#i would love to see more of them being a dynamic duo further down the line ♡

[feroluce]

So I went to the wiki page for the henghill Bullet & Brain mission of 2.2 looking for some dialogue I had missed and

a) I found something incredibly tasty that slotted into some other thoughts I'd been having, more on that on another day, and

b) I saw this super fun little trivia at the bottom, which!

I knew Penacony characters like Boothill took a lot of inspirations from old movies, but I didn't realize it was even in his and Dan Heng's relationship, that's so cool!!

It fits them very well, it's such a fun reference. "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" was an old buddy Western film (from 1969- nice) about a pair of outlaws. Butch Cassidy was the leader of a gang, and described as clever, affable, and talkative. Meanwhile, his closest companion, the Sundance Kid, was known as a man of few words.

Cassidy's original birth name was much more plain, but similar to Boothill, he took on a new moniker when he became an outlaw. "Cassidy" had been the last name of his beloved mentor, who taught him how to shoot and ride. And Sundance Kid was known as he was because Sundance was the name of his hometown, and it was the only place that had ever managed to catch and jail him, back when he'd been younger (also similar to Dan Heng, but ouch).

These two stick together like glue throughout the length of the film- through Cassidy's leadership of the gang being challenged, through a train robbery gone wrong, through being pursued by mercenaries, and even through fleeing to Bolivia and trying to start over together.

I don't want to say too much more, since the mission title is referencing one specific movie that I've never seen. I kinda wanna watch it now, though, just to see the inspiration that went into Boothill and Dan Heng and how they get along. I just think it's really sweet that these two were literally made to be the best of bros, how lovely is that. 💕

[cy-lindric]

bonjour cy-lindric, j'ai une petite question. when I was a young person, I read The Three Musketeers and then eagerly started to read Twenty Years After and was so upset at what had happened to my beloved young heroes that I put the book down and never picked it up. what do you think, should I try again?

Bonjour !

After reading The Three Musketeers, I also wasn't sure I wanted to read Twenty Years After, and I took a break inbetween both to read something entirely different (The Locked Tomb, iirc). I think my reason for that was kind of the opposite of yours ; I enjoyed T3M a lot and loved the characters, flaws and all, but by the end they had somewhat crossed over the line into being Too Awful and the lack of retribution left me a bit frustrated. I didn't see it as a failing of the story - on the contrary, their strong character flaws and downfall in the conflict with Milady is one of the most emotionally intense and compelling parts imo - but I wasn't sure I felt like hanging out with these guys for a few hundred more pages at that point.

If your vision of the characters as a young reader was a very positive and perhaps idealized one, I can imagine why you might not have enjoyed entering into Twenty Years after. The illusion of glory has worn off ; the characters have separated, they live unremarkable lives, and their personalities have evolved drastically with the passing of time. It's almost a brutal return to reality.

For me though, it added layers of characterization to the point where now it's clear to me that this version of the Inseparables is by far the one I prefer.

I hope it's ok if I take the opportunity to talk at length about what I like about TYA below the cut. TL;DR : I love that Twenty Years After is a more realistic look at the big four's personalities and how they evolved while still keeping them thematically coherent, and that TYA makes them confront the reckless and cruel shit they did in their youth.

Spoilers ahead obviously.

We've often talked about how T3M is at its core a story about the end of knighthood. It's a tongue-in-cheek approach at chivalrous initiation, set at edge of the modern world, inbetween the time of ballads about knights in armor and that of adventures about journeying gunmen and soldiers. I think TYA embodies that particularly ; the story of people who have carried the last of these intense, dangerous chivalric ideals in their youths, and who have now grown into middle aged adults who need to find their place in the world.

For a good chunk of the book, the big four are separated into two teams ; that in of itself might discourage some, but imo it's genius. Instead of the natural two-by-pairings, Dumas goes for a d'Artagnan+ Porthos and Athos + Aramis split on opposite sides, which makes for good drama and develops lesser explored dynamics. D'Artagnan and Porthos form a scrappy team of opportunists with money on their minds, and Athos and Aramis a more idealistic duo fighting for a noble lost cause. I think it's a bold choice but also premium sequel writing.

I also love the way the young and wild characters we knew evolve into middle aged men ; at their core, they're still the same, but they've all changed and struggled against the sunset of the golden age in their own ways.

D'Artagnan, after knowing such adventures and subsequent rapid social ascension in his teenage years, has been met in his adult life with the harsh reality that he is, in fact, not a noble knight but a soldier on payroll. His modest origins give him little hope for any further career advancement, and he takes on a new mission in his early 40s for a man he has no devotion for and a cause he doesn't care about, simply because he is bored and broke. D'Artagnan still has his quick wits, his strategic talent, his fencing skills, but he has grown out of the excesses of pride of his teenage years. I loved meeting him again in TYA, and it made so much sense to me that his bouts of anger and aggressivity would be a youthful trait that he'd ended up taming. He also realizes now a lot of what seemed like funny adventures and necessary violence was actually kind of fucked up ; that was a shock to me, as their shenanigans are treated so lightly in T3M, and tbh it healed me a little. Grown up d'Artagnan is cunning, calculating, down to earth and realistic. My foxy little man. I love him.

Porthos, likewise, has been struck by the weight of reality. He has made the sensible choice and got married to the rich widow who sugar mommied him in the first book. Now she's passed, he is rich, but he still fails to earn the respect of the high society he evolves in because he's not high born enough. Like d'Artagnan, he's stagnating and bored and now that he goes back adventuring it has nothing to do with the queen or the kingdom or honour ; it's about getting his damn nobility title.

Athos, on the other hand, is the eternal knight : the only truly high born of the four, and still hopelessly holding on to a time gone by. It's no surprise imo that his storyline brings him into the english civil war, doomed to fail at saving a king who'll end up executed right in front of him. TYA acknowledges more clearly than ever that at 28 yo, Athos was a depressed alcoholic, and an embodiment of what an excess of aristocratic righteousness can do. In TYA, he is sober and moisturized and a DILF, and now he's running around frantically looking for absolution for his numerous crimes. It's delicious.

Aramis is maybe the hardest pill to swallow. TYA confirms the T3M hints that he isn't really the prim and proper romantic boy he acts like he is, and that he's possibly the most hypocritical and ruthless of the four. It might be a harsh one for Aramis fans who like him better as a cute bean, but I love the early onset of remorseless conniving bloodthirsty ambitious Aramis. Another harsh bit might be the evolution of Aramis and d'Artagnan not really liking each other ; they were always the least close combination, and imo it makes sense that their personalities would clash. I think it's clever and compelling conflict.

Now, obviously, if you've cared enough to read all this and if you know me a little, you know that a huge highlight of the book for me was its late-appearing antagonist, Mordaunt. Mordaunt is the son Milady had with her english husband. Because of the Musketeers' intervention, he's grown up in poverty and has been denied his father's inheritance. He's now a Roundhead working for Cromwell, and set on avenging his mother at all costs. Mordaunt, unlike his mother who was this beautiful and dangerous force of nature, is very uncool and pathetic. She was the primordial snake, he's the gutter rat. Obviously, I love that in and of itself, but it's also kind of striking image of the wretchedness of what they've done to her, a fucked up little goblin ghost come back to haunt them as they're trying to make their life worth living again. This time, their enemy is not a cunning political rival with a flamboyance of body and mind akin to their own ; it's a shitty little guy with bad skin who wants to kill the king and punish the murderers. Watch out babes, it's the modern world coming for you.

Of course, they're the Four Musketeers, and they did what they had to do, so they get together again and swear friendship and keep going their way. But they're also old guys with difficult personalities in a world that's never going to be the same. I think it's a cool book.

[thatanimewriter]

SLAVE TO THE BLADE.

➳ request: Team Rwby with a male S/O who is in a Kenpachi situation, he's a swordsman(samurai), mentally shackled himself from going all out because of how strong he is, wears an eyepatch to keep most of his aura from leaking out, loves to fight, wishes to fight a worthy opponent, bonus: Jaune studies under him as a student, please and thank you

➳ character/s: ruby rose, weiss schnee, blake belladonna, yang xiao long

➳ warnings: mentions of fighting, mention of food (weiss)

➳ notes: imma be real, i haven't gotten past the first few episodes of bleach since i was like, 12, so this description is what i'm going off of-

𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 / 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭  / 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 / 𝐰𝐢𝐩 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

── 𝐑𝐔𝐁𝐘 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄.

she probably met you through jaune lets' be real, cause dude loves to ramble about stuff n he's probably talked about you a few times

wanted to fight you so bad the first time she met you, but you wanted to see if she was worthy first so you don't waste time

has asked about the eyepatch before but never really got a clear answer, it was quite vague cause you didn't wanna get into it

didn't beat you in a fight, but she lasted longer than you thought she would, so you started being friends and eventually dating

if she ever needs scary dog privileges, you're the go to, just have your resting face and the full get up and you're set

grumpy x sunshine dynamic for sure, you're so cool and intimidating n then she's there

minus aura points for the combination, but maybe it could be bonus, cause you're just so confusing as to how this happened

probably a top tier combat duo though, y'all crazy on the battlefield for real

she appreciates all the silent ways you show you love her like covering the table corner when she bends down

paying attention to small things like that thing she mentioned months ago n suddenly VOILA, it's here

she returns the sentiments by doing some more grand gestures but she'll tone it down if you ask

── 𝐖𝐄𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐍𝐄𝐄.

girl probably found you weird as hell at the start, but got over it quickly considering the world you live in-

she can appreciate an aesthetic though, she likes the samurai thing but confused by the eyepatch

japanese pirate??? what's going on with you???

the absolute TRAINING REGIME you put her through when you start dating is insane, but winter probably approves to a degree

push the limits, especially considering weiss' semblance with glyphs and stuff

you probably also improve a bit if you experiment with dust in combat

stubborn meets stubborn though, strange arguments will arise for certain situations

like whether you can like, get jaune to go away for a moment because she wants time with you but he's training under you-

or where to eat if she wants one thing and you want another, but eventually you get what you want respectively n come back n share

quality time king, that's what you are in this relationship

she will try on your eyepatch at least once because she's curious, but she got very embarrassed when you caught her

── 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐀.

she thought you were a bit unrefined just for how much you want to fight people all the time

but she did want to try you out to see if she was a worthy opponent, so she fought you once

n that's how the 'i hate you' to lovers pipeline began for her-

training sessions are nice for you both, she enjoys being pushed further than usual but she's a lil bitter you have to go easy on her

will just listen very knowingly when jaune rambles about a training session with you

it's probably a moment of bonding for them tbh, they both relate to how difficult it is to fight you

a lot of quality time again, you might read a book that the other recommended and just read in silence together

you do a lot of stuff in silence together because it's just nice to hang and relax

people definitely understand how you guys got into a relationship, you vibe match, except you're just a bit more energetic than her

you also have somewhat similar insecurities about harming people you care about, so there's another level of understanding between you

don't tell anyone, but she likes a scratch behind her cat ears and she purrs, which you found out by accident-

── 𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐗𝐈𝐀𝐎 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆.

you met because she picked a fight with you ._.

you're both just as eager to fight people, so it was only a matter of time before she came and snuffed you out

you think she's very reckless, but you can teach her some tactics in the get-to-know-you phase

that was probably how she got to know you: the winner of each fight got to ask any question they wanted

was very mad when you admitted to letting her win a couple times because you're just so powerful

people avoid you in the halls because they don't wanna do a 1v2 against you guys

she's tried on your gear at least once, n tried to get you to wear hers but that was a hard no from you

her abilities and endurance has definitely improved because of you, but she just wants to be the better pupil vs jaune-

there's an unspoken competition between them that they think you don't know about but you do

you say jaune is better for lols and because you think her lil frowny face is cute

also because you feel a bit bad for jaune-

[robin-buck1ey]

I see a lot of people talk about how they wouldn’t be upset if ronance was endgame but they would prefer Nancy to be on her own, and while that’s totally valid, I just wanna quickly shine a light on something.

Nancy does need sometime of her own, so much crazy stuff has happened that she just wants to keep atleast something the same. In this case, that’s Jonathan. She knows it’s probably best they break up, and so does he, but they’re both scared of what that means and afraid to add any more dread to their crazy lives.

So yes, Nancy needs time to reflect and be independent and truly find herself, however people often forget the exact dynamic Robin and Nancy have.

Robin and Nancy don’t rely on eachother, they are both strong, independent, intelligent women. When they paired up throughout season 4, it was always helping eachother, backing, and empowering one another.

There was never dragging the other down once they knew how the other worked and their strengths. They quickly realized working together allows them to join their strengths to become a power duo.

The comparison between jancy and ronance as detective duos is quite clear. Nancy is constantly having to fill Jonathan in or he’s doubting her ideas or plans. Robin is adding to Nancy’s ideas and sometimes a step ahead.

If Robin and Nancy were to be together, it’s not to be the same as her past relationships. Nancy isn’t going to be trapped in an expectation, she’s still going to be independent, learning, and not have to worry about doing what she desires because she thinks it might affect her partner, she’s not going to be doubted in anyway, they will be stronger together. Not hold eachother down.

Nancy needs to be free. But that doesn’t mean she has to be single. It’s seemed that way because she’s felt trapped in her relationships throughout the show, but ronances dynamic is different. That’s what makes them stand out so much.

Robin sets a side of Nancy free, and that was hard for Nancy because she just try’s to make sure that everything is “perfect” but Robin knows it isn’t, and she’s patient to let Nancy open up and share her thoughts and ideas, she wants Nancy to lead her own life, to do things when and how she wants to.

It’s apart of what she liked about Tammy Thompson, “she has dreams!” Is what she had told Steve when he had mocked Tammy’s career choice.

Nancy has dreams too. She’s determined, focused, and dedicated.

While Steve doesn’t appear to be very aware of this given his ideal for their future to be 6 kids and stereotypical life, Jonathan is aware of this, and it’s exactly why he wants to break up.

He said it himself, Nancy would rather give up her dreams to be with Jonathan, than to live them out and he can’t be what she needs to follow those dreams. Nancy is is dedicated to her dreams but also the ones she loves. She puts them above everything else, constantly risking her life to save others.

Nancy’s relationships have trapped her, but a relationship doesn’t have to be a cage, it can be the key to escape one. To break free. From Hawkins, from their fears, from societal expectations.

Ronance being endgame wouldn’t mean Nancy doesn’t get what she would being single, it just means she’d have someone right there helping push her further, supporting her every step to success and happiness.

[rebornofstars]

A LU Fic Rec List - NOVELS (50K-100K)

I love this fandom so much. Here are my favourite quality novel-length works for when you really feel like curling up with a long story and a hot cup of something. I recommend each and every one of them! In no particular order:

Child's Play by @aimeelouart

If you like the Wild deaging trope, this one is for you. If you like Flora and Wild having the most adorably protective and mildly codependent relationship, this one is for you. If you feel like reading something so cute you'll still be grinning hours later, this one is absolutely for you!

The Wondrous Sword of Legend by @imperialkatwala, @polynomialpandemic

If you like downfall duo, THIS ONE IS FOR YOU. The banter is excellent, the emotions feel real, and the catharsis is very heartwarming. If you've ever wanted to see sword spirit Legend, I am on my knees begging you to read this fic.

A Guide to Living (Again) by @cerame

I think I've read this fic at least five times now. If you like Shadow, this one is for you. If you like thinking about the Chain's Dark equivalents, this one is for you. Each character in this story is entirely three dimensional (despite being shadows 😂) - and it contains, probably hands down, my favourite characterisation of Dink I've ever read.

Language Barriers by Kastaborous

If you've ever wondered what a more realistic depiction of the language drift between the boy's eras would look like, look no further. If you're looking for linguaphile Wild, look no further! This fic is stunning in its detail and lore, and the reveal moment slaps.

Level One by LightBlueScrubs

If you like modern AUs, this one is for you! If you like gripping detail and a fully fleshed out world so harrowing and real that you are transported into the story, this one is for you! If you like angst, if you like following characters as they go through tough times together, if you like hospital settings, this one is destined for you.

this year it taught me (lost and ambitious) by @noorahqar

My friends like to joke that this fic is the Sky Bible (Skyble). It well deserves that title for its characterisation alone, yet it also contains top tier character dynamics and terrific hurt/comfort. This fic changed my perspective on Sky forever. Go read it.

Elastic Heart by @skyloftian-nutcase

If you like dungeon crawls and adventure, this fic is for you. If you like Sky angst coupled with the Chain's agonising worry for him, this fic is for you! If you like Demise's Curse reveals, you have found a masterpiece!

With a special mention to:

Colour Theory by @thescrapwitch

Not Linked Universe, but absolutely worth reading. If you've ever wondered how to reconcile the three doppels in Tri Force Heroes with the Colours from Four Swords Adventures, this is for you. If you've ever wanted a heartfelt murder mystery that is also a comprehensive overview of the game it lives in, this is for you!

I would like to make extra versions of this post for different story lengths - short stories, novellas, etc., so watch out for that. If you have any other fic recs for loz or lu in this word-count bracket, I would absolutely love to see them!

[bigblueoctoling]

Thoughts about Suffer No Fools/Deep Cut in general

I really dislike this whole 'shiver and frye mistreat Big Man' plotline they seem to be making with deep cut. Like, from the start they've set up that Shiver and Frye don't really appreciate Big Man, but outright having their own duo group without him just kind of feels needlessly petty. Like maybe I'm looking into this too hard, but it's also, literally the only thing one is capable of looking into with Deep Cut's canonical information. Like... Big Man is already working at a disadvantage of being a male idol who isn't humanoid, it feels kind of pointlessly cruel to pit him alone against Shiver and Frye. And it's not like Shiver or Frye are any better for it.

They keep focusing on this one trait, the fact that Shiver and Frye are very very hostile to non-splatlandians. I would love to actually enjoy Shiver and Frye being openly aggressive, that's unique for an idol's personality, but rather than feeling tough, they just feel pathetic, trying way way way too hard to look intimidating.

Again, this isn't necessarily the fault of any particular writing of Deep Cut, but rather the complete and utter lack of any meaningful lore about them.

The squid sisters are hard-carried in the personality department; they get the entirety of Splatoon 1, 2, and 3's story mode to show off their personalities.

Off the Hook started out less interesting than the Squid Sisters, since they had to rely on newscasts, but even before Octo Expansion, the fact that Marina was an Octarian was an obvious huge deal from the moment she was revealed, with the splatfests revealing the gravity of Marina's abilities. Of course, then Octo Expansion happened- Octo Expansion feels very directly like it was created for the express purpose of fleshing out Pearl and Marina to make up for them not being in the main story mode. And of course we have Side Order that just doubles down on developing them.

Deep Cut's inclusion in Splatoon 3's story is just like. The most obligatory presence possible. Somehow, despite having direct boss fights, they leave absolutely zero impact whatsoever- it doesn't help that they don't sing their boss music, but they're also just there for no reason to steal "Treasures"- completely nondescript objects of no apparent value whatsoever that have no particular meaning to Deep Cut. No elaboration is given as to why Deep Cut wants this treasure in particular- Alterna is fucking littered with human technology that's infinitely more valuable than a bunch of random metal scraps. There are giant 3D printers just sitting around. And their dialogue is just... complete nothing. As stock as possible, there's nothing to gleam about any of their relationships from anything. Like...

A small aside: The reason why Squid Sisters and Off the Hook are such interesting groups is because of their group dynamic. Callie and Marie have a very deep bond that gets tested and validated after their separation, and Pearl and Marina are just a perfect duo. I'm not even a big shipper type of person but their relationship is so wonderful to see. But what even is Deep Cut's relationship? They're friends? With the way Shiver and Frye treat Big Man it feels like their entire relationship is pure business, and it's honestly more depressing than anything else.

Anyways, getting back to Deep Cut in the story mode, they say one unique piece of information about them- that they do this to help people who are suffering.

This is a fantastic direction to take Deep Cut, and would make their hostility towards inkopolis feel much more cathartic and justified.

They literally never mention it again or elaborate on it any further. Why? What are they even referring to? Poverty? Octarian oppression? General social imbalance?

The lack of elaboration about why Shiver and Frye are so prideful and so hostile, and what sort of suffering they care about, really stands out to me in Suffer No Fools.

Suffer No Fools feels like Shiver and Frye just aimlessly attacking strangers they're completely out of their depth with. The only thing we know Shiver and Frye care about is helping the misfortunate.

With that being the case, Off The Hook are literally the last people on the entire planet you should want to start beef with, even if it's just play-fighting- and in realizing this, I've realized something else about Off The Hook and Deep Cut:

Off The Hook already fills Deep Cut's niche.

Like... Pearl and Marina are the perfect duo in terms of representing social progress. Marina obviously has a very personal reason to care about impoverished octarians- she was one of them, she fought to get to the surface. Pearl, on the other hand, is the perfect emblem of an inkling, extremely privileged due to being born into great generational wealth. However, after meeting Marina, Pearl decided to put her all into using her privilege to elevate Marina's voice as much as possible. And, in doing this, creating Off the Hook, they have had a very real, tangible impact on the acceptance of Octarians on the surface. And this isn't even touching on Octo Expansion- they go out of their way to save Eight, of course, but since then, Marina put her everything into figuring out a way to save the sanitized octarians stranded in Kamabo Co.

Meanwhile, Deep Cut's actual contributions are left entirely unelaborated and unspecified. No known efforts to figure out anything about the Mammalian octarians, literally not a word spared about them.

What the fuck do they have to be proud for? What have they ever done for anyone? All I see are some stuck up egomaniacs who have no respect for anyone who isn't an asset in getting them more money. It honestly feels less like Shiver and Frye are these charitable robin hood figures and more like that was a lie to cover their asses.

...And, of course, I expect this to change in the next Splatoon game. It would be unthinkable for Deep Cut to just have no relevance again after getting nothing in this game. This is a very pessimistic outlook on Deep Cut. But they've given me absolutely nothing to work with, it's difficult to think that characters are good people if you only ever show them being unjustifiably hostile and greedy.

It just sucks. Shiver and Frye are my favorite idol designs, but they're constantly made out to be so fucking lame, and not even in an "underdog group of failures that cares about eachother" sort of way because EVERY DEEP CUT THING HAS TO BE THEMED ABOUT HOW DEEP CUT HATES BIG MAN AND EVERYONE ELSE.

[notfics]

Background:

This image came across my computer. It's Riaño, Spain. A friend of mine who is obsessed with WinterBaron sparked the rest of this idea when we started talking about it.

The idea:

Zemo and Bucky are on a mission in a crowded place. It's not a huge city like Paris or Milan, it's just big enough to always be crowded but never crowded enough to disappear in the sea of bodies. Bucky is getting more agitated than usual and Zemo keeps calling him out on it and Bucky just keeps snapping that he's fine and Zemo should mind his own business. Well something in the mission goes sideways, Bucky gets hurt, probably gets overwhelmed by being seen and unable to hide with so many people around, and he comes close to hurting some civilians on accident while he's still reeling from whatever hit him. This causes him to go into a panic and Zemo has to calm him down before he can get him into a car and starts driving them away (extra points if Zemo hotwires the car because then Bucky can call him out on it and Zemo can say something like "Hotwiring a car isn't the worst thing either of us has done").

Bucky doesn't know where Zemo is taking them but the further they get out of town the more he can relax. The mission is a bust at this point and they need to regroup and gather more intel anyway. That's when Zemo takes him to Riaño. Bucky just assumes that it's a regular old safehouse, probably one from Zemo's old days or something. They spend a few days letting Bucky unwind and contacting various people for leads and waiting for people to get back to them with where they need to go next. In the meantime Zemo is showing Bucky around to help him get back to a more normal emotional state.

Eventually, Bucky starts picking up on things. Like how the house they're staying in isn't a rental. It's furnished like a family lives there, stays there even. Some of the doors are locked and he's felt the urge to pick his way into them, but Zemo always seems to be awake. He's paranoid that the other man is watching him and he doesn't know why. One day it comes out that it's not a safehouse. It's a vacation home that Zemo shared with his wife and kids. They would go there once a year because they loved the view of the mountains and lake. There's a caretaker that keeps the place in good condition when no one is around. Zemo hasn't been back since before his family died. He's always awake because he can't sleep in a home that he feels is too empty.

So, this fic gets to see Bucky being the soft one to Zemo. Comforting him. Offering to stay up and drink with him. Visiting places that Zemo finds too painful to go to alone, but that he wants to see again just to remember his kids and the way they played. And the two slowly start to get closer until one night Bucky offers to sleep in Zemo's bed if that'll help him get some sleep.

I'll let someone else fill in those blanks. Maybe Zemo can still be commanding by having it be the one thing that clears his head the most, giving orders so it feels a little more impersonal. Since he would feel guilty about sleeping with Bucky in a place he shared with his family. But he really wants it, and his wife would have wanted him to move on. She wouldn't want him to be haunted by ghosts until it drains him.

They get their next mission orders soon after. And Zemo and Bucky have to figure out how to work together now that they've crossed that line, but with Zemo liking to lead and Bucky not minding falling back into that subordinate role every now and then, it works out.

Details can be tweaked, since I'm not entirely familiar with this duo's dynamics. I just liked the idea of Zemo whisking Bucky away to a place that Bucky thinks is just a safe house but has a deeper meaning to Zemo.

[autumnalternating]

HI I want to talk about the Keroro platoon mechas because I love how thoughtfully they're made and how they relate to their teams dynamic <3

VERY long post under the cut.

As you can see, the first Keroro mechs combine with Giroro being the bottom right leg, Dororo being bottom left, Kururu being left arm, Tamama being right, and Keroro being the head. This is what Kururu later refers to as Robot #1.

Later, when the mechs been destroyed and Shurara throws a tantrum, the team gets saved by what Kururu has dubbed Robot #2. Notice the changes here. Giroro is now the right arm, Kururu is now the right leg, and Tamama is the left arm.

This change is a big deal!

Your legs control your mobility. These, in a symbolic sense, are who I would imagine "carry" the team, or the rocks of the team, for lack of better words.

With robot #1, the base is Giroro and Dororo. Keroro's oldest friends, people he, in almost only a familiar sense, seems to be able to rely on. While all three seem to care about each other, these two are also most likely to shoot Keroro down.

Giroro because he hates when his plans are poorly crafted, and Dororo for refusing to participate in plans deemed too violent, among other things for both men. In relation to what that says about their characters, it almost implies Dororo and Giroro have to stop Keroro from walking into dumb shit. Very literally stopping him; ie controlling his mobility. In relation to Keroro, he uses their refusal as a reason why their plans never work out, ALSO putting the responsibility onto them as mobility.

With the younger duo, Tamama is, very fittingly, Keroro's right hand. Keroro and Tamama would probably like to believe Tamama is that loyal to him. Tamama gets to fuel his fantasy of being closer to the sergeant, and Keroro gets to have someone look up to him. To feel looked up too, in the very least. Kururu is his left hand, as the person who can make pretty much anything happen. I'm sure to Kururu, it'd also be beneficial to be seen as close to Keroro. They are the most loyal to him, in his eyes. Hands.

Now Robot #2 is built SPECIFICALLY to get them out of trouble. If Robot #1 is to represent how the team as it usually functions, Robot #2 is where they're most functional, or where they need to get.

I'll start out with Tamama. It's just a part of growing up that you learn your heroes are human. (He does this in the manga at least.) This doesn't mean he wants to leave him, though. Shown with him being his left hand instead of his right, it's good not to take everything Keroro says to heart, but that doesn't mean he wants to give up on him.

Giroro is his right hand. He's also the only one who is WHOLLY focused on invasion; the reason they're stuck on this planet in the first place. While they both go back and forth at each other all the time, Giroro would die for Keroro. He's trying to get him on the most fruitful path, even though he's harsh with how he goes about that.

Kururu is his left leg. He does more than the platoon has (willingly) acknowledged. He's pretty fucking needed in the case of invasion as a base, but also, he keeps tabs on everyone. He can track them down, finds and stops dangers before they even get to them. Don't get me wrong though, there's something interesting to consider that he moved further from his captains arms. This could represent everything he's kept hidden from the team.

I could say a million things about Dororo's place, mostly because I find it so like him. He didn't move. I'm not saying everyone should shut Keroro down, but Dororo is almost always in the right when he does it. Yes, he would be in a humans perspective to the invasion, but even with Keroro's feelings in mind he does his best to keep things fair. He doesn't take out his feelings over their past. They're both not perfect to each other of course, but Dororo is right where he needs to be. Which brings me to Keroro.

Keroro is the head. I know I've talked about him in relation to everyone else in this post, but there's a reason why you need to focus on that. How he see's the team and how the team gets along changes it's functionality, and as their leader, he needs to pay attention to both. He's pretty much in charge of both. How they see Keroro, how he allows them to see him, and how he see's them is placed right in front of us.

I could easily be reading into a mech that's clearly designed to be marketable, but I'd like to believe there's more to it than that. It's shows what work Keroro needs to do with his team. Tamama's misplaced idolization, finding understanding with Giroro, getting to know Kururu's everthing, and considering Dororo in general. And when it comes back to Keroro, it shows that his team won't give up on him. They just need to get a little closer.

Four sources, the whole robot change happens in episode 203.

I don't know if this is anything, but it meant enough to me to type this out at 2 am, so I'm posting it. Please let me know what you think and if there are any errors! Also, if this does seem like I'm reading to much into it, just know I will do it again

[dreamtydraw]

could we hear some more abt darcy and qiu's dynamic :)?

*inhale*

*exhale*

SO LET ME START ! Thanks you so much for asking

Darcie isn’t directly friend with qiu at first. He’s more of her sibling’s friend who turns out to be the neighboor. When they interact in step 1 is because Valentin brought his sister or because it’s a small town and they are bond to run into each other.

They both share ballet class for a few year but Darcie drop out because she’s clumsy and don’t like being in front of other.

Darcie start to develop a small crush like all the kids out here because Qiu is that one nice popular kid that everyone gets to like at some point.

It’s only between step 2 and 3 that you can start to see that crush stop being one sided. Darcie is more confident and hang more with more people, which includes qiu, it helps their relationship develop further. As Automn gets to know her more and see her more confident about herself, a small crush on that one quiet girl who lives nearby happend. It’s a neighboor, to friend to lover.

They are a duo that is pinning HARD and you know who suffers from it ? Everyone around them, mainly Tamarack and Valentin who gets to see them separately freak out and gush about their crush, holding back tear or laughter about this situation. Darcie brushed her feeling off as just them being good friends and Qiu search for the good moment.

They are CRINGE, mainly Darcie-

She came out of a twilight and wattpad phase, she loose her sleeps on Ao3 and some of her favorites fics are just self insert shipping with characters that remind her of Qiu. She’s down BAD, she get easily flustered, try to act smooth and regret it right after by punching the ground with her tears and fist-

Thing is they have a sort of easygoing type of relationship between them due to having grown around each other. For qiu Darcie is one of his best friend’s sister. They spent some birthday together, hang around, messed a bit, friendly flirted, all funs and giggles until the fear of romantic intimacy kicked in. They don’t even realize they are on date when they are at one because it just feels casual. Like sure, they are hanging just the two of them at the dinner by themself- but it’s a friend thing of course ! And they go do some errands just together as friends ! Same for some ballads, maybe going to the lake, maybe hiking and talking about life, sleeping at each other’s house when tamarack and valentin are being lovebirds you know- no romantic gestures here- riiiiiiight ?

They are praticaly doing mondain couple stuff like dumbasses

Some small scenarios i have :

- Darcie loves coffee flavored things, mainly candies. She would probably give some to qiu if she has some on her which result in sometimes qiu having pockets with candies they forgot to eat that he gives as small present for her.

-Ahaha i stole your drink flirty flirt ehehe- it was full of milk shit-

-nail polish scene at a sleepover.

-talking about sleepover, them taking breakfast together in the morning because the last’s house is probably an open bar for the two neighboors before going to school.

-Qiu trying to hold back on making fun of Darcie’s poor sport aptitudes, failing and both of them laughing « woah you suck at running »

-Darcie remembering Qiu’s usual orders for food or drinks and Qiu secretly writting down her order to try to do the same, but always loosing it.

-He made her own little note of welcolme to the neighborhood because she wasn’t there the first day he met valentin. She kept it somwhere in a treasure box.

-Darcie taking her hearing aid to let qiu vent without feeling pressured to tell her everything and qiu taking this opportunity to rehearse a possible confession with her.

-competitive wii sports afternoon.

-Small hc that goes also for Tamarack, but when Darcie started to become hard of hearing he starter to learn some basic signs languages and was proud of it. Probably picked back on learning it during high school.

-Giving a ridding back home, you know when someone is standing on the bike while the other ride ?

-Matching piercing yay

[dk-wren]

Week 3 - 30 Days of Buddy Daddies

Welcome back to Week 3 of me responding to the 30 Days of Buddy Daddies prompts! Thank you for all your support on the previous two weeks' posts. I've been having a lot of fun answering these prompts. Anyways, without further delay, here are my responses for days 15-21!

Day 15: Favorite Official Illustration

Massive fan of Lily's work, so here are my favorites (was gonna say top 5, but even that was hard to narrow down)

I mentioned it last week, but these two pieces of Kazuki, Rei, and Miri in kimonos are some of my favorites, so definitely gotta include them here too.

Bonus: Since it came out after the 15th, but I’m so love with it I have to include it because Rei (and Miri) finally got their cat!!!

Day 16: Character Whom You Most Identify With

Trait-wise, Kazuki is probably the character I identify with the most.

I like to make sure my friends or whoever I am with is taken care of, which has lead to me being referred to as the "mom of the group" on multiple occasions. I generally try to keep a positive external attitude, even if that's not reflective of how I actually feel. And I always try to lead with love.

Definitely not to the same severity as Kazuki, but I also have a tendency to sometimes let past memories or mistakes influence current decisions. It's those moments where I might want to do something or try a new thing, but a lingering memory just pops back into my head and I psyche myself out/decide to longer move forward.

Also, a lot of what I do for my major (and hopefully in a future career) is research-based, obviously though in terms of historical or biographical information and not how to take out someone quietly and efficiently.

Day 17: Character Whose Story You Would Like to Know More About

I would love to know more about Kyuutaro.

I really enjoyed his character and the way he kinda teetered between sides. I was asking myself, will Kyu help Kazuki and Rei or Ogino or is he gonna encourage the duo to be a family or warn them about getting too close with Miri. Things like this made me wander what is his history with the organization, let alone how he got involved with the organization.

The audience is really never shown anything about Kyu's life outside of Yadorigi, so I'm curious does he have a lifestyle outside of the cafe that's like what Rei used to have (very isolated and shut-in), did he have a past partner like Kazuki, I don't know, what is he like when away from the organization/giving out assignments.

There's a brief glimpse into when Kyu assigned Kazuki and Rei a mission together for the first time. Like, I just want to know what were his interactions with each of them beforehand and what other reasons motivated him to pair those two together. Also, the dynamic that is hinted (?) towards with Kyu telling Miri Kazuki is a comedian and Rei's a Middle Eastern Oil Baron, as well as his little smile in the finale telling Kazuki and Rei that he's no longer gonna run errands for them as he drives away, he clearly is fond of or enjoys Kazuki and Rei's company. I would've been so excited to see this side of their relationship explored more.

Again, there's a lot of mystery around Kyu so I would love to know more about him.

Day 18: Theories or Headcanons

I did a few head canons about a quarter or halfway through the series, so here's some more based on the second half of the season and epilogue!

Because Kyu will occasionally watch Miri at Yadorigi, he keeps a private stash of her favorite snacks behind the counter. Kyu even lets her create a "reserved for Miri" or "save for Miri" sign that he hangs on the draw or box where they're kept. This remains their little secret for a while, but eventually Rei or Kazuki notices the sign and asks Kyu what's behind the sign that says "reserved for Miri," which he just brushes off by saying toys/coloring supplies. Eventually, Kazuki realizes it's a secret snack stash and Miri's been having more sweets while staying with Kyu then what he allows her to take/have, prompting Kazuki to tell Kyu to stop giving Miri extra treats. If Kyu listens to Kazuki's request is up for debate though.

In ep. 11, Kazuki and Rei are shown watching one of Miri's shows that presumably she forced them to watch in the beginning, and then probably began to enjoy on their own (or they just associate that show with her). I imagine as Miri begins to grow up, they keep watching this show or another one of Miri's favorites even after she loses interest. She at first thinks they are still trying to treat her like a child or don't want her to grow up, but then realizes whenever Kazuki or Rei turn it on, they don't even refer to it as "her" show anymore or ask if she wants to watch it. This causes Miri to eventually ask why they still watch that show and if they realize she's no longer into it. Kazuki and Rei are not oblivious to the fact that she's grown up, so they share a laugh and tell her that they just enjoy watching it still.

Around Christmas, it becomes an annual tradition to go on a fun family outing to Marinoa City and go on the Ferris wheel, share a crepe, and maybe do a little holiday shopping. I don't know when or how Kazuki and Rei will tell Miri that her mother has passed, but I feel like once they do, they would take Miri to visit her grave on the same day so that it really feels for Miri like she gets to spend the day with her whole family. They'd probably start this tradition the year after the main storyline ends, but depending on when Kazuki and Rei reveal the truth to Miri, that would be incorporated into that day's plans later.

Kazuki's really good at making hand shadow puppets. Not something he intentionally set out to learn, but maybe one night Miri has a nightmare, there's a thunder storm that scares her, or a power outage, and she goes to Kazuki's room where he takes out a flashlight and begins to play around. He does really simple ones at first, but Miri is so fascinated by it, she keeps asking him to do more. So, after Miri is finally able to go back to sleep, he looks up how to do other animals for the next time Miri asks and learns that he's got a knack for it.

Still kinda a draft, but I was thinking about how Rei has very few "normal" experiences in life since he has spent basically his whole life under the eyes and rules of the organization. He's definitely street smart, but comes up a little short when it comes to book smart. So, what if Rei eventually decides to enroll in one of those online degree programs. Perhaps as Miri gets a little older and is less dependent on her papas, Rei has a bit more time on his hands (and perhaps also because Kazuki is still limiting his gaming hours per day). He does some poking around online and feels going to college/getting a degree is a fairly normal thing to do, leading him to just apply for an interesting sounding one. He would get accepted, and when Rei tells Kazuki, he breaks down crying because he's so proud of him and that he did it all on his own. Perhaps this would lead to Miri and Rei doing their work together at the dining table or going on trips to the library together so they can both work on their school work.

Day 19: What Would You Write in the Mom's Chat

A) if this is true to life, I'd probably be quietly reading all the messages in the Mom's chat, reacting to some, and occasionally typing something

B) if I were to type something into the Mom's chat though, it would probably be something along the lines of "You think Kazuki will ever let us know when he's gonna do a stand-up night? I'm dying to see him perform. Not to be cheap, but do you also think he could get us in for free?"

Day 20: Scene/Moment that You Would Have Liked to See

No idea where this would have fit in, but would have liked to see Kazuki and Rei tucking Miri in at night. Like let me see them read/act out a bedtime story, pepper her with kisses, and pull her blanket up high to make sure she's all snuggled in and nice and warm.

And like, how adorable would it be if Miri starts insisting Kazuki and Rei gotta kiss all her plushies good night too or she teaches them the smile spell, which she then makes them do for her every night.

Day 21: A Post from Kazuki's Instagram

I’ve already written about the Ferris wheel scene being the scene that caused me (the most) anguish. But the way this post broke me and just made me so sad, even without a caption, is why I’m including this one.

Angst aside, the Instagram was so fun! Always looked forward to see what part of the new episode would be featured in the post. I doubt there will be, but hope there’s little updates every now and then.

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Thank you again for reading this week's responses! Another very hectic and busy week, so I really did not have a whole lot of time to edit my replies (apologies for any errors or really long sentences). But, still glad I was able to step away from my work every now and then to work on these prompts! As always, had a lot of fun this week, even if some of my answers are on the shorter side.

Not that anyone cares, but also think I'm gonna hold off on posting the next round of responses until the end of the month so that there's not one post with like 2-3 days. Could change my mind, but that is my current plan.

See you again sometime soon!

-Dakota Wren

[youngpettyqueen]

finished Killing Time today! my edition of the book is the original uncensored version from 1985, and the review is under the cut!

for those who dont know about Killing Time: Killing Time is a 1985 Star Trek: TOS novel written by Della Van Hise, and its famous for having been called back, censored, and re-printed because it was too explicitly gay between Kirk and Spock. I acquired my copy through the power of eBay!

ive heard differing accounts of just how much was censored- ive seen some people say there were over 50 changes, and some people say only 2 pages were changed- so im not sure exactly how much was changed. it would definitely be interesting to compare my copy with later editions. but without further ado, here's my review:

first of all, I loved this book. I loved the story, it kept me hooked all the way through, and I had a very fun time with it. I was thoroughly fascinated by this new universe that was made, the Alliance in place of the Federation, Captain Spock and Ensign Kirk, the much darker and angstier backstories, all of it! it made for some fascinating character study into Kirk and Spock- ESPECIALLY Spock- and Bones. seeing these character im so familiar with, be the same characters they've always been, but like... a bit to the left, and aware of it, made for a fascinating read

the Romulan POV chapters were always a treat, and I loved to see my beloved Romulan Commander again- named Thea in this novel. I also loved Sarela, and the insight she offered into the Romulan Empire, particular her arranged marriage and how she felt about that. Thea being the Praetor was FUN, thoroughly enjoyed seeing her in full command, and how it all fell out from under her in the end. you cant help but feel for her- this was never her plan, but she had to carry it out- and in the end she gets nothing that she wants, no matter how hard she tries to get it. I loved the chemistry between her and Sarela, would love to read more about that duo, they were truly a force to be reckoned with

this novel had two awesome characters who I just adored- Jerry Richardson and S'Parva. Jerry was funny, and sweet, and had a lot of heart. S'Parva was also super funny, and I loved how Van Hise paid so much attention to how a canine woman would operate within Starfleet/the Alliance, and how she would emote and dress, etc. so much thought was put into both these characters, and I find myself wanting for more of both of them. especially S'Parva, who had a fun thing with Christine?? yuri, in my Star Trek novel?? talk to me about S'Parva/Christine come play in my sandbox with me

but to get to what im sure most people want to know: this book is romantic as hell. now, let me be clear: Kirk and Spock are not explicitly romantically involved in this novel. there are, however, several parallels between Kirk and Spock and other romantic dynamics within the text, and their relationship is the driving force of the story. this is very much a "I would know you in any universe, in any timeline" story. it is very difficult for me personally to read their dynamic in this novel as anything but romantic. its touching, its heartbreaking, parts of this book made me want to shriek into a pillow, parts of this book had me physically rolling in my bed. however you interpret the love between Kirk and Spock, it is undeniably the heart of this book

overall, a very good book. it treats the characters with love and respect, and its a good time to read. if youre a Spirk shipper, you will eat well with this one. and if youre not, doesnt matter, you'll have so much fun with the story and the dynamics and the heart. I would highly recommend this book to any TOS fan if you can get your hands on an original edition. I cant speak to the later version, I havent read it, so if anyone wants to talk about that, feel free! the only context I have is for the original uncensored version, which you can either hunt down on eBay, or get really lucky while thrifting

[scoundrels-in-love]

Hello, I'd like you to break some asses down. No obvious characters for you, gimme: Kafka, Ginko, Ashton and Re-l. Thank.

Hi sibby bibby! Definitely not going easy on me with these, but let's see!

Kafka of Kaiju no. 8

He's so everything one can want in a main lead of a story. He's the beaten up dreamer version of a typical hero that grew up, accepted defeat, but remained kind and supportive. He throws himself whole into a second chance, never looks down on or hates younger people who have their successes come much easier. He's goofy, sweet, relentless, powerful in kindness. 10/10 would kiss on cheek.

Mina and Hoshina, preferable in world's most ride or die battle powerthrouple.

Reno and Kikoru, the kids he randomly found on a street and said 'is anyone gonna love and take care of these?' and then ran off with them without waiting for an answer.

Not involved in fandom enough to know what's popular fanon, but I think he's a needy switch and quite inexperienced because he was pining away for Mina. He takes to learning with gusto as with anything else, though.

That he wholly accepted it is him as person that made all of his efforts worth it, saved lives, not his monster-self. And also Kafkohismina downtime or battlethrouple scenes.

Ginko of Mushishi

He is so. *clenches fist* He says I don't care while he cares, so deeply. There is air of forever haunting melancholy and longing about him. A forever wandering half-myth that yearns to belong, that bears so many stories. He's so everything.

Adashino and Tanyuu. The letter writing ot3 AU we've created has changed me as a person, for the better.

Honestly? Same two. Their relationship is based on friendship, respect, unique bonds that are never on-screen romantic, so you can see them as you wish. Also I think he and Tama Minai have interesting dynamic that would be great to expand further. And of course Nui. Oh Nui.

Hits him with demisexual beam, just like every other character I love.

More on-screen maintaining of friendships with Adashino and Tanyuu via letters and the like. Also I know the point is that he can't settle down, that he is forever wanderer, but my heart can yearn for him to have a place called home.

Ashton Greymoore of Critical Role, Bell's Hells.

I admit I've fallen off the bandwagon and I wrestle with feeling like I misunderstood some things of his character since I can't quite understand some of their latest choices, but, in my heart of hearts, Ashton will always be LOML. I imprinted on them from getgo, instantly saw the undercurrents of care and golden, cracked heart they try to conceal. I just want to take care of them, so so badly, and to let them know they deserve it, no matter what. That they don't have to earn it or buy it. That they just have to be. Embarassingly, closest I've come to making OC to ship with someone, at height of my BH time.

Frankly? No one.

FCG, absolutely. I also think them and Orym make for an interesting 'our safety last, as long as our friends aren't hurt' kind of tank duo.

I don't like him and Fe*rne as a ship. Might be because her character as a whole doesn't appeal much to me, maybe because I don't see them embracing their growth and heart of hearts with her, whatever it is, it just doesn't tickle my fancy, but I fully respect character choices made by players. As long as Taliesin is having fun! He knows Ashton the best. Also I wish they'd been liked and appreciated by fandom for more than just being part of a ship. Before those took off, you could hardly find Ashton content. Even still, the focus on them is often quite shippy.

I am forever haunted by the time their worst fears were shown to be them losing control of themselves and the alternate lives shown as them being a king, a leader. I really wish they could embrace that more, be heard and seen, instead of sometimes their ideas even being attributed to other members of the party. There was a time when I'd have killed for a fic where they become part of Keyleth's entourage/just hang out with Ashari and get a chance to be comfortable.

Re-L from Ergo Proxy.

13 year old me thought she was the PEAK cool. One of aesthetic-bi awakenings. Did I want to be her or just stare at her? Yes. During rewatches as an adult, I have come to appreciate the complexity of her character and most of all, her growth from sheltered, straining-against-it young woman to a driven person with spiky shell, but that shell will also shelter others, if you earn her trust and her care. Considering how much was hidden from her, how much lies and betrayal she uncovered, it's hard to blame her for not being open with it immediately.

Vincent and particularly, Ergo Proxy. She and Mina would be gun-toting, monsterfucking besties for sure.

Pino and Re-l are such an underrated dynamic. There is something to be said about Iggy as well, especially since it's hard to tell if his pre-demise behavior was "truth" or not.

Too arrogant, uptight and demisexual to have had proper previous relationships. Also probably had some truly loser phases of makeup that Iggy has photos of.

I wish she had more time to unpack everything about Daedalus, her grandfather, who she is. The last act of anime didn't give many of these things any breathing room. I am fascinated to explore how she changed and grew in wake of it all.

Give me a character?<3

[slymewizard]

I think its time to make a confession that I’ve been bottling up for a while now. I know that this might get me permanently exiled from the Adventure Time community but I just need to say it. And I’m sorry if I betray anyone with this opinion.

I didn’t like Obsidian.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good episode, I love the music and the flashbacks, and its still better imo than Wizard City (but to be fair that is not a high bar.) but it just didn’t really click with me for a few reasons. Before any of you get mad at me, let me make myself clear, I love Bubblegum and Marceline’s relationship. It’s one of my favorite couples in any series period. But thats precisely one of the reasons that Obsidian underwhelmed me so much. Episodes like Varmints, Sky Witch, and the Stakes arc established them as a badass duo who worked as a team. But during Obsidian, Marceline does most of the heavy lifting while Bubblegum just makes a lot of the problems worse. And I know that was a main plotpoint for the climax of the episode, but it just didn’t sit right with me to see Bubblegum so uncharacteristically inept. The team dynamic between them I had grown to really enjoy just didn’t feel like it was there.

Now this on its own wouldn’t make me not like the episode. It wouldn’t make it a favorite of mine, but I wouldn’t outright dislike it. Even at their worst Bubblegum and Marceline are still a fantastic couple and a joy to watch…

But then we have the glass kingdom.

Hooooooooo boy.

Ok I grew up with Steven Universe so I love Michaela Dietz and I mean no disrespect to her when I say this but GOD IS GLASSBOY ANNOYING.

Ok thats a bit of an overstatement, he has his moments, but unlike Y5 in BMO, he just feels kind of intrusive. And again, I get it, thats a main point of his arc, but I just never really GOT why he needed to be there. I get that theres a whole subplot but I would have enjoyed it a LOT more if Marceline and PB were the sole main characters. Heck maybe even throw a few more Simon moments in there. He just doesn’t really add much to the episode as a whole except an annoying third protagonist who really only exists to further his own subplot rather than the episode plot as a whole. (There were a lot of other ways Marceline and PB could have gotten to the glass kingdom.)

And then theres the subplot itself. I’ve come to have certain expectations for an Adventure Time plot. Call me entitled, but past the midpoint of the series it handled some pretty heavy topics with a lot of nuance, and thats part of why I loved it so much. It wasn’t afraid to talk about certain subjects that other shows tend to shy away from. And Bubblegum and Marceline were two of the most complex characters, so I had high expectations for Obsidian. And their arc, despite my problems mentioned above, delivered it well. The climax with them in the volcano and Marceline using the makeshift guitar to sing a heartfelt song that touched both PB and Larvo was genuinely beautiful and kept the episode from being a complete dud for me. But glassboy’s arc boils down to “Don’t make fun of people who are different than you are.” The second the royal advisors started making fun of him for his crack, I knew EXACTLY, what was going to end up happening. And wouldn’t you know it, by the end of the episode, everyone including the advisors reveal that they all had cracks this entire time because everyone is different and we should all learn to accept that…To quote John Mulaney, just because you’re right, doesn’t mean you’re interesting. This is a topic that any NUMBER of shows could have handled, and even then Adventure Time usually adds a bit of a twist or some nuance to even the most basic lessons, but the entire arc was just so cliche. The royal advisors talk exactly like they crawled out of a stock health class video about bullying. I may sound like a bit of an entitled asshat but am I wrong for feeling a little bit patronized?

So yeah I didn’t really like Obsidian. I’m not gonna make a sarcastic remark mocking people who would disagree I openly encourage you all to tear me asunder. There’s a non zero chance I will become the next Rick and Morty copypasta. I’m still learning about this stuff and if I missed some deeper meanings please let me know. And no matter what, always remember, I still liked this episode way more than Wizard City. That was barely anything for me.

[icharchivist]

i was thinking about character foils (as i always do) about DAI and like

Cole and Blackwall especially are often put in parallel in their banters. They're both people who lived while someone else died, and who reacted to it by taking the name of the person who died. Both of them had done crimes, killing innocent people, and both of them are trying to become better people.

But that's the details that change everything, of course. Cole being a spirit and not even having realized what he's done vs Blackwall who consciously took someone else's place to run from his crimes. Hell, the fact Blackwall's crimes predate his name change while Cole's follow his name change.

And Blackwall pointing out later how the two of them are quite the duo, "the killer and the victim".

While at the same time in the Fade their greatest fears show on their graves next to one another: for Blackwall it's himself, for Cole it's "Despair", and we know Despair is what Cole can become : it is, just like Blackwall, himself.

At the same time we also have Solas and Sera working as foil, both as very different extreme different people in term of their relationships to the elves, to the past, to magic. Yet they're also two people who used another name to bring in a rebellion. Solas as "Fen'Harel" disrupted the powers of the Elven Gods to protect and inspire the then-be-slaves where Sera as "Red Jenny" disrupt the influence of the nobles to inspire the common folks.

It's something Solas recognize to an extend because he comments on how Sera could organize her organization in order to actually make waves, to make it more than just petty things and actually try to take down people in power. He says Sera is "further away of what she could be (as an elf)" but he also says that they're more alike than Sera believes and i believes it means as individuals. It doesn't help that Sera clearly has a sensitivity to the Fade and Spirits that even regular elves don't have (Cole's "she sees the string that pulls me")

Anyway so i was thinking about that because those are pairs in the "identity, what is that" gang of dai (Bull & Leliana would be my other pair for this foil as spies who were groomed since very young to become the best liars they could be, and the way the people they love either keep them grounded, reminding them of who they really are, or how losing them makes them even more so dedicated to what they were groomed to be. They're also both dedicated to their religion while also acknowledging a lot of its flaws.)

and it's when thinking that that i realized the irony of how Blackwall and Sera are besties, and Solas and Cole are besties. Solas and Blackwall get along alright, they see themselves in each other too (soldiers who know the fear of being desensitivized by war, who carries too much blood on their hands), while Sera dislikes Cole for being a spirit (despite the fact both of them care deeply about the hurts of others and try to help more than anything, they're not unsimilar).

Blackwall struggles with Cole because Cole makes it too easy to remind himself who he used to be, who he runs away from. Cole reminds Blackwall of his past sins.

and in the same way Sera reminds Solas of his past sin, because every struggle she encountered and the way she rejects a part of herself comes from what Solas once did when he rebelled. He wants to help her see, and he sees who he used to be, cocky and reckless, but she refuses to let him in.

AND YET Blackwall&Sera and Solas&Cole have extremely strong dynamics despite of it all.

I don't really have a conclusion i just find it neat. I mean i'm team "Solas used to be a Spirit" so of course i see why Solas and Cole would be so close with this specific "spirit mind", while Blackwall and Sera are both people who try to live for tomorrow. (Blackwall dodges a question about his past with "it would be best if people cared more about what's in front of us than how things came to be" which mirrors Sera's themes, re her song "why change the past when you can own this day")

And it's just such an interesting intra-dynamic between those four in particular. Mind full.

(also in general on the thematic of skewed sense of identity it also applies to Corypheus (left his identity behind once he lost faith, a bit of Leliana's arc in there as i've seen the devs refered to that) and the Inquisitor (gaining new names because of the faith the people have in them, the fact you have no choice but letting it become your name, whether you like it or not, something Solas points out is similar to his situation in Trespasser if you are on the friendship path with him) so this is something that carries over there. but i didn't think about it in enough depth to really add a big point about it on this post i just think about it)

[silly-cheese-rat]

ykno ive been calling john x steve hatefucking this whole time but aspenshipping is a much better name lol, thank u for ur insight (genuine)

"hatefucking" ?? you need to be put down.

Jokes aside, Aspenshipping is anything but them "hate fucking". Clearly, I need to lecture you. I assume you only know Sculley and Steve's relationship as "John Sculley fired Steve Jobs. Steve never forgave Sculley and they never spoke a word again". So, have fun with this wall of text.

Before Steve Jobs left Apple in Fall 1985 ("Steve Jobs was fired" is an overstatement), he and Sculley actually were very close friends. They got to personally know each other back in Fall 1982, after Sculley declined the offer to join Apple. Sculley and Steve spoke and met a lot, in a casual way, for several months, and a friendship formed quickly. Eventually, Sculley became CEO of Apple in Spring 1983, despite originally declining (Steve's famous "sugar water" quote won him over). The two of them were a great team — they were known as the "dynamic duo". Some Apple Executive said "John adored Steve, they would finish each other's sentences.". There are photos out there of Sculley wrapping his arm around Steve at the beach, or them having a conversation while they're only wearing jogging shorts and nothing else. I've never seen those photos myself (I wish I did), but they were mentioned in a book about Apple's history ("Apple" from Jim Carlton). But the pictures of Sculley and Steve at the beach could be from the same photoshoot I've seen two photos of -- the photos I saw were the two of them having a laugh, standing at the beach as the sun sets.

At Apple (and eventually outside of it) Sculley being highly infatuated with Steve was no secret. The amount of love Sculley felt for Steve was so huge, even magazines covered it back then — for example, FORTUNE called it an "unusual affection". There's also that one quote from Joanna Hoffmann (an original member of the Macintosh team) I always love to bring up; She described Sculley as "a lover so in love with his beloved that he could see none of Steve’s faults". There's much much more out there about how Sculley was head over heels for Steve and how he still very much feels the same after all those years, but I'd sit here for months until I listed everything I know. Just trust me on that one.

I sadly don't know too much about how Steve felt about Sculley before their ways parted. But obviously he liked him. There are a bunch of pictures from a photoshoot where Steve leans in towards Sculley again and again while they're sitting next to each other, although there's plenty of space around them and the photograph's dimensions didn't require him to do it. I like to think it was subconscious on his part simply bc of their strong bond. Anyways, during the power struggle at Apple there was a point where Steve tried to kick Sculley out of Apple. After Sculley found out about the backstabbing, he talked about it with Steve, letting him know he's fully aware of what's happening, and telling him to stop. Back then, Steve told the people at Apple close to him that all this was simply a "lover's quarrel" and that they should forget about it.

TL;DR: "Hate fucking" couldn't be any further from the truth — unless it's past 1985, bc in that case it would be one-sided hate fucking

[russilton]

I reached tag limits on the original trying to word vomit my thoughts so

Tldr:

Where was I- oh yeah the fuckin neuroses of George Russell shouting deafeningly in his own ears while Lewis is silent and George can’t read anything from that which only spirals him further as his he assumes automatically he is the problem and has to confront the quiet cloying fear that Lewis wasn’t like this with anyone else- that George is the problem, that he has failed and he doesn’t even know how to fix that because Lewis is like space- endless noiseless and inflexible except for the glimmers of movement and life that he can’t reach far enough to touch-

The aside of George still being so unsure about Val because the admiration tangles with fear and some guilt and frustration that feels unscalable so he shies away entirely rather than perhaps try to connect with Val more than in shared history and circumstance- because even if they could be insurmountable duo they’re both so utterly fuckin lost about Lewis it holds them at arms length, bc George would rather suffer alone in his own head than see Val look at him with pity, change their dynamic away from the guilt george floods himself with

The sly mention of George asking for more long ago and being ashamed of what happened, one sentence opening a world of questions all tinged and mottled with undefined pain that bleeds from George. One paragraph! One indirect paragraph and you’ve echo’d quiet agony without even describing it, what the Fuck!

And that’s all the shit before the porn! Christ on a bike balanced on a horse what the shit! Not even addressing the Roy Kent and Jamie style poster on the wall bit and the deeper tension THAT raises-

The subtle hints of how desperately George needs someone to take him out of his head with just the weight of Lewis pining him down pushing him into something quiet and clear- the explicit and detailed consent followed by GOOD BOY FUCK YOU I know I literally wrote that myself into my last fic but I GET HOW MUCH IT KNOCKS YOUR OWN SKULL AROUND WHEN SOMEONE DOES IT TO YOU.

It’s the little details that fuck me up hardest- their heads knocking together as Lewis holds George steady- George’s nose smushed into his chest- George not loving sex until now when it’s an entirely different world entirely In and outside his own head- George almost crying FUCK- fucked out at just lewis’ hand on him like he’s been pent up his entire life and the slightest slip of the pressure valve on his heart caused an explosion- George knowing the shape of Lewis’ cock just from looking and wanting and thinking-

Jesus Christ Niamh you made a shoes on hand job one of the most eloquent and laden things I’ve ever read, and I’m going to go thunk my skull against a wall until it stops ringing

Gewis + lewis helps George sleep after a terrible race weekend

idk what this is but i’ve been toying with the idea of a soul bond/emotion based telepathy/force bond thing between teammates and this was Fun

Lewis doesn’t do anything as obvious as move in his seat or wince openly, but the corners of his eyes tighten slightly as the meeting drags on.

George apologises internally, cursing when all that does is make the lines around Lewis’s mouth deepen. He tries to focus on what James is saying, on the positives that they can take from the race earlier today.

Obsessing over what went wrong — what he does wrong and what this costs them — always gives him tension headaches, starting behind his eyes and spreading down his neck.

George can feel it already. He’s gotten better at noticing them after becoming teammates with Lewis, catching when they get bad enough that they start to affect the bond between them, hurting Lewis too, and then feeding back into George.

He puts his hands in his lap, uncurling them from their fists, and breathes in. Alex hugged him earlier today, quick and warm, and stayed there, arm heavy on George’s shoulders. Lily had only smiled, walking beside them, chatting away about this new book she is reading. George had made Charles laugh in the presser, nose scrunching up. He had qualified sixth and even though the incident at the start of the race was his fault, he’d still managed to fight his way back to fifth. Lewis had not been affected.

It could’ve been worse, he thinks. You could’ve been worse.

He exhales. Lewis’s shoulders relax ever so slightly, the thrumming pain behind George’s eyes easing up a little.

—

His phone buzzes. George closes his eyes, squeezing them tightly shut. Please don’t let it be —

Lewis: man are you ok

Fuck. George squints against the bright screen, turning it down as low as it’ll go.

Of course it’s Lewis.

George: Yeah. Sorry about this, mate. I know you probably want to get to sleep.

Lewis: it’s fine dw about it

Lewis: you’ve had a long day

It’d be easier if Lewis wasn’t as nice about it. It’d be easier if he was fucking honest for once.

The Lewis presence in the back of his head quietens for a moment before stilling, going calm and clear as the sea on a windless day. The bond that teammates have to forge between them ever since Prost and Senna doesn’t translate actual thoughts but George doesn’t know how that last one felt like and isn’t sure he wants to.

Lewis: would you like sum help

Lewis: to sleep

George blinks.

His head is still silent. He can feel Lewis holding his breath. Or maybe that’s just him.

George: Sure.

His dad always did say don’t look a gift horse in its mouth.

Lewis: cool

Lewis: be at ur room in ten

George sends back a thumbs up. Not a ripple.

—

Sometimes George wants to ask Valtteri if Lewis was this in control with him, if he only ever got bits and pieces of the real Lewis right after a race or when he’s sleepy and laughing early in the morning at headquarters.

Even during the off season and in between races when Lewis surrounds himself with people that love him, he is muffled and dampened in George’s head, like he’s under water.

He wonders if this is a post-Rosberg thing.

Valtteri gets this steely eyed look whenever anyone asks him what being teammates with Lewis was like back in the beginning, whether it’s reporters or fans or other drivers, and refuses to properly answer.

George is also slightly worried that it isn’t a Rosberg thing or a Lewis thing, but a Lewis-because-of-George thing.

He imagines asking Valtteri if he thinks that Lewis wants him in his head, and would rather drive for Redbull.

—

“So,” George starts, stepping back so Lewis can squeeze past him. “How exactly are you going to help me sleep?”

The words come out with a bite to them. George is very tired. He also doesn’t have the mental fortitude right now to be able to deal with Lewis Hamilton in rumpled sweats that hang low on his hips and an oversized hoodie with any kind of decorum. He has sweater paws for fuck’s sake. George kind of wants to die.

Lewis only half smiles, unfazed, and why would he be? He’s been teammates with people like Rosberg and Fernando, driven with Sebastian and Michael and Webber. How would George ever be a threat when compared to them?

Lewis reaches up behind him and tugs his jumper up over his neck. His braids are a little mussed when he resurfaces, stomach and chest bare to the world. Lewis only looks at him, settling his weight further into the ground, hips tilting forward.

George has had dreams that start like this.

“I thought you said getting involved with a teammate was a bad idea.” His own voice sounds distant to him, something in his chest aching faintly with the memory. He had never been so embarrassed.

Lewis raises an eyebrow. He looks confused unsure what to do with whatever George is broadcasting to him. “It is. This isn’t getting involved. This is helping you sleep, which will help me sleep.”

He shrugs. There are pillow creases faintly lining one cheek and his eyes are hooded. “Think of it as team bonding if you want.”

“Right.” George swallows, and then does it again, mouth dry. “And have you done this before? With teammates?”

Lewis doesn’t lose his relaxed stance and the sea in George’s head doesn’t shiver, but it deepens slightly. George feels like he’s looking down into it, ready to jump, but doesn’t know how shallow it is or where the rocks are.

Then, “Jenson doesn’t like sleeping in beds that aren’t his. Finds it difficult. And I need my sleep.”

And suddenly, the sea is back to just being a sea.

George nods. “Makes sense.”

“I guess.”

Charles would tell him this is a bad idea. So would Alex. Pierre would be unbelievably furious that this happened to George and not him. Yuki would only laugh and tell George he thinks too much and should feel things more.

“I’m wrecked, mate, and so fucking sick of counting sheep.”

Lewis laughs quietly, the soft sound smoothening out his face. You shouldn’t be allowed to be better looking now than you were years ago, taped up on my bedroom wall, George thinks, and exhales.

“Might be better if you sit on the bed, man,” Lewis says and George nods again. There is a buzzing starting up in his ears and his toes curl into the carpet.

“Yeah, yeah, cool.” The bed sinks a little under him when he sits down. He’s already half hard in his pyjama shorts, has been since he caught onto the idea of how exactly Lewis would be helping him sleep, and sitting down just pulls the material tighter, making it obvious.

Lewis doesn’t say anything, just climbs into his lap, knees on either side of him, a heavy weight that presses George into the sheets. It’s oddly grounding, helping George think clearer, and then Lewis grinds down and George’s whole brain whites out for a second.

“You want to stop, you say so.” Lewis’s hand is on his jaw, big and warm, fingers splayed across his cheek, his thumb in the corner of George’s mouth.

George nods, hips twitching up, trying to find any kind of friction. But Lewis shifts to the side, pinning George’s legs. His eyes are wide and serious.

“You’ll say stop,” he repeats. “And I’ll stop. No drama. Nothing. I’ll stop, yeah?”

“Yeah.” George’s voice comes out raspy. “Yeah, I’ll say stop and you’ll stop.”

Lewis nods, tapping his fingers along George’s cheekbone. “Good boy,” he says and holy fucking shit. Lewis laughs, shaking his head, and sitting back on George’s knees.

George would complain but then Lewis is licking a hand — Christ — and shoving it down his pants and wrapping it around George’s dick and that is so much better.

George lifts his hips and Lewis uses his other hand to pull down George’s shorts until his dick is free. He closes his eyes at the sight of it in Lewis’s hand, shuddering.

He’s exhausted and still amped up from the race earlier, frustrated with himself and the stupid fucking mistake that nearly cost him the weekend. He knows he won’t last long. He knows Lewis knows this.

“It’s alright,” Lewis murmurs, dragging his hand up, tightening his fist as he gets to the top. “Let me hear you.” He runs a light nail over the foreskin there and George curses. the spark of pain heating up his stomach. He tries to squirm away but Lewis holds him steady, fingers digging into his hip. His head knocks against George’s, sweaty and damp.

He soothes over the sting with a gentle thumb, smearing around the pre come gathered there. George groans, letting his head fall forward until it’s resting against Lewis’s shoulder, nose smushed into his chest. When Lewis laughs, it rumbles through George as it lights up that little space in his head. The sea is rippling, water sloshing up against the shore. It feels warm on George’s toes.

“There you go,” Lewis says and starts to slowly jerk George off, pressing down with his palm every now and then, callouses catching and pulling.

George’s head fills with static and his stomach is buzzing with bees and he’s never loved sex, never dying for an orgasm. He hates the unpredictability of it all, hates how out of control he feels, hates how much he needs it.

Lewis smells of sweat and soap and perfume and still, vaguely, under it all, like fuel and oil and the car. George blinks back tears. Let me feel you, he thinks, and dips his hands into the water.

He tries to fuck up into Lewis’s hood but he only huffs and settles his weight heavier onto him.

“Haven’t you ever heard of relaxing, man?” Lewis asks, inexplicably fond, and George goes to protest because of course, he knows how to relax, but then Lewis speeds up his rhythm and well, that’s what George was looking for in the first place so —

When George comes, it hits him like a freight train, mind blanking out and knees weakening, despite him sitting down. He comes to, dazed and loose limbed. He feels freshly fucked out, all liquid, except for the fact that all he’s had is a handjob. A handjob given to him by Lewis fucking Hamilton. Oh god.

“Jesus,” Lewis is saying, peering at him. “Are you, like, incapable of not thinking or something?”

He wipes his hand on George’s shorts, grimacing. He still sounds fond, faintly amused.

“Shut up,” George says, flopping back onto the bed, flushing.

Lewis laughs, patting his knee before climbing off him, unfairly graceful. It’s only when he steps away, bending to pick up his jumper and pulling it back on, that something clicks in George’s brain, rebooting. He sits up, propping himself on his elbows.

“Do you not,” he starts before stopping. “Do you not want help with that?” He gestures lamely at Lewis’s dick, which is tenting the front of his sweatpants. He’s only half hard, George can tell, used to the shape it makes in Lewis’s fireproofs when he’s won.

There are faint wet marks on the front, darkening the grey material. George wonders if that’s from him or Lewis. The thought makes his head spin.

Lewis waves a hand, ringless and bare, loose at the wrist. That hand was on my dick, George thinks, a touch hysterically.

“Don’t worry about it, man. This was for you. Anyway,” he says, tapping a knuckle against his forehead. “It felt good, you know?”

George doesn’t really know, only getting flashes and snippets of what Lewis felt, but he nods.

“Sweet dreams,” Lewis grins, tipping him a wink before slipping out of the door. He hadn’t even taken his shoes off.

George lies back down, throwing an arm over his eyes. He kicks his shorts off the rest of the way, using them to wipe himself down before throwing them into the bathroom, the door wide open. He grabs one end of the duvet and wraps it around himself like a cocoon.

He imagines that it smells like Lewis and falls asleep before the twelfth sheep.