#season 10 better not have this fuckery

[ardentpoop]

top 10 sam relationships ranked and why

for simplicity’s sake I will try to exclude threesomes/foursomes, platonic or otherwise. but note that every dynamic on the show that I have a dedicated pretentious tag for (all of which involve sam) is one that I like to play with in my head.

samndean. what can I say besides failmarriage of all time. one of the most interesting relationships ever portrayed on tv if you’re watching closely, and too many ppl try to cram it into a box and imo they’re all missing the forest for the trees (to be clear this does Not apply to most people who correctly recognize it as an abusive relationship; imo you can’t truly understand either of them or their dynamic if you are unable to reckon with this)

sam & jack. mother and son biologically linked to the same predator (lucifer) and orbiting the same violent head of household (dean)……both of them scapegoated for their Inherent Impurity and shuffled from cage to cage…..bursting at the seams with anger and grief over how powerless they feel to contain the powers that broadcast to the Men In Charge their slow but steady “corruption”…..sam couldn’t prevent jack from experiencing the exact same life-changing trauma that sam experienced at dean’s hands….what’s better than this 💕

sam & cas. shockingly underrated to this day. they’re patient and doctor (sexual) they’re worshiper and heretic (alternating. also sexual.) they’re dean’s brotherwife (sam) and dean’s cuck friend (cas) who’s in unrequited love with him and regularly getting his wife off in strange and unethical ways. they’re parents to jack and dean is the beloved angry man in their house who calls the shots bc they’re too sloppy and broken to make their own decisions. the lucifer&sam&cas link paralleled with the lucifer&sam&jack link. the devil’s rejects. sam can watch cas torture some guy with a look of admiration on his face and then they’re retiring to sam’s room in the bunker to watch shitty tv together in comfortable silence. cas experimenting with sam’s body is so commonplace that he can offer to do Anything to him and sam okays it without hesitation. I love thinking abt how their relationship developed over the seasons esp given where it started. delightful to me :)

sam & john bc they let me explore my many serious issues with my own father without burning myself too badly <3

sam & mary because much like sam and jack they were doomed from the start in the same way and watching them get hollowed out makes me want to scream (complimentary) plus the audience doesn’t appreciate either of them properly they are both Riddled with interesting bruises in the same places.

sam & meg bc BUABS gender fuckery forever (they’re both trans. to be clear)

sam & ruby bc ruby is dean-mirror and she is mother and she is fattening up her little lamb for the slaughter and she is teaching dumbo how to fly and she is saying “I’m sorry you’re hurting. I had no idea that dean would do that to you” and she is Poison, dean says, after locking sam up, and she is tenderly stroking the tears off sam’s face and smiling after she permanently shatters his faith in her.

sam & crowley. they are never ever fucking in a million years and that’s the best part. sam’s condescending “am I supposed to be impressed by that?” made my brain short-circuit. she isn’t this mean to Anyone else it’s beautiful.

sam & rowena. I can’t write the essay abt them that I want to write. they’re hot. I love how much crowley would’ve Despised seeing them getting along.

sam & gadreel for the fic potential alone. they are my little cutesies </3

[mira-likes]

When I first watched s2, I mentioned how I expected the emperor to have Thoughts about Fan Xian entering the Fan ancestral hall. I just didn’t see the emperor loving the idea of Fan Xian declaring himself as part of the Fan family after the emperor had very deliberately revealed his real parentage. I'd forgotten that the emperor actually brings up the subject in episode 10!

Right after Fan Xian stages that excellent show in the Imperial Court and gets the Censorate to investigate the Second Prince, the main dad council convenes. The emperor muses on how Fan Xian's scheming is deep for his young age, and segues from that to saying, offhand: “Is Fan Xian registered in the Fan ancestral hall? It’s better that he isn’t. His personality will bring a lot of trouble to the Fan family in the future.”

And because the emperor is very hard to read, there could be different options here!

Maybe the emperor means to emphasize the trouble part. In the discussion that follows soon after, he indicates he's miffed that the Second Prince is being so publicly investigated, and intends to protect him as his son. So he could be straight up saying: it may be better for the Fan family if you're not inextricably linked to Fan Xian and all of his future fuckery.

Or then the emperor is issuing Fan Jian a warning of a very different kind. Given that the emperor brings up the ancestral hall topic right on the heels of talking about Fan Xian's plotting acumen in an impressed tone, he could also be saying: hm, that kid just got more interesting… so let’s all remember that he is my kid, fellas, and not get ideas about registering him officially as yours.

To Fan Jian’s credit, he immediately and pointedly chortles that Fan Xian’s last name is Fan, ancestral hall or no, and Fan Jian is ready to take responsibility for all of his chaos. Like, in any case that man wants to stand his ground as the Main Dad. It’s no surprise that later in the season he’s touched by Fan Xian’s decision to enter the Fan ancestral hall and is fully onboard with the idea. But I do wonder if this little moment foreshadows an eventual conflict there...

[douwatahima]

Oooookay. So I finished my seventh watch through of season 2 yesterday and I finally feel equipped to give my personal ranking of all 18 OFMD episodes. No one asked for this but here it is lol. Also I gave them all a score out of ten and tiered them all by said score because I'm very normal. LET'S GO.

6/10 - These Are Kinda Meh

18. 1x02: A Damned Man - To me, this is the most forgettable episode of the whole show. I mean, it's not awful or anything (it's still OFMD), but I have literally nothing to say about it. It's just kinda there.

17. 2x06: Calypso's Birthday - There's things in this episode I like (everything with Ned Lowe is good imo), but the whole party sequence, which takes up about half the episode, feels so empty to me. At first it didn't bother me that much, but then Samba revealed what the original plan was and knowing that at one point this episode had a plot has made the incredible lack of one we got soooo much more noticeable.

16. 1x03: The Gentleman Pirate - Introduction of Spanish Jackie, Magic Man, Ed and Stede meeting for the first time, there's definitely good stuff here. However, it gets sooooooooo much better than this.

7/10 - Good and Fun, Just Not My Fave

15. 2x07: Man on Fire - There is so much in this episode I like. Ed and Stede having breakfast in bed makes me feel insane. Stede and Zheng fighting ruled so hard. FRENCHIE SCHEMEING WITH THE CREW!!! The biggest thing is that there's so much in this episode that nothing really gets room to breathe. With like…five more minutes this episode could've been peak.

14. 1x06: The Art of Fuckery - This falls under the category of "episodes that are good, but there are others I like way more". The bathtub scene is of course peak, but in a season with some really incredible stuff this episode doesn't particularly stick out to me.

13. 2x04: Fun and Games - Same as the previous episode. I love the whole "Seabird" sequence, Ed and Stede's little heart to heart, and of course Anne and Mary's everything, but there are so many more episodes I love way more.

8/10 - I'm Incredibly Fond of These

12. 1x07: This is Happening - Fun fact I originally had this in the last category but then I remembered the co-captains scene and I knew I had to bump it up lmao. There's soooo much peak OFMD in here. The snake scene! Lucius calling Ed out!!! The previously mentioned co-captains scene!!!!! The only reason this isn't higher is because around my…fifteenth rewatch I found myself kinda getting bored with the Jim's nana subplot (sorry Jim).

11. 1x01: Pilot - OHHHHH I AM SO FOND OF THE PILOT. There's definitely some clunkiness in this episode imo (it is the first one after all), but the feeling I get when I boot up this episode is unparalleled. Frenchie starts singing and my heart soars. Also the entire "High on a Rocky Ledge" sequence is beautiful even all these months later.

10. 1x08: We Gull Way Back - 90% of my love for this episode is that I find Will Arnett very funny. This episode also gave us "The Chain" sequence including the foot touch heard around the world. ALSO ROOM PEOPLE!!! I love this one.

09. 2x01: Impossible Birds - The biggest fault of this episode is that it premiered alongside two of the best episodes of OFMD ever and this one slightly pales in comparison. That being said, it's a very strong season opener. Also, I am personally obsessed with the "Strawberry Letter 23" sequence. AND THE CAKE TOPPERS I CAN'T BELIEVE I ALMOST FORGOT THE CAKE TOPPERS!!!!!

08. 1x04: Discomfort in a Married State - I AM SOOOOOO FOND OF THIS ONE. The way the first half of the episode parallels Ed/Izzy and Stede/Mary only to spend the second half juxtaposing those two relationships against Ed/Stede? Masterful. The way Ed and Stede's relationship develops so naturally? Beautiful. THE LIGHTHOUSE SCENE? INCREDIBLE. WHAT AN EPISODE!

9/10 - I'm Genuinely Mad These Didn't Make Top 5

07. 2x05: The Curse of the Seafaring Life - The way this episode had me giggling and kicking my feet in real life after I first saw it. There's nothing not to like here. Ed and Fang fishing, Lucius and Pete getting engaged, THE SUIT…all incredible. Not to mention we got "you wear fine things well" version 2.0 with the best kiss in the whole show!

06. 1x05: The Best Revenge is Dressing Well - I love everything about this one. Ed and Stede at the fancy party, Lucius kicking Izzy's ass with the power of polyamory, Frenchie and Olu scamming racists…when I think of quintessential OFMD, this is the episode I think of. And of course the original version of "you wear fine things well" lives within my very soul.

10/10 - I Feel Mentally Ill About These Ones

05. 2x02: Red Flags - To start off, I really liked getting Lucius back and his whole subplot with Stede was really really great. Now that that point's out of the way HOLY SHIT EVERYTHING WITH ED IN THIS EPISODE WHAT THE FUCK. THE SCENE BETWEEN ED AND IZZY IS LITERALLY GOD TIER. ED PAINTED THE BRIDE TO LOOK LIKE HIMSELF AND I STILL HAVEN'T RECOVERED. "RUN FROM ME"? LIKE...IN GENERAL??? CRAZY. AND THEN ED SAYING "FINALLY" WHEN HE GETS THE CREW TO KILL HIM? INSANE. THEY WERE INSANE FOR THIS.

04. 1x09: Act of Grace - I mean, listen. I've talked about this a lot but it bears repeating. Staying up until 2am to watch this episode when it premiered and seeing Ed and Stede ACTUALLY KISS changed me as a person. I am different because I experienced that. Not to mention the rest of this episode is peak. Ed calling for the act of grace, the crew voting Olu as captain, the entire "Perfect Day" sequence, just incredible all around.

03. 2x08: Mermen - God this show can do a good finale. I will never stop being bowled over by how much I love this one. The "Moscow" scene? Sexy as hell. Ed and Stede reuniting and Ed telling Stede he loves him? I've watched it three thousand times. THE LETTER? THEY WROTE THEIR NAMES ON EACH OTHER IN PERMANENT INK!!! Also, even though it's highly controversial to say, I thought Izzy's death scene was very very good. Not to mention the entire last few minutes set to "The Times They Are A-Changin'" makes me feel so incredibly soft. I love OFMD soooooo much.

02. 2x03: The Innkeeper - Listen. If this whole episode sucked but it still included the mermaid scene I would still have it this high. That being said, this whole episode is sooooo incredibly good. The opening sequence with Zheng manipulating the rival captain is so well done. Ed in the gravy basket is crazy from beginning to end. Stede plotting to get the crew to safety is peak Stede and I love it. And somehow, after all of that, the episode also ends with one of the most incredible sequences I have ever seen. Watching a man who thought he was fundamentally unlovable get brought back to life because of how much he's loved while "This Woman's Work" plays in the background will follow me forever. Just…some of the most beautiful shit ever put to film.

1000/10 - THE GOAT NO OTHER NEED APPLY

01. 1x10: Wherever You Go, There You Are - I AM SO SERIOUS WHEN I SAY THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE EPISODES OF TELEVISION OF ALL TIME. The way Ed and Stede's plots through this episode are juxtaposed against each other makes me feel feral. The way that Stede is so out of place and closed off from his family while Ed is actively healing and bonding with the crew ONLY FOR THESE TWO PLOTS TO FLIP WHEN THEY EACH TALK TO THE PERSON WHO REPRESENTED A NONFUNCTIONING RELATIONSHIP TO THEM ALL THE WAY BACK IN EPISODE FOUR! THE WAY MARY AND STEDE GETTING TO TALK AND BE HONEST AND LET EACH OTHER GO ALLOWS STEDE TO FINALLY GROW AND BE HAPPY WHILE IZZY HANGING ON TO THAT TOXIC RELATIONSHIP WITH ALL OF HIS MIGHT AND NOT LETTING ED GROW AND CHANGE WITHOUT HIM FORCES ED BACK INTO THE PITS OF DESPAIR!!! The entire "Avalanche" sequence breaks my heart in the absolute best way and seeing Ed do all this terrible shit with no more spark left in his usually super expressive eyes hurts so good! And then, of course, there's my favourite part of all. Seeing Stede, a man who has been so lost and unmoored, row out into the ocean looking more settled than we've ever seen him while Mary says he's now free and that freedom coming completely from Stede realizing he's in love with another man is something that feels so personally assuring to me I can't even fully express it. The entire "Miles from Nowhere" sequence is incredible to me (and to this day that song is thee OFMD needle drop in my opinion) but that part especially is my favourite thing this show has ever given me hands down. Thank you David Jenkins for my life.

[ladykatibeth]

Stede and Izzy’s Actual S1 Feelings Part 1

I feel like the Stede/Izzy hatred in season 1 is itself a little exaggerated.

Taking this one character at a time, starting with Stede—up until the duel and actually probably a little bit in between the duel and navy Stede plays up his dislike of Izzy—a lot.

Stede in episode 2 outright states that he “kind of enjoyed it.” Sure he’s a little upset about the hostages but the opportunity to do some clever pirate fuckery (though he wouldn’t know the concept name yet) far outweighs this. He’s antagonistic towards Izzy here because that’s part of the fun, but it isn’t genuine. He barely knows Izzy.

In episode 3 he’s embarrassed about being passed over and posturing, he’s being petty and he’s annoyed. This still isn’t personal, though, he’s being antagonistic because that’s the standard that’s been set and also he’s peacocking.

The Iggy statement comes right after he’s ignored by Geraldo, who then praises Izzy, it’s a product of jealousy and a “better than you” performance not a dislike of personality.

(Stede is very much trying to show off here imo, Izzy’s the first “real pirate” he gets to interact with, he wants to seem cool, but just ends up coming across as rude and entitled because he’s using upper class social tools to do so.)

In episode 4 when they interact for a short period Izzy and Stede once again conflict—while both of them are near panic attacks. Ed is winding Izzy up about the Spanish Navy and he’s all out badgering Stede for a plan to prove a point. Both Izzy and Stede become bitchy when anxious.

In episode 6 Stede quickly changes his opinion of Izzy after a vague compliment (about his theatrical instincts being finely honed) and says “maybe I was wrong about you after all.” Which implies to me it’s not very strong in the first place.

Stede is still prissy with Izzy in the curtain scene, because he still sees Izzy as his pirate rival, and Izzy is hitting on some insecurities that just got dug up regarding the planning…. “I went out on a limb for you.” Looking at the details though…..

Izzy’s curtain dramatic flair gives Stede his inspiration for the curtain part of the fuckery…and he uses his exact phrasing “plumb the depths” in his speech to the crew. He’s in higher spirits after this conversation! That’s something alright but not hatred.

We get the biggest negative shift at the end during the duel, Izzy stabs Stede, which is pretty harsh. Stede is mostly triumphant here. We don’t get a lot for his feelings about this, but it does stick out to me that the crew is the ones most into the banishment at this point, more so than Stede, who I think is more excited about having been clever.

We don’t get another interaction or mention until E9, Stede is the most genuinely pissed at Izzy’s he’s ever been right here, like real anger in the “he sold us out.” He doesn’t really have much time to focus on it though.

I would say up until now this is the most he’s actually disliked Izzy, as opposed to the performative way up until now based in him wanting a rival.

We leave off the series with one final mention of Izzy from Stede in 10, when given the opportunity to brag one of the first accomplishments we hear him say—“I won in a duel against Blackbeards right hand man, Izzy Hands” then he goes on to talk about Ed. Even after the Navy he’s still not tinged his view of him so negatively that it’s tinged his accomplishment. Winning a duel against Izzy wasn’t cool because of vengeance, that’s not the tone, it’s cool because Izzy is cool.

All in all Stede’s S1 feelings can be summarized as this.

1. Performative dislike (up until Navy) as a result of seeing him as a rival.

2. A lot of respect, especially for his opinions. Stede is excited to win against Izzy because Izzy is a respectable pirate so if Stede can do it, it makes Stede respectable. He likes to fight Izzy and win because he respects Izzy and his skills so it feels like a big victory.

3. Jealousy. Izzy is the “real pirate” Stede is aspiring too.

4. Annoyance, these two can bring out the worst in each other when upset and can cause further annoyance, this is having the biggest impact on S2 so far.

I would go as far as to say extenuating circumstances aside, Stede likes Izzy. He doesn’t want him to leave as soon as possible like with other people he dislikes in season 1, he had a dream about fighting him in S2.

Stede is very much avoidant of negative things, he’s not all that avoidant of Izzy.

The closet Stede has gotten to hating Izzy was the navy, before then it wasn’t even close imo.

On to Izzy in Part 2

[myfandomrambles]

Not to be an asshole but like just because David Tennant/Tenth Doctor had the best viewing numbers of NuWho doesn't actually mean he's sooo uber special better than the others.

Like every doctor before and after he actually matters. Some of those doctors are beloved by like a lot of people.

It somehow just feels icky to me to pick up with David Tennant and Davies and like what? Fuck 11, war, 12 and 13?

Chibnall was bad enough about kind of feeling like he was snubbing 11 & 12's eras.

Like obviously you had misogyny and racism problems under Moffat. And we must, must speak up about that and make sure the show does better. And no he didn't stick the landing every time, The Wedding of River Song sucks. But like there were a shit ton of people involved in those years who like fucking put their heart and soul into that.

Matt Smith & Peter Capaldi along with all the companion actors (plus Gomez) deserve some goddamn respect. I do have just some big emotional attachment to 11 & 12 yes. I also however do not think every story under them was bad. They had extremely good stories! Like season 10 might not be popular but fuck does it kick me in the feels.

But like it's not like all the Tennant hype only affects Moffat's writing if you happen to hate him. This does feel insulting to Ecelston as well. I know he hates the BBC so like I get he wouldn't come back to the main show (his audios rock btw).

This whole thing also feels sketch because you're sticking him in between your first female doctor and your first main doctor to be played by a person of colour. Like do you just not trust that Ncuti Gatwa will be good enough to make people watch? Do you not trust your own writers (even your own writing) to be compelling unless you bring David Tennant back and give him a whole other marketing number (and the numbers, while sort of ridiculous at this if you look through canon, do have meaning to the fans)? Not to mention a new costume (No I don't mean he has to wear the exact same clothes if they don't fit but you can sew a copy of the same design again) and a whole big announcement about him getting a new Sonic. The costumes and sonics are HUGE signs for fans. Like people collect the fucking sonics you have the old ones referenced in the show, it's a whole part of 12's identity crises with the shades and the new sonic after re-accepting the doctor after losing Clara. The TARDIS can make these for The Doctor or The Doctor makes their own. It's a whole thing!

Also, do they have to also fuck with Donna's ending? Really? I get some people do the whole "Donna deserved better" shtick but her ending is heartbreaking, well-written, well-acted and done just so well. Sad can be okay! I'm with Ashildir on this one, It was sad and beautiful. (Yes she's not referring to Donna but the principle stands)

Also like, The Doctor fucks people's lives up. Donna wasn't the first up Companions to have shit destroyed by The Doctor!

In the words of Martha Jones:

You need to be careful, because you know the Doctor's wonderful and he's brilliant, but he's like fire. Stand too close and people get burned (TV: Sonatarn Strategem)

Like Journeys End aired in 2008! Could we just let the story stand on it's merits?

I realise the culture of like the media in the 2010s & 2020s is just fuck with shit that should have been left alone. I mean I guess if we're doing a distribution w/ Disney we might as well follow their storytelling formula.

I mean remember the whole Time Lord victouris project? Like I'm obsessed w/ Doctor Who and have been into the EU for a long time I didn't even try and keep up with it. It was like the high republic franchise in Star Wars so hard to keep up w/ the story when you have to get so many disparate pieces of media. And again it's all Ten focused.

Honestly, I have always loved Ten. minus all this fuckery he is fantastic. And i will go to the bat i don't think he's a fuck boy. but I also like am perpetually gonna be annoyed at him.

Being a money maker does not actually define the quality of the story in every case.

[jennawynn]

Discovery Season 1 Episode 9-

Episode 9-

Listen, you never plan to retire or to tell your husband you're going to be able to do whatever he wants after this one last mission/jump. That's when things go wrong.

Time travel or alternate universe? Find out next time!

Episode 10-

Time for a character roundup! on the axes of interesting and likeability...

Lorca- Interesting character if a little cliche, unlikeable. 9/10

Burnham- Interesting character, likeable. 10/10

Saru- Interesting, undecided. 7/10

Tyler- I don't think I like him much. 5/10

Tilly- Not particularly interesting, but likeable and relatable. 10/10

Georgiou- Interesting, likeable, badass, but -1 point for being dead. 99/10

Admiral- Not particularly interesting yet, but has potential. Undecided. 6/10

It's interesting that they have evasive maneuver patterns... It seems like a waste of a good pilot's instincts. The way that the captain has to decide which pattern to use, relay it to the pilot, the pilot has to recall what motions to take for that pattern, and then enact it feels like it would take precious seconds that might be better used in a "It doesn't matter what you do as long as you do something" reaction.

Alternate universe it is!

Michael's hair is always excellent.

Man I knew there was something still shady about Tyler. Fuckin Manchurian Candidate. Dude is not ready to be doing any of what he's trying to do. "I need you to trust me." No. You can't trust yourself, how are you going to expect anyone else to trust you? Tyler and Lorca both, man. Making decisions to protect themselves that can (and certainly will) put others in danger.

Hey Terran Empire, that's the same as the Enterprise's alternate universe.

Hah Tilly's captain. Talk as little as possible. That might be a problem.

And then Lorca does a Scottish voice for the Engineer. :joy: that a Scotty reference?

I like the way they actually show the tech that (as far as i know) got handwaved in other shows. The change of the Discovery's designation by robot, the synthesizing of uniforms and ranks. It makes it feel more scifi vs scifantasy.

Heh they specifically test for Manchurian/brainwashing stuff.

The weird half bob of Tilly's is... interesting.

Damn that was a line... "If you talked to me like that I would cut out your tongue and use it to lick my boots."

OH SHIT. That's not cool! You can't kill the gays.

I don't like the gender neutral 'sir' and I'm not really sure why.

Aww that was the guy I liked? Connor? I didn't recognize him :joy: I didn't actually look at him for long before he died the first time.

lol Tyler and Michael fucking while Lorca gets tortured. Way to make it quick, y'all.

Episode 11

Oh no... they're going to think that Stamets killed him :(

Is that Starfleet assigned/synthesized lingerie or is it Empire? :joy:

Sparing Saru from knowing his counterpart is a slave who waits on her in this universe. :sob:

(I just realized that where Enterprise was bloodless and nobody was Really Dead, I had no hesitation to believe Culbert was dead.)

They changed the way Andorians look (and sound) too?

I don't... I don't know if I don't like this thing with Tyler because he's not convincing? Or if I don't like the arc itself? I'm not sure.

Now that's an interesting moral quandary. The easy route is to let the Terrans execute him- he's a threat and a murderer. But is it 'right'?

UNBURY your gays.

Heh... I called that one. beam him out just in time to beam him aboard the Discovery. Oh nice, she got the chip out too! I didn't see that one coming.

Ha! The Emperor. I kinda figured (how could it not be if Burnham was captain of Shenzou and they wouldn't say who the emperor was), but man what a gut punch for her.

I forget where to put it now, but the Defiant... is that the one that the mirror!Enterprise found in that docking bay? The time fuckery ontop of the parallel universes has my head spinning, especially since I wasn't closely watching ENT.

Episode 12

I didn't like the mirrorverse episodes of Enterprise- they were both too dark for the show they were in and yet not dark enough to be believable.

I do like this arc, though. It feels like it has the right weight and other than the Tyler plot, it feels believable and consistent. The characters are interacting with the world in consistent, believable ways. Maybe it was because in Enterprise, we were watching actors in different characters?

Fixing Stamets and the only way home while also pretending to be a bloodthirsty captain is a lot of pressure for a cadet.

omg. Have my ganglia :joy:

idk why I forgot about what happened to Voq. I guess I assumed he died.

I was trying to figure out why they couldn't pick between turning Klingon into human or overlaying the Klingon personality into Tyler, but I guess I misunderstood. They overlaid TYLER ontop of the Klingon turned human. Man that's complicated.

How weird it must be to hear the man you loved died... from him.

UNBURY THAT GAY.

Ew- a father 'turned more'?

Oh what the fuck. Ok this one I didn't see coming. Wow. I'm impressed. His ruthlessness. His pulling the puppet strings of fate. The light sensitivity. It's rare that I don't have an inkling of a well-designed twist. Well played.

[mrgammakay]

Remember when memes used to be questionnaires instead of gifs??? I AM ANCIENTTTTTT. @imindhowwelayinjune​ has placed a curse upon my house and now I’m honor-bound to dispel it.

Last song: Burn by 2WEI & Edda Hayes

Last show: The English was the last show I watched all the way through. I’m here for a good western and gotta use that accidental Amazon Prime 30 day free trial while it’s there.

Last Movie: I honestly can’t remember. Last time I was on a plane with in-flight entertainment, I watched Jurassic World: Dominion. It was terrible. But, hey, there were dinosaurs eating people.

Currently watching: I’m making my way through Rise of Empires: Ottoman Season 2. Work is holding me back but I WILL watch ancient political corruption, thanks. If all documentaries were shot like historical dramas, they would be my dragon hoard and I’d roll in a pile of them like a cat in catnip.

Currently reading: I’ve been trying to finish Women of Troy for over a month now, but I got distracted by a strong desire for magic ninja content. I also have A River Enchanted and Babel queued up in the reading roster.

Current obsession: I will never be able to escape my preoccupation with Uchihas. At this point, they’ve haunted me for over two decades and will haunt me for decades to come. I’ve been rereading the manga since Christmas. My DnD group has listened to 45 minutes of dissertations on power scaling problems in Naruto canon. Kishimoto continues to drag me to emotional narrative peaks joined together, not by sensible plot arcs or logical character motivations, but decimated, wasteland valleys of absolute plot fuckery.

Anyway. Sasuke’s a bitch, Itachi’s a god, and Shisui is a pure tragedy. I’ll be in this hell for the rest of my life.

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Five books I’ve enjoyed since September

Okay, I basically didn’t read in October or November but I sprinted through about 10 books in December to try to reach my reading goal for the year (unsuccessful).

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan. New favorite book of all time. It’s got all my kinks: war, ancient history, swords, horses, deep-seated loathing (self and otherwise), vague mythological magic systems, khans. Never in my life have I connected with a character in a more visceral, unwanted way. My existential crisis was full-blown. I didn’t want to identify with a eunuch on a profound level, but here we are.

Greywaren by Maggie Steifvater. I reread the whole series before going into the final book, so I can’t remember if Greywaren was my favorite. But I’ve never read a magical world similar to the nonsense that goes on in the Dreamer Trilogy. It’s real good. Ronan is also a peak character. Aggressive goth Gryffindor farmboy representation matters.

Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks by Patrick Radden Keefe. Like true crime but don’t like gory details? I don’t understand you, but this is the book you’re looking for.

Furysong by Rosaria Munda. I found the character arc resolutions a little unsatisfying in the end but overall, this is probably my top young adult fantasy series. Dragons. There’s so many dragons.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. What a ride. I saw a lot of her interviews about this book before I read it, so I knew exactly what I was getting into. It’s powerful for someone to talk about their bullshit in a way that doesn’t sugar coat it. 

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Last line written

I wrote almost nothing this year, but somehow this question caught me when I’ve just started working on a project again. The rust on this keyboard has been corroding since 2020.

“Still alive?” He asks. Irunae looks remarkably better than Énkava feels. He’s sitting up, for one. “So you’re not completely useless, then.”

[pokeblader3]

Your shows are also often having their seasons split up with half-seasons (and sometimes third or even quarter seasons) being labeled their own seasons, since supposedly that's a better term than "half-season" (which is much easier to parse, standardized*, and doesn't come with the implication of production fuckery as much)

* - exact episode count fluctuates, but if you count the runtime, you'll notice most traditional seasons either come with ~10 44-minute episodes (mostly live action high dramas), ~20 22-minute episodes (mostly comedies and story/production heavy animated series), or ~40 11-minute episodes (cheaply animated animated series, usually airing in pairs in a half-hour timeslot), or come with ~13 44-min eps, ~26 22-min eps, or ~52 11-min eps for longer seasons - but the total runtime of a season is about the same, and they're each meant to be an arc that plays out over the next irl year, but a season/year of a show would be roughly the same amount of story aired over roughly the same amount of time, assuming the show doesn't enter development hell (you can often count how many production seasons a show got by looking at how many years it ran for and what production information about it is known)

She-Ra isn't a 5 season show, it's a 2 season show

Voltron isn't an 8 season show, it's a 2 season show, and was meant to be 3 seasons of 26 22-minute episodes split up into halves with each half-season branded as a whole season but with a steady pacing that'd air each production season over a year, but upon finishing the second season, the network forced upon them a (and I cannot put into words how absurd this is) 52 22-minute episode second season to write the rest of the series in, aka expecting them to write two seasons in the time they'd spend to write one season and with none of the animation or production budget increases that'd come if the show reached 3 seasons as is union contract, since the longer a show goes on the more prestige and bargaining power the crew members have (while already having an extended season with 26 episodes in a season, writers say the more episode a season has the less attention each episode can get because they have to meet the "finished" script quota they're given)

You can sort of see the transition happen mid-airing of Steven Universe, season 1 being a 52 11-min episodes season that's split into two halves, a season 1a and 1b, and starting after their renewal at the season 1 finale, seasons 2 and 3 are each the length of season 1a and 1b and were produced in the same time and aired in the same year, and similarly seasons 4 and 5 were produced alongside each other and aired at a slowed rate so they'd each seem like a whole season to the audience (causing the infamous Steven Universe hiatuses at this time which caused many to drop the show, because they were airing a half season's worth of episodes over the length of time a full season of a regular TV show would air, sporadically. This is also why the ending of the show was so controversial, Rebecca Sugar was given effectively what'd be 4 22-minute episodes to end the show - Reunion being the episode they had to scrap their original plan for a final season/"season 6 and 7" and figure out how to end the show in an a fraction of the time without warning, and then were made to try and end the series a second time with a movie they had no warning of before writing and boarding Change Your Mind, and then made them end the series a third time with an epilogue half-season that had no animation budget for the actual series finale (Steven Universe Future would be the shortest season in the whole series if compared to the other seasons. I really can't put into words how much the network screwed this show over because they had the audacity to put a gay wedding in the show and jerked Rebecca Sugar and the Crewniverse around, being the ultimate source of every complaint about the show))

Here's an article with the creator of the Good Place and long established showrunner Michael Schur about this capitalist nonsense

[rpdredgic]

Drag Race Edgic- Season 9 Episode 12 + FINALE DISCUSSION/EXPLANATION

At this moment all I can really discuss is how Sasha won and how this changes things in Drag Race. To the best of my knowledge from here on tumblr, this is the first episode solely produced and constructed to be shown on VH1. The reunion which aired first was chronologically the second produced after the crowning. This contrasts to the whole season which was produces and constructed to be shown on Logo but instead got switched over to VH1. From what I’ve gathered though twitter, tumor etc. is that this episode’s twist was thought of by VH1. This all may seem like useless information but this is actually the key to how Sasha won with the edit she had. 

Originally the whole season was gonna be aired on Logo and presumably without VH1’s interference, this twist wouldn’t have occurred  and our crowning would have been the season 4-8 style of crowning we’ve become accustomed to. However, with VH1 changing how the finales are done AFTER the season has been edited and our final 4 is locked and solid, the room for an outcome being different from the intended one was there (especially with how this twist worked) like it was with this season.So considering all of this, this is how Sasha could win with her edit. She didn’t get a shit edit on purpose, the editors just didn’t know she was gonna win which is a HUGE reason why edgic for this season shouldn’t be taken seriously. In Survivor and every season of this show before this season, the editors knew who was going to win the season when they edited it and they thought they did as well with this season and that Shea was gonna be the winner. But with an eleventh hour twist that changed the entire story the editors worked on 12 episodes to convey, there wasn’t much they could’ve done to prevent this (aside from re-editing the season after knowing the twist VH1 had in mind.)

How is this going to change the next season and its edgic though? Well, it depends on if this twist is staying or not. If it does stay, I could see a lot more even development of our final 4 so that any of the 4 can be seen as a viable candidate to win and not to have this Sasha situation again. We might see a lot less villains in the end as well since production wouldn’t want a villain/negatively edited contestant to win the season and be called “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” However, this twist could create enough controversy where there’s an uproar over Shea’s loss and how this twist essentially negates anything that happened in the competition, theoretically giving someone with 4 bottom 2 lip syncs the win over someone who won 5 challenges. If there is a public outcry over this result, I could see VH1 reverting back to the previous crowning style and maybe just implementing twists into the actual competition so there’s no shock over the winner.

And with that I’ve spent 12 weeks just to get lolpwnt at the end! VH1 has fucked up drag edgic! 

[twistmusings]

The mating habits for Savannaclaw were 👀. Could we have the same for Octavinelle? Interested in them because they are fish and so different to mammals.

Absolutely, anon! I am very excited because I have *ideas* in mind for them already so I've been excited to talk about it.

Octavinelle - Mating Habits and Anatomy

CW: Discussions of non-human anatomy, intersex anatomy (in case that may be triggering!), sexy eel anatomy, UNsexy eel anatomy, heat/rut/mating cycles mentioned and how they impact the boys. (It is of note because I know this come up for mating cycles a lot in fiction, but there is no talk of nonconsent in this at all, if that’s a concern.) Unnecessarily long because I have many thoughts and have ready waaaaay too much about eel anatomy and octopus anatomy. (I regret nothing lol.) Xenophilia(?) or monster fuckery perhaps? Just depends on your definition of that.

Note: All characters are depicted as being in their mid to late twenties in this.

Azul Ashengrotto

Octopi do not have a mating season, so Azul's sex drive doesn't peak at any particular time of year. It's just depends on when he's in the mood.

Azul doesn't have a heightened sense of smell like the eels or anyone in savanaclaw while on land. HOWEVER, if his partner is able to make him feel safe enough to show them his octopi form, he can detect scent and taste with his tentacles. It would only take him reaching for them with his tentacles to quite literally taste it on their skin, and when he does his arousal is going to skyrocket immediately.

Azul's dick in human form is just like anyone else's dick thanks to the potion which transforms him into a human.

When he's in his true form, though, he does have a hectocotylus. It is the third tentacle on his right-hand side, and it functions more or less like a penis. (Octopi merfolk's anatomy differs slightly from actual octopi, but mostly because their organ orientation is more similar to a bipedal animal instead of an octopus-- the anus and vaginal opening are situated under their web since octopi merfolk don't have a mantle. They are around the area of where a wild octopus' beak would be.)

Azul's hectocotylus has a slightly spade-like ridged shape at the end that is made of erectile tissue which is the only part of the tentacle that gets hard. The rest of the arm is made of muscle and has suckers beginning around 10 inches from the tip. Aside from the 'head' it looks identical to his other tentacles.

Unlike wild octopi, Azul cannot remove his hectocotylus arm from his body for the means of reproduction. He also will not die after mating.

As for mating rituals, his species usually use the chromatophores to send signals of their interest. That being said, Azul's signals are extremely hard to see for most other species of merfolk, let alone the people living on land. So, instead of that, he often conveys his interest via lavish shows of affection or gifts. It's not an exact parallel, but it's the next best thing that he can think of.

Floyd and Jade Leech

Being Moray eels, neither Jade nor Floyd have any sort of mating season. Their sex drives are not dictated by any sort of cycle and they don't get particularly hot and bothered during any part of the year. Truth be told, this is probably the most human part of their reproduction at least so far as their merfolk forms are concerned.

They might not have a heat or rut cycle, however... well, frankly, they get baby fever. Like actual eels, when they have enough food and a safe place to live it puts them in the mindset to have kids. Unlike wild eels, though, they would be much better parents, should their partners want to have kids with them.

Their anatomy is deeply interesting. It's not entirely the same as wild moray eels, but not entirely human either. Merfolk eels are all intersex, and short of a medical condition most will have both viable eggs and the ability to produce sperm. Early during their puberty is when the moray merfolk develop the sex characteristics that determine the outward appearance of their reproductive organs, and much like with humans who are born intersex, the appearance is somewhat of a sliding scale. Being identical twins, Floyd and Jade both developed their external sex the same way.

Not related to mating, perse, but because of this moray merfolk (and many other types of merfolk) don't have a concept of a binary gender. They don't typically use gendered pronouns or self identify with a gender unless they decide to go on land and describe themselves. In those cases, they typically will pick whatever they feel fits them best.

Back on topic, their genitals vary between their human and mer forms. Due to the potion they take to remain on land, their human dick looks like... well, a dick.

Contrary to their wild eel counterparts, the Leech twins' anatomy is a sort of hybrid of internal and external as eel merfolk are capable of mating with many other species of merfolk. When they are just swimming, they have sheaths that their external genitals retract into that sits on their pelvis area just above where their anus is. (Yes, it is on the front of their bodies in this form.) However, with stimulation their external genitals with unsheath in preparation for penetrative sex. (Not that you have to have penetrative sex, that's just what the anatomical function is for.) Their penises are tapered and nearly entirely made of erectile tissue, without a real appearance of a 'head' to speak of. When cumming from their external genitals, they will produce a much higher quantity of fluid than the average human. (This also occurs in their human form, but not to the same extent.)

Now for the internal genitals. Depending on the species of merfolk, most will lay eggs and mate externally. In fact, this is the most common form of mating for moray eelfolk as well, as penetrative sex isn't really all that common unless necessary to breed. Instead, most the genitalia of eel merfolk are structured in such a way that without the external stimulation to cause an erection, the ejaculate will leave their body through the anal opening similar to the way it does in most species of fish. Again, they will produce more fluid through this than an average human. They have a prostate, and their internal anatomy means their gonads acts as an additional pleasure point inside their body, so if that's something you're into it's your lucky day.

Also eel merfolk pee out of their butts soooo... you're welcome for that image. :-)

Moving right along, Jade and Floyd are similar to their savanaclaw counterparts that they can smell arousal on their partners and others. Their sense of smell is slightly stronger than a human's on land, and keenly stronger while in water.

On eel mating habits... they certainly retain a few of their moray eel cousins habits that are different from other merfolk and land dwellers. There are two main ones that are interesting:

Opening the mouth widely (or yawning, basically) is still a symbol to them of interest in mating. It certainly led to a lot of misunderstandings when they first came on land, and they don't necessarily take it as sign of wanting to mate anymore, they still might get a little hot under the collar if their partner yawns around them.

The other is dancing. Moray eelfolk do a sort of dance immediately prior to mating which involves wrapping their bodies together. What this translates to on land is that the twins will usually dance with their partners if they're trying to show an interest in taking things to the bedroom. Not every dance is a mating dance, mind you, but it would be pretty clear what is because they will want to have their bodies as close to their partner as they possibly can.

As a final note: since the eels both have fully developed ovaries with viable eggs, that means should they find a surrogate to carry the children for them (since their anatomy doesn't allow them to give birth), they are capable of having a partner provide sperm and still be capable of having biological children should they choose to go through the surgery to do so.

[sweetsweetjellybean]

In The Cold November Rain Part 10 *18+ MDNI*

Eddie Munson/FemReader Steve Harrington/FemReader 

TW: Story runs congruent to events in the show. If you know what happens in season 4, then you'll know how this will end.*Be warned.* 18+ Eventually Smut, Angst, High School Fuckery, Drinking, Drugs Let me know if I miss any. Smut-o-rama

Can you have two great loves in a lifetime? 

You've had the ideal childhood in Hawkins with your best friend & protector Steve Harrington. When it's ripped away, can you pick up the pieces? Eddie Munson may be able to help. 

A story about the pain of growing up, unrequited love, and loss. 

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AN: If you'd like to keep seeing my content, remember to change your content settings.

Inspired by @loveshotzz & notes by @eddieandbird 

Thanks To @loveshotzz who is the dill to my pickle & her wife @myobmaya for assisting the angst.

Part 10/13. Masterlist Ao3

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On a warm day in early June, you sit listening to the valedictorian give their speech. Looking down the rows of seats at the happy faces of your classmates, a pair of hazel eyes catch yours with a wink. Shaking your head, you try to pay attention. This is the last time you'll all be together in any meaningful way. Some of you have known each other since kindergarten. Everyone who has ever been important to you is here. Everyone except Eddie. He didn't tell you he wasn't graduating, but he didn't have to. Enough people knew that it eventually made its way to you. There was nothing left to say, so you never brought it up.

Crossing the stage wearing your green gown with a gold cord and your cap that has been painted with a black and gold P, you shake the principal's hand as you accept your diploma. Steve whistles loudly, and your family claps and cheers. They're waiting for you in the parking lot after the ceremony. Your dad hands you a bouquet of sunflowers. Carol's mother has just finished wishing you well when you turn and see your dad holding Steve in a tight embrace. With watery eyes, he tells him how proud he is, that he always thought of him as a son and that he'll always be there for him. When your dad is finished, Steve is looking a bit misty himself. He gives you an awkward hug, and your mother insists on taking at least a dozen photos of the two of you. Caps on, caps off, holding your diplomas, arms around each other, and your favorite, one with your tongues sticking out and eyes crossed. That picture still holds a place of honor on your parent's refrigerator, held up with an alphabet letter magnet. By the time your mother is finished, any uneasiness has faded, and he pulls you in for a real hug with his hand on the back of your head, all the warm, familiar feelings rushing back.

"You did it!" He says, ruffling your hair.

"So did you," you remind him, trying to smooth your hair back into place.

"Barley. Not like you, Miss High Honors."

"It doesn't matter. It's done, and they can't take that diploma away from you now."

He nods in agreement. "You know, I was thinking about you the other day."

"Oh, yeah? What were you thinking?" You squint up at him, raising a hand above your brow to shield your eyes from the sun.

"I don't know, actually. I just caught myself smiling for no reason and realized I was thinking about you." He tucks a stray lock of hair behind your ear.

You run your tongue along your teeth and cock your head to the side. "That is the cheesiest line I have ever heard, Steve Harrington." He laughs and grins down at you. "Really? I thought it was a pretty good one. I'll have to work on it."

"Yeah, you better," you say, pushing his shoulder.

"Are you going out tonight? Be careful. Don't wander around outside by yourself, and don't take drinks from people you don't know." You roll your eyes. "You don't have to worry about me, Dad. I don't think those kinds of parties are really on my thing anymore."

"Yeah. They're not mine either." There is something different about him. "If I don't see you around this summer, good luck at Purdue."

"You're not coming to dinner with us? Enzo's has your favorite breadsticks." You knew your dad had invited him earlier, and you can't hide the disappointment in your voice. "I can't. I have someone waiting. I wanted to make sure I got to say goodbye to you." It felt strangely final. "Okay, well, good luck to you too." He gives you a tight smile and starts walking towards a smiling boy with brown curly hair. The boy gives you a little wave, and you wave back. It was then you realized he was alone. Steve's parents hadn't attended the ceremony.

"Steve. Wait." You jog over to him. "Are you okay?" The corners of his pretty mouth turn up in a warm grin. "Don't worry about me. I'm always okay." Was he trying to convince you or himself? A voice inside you is screaming that something isn't right. Worried, you throw your arms around his neck, pulling him towards you for another hug. "Take care of yourself," you say into his ear before kissing his cheek. "You too. Go have some fun, yeah?" He rubs his hands up and down your back a few times before releasing you. He turns away and puts his hand on the boy's shoulder before heading to his car.

***

The summer passed like a song turned up to full volume. Obligations and preparation kept you from where you wanted to be, and where you wanted to be was with Eddie. Floating on a sea of unspoken words, you made the minutes count. Taking late-night drives on less traveled roads, no destinations in mind, just talking for hours. Sneaking kisses behind Gareth's garage when you interrupted band practice. Letting Eddie get you naked for a few very hot quickies in Rick's pool house after swimming. Or just laying on his bare chest, counting his heartbeats while he reads aloud. Faster than it seemed possible, it's time to start saying goodbye.

"Hiya, Lou."

"Hey there, Dolly." Lou slides a Budweiser across the sacred wooden bar towards you. You place a few dollars on the bar. "It's on the house, Sweetheart. Good Luck at Purdue, and don't be a stranger."

"Aww. Thanks, Lou. How did you know I was leaving?" You ask curiously.

"Old Lou knows everything."

The nights have begun to cool, but it's balmy inside the half-full bar. Regulars take up the seats at the bar, and a small group of men are playing pool. A few tables are filled with couples and friends sharing a weeknight drink. Settling in at your usual table, you wait for Corroded Coffin to take the stage. The band plays a great set. They include some of the new songs you've heard them practicing. Eddie shows off more than usual. Swinging his hair and jumping around. He moves right towards the edge of the stage during his solos, sticking his tongue out while he concentrates on the movement of his fingers and winking at you. His bare arms look incredible in his muscle shirt. Biting your lip, you gaze at him from under your lashes.

After packing up, the band slides into the chairs at your table, sipping beer, coming down from the performance high. The boys are in a rowdy mood. Joking, teasing, and pointing out each other's small mistakes during their show. Eddie is uncharacteristically quiet. He's just watching you with a content look on his face. He's making you blush, and you try hiding it from the other guys. Eventually, they are ready to take off. They take turns hugging you goodbye. This is likely the last time they'll see you until you come home for winter break. The bar empties out, but you and Eddie linger, finishing your drinks.

He stands and walks over to the jukebox pulling some change out of his pocket.

"Alright, Ed," Lou calls out from behind the bar.

"Thanks, Lou," Eddie says while pushing buttons to make his selections. Lou walks over to the door and flicks the light switch. The light from fluorescents is replaced by dozens of twinkling white lights stapled to the ceiling casting the bar in a soft glow. You look up in awe. I'm Not In Love by 10cc plays through the speaker.

"What's all this?" You ask as his gentle calloused fingers slide against your palms before they close around your hands, pulling you up from your seat. He wraps your arms around his neck, and his hands drop to your hips. All the while, those chocolate eyes swirl with emotion, never breaking contact with yours. He starts swaying from side to side, and you nearly swoon.

"What's all what?" He feigns. Lifting a brow, you give the back of his neck a squeeze. "Oh, this. I told Lou how I missed prom and the senior ball, and he was absolutely appalled that you never asked me. We figured this was my last chance to get in a dance before you go off to the big city and forget me."

Your throat is so tight you can't speak, and tears threaten to spill over the edges of your eyelids. He sings the words in your ear as you move.

I'm not in love

So don't forget it

It's just a silly phase I'm going through

And just because I call you up

Don't get me wrong, don't think you've got it made

I'm not in love

The old wooden floorboards creak softly as your weight shifts from foot to foot. His hands are low on your waist, thumb dipping under your shirt where he moves it back and forth across your skin. His soft curls tickle the back of the hand you've got around his neck. If you could stop time, you'd live forever in this moment, happy with him for the rest of your life.

I like to see you

But then again

That doesn't mean you mean that much to me

So if I call you

Don't make a fuss

Don't tell your friends about the two of us

I'm not in love, no no, it's because..

The song changes to Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper. The wet drops run down your face. "Hey now, none of that. Don't you remember what I told you would happen if I saw you crying again? Now I'm gonna have to kiss you." His hands move to your cheeks. He uses his thumbs to swipe at your tears before moving his lips over yours. You tighten your grip and try pouring everything you feel into that kiss.

"I can't believe you did this," you say, your voice quavering.

"Well, it's for me, not you. I don't want to have spent six years in high school without dancing with a girl. Since you're here, I guess you'll do."

"Is that right?" You quip, smiling and wiping away the last few tears with the back of your hand. "You know me. I take it where I can get it," he says, spinning you under his arm.

"Well, I'm pretty certain you're gonna get it tonight," you whisper in his ear.

"I'm looking forward to it." His thumb softly traces your bottom lip.

"Eddie, there's something I want you to know. I-"

"It's alright, Princess. You don't have to say anything. Let's just dance."

The following day you leave the trailer early and drive straight to Ivy Tech community college.

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Part 11

Tag List @boomhauer @onlyangel-444 @breehumbles @myobmaya @arsenicred @kiki17483 @stolen-in-moonlight @sometimesamysometimesjo @ladybug0095 @sammararaven @tlclick73 @totally-bogus-timelady

I'll tag you if you want! Thanks for reading. I'd love to hear from you.

[thelittleoddling]

I need to talk about the scene in OFMD where Izzy talks with Ed in ep 10 about being Blackbeard. I've seen a lot of interpretations and while I think they're all very interesting and valid I need to give my take cause it is eating my brain with the implications it has for season 2.

a lot of the show, as people have pointed out, we see Ed struggling to balance his new relationship with Stede and his old one with Izzy. Izzy is a constant in his life and while reluctant to let him go, he also knows that Stede makes him happier. His relationship with Stede is also clearly healthier for him. Stede takes Ed from surviving to living.

This scene in episode 10 is what happens when Stede gets removed from the equation. We already saw in the fuckery episode that Ed will choose Stede over Izzy but that choice was partially out of his hands. He was just playing along with the duel that Izzy started. But now the situation is the opposite now he's choosing between Izzy and Stede but there's no duel pushing him, now its Stede's absence. Ed has decided he prefers being Edward over Blackbeard now but doesn't have Stede to support him in it anymore.

Now its just Izzy.

This conversation is Izzy telling Ed in very plain terms that if he wants to be Ed and give up Blackbeard it is going to cost him Izzy.

Ed is doing better at this point with the loss of Stede but we can still see its hurt him extremely deeply. Right now Izzy feels like solid ground. He is familiar, a constant in Ed's chaotic life.

So to keep himself afloat Ed becomes the Kraken to feed into Izzy's desires and only when alone does he allow himself to become Ed again and grieve not only losing Stede but that keeping Izzy is costing him his chance to truly be Ed.

He hates making that choice cause its not what he wants, but what other option does he have? Before Stede, Ed was treading water, now he's back to that and if he loses Izzy too he's going to sink. We saw how Izzy's absence affected his mood in episode seven before Lucius's "chat".

I'm sure that this decision for Ed was a long time coming, he hasn't been happy as Blackbeard for years, but Stede showed him he had options and that changed the timeline. Ed realized that he has choice other than tread or drown because of Stede and that changes things for him. It's no longer Blackbeard or death. Now he can be Ed instead, and with Stede gone it's now come back to the original two options.

Deep down I think Ed is holding out hope for Stede. Which cuts death out as an option, so he is choosing to become this worst version of himself to stay afloat.

I think that season 2 is going to be really hard for Ed because not only is he going to be dealing with his complicated feelings around Stede, and what he's done to the crew, he is also going to need to definitively choose between Izzy and Stede.

Stede gave up all his wealth to be with Ed, and I expect that in season 2 Ed is going to have to pay in kind to be with Stede and give up Izzy and Blackbeard once and for all.

[unhingedpirates]

I've been thinking about the new flag in David Fane's instagram post and totally ignoring the fact that it may be just the costume department's design and may not even figure in the show.

When I first saw it, I immediately thought of it as a representation of Ed and Stede, as I assume all of us did, in which one of them is holding the spear and the other is holding the heart. Me, I thought Ed's the heart, Stede's the spear (as I vaguely explained in this post). And I'm still of the same opinion, but now I think that those objects unequivocally represent both of them and their relationship, because they wouldn't be there if not for the other.

Ed being the one with the broken heart is a very obvious symbolism. He is heartbroken (as we are) because Stede left him. There's no way around it. He fell in love with him and now he's grieving, none of which would have happened if he hadn't met Stede.

Stede having the spear symbolizes his growth as a pirate. We've seen him from episode 1, where he is embarrassingly bad at it (in the eyes of the crew at least, because I find him charming, but still very incompetent) to episode 6, where he bests Izzy in a duel (although not exactly for his sword skills, but we still know he's getting better since Ed said so at the very beginning of the episode) all the way through episode 10 where he pulls quite an impressive fuckery in order to fake his death. It may even be a promise of how much of a better pirate he's going to be in season 2. But none of it would've happened if he hadn't met Ed. In fact, he was on the verge of death when Ed found him; but even if he had survived that, everything indicates that he would've died soon after anyway, whether it being in a mutiny, or a raid, or a confrontation with some nation's navy, it doesn't matter, because he's still very inept and he's not learning much about how to be better. But then he meets Ed, they make a deal, and even if he's secretly planning on killing him later, Ed delivers on that deal and actually teaches him useful things that will help him survive while also becoming a better pirate. And we don't know this yet, but I suspect that later, although Ed's not there anymore, he will still indirectly make Stede progress as a pirate by nurturing his resolve to get back to him. Stede's going to be back for sure, but first he has to steal a ship, maybe raid some other boats, and on the whole he has to learn how to survive without any of the money he had before; he has to fight for it. And he will do it, for Ed.

The point is, maybe the assumption that one merman represents ed and the other stede is correct, but the elements of the flag cannot be understood separately. It's a graphic representation of them both and what they've made of each other. And I think it respresents them now, or where we left them, because hopefully that broken heart won't stay broken for long.

[problematicpervertpod]

recs on recs on recs

Yaoi/Manga I’m reading/have read. Please support the artists on official websites. If you have recs or want to chat about any of these get in my messages right the fuck now my dudes. Also spoilers, also this probably doesn’t make sense to anyone but me, also I think I’m funny sorry in advance.

Dangerous Convenience Store

Tags: Ongoing, self aware lead for the most part, gangs, smut, love triangle, possessive, not rapey, seme is like the fucking hulk compared to uke, college, age gap, good art, muscular bodies, seme is adorable/romantic in sp chapters, sexual awakening, meeting the gang (in two ways!), FAINTS OF CUTENESS/HOTNESS, the memes after every chapter got me gagged, HAHE hahahahahahahahahaha, OMG DO I GET SOME CNC?! (update: short lived), we stan a vocal man (Ahjussi), thigh fucking, my mans be like my thighs hurt fuck my ass instead DECEASED, ass smacking, these memes are so good god damnit, rimming

8/10, I live for Ahjussi (Am I spelling this wrong..)

The New Employee 

-love love love

Tags: ongoing, we stan supportive boyfriends, healthy relationship, boss/employee, smut, office setting, good art, 10/10 will re-read, muscular bodies

Love Shuttle

Tags: completed, ABO, enemies to lovers, possessive, coworkers, fake relationship, strong omega, the art sucks but I like the story, art gets better after the 1st season, alphas eyes change colors when happy/anxious, muscular bodies, 7/10, update 10/10 art is meh but fml this storyline is basic af in the best way and it’s the fluff/smut I need, when you’re caught by the folks *cringe*

Hold Me Tight

Tags: ongoing, boss/employee, bodyguard, gio can’t feel heat until felix comes along, uke is strong af, horny bastards, smut, possessive, tragic childhood, moving in together right away, rich seme, felix in a bunny costume though *heart eyes*, dialogue is great, rape in a technical sense but the vibe is written like both characters are all good after? Ex. hospital scene…dub con, ART IS GREAT, hand holding during sex, 10/10 will re-read, muscular bodies

Yours to Claim 

Tags: ongoing, love triangle, Dom/sub dynamics, smut, main is big switch energy, reincarnation, jealousy, manipulative, possessive, self aware lead for the most part, toxic af, GREAT ART, college, rich semes, 10/10 will re-read and not even finished, SONOFABITCH that cliff hanger!! Season 3 come thruuuu (I have to wait until November? *cries* BUT MAH LOVE TRIANGLE!!, I want a THROUPLE GOD DAMN IT

The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation

Tags: obsessed with this story, will the incense burner scenes make it?? No tags because I'll never forget this one haha wangxian 5ever, send me all fanfics/fan art you have about this story, love Dark Wangji, Jadecest, ABO/omegaverse, Bottom Wangji/Top Wei Ying, and honestly anything regarding this fandom

Bj Alex

Tags: completed, great art, 11/10 will re-read, cam boy, fanboy, seme is an asshole, uke is so sexy, jealously, rich seme, enemies to lovers kind of?, CHANWOO IS MY BOY FOR LIFE, Chanwoo MD supremacy, BDSM (like really really), fuck I love Chanwoo, college students, rich seme, emotional rollercoaster, uke soft body, mean seme, college life, that one nosy bitch ass guy trying to expose my boys needs to fuck right off, seme split/fake personality, dub con 

Anti PT

Tags: ongoing, 11/10 re-readable, porn with feelings, love triangle, jealousy, attempted non-con, personal training wink wink, main love interest is actually the best, second male lead is a god damn creep, first time, smut, great art, sex addict/constantly horny uke, I WANT A HWI, 

Related: https://www.anime-planet.com/manga/anti-pt/recommendations 

Payback

Tags: ongoing, both are psychopaths tbh, revenge, gangs, uke sells himself to seme, violent seme, entertainment industry, brunette supremacy, what this motherfucker gonna do? hehe , great art, muscular bodies, dead dove do not eat, my mans must be GOOD looking/animal magnetism cause everyone losing their fucking minds, okay this is a comedy I’m dying, he tried to scare him with wanting to be a top but my psycho said REVERSEUNO BITCH I’M A VERSE (wait jk apparently *sigh*), anonymous masked sex (sad n’ kinky)

My Suha

Tags: ongoing, wow this gets dark, possessive af like holy shit, terrible people all around uke, rape, boss/employee, office politics/family politics, smut, characters that are punchable, dead dove do not eat, *velociraptor noises*, avoided this for a while but I’m back because nothing can be more emotionally devastating than Banana Fish, TIE HIM UP, FUCK HIS FACE ALKSJD:ASKD, FUCK SUHA UR SO HOT that dirty talk though YAS, glad I picked this back up lmao, GOD DAMN IT just when the package arrived then this red head fucker *screams*

Shame Application aka Dirty Vibration

Tags: completed, friends to lovers, model seme, cute af uke, love triangle, entertainment industry, smut, kink, all kinds of sex everywhere, realized feelings, mutual pining, jealousy, rich seme, blonde seme, big brother 1984 always watching, 10/10 would re-read, porn with plot, they were roommates!, ~straight~ seme, first times, great art, remembering some cringe but considering the story it’s par for the course

Will You Subscribe

Tags: ongoing, season 1 completed, enemies to lovers, cam boy, office politics, boss/employee, hiding a secret, public sex, stalkers/creepy men, emotionally stunted characters, mutual pining, idiots in lust, lingerie company, slut shaming, jealousy/possessiveness, season 2 bebeh, HOLDING HANDS *velociraptor noises*, LMAO okay my mans is not THAT old how tf does he not know netflix and chill, BUNNY COSTUME (quickly becoming my new fav trope in manga, A+ gang), oh we stan a good boy, wtf is wrong with wanting to do cam work, ‘I wish my marks could become permanent’ *omegaverse wink*, *works for lingerie company* *doesn’t understand where bf gets sexy costumes* like wut kind of fuckery…, cross dressing ftw, roleplay, classic BL miscommunication trope

Hyperventilation

Tags: completed, high school crush, unrequited love, mutual pining, smut, quickie (short story), class reunion, apparently furry with the extra chapter turning my man into a bunny but c'est la vie! https://myreadingmanga.info/korean-bl-animation-hyperventilation-engsub/ this is the animation of the same story, different endings but same in tone (this site is spammy AF but the English subs are so hard to find for this) 8/10 

Unmei no tsugai ga omae da nante

Tags: only one bed, ABO, office setting. Coworkers, enemies to lovers, competitive, equality in the omegaverse, dubcon, real dicks and not lightsabers, fated pair, art is cute af 8/10

K’s Secret

Tags: buckle up buttercup, dead dove do not eat, angst, pining, somnophilia, dub con, non con, boss/employee, manipulative, stalking, forced relationship, tragic childhood background, weird art but gets better,  uke: don’t threaten me with a good time but seriously stop threatening me, possessive & obsessive, seme is like the fucking hulk compared to uke, wow were going full psycho stalker hm?, dating a narcissist is all fun and (mind)games, con non con… ? honestly who tf knows, domestic!, OW MY HEART, the t/n WAP note sent me, ch 51 translated by gen z, do special ep= furry? Wait there’s a maid costume, bunny costume, directors friends keeping it real, rough translations 8/10

Enthusiasm

Tags: ongoing, dead dove do not eat, uke buys seme, masc boys, muscular bodies, fight club, master/slave, rich uke, revenge, real dicks not lightsabers, rough sex, cuckholding, daddy issues, suicide, wow the end of ch 5 punched a hole in my heart, penile implant life,  rough translations makes the storyline wonky, nvm back to lightsabers *star wars noises*, HAD ME FEELING SOME TYPE OF WAY I CAN NOT, shibari, possessive, wait this is cute *velociraptor noises*, angst, no kithes for you “bestie”, OBSESSED, honestly choke him pupper, STAY THE NIGHT ALKSDJA:SLDKJAS:LKDJA:SLDKj, problematic but I’m riding for these two, 

Ichimai Goshi Fetish

Tags: completed, short, fetishes DO start in childhood don’t they *ruminates*, author: describes ML as a beautiful 2D character meanwhile: ML IS 2D character, fellas is it gay to kiss the homies?, “real dudes don’t interest me” is a MOOD, comedy, jealousy, college setting, dialogue is A+, not lightsabers but not dicks either, first time, when you’re fucked so good you think you’ve died, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4uEq5Nx6ko, hero/villain roleplay. Fluff n smut 10/10

My Purrfect Boss

Tags: completed, tooth rotting fluff because blondie is so FUCKING cute little sensitive soul, golden retriever boyfriend, pure comedy, DECEASED, MY MAN JUST DID THE SLOW BLINK, office setting, boss/employee, ~wasted~ (red dead redemption meme),  FFS SO CUTE, he put a ring on it right away beyonce would be proud af, he protecc he attack but most importantly he hit it from the back, jealousy, honeymoon phase of dating, the ex is a snake (update: oh wow literally), I’m picking up abuse/PTSD vibes based on how Kang reacts to his ex :(, classic BL miscommunication plot, immediately no meme audio (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6XWSGfYnps) ,  I WILL STRAIGHT UP MURDER CHA WTF!!!!!!, gang rape, spiked with drugs that force heat, me rn:*screaming/rage*, psychotic ex/abuser, HE PROTECCC, actual relief after that scene jesus fuck, okay YES kings I see you, okay this is giving me cuteness aggression, hi yes I’d like to adopt a cat and a dog please 9/10

Following Namsoo to the Bathhouse

Tags: completed, same author as, “My Purrfect Boss”, A+ comedy once again, JUNIOR, gay awakening, “fap myself to death” DEAD, facial expressions are ridic, my minds telling me no but my body, my bodyyyy’s telling me yaaaaa, ya boy is literally losing his mind over this, actual lightsabers lmao, FLUFF, permasmile, 6969, THINKS THEY’RE GOING TO EAT RAMEN, dense gay, own your skin wtf okay hannibal calm down, everyone is officially cray,  ah I also am barfy when drunk, denial really is something hm, classic BL miscommunication plot, when people pleasing too far, happy ending 🥺🥰, side story: our crazy gets his very own crazy (ashton Kutcher from spread vibes), public sex, sex sparkle 9/10

Alien in my Closet

Tags: ongoing (maybe completed but def ongoing on the site I use), not rapey at all?? You’d think it’s impossible in this medium ffs, anti pt vibes, cute art, fluff ‘n smut, red head!!, they were roomates!, sex toys, bsdm, D/s (brat)dynamic or maybe owner/pet, bondage, *tiffany hadish voice* this is noiceeee, con humiliation/degradtion, SANTA CLAUS, edging, marking, one lotus please (he’s clearly read the 4 agreements and karma sutra), con non con, exhibitionism, the wrist thing stays on people, Katoptronophilia,  roleplay, is it stalking when you bring your friends?, lotus: welcome home cheater, the chin on the head thing gives me cuteness aggression, the twins are my favs, when ur crush vanilla af 😭, haesung: experiment on me daddy, no dick until halfway through/fingering supremacy, bedroom sessions has me gagged, voyeurism, wait they haven’t kissed this whole time I forgot (audio: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryley/video/6976701880277748997?lang=en), sunbae is sus, YES FINALLY A FUCKING SWITCH COUPLE AKJSDHALKSJDHASKLJDHALS KJDALKSJD (update: sort of), there’s a missed opportunity for an anal probe joke, damn it okay maybe sunbae is chill, 3 musketeers, my heart*implodes*, *velociraptor noises*, 12/10 would re-read such fluff my heart 

On Doorstep

Tags: completed, age gap, reese has ptsd, jimmy going from 0 to 100, jimmy really got down on his knees at work, ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) deepest part you say, real dicks, ride him like a rodeo, quickie/short story, porn with plot

Gorani Jeon

Tags: ongoing, omegaverse, no alpha though, animal hybrid, art is beautiful like it's drawn on paper not a screen, 40 inch weave yours came in a pack, historical (non-modern), lord send me a sexy man pls, the memes after each chapter are golden, taking the phrase licking wounds literally, is that an eggplant or are you just happy to see me hehe, ahhh so inhibitors do exist here, vertical 69, here lays Bau fucked to death by Ran, WHY HE TOUCHING MY MAN, these chickens are dope, stomp on his dick, that’s what I call a happy meal, fucked right out the front door I’M DEAD, mpreg, i need a tiger+mountain god spin off (whoops dad/son my bad), slice of life, cute fluff 8/10

Room to room

Tags: completed, college setting, A+ dialogue, absurd size difference, unrequited love,  sexsomina, dubcon, angst, death by a thousand cuts emotionally, insecurity, body envy, pining, friends to lovers, they were roommates!, homophobia, sexual assault, PTSD, gays in denial, the tattoo 🥺 ow my heart, truly this is 90% smut, “going from unrequited love to fwbs is shittier than I expected”, dowan *bad blood by t swift* when he sees garam, ch 22garam reminds me of my ex and that’s not a compliment, I’m not gay but my boyfriend is vibes, triflers need not apply, spanking, 😭😭😭😭😭 my heart hurts, is anyone getting a bit of a puppy play vibe? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vni9ZWmDXis, handcuffs, lots of head we stan, dowan’s gotta a touch of a foot thing or maybe body worship thing, asdlfgkjs ;dlkfgjsd;flkgj;sdflkgj;sdlfgjs;d/gkdf SO CUTEEEEEEEEEEE, roleplay. They broke the bed no use of crying over spilled milk ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°), side stories delivering man in uniform and sex toys AND puppy, asdlkjaslfkasdjfl;askdfjasdf the shirt thing is so hot, watersports, I take it back this is 98% smut 9/10

Mistake Lover

Tags: completed, when ur bff is back on their BS, love triangle, coworkers, i swear all these ukes look the same to me at this point (which is very cute), GE!!!! (wangxian flashbacks), wait no smut?.... Paused

Yagi to ookami no hatsujou jijou

Tags: completed, quickie/short story, literally on my reading list because a comment said “nice cock 10/10”hahahaha, animal hybrids, scifi/aliens, me during chapter one: am I a furry? No. Am I? Relevant audio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noJNIqvDfoo, hotties when human GOD DAMN, bi king, okay I stan this girl changing gears take your opportunities honey!, does blondie have a tinder or how is this happening? (update: called it), feminization, dubcon/noncon, marking, heats, idk about 10/10 cock but not lightsabers, translation is ruff (get it?), a yankee hahaha, literal wound licking, googles chimera, *claps* yes king selfish call his ass out, tail holding caaaayoooot, not that isn’t usually copious amounts of cum but really this is a lot 8/10

Make Me Bark

Tags: completed, $250 a month rent?? *cries in Californian*, god damn it these grey haired 2D men are really hot fml, “next months rent is a looming concern but I hope it’ll get better” followed by apartment on fire is how I feel about reality, rare characters that smile way more than they frown, sex toys, kink, puppy play, owner/pet dynamic, sugar daddy/baby, college setting, harness, muzzle, leash, tail plug, shirt thing!!, soaked briefs, playing barbie IRL, omg meet cute at the adult store, intercrural sex, possessive/jealousy, ah fuck yes I saw this panel on IG but it didn’t have the source but now hehe, whipping, choking, spanking, *bookmarks*, simp city, childhood friends, side couple cute af, yeonsoo: sorry I’m an anti romantic, size queen, mens lingerie, domestic, mutual pining,  these bestie pairings are *chefs kiss*, skinny but muscular bodies/no ridiculous size differences, “does he have a big dick?” “probably” “well tell him to come” GAGGED AJKSDHALSKDJHA this dialogue pure comedy, exhibitionism, human auction, maid costume, men in heels, topping in a dress, girl at the bus stop HAHAHA, ffs this is so cute, side stories: it’s a small world afterall, dynamic role reversal, pink haired boy is guru, SCREAMING AKDJA:SLDKJA:LKDJA:LSDKJLAKDJA:LDJAL:SKDJASLKDJA:SLKDJLAKSDJLASDJ:LASJD:ALSKDJASL:DJ:ASLJDPUTARINGONIT!!!! 11/10 

Gurume no fukurami

Tags: completed, quickie/short story, food fetish, feeding fetish, age gap, throuple-eqsue? There’s 3 people involved, paused ch 1 pg 30

Under the Green Light

Tags: ongoing, thank you IG for rec’ing this, brunette supremacy, neurodivergent?, lmao @hag, this statue is everything I wonder if it’s based on a real piece?, we went from talking art to being pinned to the ground REAL quick, translations rough but not as rough as my mans here, draw me like one of your french girls vibe, sass master, these dicks are ridiculously huge which is saying something for this genre, i love a verse/switch, “first time he’s asked someone to stop so his self-esteem is hurt” HAHAHAHA, stealing bae’s shirt, facials galore, car sex/public sex, jin not into praise kink clearly, sort of slut shaming jealousy, marking

Walk on Water

Tags: completed, for being about porn it’s not that smutty (i take it back), “don’t even think about running away” got me like https://giphy.com/gifs/VABbCpX94WCfS, actual dicks (lightsabers later must be the cleaners not the OG), muscular bodies, blonde seme, brunette uke, k mcqueen is everything, honestly haven’t loved a couple this much since chanwoo x MD and I LOVE THEM, jealousy, orgasm denial, the angles/frames of the art in this are insane (11/10), emotional intimacy CUTENESS HASIHDLASKDHJLAKSJDH, i wanna lick lick lick you from your head to your toes, dirty talk A+, bestie you turned out to be Judas you judgy fuck how dare you touch my man, Ryan is 50 shades of fucked up bb needs therapy, Chang and yeowoons sexual tension is *chefs kiss*, I ship it/all my ships sailing, woof non con but expected tbh, YEAH BABY YEAH *Austin powers voice*, fml I don’t want this story to end, meeting the Hets ™ would make me nervous too, spiderman kith, mirror sex sjkadfhasldjkfh, 34+35, JOI but with a partner? Not D/s, promises are made to broken hehe, that feeling when you understand the title, omg the fan art is so cool!! 15/10 would re-read seriously I can’t explain how well the artist used angles/how she portrayed the scenes was fucking MASTERFUL

Woof Wolf

Tags: that's my best friend (saweetie), red heads, werewolf au, college setting, students, shoot a shot in your mouth while I'm riding, facials, marking

Sexual Awakening of an Ex Delinquent 

Tags: completed, quickie/short story, sexual coercion/non con/dub con, tiddies, bondage, nipple play, edging/orgasm denial, candy in ass wow, food kink, kink in general, rich seme working class uke, lightsabers,  big dick Jesus fuck, exhibitionism, public sex, men's lingerie, Blondie is a sweet baby angel, self hatred/homophobia, sexual narrating that has me like oof 😣 that's not how this works but okay, the sweet spots thing is a great line, man is a slave to the sweets, lmao at the meme at the end of ch 9 fucking facts, kidnapping plot, rapey guys all around this story, tattoo/back story reveal has me like *nods head yes*, my throats broken has me gagged, crazy amount of sfx noises that distract from the art (I really appreciate cleaners I realize), first times, rushed ending feels,  would rate 6/10 not terrible but probably won't read again.  

With Your Tail Yes

Tags: ongoing, IG rec, quickie/short story, on man brunette looks EXACTLY like a different character by another artist like for real duplicate, home boy pulled Elle Wood’s Bend n Snap and we are HERE FOR IT, lingerie/cross dressing, okay compilation of short stories, great artwork but wtf these are far too short (maybe uploaded wrong..?), *immediately makes deal with the devil because yum*, ah okay previews THEN stories, human animal hybrid situation, lightsabers, fucking imagine your crush delivery the sex toy you ordered online HAHA *dies*, buys toys because men ain’t shit is a VIBE, you know he’s always wearing matching sets because he’s 100% that bitch, dub con/non con, knotting (unexpected), exhibitionism, public sex, good ol’ fashion blackmail to get your lover to stay with you trope, sexual assault/attempted rape, victim blaming, shibari, leashes, D/brat dynamic sort of, copious amounts of cum, lube? What lube?, marathon sex, first time, 75 hours?? Immediately no meme, 7/10 mostly for art/concepts but not execution

Heat and Run

Tags: ongoing, IG rec, omegaverse, friends to enemies to lovers, multiple couples as main to sides then sides to mains, my heart dropped because I thought the first sex scene was incest but then realized I’m mixing up all the characters derp, dense gays, this is america (the shooting comment WOOF reality feels bad man), blondes have more fun, real dicks, dubcon/CNC dealers choice, mutual pining, idiots in love, big alpha energy BDE, there are moments I feel Hayoung on a spiritual level and not sure that’s a compliment hahaha, orgasm denial/edging, istg if he bonded without Hayoung permission *jenna marbles BOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII YOU BETTAH NOT*, also I was hoping the idol was him but realizing it’s probs his sis, *deep sigh*, BDIRL, wow racism, oh no oh no no no no no meme audio, listen everyone needs to get into therapy to break that generational trauma is all I’m saying (not excusing abuse at all, trauma isn’t a free pass), NO ONE WANTS TO PLAY A GAME WITHOUT KNOWING THE RULES :ALKSDHJALKSDJA:SLKDJTRUE, matthew singing bo burnham: I’m problematic *background singers ‘he’s a problem!’*, i ship it yolo, JAEHO STAN (no means no!), mpreg, god damn it I am so worried about him getting roofie and the party scene hasn’t even started ABO WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TOO ME, OH THANK JAEHO, dayummmm that clapback was real fuck him UP, me clapping: MARK HIM MARK HIM, GOD DAMN IT WITH THESE ONGOING FUCKING CLIFF HANGERS FML, marked via knotting? Okay that’s new, but also like normal marking I think, fucking til bottom pees trope

Heaven Officials Blessing

Animated series season 1 complete. Live action currently filming (same director as Untamed too UGH SO HAPPY)

Tags: ongoing, same author as my fav ever MDZS, just finished season 1 animated on netflix and can no longer avoid this because I LOVE THEM, all the memes on IG make sense now, Prince voice: Dearly Beloved (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXJhDltzYVQ) we are gathered here today to dive deeper into a fandom I will never escape, ART IS AMAZING (https://tenor.com/view/incredible-talented-lady-brilliant-gaga-gif-14857187), group chats are always chaotic tbh, wait a minute meme audio: bride = bottom? How tf did I not get that the first time round *sigh* always hoping for a verse couple, the asst. Boys I ship hard, the sass, fuck this is going to just be pure angst isn’t it *straps in, has fluffy manga queued*, even if no smut 11/10 gege porn, not subtle, god FUCK this ART IS SO FUCKING GOOD THE TALENT skjas;ldkfja;, 🥺, traumatic cliff moment *mdzs flashbacks*, HC smirk is my new favorite thing, no fucking but lots of touching, size difference, horror, gore, wuxia, great side characters, my ear feels tingly too lmao, SOMEONE BETTER GET THESE MF SNAKES ON THIS MF PLANE (cliff), umbrella moments got me uwu, gimme at least didi pleaseandthankyou, FUCK I LOVE THIS ARTIST she keeping us WELL fed with these extras DAYUM, wind/earth master ship please sail, CALL ME DADDY IM DEAD, HC has LWJ energy like you are not qualified to talk to me LOL, WAIT this totally counts as there was only one bed trope, also I’m already excited about omegaverse ff (send me recs please please please)

4 week lovers

Tags: ongoing because apparently I want to torture myself, mutual pining/”unrequited love”, college life, friends to lovers, blackmail ur crush into sex trope, public sex, I was going to tag possessive body language but possessive in a general sense apparently (starting strong yessss), sure jan @unrequited love dialogue, THEY WERE ROOMMATES *cackles*, sus haha, rough translation, pure comedy, shirt thing!, casual abuse :( (back story, traumatic childhood), I’m getting TharnType vibes (but not quite…), that note is precious, cry during/after sex, great angles, dialogue A+ 

Burlesque Night

Tags: completed, quickie/short story, stripper/body guard, coworkers, lust at first sight, magic mike vibes, fridays = getting fucked on stage O-O, well that was traumatizing af, took a bullet, real dicks, LDR, CUTE, I’m not in love with you… sure jan, OH WOW MASTER dlksaj;alsdkja;lsdkja;sld, gay awakening/first time, the art detail is *chefs kiss*, disappointed but not surprised :( :( :(, we stan a yes and lover, shirt thing, still not sure wtf the vertical anus thing is but full circle moment haha, you know what fuck it I’d re-read this 9/10

My one and only cat

Tags: ongoing, cat hybrids, god damn it I’m totally in furrydom ffs, ah well here we go, idol hot = loneliness wahhh /s, so hot he literally transforms other beings, omg a cat cafe CUTE, fuck that cat is cute *so fluffy*, stalker status, comedy, real dicks, I think the uncle would be supportive/jealous even I hope they talk about it I’m dying to know his thoughts, big tiddies, if this ain’t the cutest shit FLUFF/SMUT, copious amounts of cum, ate it with the panties on, CAKE, xmas, his milkshakes bring all the boy(cats) to the yard, trifling bitch

Imitation Mate

Tags: completed, omegaverse, alpha x alpha. Class rivals YAS, childhood frans, enemies to lovers omg this is all the shit I want, manipulation 1000 but yolo I ship it

Mr. 100% Perfect

Tags: ongoing, so relatable, OCD?, hoarder, when I read the title I thought mental illness and I was right, masks ugh RELATABLE, getting back together w ex, woof sibling drama/manipulation, suicide attempt, omg their communication regarding the psycho is REFRESHING, OMG JEJU ISLAND I see it in every fucking kdrama ever but this is the first time I’ve seen it mentioned in a manga *hm* interesting, furry furry everywhere, eye contact, finished reading season 1 pause for an omergaverse cause, okay I’m back and season 2 starting STRONG #1 men are gross #2 mans just went right to a blowie while mf was trying to pee lmao i can NOT the germs barf, fuckboi extraordinaire stressing over a textback is *great*, that istg face is perfect, HYUNGGGG, hand on his heart OW MY HEART, vibe check LOL, here for this plot dev, END OF SEASON2 NOOOOOOOimnotready. Head bonks CUTE

The origin of species

Tags: ongoing, omegaverse, sex tape, blackmail, i already don’t like this teacher, size difference, ‘JUST DIE’ hahahahahaha, I’m in love with noona, wait Ahjussi means uncle/mister? Dangerous convenience store has a new meaning to me now, DECEASED @they won’t, copious amounts of cum, alcohol to have intimacy *sighs in early 20s*, also WTF THEY ARE FUCKING AND THERE’S NO PHERMONE STUFF! What’s the point of being ABO without smell *swaggy p meme???*, wait okay ch 11 it begins, stockholm syndrome but since childhood I’m fairly certain *looking at you teacher I don’t trust these mfs*, dubcon obviously, also the can’t be knotted thing has me *cardi b meme that’s weird that’s sus* obvs poor bb about to get preg af, five word horror story: I won’t hurt you again *why tf you lyinggggg why u always lyinggg meme*, white collar crime, what’s the point of a contract when there’s no actual choice

How to Chase an Alpha

Tags: ongoing, lowkey been avoiding this one not because I think it’ll be bad I just..idk the brain is a weird thing, page 2 and I love mains attitude fucking gagged sass me bb, starting with rough translation but it be that way sometimes, GROUNDS HIMSELF BY TOUCHING HIS BLACK CARD I CANTTT, pheromone city fuck it UP, MC is a MOOD, mutual pining, when u and bae both hire PI’s to get info on each other, R-E-S-P-E-C-T, shirt thing, fucking chuffed about the rival fucking bring it, funny art, cheated on ugh mah heart I saw it coming and it still hurt, pure comedy this airport scene is so funny to me wtf, LDR, good ol murica fuckboi, LOVE HIM RIDE FOR UR MAN/MORALS, liams a little rapey rapist hm? No one’s ever said no… well being flooded with pheromones isn’t consent my dude, istg liam = I love it when they struggle, obvs jealousy/possessive tag but such is ABO, cat suit, BUNNY suit, sexy costumes, god damn it I love them that proposal/mpreg so cute, imprinting AW, ugh baes fam is so cute I needed that bc I wanna strangle wooyoungs dad, THE SECETARY is my fucking fav never stops being A+, SEC+LIAM?? Here for it *i ship it*, FUCK SO CUTE 12/10 re-read, fluff n smut, excited for how to chase an omegaside story hyung needs love!, JINI is mood, sales king I’m dying, that collar is ~hot~ btw

Egoism

Tags: completed (because jesus I can’t with ongoing, theheartbreakTM), UPDATE FML THE HEART BREAK IS REAL also no smut, omegaverse, hey stepbro, starts with rape, possessive/jealousy (isn’t all ABO?), age difference (6years, alpha is younger *can I get hyung plz lord*), HYUNG, woof this dad SUCKS, child abuse, rape culture *sigh*, I wanna get jacked like rick and summer and beat tf out of the dad, me n my cat, TELL EM HONEY I love this MC, traitor indeed, beta x omega btw, fated pair, coercive sex, didi going to be his own demise, BREAKUP/TIME SKIP NO this is BL hell, the rona is mentioned in this, ALL I WANT IS TO HEAR YOUR STORY WAHHHHHHHHHH also YES MY SHIP IS GOING TO SAIL I CAN FEEL IT, okay honestly frustrating a bit but also liked it yah 7-8/10, won’t re-read unless I’m looking for hurt though cause the comfort is BRIEF

Yarichin bitch bu

Tags: ongoing, reading because I watched this anime after seeing it mentioned in the comment section of -im-being-harassed-by-the-sexiest-man-of-the-year, anime was 2 eps a fucking wild the way this is uploaded SUCKS, no reality porn what plot rape-y ridiculous and now I need to read the source apparently haha, I need to know much more about yuri and blue hair guy ASAP (they have the spin off*adds to list*), high school setting, smut, studentsxstudents/teachers, photography club my ass, sex toys, kinky, crossdressing, gay awakening, unrequited love, jealousy, fake relationship, two faced people, OCD, COMEDY, rich people problems, hoarder, inferiority complex, one bed, toono is a dumbass in this love triangle or denial might be a better word, they are cousins my dude stop shipping it (I say to both toono and myself LOL), I wanna see Yuri’s face laksdjf;aldskf, vibrator #18 line is fucking iconic, yaguchi is about to get real interesting (BPD?), lies/manipulation, oh toono you sweet summer child, YURI i can’t wit chu, wait did he just punch the student because he won’t kiss him or???, dubcon/noncon obvs, finally my verse couple but they’re not a couple (yuri/tamu), they all care about each other is a weird way awwww, love confessions to pet vibrator scene are ICONIC MY DUDES I CAN NOTTT, lowkey living for Yuri’s drooling at this point, Jimi gives me such bad second hand embarrassment, Yuri the switch verse bb I’ve been looking for need more!, internalized homophobia, blackmail, MIDDLE FINGER IN THE AIR YAS KING, the heartbreak of ongoing/hasn’t been updated in years

Yarichin bitch bu dj wa

Tags: not completed I think, years old though, see above you know what it is, so cute omg, FIRST KISS AW, degradation kink?, MY VERSE COUPLE I’ve finally found you, biting, choking, rough sex, sex toys, they had fun together for another two hours DECEASED

Fucked by my Best Friend

Tags: ongoing, friends to lovers, body swap, Porn what plot, cannon threesomes in past maybe??(MFF for sure but MMF??), beach life, revenge, he became a HOT woman so honestly get over it, sloppy seconds, first off you’re both sluts second lmao this is going to be wild hm?, fellas is it gay if you kiss the homies, classic did you cum guy jfc, that’s how you get preg dumbass, ah the joys of being a woman /s assault in der clrub, *DEEP SIGH* @ you almost being raped turns me on, YES TURNING BACK DYING, gender has nothing to do with this LOL but true. Also yes cannon threesomes/orgies, googles frotting, mans like narrating playtime, intecurial sex public sex, lingerie, this is the closest thing to straight manga I’ve read hahaha, THE SCIENCE OMG FUCKING RIDIC :you need a mass amount of semen within you SURE JAN, possessive. Objectification, she trying to fuck without Shion LMAO, 34+35, do you think he’s on r/nofap, dry orgasm honestly impressed with mans rn ngl, spit as lube, anal fingering, just helping the homies find their prostate, bottom shaming (disappointed but not surprised), bis/gays in denial smh, question if he has a wet dream will he turn into a woman?, shirt thing, lol at female orgasm =anal in switcharoos mind, paging doc perv, shion is enjoying dressing up hm? Same dude, biggest reality gap is believing shion got admitted to a college HAHA, bad anatomy all over the place dude, rui is a dedicated exhibitionist, HE SO TIGHT BECAUSE THERES NO LUBE team no lube over here apparently not even a courtesy spit, yandere territory sort of?, Mayu with the dick wet comment is *chefs kiss*, THE HEARTBREAK OF ONGOING WAHHH I can’t believe I read all this but I can? 8/10 problematic possessive porn

[bearstuck]

rundown as someone who read it when it was being updated, based on the replied questions by @spaaaaaaaark-uwu

1. its web-based and originally used flash to incorporate minigames and music. it also frequently used audioless gifs which remains unusual for webcomics today. the web version didnt archive the flash portions well and mostly relies on 10 year old youtube embeds with shitty compression, which is why people use a third party app (the unofficial archive) to read it in its original quality and interactability

2. single-panel-per-page style webcomic that utilizes gifs and flash animations to add animated and interactive/musically scored pages

3. it was originally mildly interactive with people from a forum suggesting things like character names, shirt symbols, and actions. most character names were suggestions by forum members, including main characters. the forum vote stuff was dropped in the early acts but it retains the framing of a text based adventure game where the narrative prompts the character to do the thing

4. yes, very much time loops and AUs are canon. every character is bound to an aspect that governs the universe, and the two most influential core aspects are time and space. for a group of players in the webcomic's game to succeed at their goals, their game session needs to have someone with time abilities and someone with space abilities. even without a time player's direct influence, time fuckery can happen tho. there's 2 sets of humans and 2 sets of alien trolls from different universes whos timelines cross over into one, and another pair of aliens from the end of the timeline

5. toby fox is probably the most famous person on the soundtrack, but it was a very collaborative effort from dozens of people. the soundtrack is like 15 albums on bandcamp, not counting several that arent on bandcamp for lack of consent from every artist or the fact that most of those albums are actually multiple albums squashed into compendiums

6. the original main characters are humans, but they group up with the trolls later on. it starts with 4 humans, then 4 humans and 12 trolls, then 8 humans and a handful of surviving trolls. the trolls correspond to the 12 zodiac symbols, represented on their shirts as well as their personalities and the alien animals that raised them from infancy

7. color symbolism is important to some degree, but the hype hs fans have for color is mostly an in-joke. candy apple red and lime green are the most symbolic colors in homestuck as far as i would consider it? but the trolls are associated with a muted rainbow that corresponds to their blood colors and place in their planet's cast system, so their colors are very easily used to represent those characters and to make references to hs in general. people also freak out about non-hs zodiac merchandise thats in the "correct" rainbow order

8. ah the quadrants! trolls have 4 serious relationships that theyre expected to fill, based on pity whereas the archetypical human single romantic relationship is based on love. 2 partners are for reproduction and are akin to dating. thats the matesprit, probably the closest to normal romance, and the kismesis, commonly interpreted as a hate-based rival that ideally spurs you to get better and stronger

if a troll doesnt have someone to fill these partnerships when the government-mandated breeding season hits and the genetic material collectors come around then that troll will be killed for failing contribute to the gene pool. then theres the moirail, which is akin to a friend who keeps you from going off the deep end and causing harm to yourself and others. trolls are quite violent by nature, so this is a very important role. lastly is the auspistice, which is a 3rd party mediator who keeps relationships from falling into horrible volitility, such as keeping two kismeses from killing each other and many others in a falling out

9. their quadrants are represented with card suits as a play on human romance being represented with a heart. matesprit is hearts, kismesis is spades, moirail is diamonds, auspistice is clubs

10. vriska is a very controversial character for many reasons. like most trolls, her place in the caste system has traumatized her into a shitty person. shes had to kill others to feed her giant spider mother for 13 years. she models herself after her famed pirate ancestor and tries and fails to exemplify her caste by emulating that ancestor. she craves control and power over others and commits horrible abuses to gain that. she blinded her best friend. she paralyzed another troll so she could mock him for being weak for years. she mind controlled him to write mockeries to himself in her blood as she was dying because he didnt want to mercy kill her despite everything shed done to him. she completely fucked up multiple universes so she could be the single responsible hero for finishing their game session. people meme that "vriska did nothing wrong" because it used to be a legit take made by people who liked her, but nowadays you either see the appeal of her character as a complicated person who did awful things or you just think shes a bad person. i havent seen anyone straight up defend her actions and say they were all justified in 10ish years

11 (though its just @spaaaaaaaark-uwu 's final comment). totally fair! its unbearably long (just watching the flash pages would take about 4 days) and its full of distasteful content. plus you really have to commit to start reading it. 9 out of 10 homestucks readers past present and future would totally agree that this shit is so long and dense that chilling and osmosising it is fine and normal

12 (from anon). there is a sequel (technically). homestuck^2 is affiliated with the homestuck team and considered part of the post-canon. that is, the original comic is canon but anything after that is only as canon as an individual considers it. the epilogues were really controversial and often feel like they're written in bad faith of long-time readers, and hs2 is likewise controversial for very strange character choices it makes, so in my experience people either ignore both or read hs2 because its a fascinating train wreck. a lot of it is super out of character and bizzare (a pair of long-term lovers and the first canon married couple have an affair for no reason and then end up with a half-dog child named yiffany? come on man). its as much of a canon sequel as we'll probably ever get but a good chunk of hs fans do not consider it that and ignore it

I feel like 90% of what I know about Homestuck comes from this poll and the more I learn the more confused I am. It's a webcomic but apparently there is also a soundtrack? There is a sequel?

What is going on here, what even is Homestuck, some sort of collective hallucination?

homestuck is the polls we answered along the way

[jennawynn]

Enterprise Season 3 Ep 7-12

Episode 7

It's so weird... like they want to make Archer hard and give him the illusion of being capable of Tough Decisions and Torture and Do Anything It Takes but Bakula can't do it and then they undermine the whole thing anyway by having him 'revert' back to his compassionate humanity. It just feels forced. Hard!Archer isn't believable. It also leads to a lot of lines delivered with a rough and loud cadence while others are speaking normally (or in one case, Reed is practically whispering because they're in hiding). His character and delivery end up being inconsistent as a result.

Episode 8

Meanwhile, Trip's descent into darkness is far more believable. "Put them in the airlock." That's believable. That's delivered with the kind of bitter anger that carries that dialogue... and it's more consistently applied. He doesn't waffle about what he wants to do with the Xindi. Probably because he doesn't have the authority to act on it. That could have made a better dynamic- Archer's compassion overriding Trip and even Reed's desire for revenge. Let them act as foils for each other instead of making Archer inconsistent.

This episode is... I don't like it much. The jump to the future, the way they tell the story in flashbacks. Like obviously it's not going to be permanent. I'd almost rather watch all of this happen over a season and then have whatever time fuckery happens happen. Instead we're going to get 'here's what happens if Archer's not around- oh the whole human race dies' but also we're going to keep sending Archer on dangerous away missions where he gets attacked and abducted every third episode.

Reed's goatee is ridiculous. Travis is the only crewmember who isn't still there 12 years later? lol milliCochranes. lol harder. Trip being the captain for 9 years is also kind of hilarious. I guess don't let your low cast count stop you from telling the story you want to tell.

What a weird love triangle thing like they can't decide if they want to make T'Pol be with Archer or Trip. Is it just to create ship drama?

Time fuckery... so they didn't have to kill the parasites specifically. They just needed to kill Archer. That's even dumber.

Episode 9

When one race enslaves another and then the enslaved race gains their freedom, obviously the only answer is to create a reversed power structure that is almost as bad! This is like all the strawman arguments that Black people or women don't want equality, we want superiority.

Making these humans white, though... it allows a character to say "we have long memories" when told that slavery happened a long time ago and maybe, just maybe, someone will listen instead of saying 'why don't Black people just get over it?'

Why is human western culture the dominant culture here, though? None of them would have grown up in the Old West. Shouldn't it be skagarin in design? But then where would the rootin' shootin' episode of this series come in, I guess.

lmao Reed's seen Speed. Shoot the hostage.

Episode 10

It'd be kinda funny if the only main cast to die is the only one who can actually carry the kind of anger that they need for this vengeance plotline, but I have a damn hard time believing they actually killed Trip :joy:

Gonna do some shady ethical shit because "Earth needs Enterprise, Enterprise needs Trip" when maybe you shouldn't be so reliant on seven damn people, like I've been saying. He should have a lieutenant who knows damn near everything he does who can step into his shoes in an emergency. Then you don't need to grow a clone to harvest his brain to save Trip. How NOBODY could fix the engines but Trip is ridiculous.

Episode 11

It bothered me before, but even moreso now. They have referenced the Xindi as 'terrorists' before this episode. In 2004 it makes sense for the guy in Detroit to be worried about terrorists, but not to the Enterprise crew. The goal of the Xindi (as far as they or the audience know at this point) isn't to cause terror. It's to eradicate the humans before the humans eradicate them. They are not terrorists.

Episode 12

Abortion? Spicy.

Holy shit they actually killed someone.

Archer selecting himself for death... it must be a trick. Yeah. Clever trick, but predictable with what we know about the show. Plot Armor for everyone!

And amazingly... it was all for nothing because the war had nearly wiped out both sides long before they even came in contact with Enterprise! Status quo! No real changes! One fewer rando crewman. I'm sure the sphere data that was deleted was also just one copy of many because my god if we still haven't learned to make backups of data in the 22nd century I might scream.