#otp: the rivalry ends here

[kazoosandfannypacks]

At the start of season 4 of the PJO series, when Annabeth and Percy plan to go see a movie together, either one of them or Percy's mom should casually refer to it as "that new Tristan McLean movie," which would add to the continuity of the series as a whole, act as a teaser for a Heroes of Olympus spinoff, and make the fans go absolutely wild.

[kazoosandfannypacks]

@laughingphoenixleader yeah

[olympeline]

Carrying on from this ask and post, let’s talk about omegaverse Arthur’s often lamentable love life. 😳 I’ll start with FrUK and maybe do USUK and some others later if people are interested. The OTP must always be first

I go back and forth on whether I like Francis as a beta or an alpha. In the ScotFrUK variant, I make him a beta so the OT3 can have a nice a/b/o mix. Since I’ve already written about beta Francis there, here I’ll make him alpha for some variety. He’d be a non-traditional one the same way Arthur is a non-traditional omega. Less open aggression and bared teeth, more refinement and poise. Still deadly, though. France was always a naked steel epee under perfumed silk. A sleek hunting dog to other alphas’ snarling wolves.

Francis and Arthur grew up together just like they do in canon. Francis was older and presented first, neatly ticking the alpha box his people hoped and prayed for. Arthur was in childish awe and obviously jelly, something a smug Francis was very aware of. When Arthur presented beta (cough) after loudly insisting he would also be an alpha when his time came, Francis went beyond smug to full blown schadenfreude ecstasy. Here was yet more proof that he was the superior nation. Suck it, little beta Angleterre! You will never be an alpha. Hon hon hon.

Anyhoo, afterwards the two carried on in their normal merry, cross-channel rivalry way. Until the time came for their first truly epic clash: the Hundred Years War. Our scene is set just as the French have found their second wind (here “second wind” means “guns”) and started pushing the English back. Francis meets Arthur on the battlefield and they have their usual duel. Except, even with his newly found advantage, Francis can’t help but notice Arthur is seriously off his game. In fact he fights so badly that Francis not only wins but actually manages to take him prisoner(!) when the English retreat. Something that’s possible but unusual for their kind. As if things weren’t going crap enough for Team Anglo. Now they’ve lost more land and their national personification has been captured. Bloody hell, mate. Bit harsh, all in all.

As much as he’s loving all this, Francis is itching with curiosity as to how it happened. Arthur has proven himself a ferocious opponent over the years but in their last battle he was a joke. Flushed and unsteady, Arthur spent their bout stumbling around like a newborn foal and swinging his sword like a concussed drunk. Francis ran rings around him and it barely took any effort to knock his rival down and pin him. Truly a pitiful display. Francis knows Arthur is many things but a bad fighter isn’t one of them. So he goes to Arthur’s cell to see what’s up. And hopefully get a little more gloating in while he’s at it. Hon hon hon.

Once there, he finds Arthur in a terrible state: collapsed on the floor, delirious, and burning with fever. Francis sends word to his boss, who orders their prisoner transferred to a proper room and treated. If it seems weird he would do this, remember that if Arthur died he’d “regenerate” back in England and the French would lose a very valuable hostage. Arthur ends up in Francis’s bed so Francis can both nurse and keep an eye on him. If Arthur suddenly rallied, no way ordinary French guards could stop him escaping by themselves. Nation-people are strong, yo. Not that Arthur was very strong at that particular moment in time. It’s very odd he’s this sick when - as far as Francis knows - nothing is happening in England to cause it. No plagues, economic disasters, or the like. Arthur’s illness is a real mystery. That is, until Francis gets close enough to scent him. It happens when he climbs into bed for a cuddle. You know our FrUK pair: no matter how spiteful their rivalry, when one of them is really badly off they’ll always band together for support. Arthur is suffering with this fever and so Francis, moved but unable to help in any other way, does the only thing he can and holds him like when they were young.

That’s when he notices the unmistakable scent of pre-heat of a late bloomer. Yeeep, we all saw this coming a mile away, lol. Arthur’s long delayed second sex presentation happened in the worst place possible: the battlefield of an enemy country. Because he’s Arthur Bloody Kirkland and no matter what the universe, he’ll always have the luck of someone who ran over a gypsy every day for the last ten years. He’s still out of it so the classic “You’re an omega!/No, I’m a beta!” convo is even less coherent than you’d expect. The pre-heat moves on to full blown and Francis has to deal with his burning, slicking, still delirious rival trying to kiss his face off and begging to be fucked. His still delirious rival who suddenly has a scent like pure, uncut sex which tests Francis’s self-control like nothing ever has. Fortunately Francis is someone who not only believes that real love only comes with full, sexy consent, but also has a soft spot for omegas and Arthur. It’s tough and every kiss makes his dick feel like it’s going to tear right off his loins, but Francis still refuses to give into his worse urges and take advantage of Arthur when he’s defenceless. It’s a truly ass time for them both (no pun intended) but eventually the heat ebbs and they’re left to deal with the aftermath. Arthur is still weak and disoriented but now he can also add “mortified” and “devastated” to the list. A beta presentation was disappointing, omega is a disaster. Not only that but the frog knows! The frog, who he’s currently losing a war to. The frog, whose bed he’s nesting in. The frog, who Arthur just spent days and nights begging to fuck him. Just kill him now. There’s no coming back from this. Just throw the whole of the British Isles away.

Arthur expects Francis to rake him across the coals for some truly epic blackmail. Only to be shocked when Francis instead is…kind? Kind and…actually reassuring? Promising he won’t tell anyone else if Arthur doesn’t want him to. Arthur can’t believe it. Tries (and fails) to sit up and intimidate Francis into revealing what he’s really up to. But Francis only soothes him again. His soft spot for omegas and the hard life they lead is genuine. He assures Arthur that, rivals though they may be, Francis would never use Arthur’s second sex against him. Such a detestable thing would be below him as the country of love and beauty. Not only is Arthur’s secret safe with Francis, but Francis swears he can always come to him for help if need be. Whatever help he likes, no strings attached. Then Francis presses a soft kiss to Arthur’s forehead and oh dear, oh dear, is some of his heat still clinging on? It must be since Arthur is suddenly hot and dizzy again. Francis is very close and very handsome. Git. Stupid git. Stupid sexy frog git…

Arthur gets back on his feet thanks to Francis’s care and manages to slip away and escape. Yeah, Francis didn’t try very hard to stop him. But, you know, shit’s been tough. Let Arthur have this. A nation-person can’t disobey their boss and Arthur has to come clean when his king asks where the hell he’s been. Resulting in much fury, disgust, and “so that’s why we’re losing this damn war!” leaps of logic from the English rulers. Not much fun for poor Arthur. Ever the disappointment to a royal family who don’t even bother to hide their contempt for what fate has given them. They swear their national personification to secrecy and Arthur starts his long period of faking the second sex they thought he had before. Life goes back to normal, Anglo-French rivalry included, with one notable exception: Arthur takes Francis up on his offer of “help” with his new heats. They’re still Arthur and Francis - still enemies and rivals trying to one-up each other all over the world - but Francis is true to his word. When Arthur needs relief from a bad heat, they meet and Francis takes care of him. They’re nations so no risk of accidental pregnancy. Just good sex and then sprawling, sweaty and sated, in a nest for cuddles and afterglow. Arthur always slips away before Francis wakes up. They never discuss it in their day-to-day rivalry (“The first rule of heat club…”) but the odd truce holds strong for centuries. Only to finally unravel when Francis supports Alfred against Arthur in 1776. The resulting bitterness he feels is so great that Arthur would rather suffer through his heats alone than find relief in Francis’s arms. Things only get worse between them when the Napoleonic Wars roll around. When Arthur brings Francis’s dreams of superpower crashing down, Francis - raging and bitter in turn - lets his thirst for revenge get the better of him. He breaks his word and spitefully reveals Arthur’s secret to the rest of the European powers. The absolute nadir of the FrUK enemies-to-lovers journey? Right here. They never hated each other as much as they did in that moment.

Arthur is mortified, betrayed, and even more driven to prove himself and regain respect on the world stage. Francis’s fury takes a long time to cool and it’s only afterwards that guilt begins to gnaw at him. Vengeful as he was, that blow was still beneath him. He tries to apologise but Arthur brusquely rebuffs every attempt at contact. Things are strained between them even when they become allies during the Crimean War. They work together out of necessity but it takes years, and the rights and standing of omegas starting to improve at last, before the break begins to heal. In the late nineteenth century, Francis happens to be in London when Arthur’s heat comes calling. It’s a bad one made worse by the abuse of newly invented hard suppressants. Arthur had been popping pills like candy because it’s the Victorian Age and medical regulations are still “gentle suggestions” at best. They sold cocaine for headaches bro, lol. Francis sees Arthur once again in a bad state and pounces on his estranged lover/rival. He drags Arthur home and makes him stop taking the suppressants so his body can heal. Arthur feels bad enough in heat and coming down that he agrees to let Francis help him again like he used to. Afterwards, nesting together for the first time in nearly a century, they actually talk. Yes, really. Finally, they talk. About their relationship, their history, their falling out, complicated feelings, and where they go from there. It’s a slow start but a start nonetheless. They make enough progress that Francis goes back to helping Arthur with his heats again. Years pass, things continue to get better, old wounds close and fade, then comes Entente Cordiale, then two world wars, and everything after. Omegas finally win the equality they’ve always been denied. Francis by his side, Arthur makes peace with his second sex at last. At some point, even though it’s Summer, Arthur starts wearing one of his hand knitted scarves. Still his tsundere, embarrassed, self, he wants to hide the mating bite Francis gave him until it heals to a “respectable” scar. Francis wants him to show it off but you know Arthur. Stubborn till the end. Francis loves him anyway. Happily, the feeling is mutual. ❤️

There you have it! My thoughts on how FrUK could work out in Hetalia omegaverse. Hope you enjoyed reading ^^ I wrote so much aaahhhhh I’m embarrassed. This OTP makes me so silly

[poppitron360]

*slides you a 20 [whatever currency you're using] bill* now tell me about how you got to ship valzhang and what you like most about it, along with your headcanons and scenarios

...please<3

THANK YOU SO MUCH I LOVE YOU.

Okay sorry for taking long to reply I needed to schedule 3hrs out of my day to respond to this because I have a LOT of thoughts- Valzhang was my otp LONG before Valgrace. Be prepared for a lot of caps lock, keysmashes and exited ramblings.

We are phenomenally deprived of Valzhang fanart/fanfiction and that is a CRIME. They are so fun and cute to draw next to each other because they’re just so different- I love how Leo looks SO FUNKING TINY next to Frank.

But seriously, we are lacking. I searched up “Valzhang” on Pinterest earlier and there is NO JOKE only 5 pieces of fanart on there. We need to step up our game!

I’ve already posted this, but here is some Valzhang fanart I drew a while back-

So, how did I come to become the No.1 Valzhang Defender, you ask? Well…

Reading TLH was going slowly (bc of Spotify Audiobooks and their stupid listening hours feature), but I needed to shovel content into my brain like popcorn and so by the end of the first book I’d known all the spoilers and I knew that Frank and Leo would have a rivalry- and I was already SUPER attached to Leo, so I was prepared to HATE Frank.

So imagine my absolute frustration when I read SoN and found myself absolutely falling in love with this massive softie. I tried not to, I really did, but I couldn’t help it.

So, naturally, I was COMPLETELY on board with them becoming besties.

I was also all for their rivalry because it had so much potential for Leo angst- he’s already antagonising himself because of his powers, so someone else treating him like shit would only make him feel worse- thus I have more ways to cathart my own pain through fictional characters, so either way, it was a win-win for me.

But the blossoming bromance we got from it-

Oh my gods.

I already made a post about my feelings on Valzhang and how Caleo is just a shitty re-cycled version of them, but NO WAY was that all my thoughts, so here goes (and bear in mind I am only on HoH so this isn’t even their arc as a whole):

*Clears Throat*

*Shuffles note cards*

*Clears throat again*

*Deep Breath*

1. FRANK IS NO LONGER AFRAID OF FIRE BECAUSE OF LEO!!!!! I mean HOW CUTEE IS THAT!!!!!! He thought that there was nothing worse than fire, he was terrified of it, it was his biggest weakness. And then he met this tiny annoying hyperactive boy who is the MOST UNLIKELY OF FRIENDS- And he taught him to not be afraid. Like there is a moment where his trousers are literally ON FIRE and he doesn’t freak out because Leo taught him to not be afraid anymore. AND IT’S NOT JUST BECAUSE OF THE POUCH!!!! Frank learns to trust Leo with his life- and there’s that moment in that scene where he’s faced with a choice to give him The Stick or not, and he chooses to trust Leo. He learns that fire (Leo) may seem scary and intimidating, but it can also be good and warm and wholesome and healing.

2. AND IT GOES BOTH WAYYYS!!!!! Leo was afraid of opening up to people, of letting down the mask and letting people see the real him. Sure, he did it a bit with Jason and Piper, but notice how in TLH, he only does it bc he didn’t have a choice. He used his fire powers to save them, and then Jason sort of just pieced together what happened the night Leo’s mom died. The first time he actually TELLS someone about it was when he tells Frank- someone who he thought was big and intimidating and so was putting his defences up with the jokes. To him, Frank looked just like someone who would’ve bullied him in the foster homes, he was the last person Leo thought he’d open up to. But he does, and Frank comforts him. They realise they’re not as different as they thought, and bonded over similar trauma and dead moms.

*Takes another deep breath*

3. LEO REALLY IS SO BRILLIANTLY TINY NEXT TO FRANK. IT. IS. SO. CUTE. Unlike Calypso and Leo, who were not planned out, Frank was WRITTEN to be Leo’s rival. They are exact opposites. The Yin and the Yang. The Sun and The Star (lol). They both juxtapose each other so beautifully- on the surface they contrast and clash but looking deeper they actually parallel each other but ultimately they compliment each other both in flaws and in strengths!!!! (*steadies myself on table* “Whoa, flashback to GCSE Eng Lit- using the same analysis structure. Are you proud of me, Miss Cox?”) But seriously, they initially are rivals because they look like complete opposites- tall/short, muscular/built like a twig, calm and careful/reckless and loud, animals/machines, Roman/Greek, Outwardly confident/Outwardly insecure, etc, etc.

4. But, as I said, looking deeper, they actually have a lot in common. Not just losing their moms, but Leo’s just as afraid of fire as Frank is. The only difference being that Frank’s afraid because of how it could hurt him, Leo’s afraid because of how it could hurt others, which directly contradicts Frank’s initial impression that Leo is self-centred and egotistic. Honey, that’s just an act. They’re also both very insecure, and both feel like the least useful member of the seven, and struggle to feel accepted. Because of how Leo felt threatened by Frank, he put his defences up and lashed out with his jokes, attacking Frank where he was most vulnerable, ridiculing him. They completely misjudged each other at first, and had an ANTI-meet-cute (Leo firing on New Rome) and it took a while for them to take down those walls that they’d built up, making it a lot more meaningful when they do open up.

And now we get onto specific hcs/scenarios I have, and I have a LOT of them:

1. Nico reveals to Leo that Frank’s mom is in Elysium because she gave her life in war to save others, whereas Leo’s mom is not, and instead is in Asphodel, despite all the little things she sacrificed in order to raise him, knowing he’d be important to the fate of the world. This causes a lot of resentment and jealously for Leo, as Frank has the one thing he desperately wants- a chance to see his mom again, make things right, get closure. Frank is annoyed by the fact that Leo is suddenly acting so cold and angry towards him, until Leo finally explains why.

2. Leo’s lactose-free mac n cheese is Frank’s favourite thing on earth. He has some sort of magic ingredient that makes the fake cheese not taste so plasticky, but he refuses to tell Frank what it is so Frank has to keep begging him to make it. Leo also makes it high in fibre and carbs, so it’s good workout food. Leo makes sure all his meals are Frank-Friendly.

3. I need to see them in battle together. Frank is incredibly anxious and overprotective of his tiny reckless bf/bff. Leo’s just a ball of freaking energy bouncing around going “ahahahbahjabkakdfkajkjaaa” and Frank’s like “Leo, no, those have teeth-“ He’s fine though.

4. As much as Frank acts like he hates Leo, he would risk his life for him in a heartbeat. I imagine Leo gets injured in battle and Frank drops whatever he’s doing and just fucking RUNS to help him. I can vividly picture him transforming into an elephant and scooping an unconscious Leo up in his trunk, and carrying him over to the medic tent. Yes, he’s currently being fired on by so many enemies, but nothing matters except getting Leo to safety.

5. Frank helps Leo with his machines. He can turn into small animals and get into tiny spaces, and he can become desert creatures, so the heat in the engine room doesn’t bother him.

6. Frank often finds Leo asleep on top of his blueprints, his welders-goggles askew, and he turns into a cat and curls up next to him to keep him company.

7. Also, when Leo skips meals because he’s spent too long working and he’s lost track of time, Frank makes sure to bring him food and water and his ADHD meds… and then he asks him to make him some mac n cheese.

8. Frank knows about PTSD from seeing his mom and her military friends, and so is often there to comfort Leo when he has flashbacks to the night his mom died, or one of the other miserable things that happened in his childhood.

9. All the things that used to freak Frank out about Leo (Leo making fun of his insecurities, Leo’s fire, the whole Sammy thing-) they are now 100% comfortable joking about together. Before, Frank would get upset when Leo ridiculed him, but now Leo does it as a sign of affection rather than as self-defence, and Frank can tell the difference. It is their love language.

10. When I write fanfiction, I often write important scenes when I think of them, and then write around them. Sometimes, it’s just one or two lines, for example I found this in my notes app the other day:

“I hate Hera,” Leo said, “She yeeted my dad off a cliff.”

“Yote,” Frank corrected.

And I had nothing written around it, nowhere to put it, it was just lying there. Anyway, that was important to share.

11. Also, I have this:

“I’m hugging you now,” Frank said, pulling Leo into an embrace and squeezing him tight.

“O- Okay, big guy,” Leo said, his voice muffled in Frank’s chest. His tiny body was practically swallowed in Frank’s bear-hug. He squirmed and fought and wriggled, but his weakling arms worked about as well as spaghetti against Frank’s brick-like build.

“No,” Frank insisted, “I will smother you with love and affection.”

“Get. Off.”

“No.”

“Let go of me, Zhang, or I’ll burn you.”

Frank let go. Leo rubbed his bruised arms.

12. I ship them platonically, but the joke-flirting is 1000% a thing they do. Hazel is the main pedaler of this, and often introduces them as “My boyfriend Frank, and Frank’s boyfriend Leo.”

13. Frank reluctantly admits to Leo that he likes Taylor Swift. Leo is obvs a swiftie, so absolutely goes MENTAL at this news, ofc ridicules him mercilessly for it, despite how hypocritical it makes him look (“This is not about me!”), but still insists they sit down with Hazel and make friendship bracelets (Frank no longer has the heart to tell him that he wasn’t actually a huge fan, just had a couple of her albums and liked her songs, unlike Leo who knows every word to every song, all the lore behind it, and Tay’s favourite colour, star sign, and shoe size.) AND I KNOW I HEADCANNON EVERYONE AS A SWIFTIE SHUT UP LET ME PROJECT.

14. Frank buys Leo fidget toys he think’s he’ll like. Sure, Leo can make his own, but it’s the sentiment that counts.

15. And they stay friends after the War. Frank frequently visits from New Rome University. They have long iris messages where they gossip and talk shit.

16. Leo becomes godfather to Frazel’s children. Absolutely SPOILS THEM ROTTEN (I also have a shit-tonne of hcs about Leo babysitting Percabeth’s kids, so lmk if you’d like to hear that.) Will visit the Zhang-Levesque household on the weekends, makes the kids gifts, teaches them how to safely use a fire extinguisher, helps them prank their dad.

17. I know Jason is meant to be Leo’s best friend BUT if Valgrace was cannon then that would leave room for Frank to be the BFF. NO BUT, YOUR HONOUR, YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND- They started out hating each other, but then became INSEPARABLE once they took the time to get to know each other and realised they were actually really cool people. It’s not enough for them to be friends, they need to be BEST FRIENDS. They need to be their ONE AND ONLY. They need to knock on each other’s cabin doors on the Argo II at 3am and have long discussions about Their Feelings. They need to be 100% comfortable with each other and tell each other everything. Yes, Leo is annoying but he is Frank’s annoyance. Yes, Frank is a goof but he’s Leo’s goof. BEST. FRIENDS.

They’re just such an unlikely pairing, I love them sm.

Thank you for sticking with me, I will not apologise for my ramblings, you were warned, but if you did make it to the end, here, have a sweet 🍬 You are clearly just as dedicated a Valzhang stan as I am (It is currently 00:54am where I live)

I will probably have a lot more Thoughts and Feelings coming your way soon, so don’t think for a second that I’ve got it all out of my system. I still haven’t finished the series yet, and I know that as soon as I post this I’ll think of something else that I should’ve added, but I hope this was enough for now.

(Also, I’m British, so I’d use a £20 (“twenty pound”) Note, in case you were curious.)

Again, thank you so much annon for the Ask- as you can see, I LOVE VALZHANG.

[kazoosandfannypacks]

I need Percabeth to be such a couple that everyone actively, audibly, and obviously ships them. And I need them both to be absolutely oblivious to this fact until season 5.

look don’t get me wrong I am LOVING the percabeth content we’re getting so far but I’m hoping they keep it at this level for a while. like until about season 4, it should show that there are feelings there, but they’re just best friends rn. I am hoping and praying Percy & Annabeth don’t become a couple in like season 3 or something because part of what makes it one of the best romances of all time is that it’s a slow burn.

but also Percy holds Annabeth while she sobs into his shoulder in literally book 2. which best friends can definitely do. but ya know. it’s not like Rick was subtle, or like the goal was trying to be lol

[tempest-teacup]

okay now I'm curious because I've just read through all your ship review stuff what's your OTP/Favourite ship (Any quadrant) for Sollux? I like seeing what people do with him shipwise because I ship him with like,,,, most of the cast (Multishipper moment)

I like the term “ship review” because it makes it sound like I’m writing a newspaper article. “Hello readers, this weekend I investigated Davekat and LET ME TELL YOU…”

Now, okay, you’re about to be sorry you asked because I could write a fricken novel about this one.

I like Erisol a lot and I’m mad at myself for it. Like it feels too obvious of a ship to be good but I’m obsessed. And even after I eventually accepted that I liked them black, I was then angry to learn that I like them flushed too. UGH!!!

Anyway here’s why.

First of all you have to get on board with being an Eridan sympathizer. Yes he is an asshole and a dipshit but that’s kind of the whole deal with Trolls. He just happened to be an asshole dipshit who was born into the equivalent of like, the Tr*mp family or something. Also he had to constantly hunt and murder to keep his species alive. And his best friend and crush kinda maybe used him/lead him on for said hunting and murdering and then literally *dumped him to go smooch another boy the second she didn’t need him anymore.* And they’re THIRTEEN when starting the game, I can’t stress this enough.

Gang, I dunno about y’all but when I was in middle school I had some REAL SHITTY OPINIONS.

Ahem. Moving on.

Sollux also has a similar relationship with Being Responsible For the Fate of His Species. He is also An Asshole Dipshit Teenager. Bro just got born into the opposite end of the spectrum. And I know that all of the Trolls obviously have a relationship to the apocalypse but these two have have been dealing with theirs forever(?) and they are just unescapable parts of how each kid has to exist day to day.

IT’S REALLY SAD!

The more you look at these two, the more they appear as opposites, or if you prefer, the concept of yin and yang. I mean, ugh. Hope and Doom. HOPE AND DOOM, Y’ALL.

They’re both so deep in their own social niches, they look at the other and think “I would NEVER!!” Eridan has so much Hope in the caste system that he blindly believes it will save him in the end. Sollux feels so Doomed by it that he has resigned himself to being a lazy burnout even though we know damn well how much potential has has both as an intellectual and a psionic. In the end both of them reject the destiny that’s expected of them.

Ok, you still with me? Because what I’m doing here is setting up why these two are star-crossed lovers in either/both quadrants.

It’s a little sad that they never get the chance to become kismesis in canon, because not only do they get under eachother’s skin but they are so cat-and-mouse about it. Like, granted I have my issues with Pesterquest but their duel in that is so good. Eridan just casually calling him up, knowing he’s being an ass. Sollux *answering and humoring him.* Eridan’s utter glee at their proposed battle. The way he gets to showboat (heh, boat) about it. The boy gets to VAMP! And Sollux purposely choosing not to to go hard enough to kill him. Come on. These guys are dancing, they’re honing their claws.

Oh and what’s that?? Eridan learning a valuable lesson? Sollux getting off his ass and doing something (that’s not self-destructive)? Oh my, could it be that their rivalry mutually benefits them?! Just look at what a stinky lump Sollux is in HS^2 *without* Eridan.

And then we get into the vacillating/flipping to flushed.

I won’t bore you too much, I can already hear the awards show music playing me off, but I think if there’s a universe where Eridan and Sollux exist post-Erisolsprite then it’s all over for these two losers, they can’t NOT date. Whether they like it or not, they’ve reached a level of intimacy beyond anything they’ve ever experienced. They know eachother’s truest selves, they’ve seen the very best and worst of each other. And hey, guess what they found? Someone who’s just like them and balances the other perfectly.

Mic drop. Book slam. THEY’RE IN LOVE, YOUR HONOR.

[ammy246]

Just saw some Narusasu shippers shitting on Bakudeku, and as someone who's first gay ship and otp used to be Narusasu instead of Bakudeku, I have some thoughts.

I remember the heartbreak I felt the day Kishimoto ruined Narusasu by forcing them to be romantically involved with women without a single bit of relationship development. Naruto ended up with Hinata in a filler movie despite having ignored her even after her romantic confession to him, and Sasuke abandoned Sakura after having a child with her. This was not the ending any of us wanted. We wanted Naruto and Sasuke to peacefully resolve their rivalry, and find love in each other after all they've been through. But unfortunately, that's not what happened as Kishimoto had to force a next-gen onto us, and permanently friendzoned them. It's tragic and felt like a betrayal, but shounen had not been ready for queer relationships, so Narusasu being shafted was ultimately inevitable.

While I cannot say for 100% certain, I can say that Bakudeku has a much greater chance of becoming canon than Narusasu ever did. Horikoshi once stated that he will tell the story he wants to be told and not follow the stereotypical formula, contradicting Kishimoto who went with the shounen ending we've seen many times before of the protagonist accomplishing their goal and marrying a woman and having kids (even though they have no chemistry with said woman or a lack of feelings for them compared to their rival).

Horikoshi had the chance to make Izuocha canon. They could've confessed before the war, but they didn't. The two moved on with their lives, and have made no desire to talk about feelings for each other, but are rather focused on other peope (Bakugou and Toga) as that's where their hearts reside. Bakugou also has no other potential love interest aside from Midoriya as he is the one he is closest too in the entire world and knows the most which is different than Sasuke who had some moments with Sakura scattered throughout the series from the start.

Bakugou cares about Midoriya in a way that's beyond friendship. He means the word to him to the point he was willing to sacrifice himself and even die for him, and will make himself vulnerable around him and nobody else. Midoriya has hidden feelings for Bakugou as his thoughts regarding him are hidden, and his heart always spirals out of control because of Bakugou, but we have not yet been directly told why. Midoriya does not act like this around his other friends, and he has many.

Naruto and Sasuke resolved things right after their final fight, and their friendship returned stronger than ever before, but that was it. Yet even after Bakugou's apology, there are still unresolved issues even though Midoriya chose to forgive him, meaning something must still be said between the two. Midoriya did not want an apology; he wanted to deepen their bond beyond friendship, but was too afraid of rejection hence why he never confessed and hid his feelings instead.

This plotline is still unresolved as of chapter 405. Bakugou is now being honest about his feelings, yet we have still yet to see Midoriya's thoughts regarding Bakugou's death and revival only having been given face expressions. So if their friendship has returned and gotten stronger than ever before despite the series not yet being over, what else is there to develop aside from romantic feelings?

Narusasu shippers, I hate to say it, but we lost. We cannot change the past, but we can have hope for the future. Bakudeku has surpassed Narusasu long ago, and the two are closer to a love confession than ever before, which is something we never quite got close to with Narusasu. If Horikoshi is serious about not following the typical shounen formula, we might have a real chance here. We might not get a kiss or marriage, but if the two confess their feelings for each other and do not end up with women like nothing happened, then that would be a huge victory for the LGBT+ community, and hopefully open the gateway for more queer relationships in shounen jump for the future.

Both Bakudeku and Narusasu are amazing ships. I wish we could live in a reality where both became canon, but getting one would still be a major milestone. Do not attack each other over what could have been, but resolve your differences like Bakugou & Midoriya and Naruto & Sasuke did and look towards a brighter future where LGBT+ can be mainstream without us having to fight for it and fear losing.

[kazoosandfannypacks]

Percy Jackson AU in which Annabeth gives percy a friendship bracelet that says "seaweed brain." Their dislexia gets the better of them: either she spelled it wrong or he's reading it wrong, because when he loses his memory, he spends an uncomfortably long amount of time trying to remember who "SEAWEED BRIAN" is or why he was important enough to have a friendship bracelet made with his name on it.

[cry-ptidd]

*clasps hands together* Well since you asked--

What do you think about Laura x, my OC, Augustine?

To give a bit of a background— Augustine Columba is, or technically was, an Italian priest that had no association whatsover ever with Iscariot was murdered by a group of Iscariot paladins who mistook him for a vampire they were hunting. In a panic they unceremoniously left Augustine in a ditch.

In his dying breath, he asked God to bring him back to life so he can enact vengeange and justice to the paladins who wronged him. Much to his surprise, God agreed. However after he finished with his mission, God revealed to Augustine that his current self cannot pass on to either Heaven or Hell and face eternal oblivion because his body had been brought back not his soul.

Faced with this revelation and the fact that he is a literal walking corpse, Augustine contemplates death but after saving another OC of mine throws the concept out the window and decides to spend the rest of his immortal, rotting life to care for my other OC.

In a way Laura and Augustine share a common background. They somehow somewhat have been wronged by men of God and enacted revenge on them but the similarities end there. How do you think their clashing personalities or backstories affect their relationship?

Hell just typing this, I realised... What would happen if Enrico x Augustine were to happen? A hypocritical fanatic and an actual man of God?

OOOOO OC X OC let's mash our dolls together

- personal rating: hmm, maybe a 7/10?

- HCs: I can see both of them allowing themselves to open up a bit, maybe after some banter and venomous words. There's a sense of solidarity there, and I could see both of them begrudgingly sitting after a brawl against a wall before starting to talk.

- OTP level: 5

- Would I have liked to see it canon: Now, Laura is a lesbian, so it wouldn't work romantically. However, I COULD see it in a more platonic context. That said, there will be obvious prejudice on both sides, maybe especially on Laura's, since Augustine is an actual man of God – and Augustine could take offense on the behalf of his God because Laura abhorres Him. It would be a rocky start, but they could make it work through mutual traumadumping. Maybe Augustine would actually want to help Laura in some way, which WILL be very hard.

- general opinion: I had to think about it, but I actually can see this work from enemies to begrudging solidarity to loose allies/"friends" (do either of them even let ppl in??), where they'd have to put their affiliations to the side a bit. I like it, actually. It makes for extremely interesting drama.

Now, Enrico x Augustine? Let's go

- personal rating: 8/10

- HCs: Hatefuck???? All I'm saying is Enrico probably feels REALLY insecure next to Augustine, and could even see him as a rival. I don't know if Augustine would reciprocate the rivalry or maybe dislike/despise Enrico for his hypocritical and selfish ways.

- OTP level: 6?

- Would I have liked to see it canon: If Augustine was a canon character, yes I would have liked to see it. It would've been a very interesting dynamic to explore. It would've given us more information on Enrico as a character too, exploring his views on a person he (afaik?) isn't submitting to him and is an actual man of God, as well as prejudice against an immortal being.

- general opinion: As said above, i think this one is really worth exploring. I can see it as a very bitter potential match, that may evolve into actual feelings (maybe on Enrico's side? Which would piss him tf off). Lots of potential for angst and drama here, especially considering Augustine is a character that could force Enrico to actually confront his hypocrisy and selfishness.

[dangermousie]

I swear to God, every time they switch to Jing’s narrative, it becomes some sort of cross between Gaskell and Bronte and I am here for it!

I loved the Frightful Fiancee showing up and life draining out of Jing’s eyes (because he’s terrified every time will be too much for XY and she will end it) but also XY is jealous, awwwww! The thing is, she is only truly in any measure a young woman around and because of Jing and this includes being jealous and vulnerable. I kinda love it.

Oblivious friend toasts to the “happy couple” and I love that he refuses to drink and when evil fiancee says she will drink for him, fights her for the cup. I think he’s gonna embroider a banner, “I don’t want you” and carry it around.

He’s so fed up he gets up to leave and she’s clutching. Good Lord, lady, come on!

Afterwards:

He literally shoves her off. At Jing level of niceness and manners, it’s equivalent of punching her in the face while calling her a dozen filthy words. Heh.

The more it goes on, the clearer the female-coding on his character becomes. Not just that all his issues are family rivalry related inner house stuff or that he’s the nice one winning the jaded/damaged OTP through devotion and niceness but even here with the fiancee. The narrative of someone who does not want the arranged partner who keeps chasing them is usually given to women; who also cannot directly tell the other party to fuck off and have to politely navigate while giving public hints and perhaps in private being clearer, but still bound to be polite and not go beyond certain boundaries set by arbitrary society however dumb they may be.

His lines are 100% what a FL would say and navigate.

This said, I continue to be impressed how he doesn’t come across as in the least feminine. It’s quite a balancing act. But so much of this narrative is so well done. Just like her three suitors are reflections of parts of XY’s self and future potential paths. They all went through varieties of trauma and if Cang Xuan is a reflection of her potential darkest path and the damage of her damage, the Vamp Boy is her mirror - he is very much where she is now or at least in the beginning of the story, if it makes sense, and 17 is embodiment of hope that you can go through horror and emerge into hope - choosing him is ultimately choosing the possibility of her best self. I love that so much.

[kazoosandfannypacks]

hehehe wonder how you got that notion

pjo for the fandom ask thingy thingy

percabeth

[analogtoonz]

…SMG3!!!! - @space-captkin

how I feel about this character ;

very strongly!!! 3 has always been… kinda of a playful villain throughout the series compared to say mr puzzles, but his personality has always intrigued me even before the events of IGBP. for example, one of the things i can appreciate about him in particular is the fact the writers intentionally have added levels to his character that make him more relatable on a personal level (eg: his backstory and reaction to snitch productions going boom) and then continuing that theme even now we’re post-IGBP (such as SMG3’s Bomb Cafe and Trash Friends).

just his whole character development is something I could go on for a LONG time about, because of how bittersweet it is to see him care for the main crew and for him to hold onto those sweet memories more fondly (shown in his flashback scenes in You Used To Be Cool for example) !!!

all the people i ship romantically with this character ;

okay not shocking here but SMG4.. goes back to the whole thing about his character development and obviously his monologues in IGBP.. and OOO, that drawing at the end of WOTFI 2023 made me want to cry…

also Medi (VA for SMG1 and animator for episodes /shorts) literally said he’s intentionally wrote in these nice scenes between them.. and in his words are “various flirtation remarks” between them.

oh and uh,, snowtrapped too,,,

my non-romantic otp for this character ;

can’t say eggdog or terrance i’m guessing so for the sake of the argument, I’ll say Meggy.. their interactions in IGBP were very fun to watch !!! he also did accidentally give her a voice by the end of WOTFI 2020..

my unpopular opinion about this character ;

i don’t know if this is an unpopular opinion but i do prefer him as an anti-hero.. i caught up just before IGBP came out and as much as i liked his attempts to overthrow 4, having more episodes that are centred around him and the more vulnerable parts of his personality that we don’t get to see otherwise are definitely worth the watch and make me smile !!!

one thing i wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon ;

i think this can be universally agreed but to have a scene where 3 and 4 actually open up honestly about how they feel regarding each other and having closure from all their rivalry would be so awesome!!

also i do kinda wish we went with the “sexy dance” option in WOTFI 2023, not because that was the correct option, but i just think that we were robbed from a cute and / or funny scene with him..

edit: also hiii captain i forgor you listen to me ramble

[bzedan]

I have a tag, "imagine your otp" and it's just vibes really, thinking of the best and worst ways two people can go together. Anyway, last year I was like "I should make little school-style valentines with these" but it was basically after the holiday so. Here we are now a year later.

These are twelve of my favourites (that are also short AND don't need the context of reblogs or other tumblr format to elevate them). I drew a little something to enhance the vibe of each one. I also tried to present a selection of various relationship energies.

A link to a nice downloadable PDF is over on Itch.io for free, or you can just save the image below and do what you will.

Links to the original sources for each one below the cut.

1: we could be covered in blood together if you stopped playing hard to get

Source: https://nonknowledge3.tumblr.com/post/671208202121134080/we-could-be-covered-in-blood-together-if-you

2: you wanna end my reign of terror so bad it makes you look stupid

Source: https://flanneldragon.tumblr.com/post/686271655611400192/you-wanna-end-my-reign-of-terror-so-bad-it-makes

3: flustering isn’t enough, I wanna watch you crumble

Source: https://goldxnfemme.tumblr.com/post/685998256473374720/flustering-isnt-enough-i-wanna-watch-you-crumble

4: Not romantic not platonic but a secret third thing (drift compatible)

Source: https://www.tumblr.com/generalized-incompetence/701026152522956800/not-romantic-not-platonic-but-a-secret-third-thing

5: giving someone the hair tie off your wrist is a stronger form of intimacy than making a blood pact

Source: https://ashstfu.tumblr.com/post/659961278964613121/giving-someone-the-hair-tie-off-your-wrist-is-a

6: [attempting to flirt] if i was stuck in a timeloop id desperately explain my situation to you every single reset

Source: https://pompeiimp3.tumblr.com/post/672859264546701312/attempting-to-flirt-if-i-was-stuck-in-a-timeloop/amp

7: did you let me die in your arms in the timeloop

Source: https://hhawkeye.tumblr.com/post/688904864320880640/did-you-let-me-die-in-your-arms-in-the-timeloop

8: the holy trinity: “dude” but like romantically “babe” but like platonically “sweetheart” but like rivalry

Source: https://www.tumblr.com/dark-romantics/698558989087211520/the-holy-trinity

9: sorry I called you a fucking idiot i was trying to flirt

Source: https://www.tumblr.com/forbiddnfruits/620942044906520576/sorry-i-called-you-a-fucking-idiot-i-was-trying-to

10: if I was bug I would find you every lifetime just to die in your drink

Source (gone): https://eliteknightcats.tumblr.com/post/693256781583007744

11: heart shaped bestie necklaces that say “I hope you die” “I hope we both die”

Source: https://exitwound.tumblr.com/post/648462663674986496/heart-shaped-bestie-necklaces-that-say-i-hope-you

12: heart-shaped best friend necklaces that say “you said i killed you” and “haunt me then”

Source: https://nedlittle.tumblr.com/post/645014126122467329

[waywardgirl75]

Hi....if you don't mind me asking, who are your top 7 favorite romantic relationship's couples in books/ manga/ anime/movies/tv series/etc (can be canon or non-canon)? Why do you love them? Sorry if you've answered this question before......Thanks....

hello. i don't mind talking about my fav ships. i can do that for hours. here are my top 7 ships.

destiel (tv series-supernatural)

my otp. i love these two dumbasses too much. and for why i love them is because they complement each other really well. they share a bond so profound that you can never not see their love for each other. and of course, there's this human-angel dynamic. words are not enough to describe them.

hannigram (tv series- hannibal)

what can i say about them? they ruined me like no other. i love how they can truly comprehend each other's thoughts and feelings on a profound level. the chemistry and dynamic tension between them is just captivating. every interaction between them feels like you are encountering something intimate.

hualian (book- heaven official's blessing)

my comfort ship. my darlings. this is story of a devotee and his god. you want a love story of loyalty, trust, sacrifice and mutual respect? this is for you. (the type of love i want). their relationship is a journey of healing and growth, where they find strength and solace in each other. they love each other immensely but also respect each other too well to not cross any boundaries. the amount of understanding they have between them is just amazing.

judecardan (book/s- the folk of the air series)

the most top tier couple. enemies to lovers at its best. they both share same intelligence and cunning and eventually they develop a mutual respect that coexists with their power struggles. cardan was cruel towards jude at the beginning then just seeing her with a knife he became a lifelong simp. jude made a cruel prince into a malewife. and i love her for that.

patrochilles (book- the song of achilles)

patrochilles. the love tragedy. for me, the bond they share is a complex tapestry of loyalty, love, and shared destiny. they are each other's rock in a world of chaos. they share everything, from victories to vulnerabilities. (sobs) their ending was sad, but the bond they shared is unbreakable.

zosan (anime- one piece)

the moat chaotic duo. the thing i love about them is that despite their constant bickering, both zoro and sanji deeply respect each other's abilities and courage. they've proven time and again that they're willing to put their lives on the line for each other. their rivalry is a constant source of humor and tension. and the most amazing thing is that their interactions often lead to personal growth and development for both characters.

satosugu (anime- one piece)

(cries) this is gonna be emotional. if you know them then you know that their shared purpose solidified their bond. their friendship was built on trust and loyalty, making them incredible partners. unfortunately, their paths diverged due to differing philosophies on how to achieve their shared goal. while their relationship ultimately ended in tragedy, their story is a powerful exploration of friendship, idealism, and the darkness that can consume even the purest of hearts.

i can name more ships i love, but it will be too much then 😅. hope you're happy with the answer

[sashkapi]

What are your OTPs from other shows besides kindall? (especially love/hate ones)

(Forgive me im so slow)

Oh my here u go >:D

Love/hate ones:

Jimmy and Cindy (The adventures of Jimmy Neutron: boy genius)

This one kinda started it all. Their rivalry was funny and I kinda felt bad for Cindy because she is genuinely smart but what is it if your opponent is a genius  Also hey, blonde and bitchy, my type :) Won't say a lot about this one tho because with all my love for them - there's nothing much I can tell you if you watched the show

Manny and Zoe (El tigre: the adventures of Manny Rivera)

Ok, this one is weird because as a kid I just loved Zoe so much (Her Black Cuervo design, like c'mON LOOK SHES PURPLE) but also liked Manny and Frida together Idk, fandom skewed me later to Manny and Frida but hey, hero-boy/villain-girl dynamic is fun too and I still remember fondly how Manny was immediately smitten by her in "Enter the Cuervo" (Apparently Zoe would end up with Django and honestly? That pair is pure aesthetic, good for them good for them) (Also I'm so mad that I watched this show dubbed because I didn't know english at the time like THEY TOOK ALL CHARM. NO ACCENT, NO SPANISH WORDS IN CHARACTERS SPEECH AND SOME NAMES WERE TRANSLATED IN THE LAMEST WAY POSSIBLE)

Helga and Arnold (Hey Arnold) (can you tell I am a nickelodeon kid yet?)

Ok, this one is more of the one sided love/hate on Helga's side but if you watched the show then you know that she went all in with both love and hate.  Seriously, Helga is such an interesting character. She is amazing and I love her (another bitchy blonde to love yay) Can't say much from Arnold's side. He was oblivious to her crush for the most of the show. He is a kind and understanding boy so jgkkdjgkh I just really wanted Helga to be happy 🥺

Anya and Damian (Spy x Family)

New one and also kinda one sided on Damian's side  Listen These two?

Just plain funny

Anya punching him in the face and Damian falling for her for that? Hilarious Anya being oblivious to his crush despite being an esper because Damian is in denial? Amazing. Good stuff.  They are just so cute and funny, look at them!!!

Catra and Adora (She-ra and the princesses of power)

Ok, I wouldn't consider myself a catradora shipper anymore but God, their dynamic in the first seasons is everything. Like darn, they had drama. Actual enemies to lovers and THE TENSION

Aaaaand season 5 destroyed it all. (Spoilers for she ra ahead)

Some people dropped the ship after season 4 finale because Catra would rather destroy the world than let Adora win, but for me it was THE THING I LOVED LIKE YES, MORE DRAMA, MORE CONFLICT, NOW CATRA MUST TRY REAL HARD TO GET ON ADORAS GOOD SIDE AND THAT MEANS CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, I WONDER HOW IT WILL GO and they just??? Kinda forgive her??? I'm sorry, yes, Catra purring on Adora's lap? Sweet. The kiss was also dramatic. But it all felt so undeserved I guess it's because of the limited time the writers had. But damn, introducing a bigger threat in Hordak Prime and kinda handwaving her crimes isn't a redemption for Catra.  But again. First seasons? Good ass dynamic. 10/10

Knuckles and Rouge (Sonic the hedgehog franchise)

THIS ONE IS  AH NICE If you followed my kbsd art then you probably know that I also love Sonic (lil guy doing cool stuff - my weakness) Wouldn't call knuxouge love/hate ship at this point that much tho. They started as this but now they are more of a flirts-a-lot/flusters-a-lot type of pair. Also, we don't talk about "dumb" arc SEGA was putting Knux in 2010's Anyway funni echidna and funni bat my beloveds

Non love/hate

Sanford and Deimos (Madness Combat)

Ok, so the series is about violence, fighting, and bloodshed, right? And then I saw these two in 0.5 episodes and my brain went "OK, but what if they kiss?" And I spend 2021 rotating these two in my head. Violently. (The way Deimos doesn't attack Sanford in "dedmos adventure" still makes me sad from time to time)

Dr. Fox and Hawkodile (Unikitty!)

I was in a weird place of mind when I was obsessed with this show. Looking back at it - its really silly.  I'm gonna be honest, the biggest reason I loved this ship is because it's a big warrior type of guy having a huge crush on a nerd girl and being really silly about it. After a few episodes with this topic I got kinda tired of it tho. 

Still, they are cute.

I might be forgetting some but honestly, if I was to list every ship I enjoy - we'll be here forever This also kinda made me realize that I haven't seen any proper love\hate pairs in recent media. Might be just me tho.

[icycream24]

Espilver? :>

You're here to ask me the most obvious ones 😭 alright then I'll answer in the most unexpected way ever!

They are my OTP: literally saw them first-hand in game and firmly believed they have chemistry since then. Not influenced by fanart at all bc there was none.

But I don't really dare say they're the best of the OTPs...? Genuinely I think some other pairs (Sonuckles/Knuxouge etc.) has more chemistry and an easier time to figure out how they work.

Espio and Silver supposedly live in different timelines, and Espio didn't even appear in games that often. Their chances of seeing each other is far lower than a lot of others;

They're not as sociable as Sonic or Amy, or any other talkative characters. They can't just meet each other on a whim. We have to think of a valid reason for them to meet in fanfics, with Silver's persistence on his time travel mission and Espio's ninja detective work in mind;

They're kinda too nice with each other, the enemies to lovers troupe wouldn't really fit in their current canon situation, neither does having major rivalries, conflicts, or any kind of tension. Obviously they can still have those, it's just harder to imagine them in these roles compared to others imo.

Ofc, they're still my obvious best of OTP in my brain, but if we're discussing the variety of them being a pair, then they're not higher than other ships.

CUTENESS OVERLOAD: That is true bc I literally ship them as OTP. But actually, I ship them in the angsty way first, did not imagine them with a happy ending due to their roles and burdens. Drew Silver dying in Espio's hands back in 2016, definitely not wholesome & cute haha

Overrated AND underrated at the same time? : Now this is a handful... I didn't imagine Espilver to be a well known ship at all, and certainly did not anticipate ppl actually shipping them even now. As to why this ship got popular, I couldn't help but think it was related with ppl wanting to support unpopular ships as an ally, moreso than actually liking the ship? Ofc, it's definitely not me who can decide what ppl ship them for, I wouldn't care that much as long as the ship gets more love! Actually I do care but I don't wanna gatekeep ppl for being not genuine and I don't wanna know if I'm actually wrong on that so by not dwelling on that I avoided the problems and consequences that might bring to me including those I do not forsee

Still, Espio and Silver, as I've told before, probably don't have as much chemistry to other ppl due to not being in more games tgt. Their compatibility basically flies over ppl's minds and it's unfortunate! So, Espilver is definitely underrated as ppl still hasn't yet be presented to the wonderful comfort and beauty this ship brings 💖

In conclusion, overrated enough to have IDW make a comic about them, since ppl would love it; also underrated enough to have IDW make a comic about them, since so few ppl know them enough to feel repulsed with their interactions.

I WOULD DIE FOR IT OKAY: No one's allowed to talk shit about Espilver/Silvespio except me✨