked her out, it’s poetic, and if they did have Vader kill her I’d still be grumpy because it would be just another Prequel era woman who got killed off because she wasn’t in the OT while the males all find some way to be alive despite not being in the OT.  HOWEVER, you will never convince me that Kanan wasn’t the one who deserved that time-travel fixit.  Kanan had a family-- a CHILD, who he left behind.  Kanan had a future, and a story point that was just left unfinished and unsatisfying for me and other fans, if what I’ve heard was right.  As much as it would annoy me, Ahsoka dying facing Vader makes sense from a narrative point because it would follow the path that Vader destroys everyone he ever loved until he meets Luke.  Kanan’s death felt sudden and forced, and the fact that they had the audacity to use his death to be like “oh no Kanan had to die and become a Spirit Wolf solely to tell Ezra he needed to bring AHSOKA back”, come on.  Rebels didn’t establish Ahsoka and Kanan having any sort of meaningful relationship, it makes no sense for that to be his final wish, so it just feels a LOT like favoritism on Filoni’s part.  So yea, I don’t know what I wanted to save Ahsoka because I did want her alive, but it definitely shouldn’t have been at the expense of Kanan.  Meh.  Ok, but on a happier note, I really wanna see Anakin’s ghost on Endor reuniting with her again cuz that would be sweet and make me cry.  I also wanna see Ahsoka interacting with Obi Wan on Tatooine in the new show because please it would be perfect, she’s already met Leia, now she can meet Luke!  Also, if we could actually see her find Ezra, that would be very nice, thank you.

LUKE

How I feel about this character: Luke Skywalker is one of the bravest, most kindest men in the galaxy.  He’s not the stereotypical macho hero, he’s goofy and he whines and sulks and he makes dumb jokes and he rushes right into things, but he’s determined as all hell and once he loves you, he’s never letting go.  He wants to fix everything!  He has so many ideas!  He’s so bright and you can’t help but fall in love with his smile and his sparkling eyes and you want all his dreams and plans (because he has so, so many of them) to come true, and he will make them come true, because he is stubborn like both of his parents before him.  He worked through the discovery of his beloved father being a monster, and not only did he love him despite that, he did the unthinkable and BROUGHT HIM BACK.  LUKE BROUGHT ANAKIN HOME BECAUSE HE LOVED AND BELIEVED IN HIM AND HE WAS STRONG ENOUGH TO DO IT.  I just wish he had gotten the happy ending his parents never did (and that he had had for 40 years before it was ripped away whoops I got salt on this haha).

Romantic ships: Complicated.  I think he would be really cute with Ezra if they ever actually met; their personalities would mesh nicely and I think they’d make a great team!  However, I don’t really ship him with anyone else, and me the ace again is projecting major aro/ace vibes onto him because I can *blows raspberry*

Non-Romantic OTP:  BROT3 WITH HAN AND LEIA!!!!  FOREVER AND ALWAYS!!!!!!!!  Y’all but they literally saved the galaxy together, and Luke and Leia love each other so much they knew there was a connection from the very beginning and always supported each other and the BEST space siblings, argh that forehead kiss was my favorite part of The Last Jedi I cry but I also love the chaotic dumbass duo that is Han and Luke and how they’d legit die for each other and have each others’ backs.  And, Luke and R2 will always always make my heart melt because these guys are the best team!  And Chewie, cannot forget Chewie, Chewie loves his stupid blonde little brother.  Ya know what, I’ll also add in Rey for the pure potentiality of what could have been.

Unpopular Opinion:  Well it’s certainly not unpopular to anyone I talk to, but Lucasfilms disagrees with me, so I’m gonna put forth that I don’t care WHAT the explanation is, I could never ever ever see Luke even thinking about murdering his nephew in his sleep, not just a “slip up”, not “only for a second”, no.  Yes, people can change in thirty years, and I’ve begrudgingly accepted a lot of his actions in TLJ, but not that one.  Luke would NEVER.  A more unpopular one I have would be that he’s not as much of a “innocent cinnamon roll” as fandom makes him out to be.  We see from the beginning of Episode 4 that Luke has the Skywalker temper and he’s a bit on the rude side, even though to me that seems a little more like issues with a filter that he works on developing throughout the OT.  But yeah, people tend to declaw him a bit and forget this is the same sarcastic, snarky guy that can and will happily kick the ass of basically anyone who he can’t talk his way out of trouble with (in this, he is very much Obi Wan’s apprentice).

Something I wish would happen/had happened with them in canon:  LET HIM APPEAR TO REY WITH ANAKIN’S FORCE GHOST 2K19!!!  PLEASE JJ I BEG YOU YOU LITERALLY NAMED THE MOVIE AFTER THEM.  Also, please just let him take an active role in Episode 9.  I understand it’s about the new protagonists, but please do not include the Sequel Trilogy in the “Skywalker Saga” if you’re just gonna sideline him the entire time.  If he couldn’t have his original happy ending, please let him be happy at the end of all of this.

[peinde]

Mun’s Asks: RP Edition

1. What was your first impression of the roleplay community on Tumblr? And what’s your impression of it now? it seemed really big and vibrant with lots of creative energy. now i see it was a hellscape from which i can never escape :,) 2. Tell us about the first fandom you roleplayed in. Are you still part of it or have you moved onto others? Homestuck. i tried moving onto a few others, but found i’m only good at RPing Feferi anyway 3. Who was your first muse? Feferi Peixes 4. How many roleplay blogs do you have? active? 3. in total? 4. 5. What’s your oldest roleplay blog? i have one that’s inactive RN. it started a couple months before i started this one 6. What are your thoughts on the current roleplay trends on here right now? i don’t tend to keep up with many trends TBH. full-sized art on each and every thread reply isn’t really the funnest thing to see on your dash though. coloured/font-formatted text is cool in theory, but i both don’t exactly know how to do it nor do i really want to put much effort into it.  7. What is the one trend you miss the most that’s no longer popular or seen as much as it was before? TBH i’m not really sure. people still do a lot of the things they did when i got into it. maybe i just miss the variety of websites available at the time 8. Are there other websites you roleplay on that’s not on Tumblr? not really, unless you count Discord 9. How long have you been roleplaying? since 2011 10. Are there any fandom(s) you avoid roleplaying in? not really 11. What made you start wanting to roleplay? it honestly looked like fun. it was right around the time i’d just discovered Homestuck and it opened my eyes to RPing as a whole 12. Are there any characters you’re interested in wanting to roleplay as? if i had the knowledge for it, i’d try my hand at a Zahhak 13. Are you interested in creating an oc and roleplaying as them? i’ve created one before, but her blog’s gone now 14. What are your thoughts on duplicates? they’re cool 15. What’s your impression on blogs who are selective/private? i don’t tend to pay much attention 16. What do you expect from others when they want to roleplay? not much TBH. i guess patience? it’s really annoying seeing 5+ messages a day telling me it’s my turn or just linking me the thread. 17. What are your thoughts on people who goes all out on the aesthetic for their blogs? Do you think they’re have the right to express their creativity however they want? i think it’s pretty dope, so long as it’s still accessible and doesn’t crowd the dash. also, please use your own art for icons. it’s asinine when people use uncredited art that they didn’t ask permission to use for their icons and then tell others not to use their icons. 18. What’s the one thing you want to try the most on your blog? i’ve always wanted Fef to have a mad scientist cult that functions like Chanel Oberlin’s sorority in Scream Queens 19. Give us a headcanon about your muse that you never shared to anyone else or wanting to explore deeper. just how her stupidity works. she’s a very specific type of stupid that on one hand would get her perceived as brilliant. 20. Is there someone you admire on here? i admire quite a few people TBH. crepuxulum and lichaltar’s artworks are really amazing! rabbit-trolls’ dedication to their characters’ lore and backstories is breath-taking. cyberneticlagomorph takes storytelling to a whole new level. marquise-mindfang is a master at muse relationships.  21. What is it you prefer: angst, fluff, or smut? Why? i don’t really prefer many genres over another. i like to just have threads that revolve around a certain activity and just let it branch off from there. my favourite threads are when they shift from genre to genre, just letting the characters’ interactions flow 22. If you could recommend at least five blogs to your followers, who would they be? TBH i’m not really sure. 23. What’s the one thing you dislike about the roleplaying community on Tumblr? i hate the witch-hunting, the callout posts, the “don’t follow if you interact with ___” or “if you interact with ___ i’m blocking you” without any further explanation. because of that, i refuse to really recommend blogs and i have a very narrow list of people i truly trust in the community. 24. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Spongebob Squarepants, Ariana Grande, Cat Valentine and Chanel Oberlin are all my characterization inspos for Feferi 25. Do you still keep in touch with your old roleplay partners? a few of them, yeah 26. Is there anything you can change about your skills as a roleplayer? i wish i had more consistency, but i suffer from mental fog a lot. even when i try to type out a response, the fog can kick into high gear and i just can’t do anything. it can take weeks or even months for it to go away and by then i always assume my partners have moved on 27. What songs do you listen to when wanting to get into the mood of roleplaying? i don’t really listen to anything. if i consume media that involve Fef’s inspos i can get pretty creative though 28. Ever had a falling out with a partner? yes, a few actually 29. Which fandom(s) do you wanna roleplay in/crossover with but you’re too afraid to approach? i don’t have very many in mind, but i do love crossovers 30. Other than roleplaying, what’s your favorite hobby? drawing (ask me if i do so though)

[quaranmine]

I remember joining in early 2020 and it was sooooo much different than it is today. I lurked for like 3 weeks before making a sideblog and I instantly got the impression I had to pick a side. I wasn't interested in shipping (and while I occasionally post about it today, I still largely don't post about it) but I also saw like...the hostility and REALLY didn't wanna get involved with that. It still really common on early S7 for people to have disclaimers on their art that like. said shippers weren't allowed go reblog/threatened violence on shippers if they touched the post. I'd also just randomly come across the ghost blogs of 2019 discourse while looking for older art. So as a result I just positioned myself as shipping neutral, which basically put me on the side of shippers lol (many of my early mutuals were shippers o/)

my personal take on shipping back in early 2020 was something like: interacting with headcanons or fanfic by default suggests a level of characterization, so shipping wasn't inherently "real people" so I could not in good conscience sideline shippers while still participating in normal fandom activities. That said, in early 2020 I still saw people who were like "I don't trust anyone who makes fancontent about anything that didn't explicitly happen in canon" i.e. even just drawing a comic of something that could happen was Wrong and meant you were Being Weird About Real People. you have no idea how happy i am that this viewpoint went away

anyway it's like--I wasn't here for 2019 but the impacts of the old discourse still echoed for a few months and when I look back on joining the fandom I'm like whoa it was all still so fragile

I do remember personas being the default way of referring to it, and not characters. I think the first major shift in viewing them as characters did come from dsmp, not just in language but also like--we were now sharing the site with a massive fandom that was doing a lot of things that nobody used to dare (openly) do in hermitblr. it was just a different vibe, tons of new people, tons of trying to recruit dsmp fans to hermitcraft, etc

then 3rd life was the final nail in the coffin for the old hermitblr (in a good way.) like, i really believe from that point on is when we entered the "modern" hermitblr. because the roleplay and dramatics was pretty inarguable. and stuff like FH was openly embraced! other people have already written essays about it but there's like a tangible shift from 2021 onwards and I'm a lot more comfortable and happy in what we do these days. still miss the 2020 days sometimes though, it was sort of smaller and cozy then and i remember a lot of mutuals who have since moved on to different fandoms

Occasionally I remember something that makes me thing "wow, the Hermitblr community I joined really isn't the same as the one that exists right now."

For instance when I joined it was possible to see Hermitcraft blogs have in their blood description "proship" however a lot of times it didn't mean the same thing as what the term is now associated with.

Back then it usually meant that you were fine with shipping/where a shipper yourself of the "Minecraft personas" (a term you still night see in Ao3 fics which is slowly being replaced by just "character") and this was quite a brave statement to make. 2019 Hermitblr drama was still very fresh and shipping was either frowned upon or just very hidden. You wouldn't admit to reading fanfiction with shipping and you'd definitely not reblog shipping art if you wanted to be known in the community (as being a shipper really got you automatically labeled).

Right now shipping has been normalised and it's well know that a lot of the bigger bloggers in the community are shippers. People who have watched double Life SMP have eyes /j

What this means is that the old proship hermitblr term doesn't really have a reason to exist anymore.

And for "Minecraft personas" disappearing; it was a side effect of the Dream SMP. The C!/CC! Terminology is not native to the Hermitcraft fandom. You're supposed to be able to guess who is being talked about from context. (It was and still is almost always the characters).

So old Hermitblr users, what do you remember that is a bit different from what it is now? Do you have fond and not so fond memories?