#ignore any kind of weird bodily happenings here this drawing is a mess

[sssnakeparty]

Draw me closer, as if we are two magnets~

wasnt planning on posting this here but you know what. what the hell. this can go on my regular art blog rather than a fa exclusive, yolo am i right?

this is a #LIGHTHEARTED #JOKE #DRAWING, based on minato's magnet of course. and yunomi's drawing for it but thats a can of spworms i dont know much about so im just giving credit where its due :)

[calpalsworld]

Not "autistic anon," but also autistic, (being called maybe ableist made me want to put this out there before go to bed) i thought Zane was depicted that way purposefully by the writers. He has stereotypical traits like taking things literally, and has an actual humor switch. The writers have done things with Zane before like have him lose bodily autonomy (during that one Wu's teas short) and did something with his voice be it making him unable to be understood or talking too loud and the forced pirate voice by Jay. (what you're doing isn't too different from that, right?) I thought it was just a little iffy to distort his body and memory bc that could be interpreted as something not that I'm sure what exactly, it's some kind of disability. I dunno. I'm not good with putting this to words. I hope this makes sense.

Sorry I went to bed but now I’m awake 😭

Also I ended up totally spilling all my thoughts here rather than only specifically replying to you please forgive me context: my scary zane concept design, & my ninjago rewrite i refer to a lot 

Im a little confused but I think I get what you're saying? You're saying the Ninjago writers absolutely DON'T write Zane well (you listed examples of this) and you don't want me to fall into the same trap?

I had the opposite logic earlier. I thought: If Ninjago writers made Zane have stereotypical autisitic traits while also being a dehumanized robot, I may as well embrace it, say he is autistic blatantly, while also making him do funny/cool non-human robot things, so its clear as possible the two aspects of his character are literal and separate and not a metaphor for each other. But you're right! I do have a choice and I dont have to embrace things! :)

Like there were a couple ways I was gonna reject the original, for example, I never wanted Zane to have a funny switch, and I hated how other characters could fuck with Zane and he didn't even care 😬. I want to change that stuff. So youre right, if I am changing shit like that, it would be counterproductive for ME to GIVE him MORE traits along that theme. 😬😬😬 I should try to feel less obligated to portray Zane like he originally is. I still like the concept of "scary zane" (for reasons i explain below the cut) but I might tone it down a bit like with the claws and weird proportions and shit. I’d def make him look more skeletal and undead. That was my original intention, but i didnt execute it as good as I could have.... idk if anyone could tell thats what he was supposed to be like...my bad! But rn I dont wanna redesign him I wanna draw other stuff like normal alive Zane. Sorry LMAO 😳. Like I said in some earlier asks I think, I think Im gonna focus rn on how I should portray season 1 normal not dead Zane so thank you and feel free to share any other Zane thoughts ^_^ SOME OTHER THOUGHTS:

Also I Wanna Argue Some Stuff But I Understand its a Weak Argument Since All of This Context was Just In My Brain (so don't take this as an argument, just as me rambling): I don't want messed up things to happen to Zane and for it to just be ignored. I think if Zane is going to have fucked up things happen to him, as all characters must, its best for it to happen during a season where he actually addresses his feelings about being a robot (learning to accept that he will always be himself, regardless if hes "human" or the "original" or whatever. (thats how I always interpreted his emotions)). But I wouldn't have the other Ninja be very phased by Zane's looks because the whole point is they already love who he is (seasons 1-3 were about getting to know Zane) and now Zane himself just has to learn the physical, robot part of him is okay. Its about person-hood rather than humanity. Because the season focuses around Zane's soul, and because he lost his original body, I feel like I could mess around with his current, temporary body and have fun and make it scary. Because that body should be irrelevant. I understand it possibly being upsetting for an autistic character to be designed like this, but other people I talked to see it the opposite way. They find it comforting for him to look so different but still be himself and be so loved. SO IM ABSOLUTELY NOT saying its wrong to be bothered or to hate it or to feel any way. Just that I personally think it would be cool for Zane to be portrayed with a little spice lol, so thats why I like scary Zane for season 4.

Another Thing I Wannna Say But Is REALLY Hypocritical: (this isnt directed at anyone I just REALLY want to say this) I know I say "this is Zane but scary, he looks like fnaf" so he's obviously dehumanized, but I always felt like "scary" is more of an objective fact. Its an instinct. But what's "not human" is subjective. I think there is a problem with saying anything different from "average" human is dehumanized because that could extend to real people. Lol I know its bad for me to compare FNAF-ass Zane to real people, but I mean he could be real. People can have exposed teeth, and people can be shaped weird. And when someone first sees a person who looks like that they'll probably think "woah those features are scary" by instinct. And that surprise doesn't make someone ableist obviously. But bring that person’s humanity into question is NOT an instinct, and is fucked to shit. This is kinda a bad point for me to make since its about the fictional FNAF Zane I drew, and I am NOT implying ANYONE was thinking like this. [especially not the original asker anon who I am totally forgetting about at this point OOPS]. But I just thought it was an opinion of mine I couldn't go without mentioning when talking about dehumanization and disabilities.

^^^ I think you (anon) understand what I mean and might’ve said the exact same thing as me if you were writing a long ass response? I think this because you started to bring physical disabilities up and you said it was "a little iffy." ^_^ So we agree, but I don't see Zane's relation to real life disabilities as "a little iffy" I see it more like "complicated"? IF THAT DIFFERENCE EVEN MAKES ANY SENSE?????? I feel like a lot of things about Zane are really just complicated and need the right context, rather than the concepts necessarily being wrong -- NOW THAT I THINK ABOUT IT! THATS THE WHOLE REASON I DO THIS STUPID REWRITE! XD thats why a lot of my rewrite SO FAR has been the same concepts and plot beats, but different dialogue n specifics and such. I like a lot of concepts in Ninjago but I dont think they were presented correctly.....! :( So I guess all we can do is wait and see if I make Zane offensive or not....???

Also something about the memory part - yeah i agree i was surprised no one thought that was weird to make jokes out of his memory issues..... BUT I am like 100% firm on making his memory take longer to come back because I think its stupid how quick Zane was able to recover from literally dying. Like its just dumb to me. Hate it. (also bc memory & soul mechanics is ummm kinda important in my rewrite.... for reasons). Another memory thing btw, I was going to make his original amnesia come from hitting his head in an attack against the Skulkin when they stole his dads corpse, rather than his dad fucking choosing to make him forget. (its a sweet & iconic scene, but Um, WHY?!!!?!?!?!?) He has to follow data recovery instructions he finds in his dads diary. I think in that context it makes moments of memory loss somewhat different for Zane's character? Instead of loss of autonomy associated with disability, its a literal violent loss of autonomy associated with being traumatized by physical force. Idk how to phrase it exactly but I think that makes some vibes different?

Sorry, I think I got really distracted, and I don't know if I responded well to your points. Because uhhhh I think I agree with your stance actually? If I understand correctly? Fuck Ninjago writers for making the robot lose autonomy (a stereotypical robot theme) while also making him seem clearly autistic (NOT A HAPPY THEME FOR AUTISTIC PEOPLE) and not addressing it. And also auuugh Zane with a weird body is a difficult topic - kinda sussy pretty iffy.

Lol anyway idk if this made any sense and I REALLY rambled on you. but this was nice 👉👈 more Zane criticism pls love you and i love zane. i hope u dont feel mad at me because then it would be weird that im saying that lol. if you do feel mad at me tho you can send another ask (ILL TRY TO JUST LISTEN NOT RAMBLE NEXT TIME) but assuming ur chill rn, love you thnx

Take this page, don’t mind cole’s ass.

[ernmark]

Peter Nureyev opens up a coffee shop. Pete's coffee

This is actually not my first coffee shop AU. That would be over here.

It’s one thing for Rita to come into the office bouncing on her heels at a mile a minute. That could mean anything– maybe she got a new computer, or she waved at a celebrity on the street, or they just announced another movie marathon for her to binge on. 

Two things set this apart from every other day, though.

First, she hasn’t rambled to him about every tiny detail of the thing. And second, it lasts more than a day. Or two. Or three.

Juno tells himself that he doesn’t want to know. If it matters, Rita will tell him on her own time. He’s got work to do.

It’s damn hard to focus when she keeps giggling like that, though.

The first real clue drops into his lap almost a week later, when he comes to work with a hangover and Rita comes in vibrating so hard the screws are starting to come out of her chair. 

He sighs. “What, did they open a new coffee shop or something?”

He’s pretty sure the squeak she makes isn’t supposed to be an answer, but he takes it as one anyway. Yes, there’s a new coffee shop, but he’s not supposed to know about it. 

Kind of a weird secret to keep from him, but he’s not going to push it. For all he knows, Rita’s got a crush on the barista or something. It doesn’t sound dangerous, and that means he’s too hungover to care.

He knows there’s a problem when Rita starts coming in late to work. She doesn’t even have the decency to be frazzled about it– she just keeps being giddy and giggly, and it is too goddamn early in the morning for this. When he finally gives in and asks her, her drawn-out giggles and singsong “oh, no reason,” are too obnoxious to stand. 

And it just keeps getting worse.

It’s been going for nearly two weeks when she comes in so flushed it looks like she’s been running. He can’t even worry about her safety  because she takes one look at him and bursts into a throaty giggle so intense that it triggers a coughing fit.

“Goddammit, Rita,” he snaps once he’s gotten some water in her. “I’m not paying you to come in late and moon over your crush all day. Just–” Goddammit, the last thing he needs is to get involved in Rita’s love life. “Just tell them how you feel already so you can move on or whatever, okay?”

Even worse: that just makes Rita giggle harder.

“Oh, I ain’t the one with the crush,” she tells him in that same goddamn singsong. “It’s a friend  of mine. But he’s got it bad, Mista Steel. Real bad.”

“Then tell him to spit it out already,” Juno snaps, and he storms back into his own office, accompanied by the sound of Rita’s laughter.

When Juno wakes up that morning, it’s to the staccato beat of Rita’s fist on his door. 

Not his apartment door, mind you. His bedroom door.

“Rise and shine, boss! Ain’t it a great morning? Just a perfect day to get some breakfast together, whadya say? My treat.”

“Rita?” He tries to prop himself up but misses the edge of the mattress, nearly falling out of bed entirely. Goddammit, did he even remember to wear pajamas last night? “What the hell?”

“Come ooooon,” she croons, rattling the door. “Come on, come on, come on! We gotta goooooo!” 

“I swear if you come in here I’m throwing my clock at you.” Not for the first time, Juno regrets letting her install the digital locks on his apartment. He yanks on a pair of socks and the first pair of pants that isn’t entirely bloodstained, and throws a shirt on for good measure.

He’s barely got the door open before Rita throws his shoes and holster at him.

“Here’s your stuff now let’s go already!”

“Jesus,” Juno mutters. “How much coffee have you had?”

“None!” Her voice is just shy of supersonic. “That’s the whole problem!”

Suddenly Juno plants his feet. “Wait. Is this about your barista friend?”

“Well…” She draws the word out too long to be comfortable. “I told him what you said to me, but he didn’t believe me. But I figure you know what you’re talkin’ about, so if he heard it comin’ from you…”

Juno would scrub a hand down his face, but one hand is holding a blaster and the other one’s got a shoe in it. “You’re never actually going to leave me alone about this?”

“Not until you come talk to him.” She looks so proud of herself. 

Well, he’s already up and dressed. Might as well get breakfast in him, especially if this finally cures Rita of her caffeine habit. “Fine. Whatever. But you’re buying.” 

By the time Rita parks the car, Juno’s having some serious second thoughts. Rita’s giddy enough that she really doesn’t need any more caffeine in her– half a cup of coffee and she might vibrate right through the floor. 

“Okay, so here’s the plan,” she says in that gruff voice that she uses when she’s playing private eye. “I’ll go in first and get him alone, and then you come in after me. That way he can’t make a break for it.”

“Wait, did you actually tell him I was coming?” Juno starts after her. “Rita!” 

But it’s too late. She’s already traipsing through the doors.

Juno grates out a sigh and wanders after her, ignoring the stupid plan. Besides, this isn’t the kind of establishment he wants to leave Rita alone in. The fixtures of the place are too generic, the tables are nearly identical to three other shops he’s been in, and despite this being the middle of the breakfast rush, the dining room is empty.

“Coffee shop my ass,” he mutters under his breath. “This is obviously a money laundering operation. I’m surprised they even sell… coffee.” 

And then Rita steps aside, and she’s no longer blocking his view of the barista, and the world slows down.

He’s standing on the other side of the counter, tall and graceful even in that ridiculous generic apron with some stupid fake name scribbled on the nametag, his shirt sleeves rolled elegantly up to his elbows. The thick frames of his glasses can’t quite hide the surprise in his eyes. 

Rita giggles. “How about I give you two some privacy?”

At least, that’s what Juno thinks she said, but right now it’s hard to focus on anything but Peter Nureyev. 

“Hello, Juno.” His voice is soft and even. 

And Juno… Juno has no words to offer him, except, “You’re here.”

“I am.”

“You said you were leaving Mars for good.”

Nureyev’s lips press into a thin, sad smile. “Apparently we both said things we didn’t mean.”

The reminder hits Juno square in the gut, and suddenly he’s reliving all his broken promises, all his lies, all the stupid things he said, all the things he ruined. What is he doing here? What was he thinking, talking to him?

“I should go,” he says hastily, and he turns around, striding to the door as fast as his legs can carry him.

Rita, as it turns out, is even faster. Just as Juno reaches for the door, she throws herself into his path. 

“Oh no you don’t!” She grabs him by the shoulders and bodily turns him around, and Juno remembers suddenly how strong Rita is when she means to be. 

“Rita–” 

“Don’t blow this, boss!” Rita hisses, and marches Juno back up to the counter. She flashes Nureyev a smile. “Don’t mind me, Agent Glass. Just pretend I’m not even here. You two just go back to what you were talkin’ about.”

Nureyev offers her a bemused smile before he turns his attention back to Juno. “I believe you were about to leave.” Juno can hear the empty space where Nureyev wants to say “again”. 

“Listen,” Juno says too quickly. “That was–” He wants to call it a mistake, but it wasn’t. Not really. Not the way he wishes it was. He lowers his voice. “That was pretty messed up.”

“That’s certainly one way of putting it,” Nureyev says evenly. 

“Listen, I shouldn’t have done what I did. The way I did. I shouldn’t have…” Juno wants to look away, but Nureyev deserves better than that, so Juno stuffs his hands into his pockets and just spits it out already. “Leaving Mars wasn’t an option for me. I don’t think it ever will be.”

“You could have said that.”

“I know.” There’s a lump in Juno’s throat. “There’s a lot I should have said. A lot I should have done differently. I keep going over that night, and I keep thinking–”

There’s a light clatter and the suction sound of a door being opened, followed by a louder, much more violent crash. Nureyev leans over to get a better view, and Juno twists to do the same. A young couple is standing in the doorway, looking bewildered and a little bit horrified as Rita shoves the door shut on them. The table by the window is still wobbling, and the chair where she must have been sitting is now overturned, still rocking gently. She must have leaped out of her seat to bar the door. 

“Beat it!” she cries. “We’re closed!”

“But the sign–” says one of the prospective customers.

“Who cares about a stupid sign? Can’t you see there’s a touching reunion happening?” With one last shove, she slams the door, and then gives the ‘open’ sign a vindictive little flip, and then she draws the blinds on the shop windows, just for good measure. As soon as she’s satisfied she rights her overturned chair and sits back down.

“Okay, you can continue,” she says daintily. 

Juno frowns. That whole display has given him a few moments to get over the shock of seeing Nureyev again, which means he’s had a few seconds to put together the clues. “You’ve been spying on me.” 

“I wouldn’t call it spying,” Nureyev says. “Just checking in on you. I wanted to make sure you were alright.”

“’Just checking in’ would be checking my social media feeds,” Juno says.

“I hardly see why. You haven’t touched those in years.”

Juno ignores him. “No. You opened a business between Rita’s apartment and my office, and you’ve been grilling her for information on me, haven’t you?”

“I would hardly call it ‘grilling’, Juno. I just gave her a few drinks in exchange for a bit of advice.” 

“You shoulda seen him, boss,” Rita says from her place by the window. “He was just so sad, and then when he’d talk about you he would–”

“Don’t you start,” Juno snaps. “You sold me out for a latte.” 

“It wasn’t like that at all,” Rita says in a rush. “It’s just that you weren’t ever gonna tell me what happened when you disappeared for all that time, but then Agent Glass explained it to me, and you shoulda said something, boss! And besides, he only wanted to know if you were doin’ okay. He was real worried about you, too.” 

“So you did all this?” Juno demands. “Wouldn’t it be easier to just walk up to the door and… and say something?”

“I was building up to that,” Nureyev says. 

“He was worried about how you’d react,” Rita supplies helpfully.

Because of course he was.

Because any middle-schooler can ask a lady’s friends if he likes them, but Peter Nureyev has to start his own goddamn small business first.