#listen I don't think any actual canon is necessary to ship a ship

[forkflinger]

[lovemyromance]

The "we don't know what Elain wants because we don't have her POV" is just an excuse to not have to think about the obvious fact that Elain wants Az and Az wants Elain

Because they got Az's POV and did they listen to what he wants?? He wanted to beg on his knees for a taste of Elain, he admitted to being unable to sleep for a year because he wants her so bad, staring at her tylenol for that whole year like a lovesick teenager, exercising until his body gave out to not lie awake thinking about her, touching himself to the thought of her, QUESTIONING HIS RELIGION over her in front of HL Rhys. And they still didn't simply listen to Az's POV and accept that he wants Elain. Instead they twisted the most blatant and tension-filled confirmation of love interests in the history of sjm into some nonsense that fit THEIR pov, regardless of the authors intent.

They should ask themselves, what is it they want from a POV that would make them accept a character is romantically into another character? And if their answer is there is nothing from Az's POV that could have them accept that he wants elain (which is true, given their reaction to his very straight forward pov), then we know that they are just lying and making up excuses when they say a POV is what they need. We all also know that if that same POV of Az was about Gwyn, they would turn it into their bible. Same if it was Lucien about Elain. They simply don't want Az and Elain together. its so obvious its embarrassing.

They don't need anyone's POV. They have already made up their mind. And what they have made up in their mind doesn't fit with any of the povs we've already read. I'm so tired of their bullshit. And i'm tired of BB and sjm not making an announcement and putting this fandom out of its misery.

Sorry for this rant. Thank you for being a voice of reason.

Yeah we all need to rant about sometimes anon, issok. I've never dealt with this level of stupidity and unwillingness to accept fact - and I literally work in finance, where everyone is crazy basically 😅😅

I think I'm just going to resort to a "We shall see" attitude. Because I'm so tired of reading these people's "analysis" and "interpretations" on non-complex, straightforward text.

Idk why they're focused on discrediting every single Elriel moment. Why they need to write an entire paragraph to explain why Azriel giving Elain truthteller was actually bc he loved Mor. Why Azriel saving Elain from Hybern was because he needed to prove Nesta wrong. Why SJM is actually secretly planning a rejected mating bond trope for LoA & Helion.

They're so obsessed with trying to prove Elriel wrong because they don't have anything for EL/GA. Collectively they have one stale mating bond, a ribbon that's supposed to symbolize an enemy, a vague mention of sunshine, and a spark.

There's only so much you can obsesses over those vague points. Their ships haven't even touched or been alone together more than once. They quite literally don't have anything else in canon to keep them occupied - so then they invent headcanons.

Borderline disturbing ones sometimes, like when they said Elain & Gwyn cherish the cloaks of their "mates" from literally the most traumatic day of their lives.

Then they think their headcanons are actually canon, and they read the books trying to fit their square headcanons into a round canon hole.

It doesn't work, but who cares if it doesn't fit to them? They can distract from that fact by then writing full blown essays on why Elriel DOESN't Work.

Inventing all sorts of "interpretations" to prove their point.

They seem to have forgotten this is fairy smut. It's not complex. It does not require interpretation to understand. They purposefully assign a different meaning to the text because they don't like what it spells out, and decided to call that their own interpretation.

And god forbid you say their interpretation of canon doesn't necessary mean it IS canon. Then they'll send anonymous asks to your inbox telling you you're a slut and a whore and wish for a sinkhole to open up and swallow you, your family, your car, your dog, and your 5th grade teacher.

Then they go on tumblr and post some obvious troll anon they received and blame Elriels saying "how come no Elriel is coming to our aid! see look at this hate we get - these Elriels are behind it and they won't speak up!!"

Never mind the fact that they have all of us blocked when we even bring up the c-word: Canon.

Like sorry, I don't really feel sympathy anymore. It sucks - but y'all made this fandom toxic and we all have to deal with it. They don't even have the common sense to know it's an obvious troll account - they take any opportunity to point fingers at Elriels and say we're acting morally superior and also we're the devil incarnate.

Like I'm sorry but how dumb can you fucking be to not see what is happening here? Instead of ignoring the trolls like Elriels do, they decide to spread more hate in the fandom, accusing Elriels, and then turn around and cry that Elriels aren't rushing to their defense in these "trying times"???

Maybe I don't want to be at your defense. Maybe I'm not acting like I'm morally superior, maybe I just am morally superior. Maybe I don't give a shit about this anymore and maybe I just want to sit here and post about Elriel and wait for the next book.

At this point idc. I've never gone out looking for a fight and they can shit talk me all they want but their toddler interpretations do not interest me and I don't care. Im at the point in time where I'm the disgruntled kindergartner teacher just letting the kids say anything while I pound back a shot of whiskey like Elain (in my Stanley mug) 😂😂

[firendgold]

What a fun ships ask game <3 can I ask about Timetravel AU harrydore 🍩 🚗 🏝  💌

You sure can!

🍩 - their favourite snack to eat together? I can see them eating sherbet lemons together! The candy has been memed to death in fanfics, but in canon I don't think Harry ever actually has any of it—he just uses it once as a password in Chamber of Secrets. It's kind of funny to imagine Harry either introducing Albus to sherbet lemons unintentionally or being offered one by Albus and having a private laugh about "he still likes these!".

🚗 - which one drives and which one picks the music? Harry is definitely the driver and Albus annoys him to DEATH switching stations from offbeat song to offbeat song every three minutes.

🏝  - their ideal getaway? I actually have two answers for this.

You know that one scene in Goblet of Fire, where Harry's just had his first Voldemort-dream and he's wondering if he should write Dumbledore, and he imagines that Dumbledore is on vacation at a beach somewhere rubbing suntan lotion on his nose? That beach. That's where they go.

I think deep down, a part of Albus would love to go on the World Tour he never got to take. There's actually a non-time-travel harrydore fanfic which has Harry and Albus do this called A Moment's Surrender by inarticulateimbecile. (If you haven't read it, it is perfect and I highly recommend it!) Ever since reading that I have been even more convinced that this would be Albus' dream vacation. Ideally I think Albus would love it if he could travel as just another person, not as Albus-Dumbledore-Who-Will-Be-Stopped-Every-Five-Minutes, but eh. Priorities. Meanwhile, Harry seems to thrive in the midst of adventure, and as far as we know, he's never left Britain; so I don't think he would say no to a world tour either, especially with someone he trusts and respects so much.

💌 - a love note from one to the other? OOOH. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

Dear Harry,

I hope you will excuse my forwardness in broaching this matter in this manner, but I have wrestled for some months now with a tongue that will not obey me when I try to bring this up in person. Too, I hope you will forgive my cowardice in waiting until I was a country away to send this letter with Fawkes. Between us, you were always the much braver man.

I must confess that I

Harry I

In the ten months I have been privileged to know you, you have overcome challenges I have seen devastate lesser men. More than that—you have never hesitated to stretch out your hand to help others less fortunate than you. You are kindhearted and compassionate, and your determination to do what is right is inspiring. Without your aid—and without your harsh words, which I admittedly did not react to well—I could never have taken the steps which were most necessary to secure your safety. Your happiness. Both of those things, your safety and your happiness, are very important to me. Even my cowardice is nothing in the face of disappointing you—though it rules me still, sometimes.

It is why I am writing you this from just beyond the borders of Germany—a mere Portkey away from Gellert's hidden stronghold. I know it may anger you to read this, to know that I have broken our promise and departed without you—but the thought of willingly subjecting you to Gellert Grindelwald gave me such nausea as I have never experienced before. Despite your magical power, your courage, your strength, your moral compass... you would be no match for Gellert and his machinations. He would observe you—he would realize your importance to me in an instant, and he would kill you.

Harry, I cannot bear to live in a world where you are killed because of me. Where you are dead at all.

I have no hope that you will listen to me, yet still I must ask: stay in Britain. Stay at Hogwarts, stay in my chambers for as long as you desire. No one will deny you your place, not after all you have done for them. Do not follow me; do not throw your life away.

Stopping Gellert from destroying our world is my penance; it has been my burden to bear for longer than we have known one another, my chicken finally coming home to roost. It is also my gift to you: A peaceful world, where you might find someone who will appreciate your hot head and your good heart as much as I have. Although... I must also confess to a good bit of arrogance. I do not believe there is anyone in the world who appreciates you as much as I do.

Harry, I have not left you with nothing. There will be a magical safe under your bed when you wake. Open it by tapping the left side twice with your wand, pausing for four seconds between each tap. The key to my personal Gringotts vault lies within. There should be more than enough gold to take care of you well into your dotage.

(Please do not give the money to Aberforth. He will swear at you, curse you, and then spend the lot on trifles out of spite. He has his own vault and is quite protective of what few belongings our family has left to us. I have already sent a separate letter to him asking that he treat you more kindly than he would me.)

Why do I tell you these things? Ah, because it is the only way I may work up to what I truly wish to tell you.

You must stay in Britain, Harry, where it is safe, because I love you most desperately, and the only way I can keep going is if I know that you are as safe and comfortable and happy as I can make you from afar.

Ah, Harry, it is easier to write after writing it once. I love you so. Even in this hellish place, the thought of you is making me smile. I have been fond of you since the moment we met, but now I cannot imagine life without you. I refuse to imagine such a thing. Thus I risk your fury, your disdain, even your disobedience—yet all those possibilities pale in the face of your possible death.

I will not ask you to return my feelings, or to wait for my return. Gellert and I are evenly matched, and you know the weapon he wields. It would be cruel to give you false hope that I might survive the coming conflict. But I will beg you: do not throw away your safety and anonymity for me. It is my intent to take him with me, and I would prefer not to find you waiting for me should I leave this earth.

Gellert's guards draw near, and I must seize the opportunity to catch them unawares. I must close this letter, much as I dread doing so.

Farewell, my love. Live well, my love. All I do, I do in your name.

Yours,

Albus Dumbledore

[kotelok16]

Hii so I’m new here and haven’t touched danganronpa in years, so I’m just curious as to what got you into komamiki? My mind is blown whenever I see a ship that’s not implied in canon, so seeing your art was like woah!!!! And I just like getting people to infodump about stuff they love 💕

Thanks a lot for the question, anon! This is gonna be a long post, be prepared

In fact, I remember very poorly the moment when I got involved in this pairing. As I understand it, I saw one piece of art and just fell in love with this couple? That is, my brain clicked and was like, "Listen, I like it, there's something in this!"

If you still asking "why" I liked this pairing, then the main reason is an interesting dynamic. Yes, yes, komamiki haters, I know about the ending of the third trial and that these two "hate each other" (as they usually write). But... Isn't there a special charm in this? Has the path from hate to love stopped being a thing? I mean, at the end of the trial, it was shown how well Mikan caught Nagito's weakness. She could have left him speechless with a precise phrase. She understood Nagito.

Isn't there some spice in the fact that you are best understood by the person you dislike now? And everyone you admire didn't even try to understand you?? (yes, Hajime tried in free-time events. I know, I don't deny it. Just for now we are talking about the main plot).

Of course, I can think too much like any other fan of any other pairing. But this dynamic is driving me crazy!

It gives me pleasure to reflect on how difficult it would be for komamiki to restore a neutral relationship to begin with after the events of the game. And it's going to be difficult, as it's going to be difficult for all the killers and victims to talk about what happened, you know? And the difficulties are ✨interesting✨.

What I also like about komamiki is that they are two broken people who can understand each other. They both need psychological (and not only) help, okay?? But in this path of recovery, they can become each other's support.

Mikan is emotional, reads the general atmosphere and someone else's mood very easily, worries a lot. Nagito is actually more detached and calm (unless we're talking about hope-). He knows how to show the emotions needed at the moment, but he does not always read the general atmosphere (and does not always consider it necessary, he is on his own mind). In total, we have two broken people, one is very emotional and reads people well, and the second is calm, which adjusts to the mood of people. And both have low self-esteem and are very, let's call it, helpful. "I will do anything, just don't hate me!" and "I will do everything to become your stepping stone to hope!"

At the same time, they can learn a lot from each other and take care of each other. Mikan, of course, as a nurse. I like to think too much that she put all her strength into Nagito's life after him waking up from the New World Program. Komaeda, in turn, is sharp-tongued, and can protect his emotional girlfriend from unwanted comments verbally. He also knows how to express admiration, I think such words won't hurt Mikan. Tsumiki can also express in words and actions the importance of Nagito's life to her. Uh, a mutual aid circle??

Will such a relationship be difficult? OF COURSE, absolutely. But do you really think that any relationship does not involve difficulties? Including healthy relationships, which are being talked about a lot now? Like, guys, psychologists identify the crisis stages that ANY married couple goes through. The question is not what kind of problems are in the relationship, but how they will be solved. But I got off the subject.

If I think again about the post-canon, then I am hooked by the idea that the Class 77 will become the world's enemy. Not without reason, let's be honest. But, you see, there is no one left in their world who would accept them, except classmates (no, Makoto, don't look at me like that-). "In this world, we only have each other." Isn't this a bit dramatic, tragic and romantic?! (tragic for the most part, but we love it here)

Uh, I think this post is already quite long, it's worth taking stock. I love komamiki, I see an interesting, complex dynamic between them. Most of the time I draw them cute, gentle, romantic, well, because I like to draw them like that. I'm interested in thinking about their relationship, but drawing all sorts of cute things gives me peace of mind. Thanks again for the question, anon! It's always a joy to talk about your favorite couple^^

[eisforeidolon]

Hellers are twisting Jensen's words around because they don't like what he said,

"He doesn't think Cas's confession is something that needs to be solved. Cas said what he needed to say. It was a long time coming, it was heartfelt and beautiful. But there's nothing to solve. Dean took it in and then lost one of his closest allie and friend. The acceptance of that happened when Dean sat on the floor. He lost one of his brothers in arms and one of his closest people. When they come back, it just understood."

First, a sampling of posts with screenshots and links of some of the creative reinterpretations they're already self-soothing with, for context: [X][X][X]

It's bad enough now, because we already knew they were obsessed with cherry-picking things completely out of context and twisting themselves in knots to insist D/C, a totally real most epic romance ever was obviously happening off-screen the whole time. Because that's totally how storytelling works!🙄 So why wouldn't they insist Jensen saying Castiel's dying blather doesn't need a resolution means Dean already turned into the YA romance protagonist from their fanfic realized he was totes in lurve with the angel and reciprocated offscreen! See, no resolution needed! The thing is, though, I believe Purcon is one that has a stricter video policy so I expect this to end up even more broken-telephoned in a couple of months when there's no video to dispute whatever they're making up by that point, which I expect to be pretty wild.

What Jensen reportedly said fits exactly into what Castiel actually said in Misha & Beren's tapdancing on the line of legit queerbaiting the audience Castiel's goodbye speech. The whole climactic reason the Empty could come take the angel away was because he realized that just ~*feeling feelings*~, without having anything come of it, was enough. Regardless of whether you interpret those feelings as romantic love or the kind of all-encompassing self-sacrificing love the Winchesters have, feeling that way about somebody is happiness in itself (even if they don't feel that way about you). So yeah, whatever kind of love you read that to mean? There's nothing to inherently resolve there. Castiel put his feelings out in the universe, and Dean listened and moved on with his life. The thing that was "a long time coming" was Castiel's resolving his struggles as an angel living among humans trying to understand emotions and friendship. It's "clear text" that Castiel said I love you (whatever kind of love you interpret that to be).

Hellers are the only ones who desperately need there to have to be a resolution to that scene, because the only interpretation in which a followup would be necessary? Would be if Castiel's speech was romantic AND Dean also had romantic feelings. They can pretend they suddenly don't understand what a resolution is or that one magically (like the entire rest of their supposedly canon ship) happened off-screen so it'll be already happening in the revival as much as they want. It doesn't change what the scene actually was or what Jensen actually said, any more than the rest of their waffle ever has. They're just happily lying to themselves and each other all over again, setting themselves back up for more eternal disappointment. It's like a Peanuts comic strip, except they are both Charlie and Lucy with the show and creators as the football.

They want to crow about Jensen not explicitly saying the scene wasn't about romantic love somehow being him changing his mind (again), but that's absurd. He knows some people interpret Castiel's feelings as romantic and are very invested in the angel being a queer character. Putting aside whether what's in the text deserves that, going out of his way to tell them they're wrong about someone else's character? Would be a really bad look given the sensitivity of the topic. And he doesn't need to do it anyway, because whatever Castiel's ~*feelings*~ are, it says nothing about what Dean does or doesn't feel. Which he directly says is that Dean lost "one of his closest allies" "one of his best friends" "a brother in arms" "one of the closest people to him". It's pretty clear - if you don't tie yourself in knots pretending he's sending you secret signals about what he REALLY means if you only listen to half the words he said.

[archersgoon]

what i have been thinking about recently is my own personal headcanons regarding carles and tilda. bc i don't think it's a stretch to argue that the image we get in-canon is an idealised view of them greatly impacted by their violent deaths (like this is just text. thank you abian). as some of you may be aware i am not especially fond of carles, so this will not be especially charitable to him

i should clarify my personal mont timeline here (assume carles is roughly of an age with tilda his family is 100% less interesting [&less relevant] to me). first we're putting yata's birth at roughly 13 years earlier than it is in canon (so she's ~78 in fotr). we're also making saro a decade older, and moving tilda from fifth to second in birth order. i think i'm putting her and saro as very close in age also. like <18 months. so she was roughly 50 when she died, making her 41 & 43 at the births of balthazar and isaboe, respectively, and (assuming a 15-16 yr age gap between evestalina & isaboe) making her (and carles) roughly 27 when they had their first kid.

ok now that's out of the way. their first meeting. i think this actually went as established in canon they were incredible impulsive lol. good for them. altho i will say that i go for ~25 as the age here, which i think is a bit older than implied. anyway it sort of reads like he's already king by this point and lumatere government + court is incredibly small, so they come back to the palace like 'we're getting married!! 😁😁" and topher's predecessor is sat there head in hands while topher goes out to hunt down some willow bark.

so young adult tilda's spent her whole life in a local position of relative power, since her father's hbic of the monts & saro's his successor (and saro at least is real enough to involve her) + presumably she was involved in whatever yata's job description is. so she rocks up to the palace with smaller-scale experience that can in theory be applied here, and she's used to being listened to. she figures she can clean up shop a bit if necessary.

here's where it starts to get nasty (sorry). i... don't really think she was doing all that well in the palace. like i think carles was a loving & doting husband or whatever the fuck, but i don't think he really listened to her in matters of state. like we know she grit we know she had determination but none of that ever really shines through in terms of policy & stuff. dragon ships foreign policy etc. do not seem to be things she had any influence in & tbh i think the only real in-canon manifestation we can attribute specifically to her is that doggedness you see in isaboe regarding survival of the royal house

i think this is mostly due to carles. if we assume that finnikin's stance on women (while relatively extreme) is derived from more common views in lumatere then it isn't a stretch to assume that carles, while undeniably in love with his wife, maybe didn't respect her as a person quite as much as he thought he did. like he had that same problem wherein he treats valid concerns as just women's business even at the expense of his personal & political clout (you can also argue that this dynamic being modeled for isaboe as the ideal relationship explains why she puts up with finnikin's bullshit as much as she does, even if she does exercise concrete power). so even though this weakens his position & makes him an ineffectual king that's how things proceed.

as a result we have tilda, who loves her husband but is frustrated by his ineffectiveness, exercising authority in the one area left to her: producing an heir. if we assume the same semi-salic succession laws as in belegonia & charyn apply here, then without a son from her the lumateran heir is the future imposter king (i assume this position was why he was captain of the guard despite his conflicting loyalties), who she sees being weak, ineffectual, and frankly dangerous every damn day. but she keeps having daughters. and canonically this weighs on her a lot mentally and physically. even if we don't use my preferred timeline, it certainly reads like there's at least a decade b/w evestalina and balthazar. from her pov she has one job & she can't seem to do it. we don't know when yata started doing the one week on, one week off routine, but i think it's probably because even with all the paid assistance she gets as the queen, even before she had five kids total, tilda was not doing well emotionally. like if i am being honest i think she felt trapped in that palace.

anyway. was carles in any way helpful here? i don't fucking know. he was clearly engaged with his children in the few snippets we get of him, so he would've hopefully been a help on that front, but i don't know how useful he was on a deeper level. like were he and tilda supporting each other in their attempts for an heir, or was he being (from his perspective) helpful in a way that only compounded the pressure she felt (i.e. 'maybe next time' kind of chatter every time they had a daughter/any presumed miscarriages [they defo happened]). & then after she finally manages balthazar she immediately follows it up with a high-risk accidental pregnancy. howd she feel about that (i know yata & seranonna were shitting bricks). like all that effort and now you might die. but then she survived and finally got a kid that looked like her so maybe it was fine idk

i think maybe things did improve after that given 1. the removal of the imposter king both as heir & captain (and his removal to charyn) & 2. the assurance provided by balthazar. though carles was still shit-useless as king so that was presumably a major stressor

tldr tilda was unprepared for both the increased pressure that came with being queen & her husband's failure to take her seriously when she tried to advise him politically, resulting in her focusing all her effort on that front into producing an heir, in a way that was incredibly unhealthy for her on many levels

[rustyvanburace]

you know I gotta suggest Navarre for the character ask! and asahi if you’re feeling up to it :^D

Thank you so much!

favorite thing about them: I love how much PIZZAZ he adds to the early game! How can I not like a character with such a flamboyant, demanding personality whose very presence is enough to make everyone react with shock, contempt, laughter, and awe? Navarre is an ass, but a necessary ass to carry the early narrative and add so much excitement to it. I cannot help but giggle to myself everytime he appears. AND THEN, all that character growth in IVA towards becoming a better, more self-aware ghostie. Ohhh I love he so muuuch~

least favorite thing about them: Definitely the unnecessary perversion in IVA. Enough said.

favorite line: The "dawdling Casualries" line will always hold a special place in my heart, but I am also really fond of the stuff he says when you speak with him during the training drills in one of the rest spots,

"O-Oh, it's you… I thought you to be a demon. Don't start me so… I've never carried a blade any heavier than a knife before. If Mother were to see me dashing about with such a weapon in hand, I think that she would faint…"

And

"I landed a critical blow when I accidentally tripped… The next quest was much simpler, since as you might expect, money is no object to me. 'Twas actually easier than the first. But the final challenge all depends on one's strength, and that's a field I'm particularly lacking in… S-Someone else may have first place, I care not whom. Merely let this debacle of a training exercise be done with!"

brOTP: Nanashi and Navarre are best BROS!

Bad edit aside, can't forget the actual bros, Navarre and Gaston lmao. I really enjoyed their sibling relationship and it opened up so much insight into their familial life and personal struggles. I'm so so happy they got to rekindle at the enddd, it was so sweet

OTP: Everyone knows that I am the sole resident of the Issachar x Navarre Crack Ship Kingdom!! Idgaf that they've never canonically met nor even know of each other's existence, the POTENTIAL between them is enough to keep me content and well fed! We support random rarepairs in this house!

I also really like Flynn x Navarre too and they're my second fave Navarre ship, for much the same reasons!

nOTP: Needless to say, my NOtps would be pairing Navarre with his brother or any of the IVA kids. Eeeugh. Enough said.

random headcanon: It's something I've been wanting to analyze in more depth, and IDK how much of this is actually canon or headcanon considering, but I very much fancy the idea of Navarre always having close connections with the Samurai seniors and keeping close tabs on the Rite and new inductions. He's very astute with the going-ons in Samurai business and likely has been anxiously watching them for quite some time.

unpopular opinion: I understand that Navarre is a very unlikeable character, and he's supposed to be! But it honestly does get really bothersome seeing how much dismissal, if not outright hate, he gets in the fandom. Navarre IS an important character within the early game! It is his very antics that adds the necessary tension and tone needed to carry the early narrative and worldbuilding. It does admittedly make it hard for me to approach other SMTIV fans because I like this bean so much.

But that is okay. I am perfectly content with those who seek out, stick by, and enjoy my bean musings. :)

song i associate with them: Tbh I'm pretty bad at that sort of question, lol. I don't really have one for him right now, so pass? (Open to suggestions though! I want more tunes to listen to.)

favorite picture of them: SO MANY panels of him from the Prayers manga FOR REAL. He's SO expressive in that and has TONS of good moments!! But I am especially fond of the mini bonus chapter that features Navarre~

Masataka Miura can agree: Navarre can have a little moment in the spotlight as a treat~

Thank you again so much for the ask! I think I've written quite at length here, lmao. I'm a bit tired now and I don't think I can fit Asahi here, but I could post hers later on!

[okartichoke]

hello! I know barely anything about the legend of Zelda but I’ve seen you post a lot of zelink stuff and I wanted to hear you talk about that ship and why you like it because I’m really curious! :D

omg hi rosie this ask is so kind :DDD i would LOVE to talk about zelink (specifically zelink from Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom). I'm gonna try to be pretty concise too lol,,, some story spoilers for BOTW, but I'll try to avoid them o7

(real quick Zelda lore, Zelda (blood of the goddess) and Link (spirit of the hero) are reborn time and time again to defeat evil (though they don't maintain memories)) I do not ship all Zelinks, but I do find the idea of a shared destiny really interesting. In a way, they're the only two who can understand each other. Anyways, I think a major contributor for me with BOTW is just that I love the story and themes of the game overall, one major theme being that of failure (and continuing on despite it). Zelda herself represents this theme a lot. One aspect of this Zelink I like is learning to heal from it.

Now, it's probably evident from the type of art I do for this ship, but my favorite brand of botw Zelink is just "being happy next to each other" lol (as opposed to something more typically romantic). I can't decide if I want them to be together romantically or if I just want them to be good friends, yknow? They are just dorks and I want them to be dorks LOL. Like, Zelda is shown to be an excitable scholar. My favorite interpretation of Link is that he used to be a stoic knight (According to Zelda's diary, he says "With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden."), but after losing his memories, he is more free. I like a dynamic of LInk encouraging Zelda's curiosity, and Zelda encouraging Link's emotional freedom. I like them together, again, because they are kind of the only people who can understand each other, especially in Breath of the Wild (They are both born 117(ish) years ago by the end of the game, and most everyone else they knew is gone. Besides each other, they are alone in a new time.)

In terms of actual canon implications, there's quite a few moments. I won't get into all of them, but it's implied that Zelda is able to unlock her powers due to her love for Link (I prefer a more nuanced interpretation that it's out of selflessness moreso, but I digress), her diary entries tell a very cute tale of slowly opening up to and understanding each other more, and there's some moments in some cutscenes.

LITERALLY THIS ONE'S SO SMALL BUT HE GRABS THE TORCH FOR HER WITHOUT HER ASKING AND I LOVE IT LMAOOOO ok thank you for listening i hope u enjoyed LOL

[caer-gai]

For the character ask game: 1, 2, 3, 9, 12, and 16 for Guinevere, Kay, and Hector! ☺️

Yay!! Thank you for the ask!

1 what do you like or dislike about this character?

We'll start with Kay he's easy. I love his loyalty, his grumpiness, the way he keeps ending up mentoring children despite claiming he hates them. The tired old soldier who really wishes the younger generation would shut up and listen. The sibling angst. He's my guy for sure lol

As for Hector he's just a little guy. Just a sad wet guy trailing after an older brother who isn't even aware.... truly a man I love. Surprisingly wild amounts of gender head cannons but we don't have to talk about that yet.

Guinevere.... I'll be honest I'm pretty neutral on her. I do wish we could stop having so much discourse around her because I always feel really nervous posting about her. (For the controversial thoughts dm me I'm not saying anything publicly)

2. What is your favorite canon thing about this character?

Kay it's alll about the loyalty the absolute devotion but also he's not exactly what you expect of a character in that role.

For Hector I just really love the dynamics he has

For Guinevere I think my favorite thing is her defense of Kay in the knight in the cart that was for sure the moment that made me go "oh, maybe I've been wrong about her". Pro tip of you want me to like a character have them be unexpectedly kind to Kay or a similar character lol

3. Least favorite thing about this character

Throwing me to the sharks I see/joking

Ok for Kay it's when he's just mean with no nuance or anything. The complexity is what makes him tasty otherwise he's just an asshole

I don't have one for Hector except that he's NOT FUCKING IN ANYTHING

Guinevere....ok hot take time: she doesn't need to be completely justified or evil guys. She can just be a person. Like she's not even real y'all we can chill out a little and explore possibilities and messiness and rest knowing no one was actually harmed.

9. Could you be roommates with this character?

Kay: Absolutely not. Never. I'm horrible about assuming people are mad at me and I cry very easily it would not be fun for either of us.

Hector: sure he seems chill I'd just have to hide all of Lancelot whump fics lol

Guinevere: as long as she's chill with me drawing her secret lover in a corset and nothing else. Tbh we'd probably get along pretty well

12. Headcanons....

KAY LOST TO BEAUMAINS ON PURPOSE I SAID WHAT I SAID

Less of headcanon and more of a making my own canon but I think King Ban legitimized/claimed Hector and Hector and Lancelot lived as brothers for at least a little bit.

Big fan of Guinevere being friends with Kay, idk if that's really a headcanon tho lol

16. What's your least favorite ship for this character?

Ok so necessary disclaimer shipping anything is fine it doesn't hurt anyone irl <3 have your fun and let others have fun. That being said...

Kay: Kay/Arthur,and Kay/Gareth. I'll accept Gawain/Kay, I won't pretend that I don't understand it but it's just weird with how i tend to interpret their dynamic. All that said I'm not absolutely opposed to certain extremely dark and whumpy scenerios but that's not something I'm ready to talk about here just yet

Hector: does he have any ships? I legitimately don't think i've seen him shipped with anyone before lol

Guinevere: Once again i'm not sure I have any I don't like that I can think of.

Thanks again for the ask!! <3

[raywritesthings]

i know you rb'd it a while ago but if you're still interested in doing it, ship asks (and if you don't actually vibe with any of these ships feel free to skip!)

roy/riza: 8, 9, 15 hawkeye/trapper: 15, 21, 26 margaret/hawkeye: 15 (i really want to know what songs people associate with ships lol), 46, 50

Oh, fun variety with these ones! If it's alright with you, I'm gonna skip #15 for all three (at least for now) because it takes me a while of listening to music while specifically thinking/looking for parallels/vibes with a given ship before I can come up with anything. By the time I do that, I'll forget to come back to my ask box to answer this! So apologies, but also my music taste is extremely old-fashioned so it probably wouldn't be all that interesting anyway.

Roy/Riza:

8. What do they love most about the other? Why? I think going from a strictly canon reading, Riza loves the ideals that Roy believes in and wants to put in place as reforms. She's dedicated her whole life to helping him achieve that. And in turn, and I think Roy loves Riza's loyalty - not to him, specifically, but to their shared cause. He knows he can trust her above anyone else to see it through, even if she has to go through him to get there. In addition, I think they both find solace in knowing each other so well, having met before the military really entered their lives and changing together through Ishval and beyond. 9. What do they dislike most about the other? Why? I think Riza dislikes Roy's carelessness most because it makes her job harder because it in some ways betrays their goals. Roy is the one and only person she will ever trust with her father's life's work and the only person she trusts to see the necessary reforms put in to in some way try to atone for their actions in Ishval. She also can't cope with the idea of living without him, so for him to try and fight a killer in the rain without thinking of how severely disadvantaged this makes him understandably upsets her on multiple levels. For Roy, I think he probably most dislikes the fact that Riza clearly can't cope without him, more so because he would hate the idea of her suffering like that in his absence than because he sees it as some kind of character flaw.

Hawkeye/Trapper:

21. Do they enjoy domestic life? So, given it'd be the 50s and they're two men, that's a tough one. I think in the absence of any fear of being "discovered" and discriminated against/arrested, though, they'd get on fine together. They already have experience sharing living space, and in the worst possible conditions. There's little things that would bother each other (just watched "Alcoholics Unanimous" yesterday, and they have a wonderfully domestic spat about Hawkeye using Trapper's towel while shaving and Trapper's toenail clippings ending up by/under Hawkeye's bed), but I think they'd be able to just bicker for a few minutes and move on. The major roadblocks are pretty much external factors (how their relationship would impact Trapper's ability to see his girls, the strain of living semi-closeted in 50s America, etc). 26. What sacrifices do they make for the other? Given the way the show was written, it's easier I think to pinpoint the sacrifices that Trapper makes and could/would make in a relationship with Hawkeye than the other way around. He's almost always the one getting roped into Hawkeye's schemes or messes (good example is him blatantly committing perjury in "House Arrest" while coming up with a cover story for where Frank got his shiner), and if they were to pursue a relationship back home he would be the one having to give up his stable family life with the wife and two kids unless they kept it secret, and then Hawkeye would be the one sort of making sacrifices there (but I just can't really see that lasting or being something either of them would put up with for longer than just a casual "every once in a while" sort of thing when they happened to both be in the same area). Not that Hawkeye doesn't ever make sacrifices for Trapper (from the infamous "Longjohn Flap" to shelving any sadness he might have over Trapper possibly leaving in "Check-Up" in order to celebrate with him), but it's something he'd have to work on in a serious relationship with Trapper. For the record, I don't think he'd struggle too hard with it, just the way the show framed him as the protagonist and Trapper as his sort of "second" gives it that slightly uneven dynamic. Probably the biggest thing is that, once stateside, Hawkeye would likely have to be the one to move so that Trapper could remain close to his daughters. Depending on where you land as to how much Hawkeye really loves Crabapple Cove or not, that may be a small or a really large sacrifice.

Margaret/Hawkeye:

46. Do they consider their relationship casual or serious? Is the answer different depending on who you ask? Why? Hm, this one probably depends on the circumstances. I think in "Comrades in Arms", Hawkeye was looking for something more casual than Margaret (partly because Margaret was married to Donald at the time, and partly because he liked their dynamic as-it-was whereas Margaret seemed to think she needed to go into Mistress Mode like with Frank or the generals that used to come knocking). I think Hawkeye valued Margaret's friendship so much at that point that he'd rather that not change and they not be together than to be together and have her change her behavior for him. If we were talking post-canon, I think it could almost end up flipped, where Hawkeye might cling to Margaret harder for the sense of familiarity she gives him while she's more focused on figuring out her life post-army. Then again, I could also see them mutually agreeing to a casual thing post-war based on the finale kiss. 50. Would they ever break up? If so, why? Who would handle the breakup better? Haha, well they sort of did? If they were in a genuine relationship, I could definitely see them breaking up (and getting back together, and breaking up again, etc). The big, unresolved thing between them is their political/ideological differences, which the show really de-emphasized as the years went on and Margaret became part of the "in" crowd less enchanted with the army/the war (compare her clear distress at the idea that peace talks might be starting in an early scene with Frank from I want to say "Dear Dad" vs her commiserating with Hawkeye about the points system being changed to keep them longer in "Peace on Us"). However, without the army/the war as a mutual enemy of theirs, they could definitely end up butting heads on politics again back stateside which could possibly result in a permanent break. I'm not sure who would handle a breakup better, honestly. I think Margaret would handle it worse at first and then probably get over it if she found someone new, whereas Hawkeye would probably be outwardly fine but miss her long after she was gone.

These were all really interesting to think about, so thanks for sending them in! List is here for anyone interested in sending in other questions/ships!

[onewomancitadel]

Expansion to that earlier anon ask: how would Jaune/Cinder not being canon make me feel... well, I think the fallout of it would be, where did my analysis go wrong.

My analysis would go wrong in taking it too seriously. That would be my fatal error. Because Jaune/Cinder isn't merely a measure of divergent interpretation, it's a matter of degree of intent. You need to expect some measure of seriousness and intentionality about both of their characters and all of the romances in the story and take the foreshadowing seriously and take the thematic stakes seriously and take the ship paralleling seriously and take the allusions seriously and understand how said allusions are employed and overall just give an entire shit.

There's nothing about Jaune/Cinder that asks you to dismiss the inherent identity of R/WBY. It's actually the total reverse. I think the ship is an affirmation of it.

So if my takeaway is, 'Damn, I should've listened to everyone else with bad opinions who said V9 made Jaune/Weiss a foregone conclusion because she [checks notes] made a joke about him being mature and then there was that sidehug' then I literally do not fucking care. The only lesson will be that I should've had lower expectations. That's not an indictment on me, that's an indictment on the text and an embarrassment of their storytelling. I think the shipbaiting with Blake/Sun is stupid either way, even if Blake/Yang ended up canon, and even if Jaune/Weiss isn't canon I found that to be embarrassing character assassination of Weiss. I would've genuinely preferred platonic Jaune-Weiss developments whilst Ruby is suffering in the background, really leaning into the Winter Maiden and the Old Man element.

I think if it were an actual case of my misreading of the text, and there were complexity but I read it the wrong way, it'd be a very different scenario. I do like being surprised and I do like interrogating my own interpretive abilities.

But I think I understand some of R/WBY's fundamental identity and what makes it tick. I don't think I'm at a disadvantage in a position where my own projections absent the text come first.

I am also very hesitant in how I put forth the Jaune/Cinder thesis. I feel like I need to emphasise this considering people think I care about their opinion that Jaune/Cinder won't be canon, but I'm the first doubter and I really don't want to hear about someone's brave cynic position. It's incredibly boring to me. I think the refutation of Jaune/Cinder isn't, 'Jaune/Weiss would work better', or 'Jaune/Pyrrha is eternal true love' or God forbid any other embarrassing combination. It is genuinely just, okay do they care that much though and are they willing to go that far. Which is hard. Sometimes all you learn in defeat is that you have been defeated. That's it.

But on the other hand, I don't care if people call me crazy. This lunatic fandom has believed the most insane shit and the most countertextual bullshit, so it's kind of fucking rich coming from a pack of idiots that Jaune/Cinder is too hard when a sizeable contingent of the fandom doesn't understand their characters or basic storytelling in general. You might think it rude of me, but a little perspective is necessary. Please tell me more about how I/ronwood was the real hero all along and Penny is coming back and Jaune will be exiled in Ever After. I'm dying to hear it.

[dragonflies-draw-flame]

Ride or die ship (your OTP): Kylux

Most annoying ship: I have only been on Tumblr for about a year, so I honestly haven't had much experience with other ships causing issues (yet).

Second favourite ship: From the SW universe? Hmm...I generally stick to just Kylux, but I occasionally read some Kyluxma. Not romantic Kyluxma. Just, you know, fucking for the sake of fucking Kyluxma—as it often is, bless it 😅.

Favourite platonic relationship: Hux and Phasma. They're fantastic together.

Underrated ship: Mitaka/anyone.

Overrated ship: I really, really don't mean to offend anyone by this, but...Stormpilot. I just...it's just SO boring to me. Obviously this is just my personal opinion, and they clearly are not the ship for me (although I do think it should have been made canon!). I may also be turned off from them a bit in the sense that they are held up as the golden boys of the Sequels—as opposed to the morally questionable trainwreck that is Kylux. But, you know...I LIKE morally questionable trainwrecks 😅.

One thing I would change in canon: Just one?? Actually, I know what to pick immediately: Palpatine returning. REALLY??

Something canon did right: Showing that the Jedi and the heroes of the Resistance are flawed. I've had discussions with other SW fans who hated both of those things. I don't get it. People are imperfect. It doesn't negate the good they can still do. Why would I want to watch a movie/show with only perfect people??

A thing I’m proud of creating for the fandom (PLEASE BRAG ABOUT YOURSELF I WANT TO SEE/READ YOUR ART): Ughhhh FINE, if you insist haha. I'm proud of this fic I did for Huxloween last year—dryad Hux and brooding Byronic Kylo. I love writing in that writing style and was glad to find an excuse to do so.

A character who is perfect to me (wouldn’t change a thing): I'm going to have to go with Obi-Wan here. Gifted, skilled, gentlemanly but still sassy and sexy. Put in many impossible situations but generally handles them all better, let's be honest, than most of us would.

The character I relate to the most and why: I feel like I've said this many times, so I apologize for the repeat, but Hux, so much. All of his main personality traits are things I've been called at least once in my life, if not frequently: too serious, cold, heartless, anal-retentive, an overthinker, emotionally repressed, boring (slutty, bitchy, condescending...). The main difference between us is that I have been through years of necessary therapy 😅.

Character(s) I hate the most and why: I can't think of a character I really hated (okay, well, maybe Snoke...but isn't that a given??), but besides Jar-Jar Binks, the only character that I have had a strong dislike for is Jyn Erso. I truly mean no offense to anyone who likes her. I like Rogue One. I like the other characters a lot. But goodness gracious I just do not empathize or have any interest in or care about her at all, and that drives me crazy, because it makes a good movie tedious to me. I just feel like she has no charisma, no draw for the viewer. And maybe that's more to do with the actress and not the character, and maybe I just missed something, but if so, I've missed it each time I've watched it 🤷🏻‍♀️.

Something I’ve learned from the fandom: Uhh, how many things I'm actually into that I wasn't (really) aware of?? Oh man. What a LIST.

Three tags I seek out on AO3: Giving away all our secrets, are we?? Alright: enemies to lovers; power bottom Hux; exhibitionism

A song I strongly associate with my OTP/ favourite character: I don't really listen to music that much anymore, but every time my husband plays this song I do think of Kylux.

Okay, and now you know, @casp1an-sea, that I am like, metaphysically incapable of brevity 😅. I apologize for the essay, and thank you for the tag :).

You guys might be interested in this! No pressure, of course: @fridayincarnate @jaynesilver @fallingdeeperintothispit @mauthisss

Star Wars Tag Game~

I was tagged by @starrrgazingbunny so thank you~

1.ride or die ship (your otp): Codywan

2. most annoying ship: Reylo

3. second favourite ship: Stormpilot~

4. favourite platonic relationship: Fives and Echo

5. underrated ship: obirex <- agreed

6. overrated ship: Imao reylo <- also agreed

7. one thing i would change in canon: Padme. I would make her story more about her and less about Anakin. (girl wanted the Jedi D, gotta respect that. But seriously, you don’t need to marry a guy to get the D)

8. something canon did right: The Clones. No I will not be taking any criticism on this

9. a thing i’m proud of creating for the fandom

PLEASE BRAG ABOUT YOURSELF I WANT TO SEE/READ YOUR ART: Uhhh…I like my Coruscant is Hell stuff?

10. a character who is perfect to me (wouldn’t change a thing): Cody. Or maybe Rex?

11. the character i relate to the most and why: Cody. I too am an overworked older sibling who has to work to keep their younger siblings alive, and worries about them constantly.

12. character(-s i hate the most and why: Palpatine - abusive asshole. And also Vader - whiny pissbaby.

13. something i’ve learned from the fandom: The majority of people are kind, but the ones that aren’t are really fucking toxic.

14. three tags i seek out on a03: Time travel, Fix-it, and Qui-Gon’s A+ Parenting

15. a song i strongly associate with my otp/ favourite character: Born of the Lion - by JT Music/Rachel Hardy for Fox. (Yes, it’s a Witcher song. No I don’t care.)

Hm…I’m not gonna tag anyone (I worry about being annoying T-T). So anyone who wants to can do this!

[bookwyrminspiration]

Debate the pros and cons of the two ships Gigolas (Alternatively Gimleaf, Gimli x Legolas) and Aragolas (Alternatively Leragorn, Aragorn x Legolas). Compare and contrast the two ships. You have half an hour (From the moment you start writing this ask, leave it in your inbox for as long as you wish). Go.

OKAY! Warning I know very little and there is probably a lot wrong or missing here! So right of the bat I'm seeing we've got different species and power dynamics at play

Gimli and Legolas are dwarf4elf, so that may be worth mentioning. If I'm remembering right, Gimli is also the "and my axe!" fucker, and I know Legolas is the shooty mcshootinson bitch, so right away we've got the shared love of weaponry and fighting, though they very likely have incredibly different styles for more reasons than one. Dwarven and elven values and attitudes towards death and violence are likely different, but this is Tolkien so it's probably existence and I'm on limited time here.

Hang on. These are the "never thought I'd die fighting side by side with an elf" people. Okay so here we've got a clear display of their growth (since Gimli was originally distrustful of Legolas' intentions) and how the two characters developed emotionally to put aside their difference and unite, both in battle and emotionally. It's not unreasonable to say that they can take that another route and into relationship territory (not that one is better than the other, just another path to take). Despite their differences, they are, in canon, capable of the necessary growth to make a healthy relationship.

Okay I'm also seeing that they became friends when walking through the woods, and elves are very woodlands creatures, so perhaps we can find a bit of similarity between their interests there. How do the dwarves view nature? Scrap that question I just read in the wiki that he went into the Undying Lands and Tolkien said it was strange that any dwarf would be willing to leave Middle-Earth for any love. I don't have any fucking clue what that means but it feels important.

I'm a third of the way through my time let's look at Aragorn. GOD wiki please tell me what species he is this is ridiculous. Okay he's not an elf but is descended from them? So he's got an unusually long life span? Okay his character description says he's somber and grim, and that kind of outlook might mesh well with an elven one like Legolas'? I'm not actually sure. Something about the seriousness feels like it could match an elven look and help them work together.

His name is also mentioned a lot on Legolas' wiki page, multiple instances of the two of them going through things together (though Gimli is a notable third addition). Found a random site that mentions something about Aragorn's true identity and Legolas defending him to Boromir, which was either when they met or very early on in their meeting. That sets a strong foundation for future relationships and a clear feeling of protection and trust in it, which is beneficial. Listen I have no context for this scene I have no idea who knows what or how they feel about it, but potentially this hinting towards Legolas knowing his identity could've built a bond between them from the get go that forces them to be more careful with each other, and that can lead to interesting dynamics.

There's also the whole matter of similar backgrounds, or at least more similar than Legolas and Gimli. Even if Aragorn's got a whole complicated situation with his race he was raised by Elrond in Rivendell (i think?) so he's got some elven thinking. If Elrond is indeed an elf but I've got six minutes so I'm not checking. And Legolas is Legolas, raised however he was. He's pretty clearly and elf, but the one thing that trips me up here is that he was "unimpressed" when he came to Rivendell to see the council of Elrond, as it displays that perhaps these two elven backgrounds may be as different as Gimli and Legolas' differences.

My other thought is that when I was key word searching through all their profiles, more often than not all of their names were coming up together. They seem to be a trio for a lot of the story, so why try to decide between a pairing? Why not all three of them if they're bonded so and endured so much together? Legolas has two hands, after all. But then I'd also have to get into what Gimli and Aragorn's relationship is like to see if it would be a triangle sort of a pairing or if they were both dating Legolas but not each other.

I think my final conclusion is that I can understand the shipping either way, but I don't think either one is superior to the other. Gimli and Legolas seem fun for the dynamics and depth they bring, and Aragorn and Legolas sound entertaining for the subtlety and intrigue. But also this was just thirty minutes of frantic skimming articles and trying desperately to remember my limited lotr knowledge.

I would like to thank the orchestral version of all star by smash mouth for fueling this chaotic splurge of words. The years start coming and they don't stop coming and they don't stop coming and they don't stop comin--

[kiefbowl]

I think you’re dead on about the audience turning on the series because they didn’t realize they just outgrew it, but also I feel like the point where the story itself started to mature was where a lot of people fell off. The transition from it being a series where Harry is the protagonist in his school adventures to being a series where Harry is the POV character navigating Dumbledore’s decades of preparation made all the fandom-compatible shippable stuff take a backseat to the bigger story and suddenly people couldn’t project their own Hogwarts fantasy onto the books

yeah I have thoughts on this too because while listening to these books, knowing the 7th book is coming, it helps to re-contextualize them. I think the shipping aspect of fandom was predictable but the text actually barely supports shipping lol. ron and hermione are set up as having crushes on each other in little bits and pieces, but really other platonic scenes overshadow these. other than that like literally almost no romance happens. the only other truly canon couple in any meaningful way are harry and ginny, and they're late in the game. these two romance stories have their biggest part to play in the 6th book, which is perfectly where it belongs because the kids are 16 and jkr knew the 7th book was about to be the longest saddest camping trip in the world away from hogwarts. the romantic antics in the 6th books are mostly played for humor and hijinks.

now I remember jkr having a number of comments post book 7 that struck me as weird about ron and hermione (like, weird for an author to engage with her work that way...), but I don't feel like looking them up. I'll probably get to it later. to me, pairing ron and hermione up makes sense. 2 best friends with the common goal of supporting harry potter + jkr knows she's going to write a failing of the trio in book 7 with ron leaving them. set up, pay off, badda bing badda boom. I have a lot of thoughts about ron leaving that will probably make ron-haters and jkr-haters angry alike but like it was good writing and necessary lol. I'm not there yet though obviously. idk maybe I'll make a post about it because that plot point has been playing on my mind a lot while listening to the first two books, probably because the first two books are so focused on setting up the best friend gang, and at this rate it'll be next year before I get to book 7.

but yes, the books unintentionally are perfect fandom fodder with magically worldbuilding, school houses, hundreds of characters in a bottleneck...and years and years between books. I wouldn't be surprised if many people were disappointed in the 7th book's departure

[gyaru-tau]

i actually remember someone talking about Makoto and Kiyotaka as opposites but more so in a shipping frame work as they were speaking in the sense of why they don't ship NaeIshi. But the major point of their argument that coincide with your point were, how Makoto puts Taka on a pedestal but working with the framing of genuis than normalcy. 2nd. point had to due with Taka's austism coding and how makoto is negative but that's not important. I could link you the post, though, it's not nice to makoto and does come from the basis due of not shipping NaeIshi, but still an interesting read into the relationship of NaeIshi romantically and then canonically as in game

I'm gonna be completely honest with you, I think that Makoto and Kiyotaka are so incredibly QPPS. Coming personally from an autistic person I've never really viewed Makoto's behavior towards Taka as ableist either (I believe that's what you're saying the post implied, but do correct me if I'm wrong here)? Because even if Kiyotaka does does have a lot of symptoms unintentionally, it's also really important to note that he is also INCREDIBLY extreme in regards to his beliefs (this is even touched upon in Taka's school mode where he feels hes forcing things upon his friends, and the literal correct answer is for makoto to tell him that no! He isn't selfish for this!), in a way that would be jarring and difficult to understand for literally anyone. Like with any FTE, going through Taka's in full ends with Makoto having a clearer understanding of Kiyotaka. At his core he is a character that is both optimistic, and willing to listen while equally wanting to help Kiyotaka understand the concepts that are harder for him to grasp. As for them putting each other on pedestals, I couldn't agree less. Makoto calling Taka a genius is more of a throwaway comment than anything to segue into the Kiyotaka lore, and while Makoto is normal, Kiyotaka never expresses any sort of idolization of her. They have these traits and COULD go down that path if the circumstances were bad enough, but I think from where they stand they would be perfectly healthy. They are FAR from the level that Chihiro and Mondo are at, like it's hardly even comparable beyond the fact that they've kinda got opposite goals and opposite positions, and to me that's more of an interesting coincidence that COULD be elaborated on if someone wanted to. Fascinating and fun to rotate? yes. But is it entirely necessary? No. I'm very Ishimondo ride or die so I don't ship them romantically, but it is FAR from a stretch to say that there's absolutely chemistry there. Honestly Makoto could become QPPs with anybody if she wanted to, lol. Also, this is nothing against you but I ask that you please please don't send the link. I'd hate for people to see it as an excuse to attack this person, whoever they may be. I'm positive you don't have any ill intentions, but I sincerely hope that you can understand.

[grelleswife]

🥺🎶

💖🤩

✅🤯

i want to know so many things lmao (feel free to ignore any of them) hope you have a nice day :)

(From this ask game here)

Ask, and you shall receive! My day’s going pretty well; I hope yours is, too! 🥰

🥺 Is there a certain type of moment or common interaction between your characters that never fails to put you in your feels?

As a sad, touch-starved little gremlin, any scene involving cuddles or hand-holding/hand-kisses reduces me to a sentimental mess. Those quiet respites where characters completely relax and let themselves be vulnerable with their partner because they’re secure in each other’s love get to me every time. :’)

🎶 Do you listen to music while you write? What song have you been playing on loop lately?

Ironically, although I love to sing, I generally can’t listen to music while I write because I get too distracted to concentrate on the fic and just start jamming out instead. 😅 However, I sometimes play a few songs before drafting if I think they’ll put me in the necessary headspace for a particular story.

Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” is my main go-to at present, along with “Mysterious” by Queen Bee.

💖 What made you start writing?

It was the inevitable outcome of being a weird, introverted, socially-anxious only child with almost no friends, an overactive imagination, and a chronic case of bibliophilia. 😎 I frequently made up stories on my own to keep myself entertained, although I rarely summoned the discipline to commit them to paper (or, when I did, flitted over to a different idea after scribbling down the first chapter). However, I didn’t start writing fic until receiving a request for a Sebagrelle oneshot a few years ago. My brainrot for this ship had already reached an advanced stage, and that little nudge served as the catalyst for my foray into the magical (and sometimes terrifying) realm of AO3. 🤪

🤩 Who is your favorite character to write?

That’s probably a dead-even tie between Grelle and Sebastian, not only because of how fascinating they are to explore, but because they’re dear comfort characters of mine. Writing in their voices is the emotional equivalent of wrapping up in a soft, fluffy blanket (perverse as that may sound given their canon atrocities 😆).

✅ What's something that appears in your fics over and over and over again, even if you don't mean to?

Assonance and alliteration. I like my prose to have a distinctive cadence, and using these devices is conducive to that goal. The problem is that my brain defaults to these types of sound pairings a little too often (it’s the bane of my existence 😭), so I always have to comb back through my drafts to keep their usage from degenerating into simple tackiness rather than serving an artistic purpose. 😖

🤯 What's a genre you struggle with as a writer (ex. romance, action, etc.)?

I was actually discussing this with another mutual earlier—I may be a bisexual cauldron of lust, but smut is an utter chore when I’m the one writing it. There are so many moving parts to keep track of (double entendre fully intended 😉): Is this position anatomically possible? How are the characters’ bodies situated in relation to each other? Do the acts of physical intimacy align with the emotional underpinnings I want to convey to my readers? It’s absolutely exhausting. There’s a reason I prefer writing flowery, introspective pieces! 😅