#maybe it's because they have a lot of my favorite tropes baked into their story

[mischievouslittlecreature]

I’m almost done with chapter 4 of A Sleepless Dream and I stg I don’t think I’ve ever written a man so intensely and fully in love as Robert is with Alice. 

[hannahbarberra162]

Ik the initial one-shot wasn't yandere, so ignore if this is annoying lol but the murder attempt might be a good point for those types of feelings to start developing. You're still a resource before anything else, but there's still a... shift afterward. Marco is much kinder to you than you expected him to be when you're terrified to start "donating" once more- sighing and rubbing your back while you blubber hysterically about being left alone in that room again. He's familiar with PTSD and it helps if you've been obedient up until this point. He'd made it clear you wouldn't be hurt if you obeyed, and you did, but you were nearly killed regardless. This isn't your fuck up. He's responsible. Considers moving the equipment to a different room, but assigning crewmates or nurses to stay with you in shifts is a much easier option. Thatch dotes on you too, if he's alive- you're getting treats, rules be damned.

It’s definitely not annoying! Yandere is one of my favorite tropes, I have to stop myself from adding it into most things I write. Even my nicer fluffier ideas make me think “hmmm but what if dark? What if kidnap???” Like for Struck Twice By Lightning (a lighter story I’m writing w/ Shanks x reader) I have an alternative yandere ending just because uh…it’s too much fun. Also, Thatch isn’t going to die, silly Nonnie. He never dies! Neither does Ace or Whitebeard or Izou or anyone else I love! Everyone is just on Laughtale, waiting for us to get there. 

ANYWAY, I love your idea Nonnie. 

~~~

You had begged Marco, truly begged him on hands and knees, to move the phlebotomy equipment to another room. Unfortunately, space was at a premium on the ship, even one as large as the Moby. The phlebotomy room had been built to unique specifications, there wasn’t anywhere else where the equipment could fit and had the right electrical connections needed to run the apheresis machine. He had a busy day ahead of him, there was a lot to do and plan after yesterday’s attack. But you were pale and shaking, afraid to go into the room, much less stay there for the six hours you needed to. Of course, he could just drag you in and sit you down, put the IV in your arm and leave. But you’d been compliant so far and he didn’t want to punish you. After all, this was his oversight in security, you hadn’t done anything wrong. Marco sighed and rubbed his temples. He’d tell Haruta to take over the meeting for now and ask Deuce to manage the infirmary. 

Crouching so he’d be at your eye level, Marco took your tear stained face in his hands. You had dark circles under your eyes, Marco knew you hadn’t slept the night before, which caused his own sleeplessness. He forced you to look at him, even though he was pretty sure you hated him in that moment. And maybe always. “Listen. I know you’re scared yoi. It’s understandable. But I can’t move the equipment, you have to be in this room. I can stay with you, if you want. Would you like that?” You averted your eyes from his face but nodded almost imperceptibly. He guessed you would have preferred Deuce, but Marco didn’t feel comfortable leaving you with anyone below Commander level. You were friendly with Thatch, maybe you’d want him to sit with you later. And Thatch had been baking up a storm for you since yesterday, baking treat after treat to try to find something you liked. Thatch wanted to get you to like his desserts, if he had to try every recipe on the Grand Line. The chef was always warm and pleasant company, getting people to relax in his presence was one of his gifts. Marco would allow the brief interruption in your strict diet if it helped you relax.

“We can take a break after one session if you’d like yoi.” You took a shuddering breath as Marco took your hand in his. Squeezing it gently, Marco walked you into the room. It had been cleaned of all the blood but the memories remained. You perched in the chair, pivoting your head every few seconds to check outside the window. Your hypervigilance was concerning even if it was justified. Marco didn’t want you to think they couldn’t keep you safe - they were a Yonko crew after all. There had been multiple fails yesterday that culminated in the assassin gaining access to you, but that wouldn’t make you feel better. Marco quickly turned on the aphoresis machine and prepared the equipment, watching you wince as the needle entered your arm. You were still squeamish, not wanting to see the needle insertion. He took a step back to check his work. Looking at you on the padded chair you were…small. Scared. Exhausted. Anxious. Marco didn’t like it, he needed to ensure his prized resource was healthy. “Would you like to hold hands? Would that make you feel better?” You nodded once again, still not speaking. Thinking back, Marco wasn’t sure you’d actually spoken since right after the attack. Marco took your clammy hand in his, noting the chewed nails and bloody cuticles. He’d heal those too, once it was time. He couldn’t let you out of your cage, but he could make it more comfortable.

[luninosity]

It’s funny, I’d actually been putting off making this post, even though of course I’m thrilled at the book release and seeing Sam and Leo get their happy ending! But it comes with a lot of feelings.

But, first – yes, In Focus is out now! As of last weekend, from JMS Books! Book two of two, of the Character Study duology – in which supporting actor Leo and photographer Sam meet each other’s families (including Benvolio the cat!), and navigate press tours and coming out, and help their friends when a crisis happens, and find their happy ending!

It’s got a lot of emotions because it’s really the last story in the whole Character Bleed universe (as far as I know, anyway) – the original Colby/Jason trilogy, all the bonus stories, and this spin-off because Leo demanded his own book…I’ve had these characters living in my head and being excitedly loud in my writer-brain for so many years. They’re friends. I’ve written little crossovers with some of my favorite other characters – with Colby and Jason meeting Ben and Simon, who were the main characters from my first-even published M/M story, years ago! (That was “Leather & Tea,” if you’re wondering, and the crossover stories are “Coffee & Tea” and “Coffee & Tea: Epilogue,” which is, er, quite spicy!) That felt like such a full-circle moment – it was lovely.

And it’s so odd thinking that this is really it. (Okay, technically my story for the JMS Books holiday advent calendar this year is in the Character Bleed universe! But it’s a one-shot with all new characters – they might go on a date to see a Colby Kent film, but there’s no real crossover!) And I know it is the end – we’ve left everyone in a wonderful happy place, and the characters aren’t metaphorically tugging on my sleeve and popping up with a new idea about home renovation or baking contests, not anymore. I suspect that’s how my head knows it’s probably time for the next thing. (Yep, I’ve got some Ideas. Probably more in the fantasy realm…there’s the Apprentice’s Luck sequel, and story about Lorre’s daughter, and the next Aric/Em short story, and the third Regency Magicians book with @thebestpersonherelovesbucky, among said ideas…)

But this is still the biggest story I’ve ever written, counting all those books and bonus stories, and it’s been so much a part of me – it’s the story I’ve done the most outlining for (ever!), had random ideas for whilst driving home from campus, got the Good Sex Award runner-up nod for, looked up historical ship parts for, thought up terrible bread puns for…I’m so very very proud of it. I loaf it.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for sharing Colby and Jason and Leo and Sam with me. Thank you for the conversations in comments, and for the fan art and fan fic and fan trailer for Steadfast-the-movie – it’s a delight and a joy and an honor to see people making awesome things, creative things, because you love these characters too.

(Y’know, it’s also funny – I realized how many tropes I wrote into this book that I don’t normally write! It’s a coming out story, there’re kids around in the form of Sam’s sisters – well, teens, but still – there’s [sort of] a third-act breakup, or at least a needing some space, for good reasons, mind you, and it doesn’t really last that long…but all of that is just really what this story wanted to be! Of course Leo would have to be dramatic and unusual. Of course.)

So I hope you enjoy In Focus! It’s also got rather more fish and seahorse references than I expected. But everyone needs a rainbow crystal fish comfort object once in a while…

Oh, and this book also has one of my favorite playlists! I do usually have a plan for those, some more than others, and this one just…every song fits so well. I’ll probably make a separate post commenting on some of those choices, sometime, but I did start this playlist off with one of my very favorite songs (at least top five, maybe top two), which I’d been saving for the right story, and it felt right here for Sam and Leo, celebratory and tentative and determined and hopeful and full of explorations, all at once – that’s “Aside” by The Weakerthans:

…and I’m leaning on this broken fence Between past and present tense And I’m losing all those stupid games That I swore I’d never play But it almost feels okay

Circumnavigate this body Of wonder and uncertainty Armed with every precious failure And amateur cartography…

(and yes, if you know me from Stucky fandom circles, you might know which other fic I've used that song in! it's also a story I have a lot of Feels about. <3 )

[nerdieforpedro]

Weekend Update

12/03/2023

Nerdie, you’re making this a thing now?

Yes! I have to keep ya’ll updated on what’s going on.

Well, what did you read this week?

Many wonderful things:

I will again sing the praises of @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin three part series “When My Time Comes Around.” You’ll feel all the emotions and be thankful that you read something that touches you deep in your soul. 😭 She also attacked my heart again on Frankie Friday with bittersweet angst in Tender is the Night. I'm a fan of the melancholic greatness that is Angie.

So...you like reading about sad things?

There's more to it than that. Just go read her fics! Then you'll know.

Tommy Miller fans unite! @musings-of-a-rose is continuing to feed our younger Miller brother delusions with her series “Falling Slowly.” The slow burn romance is one of the trope I really dig. And Gabriel Luna always. 🫠 Dig into some Tommy…

Nerdie, you’re doing so well, don’t jinx it.

I mean, I'm not wrong. Whatever, moving on...

I also read Honey Stained Hands by the sweet and deceptively naughty @undercoverpena too. Seems to be a Joel fix this week. Post-outbreak. The reader manages to make honey and different sweets in Jackson. Telling ya’ll anymore is a spoiler. Go read it!

There’s also another grizzled man this week. Tim Rockford who in the capable hands of the same writer @secretelephanttattoo who brought us Marcus Pike (Doughnut Debauchery) and the reason I’ll never look at doughnuts the same, I’m sure she’ll find many a use for his gun holsters. She began her new series “Undercover.” I’m throughly looking forward diving into more of the chapters as she releases them.

@linzels-blog wrote another Din Djarin fic that is equal parts sensual and sweet. It’s called Safe to Touch. I’m rather fond of our intrepid Mendalorian and him exploring his body with someone he loves is a treat.

Speaking of which, who doesn’t like baked goods? We’re also being fed by @avastrasposts as she starts her A Baker’s Dozen series with Pedro Pascal characters. Her first one is about our favorite trash cuddle panda Dieter Bravo. It’s adorable. 🥰 Such fluff.

Nerdie, you actually read fluff? This is surprising.

What do ya’ll take me for? I told you, 80% smut. This is in the 20%. Geez. 🙄

I will say though, this next one, 100% smut, not watered down, will burn your throat and you’ll love it and want more. You’ll want it other places. 😘

Welp, we knew it was gonna end here eventually.

Yes! @morallyinept had me removing my socks and pants in an effort to cool down, it did not help. I will think of this version of Dieter Bravo when I’m out at night. Heck, maybe as I walk across the parking lot to get in my car after a shift. That honestly would be the perfect time… long story short, wild back alley sex with both Dieter and the reader being complete and utter lust filled humans. It is called, Back Alley Bang if you enjoy Pedro Pascal characters smut, it’s required reading or at least highly recommended.

Anything new for you this week Nerdie?

Session Two of my “Sard’ika Sessions” will be out on early Wednesday AM in EST. Session One and all sessions will be linked to the Sard’ika Sessions Masterlist. I’m currently writing sessions 3 and 4 from my notebook because I wrote them down. Wild what you think of between the hours of 12 mid and 4am.

I finally started writing for our Pickled Peña prompt! I might even have it in on time. If you’d like to join in, see all the details here. I’m on the fence about smut, odd I know. 🤨

I also started a Benny Miller fic (likely fluff with food) and a Christmas fic with Joel and Layla (on OFC I wrote three fics on a few months ago - I love them very much ❤️). Joel and Layla are on my Masterlist.

Anything outside of fanfiction Nerdie? Please say that’s not the only thing you do. 🙄

I have a job you know. I actually worked this weekend. I visited my mom while she had a cold earlier this week. She’s very into Tom Hiddleston. Not a bad choice, I too appreciate his accent and baritone voice. She enjoys his dancing. 🕺🏽 I’d watching Loki with her and finally got her to watch Andor - she liked it but called it “low budget Star Wars” because she didn’t know any of the actors. I swear she’s so goofy. I love her. She also said that Andor grew on her like The Mandalorian and she wants to see more. I may be able to get her on board with both Lunas eventually. 😝

I’ve been working on my Statistics class. It’s difficult but I’m pushing through. 😵

Finally watched two Garrett Hedland movies this week! Country Strong and Four Brothers. The first was bittersweet but I liked it. He did sing a lot which was wonderful. The second one I’ve seen multiple times with little brother (he loved the movie when we were younger.) Garrett looked so young! It was from 2005 though.

Well Nerdie, your week sounds full. Good luck!

Have a great week everyone!

I jammed to while some music while looking at a picture of Gabriel Luna that @musings-of-a-rose sent me because she knows me well and is always willing to share: 😍

One of the songs was:

Stay safe and feel better to all those who are feeling under the weather,

Love Nerdie ❤️

[theawkwardterrier]

2023 fic roundup

MCU

Year by Year

Academic Antagonism, Scholastic Strife

Working Women

Have Yourself a Scheming Little Christmas

Outlander

Unexpected Gifts**

Pure Heart, Clean Hands*

Bake On

Bad Roommates; or, Stocking on the Door*

The Envy of Care*

Better Broken Hearts Than Broken Bodies**

The Intimidation Game**

Nature and Nurture*

What We Have, What We Keep*

First Gifts**

What We Have, What We Lose**

Reflections*

On the Road (Too Far, Too Long)*

A Particular Habit*

In Care Of*

Awakenings*

Not Alone**

Four Thoughts During a Separation*

In the Act**

After the War Is Over (Will There Be Any Home Sweet Home?)

Never Leaves You**

Polyglot Pride*

Bits and Pieces**

Sword and Shield*

Make History*

Soon, the Sight of You*

Baby Proof*

S5 Series, cont.*

Slow, Someday Sisters*

No Matter How Far*

Roots and Wings

Over Matter*

Small Joys*

Future Tense*

Healing Hearts*

Enough? Enough*

Connections*

Comes Around*

All Illuminated*

Genesis*

Dialogues*

One Last Time*

Fathering*

Side by Steadfast Side*

In His Multitudes*

By Heart*

Living Up*

Beyond Keepsakes*

Are and Become*

Marching On*

Family Means*

Far and Ahead*

Forever in Peace*

As Houses*

All Tied Up**

Hope’s Smallest Seeds*

Only in Dreams*

Parenting and Partnership**

All the Ways Home

Home and Away*

Vine and Fig Tree*

Familial Peas**

In the Light and the Shadows*

Gifts*

In the Operating Room*

All the Shattered Pieces*

Moments of Thanksgiving*

Anchors in Absence*

Relation**

Let the Circle Be Unbroken*

Morning Moments**

A Reception**

A Slow-Motion Storytime*

Particular Prescriptions*

Always Been Forever*

* drabble

** Laird’s Room ‘verse

1. Looking back, did you write more fic than you thought you would this year, less, or about what you’d predicted?:

As I continue my journey to not caring about this stuff: who knows?! What I will say is that I wouldn't have necessarily predicted that I wouldn't participate in certain fandom events that I traditionally have over the years, but that my list is super lengthy because I have kept up with my weekly drabbles and I've also transitioned to doing more chapter fic than I have in the past.

2. What pairing/genre/fandom did you write that you would never have predicted in January?:

No real surprises this year, but I did do quite a variety of drabble POVs rather than sticking to my single ship, plus it might be somewhat unexpected to see that I wrote kid!Natasha + kid!Sharon Carter dual POV.

3. What’s your own favorite story of the year? Not the most popular, but the one that makes you happiest?

Muscle Memory was technically still posting in this year, and I'm super proud of a lot of that story, but I also have quite a fondness for a lot of the character work and family/feelsy moments in All the Ways Home.

4. Did you take any writing risks this year? What did you learn from them?

Posting Roots and Wings!! I think that what I learned is that I'm allowed to just post what's interesting to me and what I want without thinking about reception, but also and perhaps contradictorily that sometimes the things that I like and want to experiment with will also appeal to people.

5. Do you have any fanfic or profic goals for the New Year?

Finish and post the Great Depression fic

Keep up with my Wednesday 100 drabbles

See if it feels good to go back to some additional fandom events or to start working with some new fandoms/ships - generally use what feels positive to me as the gauge for what I should do rather than expectations or the desire for recognition in some way

6. From my past year of writing, what was…

Story Most Underappreciated by the Universe:

There are easy reasons and explanations for this (it's short and really recent and potentially a little weird) but probably Have Yourself a Scheming Little Christmas.

Most Fun:

Academic Antagonism, Scholastic Strife! I still don't know that the trope super works in the way that I played it, but I like it anyway.

Most Disappointing:

I don't know that there's one that really fits here for this year, but maybe Roots and Wings specifically because the pacing is slightly off - I couldn't find anything to sort of fill in to balance the slower beginning with a slower ending rather than montaging the second half.

Most Sexy:

Oof, maybe I'm just tired, but I don't know that I had any super great sexy scenes this year?

Hardest to Write:

Lol, all of them? My depression hit super hard midyear and made it really difficult to focus and connect enough to complete All the Ways Home.

Most Unintentionally Telling:

The fact that I'm focusing so much on parenthood, specifically fatherhood, and family moments is definitely saying...something. Do even I know what it is? No guarantee!

Choice Lines:

Haha, I have no idea this year. I love my stuff but also it would be a bit out of hand to try to quote many of them. If you have favorites, I'd love to hear them!

[tohisprettyc00l]

hi! could i get romantic and platonic matchup for the owl house?

my pronouns are she/her

i'm demisexual panromantic

i'm enfp 7w8, leo

i'm 6'0 and have amber eyes, long gold blond curly hair and hourglass figure

i'm positive and upbeat person, i try to see the bright side in most situations

i'm friendly, energetic, confident, sarcastic, responsible, maybe a bit chaotic, cheerful and bubbly

i care about my friends and family a lot, and go out of my way to show it

i enjoy having fun and living life to the fullest

i'm very competitive and passionate person

i really like puzzles, riddles and crosswords

i love making people smile

i have morbid, dark sense of humor

sometimes i randomly say a weird obscure fact in the middle of conversation

i can play on violin, cello, piano, guitar, saxophone, harp and drums, i'm currently learning how to play on trumpet

i like poetry and sometimes i write a poem or two, also i'm writing my book

i'm ballet dancer since i was a kid and i love performing

i'm working on my own cartoon

i never quite grew out of the fantasy phase, and i'm still enamored with tales of changelings and witches

i work as illustrator for fantasy books and books for kids

i'm kinda struggling with taking rest, doing nothing, because there is always something to do, something new to learn, etc.

i'm afraid of stagnation

i overuse this kind of emojis→(⁠ㆁ⁠ω⁠ㆁ⁠)

my style is something between whimsigothic and cryptidcore

i love: collecting things, astronomy, tea, making and watching movies, forests, making jewelry, cooking, baking, d&d, horrors, animals, plants, gardening, traveling, art, history, world mythologies, learning new things, psychology, handicraft

sorry if it's too chaotic

i hope you have a fantastic day (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)

I romantically match you with: Amity Blight!

-I WAS going to say Amity seems like she would be short af. But she is only a few inches below six foot as a teen and taller as an adult so never mind I guess.

-You remind me so much of seasons 1 and 2a Luz.

-Just like her and Luz you both are that ship trope where it's like a grumpy person and a ray of sunshine.

-Her REAL family (so not Odaila) and friends are the most important thing to her. She knew what it was like to have social status as her number one priority and it wasn't great.

-Amity missed out on a lot of actually living her life so now she spends a lot of her free time living her life to the fullest. Usually to the point where she expresses stuff others wouldn't experience in ten lifetimes.

-Amity will be do all the smart game things in her free time (I.E like you said puzzles, riddles and crosswords.) She find them relaxing. (Unlike me who has a storke when I mess up in a crossword.)

-Amity will read some random fact online and go to everyone she knows and be like "Guess what I just learned!"

-Amity would love to listen to you play instruments!!! She might try to learn herself to surprise you.

-She has problems with resting/ doing nothing, but she'll be damned if she lets you also have that problem. She will force you to take breaks. You might not feel overwhelmed or burnt out yet but if you carry on like this it will happen sooner or later.

-You fear stagnation? You and her both. So she is pretty good at comforting you if you're having a particularly bad time with the fear.

-Luz loves using emoticons. So first of all she's used to it. But she also finds it very endearing.

-It may be a basic headcanon but I think Amity's favorite drink is tea.

-Amity specializes in a few foods but besides that, she can't cook or bake. But the fact that you are able to remember and make so many recipes and make them taste good? You're basically magical (And she has authority on the topic.)

-She loves spooky stuff but not horror stuff if that makes sense. Like she loves a Halloween-y vibe and a campfire story scary, but nothing gory or like jump scares. That last one is just because of the cheapness of it.

-I think Lilith rubbed off on Amity in her love of history.

-She loves learning about the psychology of things. Why do people do the things they do.

I platonically match you with: Luz Noceda

-Optimistic person and optimistic person friendship is honestly always chaotic. And that's just how Luz likes it.

-Luz loves her friends and family so much. That's like her main thing

-Luz unintentionally lives life to the fullest. Danger and new experiences gravitate toward her.

-I feel like Luz played any instrument she could in school, that's not to say she was good at it but she tried. (She got better after studying in the bard coven.) So when she finds out you play she's very excited and wants to play with you.

-She wanted to do ballet when she was younger but when she found out classes weren't just dancing and were actual y'know... Lessons she left. (I can't blame her I don't know what your classes are like but when I was in ballet the keeping your head straight thing was torture for me) But since you do the dancing part that she was interested in she loves to watch perform.

-If you let her she'll watch the hell out your cartoon. You finished a very rough sketch? She is already by your side asking to see.

-Girl literally lives in the demon realm and is also obsessed with Azura She is in too deep to get out of the fantasy "phase."

-Mildred Featherwhyle ass I think I've made it clear that she loves seeing your craft, but the fact that you write FANTSY books!? She was so excited she literally bounced up and down

-Luz is going to force you to take breaks. She's not going to force you to do nothing, she has adhd she knows that can be hard. But taking breaks is important.

-She is the queen of using silly emoticons.

-Luz was obsessed with space when she was younger and you can't convince me otherwise.

-Luz likes and runs D&D campaigns.

-Luz canonically likes art both the writing and drawing kind.

Bro, I don't know what happened but I went OFF. Um- Hope you like it!

[daily-rayless]

the games I played in 2022

Time for my roundup of the games I played this year so I can share the things I liked about them. As always, me liking a game doesn't mean I endorse everything about it.

Basically spoiler-free.

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox (Falcom)

A somewhat darker story from Ys 8, dealing with themes of criminality, duality, and supernatural gifts, all set in a gothic French-inspired city.

Stylish character design.

But more importantly, everyone gets monster alter egos with over the top creepy costumes, and many of them (Crimson King, Feral Hawk, Doll) are excellent.

Each monstrum gets their own unique movement pattern, meaning you can run up walls and fly and shoot along from rooftop to rooftop.

One character is a robot.

Interesting secondary characters. While this year was not as generous as last year when it came to non-cishet characters who were just people, not tropes, the standout npc for me was Chante. At first, he just feels like a tired collection of tropes, but dig deep and there's a very compelling character who really deserves more screen time.

While I'm a fan of romance arcs, I was surprised and pleased that Adol doesn't have much shiptease with any of the women for this game. It was just really refreshing.

Horizon Forbidden West (Guerilla Games)

A lot of the stuff I love about the first game carries over – wonderful protagonist, beautiful open world, lovely music, interesting secondary characters.

The new characters, particularly the ones who join Aloy on her main quest, are all very strong and I want to see more of them.

The story centers more on Aloy exploring her own personal conflicts, not simply telling other people they need to change.

There are lots of twists in the story, lots of good drama, and you eventually get the power to fly.

Way more costumes and face paint options.

An intense ending that, while not concluding the game on a cliffhanger, comes tantalizingly close.

Trails in the Sky 2 (Falcom)

I first played number one back in 2013, so I finally got my payoff after that game's intense cliffhanger ending.

One thing I love about this one is that Estelle's definitely the main character. Female protags still don't feel common enough, and to see people treating her with respect and admiration, even as some of them are also mentoring her, is beautiful.

Estelle's a funny, energetic character, but she also gets to grow up a lot. She never loses her take-charge, extroverted personality, but she becomes more confident and heroic.

This second half of the story ramps up the stakes, focusing more on the villains.

Also, I did mention I like romance arcs, and this game has a very sweet and emotional one at its center.

As for non-cishet characters, similarly to Chante, Olivier is also a bundle of tropes, and worse ones, yet he rose above them and ended up being one of my favorite characters. There was more to him than I realized, and suspecting it, then realizing it was such a pleasant, intriguing jolt of surprise.

My actual favorite character also took me by surprise, because it was Father Kevin. Was not expecting to like the priest with weird hair so much. (And whenever he’s struck in battle, he does this really funny yelp.)

Trails of Cold Steel (the first one) (Falcom)

This is the first game of four, and you either want a two-hundred-and-eighty-hour epic or you don't, and I decided I wanted to get into a big old story full of characters and politics and some alternate outfits.

Not wanting to get into spoilers, but I love 90s JRPGs, and very late into the first game, a new element of gameplay is introduced and it’s very nostalgic.

Again not wanting to get into spoilers, but this game made me speculate so much about twists and turns in the plot and what was going on behind the scenes. Around halfway through the game, or maybe earlier, I started baking what felt like a very bonkers theory in my head. I loved this theory, I thought it was so funny and intriguing, but I didn't have a lot of hope of it coming true, especially when other outcomes felt more likely. But then – it came true. Writers often worry that audiences will see twists coming. I'm here to tell you that not only did wondering about this plot twist bring me so much fun, I was thrilled when it turned out to be true. There was no sense of “that was so predictable!” at all. It was some good writing.

As for the non-cishet characters... there are number of characters who can easily be read as non-cishet, but nothing's said definitely (as of the first game). And then there's Angelica, who, like Olivier, initially reads as a collection of terrible tropes. But once again, once the writers actually focused on writing her, she became one of my favorites. So the theme this year is that there are some good characters in here, you're just going to have to mentally filter them some.

And on that note, a lot of the main characters are very interesting, intriguing, and I'm excited to see how they develop across the next three games.

Which one was my favorite? You’d think, with these odds, it would be a Falcom game. But I’m going to say Horizon Forbidden West was the winner for me. I know it disappointed some fans, and there were things about it I didn’t love either. But for the most part I had a great time and it left me so excited for more.

[unnursvanablog]

the tv shows that I watched in 2024 / part 1

and what I thought of them...

Song of the Bandits: The fight scenes were cool but the plot dragged on a bit too long and I thought it was just too melodramatic, which is a genre that is just so hit-or-miss for me.

Gyeongseong Creature: I enjoyed the first half much more than the second. There was something much stronger and more moving about the human side of the story, when the focus was more on the characters' relationships and their struggles. As the horror-elements takes a bigger place within the narrative, the episodes start to fall apart a bit. Or they become somewhat too repetitive and unfocused. If they had given themselves few more episodes it would have worked better, I think.

The Story of Park's Marriage Contract: The main couple was really cute, but this drama relies too much on suspension of disbelief and is full of rom-com drama tropes that it doesn't do interesting stuff with. The first half is a lot of fun, but it loses steam towards the end when it becomes just too much of a mess.

Marry My Husband: It has a fun revenge plot going on with some very interesting characters that grabs your attention. Gets a bit too melodramatic and tropy for me towards the end and the main romance wasn't doing much for me.

Avatar the Last Airbender: There is a decent entertainment value to be found there as long as you don't delve too deeply into the story. Everything is a bit superficial and it lacks the care, heart and warmth of the original tale and everything about the plot feels like it was in a too much hurry to get from a to b.

Belgravia: You'd think the creator and writer of Downton Abbey (one of my favorite British period dramas) would be able to work his magic on me again, but this did nothing for me. The characters lacked charm and everything was felt flat and boring.

Belgravia - the next chapter: I actually enjoyed this standalone sequel much more than the previous Belgravia series. Maybe because it wasn't written by the same man, but maybe just because I think Toby Regbo is an exceptionally nice to look at. The main couple were both a tad annoyingly melodramatic at times.

Captivating the King: This story dragged on for a long time, but despite that it was rather cute, well acted and all that. But the story was just a bit slow and there wasn't enough going on. There were episodes that worked they had almost no plot and you were watching watching paint dry and some of the characters' decisions didn't make sense, which annoyed me.

Chicken Nugget: A crazy plot, but you really just have to let the drama create its own rules and logic and just let yourself float along and just enjoy it. Nice sense of humor, but still a bit too childish at times. I expected it to have something to say, some commentary on something, and I really struggled to find a theme or message within the narrative.

Pachinko: I cried so much! a great exploration of culture, life but also what it feels like to lose it. Truly makes you think and the story is moving and tugs at your heartstrings with its realism, the resilience of the characters that allows the viewer to face the gray reality that these characters live in.

Queen of Tears: Each episode was way too long, there were way too many characters with their own little side-plot so the story had very little focus. Dragged on, too much fluff just to fill in the plot, which would maybe have been interesting if the story hadn't been so determined to make each episode an hour and a half… for sixteen whole episodes. God I was bored out of my mind.

Mary & Georgie: Despite the wit and atmosphere of the show, it lacked a trace of interesting characters. Characters that should have felt big and dramatic to match the atmosphere the show was creating, as it was supposed to be a high drama comedy, felt a little too low key and dull. I also didn't find many of the female characters to be that deep and just half-baked stereotypes, which was a shame.

Korean-Khitan War: very heavy on the political side of thing but quite a breath of fresh air among those fluffy romantic period dramas that have taken over historical kdramas-genre. Gripping, epic and thrilling with a strong sense of theme that speaks on loyalty and love for one's country, the complexities of war with fantastic and deep characters.

Midsumer Night: Could maybe have been two episodes longer, could delved deeper and given each character and given the audience time to sit a little longer with their problems.

Renegade Nell: Whimsical, exciting and quirky. The humor works so well here and the characters felt original and deep. The atmosphere in the episodes was really fun and lively, it just had its own style about it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just a blast from start to finish.

Big Mood: I expected more. I wanted to find it funnier than I did, I wanted to enjoy the characters and their backstories more. It was a decent look at this friendship-dynamic, even if I don't relate to it at all, and it felt like the episodes managed to be thoughtful and realistic. But I just wasn't feeling it. I thought they were just going in circles.

Derry Girls: I re-watched Derry Girls, because why not. Sobbed again over the final episode, as one does. Absolutely world class television.

Shogun: An epic setting, gloomy but not too gritty and just very exciting from start to finish. The characters are handled really well and just the whole look of the show was spectacular. The progression of the story could have been better, the pacing was off at times, and a bit slow, but it definitely made up for it with so many interesting moments between the characters.

Bodkin: It felt like it just had takes different characters from similar shows and thrown them in a blender, the twists were fun but very predictable at times and personally I wanted a lot more discussion about the ethics of crime podcasts but I liked the thigns that we got regardless. This was great fun though. Just not very original.

Lovely Runners: Very sweet, absolutely adorable, but my god this was a lot of fluff. It's light and fun with charming actors and interesting plots and really manages to be quite sincere and earnest in it's storytelling and feel. The second half is quite weak compared to the first half.

Bridgeton, Season 3: I always have a good time with this show. It's a modern, fantastical take on the classic Regency period drama, and it's fun and exciting and colorful. It lives up to all, or most, of the promises it has made to the audience and is never really trying to be anything more than what it is. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I also would have liked a little more pining from the main couple. I personally need a little more buildup when it comes to this kind of romances and in this series, the story was too all over the place to be able to focus on the main couple. Too many side-plots.

Doctor Who, s15: For a while now, even with Jodie's doctor, I've been really excited for a new season of doctor who, a new cast and a new take on the doctor and then it slowly fades away when I don't feel the same spark that was there when I started watching the show. RTD and the new cast put a lot of joy and heart into the shows, and I think doctor who is on the right track. There's a theme and stuff going on, there's more work put into the characters, but the spark, that excitement that just made me want to watch and wait eagerly for a new episode every week wasn't there. But it still manages to have a lot of fun with this whimsical little adventure. But it felt almost too safe and like it's been too sterilized by disney.

Dare to Love Me: The things I watch just because Myungsoo is so cute, huh. It should definitely be investigated. The absurdity of the plot in this frothy romcom could have been more entertaining if the drama just believed or had more fun with it's own logic and just poured a little more heart into the story. There is truly no buildup to anything, making the interactions between characters just kinda strange and just there to push a vague idea of plot forward. Why are these characters in love with each other? who knows.

[ablogofsapphicpanic]

HEY! It’s SANTA! How are you doing?! Have you done anything fun this week? Also, LOL at the meme your brother drew. 🤭 I really do hope you like this fic, so don’t mind me playing 20 questions with you hehe.

Would you rather have something in Prythian or in an AU? 

--If you want an If you want an au, what are a few that light up your Christmas tree? 🎄

--If you prefer something in universe, are there particular locations you’re interested in exploring? 

And I took a look at that What I Need music video that you recommended. I love it so much!!!! Are there any other books, videos, movies, songs etc that remind you of Emerie, Mor or both of them? 

And your last set of serious questions - what tropes do you love? Any you loathe? I want to make sure to include what you love and leave the rest alone!!! 

And then your non-serious question because I see you are familiar with BG3. Which companion is the best companion? This is not a trick question! 👀 I swear 👀

Hi!!! I didn't really do much fun this week, but I do have plans to go apple picking and bake pies with my neighbors on Sunday, and I'm looking forward to that! I hope you had a nice week and did something fun! (If you did you should tell me, I'd love to hear about it).

Uhhh, that is a toughie. I prefer canon verse I think, but I wouldn't say no to an AU either 👀 so I'm gonna answer both and whatever strikes your fancy of the two, have at it!

I am a big fan of modern AUs, uhhhhh... I like supernatural romances (werewolves, vampires, that kind of stuff). Both is good, too. I like fairytale AUs as well. There was one sapphic beauty and the beast book that I read that was so good and I forgot the name of it and will hate myself forever for it. A fitting one for Mor and Emerie I think would be maybe a similar concept to Aladdin? Princess has to marry, doesn't want to, along comes suitor she can't actually have?

In Prythian, I'd like to see more of what's going on at Mor's private estate. It seems secluded but also I'm sure stuff is around and it's obviously somewhere she feels more open to relax herself. Also, Rita's is an untapped GOLD MINE right now. Gay club in Velaris? Fuck yes.

Ohhhhh there are so many. I recently read the fiancee farce and it did give them vibes (heiress has to marry to get her inheritance, girl is about to lose the family business and needs money to buy it before it gets sold 👀). Feelings by Hayley is another good song, leaning more towards Mor for that one. Honestly, a lot of Hayley Kiyoko songs are *chef's kiss* for them. I love her so much. But Taylor Swift is my favorite artist so I have to give at least one song from her and I'd sayyyyy... I Can See You, The Very First Night, and Dancing With Our Hands tied.

Tropes! Only one bed is a classic. I will never be tired of that. Fake dating/momentarily pretending to be a couple for whatever reason. I don't HATE miscommunication, but I prefer it not be the *whole* story.

Also, I believe it's not a trick question, because the only right answer is Karlach (though Laezel is a close second). Who is yours? 👀👀

[quinnick]

First fanfic ask game. B, F, I, T, X

I am getting attention :D I love attention (I'll answer your other ask soon I swear)

B (Any of your stories inspired by personal experience?)

Hmmm, well, "Adults Lie, They are Wrong" is based on my own feelings as a trans man along with my desires to cut my hair on my own lmao. That fic has a lot of my own feelings put into it fr. But also "Loving You is Late Night Baking" is just based on my deep rooted urges to bake at 3 am and 3 am only

F (Share a snippet from one of your favourite dialogue scenes you've written and explain why you're proud of it.)

oh, oh no. I hate my dailogue lmao. Maybe...

[“Hate you?” Hopper barely breathed out. “No one in this house is going to hate you for that, okay?”

“Okay,” Will nodded as more tears spilled out of his eyes.

“Never think that any of us would hate you for anything like that. You don’t need to worry about that. Not now. Not ever. I didn’t go to hell and back to save you just to let anyone treat you like shit for kissing boys.”

Will grinned before barrelling into Hopper to pull him into a hug. Hopper let out a loud grunt and a laugh as he was rammed into the countertop.

“Whoa, whoa,” He wrapped his arms around Will and gave him a pat on the back. “No need to kill me kid."]

Tumblr on mobile hates me. Sorry for the cursed snippet.

Reasons why I like it? Projection <3 i just like their whole convo because it makes me feel safe. Which is the goal of the convo so it works out

(Snippet is from "Mornings are for Coffee and Confessions")

I (Do you have a guilty pleasure in fic (reading or writing)?)

Ooo, trying to get me to spill my guts <3. Hmmm, sometimes I will purposefully seek out fics with the worst premises just to see what happens. But I keep finding unironically good ones. But let me think of smth more specific... hmmm everything has left my brain. Oh, I like to read all AUs including ones that don't even fit the characters at all... does that count?

T (Any fandom tropes you can't stand?)

Fandom tropes? Ahhhh, idk what this means but I'll take a stab at it because I have strong opinions and can't shut my mouth.

I really hate a lot in fics when its obvious the person writing it views characters in mlm or wlw relationships in a binary lense. Basically, one character is the "woman" and one is the "man". I also hate the weird amount of "I have aged up the characters to be 40 and they are now divorced with kids and they find other character who I have aged up" idk why but those fics get to me. I just hate fanfics with characters who don't have kids in canon having kids.... idk.... I am just not a fan. But that's not really harmful so I don't care if people write it. The first one I mention makes me want to commit a felony.

X (A character you enjoy making suffer.)

I am a "if you are my favorite character you get all the angst" type of guy so Richie Tozier. (Or Mike Wheeler if I get two characters)

Thanks for the ask !!

Send me an ask off this list

[amazing-spiderling]

top 5 asks: fics you've read recently, songs you've played on repeat lately, things you bought yourself on a whim, snacks , things that made you happy in the past few weeks, hopes for the new DD series, fic tropes

SO MANY ASKS AhhHHhh I'll do my best!

Top 5 Fics You've Read Recently:

I have to be honest, I do reread a lot of fic!

The Blinker System - MissMoochy (WIP) : Robot Matt! Robot Matt! Robot MAAAATTTTT!!!

Show Me Your Scars - pogopop : I've read this one a few times. It's got that delightful payoff from the emotional hurt that eventually shifts into acceptance and healing

You're On The List of Things I'll Never Leave Behind - yourbestkeptsecret: Ughhhh, yeah the blip would suck for those left behind but I don't hear a lot of people talking about the pain that comes from adjusting when people's loved ones return to a world they don't recognize. Top shelf feels

A Murder of Crows (A Seduction of Foes) - inkforhumanhands: okay maybe I'm biased bc this was a gift FOR MEEEE but it's also an absolutely baller fic and it has all of my favorite things including Murderdock and Foggy in college and CHRISTMAS and it's just GOOD ok

Bad Moon Rising - 94bottlesofsnapple : A werewolf story that jumps right into things and those things are very, very good. Love Matt's characteristic freak-out and Foggy's no-nonsense way of handling things. Probably going to read this again for spooky season.

Top Five Songs You've Played on Repeat Lately

(I don't know that I do endless loops of songs too often, but songs that have cropped up a lot in the last few weeks include)

Cameo Lover - Kimbra, Dream of You - Jazz Emu, Underneath it All - No Doubt, Skullcrusher Mountain - John Coltrane, Black Sheep - Metric

Top Five Things You Bought Yourself ON a Whim

I'm just gonna speak recently because I cannot remember a whole life's worth of impulse purchases. IDK if it's a pure whim, but a dress I wanted that had been sold out showed up on a used site so I snatched it up. One of my favorite musicians released an LP and I was half asleep in bed scrolling on my phone when I saw the announcement but I jumped out of bed to purchase it lol. Some spice packet to make Thai coconut curry soup. Some used copies of various Rock Band games for the X-Box 360. I've missed being able to go to karaoke and this gives me that little bit of fun back. A "Hero Lawyer" figure? Doll? Idk. 12 fancy offbrand marvel man.

Top Five Snacks

I eat a lot of nuts and seeds. Pumpkin seeds/Sunflower seeds and the like. Sometimes I make them into hummus but usually it's just a handful. I like those Snap Pea crisps in the light salt. I'm a little bit addicted to the garlic Bombay mix I pick up at the local Indian supermarket. Greek yogurt with granola or grapenuts cereal. My favorite movie snack is those terrible nachos. XD

Top Five Things that Made You Happy In The Past Few Weeks

Taking my dogs out to the park now that the weather is cool enough to do so. Being giddy with fandom friends over She-Hulk and Werewolf By Night. Getting to use my Halloween sprinkles to make festive baked goods and take them to a small outdoor tea party. Eating half a baguette with nice butter at a cafe. Beating Rock Band 3 on my own and watching all the avatars I made of my blorbos achieve rock and roll stardom in the FMVs.

Top Five Fic Tropes

Hurt/Comfort, Long distance start (penpals, voice or text only etc), Monsters (vampires, werewolves whatever), Mutual Pining, Character Insecurity

Top Five Hopes For the New DD Season

Kirsten McDuffie! Let's bring in more characters from the comics! Some more wtf villains like (but not limited to) Stilt-Man. I mean, Jessica Jones gave us a version of the Whizzer, I feel like there's room for exploration. More of Matt and Foggy's actual friendship so that if/when things get rough for them, it hurts more. >:) A reference to the events of NWH so we have a little understanding of just what Matt remembers from his involvement so we can throw the fanfic authors a bone. SAMMMMMMYYYY!!!!!

[nexuschampion]

//Rise Leo is my absolute favorite Leo because we get to see him without the leader pressure but still having his same old Leo thing, and then we get to see him so traumatized far beyond any other incarnation (maybe, I say probably because all his happened within one day, that boy had to shape up in a HURRY). We get to see his true Leo form peeking through, and since he had freedom from all that stress, and his family (who absolutely proved how much rhey need and can rely on each other), he can revert to his lighter self afterwards. THIS is what Leo always needed to not decend into that typical Leo trope. He has the support he's going to need. It's a very different story for them but it's a really neat one to explore. They all get the same organic growth and I love to see it.

Kind of switching up the Leo/Raph dynamic is great too. It's still mostly the same, but very different than what we've seen before.

The build up to everything for everyone was ATLA level, just baked with a lot more goofiness and fast paced one shot stories laced with so much more. I appreciate the subtle development because I like to actually see and figure things out for myself. Rise is masterful at showing, not telling, and if you don't want to think about it, it's just a good time!

[botwstoriesandsuch]

hey Kip! I’m sending asks into different writer’s askboxes, inquiring about cool themes/development facts/stuff the author wants to share about their personal favorite work of their own. What’s yours? :)

Ok so this ask is old and when I first got it I was like “dang I don’t really have a lot to talk about, what should I talk about I could those revalink headcanons the Kip Cut that turned into a working fic uhh hmm maybe I’ll just make something new to talk about real quick” and then I did and now there is a 12+ chapter Revalink fic in my drafts and I’m gonna talk about that now, whoopsie doopsie [click "j" to skip]

aHEM, OK so allow me to break out the primary school white board because yeah, I have a lot of thoughts and the oxford comma has not yet made it’s home into my brain. oh and spoilers for paraphrase. for both all of Chapter one and future events in later chapters, but it’s really nothing you couldn’t surmise from the AO3 tags

so I really wanted to tell the story of Revali and Link learning and struggling to love again after the less-than-fortunate events of Botw, but I wanted a...how you say...fresher, approach on the subject? Like I know we always say that fanfic writers writing the same tropes and stories time and time again is good because we eat that shit up--but at the same time I had asian parenting as was told never to half ass anything ever, no matter what. So now I'm gay and extra and have depression maybe and oh would you look at that @motherhyrule has dropped a beautiful revalink prompt right into my lap

Great so now that we have, that, I shall take you on the step by step process on how to make a :sparkles: story. So step one is to spend at least five to eleven business days for your white board to dismantle your genre and themes and work them around your character arcs. Luckily I have prepared one ahead of time

s*breaks out those laser pointers that uni professors use* So let's start with defining genre. As define because I HATE you, fuck you. I want you to suffer and writhe on the ground, motherfucker. How dare you think that I would give you nothing but pure predictable fluff, fuck you and yours

is the set of expectations that your audience has when consuming a piece of media

And the great thing about fanfiction is that unlike movies or book where the genres are more vague like, "oh it's a noir mystery genre. so there's a crime, maybe a murder, and a detective and a criminal." or "oh it's a teen romance. so there's some white people and a morally questionable six-pack 18 year old love interest that will be painted as desirable for some reason" BUT with fanfiction HALF of the work out the window, because as soon as you see those #revalink #aro sidon #zelpha #revali is an idiot and #found family tags you already know what's up.

Now what's so great about genre and expectation? Well the fun thing about it is that

I will use it to fucking break you.

... ... ...

<3 For example! <3

In Chapter 1: Holes, you already expect there to be revalink, you already expect them to be soulmates with the soulmarks and there's angst and yadayada ya. Revali and Link have to match because thatttss what this is all about, this is about them! This is about cute, little soulmarks and romantic words!

But whoooopsie doopsie [disney channel laugh track plays] they DON'T match anymore! Link's got a different mark! The number one rule of this entire genre has been broken whoooooooooooooooops. *ba dum tiss*

You might notice with a lot of my writing that I do this a lot, this whole..."oop but there's one little thing that's different." TebaSaki sick fic? Ok cool, but what if Teba burns an irreplaceable relic of the Rito champion to fight a wizzrobe first to characterize why his dumbass clicks with Saki. Mipha deciding to persue Link? Ok what if she chases after a dragon to externalize this conflict as she pierces it's flesh for a scale. Link fighting a Lynel? Ok but what if it's actually a sidlink angst fic in disguise and it's also world building on how Link deals with the bloodmoon that erases all of his efforts which is sort of similar to how his existence was erased from Hyrule 100 years ago mwaahahaha! Ok now that I say this outloud I think I just have a pattern of using fight scenes to externalize character growth. I like fight scenes...anyways.

I think another great thing about the realm of fanfiction is that with the tagging system, I can basically use a chekhov's gun sort of deal, without doing any writing. You know I'm gonna use that gun marked "soulmates" but you don't know when I'm gonna shoot it, and you SURE as hell don't know how.

And huzzah! One of the main points of conflict both drives the tension between Revali and Link, solidifies the unique genre and setting of this world, while also creating a new mystery that will carry over for the next few chapters.

Is Revali right in that Link's rebirth makes him destined for someone new now? What will Link do with the information that his soulmark has changed? Why did it change? Did Revali's change as well? How does anything fucking work right now?

And sure, you might be able to tell where things will end with them, but you sure as fuck will not know how because I HATE you. Fuck you. I want you to suffer and writhe on the ground, motherfucker. How dare you think that I would give you nothing but pure predictable fluff. I am not your goddamn fairy godmother, I will do as I fucking please. You will suffer as you fucking deserve, fuck you and your little tiny--

/j

Oh! But you might have noticed on my little planning whiteboard thing that there was a little T-Chart! For Revali and Link! That's because the next important thing besides plot (and in a lot of cases, including this one, it's argued to be even MORE important than plot) is

~CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT~

[to the tune of that history of the world video on youtube]

So yes, it's a little T-Chart outlining their character views in relation to the themes. And the great thing about themes is that they're not something you can necessarily predict in the same way you can with the genre and plot.

But now see, I'm very lazy so I'm just gonna plagiarize @hyrule-kingdom-updates thingy [that you should read btw] because they said my point quite clear enough

Now I don't really need to care about those points about bond and relationships and being understood, because I'm dealing with already established canon characters. I'm not some NERD who dabbles with entire casts of ocs who even cares about ocs not me that's for sure ahaahahaahahahahahaahahahahahAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH *cries in my orphaned WTTU fic* AHAHAHA*sobs*DONT FUCKING LOOK AT ME THAT WAY I SWEAR--

/j I love ocs

But the points I do wanna focus on is the idea that characters provide new perspectives on the theme, and that characters growth can be tracked based on their wants, lies, and needs.

So see, themes can be predicted the same as genre/plot because while you can have the same fanfic plots and tropes, theme will always vary!

Sometimes it's a journey of selfworth with Revali! Sometimes it's an exploration of trauma with Link. Sometimes it's about how you deal with the vulnerabilities of love with Mipha. Sometimes there's straight up NOOOO theme, and people just be fucking, and kissing, and baking, and having a good time. And that is totally fine too!

But I'm not a fucking coward.

I'm gonna weave in themes with my plot, because I fucking can.

I'm not a weakling like you.

Do you hear me, 2019 Kip? Do you hear me Demmers? Do you hear me Quill? I'm coming for your ass. You think you're so great, but I'm coming for you. Rest assured that your graves will be as deep as your sculptured pride--

Heeeere is that T-Chart again, plus more!

yyyyyYou might notice that Revali and Link are quite parallel, to paraphrase. Ayoooo, see what I did there? *dabs* I'm a genius. Anywho

They both start off the same way: 100 years ago they were in love and happy. Basically the equivalent of childish naivety. For the first time in their lives, life is whimsical and charming, and they make each other happy. In fact, it's almost a flaw with how they perceive this happiness. But don't worry! It doesn't last long!

You know what happens.

I think the chart is pretty self explanatory. Revali builds walls fast enough to give a republican a wet dream. Meanwhile Link makes every aromantic in the chat groan with his doubled down sentiments in the idea that his chances of being truly happy again are gone.

Now, I can't exactly describe the full on process of the inbetweens, and where Revali and Link are gonna go from here, because...you have to read it for yourself! Heehee...but something I did think was fun was how these character views on the themes are revealed. Because you'll notice that, I never give exposition. Ever.

Ok well, let me rephrase that. I never give exposition scenes. I will never give you a big LOTR fancy wizard scene explaining the ins and outs of a character's question or the world's magic or whatever. I'm a very impatient Kip, and I value efficiency. Nonono, it's all about multi tasking, baby!

Chapter 1: Holes is divided into three parts.

Post 100 Years - Medoh (Establishes Ghost Rev/Bonk Head Link's view)

100 Years Ago - Flight Range (Establishes old Revalink views)

Post 100 years - Mark (Develops Ghost Rev/Bonk Head Link's view in contrast to who they once were)

I think the way that you structure flashbacks is incredible vital, as it's a very quick way to characterize people without having them say stuff like "I used to be like you, until I took an arrow to the knee" or whatever.

And with the main structure of the chapters and the fic as a whole is focus on their characters, that means I can hide whatever other stuff I want in those scenes, becuase you're too busy absorbing the fun character stuff to realizing I'm giving you boring exposition. Like for example:

Post 100 Years - Medoh and Mark

Foreshadowing for the end of the fic

Set up connection to Medoh with Revali

Link has defeated Windblight

Link has been visiting Revali every night for the past few days

Link has already met Kass and presumably Teba

Link doesn't have the Mastersword

Revali's Gale is still an ability that needs master and practice on Link's end

And that's just some of the stuff.

And see, the only reason I can efficiently give all of this information regarding character, and even exposition, is because of the theme. The themes make everything relevant, and everything circles and encompasses one another, so there's absolutely no wasted space. I mean don't even get me started on how it's gonna be to characterize the other characters around this

I don't wanna talk about the other characters too much either because that's spoilers, but you can probably take a gandar based on my notes.

And oh my god this is just on the theme of the faults that come with "soulmates" and "true love" and all that, and how even magical destined relationships still require work and effort, and that no one thing or person solves all your problems. And that's not even TOUCHING the shit on trauma and scars. I didn't think it was even possible for me to talk about botw without touching on that, ha. Ah well, I've been talking for too long.

Revalink has a lot o' writing potential so das pretty cool yeah, I am excite

[burstingsunrise]

Heyo! For the fic writer asks - 3, 5 for denouement, 6 for in the in between, 9, 15, 22 for any bake off fic, 29 for LA cake, 47 for IKEA cake, 49, and 50. This is solid I feel like a molly fic connoisseur. I hope you have the best day!

hi team! ok you are really running the gamut of the molly canon here and i appreciate that. i'm gonna do a little cut bc this is gonna get long.

3. What are some tropes or details that you think are very characteristic of your fics?

lots of pastries and iced coffee. if you look for it, you will notice me talking about condensation on cups a. lot. some amount of humor, levity or absurdity regardless of subject matter, and especially some amount of dark humor? gratuitous descriptions of luke hemmings. calum smelling like cinnamon.

5. What do you wish someone would ask you about denouement? Answer it now!

oh this is such an interesting one bc i have such a weird relationship with this fic. i guess the thing about this one that's most memorable to me was sorting out how much of the "source" material book to incorporate and where to divert, so maybe my approach to that?

my approach was...pull out the main points of the story i knew i wanted to include from a plot perspective, and some of the general themes, then cross-reference with what i actually felt knowledgeable enough to write about paris-wise, and try to shape it into something that covered all the plot and relationship cues i wanted and still felt comfortable for me to write. (also let me tell you...filling in the side characters was so hard for me bc i do not usually have heavy focus on side characters, let alone so many of them. the fact that i put 1d in that fic...can you believe? luke + zayn in 2020??? please.)

6. What’s one fact about the universe of in the in between that you didn’t get a chance to mention in the fic itself?

hmmm ok will this is sort of there but i feel like i should expand on it further. in the beginning of the fic, calum talks about learning to make oat milk, which luke gives him a hard time about. later in the fic, calum is given an oat milk latte in the coffee bean drive thru even though he ordered almond milk, and he's upset about it.

in my head, he stopped drinking oat milk and switched exclusively to almond milk after luke made fun of him.

9. How do you find new fic to read?

this has changed a lot over time! when i was new to the fandom i'd spend a lot of time on ao3 drilling into tags and finding authors i liked, reading all their stuff, then looking at their bookmarks in hopes of finding something else i'd like. this was really the only way i found older 5sos fic.

now that i feel like i'm "caught up" so to speak, and more familiar with my own preferences, i mostly just follow the authors i know i love on ao3 and tumblr, and occasionally pop into a couple of tags on ao3 to see if there's anything new i've missed.

i feel like since i've started writing my bandwidth for reading is smaller so i've gotten a lot pickier, which is sad in some ways because i know i'm missing out on some great fic, but in other ways it's kind of nice being able to really settle in with a fic and know i'm going to love it from the beginning.

15. What’s your favorite AU that you’ve written?

la cake i think! as much as i love some of the more niche AUs like gbbo and ikeaverse, la cake is nice because it's an AU but also has canon vibes, which means there's a lot of wiggle room there. The chance for things to land with the same emotional weight that somehow only canon AUs seem to manage, but also the opportunity to get creative ||and not have to worry about too much research||.

22. Who is your favorite character in any bake off fic and why?

ooooh easy, calum! regardless of whether we're talking the lashton or cake versions of this au, calum is definitely my favorite. for a lot of reasons, but the BIG one is that it really set the template for how i think about writing calum!

i was terrified to write him in the beginning, and then i had so much fun with him in the original lashton bake off fic that it really encouraged me to keep writing him and was almost certainly part of the chain of events that led me to my cake brain.

the thing about this calum is that he's pretty fearless, at least externally, but there's a lot happening inside his head that's slightly at odds with how he behaves, which i think is very fun.

29. What songs would be (or are) on a playlist for la cake? Explain your choices if you want!

team sometimes i think you have Powers bc la cake is one of the few fics i actually have a specifically curated playlist for! i listened to it a lot while i was writing, and the title comes from one of the songs on it, los angeles by sugarcult. some of the song choices are literal and specific to the plot and emotions of the fic, and some of it is more about the general vibes. i'll post some screenshots and hope tumblr doesn't fuck up the formatting. (it will.)

47. If ikeaverse was a pair of shoes, what kind would it be? Describe the shoes.

HEELIES! specifically, these:

49. What are you currently working on? Share a few lines if you’re up for it!

i am currently actively working on two things - fic exchange, which i hesitate to say much about for Reasons, and a longer sort-of-songfic i've been thinking about writing for a lonnnnnng time and didn't know how to make it work, but now i'm finally giving it a go! here are a few lines from one of them, but i won't tell you which. 😌

He presses on the mask, leaning in close to the mirror to line it up, and Luke can’t resist tweaking his horn while he’s deep in concentration. “Motherfucker!” His hip kicks out, nudging Luke away as best he can while his hands are occupied with the mask. “How many times, Hemmings! You need consent to touch my horn.”

50. Answer any question of your choice, or talk about anything you want to talk about!

ok i'm gonna do 41. Link a fic that made you think, “Wow, I want to write like that.” and i'm going to cheat and link to three fics, because they inspired me in different ways:

taking the long way home by @calumcest was one of the first fics i ever read in this fandom and the style of it really clicked with me; the combo of humor and real emotional weight, clever dialogue, very snappy and easy to read. i consulted this (and a couple other helen fics) several times when i first started writing. these were the kinds of fics that inspired me to write at all, u know?

talk to me, baby by @kaleidoscopeminds captures a very specific vibe that i think is very rare in explicit fics and i will spend the rest of my life trying to capture something like it. the way it is realistic and not overly idealized but still fun and emotionally resonant and just feels really...unforced? if that makes sense? idk how meg did it.

original orpheus by @daydadahlias is probably the true origin of my "gratuitous descriptions of luke hemmings" tag. this whole fic is beautiful, but the way jess captures luke from ashton's pov is just everything to me, and i think in some way every time i write a luke description i'm trying to channel original orpheus.

[butterfly--empress]

So About BnHA…

Man! I don’t participate much on here but it sure has been an interesting popcorn eating time, lurking through the good, the bad, and the annoying posts in the spoiler chapter tags. For this week’s chapter, especially!

Not gonna rant (I save those for close friends on discord) 

I do notice that lines within this crazy ass fandom have been drawn, tears have been shed and righteous fury has been felt. And no matter wtf Mister Horikoshi has in stored for chapter 320, it’s going to be a make or break chapter for a lot of folks. I did try my best to keep this post Bakugou neutral grounds. I don’t think I’ve bashed nor favored the character just fyi.

But the most inconspicuous opinions can be taken too serious these days…

The Silly:

For chapter 320 onwards, I am and have ALWAYS BEEN 100% Team: The Legend, The Myth, The Champ, Izuku ‘Feral!Rabbit-Cryptid!’ Midoriya! Win or Lose, I ride or die with Midoriya, hands down! ON GOD!

While everybody yelling into the tumblr void over whose gonna win or lose.

I’m sitting here thinking about two things: A) Has no one thought that maybe some of Class 1-A might side with Deku? *coughsUraraka/Iida/Todorokicoughs* *coughsmaybeevenMineta/Asui/Yaoyorozu???coughs* *coughs maybe even a surprise Shinsou/class1-b reveal even though class 1-b don’t know deku that well* B) Did everyone forget in all the excitement that uhh my boi has yet to unlock the 2nd OFA user’s quirk???

I mean, I’m not saying if it does come down to a bawl of drama and angst, that Izuku’s gonna win.

But I am saying, if it does come down to a bawl of drama and angst, that Izuku’s gonna win…I regret nothing with this bet! If my boi loses we just gonna take that L but…ya know…*shrugs*…Baby, beat their Bakugou’s collective asses.

The Serious:

Personally, I honest to god really love this shounen series with all my heart. It is the anime that reignited my love for shounen after my fatigued of constant disappointment with two old shounen favorites. 

Now, having said all that: I truly have not had a serious issue with the writing choices made by Horikoshi. Yes, I have my…gripes…(it’s complicated) but considering what I got compared to the stuff I’ve watched/read in the past, it’s definitely better to me. Having read/watched a lot of anime/manga and shounen, (I haven’t watched them ALL, srsly after my great disappointment and real life I sort of had an anime dry spell if you must know. Watched some stuff here and there when I could/in the mood but not as frequent as I’ve done like yrs ago), I’ve come to learn to just…begrudgingly accept/expect certain; I suppose you can say, writing choices or ‘tropes’ that I can just easily ignore them, roll my eyes when I see them, and still enjoy whatever I’m invested in at the time. 

The only real frustrations I have is with a certain character. Yes, I mean Bakugou. I have come to tolerate him, I have come to begrudgingly like him, especially after a second rewatch of the series, I could see and accept that in a very typical shounen way, Bakugou did change, though very little, and it’s subtle and undeniably frustrating how it’s happening but it’s there. However, I do question Horikoshi’s writing choices when it comes to him at times. I see the character development, I know it’s there but….*sighs*

Now I’m one of these people who do believe that the creator of this universe, actually knows wtf he’s doing with his own story (even if rabid/hormonal younger fans loudly disagree but YMMV). One thing I’ve noticed, for the most part, he doesn’t just write/draw things for the hell of it, even if a certain plot or a certain character’s development takes a snail’s pace to get to the point. The conclusion of building up to arcs do have a pay off. (And I 100% understand that for some people, moving at a snail’s pace just don’t cut it. Everything cannot please everybody all of the time and that is FINE!)

Katsuki Bakugou…I know the crumbs and very subtle ways he’s changed have to lead somewhere and to something huge. When Bakugou admits to All Might he bullied Midoriya when they were kids, I had an ‘ah ha!’ Moment. The fact that a very prideful guy like Bakugou was finally starting to admit just that much, (even though, we the audience knows it runs way deeper than he’s admitting here) even in his frustrating roundabout way I like to think this is progress, is very in-character and cannot just be for the hell of it. It has to be leading up to something else other than Bakugou jumping in to take that hit for Deku during the war arc. There is unresolved tension still between Bakugou and Midoriya that is not going to just go away because they will it to.

Which brings us to Chapters 318 and especially 319. It’s the perfect set up for all the dirty skeletons to come out of the closet that both Bakugou and Midoriya have been avoiding/trying to pretend doesn’t exists between them, because it’s been a long time coming. The honest to god truth? This is actually how I always thought this confrontation will go, with a showdown that forces Midoriya into a corner where all those repressed negative feelings he’s bottled up inside is bound to come out; Because I Honestly think Izuku would take what Bakugou’s done to him to his grave if he had it, his way. (Boy can be very frustratingly stubborn when he wants to be).

It’s just, after saying all this, I don’t hold my breath that Horikoshi will take it there…The opportunity is there, I want it to go there, it NEEDS to go there! In order for both characters to come out for the better. But will Mister Horikoshi ‘DO THE THING?’

Remains to be seen. A little bit of me is hopeful, another part of me is resigning myself to feeling dissatisfied with what little we got for Bakugou’s character development and by proxy, Izuku’s getting stuck in limbo. I’m not kidding, Bakugou being a very contentious character within this fandom doesn’t just come from nowhere. But this post isn’t about me ranting into the void about Bakugou. (I don’t even think I can muster up the rage I felt the first time watching MHA blindly to rant to high hell about the bullshit Bakugou’s done now.)

I suppose I will just have to internally scream for 1,000 yrs over half baked character development if Horikoshi doesn’t do the FUCKING THING in giving a satisfying pay off to Katsuki and Midoriya’s history. I’ll just frustratingly chalk it up to old freaking shounen logic and just continue to enjoy the series because I’ve been here for Izuku Midoriya since ep 1 and I am not about to let Bakugou or Horikoshi’s unwillingness to do something with him derail that. And there’s always hoping that someone is writing some really good Bakugou gets actual Consequences fanfic out there because ooh boy…I like Bakugou but mofo can catch these hands…and I’m not even a fighter, but Bakugou…this lil shit does make you want to choke the hell out of him at times. 

I haven’t been this emotionally frustrated over an anime character since…maybe fucking Louise from Zero no Tsukaima and it takes a LOT to make me actually dislike characters, good or bad. 

All in All: Regardless of how the story goes from here on out, we are all about to lose our collective shits. No matter how you feel about which characters…

It’s about to go down!

[maxwell-grant]

So, any thoughts on The Green Lama (who unexpectedly became one of my faves), the Pulp Hero who is also a Superhero?

Much like other pulp heroes of the time, The Green Lama had multiple secret identities and a massive supporting cast aiding him in his quest for justice. Unlike his contemporaries, The Green Lama eschewed guns in favor of radioactive salts, magic, and sleight of hand. He rarely, if ever, killed his enemies. His tales also had an advanced sense of continuity, with characters growing and changing over time, plot points introduced in one story paying off several tales later. The Green Lama is a character of contradictions, driven forward by a faith he is forced to betray. It makes him flawed and imperfect, and in that way, one of the most human of all pulp heroes - The Green Lama: Scions

While not the "only" example of a pulp hero who is a superhero, The Green Lama is arguably the one who leans the most into the superhero aspect out of all the classic 30s pulp heroes that usually get brought up. I would argue that The Green Lama is the most direct answer to the question "what happens when you combine The Shadow and Superman together", considering he was modeled extensively after both in his forays into pulp, radio and comic books, and has also grown into his own character.

He's got the unique skills bordering on superpowers (that eventually became outright superpowers). He's got pretty much The Spectre's costume, except of course he came first. He's an urban costumed crimefighter wh deals with gangsters and criminal masterminds, and yet has an extremely strong stance against killing and carrying guns under any circumstance, even saying they would make him no better than the criminals he fights, which makes him by default the pulp hero that Batman would get along best with. The comics took it way further even turning the “Om Ma-ne Pad-me Hum” chant into a Shazam! transformation cry (Shazam came first, although the two debuted in the same year).

He's got a suitably punchy and dramatic origin: guy spends 10 years in Tibet and returns to America intend on spreading Buddhism's pacifist doutrine, only to witness the murder of children at the hands of mobsters the literal second he steps off the boat, and after spending restless days in the police station to see if they would find the culprit, he sees the killer walk out of the commissioner's office free, which convinces him he needs to take up crimefighting because the police are useless, and he outright calls the police "incompetent" in a letter to the papers that he uses to introduce himself to the world, which is not something you find often in 30s/40s fiction even if's an implicit part of the pulp hero/superhero fantasy.

He had a stronger sense of continuity than most pulp heroes were usually afforded. He has a lot of the pulp hero stock and trade like the assistants and the pseudo-science and the odd radio gadgets and of course the Orientalism that we'll get into, but remixed in a pretty cool way that allows him to stand out from his inspiration. He's got incredibly weird aspects to him like the fact that he gets enhanced abilities from crystallized salt or even becoming radioactive (which could be interesting to explore considering "radiation" became the go-to origin for superpowers in the 60s). He's got an allright supporting cast and Magga, while ultimately a deus ex machina, is a very interesting addition to it and I wish her mystery was played up more often in subsequent stories past the original run. There's a lot about The Green Lama that really works, he was incredibly successful at the time and he's managed to thrive over the years lot more than most of his contemporaries

Despite all the powers he wielded he felt impotent, nothing more than a rich boy playing the games of gods. He had chosen the path of the Bodhisattva, sacrificing himself for the good of all sentient beings, but even so the weight of responsibility, the lives of so many in his hands, threatened to crush him. It was tempting to turn away, to deny his calling, but the life of a Bodhisattva demanded more; and it was only recently that he had begun to realize how much it truly required.

The main problem with The Green Lama, and by problem I mean "the character works fine for his time but this is seriously holding him back from becoming sustainable again", is the fact that he's a white rich man who fights crime by going as hard into Orientalism tropes as possible, which is inescapably baked into the premise.

Now, I will argue that The Green Lama was, for his time, a progressive character. The Buddhist aspects of his character weren't just backstory fodder or an excuse for his superpowers as they were to pretty much every other character at the time, Jethro was a practicing Buddhist, who fought crime informed by his beliefs, trying to respect them (and not exactly succeeding) and offering a wholly positive perspective of Buddhism. Nowadays, it creates a problem, but at the time, it made the character stand out from every other hero who had "traveled to Tibet" checked out, because Tibet and Buddhism were heavily incorporated into the character. The Lama may have been born merely out of a desire to cash in on The Shadow's newfound radio popularity, but Crossen took it much more seriously than his contemporaries and made it an effort to instill admiration in his readers towards what he was referencing, which he was pulling from books about the subject and the Pali language. Is research the bare minimum? Yes. But it’s a bare minimum that even today’s writers don’t do even having an infinitely bigger wealth of information at their disposal. 

To further cement my point: There's a particular Green Lama comic story called The Four Freedoms, which is about the Lama receiving a letter from a fan in the army who's worried about a racist private who keeps insulting the black privates while crowing about racial superiority, and so the Lama kidnaps the private and takes him on a tour through Germany so he can witness firsthand how his talk aligns with Nazi ideology, even specifically referring to Jim Crow's laws, criticizing how easily Americans fall for racial war rhetoric, and pointing out the idea of racism as a tool of tyrants to divide and conquer. It's not my place to champion this as some great representation and that's not what I'm doing, but if this all seems passe or simplistic or even problematic to you, trust me, this was still the era of Slap-A-Jap Superman, stories like this were absolutely not the norm at the time, even in other stories where superheroes dealt with racial discrimination.

He even caps off the story by stating that punching or ending Hitler is not the solution (although he lets Jones take a couple of swings) because Hitler is just one part of a much bigger problem that needs to be fought on all of it's forms. It's all very much afterschool special/anti-racism PSA, sure, but it's easier to mock those in our time. You find me a Golden Age superhero comic that shits on Jim Crow specifically while the hero tells the reader that Hitler is not the ultimate evil but merely "a cog in the wheel", part of a problem that's deeply entrenched in America's own shores (really, do, I'm genuinely curious if more of them did anything like this).

Does any part of what I said negates the fact that, at the end of the day, he's still a white man using Orientalism mysticism to fight crime? No, it doesn't. And if Iron Fist can't get away with it, if Dr Strange only just barely does, the Green Lama sure as hell can't. And you cannot downplay those aspects either lest you end up with a completely different character. It's a bit of a conundrum that makes the character tricky to approach from a revival perspective.

I completely agree with what you said here, Green Lama would benefit from a Legacy Hero approach very strongly. And Green Lama: Scions opens up an interesting possibility of Jethro Dumont not being quite what he seems, backed up by the fact that he wore disguise make-up in the original stories:

They had a lot of names for him in the papers—the Verdant Avenger, the Mysterious Man of Strength—but Reynolds had always been partial to “Buddhist Bastard.” No one had ever seen his face or, at the very least, the same face. Seemed like everyone had a different story. The Green Lama was white, he was black, he was asian, he was old, and he was young. You could fill a room of witnesses and no two would describe the same person.

Really I think if you just got rid of that one thing that holds the Lama back the most from catching on in modern times, I think he's the kind of character that lends itself a lot to long-term sustainability. He's already fairly popular as is, definitely an indispensable inclusion of any shared pulp hero or Golden Age superhero universe and definitely one of my favorites among the 30s American pulp heroes. And there’s ways to make the concept more interesting and workable.

Maybe The Green Lama is just a title that's been going on for generations, with Jethro being one of many to fill in. Maybe Magga used to be it, maybe the tulku that instructed Jethro did, maybe there's a new character with it. Maybe Jethro is just an identity used by an Asian-American adventurer to operate safely in the US, or maybe Jethro has a sort of Lamont Cranston arrangement going on. Maybe he's part of the reason why Tibet was the superpower capital of the world in the 30s or 40s, or part of the reason why radiation started granting so many heroes superpowers in the 60s.

The character's skillset has been fairly "anything goes" ever since his author made him a flying superman for the comics, and really he already started out being able to deliver electric shocks through his fingers by guzzling radioactive salts. He's a very weird character, and I will always argue that weird is what works best for the pulp heroes.