#let’s go into 2025 with hope shall we?

[elveny]

Listen, it’s the last day of the year. It doesn’t matter anymore. And yes, it’s arbitrary and technically just another day but still. You get to decide to start anew tomorrow. And there’s magic in your decisions.

You get to start anew tomorrow.

[theprettynosferatu]

State of The Blog, February 2025, or As I Type This

CW: Politics, general downer.

I promised myself I wouldn't write about this. Guess this post makes me a liar, aside from a humble kink-maker. I also promised myself I wouldn't complain, and that I won't do. Things are fine. Texts are being written. The smut is flowing, even if slowly- or less rapidly than either of us would like, dear reader.

Now... shit sure is fucked, huh? Not the most eloquent way of putting it, I know. But who has time for rhetoric these days? And I'm not even American! But I happen to know that a large portion of my little corner o'smut here hails from the USA. I have lived there myself. I have, perhaps, something of a romantic streak when it comes to what America could be. Sadly, it's not what it could be that we have to deal with.

Things are moving quickly. This is not by accident.

As I type this, the richest man in the world has gathered an unfathomable trove of data from the US government. Illegally, of course, but it appears such things no longer matter.

As I type this, information on gender and trans issues is being erased from government websites.

As I type this, self-ID is no longer a thing for my non-binary and transgender American friends, acquaintances and readers.

As I type this, ICE is raiding workplaces, schools, churches.

As I type this, someone has lost funding for life-changing research.

As I type this. the US is getting into a trade war on three fronts. All casualties in this war will be, as is always the case, the working people. On all sides.

The casualties of all these things will not be heralded. They will not the announced or published. They will be silent, in the form of people rationing medicine they need to live, getting sick from the cold and not being able to afford a doctor, perhaps choosing to not go on anymore in a world that seems to scream in their face that they don't matter, they are not wanted, they are Other.

You are shocked and traumatized because that's the point. To shock you into paralysis, so you won't have the bandwidth or time or energy to react- your reaction is what they fear.

I am nothing important. I make stuff to get people off. What right to I have to say anything to anyone who is really suffering? What the fuck can I do? Provide some escapism? Perhaps. It is useful, insofar as burning out on doomer shit helps absolutely no one. I'm nowhere near a front line, so to speak. Perhaps I'm being delusional thinking I am contributing something worth fuck all to people, but hey, I can do delusion. Or hope. It's hard to tell them apart sometimes.

I can't tell you to fight. I can't start preaching about the importance of community. I can't tell you what to do. It's not my place, and it's not my expertise. I'm not here to play armchair resistance, and neither are you. You are here for kink, and so kink I shall give you.

But I couldn't do the State of the Blog and let this go unremarked. As futile as it may be, as stupid as it sounds (and I am aware of the ass I'm making out of myself here), I just wanted you all to know you ARE wanted, you CAN handle this. Shit is bleak. But it won't be bleak forever, because YOU won't let it. The dawn is in your hands. And when you need a break and want to read smut, I'll be here.

Oh, and before I go, just in case anyone isn't clear:

Fuck off fascists.

Fuck off transphobes.

Fuck off xenophobes.

Fuck off racists.

Fuck off real sexists.

Life is not on your side, you absolute dogfuckers. It never has been, and it never will be.

[babybearnation]

cause i've got a soft spot (i've got it for you)

⎇paul aron x m!team boss!reader - you don't play favourites, but with paul... (smau) ⎇author's note: my first ever non-texts post and AHHH this is so nerve-wracking omd!! pls be nice to me PLS ⎇content warnings: team boss/racer relationship, hate comments, suggestive content, implied homophobia, arguing

Paul sighs, wiping his hands on his pants for the umpteenth time. His leg bounces restlessly and he's rather glad he got here after Arthur had already gone into the room to meet Y/n otherwise he's sure he would've annoyed his future teammate before the season could even start.

Paul's about to stand up and start pacing when the door clicks and swings open, Arthur walking out first. Paul watches as Arthur and Y/n exchange farewells before standing up and smiling when Y/n beckons him into the room.

"Paul, hi. Come on in." Y/n says. Paul crosses to the room, smiling as he enters the vast area. He's vaguely aware of the many thoughts he's having about Y/n and how young he is and how insanely attractive he is, but he's pushing them all down.

Professionalism, Paul, come on!

"So, welcome to the team." Y/n says as he sits down, folding his hands atop the desk as he smiles warmly at Paul. Paul finds himself flushing lightly, warmth lighting up his body.

"It's great to be here. Thank you for giving me this opportunity." Paul says, his words feeling thick and heavy on his tongue. Thank you doesn't feel good enough, but his English is clunky and he doesn't want to make a fool out of himself.

"Your post-season test with Alpine showed fantastic potential and we have the finances to invest in more... how shall I put this?" Y/n trails off, tapping his chin before shrugging. "More risky decisions, shall we say."

"Right." Paul says, an embarrassment flushing throughout his system. Do they really think he's gonna be that bad?

"Not that that's a reflection on you or Arthur, of course. I have my confidence firmly placed in both of your hands. But, well, you know how fans and higher ups can be." Y/n says, laughing softly. Paul latches onto the sound instantly, something flickering to life in his gut.

"I totally understand what you mean. Thank you for your confidence. I hope my performance can please you, Mr. Y/l/n." Paul says, all the drilled-in media training entwining with the words that drip from his tongue.

"Please, Paul, call me Y/n. I don't want this to feel like a job to you, but rather a family." Y/n smiles again and Paul finds himself naturally smiling back, all his previous nerves and professionalism replaced with a twisted sense of desire. "Now, about this family thing. Let's go get some lunch with the rest of the staff, shall we? I'm quite famished."

Paul thinks he might like it here.

liked by arthur_leclerc, cbaceracing, and 62,880 others

paularon_ Thank you to @/cbaceracing for signing me on as one of their 2025 drivers. I hope everyone is excited to see me on the grid next year. (And thank you @/aronralf for the silly cake).

comments

user1 let's go, paul on the f1 gridddddd

cbaceracing It's gotta be a good year when you've got Paul Aron on your team, huh @/hitechgp 😉 ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ liked by paularon_ hitechgp Can't disagree with that, can we? 😉 liked by paularon_

user2 This is fucking insane, I'm so happy right now.

arthur_leclerc I look forward to racing with you next year, mate. liked by paularon_

user3 Arthur's gonna fucking run your shit into the dirt. You're awful. user1 ew, who asked you? user2 Jealousy gets you nowhere, mate 🙄

aronralf That cake was delicious, I think we can both agree. liked by paularon_ paularon_ Remind me who ate most of it again?

Y/n sighs, pacing back and forth as he drags his fingers through his hair. He probably shouldn't dishevel his appearance too much lest he come off as unprofessional or unattractive, but it's been his bad habit for years, so bad habit it shall remain.

His fingers drift down to his tie and he's just about to tug it loose and retie it when there's a knock at the door. He crosses over instantly, tugging it open with far too much excitement, smiling breathlessly when he spots Paul on the other side.

"Hello, come on in." Y/n says, stepping to one side to let Paul through. Paul greets him softly and enters the room, sitting in the chair closest to Y/n's one. Y/n's heart most resolutely does not flutter.

"What's happening? Is everything alright? You look like a mess, to be honest." Paul says. Y/n huffs out a laugh as he leans against the desk, gazing down at Paul.

"Something is plaguing me." Y/n says, wincing when a headache decides to form behind his eyelids. Why right now? When he looks at Paul again, the younger man has a troubled expression on his face.

"Is everything okay with the team?" Paul asks. Y/n wants to laugh. Paul's devotion to the team is already showing and Y/n hasn't even had to do anything to make it happen! It's adorable, it really is.

"Yes, yes, all good. It's more myself." Y/n says. The headache throbs and he reaches over the desk, snatching up his water bottle and drinking a greedy mouthful. A stray droplet trickles down his cheek and he wipes it away with a calculated finger.

"So what's wrong? Is there any way I can help? I mean... you must've called me here for a reason, right?" Paul says, as observant as ever. Y/n smiles softly at him.

"I was wondering if you'd like to go on a date with me." Y/n says, puffing his chest out in triumph. He did it, he said it, now hopefully he's not going to get rejected.

"I- is that not inappropriate? Won't people claim you favour me?" Paul sputters, his cheeks a delicate pink.

"I've held feelings for you for a while. No favouring claims have come out, have they?" Y/n says. He's practically baring the very depths of his soul to Paul right now, an embarrassing hue of red surely filling his face and trickling down his neck.

"That's true..." Paul says, looking away from Y/n's gaze. Y/n smiles and leans down, capturing one of Paul's hands in his own.

"You can say no. I won't react negatively, I promise." Y/n says. Paul nods stiltedly before smiling up at him.

"I'd love to go on a date with you, Y/n."

Every single member of staff who currently fill both Paul and Arthur's garages come pouring out as Paul crosses the line to start his final lap, Arthur hot on his tail. They cram along the fences and the walls around CB Ace Racing's pitbox as Y/n smiles at the screens in front of him.

A 1-2 finish. Every team boss's dream. Every team's dream. Whilst Arthur would surely wish he had finished first, Y/n knew he wouldn't hold that grudge and would celebrate just as hard, if not harder, than Paul would tonight.

One last corner. One last straight. One last bit.

"Paul Aron, you are the winner of the Silverstone Grand Prix!" Cheers and thunderous applause rise up throughout the pitlane as CB Ace staff pound the fences and hoot and holler in excitement over their hard work finally paying off. Paul's white and purple car continues on around the circuit as his radio crackles to life.

"We did it! I did it for you, CB Ace Racing! I did it for you, Callum! I did it for you, Y/n!" You smile as Paul thanks everyone, the tears that are probably soaking into the material of his balaclava audible through his voice.

"You did it, Paul. You did it." Y/n says, proud and triumphant. He listens to Arthur's radio and congratulates him as well before pulling his headphones off and slowly following the rest of his team over to parc fermé.

As he goes, Y/n thinks to himself about how big this was for them. A rookie team. Two rookie drivers. Hundreds of points and a handful of podiums under their belt. And now a win. It was a dream come true as well as a big fuck you to everyone who had doubted them.

Y/n lines up front and centre as he watches Paul pull into parc fermé, the white and purple of his car sparkling and practically iridescent under the British sun. Arthur's car comes next but Y/n isn't able to stare for long, Paul clambering out of his car seconds later.

Paul stands atop his car and cheers, all the mechanics and staff around Y/n cheering along too. Y/n claps, slowly and patiently, as he waits for Paul to get weighed. Before long, his helmet has been discarded and he starts running over.

Straight to Y/n.

"I did it!" Paul says as he all but collapses in Y/n's arms. Y/n holds him close, offering his hand to Arthur when the other man appears moments later. He rolls his eyes fondly at Paul and Y/n before moving over to congratulate the rest of the staff.

The interviews and the cool down room waiting period passed so quickly Y/n was almost sure he imagined them. Before long, however, he stands in a crowd of thousands, eyes fixed on his two drivers. On his boyfriend. On his staff. On the legacy they've created in only their first year. And there's still more to come.

As the Estonian and British national anthems fill the Silverstone circuit in rapid succession, Y/n feels ecstatic.

Paul knocks against the doorframe. Arthur's driver's room door is open, but Paul doesn't want to just barge in without getting some sort of consent.

"Paul! Come on in." Arthur says, looking up from his phone with a soft smile. Paul smiles in return and slowly enters the room, kicking the door shut behind him.

"Can we talk?"

"Of course." Arthur says, locking his phone and placing it to one side, all his attention fixed solely on Paul. It's a bit daunting. "What is up?"

"You know me and Y/n are dating right?" Paul says, watching as Arthur's eyes widen almost comically in shock. "That's a no then."

"No clue." Arthur clarifies, laughing softly. A small amount of tension bleeds from the atmosphere at that and Paul finds himself relaxing somewhat.

"Well we are and um, do you think it seems like he favours me?" Paul asks, wringing his hands together. The question was out there now, simmering in the air between them. Arthur hmm's, causing Paul to look up and meet his eyes.

"No, not at all. You two seem closer, but I've never felt like you were prioritised over me." Arthur says, shrugging with a wonky expression on his face.

"Oh thank god. I was so worried someone would think that was the case. People are already getting suspicious about us on Twitter." Paul says, all the tension seeping from his shoulders, allowing him to practically melt against the wall behind him.

"Ah, Twitter rumours. The place of all good F1 commentary." Arthur snarks, both of them laughing at the idiocy of his words.

"That's an understatement."

liked by paularon_, arthur_leclerc and 20,072 others

y/n.cbace Sorry everyone, but this one's mine. (Bonus Arthur with Paul at the end I guess? 🙄)

tagged paularon_, arthur_leclerc

comments

paularon_ Love you, kallikene 🤍 liked by y/n.cbace y/n.cbace Love you more 😘

arthur_leclerc What's that supposed to mean 😐 liked by y/n.cbace y/n.cbace Nothingggg! I love you equally, just in different ways! arthur_leclerc Uh-huh, sure 😒 liked by y/n.cbace

neonpinkleds I TOLD Y'ALL MOTHERFUCKERS !!!!

user3 Eugh, the only reason you got the seat is because you're fucking the team principal. user1 Just say you're jealous you're not getting your dick wet🙄 liked by y/n.cbace

© all rights to babybearnation 2024.

[lordcrumps]

Sul Sul!

Hello, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who have reached out to me and my family the past few months; for those who don't know, my mum and uncle passed away on the same day in June and then in November I lost my cat of 19 years, so lets just say 2024 can do one!

2025 brings me hope that the year will be better, and the worse of it will be over! I plan on getting back into creating CC streaming etc, but right now I am enjoying playing... well I was until my Pleasantview got corrupted due to user error, but no fear we have a new hood in the works! Pleasant Point - inspired by our very own @kashmiresims Kashmire Point!

Thanks to those who have been with me on discord calls and chats, especially those the last few months, you really helped me in more than one way and I would love to tag you all but I don't want to accidentally miss someone, but you all should know who you are!

What is to come from lordcrumps this year? Details under the cut!

So what shall we expect from lordcrumps in 2025 and beyond? That is a big question! So let's give a big answer! Below will be of some of my most asked questions, so hope I clear things up!

STREAMING - My first goal is to get Pleasant Point finished and ready to play. Once I have this I shall get back into streaming again, setting up a schedule and what not for those who are interested! You can follow here!

YOUTUBE - Can't tell you when, but I do plan on doing more on Youtube!

CUSTOM CONTENT - Everything that I have created CC form, I will go through and upload at some point. I have TONS of stuff that was meant to be in "sets" (sets like, every wall / every floor / entire stuff packs etc) but never got around to finishing due to my hyper-focus moving onto to something different. So instead of hoarding them, I will eventually get around to uploading them! Cos lets face it, I can always update at a later date!

TERRAIN DEFAULTS - My Pleasantview redo / Pleasant Point / Sim State University Redo all use custom terrain types (like lush, dirt, concrete etc), so they are not that user-friendly to just import and play sadly, so I want to create a tutorial set and videos to go along with them. I also have to have the CC released for them to work too! As well as tutorials on how to have multiple roads sets within in one hood / different roads for different terrain types.

REQUESTS - I still do not want to take requests, this is because I do not like to promise something and never deliver. I will continue doing what I want to do and sharing with of all you. Just assume that one day the entire Sims 4 will be converted by myself or other friends of lordcrumps.com *wink* @platinumaspiration *wink*

LORDCRUMPS.COM - This site is not going anywhere, well at least that is the plan, this will be the place for all of my released CC!

LORDCRUMPS DISCORD - Back in my streaming and YouTube days, I had a discord. Feel free to join, the plan is once all the existing CC is sorted and uploaded. Anything that needs play testing / unreleased stuff / sneaky conversions, will be posted in there plus any updates to existing CC.

LINUX - Thanks to @kashmiresims and @teaaddictyt i'm now a linux boi, so will update you how that goes - so far, I am very impressed.

My TOU, I have had a lot of questions about my "rules" and what not so I want to clear things up as much as possible.

I purchase the Sims 4 for me to convert the items to Sims 2, I simply upload to lordcrumps.com for prosperity reasons, and of course to share with you all.

Feel free to use / share / edit what ever you download from me. Not 1 person owns sims conversions; so I cannot lawfully dictate who does what with the downloads. What I will say is for authentic LordCrumps and co CC, it will be on lordcrumps.com, this is where any updates, fixes etc will be posted.

If you use CC for a lot and package up that to share, fine, just make sure they have all the dependencies needed (Sims 4 shadow file, master meshes etc) Just don't take entire packs and re upload and claim as your own? I only ask of this due to the nature of updating files with minor tweaks, updating and bugginess, if it is all linked to one place (my site) then all the updates will be there too.

Hair Defaults by Platasp - this is one download I will be strict on, do not upload anywhere else, this is because of how interconnected the hairs are to each other, removing one might break another. Any updates will be kept to lordcrumps or individual files on PlatAsp tumblr. lordcrumps.com is not planning on shutting down any time soon, so there is no need to re-upload anywhere else.

SIMS 4 CC CONVERSIONS - Yes, one day once The 4T2 conversions have been done, I will be working on converting CC for the Sims 4, but right now; no, unless its really spectacular. So please stop asking to convert stuff from Sims 4 creators as that does not interest me right now. The reasoning behind this is that if I start treating myself to CC items, I will get spoilt and not want to convert actual Sims 4 stuff, silly excuse I know, but I would like to convert the Sims 4 first. That would be cool.

ANYWHO - That's all I think I have to say now, if you made it this far down thank you, here is some more pics of Pleasant Point to say thanks ahah!

Have a great day! See you soon!

[the-100-days-of-junkan]

Special Announcement for the Blog!

Hello to you all, my wonderful audience! I’ve come to make an announcement! 

As I’m sure you all know by now I made this blog to provide the small community of fans for this relationship as much art as they could handle, a bounty of soft Junkan for the masses! However, by the time this post is going up we should be just a few days past the big No. 60, we’re over halfway through with the event! December practically marks the end of the event despite a small amount of overlap into the new year. I very much want to extend the lifespan of this blog, even if I am still putting out art of these two on my main, However unfortunately I don’t think I have it in me to do something like 100 Days again, at least not for a very, very long time (and potentially for a different ship as well).

However there is one way to keep this blog alive for the foreseeable future, especially for 2025 specifically. You might have seen me make mention of it before in previous posts, however I’m happy to say that you can all look forward to-

Junkan Week!~ Coming February 11th all the way through the 17th! That’s right, we’ve roped Valentines Day into this!

The official prompt list for the event will go up later in the month! What day specifically is yet to be decided but I’ll be sure to make a proper post as a small heads up for ya’ll! 

And do not worry for those of you who want to participate but are worried about this blogs usual content of Softness above all else. I’m aware that while I am among many peers who like to see Junko and Mikan having a happy, soft relationship, there are plenty of you who like the ship to be depicted with a darker, more toxic tone even if I’m not among you!~ 

I’ve made plans and designed this event to give everyone who wants to depict the more twisted potential of this relationship! How so? You’ll just have to wait and see!! I also plan to offer a bonus prompt list specifically for AUs if that’s more your speed! I sincerely hope to see what you all have to offer, it will of course all be featured on this blog! 

But that’s not our only announcement! 

You may have noticed that I mentioned wanting to at least keep the lifespan of this blog going throughout 2025 specifically, however one week does not make a full year. Well while I can’t say this account likely won’t become a big quiet for a majority of 2025 unless I come up with another way to breathe some extra life into the blog (Suggestions are welcome! The asks are open!)

Let me ask you, are you full of ideas? Too many ideas even? Or perhaps you want a challenge, craving a true gauntlet. Do you wish to fully indulge in your desire for more Junko making out with Mikan media? Well look out for November 2025 because alongside it shall arrive-

A WHOLE MONTH OF JUNKAN! 

The prompt list will be released as soon as Junkan Week comes to a close, giving you nearly a full year to prepare! 

Keep in mind there is no requirement to do all 30 days! While I personally plan to do every prompt (It’s not my first rodeo with drawing a lot of art in November), I would be overjoyed by even the smallest participation! 

So whether you choose to go all in and do a full thirty days, or pop in to create something for a single day, we’re happy to have you! 

At the end of the day this is all just for the sake of bringing more Junkan into the world, whether it’s the twistedly toxic flavor of Evil Girlfriends, the tooth-rottingly fluffy Soft Style this account has been making for the past several weeks, or even somewhere delightfully inbetween!~ 

I hope you all look forward to the events, whether you plan to participate in either of them or just watch and have a good time! Have a lovely day!

[bronx-bomber87]

Hello my wonderful fandom :) I CANNOT believe we are at the finale already. This season went by in the blink of an eye. I was VERY excited for this finale and what it would bring. They don't have a ton of moments. But the ones they do the writers made count. My goodness I was happy and hopeful after this episode ended. Hard to believe we won't see our babies on screen till 2025. *grumble*

D sent me something about that actually (thank you bestie) Here it be. A.H. saying he's pretty sure all networks are doing this mid season 18 ep start. One of the reasons being the Election coming up. They want to protect shows and their ratings from the debates, coverage etc. And those usually happen on Tuesday nights. Which is actually really intuitive foresight from ABC. So to protect our ratings and show I get it. Especially if we wanna lock down a S8. I don't love it but I get it. Anyways lets get to it shall we? My last "mini" thoughts of the season.

6x10 Escape Plan

Always makes me nervous for Lucy going UC but still amazing to watch her in her element. Even if it makes my stomach tie in knots. Now maybe this is just me but Lucy seemed EXTRA uneasy on this OP. This is pure speculation on my part. But could be lending a little more credence to this not being the path for her? Just the feeling I got while watching her in these moments with with the kids in this one and the sneaking around.

I will say I do love seeing Lucy with the kids. Gives us a glimpse into her as a mama. I'm liking what I am seeing. Can't help but have that thought. I really can't. Chenford has taken over my brain and I'm very ok with it. Smitty's text to Lucy did crack me up. 'Red incoming.' Gotta love Smitty. Lucy is giving me a damn heart attack being undercover though.

The panic in her soul is so evident the minute she sees Monica is approaching. The way she guides the kids out of the room. Then the sheer terror when the kids wanna take a shorter exit. She has to pivot and redirect them quickly. I feel like the pressure of this specific UC mission was getting to her. I really do. It was felt in all her movements and body language through out these scenes IMO. I could be wrong but it was just a gut feeling I got watching her.

I think her expression in this scene after Monica departs is everything. Melissa be crushing it out here. Almost like she has to take a deep breath. Calm her racing heart down before unrooting herself from that spot to investigate further. I feel like her look of unease and panic here brings home the point I've been making.

Her questioning if doing UC is worth this stress? Worth the constant worry? Like I said back in my 5x20 review. Just because you're good at something doesn't mean it's meant to be your destiny. i.e. Lucy being a permanent U.C. Pretty sure her cover is blown after she runs right into him but she got the info she needed. At the expense of my own anxiety and worry though ha

The look in this scene oh my lord. How can they have so much chemistry with just one look? Melissa and Eric are a damn treasure to this fandom. To this amazing ship. Tim saying 'It's good to have you.' That loaded look between them. *screams into a pillow.*

You know that man is happier now that she's folded into this OP. His eyes were on her from the moment she stepped on scene. Be more in love with her Tim please. Then sharing a look with Angela. I’m dying. Angela is us we are Angela. She is the fandom in this moment watching this exchange. *sigh* So good.

Someone please tell me how do they look so amazing just standing next to one another? It's unreal how they can exude SO much chemistry just standing next to one another. Forever floored by the amount of physical chemistry these two have without even touching. It blows my mind in the best way.

Also I always enjoy me some Tim in T.O. mode it's sexy af. It revs my engine to watch him back in leadership mode. Not gonna lie. So very confident and sure of himself. Gah makes me need to cross my legs watching him in action LOL Sorry (sorta)Feral Caitlin made a return there haha But I do love seeing it. Like he’s getting his mojo back professionally. It’s nice to see. Does my heart good to watch it.

Oh my word they haven’t really been alone to talk (not counting the hug last ep) since 6x06. I’m so happy. I was legit buzzing watching this. My heart Tim telling her he took her advice and went to therapy. Yessss been waiting for this to unfold. Was hoping when they got a moment alone he would tell her about it. Look at him taking the first opportunity they have solo to tell her this. The growth of this man is incredible to see. I'm so proud of him it's insane. He takes a beat and makes the best of their time together. Breaking the uncomfortable ice with it. *happy sigh*.

I'm so proud of him. I can't state this enough. It is NOT easy to have this convo let alone be the one to start it. Another way to see he's grown. Tim is tackling the conversation. Being the one to broach it. Not Lucy dragging it out of him. I love her telling him that's not normal what happened for him. Definitely hasn't been my experience haha I do love her following up her little joke with being serious. Wanting to encourage him to keep going. I love this. Doesn’t want him to think one bad experience will tar the entire profession.

Tim nodding with a smile asking her if she wants to know the irony of it all? Lucy of course does. Tim continues on that she was a good therapist. The sessions they helped him. Damnit Blair.... I do adore the way Lucy is looking at him while he speaks about this. That angry look she started with has softened quite a bit. Truly hope he continues in S7 and we get to hear about it. God I would love to see sessions. Some of my all time fav Beckett scenes in Castle's S4 was getting to see her sessions with her therapist. It's on my wish list. *fingers crossed.*

His continued sharing with Lucy makes my heart so happy it might implode. Letting Lucy know therapy despite Blair being dirty has been good for him. She unearthed things he wasn't even aware of. I felt the same way too after a couple weeks. I felt more regulated tbh. I had massive sleeping problems from age 15 to when I decided to go to therapy in my 30's. After a couple sessions my sleeping issue's were gone for most part. I had been carrying my problems for so long. Like a pressure cooker with no release valve. So with no outlet they followed me into my unconscious and manifested into anxiety attacks. Couple weeks of sessions and my sleep issues all but disappeared.

Therapy when you truly lean into it can do wonderful things. i.e. Tim opening up to Lucy like this. Also look how SOFT Lucy looks with him as he bares his soul to her. I would be remiss if I didn't go in depth on this. The look of pride and love splayed all over her face is everything. Also reverence and love as well. This episode has a lot of loaded looks and I ate them all up. We started this scene with her face hard and holding a lot anger still. Then Tim melts it with his genuine vulnerability and sharing of what going to get help has done for him. Not only that but giving her props for the original advice in the first place. I'm beaming with delight.

We move onto Tim is being anxious his sessions are going be heard for evidence cause of the FBI investigation. Ugh. This kicks Lucy's brain into gear about that. Asking if he said anything revealing about her? His reply had me rolling. I adore him making a joke like this. Letting her know he mentioned ‘Freak in the sheets.' about her. I’m dying. I have no doubt there is some truth to that for them both LOL Look at our boy making jokes and getting her to laugh. God it was so so nice to see her laugh again. He earns a smile out of her too. The first time he's been the cause of that since her gifted her that KIA Radio in 6x05. I'm floating. They're both smiling by end of this scene. *sigh* We needed this.

We got to see some BAMF Lucy in this moment. Something that just like Tim in confident T.O. Mode has been missing since 6x06. I love her being like take this guy my man is in trouble. Getting him dropped off and instantly taking off after Tim. Who is also trying to pull off some bad assery tbh. A little recklessly but that's why Lucy is coming after him.

She see's his play and wants to be there to back it. Literally waste's no time in pursuit of him. Peels right out of that damn laundromat after him. Tim's play going south VERY quickly when this guy catches on to him in the bed of the truck. Sends his gun flying and my heart racing.

Adore the worried wifey look as she watches from the car. It's pouring out of her in that brief shot. Well done Melissa. Just like Eric she knows how to convey so very much with just a look. Lucy knows Tim is in trouble. That she can't just sit there in pursuit of the vehicle without helping him.

Especially after she watches him get pulled into the cab. Knowing that he is currently at a tactical disadvantage. No way in hell she is leaving him to fight this guy off alone. Telling Lopez to take the wheel as she makes her way out to help him.

Lopez's face when she makes the jump is shocked and amazed. Lucy continuing her BAMF streak on this OP. I loved the surprised look on Tim's face when she first jumps on the truck. Like he can't believe she just risked her life to come help him out. He can't stay in the feeling long as she takes the guy out for them. But it needed to be noted his utter surprise she was there to have his back. Risked her life to do so. Such a bad ass battle couple. Back to back finales we get to watch them be poetry in motion in the field with a battle.

Oh my lord what an epic scene to watch. Lucy jumping onto that moving truck bed to save her man. They take him down together. Their work dynamic easily coming back into play here. They don't miss a beat in this moment. Working as harmoniously as they always have in the past together in the field. I love the looks shared once they've stopped the truck.

Especially Tim's. He is so damn impressed with her. Always finds a way to blow him away with the bad ass she's become. Man is falling in love all over again. It shows all over the two looks he gives her in this scene. First one is his falling back in love again. I mean he already was but think sunk him deeper. Second one is more of just being in awe of her. The pride he feels watching the amazing cop she's developed into. I love these two so much.

Let me start with how happy it makes my heart that Tim smiles when she walks up to him. Despite all the hurt just the sight of her elicits a smile out of him automatically. His walking sunshine. Love of his damn life. She truly is his happy place in human form. Lucy making a crack about him taking a half day. Their banter still simmering beneath the surface. It's a little subdued in this moment but it's alive and well with Tim's reply. He is ever the gentlemen letting her go first.

His elevator version of holding the door for her. That chivalry never dying with him. It's the little things. Can't ignore how Lucy is looking at this man the entire scene. From start to finish. With such reverence and love. Still so in love with this man standing in front of her. Lucy can't help it. She is a moth to a flame with him. Especially with Tim thanking her for saving his life. Let's delve into that a little shall we? Tim Bradford is saying he didn't have it. Admitting fault he would've lost that battle without her.

Saying not only did he not have it but Lucy did. That he wouldn't be standing here without her. Giving her the kudos and all the praise for saving his life. Far cry from 1x01 and his future reaction to that moment in S5. This is a different Tim we see standing before us everyone. The amount of growth in this moment is immense. Because not only did she save his life but she saved him in a deeper sense. Feels like it's truly hitting him like a freight train the impact she's had on his life. I think there is double meaning to his words above. It's what leads him into this next section below.

The loving expression on Lucy's face when she replies ' You're Welcome.' That look of I'm still in love with you, I would do anything for you despite the hurt, and her realizing the deeper meaning of Tim thanking her. The growth she is currently seeing in him is prompting this soft/warm look and even softer reply. It's what encourages Tim to say his next portion. You can see him psyching himself up before he turns around to apologize. To own what he's done to them. To her.

Tim starts his apology by telling her he knows what he’s done (thank you lord for this) That he knows he ruined everything. You sure did babe...but you’re gonna earn it all back I know it. Lucy has the most loving and forgiving nature. The biggest heart. Also we can see there is still a tinge of anger to her expression at first above. So that journey will not be an easy one for Tim. Nor should it be. He has a lot to make up for. But my god will it be worth it in the end. I truly believe that. I'm going to be crying river's when we get there.

Look at how he has grown. Immediately spilling his guts emotionally to her twice in one episode. Not once but TWICE. Hell three times really. With saying she saved him and admitting fault to what he's done. I can't get over this. He had two really hard conversations with her in this episode. Swallowing that pride of his he's trying to hard to overcome. Doing this in order to communicate better with her. To show her he's putting in the time and the effort. To let her know he knows he messed up and is owning that. Something Tim wouldn't have done before. At least not easily. These are great strides for him. I couldn't be prouder of where they are ending the season for him. Imma need more therapy though in S7 you hear me writers?

Tim thanking Lucy for extending him the kindness she has shown him. *my damn heart.* That he can never explain how much he appreciates it. That she could've easily turned on him and he would've understood. But that's not Lucy. We all know that's not who she is. Or ever will be. It's that forgiving nature of her's that is one of the many reasons Tim is so damn gone for her. I think there is once again a double meaning to his words. To me Tim is saying this is for far more than just post break up. It's for their entire relationship. Together/apart and especially when they were not 1-4. The kindness and the empathy she's aways shown him. Even at his worst.

Like I said earlier it's all hitting him hard. The place she held in his life for so long and the impact she's had on him. Imma cry. A giant epiphany moment for Tim I think. Maybe starting to slowly understand the unconditional love she has for him. This scene made me tear up. That anger that is still present melts away a little more for Lucy. If she continues to see Tim work on himself. He shows her his continued growth. No reason she wouldn't take this man back when he's put in the work to re-earn that place in her life. Tim saying he's gonna spend rest of his life repaying her back for said kindness. *screams into the void.* In whatever small doses she allows of course.

Respecting her boundaries and hoping she will allow him to do so. It's the sweetest most sincere part of his apology. The way she looks at him as he departs. *heart clutch* You can see he's stunned her into silence. But also Lucy can see the growth in him and it’s written all over her face. This is a fantastic way to end the season for them. It wouldn’t be right to get back together right now or even just a 'we almost died' hook up. (Wonderful fic's out there for that just recently BTW.) Just wouldn’t. As much as my shipper soul LONGS for them to be back together. Legit longs so much it hurts. This was a good way to end them for the season. With some hope, some growth and a path forward leading us to S7.

Some Final thoughts below. With a Chenford hug to this lovely fandom of ours.

First off I want to thank you all for doing this not so mini review journey with me. I was nervous to do them. Even after doing 9 plus months of them with 1-5. This was different. It was first impressions. Hope you all enjoyed them. I'm more than happy to do this next season too. First impression thoughts for S7 as well if you are all interested. Let's move onto some final thoughts I'm having. You know months could pass by when we get to 7x01 in their timeline. I’m hoping he’s in therapy during this duration. Ready to prove he wants to earn her trust back. To earn her back. I don't think for one second that moment in the elevator is the last deep conversation they're going to have before we get a reconciliation. Tim has her love. Always has. Always will.

Lucy's decisions and responses in 6x10 show that. No matter what she loves this man. What he needs to gain back is her trust. To prove over and over again. He's there to stay. To show her through kind acts. To rebuild his rapport with her. I’m excited for that journey cause when we get there. *phew* God the fandom is gonna implode with happiness. It’ll be well earned. Their relationship is going to be even better with the growth Tim has done. (Hoping for some more for Lucy as well and getting the support she needs/deserves)We saw massive results in this episode alone. Can you imagine how it’ll be when they’re back together? *chefs kiss* it’ll make all the hurt and pain so worth it.

Getting emotional writing about this. This ship has a stranglehold on my emotions and I’m ok with it. Eric and Melissa love our passion for this couple. So I won’t be ashamed for the affect it has on me. I’m excited for s7. It’ll be a long hiatus. But we will get through it together. I will probably wait till mid July to do my thoughts fully fleshed out for S6. Think we all need time for finale to settle. For us too as well. I'm most definitely not ready to re-dive into everything just yet. Especially 6x05/6x06. But I'm hoping couple month hiatus for me will help with tackling that. Then we can start that journey for us all to go on with my deeper analysis.

As always thank you all for the likes, comments and reblogs. For being interested in my thoughts at all. It means the world you have no idea. Love this fandom, love this show and this incredible ship we are so fortunate to have. So once again thank you all for being on this journey of S6 with me. Like said earlier I’ll get started in my fleshed out S6 reviews come mid July. :)

~~~

Side notes-Non chenford

Monica cleaned up a mess for Blair. Manipulated her by helping her most Monica thing I've ever heard. Glad to finally have answers to that. I knew it felt like manipulation. She had too much of a conscience to be dead inside and doing it for money. Sucks cause she is very good at her job. That scene with Aaron was a mic drop moment for him. So proud of how far he came this season as well.

Friggin Nolan never listens. And get shot for not listening. In the ass. Because he's a pain in one. Was apropos. Also he's right back to being a dumb putz to me. It was short lived john you made it half an episode before falling out of my good graces LOL

Once again music amazing for their final scenes whoever handled that this season crushed it. Bringing out all my emotions.

See you all later this summer for my in-depth ones. Till then be kind and rally around each other. Gonna be a long hiatus.

[in-my-loki-feels]

2024 Writing Roundup

Thank you for tagging me @blackbirdofasgard and @loki-is-my-kink-awakening! <3 This got a little long so I'm not going to tag anyone at the end, but feel free to join in if you see this!

Lokius: 16 fics, 7 drabble-ish stories, 181,714 words (with an additional 24,287 words posted to tumblr)

February

Like You Mean It - M, Loki/Mobius, Prezdoki AU (technically)

Beg Me For It - E, President Loki/Don, Prezdoki AU

The beginning of the Bad Things 'verse, and my descent into rare pair madness. 😂

March

No Time For Love, Dr. Bones - T, President Loki/Dr. Indianapolis Bones

April

Let Me See You - E, President Loki/Don, Prezdoki AU

May

Sweeten the Pot - T, Loki/Mobius

June

Out in the Open - E, President Loki/Don, Prezdoki AU

July

My Mind's Aflame - E, Loki/Mobius/President Loki

August

Where You Belong - E, President Loki/Don, Prezdoki AU

Just Like Runaway Horses - E, Loki/Mobius, Cowboy AU

October

Intoxicated, Calculated - E, Loki/Mobius

A Desperate Play for Control - E, Loki/Mobius, Avengers AU

November

Love in Every Cup - G, Loki/Mobius

A Break in the Routine - E, Loki/Mobius

More Than Your Broken Pieces - M, Loki/Mobius, Avengers Loki x Mr. Tesseract

December

In A Fever 'Til the End - E, Loki/Mobius, Cowboy AU

I'll Be Anything You Need - E, President Loki/Don, Prezdoki AU

Drabble-ish writing (written for Wanksgiving and Wanksmas)

More

Lovely

Perfect

Convincing

Well-Behaved

The Mistake

Lace

Honorable mentions to other fandoms under the read more!

Sharperton (Benedict Bridgerton/Thomas Sharpe)

Thank you @silentxsymphony for being the catalyst to writing this ship! I've had so much fun discussing these two with you. 💖

Society's Expectations

Shall We Dance?

There are a few more tidbits with them in the Sharperton tag, including the ask prompt that started it all!

Lan Wangji/Wei Wuxian, MDZS

How to Shred Trails (and win hearts)

so much that it hurts

Frosthawk (Loki/Clint Barton)

Left Wanting

WHEW! That's a lot of writing. The total for all fandoms was 197,764 words.

I feel incredibly lucky to have found the Loki fandom when I did because all this writing was helping me cope with a shit year. I hope circumstances improve in 2025, but I also hope I can keep writing so I can share the ideas currently crowded in my brain. 😊💚🧡

[pxrifiedmxniac]

Since I'm seeing peeps share their thoughts, I might do the same too.

Imma be real here, 2024 sucked. It sucked hard for me, probably up there along with 2009 as the worst year for me and it all stemmed from what happened in March. Won't go into it because I already did so and I'd much rather not relive is and just move on from it.

But, this year was insanely stressful and honestly there were times where I was actually considering nuking everything and just leaving.

However, you wanna know why I'm still here? You wanna know why I'm still kicking around not only on here, but even on Discord as well?

You

All of you are why I'm still here. All of you are the reason why I still come on here and why I still wanna do what I've been doing. And you wanna know the big kicker?

2025 will mark this blog's 10th anniversary. Yes, I've had this blog for almost 10 years at this point. And I'm hoping for another 10 more of hijinks, shenanigans, and more. This blog has gone through a lot of changes from how I portray my Ryuko to adding a new muse on here, and even having my muse in plenty more relationships while also keeping the ones I've held dearly (i.e. Ice Fibers (Ryuko/Weiss) and now adding Ryuko/Vaggie into that as well)

So, thank you. Thank you all for helping me through this godawful year.

And let's do some shoutouts, shall we~?

Shoutouts to:

@shiningxfates, @wintershub, @cauchemarrose, @symbioteburnout, @metaladam, @passionlead, @determination-personified, @rockingmusician, @thebrainsandbrawn, @linklewinklewoman, @bunny-brawler, @captainseamech, @cxffeeshxp, @hashtag-bitch, @vindicta-reliquiae, @cleverxgirl, @rinnysmuses, @box0pals, @phenomenally-skilled, @pinklocksoflove, @mxuntainsidemuses, @belovedblossoms, @dekadentherzensteigen, @kronya-blade, @hifimuses, @withdiscretion, @cynthiaandsamus, @xanican-exile, @sylseal, @temperseraph, @metalsinpile, @siren-euphemia, @damagecompilation, @hospitalstay, @murdxrxfcrxws, @twopieceworld, @icecreaminanumbrella

and many more on here and on Discord. So, even if you weren't mentioned on here, don't think I don't love ya any less. All of ya are amazing. ♥ ♥ ♥

[mcltiples]

{ OOC } Before I leave tumblr for good for the night, I just want to take a moment to be sappy AF to everyone who's stuck with me this past year! So, let's get on with it, shall we~

To all of my mutuals, new and old, I appreciate each and every one of you. From the bottom of my heart, you've made this year amazing and I'm so glad to have gotten the opportunity to write with you. There's some of you that I still haven't interacted with, but I'll change that in this coming up year! One of my new years resolutions is to expand and hopefully get people on board with wanting to interact with my characters!

@mournwatchingprofessor ; Reni 🩷🩷🩷 You've been with me through three blog changes and have stuck by my side as a friend for three years now, holy shit !! You're a true gem in the RPC and as I've told you before, I'll be following you no matter what hyperfixation you currently are stuck in. Getting to write with you, develop stories with you, and just talking to you in general has been the highlight of my year. You're my best friend and I'm so grateful for you 🌟✨

@lostinyourfacade ; Ally, for the past five years (damn) we've been writing and shipping our characters and moving along in different fandoms / muses -- you're someone I cherish as a writing partner and I absolutely adore every single character you decide to take on (even if my fave will always be the Megs & Petal~). I'm raising my proverbial glass to you in hopes that we'll have another wonderful year of fluff, drama and so much angst >:D

------------ And here's an honorable mention to all of my lovely mutuals / affiliates and people who I absolutely adore!! I hope 2025 treats you well and that you go into it realizing how amazing you all are 🖤💜

@dynamoprotocol / @muses-inn / @lustsang / @rradiio / @civicmuses / @pcrplevenom / @infernal-feminae / @relentlessgrief / @somniaxperdita / @justiceiswrath / @imprvdente / @nebula-drcams / @nerditudes

[misspepeshi]

Warning: [PG-13] This story contains elements, language, and topics that are not suited for minors, and can be sensitive to you. Please read at your own discretion.

[ REKINDLE | ACT V: A Granted Wish ]

Below this line, you are reading and viewing images at your own discretion.

The Moon Realm. October 31, 2025. Kasthan’s birthday and an effective contingency plan.

Before anything could occur, Seira had summoned Vaelren, who had emerged in his female, human-like shifted form. Aelar had left, with instructions from Seira to return afterwards.

Vaelerie was as beautiful and delicate as a red rose. She had carefully approached the Moon Fae, whom she was bonded to, and greeted him politely.

But Seira knew that behind the beauty, calmness, and politeness, hid a Low Fae. A Low Fae that, with time, had been forced to become something he never asked for, nor wanted to be.

The Moon Fae carefully pulled Vaelerie closer by the waist, wanting to keep her close for the first and last time. Seira could feel, could sense the myriad of negative emotions that the other had. And it pained him deeply. 

Seira thought Vaelren had everything figured out and would be alright on his own. Because of this, he never showed attention, nor care, to Vaelren. As a High Fae, he thought he had more important things to do. And the fragments have proved him wrong. 

Seira remained calm and composed, as he guided Vaelerie into a slow, meaningful dance. “Will the youngling be the last one?” He asked. A lie that made his mouth dry.

“Yes, and then I shall be fertile again.” Vaelerie responded, a small glimmer of hope in her eyes. “We… I… I can carry your offsprings and bring back to life our race.”

Seira hated it. He hated the way Vaelren treated himself. Like some Low Fae would in the presence of a High Fae. Anything to obtain a High Fae’s attention. Vaelren didn’t need to do this, for he had now Seira’s full attention after so many years of being mated to him. After the fragments and truths he didn’t knew of, nor will.

“Good. Let us enjoy this moment together, before you go.” Seira responded as he continued to dance with Vaelerie.

They danced as the Moon Fae enveloped both in his magic, as he began to slowly sacrifice himself away for the sake of the other. The more they danced, the more closer they got, causing Vaelren to shift to his original Low Fae form. Vaelren let himself get lost in the arms of the Seira, and Seira kissed him gently, all while whispering to him all the words Vaelren had wanted to hear all his life. That he will be free, happy, loved… For a first time in a long time, Vaelren felt safe in someone else’s embrace.

That night Seira loved him and praised him. Worshipped him. But at some point, Vaelren started slowly passing out. 

“Seira,” he sighed his mate’s name. “I- I don’t feel good.”

A soft hush and a gentle kiss on his cheek. “Try to relax and let go of your worries, let me take care of you.” 

And so Vaelren did. He passed out quietly, going limp on Seira’s embrace.

“Vaelren?” Seira lifted Vaelren’s upper body carefully. No reply. His magic had worked its way into Vaelren’s body, and soon enough Vaelren wouldn’t be able to remember anything.

Seira laid Vaelren down on the ground and held his head gently as he once more summoned Aelar. He was quickly beginning to lose all of his mana.

“Vaelren, my sweet mate, life has never been fair to you since you were born. The things you have always wanted were never truly yours.” Seira began as he kept Vaelren close to him, his eyes welling up.

“Today that will change. For this wish I shall grant you: I, Seira Moonwhisper, close your past doors and open new ones for you. I grant you all of your future wishes. You won’t remember your past life, you won’t need to shape-shift anymore to please anyone, and you will no longer be tied to me. For I intend for you to be free, and live your life as you’ve always wanted. I break this bond and set you free. And may your fertility come back and so all of your special abilities. May you regain your right eye. May you find happiness and love. May you heal from the heartbreak I’ve inflicted upon you.”

Aelar didn’t know who was going to suffer more from a heartbreak: A High Fae who just lost the closest thing he had to a friend, or a Low Fae with no memories. But one thing he knew: per Seira’s wish, he was going to watch over Vaelren. He was not going to let him suffer in any way. 

Aelar carried Vaelren out from the Moon Realm as he watched it all crumble down. As he watched it cease to exist and all of Seira’s knowledge and wisdom passed on to him. What Seira did throughout his life, and his ultimate sacrifice, was not to be forgotten. 

“You’re free, High Fae Vaelren Dreadflame.” A faint whisper.

The moon shone like never before that night. And Aelar was headed to a familiar manor with a passed out, High Fae.

← ✦ → | Thank you all CC creators. 🕸

[dcocca]

First chapter of the Year! Happy 2025! Hope this year will be gentle on you.

This will be the last double-update I had scheduled for the festivities! After this, I will resume posting once a week, on Mondays!

Have a cozy chapter about decorating a Christmas tree. ☺️🎄

An excerpt:

Crowley followed him through the maze of shelves, letting out an impressed whistle when he saw the tree. “Ye’ve certainly gone big.”

“Well, the bookshop is big—it needed a tree to match…” Aziraphale replied before adding, “Let me put on some music to accompany us.”

He made his way to the gramophone and put on one of his favorite Ella Fitzgerald records—he had already decided on the music that morning while daydreaming about this moment.

As the notes of All Through the Night filled the shop, Aziraphale returned to the tree and opened a box with purpose. “Shall we get started?” he proposed.

“Let’s,” Crowley replied. “I really want to taste that focaccia.”

Without further delay, the two got to work. Aziraphale meticulously opened all the boxes of decorations, unearthing a mix of old and new ornaments. He had baubles dating back to his grandfather’s time alongside others he’d bought just last week. The combination might not have been the epitome of aesthetic perfection, but Aziraphale was going for personality. He wanted a tree that reflected the diverse character of the bookshop—both its history and its modern charm.

They started with the lights, white and gold to match the rest of the decorations scattered around. Aziraphale decided to stay firmly on the ground and let Crowley climb the ladder to string the lights on the higher branches—“You are taller; it will be easier for you!”—partly to watch him struggle with the slightly rickety steps and chuckle, and partly to spare his back, which still ached from hauling Crowley’s comic book boxes the wrong way a few days ago.

Aziraphale had a clear idea of how the lights should be arranged, while Crowley advocated for a more creative approach—“I’ll just toss ‘em and see where they land! That’ll look fine.” As a result, they spent a while bickering.

Tagging @goodomensafterdark ❤️💙

[maikosmind]

Squid Game Analysis:

Warning: All of the analysis that you will read is not professional by any means. These are just personal ideas coming from a fan of the series.

I am sure a lot of you have watched or at least heard of this series but just in case you have no idea what it’s about i’ll tell you. 

Squid Game is a K-drama series written and directed by  Hwang Dong-hyuk. It is survival, thriller/horror series that revolves around a secret contest where 456 players, all of whom are in deep financial hardship, risk their lives to play a series of deadly children's games for the chance to win a ₩45.6 billion (US$39.86 million -Okay wtf that's a lot) prize.

The series follows our main character Seong Gi-hun who is struggling financially and therefore joins the game in hopes of winning and paying off his debt. (Fun fact his surname has two meanings one is “ succeed” the other one is “last name”. I found that absolutely hilarious and interesting)

The squid games series currently has 2 seasons with the third season being expected sometime in 2025 (I personally need it quick bcs i can’t handle cliffhangers)

Allrighty then let’s start with my yapping shall we :D

WARNING: IT WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS WATCH THE SERIES FIRST IF YOU DON’T WANT SPOILERS

Season 1 vs Season 2

Now I wanna talk specifically about this because I had a talk with my friends and family about this the other day and I am incredibly passionate about my opinion.

A lot of people have been arguing about which season is the better one and in general I saw people liking s1 better. 

Now i wanna talk about this because i personally think these 2 seasons can’t be compared that easily. It’s because they tell different stories. S1 is a story about survival whereas S2 is about resistance, some type of revolution. 

In S1 you see these characters giving it their all, not knowing who they can trust or if they should even trust each other. We do see them trust each other of course. But it’s way riskier than it was in S2 because there is no community whatsoever. 

In S1 the situation is like when you play a war game in solo mode. You have friends on the call and you did promise that you wouldn’t kill each other but time is ticking and there can only be one winner. There is always a chance your friend could betray you(Very shit explanation ik but have no way of explaining this). It's survival of the fittest situation. And the games went as it was intended. 

S2 was different though. Because they added a new rule. A rule that changed the dynamics between players. After each round of the game everyone would vote whether or not to keep playing the games. If they chose not to then all the money gathered would be distributed evenly and everyone would leave. And after you voted you get a patch on your jacket that indicates whether you voted to go or to stay. This created some type of segregation, two different communities. That’s what I meant by saying that trusting someone was easier in S2. The players were evenly parted into groups where they had common ground with each other. 

As you can see the floors clearly indicate a separation as well.

As the director said:

“They introduce benefits that weren’t provided in season 1, forcing players to split into whether to continue or stop. This intensifies the conflict and confrontation. Currently, we’re seeing an increase in division, conflict, and hatred, not only in Korean society but globally, based on religion, ideology, background, gender, and race. In season 2, I wanted to symbolically represent this by dividing the group into O and X and highlighting how they divide, hate, and confront each other. That’s what I tried to portray this season…”

The series always has a clear focus on this topic, whether with the differences of the players and the vips or the general difference between players as well. (This is actually what the series is all about. As the director states“I wanted to write a story that was an allegory or fable about modern capitalist society, something that depicts an extreme competition, somewhat like the extreme competition of life.” )

One of the things that proves this is how during the games the female players tend to be discarded more often with the thought of them being weak. This idea of male dominance is a huge problem in our world and a very noticeable one  in Korea as well where the series takes place.

Back to the main point, in S2 a group of players fought against the system to try and stop everything for good with Gi-hun leading them on. It is a revolution. They know their fates and are fighting against it. It isn’t clear if they will be successful or not but despite everything they still try. Bcs that’s what people do. We always fight against the inevitable just to be able to say we tried. That’s the philosophy of life. You live knowing there is an end. But still you will fight against it. You will fight against death at every corner of your life and hang on until you can’t. That’s the end of the road. Living is a revolution against death and spitting on it’s face. 

That’s why S2 is so important. Besides my personal thoughts of S2 being a bridge season between S1 and S3 it tells us a very human story. It tells us our world. 

Survival

Revolution 

Victory/Tragedy

Survival is starting life. Survival represents S1. 

Revolution is living. Revolution represents S2

Victory or Tragedy is death. And that’s what’s gonna be S3

SEASON 3

Now the reason why I said victory or tragedy is because obviously we still don’t know how the series will end, and I don't really have any thoughts about it since I don't know if Hwang Dong-hyuk is an optimist or not. I have not seen any of his other works but I did do a bit of research and I saw that one of his other films named Silenced has quite a bittersweet ending (It actually looks very interesting. I will watch it sometimes and i think you should too) so maybe he’ll do something similar. 

Another thing i noticed was the fact that he is from Ssangmun-dong as well just like Gi-hun and graduated from SNU (Seoul National University) like Sang-woo. So it’s one of his works that he has an emotional connection with. He also wrote this in a time of his life where he was struggling financially. 

So maybe, possibly Gi-hun is almost a self-insert for him. One of the articles I read stated:

 “He spent his free time at a Manhwabang (South Korean manga cafe) reading Japanese survival manga like Battle Royale, Liar Game and Gambling Apocalypse: Kaiji and Japanese survival manga such as Battle Royale, Liar Game and Gambling Apocalypse.  Hwang compared the situation of the characters in these works to his own current situation and came up with the idea of participating in such a survival game to earn money to get out of debt, which led him to write a movie script on the concept during 2009.”

So basically I actually have no idea how this will end. But whatever it will be, I believe it’s gonna be fantastic. 

[redroomroaving]

Blorbo of the year, 2024

Thank you for the tag @lemonsrosesandlavender, this is a super fun idea! I'll do my best.

I'll put some no pressure tags for @lizziemajestic @captainsigge @librivore42 and @tickitytockityrattityrottity and anyone else who wants to do this.

So, the thing is that people who know me know how many beloved blorbos I have. I've written 20+ microblorbos over about 570k words this year, and love countless more still. But my real answer was immediate, so, time for honesty.

My blorbo of the year: Donnick

I've spoken a little before about Donnick and my fic Sufferer, I Shall, and how much it means to me. Something I absolutely would not have predicted when I started it on the basis that I wanted to explore the rivalry between Loviatar and Ilmater through a pairing I thought could be a fun and interesting contrast.

Instead, thanks to Donnick, I found myself exploring and understanding my relationship with purpose and practice, with my chronic pain, the purpose to be found in suffering and what it is that makes me get up every day. I wrote a thing that I'm genuinely proud of and explored a mind that is as fascinating and deep as a particularly well made soup. Donnick is a joy to write, and has taken up residence in my mind in a way no other blorbo or character ever really has before. It is difficult to explain quite how much this character ended up meaning to me, but if I can't gush about him here and now in this, well, when can I? Thank you, fed up, sarcastic, wonderful soup monk. I promise I'll get you the happy ending with your soulmate you deserve.

The runners up: Geraldus and Klaus

Choosing one of the Rivington 3 was excruciating, btw; my trio of besties who I slowly drew together over the course of the year across my fics to fill Geraldus' life with friends and support.

Geraldus has been my most consistent muse throughout the year, he compelled me to write an 150k longfic romance I just finished last week, and I've so much more yet to write for him. The Bravest Man in Baldurs Gate has brought me a whole community of incredible friends and creators I never would have expected to find. I cannot tell you how hard it was to put him in second place. I can't wait to write more for the best Harper in 2025.

Klaus, my narrative can-opener and muse, has been a huge surprise. I just needed a guy for a circus scene and now here we are months later and he's so much more. Klaus consistently pushes me to do more; add more colour, more movement, to go bigger and bolder. He's a wonderful character, I hope more people come to write him and find that out too.

New OCs for 2024

So most people will know I don't have a lot of these; but, I do have someone who showed up very unexpectedly in Conductor Ringmaster so let's give her a shout out.

Estrella Redtooth - Night Hag, menace

Showing up as a fortune teller when the circus hit the feywild and immediately developing an infuriating little tug of war with Klaus, Estrella was a blast to write whenever she appeared.

Let's hope we see that tricksome fey again.

Red's bonus category: last minute scene stealer: Harper Bor

Arriving in November, a full year after the game took over my life and I found Geraldus, I found Bor.

In the 2 and a bit months since, I have entirely lost my mind over Bor and his adorable relationship with the tiefling kiddo Mirkon, his massive lumberjack axe and a Harper on Harper romance with Geraldus. This is the shape of my 2025, and I look forward to seeing him up in the top categories next year.

That is if I haven't fallen even more in love with like, Ethel's Door.

Honourable shout outs to the following blorbs:

Abdirak, Jaheira, Kar'niss, Rolan, He Who Was, Lae'zel, Halsin, Ethel's Door, Viola Silvertongue, Waiter Jaymes (and his beloved Sküna!), Tecothy, Moy, Olly, Lia, Professor Limeleech, Cal, Sorn and everyone else I've written this year.

Not you, Nere and Dhourn. Not you.

[the-banks-of-lethe]

The New Year and this Blog

Happy New Year everybody!! I hope you've all come into 2025 well and rested, or at least are planning on resting. I find it very fun that the year has started on a Wednesday, Lord Hermes day, as if He was delivering us into this new rotation around the sun (Helios), or so that we may feel His guidance throughout the year. Either way, welcome to the Banks of Lethe - 2025 edition hehe.

Going into 2025, I'd like to hear from you all and what you might like to see here on this blog! While this is not a formal place, just a shrine / devotional blog to Hypnos, I do want to make this a little place where one feels comfortable and seen. So I want to ask if there was anything you would like to see, any concerns or complaints, any suggestions or questions; really, I want to take on the community's advice. Everyone is safe in the arms of sleep, so shall they be here. Feel free to either send an ask, comment, or reblog with anything you'd like to say!

I'd also like to share that I am going on a long spiritual jouney with Lord Hypnos, requiring a lot of dedication to Him, and a lot of self-reflection to start off (though no doubt self-reflection will be an ongoing thing no matter what). I don't want to share too much more as this is still new, and I am still figuring a lot of things out; but potentially I may share later on down the track - that's all you'll know for now.

Partially related to this ( ^ ), I am planning on creating a little informational booklet / zine (whichever you'd like to call it) about Lord Hypnos. This will probably be a seperate post, but if there is anything any of you are curious about and would like to see in there, let me know! (Again, this will probably be it's own post so maybe just think about it for now).

Phew, almost there... To finish off this yapping post, it's Wednesday, so it's poll time!

Okay, now to actually finish this off - I love yall (/platonic) and Lord Hypnos does too. No matter where you are, I truly hope that this year will be one for the memories, one that we can all look back on fondly.

Khaire! And sweet dreams 💙

[esseastri]

Nicole's Favorite Books That She Read in 2024!

I think I missed doing this post the last few years, but let's get back on the train, shall we?

In no particular order, we have:

The Book of Ile-Rein, by Martha Wells: I've been gobbling up all the Martha Wells backlist that Tor has been reprinting, and I adored this set. Element of Fire was a classic and Death of the Necromancer was a romp. Both were fun for very different reasons, but as always I love Martha's characters too much.

Lady Eve's Last Con, by Rebecca Fairmow: Oh, what an absolute DELIGHT of a novel! Full of 1820s etiquette and elegance, 1920s glitz and glam, 2020s swag and shenanigans, and 2120s gravity and grit, this book is fast and fun. The characters are unforgettable, the plot is unputdownable, and the romance is to die for. The most fun you've had at a zero-g engagement gala, for sure.

The River Has Roots, by Amal El-Mohtar: Comes out in March 2025!: I cannot put into coherent words how very much I love Amal El-Mohtar's writing. It's just so beautiful. Lyrical and clever, intricate but open, so full of heart. This book was written with so much love, and it shows. I could wrap myself in this story like it's a scarf and just wander its sentences forever.

The City in Glass, by Nghi Vo: God, this book is so beautiful, but it made me full-body sob for an entire chapter, so I guess, be aware. This book is about grief. Loss and hurt and anger and grief. It is absolutely gorgeous.

Parable of the Sower, by Octavia Butler: It's really hard to rate this book because it was amazing and also horrifying. So many terrible things happen, but the book is beautiful, too. Despite the fact that everything that can go wrong in Lauren's life does, in fact, go wrong, she is so hopeful. She's got something to believe in, and she is so tenacious. I hated this book and I also loved it. And I am so deeply angry at every literature class I took that didn't teach Octavia Butler.

The Dead Cat Tail Assassins, by P Djeli Clark: I don't think P. Djèlí Clark is capable of writing a thing I don't like. His prose is just magical, his ideas are brilliant, his characters are wonderful, and his books just fill me with joy. This was hilarious and brutal and fun and sad and I loved it. I loved it so much.

Mammoths at the Gates, by Nghi Vo: If you haven't read the Singing Hills, don't start with this one, go back and read the first three. But then read this one. This one is about grief and it is beautiful.

Swordcrossed, by Freya Marske: The Midnight Bargain's less magical and much spicier cousin, this book is an absolute delight. I'm a sucker for a snarky con man with a heart of gold, so I was sold on Luca from page one, but Matti crept up on me and I found myself loving his seriousness and his sneaky sense of humor, too. Personally, I want the Maya and Sofia POV of this book, because I love those two women more than I can explain, but I'm content with the disaster boys getting the spotlight, too. A great, low-stakes romp though business espionage, sword lessons, guild intrigue, "sword lessons", and the wildest wedding this town has ever seen, Swordcrossed is just fun. So much fun.

A Novel Love Story, by Ashley Poston: This one is about how books by your favorite authors have the ability to change the course of your life, and I just wish Ashley could know that she's that author for me. I love this book.

Howl's Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones: I'm still not sure how I somehow managed to miss this book entirely, but god, it is SO SWEET and I LOVE IT SO MUCH. It wraps up very quickly at the end, but honestly, that feels very Howl--slapdash and manic and wild. I love how Sophie is the embodiment of "This Might As Well Happen." I just really love them all. What a good book.

Godkiller, by Hannah Kaner: I loved Kissen from page one, and Elo is such a soft boy he was irresistible, and I love the worldbuilding of this strange, godful land sO MUCH. The circle of people creating gods who create people and destroy them so the people must destroy them is such a fascinating design for faith and belief, and I loved the exploration of it.

The Mars House, by Natasha Pulley: Have you ever gotten mad at an author for being too good at writing words? For taking deep, dark, heavy topics like prejudice and fear, anger and murder, right versus good versus kind--and making them beautiful and delicate? For taking harsh edges and writing them in such a way that they seem like soft candlelight? For taking real science and feeding enough fiction into it that you hope this is how the world turns out because maybe, if it were real, then things might be okay a long time from now? Anyway, I've finished this book and I am pissed off that I finished it because what the hell do I read now?

City of Bones, by Martha Wells: While I don't jive with the title of this book (and I'm not sure the book jives with it either), I loved everything else about it. Wells is an absolute master of characters, especially non-human characters that end up being the most human and the best of them. Khat is no exception, and falls in with Murderbot, Moon, and Kai on my favorites list. I love a person who is too deeply good for their own safety. And Wells writes these doofuses perfectly. It's a slow start and a soft story (surprisingly soft, considering how dark it can be), but if you can give it a little patience and attention, this book--like its main character--will open up to you and reward you greatly for your time.

[unioncolours]

1 Million Words ✨

[Image ID: Screenshot from AO3's statistic page with the word count 1, 000, 116]

I will let the picture speak for itself. I have, as of now, published over 1 million words on AO3! 🥂

I am super happy and relieved, as it was my goal to reach this number before 2025.

I thought for the fun of it that I would make a statistical breakdown of these 1 million words.

Out of 1 million words:

Shikajin-centric fics consist of: 561 616 words

ShikaTema or Temari-centric fics: 280 621 words

Saiino or Yamanaka family-centric fics: 17 162 words

Platonic Ino-Shika-Cho fics: 6087 words

Shikadai-centric, platonic: 52 292 words

Shinki-centric: 2396 words

WLW fics with main ships InoHina, InoTema, SakuTema and SakuIno: 77 244 words

That one JJK fic: 2728 words

Thank you everyone who has read, commented, bookmarked, everything! You made this journey lovlier than it would have been alone 💖

Below is an introspective discussion about this journey. I have written every year a Majsasaurus Year post where I go into detail about each journey for each individual fic (links in pinned post), so this one will be more general thoughts about my goal. Thank you.

Back in 2020, when I was feeling the biggest high of being part of fandom, I saw already my newly gained Naruto friends, one after one, say they have or will or want to retire. I was at that time so confused by what they meant, why would they want to retire? In that covid year I wrote the most, over 300 000 of my words were published that year (among them Trial of the Heart and To dance above the Stars), and by the end of 2020 I alredy started dreaming of reaching one million published words. If I could write over 300 000 words a year, simple math told me I'd reach it in no more than three years. I told everyone, self-confidently and annoyingly as always, that I won't retire from fandom before I have reached my goal of one million words.

Now, life isn't as simple as that math, and my depression in 2021 crushed that dream already. I think I got 150 000 words published in 2021, and on that road I stayed, and the yearly output dwindled. I still wanted to reach one million words before 2025. Of course I had a happy civilian life in real life with family and work, but the fandom life has for a longer time felt like slow strangling.

This summer I already tried to quit fandom, lacking only 50 000 words of my goal. It was agonising to want to delete myself from online while still holding onto that dream, and in the end, with the help of my little InoHina idea and #ShikajinWeeked24 I managed to break through that goal. I reached 1, 000, 000 words 12th of December, 2024.

And now, I am free to retire, free of my own silly self-made shackles. Do I want to retire? I don't know. I don't think I want to. But I don't feel genuine happiness right now when it comes to fandom. I still get panic attacks sometimes.

Don't get me wrong, I have one fic I'd love to write, a ShikaTema long-fic, canonverse. But I will let the idea rest for a month. I will gather strength. I will try to make up new goals for myself.

I want to join some fan weeks!

This got a bit sadder than I thought it would be, sorry! You will see more of me later, I dearly hope. I dearly want to.

So see you on AO3 sometimes in 2025 again, shall we? Get your tissues ready ❤