#something something writing something i genuinely enjoy and not something i just think is neat

[the-blaze-empress]

ahahah what if chapter 3 of tmatimry came out like. tomorrow? or something? idk just a silly little idea i had lol.

(yeah it’s happening i wrote another chapter in a night it hasnt even been 20 days since i started this fic and ive got 13.6k words already)

[yanderenightmare]

what possessed you to write that nasty gamer boyfriend fic, not being judgemental, just genuinely curious cuz I love that fic and it seemed so vivid with all the detailing, did anything inspire you?

♡ GAMER BOYFRIEND

Yeah! A couple things actually!

I'd been staying with my brother and his girlfriend for a while. And while my brother is nowhere near the guy in the fic, he is a gamer who games a lot while his girlfriend does the grocery shopping and makes all the food every single day. So, I guess the idea first started with me just thinking about what a hopeless wreck my brother would be if she decided to suddenly leave him.

But my brother isn't useless or incompetent or anything like that. Nor is he a slob. He's just very comfortable with letting his girlfriend make decisions, I think. So this isn't a diss to my brother! Though, maybe a little...

Anyway. While I was staying there, my brother was watching a lot of Asmongold. I don't know so much about him, but from what I gathered by staying at my brother's place, he's this streamer who plays video games and discusses different topics of interest. But, more importantly than that, what I really noticed is that the guy lives in a complete pigsty. Like, the stuff I was describing in the fic is literally how this guy lives, and he's completely at peace with it, too. Idk, it's the wildest thing. He was talking about how, a while back, he had this dead rat that he didn't bother tossing out and that when the sun rose in the morning and shone through the window, the dead rat would start cooking, and the smell of that would wake him up and let him know it was time for him to stream. He called it the dead rat alarm clock. Like, I'm not even making this up.

I'm not really dissing him, either, though. Like, to each their own. I just thought it was the wildest thing I'd heard in a while.

And we were watching other Asmongold-ish streamers who just have the wildest fucking lifestyles. Literally just living in trash with cockroaches roaming around. Idk. Stuff is wild. But it got me to realize that, yeah, some people really don't give a fuck about hygiene and tidiness whatsoever.

And then, funny enough, my best friend's boyfriend broke up with her. And while we were dishing about how he wasn't good enough for her anyway and all that jazz, we were also digging up and talking trash about all her other previous boyfriends. And then she opened up about how one of them was a total fucking disaster. She'd been too ashamed to tell me this when they were together, but apparently, not only was he a hoarder, but she could tell he never ever cleaned his apartment because the bathroom had something she called "layers of sticky dust coating everything"

Like, it seems like such a common standard to have, but no, some people don't think cleaning is important at all. Or they just don't care enough to bother with it.

And, yeah, I suppose it just got me thinking about boys in general and how completely dirty their apartments are, with exceptions, obviously, and probably some girls included.

But yeah, the last guy I dated had constant shit stains in his toilet. And he had a pair of Lego flowers in there he was so proud of. And don't get me wrong, Lego flowers are cool, but they were always completely shrouded in dust, so you couldn't really enjoy them. And, you know, it's fine not to have everything spotless all the time. I'm not a neat freak myself, but I mean, if you're having visitors, the least thing you can do is make sure there isn't shit in the toilet. I don't know. That stuff is so wild to me.

But yeah, in the midst of all these musings and discussions, I got the idea to write that fic. I just really felt the need to make that character as he'd become so real to me all of a sudden.

[letters-to-lgbt-kids]

My dear lgbt+ kids, 

I have always admired people who have their one thing. People who care deeply about one highly specific cause, people who have deep knowledge about their one niche interest, people who are really into one particular movie… 

I just think it’s neat! It’s really interesting to hear people talk about their one thing. There’s also so much comfort in the fact that people can find so much happiness and meaning and purpose in something seemingly random! 

Last but not least, it’s also often the people with their one thing who (pardon my language) get shit done. Someone who puts their whole heart into doing their one small thing passionately likely does much more good for the world than someone who tries to constantly give their attention to every single problem everywhere all the time simultaneously. The first one can keep their energy and love for the cause high, the latter probably just ends up burning themselves out. 

… and yet, with all this genuine admiration for people like that: I often judge myself for being a person like that. 

If you wonder what my one thing is, well, you’re looking at it! It’s writing about mental health and wellbeing in the lgbt+ community. I write this blog. I write books with main characters who are lgbt+ and mentally ill or neurodivergent. I do a lot of research on that topic to base my writing on ,and also just for fun. Even with the music or movies or books I enjoy, I seek out that topic or at least I’ll analyze it with that lens… So, according to my very own thoughts I stated above, I should feel like the coolest guy ever! 

But I don’t. I feel embarrassed when people ask about my interests or hobbies. I feel guilty for it not being something you can „turn into a career“. I feel like I’m boring for writing 3 books about the same topic. I feel like I’m stupid for not having multiple passions. I feel like I need to prove my masculinity by having more „male interests“... long story short, I’m being a big old bully to myself about it. 

You may be a „my one thing“ person as well or maybe you’re someone with many different interests, or maybe you are someone who has one thing but the thing changes every few weeks. No matter where you stand, we probably have this in common: we can be really mean towards ourselves over things we wouldn’t judge others for. This may be so common because it’s pretty easy to have a distorted perception of ourselves (after all, we notice every single little thing we think or do or say, while in others we see the bigger picture) or because so many grow up internalizing negative messages about ourselves(but not about others). 

We set impossibly high standards for ourselves that we would never impose on our loved ones - but we should also be our own loved one. After all, you’ll be the person you spend the most time with during your life. Much better for your closest companion to be a friend than a foe. 

So, in this spirit, I’ll try to lead by example: I have my one thing, and that’s super cool of me!! What’s cool about you? 

With all my love, 

Your Tumblr Dad 

[hers-underwraps]

They are all literally just a little Desert family

(Because they're both from deserts (Australia and the Artic)

Look guys, they're all one big family and you can't convince me otherwise

Let me explain

First you've got the father-daughter relationship between Natquik and Dashi. They go on so many missions together and Natquik adores Dashi so much. He's even got a photo of her hanging up on the wall in his den!

She's always out there doing supply runs in risky weather, doing Artic research and they even set out on a lil mission with just the two of them to check out seismic activity! It really helps affirm the father-son relationship with Natquik and Barnacles. Look at how happy they are when dropping him off.

They're just like "Bye Dad!"

The way Dashi and Natquik always talk to each other out of genuine interest/concern as well! For example when Natquik's calling about the fox situation and Dashi says "What the Captain meant to say is how are you enjoying your vacation" or when Natquik calls them to check that dashi got home safely and had some hot coco. They are just the cutest!

Second, you've got the Koshi and Barnacles big brother-little sister relationship. These two are such a wholesome duo because I feel like these two are just on the same frequency. Also the fact that Koshi is always stealing Barnacles's mannerism (e.g. pose/catchphrase) very much reminds me of younger sibling behaviour.

The way Koshi is able to talk to Barnacles like they are equals and call him out on stuff makes their dynamic a lot more fluid.

Barnacles is definitely able to take off his "children serious" filter and can be a little bit more like himself around her. For example, in the raven's episode where he says "A conspiracy, you mean they're plotting against us?!?!" and Koshi says "Nah, you know that's what you call a group of raven's."

Also when they do their little bluff with the raven's it's so funny because two aren't naturally the best actors (ngl Barnacles's acting is abysmal have you seen the bald ibis episode).

These two have definitely got something wrong with them but they are also so obsessed with learning and understanding other behaviour and I think they have an unspoken bond over that which I think is really neat.

Third, we've also got this rarepair Tracker and Koshi duo! They lowkey give me “omg it’s my favourite cousin” vibes because they instantly click really well. These two get an entire episode together (the billabong mystery) and they are such a good combo. Between their shared excess knowledge and wits they work well together.

Koshi invited Tracker to go and study Australian birds (also I love that she knew that he loved birds) and they both end up causing a bit of chaos. Koshi also helps Tracker by showing him the ropes of Australia is great to see.

The "Home Run" moment for me in terms of their dynamic was when Koshi gave Tracker her mystery sister's notebook to write their adventure in. This book means a lot to Koshi, she takes it everywhere and she usually uses it to write about her adventures with Dashi. So for her to give it over to Tracker meant that they’d formed a pretty strong bond.

Tracker taking the time and care to write their adventure in her notepad shows that he really likes Koshi as well. These two are the duo I never knew I needed.

Fourth, speaking of Tracker admittedly, he and Dashi haven't had a great deal of interactions, most of them being computer calls. Their relationship is definitely one that's formed around mutual friends. If I were going to put a label on it I'd say they're giving off that "third cousin that I see once every few years but also happens to know everything about me" vibe.

Their most notable interaction was their first call in the deep freeze special. Tracker definitely takes a liking to Dashi (as to what type of liking that is based on his tone...) but generally, they seem to have positive interactions in the calls they do share.

Tracker said it was “really nice to meet you” and honestly it would be really nice if these two get an episode together in the next season of Above and Beyond.

Fifth, obviously we've got the Dashi and Barnacles power duo here. Their bond is probably the foundation of this little desert family. Ironically I also don’t want to put a label on it because theirs so many ways to go about interpreting it (I could go into a deeper dive for them but that’s for another post…).

These two have genuinely been in the trenches together. They were quite literally parenting the original squad in the original series and they now share major leadership roles in above and beyond. They’re got each others backs, they’re keeping everyone (including each other) alive and managed.

They express so much genuine concern for each other and are usually there as when the other is in strife. Barnacles is literally having a full on mini meltdown when Dashi first flying to Natquik, clearly they mean something to each other. Whether it’s a “trauma bond so strong we founded a family” or “Bestied so hard our families combined” situation these two are like this 🤞.

There are also other examples I could talk about like Koshi and the cubs hanging out and getting along nicely or characters that aren't probably going to get a chance to interact like Koshi and Natiquik since Natquik never leaves the Artic and I highly doubt Koshi has a reason to go there but my point still stands. These two "families" of characters have had several interactions and entire episodes dedicated to them to the point where it could almost be interpreted as a deliberate choice. Nearly all above-and-beyond episodes with Professor Natquik feature Dashi. Tracker and Koshi got an entire episode dedicated to them despite having limited interactions before. There are also several episodes that feature a 2 artic + 1 aus trio or 1 aus + 1 artic in them.

The nail on this coffin for me personally for the desert families was definitely the "Artic Blizzard" episode with "Billabong Mystery" further solidifying it.

For example, take this scene where Dashi's first priority is making sure that the cubs are ok once the wolves are scared away instead of running to see if Barnacles is ok. She understands that the cubs are vulnerable and highly protected members of the "Artic family" hence genuinely worries about them despite them not being her own "Blood" family, which is what most of them are more naturally inclined to do.

She's worried about their safety throughout the whole thing and has to entirely place her trust entirely in Natquik and Tracker as most other options are not viable due to the nature of the Artic.

(Also off topic, Dashi driving into the wolves honking at them and shouting on the speaker to get away from the polar bears was so in the character of her I genuinely giggled)

Thinking about this from a practical perspective, some octonauts/agents would be far better suited to handle missions in the Arctic, yet Dashi is chosen by the writers reoccurring in these adventures which I think is a great way to allude and represent the struggles of family. The trusting in them to show a new culture, to get you to safety, the fear surrounding unfamiliarity and anxieties surrounding acceptance when you are completely out of your depths is illustrated through the forming the "desert family"

This idea is then continued in the Billabong mystery episode where it's Tracker having to trust Koshi in an alien environment. Furthermore, the episode is told through a flashback, which gives Tracker the power of having the dominant narrative voice. His recalling of the events, despite being filled with mishaps and miscommunication leading to problems is generally positive. This episode can give insights into the importance of forming strong and positive connections with others when learning to adjust to the many complications and quirks that come with families. By being able to create a sense of belonging for others within the preexisting family structure in an organic way (e.g. by using commonalities and demonstrating both the highs and lows), the idea of the "desert family" being an intentional choice.

Also, I love how the stronger bonds with the "desert family" structure are upheld throughout the group interactions. They had all three of them lined up and proud of the cubs during the badge ceremony. They could've left them out and made it a personal thing with just the cubs and barnacles but they instead chose to celebrate family achievements with the whole (which we love to see). Furthermore, looking at the snowball fight, for example, they all instinctively split up into teams (Dashi+Natquik) vs (Tracker+Barnacles) vs (The Cubs) which I think is just stinking adorable and has also been repeatedly shown as a strong duo with "familiarly connotations" in previously episodes.

So that's why I think these guys are a "Desert family" and I think that this should be appreciated more.

I have a method to the madness. No this is not some delirious delusion, but I think an intentional choice in order to educate others on complex topics in accessible ways and further develop the characters.

Now, all thats left to do is hope for an episode of all of them together!

Peace out!

<3

[fatescaprice]

hello my favourite argenti kisser. it is i. your supreme overlord ^_^ i am here to, very politely, ask for aventurine and robin dating hcs. shambles away miserably. you know who i am. goot bye <3

dating aventurine and robin

content warnings: none

note: hello supreme overlord!!! you can shamble all u want . i will remember . anyways i had a lot of fun writing this :) please accept my humble offering . i hope u enjoy 🫡

Despite his seemingly friendly exterior, AVENTURINE isn’t as easy to get to know as some might assume. He teases, and befriends, and invites, but always keeps people at an arm’s length — for many years this is how he’s lived, and he was wholly under the pretence that he would continue on like this until he died.

Early on in your relationship, it might not feel like you’re even dating at all. He invites you to his fancy IPC parties as a plus one, but gives you about the same amount of attention as everybody else. He asks you about your day, but never talks about himself. It takes him a while to warm up to you — maybe he ends up enchanted watching the way you talk about your passions, or maybe he’s awestruck by the smile you throw his way as you thank him for a gift he got for you. Either way, he falls hard, like a meteor crashing down to earth.

Aventurine’s love language seems like it would be gift-giving, but it’s far too easy to buy you things, he thinks. His time is far more scarce, and therefore far more precious to him. He’ll text you after he clocks out with a dinner invitation to somewhere he knows you like — he’s already made the reservation, so what do you say? He’ll watch you drone about your day with some smitten look on his face until his food goes cold.

Without his usual suave bravado he feels a little too vulnerable than what he’s used to — sometimes, when he looks at you, he feels like he’s looking straight into the sun for the first time, blinding and comforting all at once.

His love is genuine, if a little clumsy, too. You might get calls from him throughout the day while he’s at work: nothing’s wrong, he’s quick to say, he just wanted to hear your voice. His hand reaches out for yours in the same smooth, practiced motion as always, but the way his fingers curl around yours, his thumb brushes over your knuckles is new, almost shy — and if you’re able to catch the look on his face before he glances away, you’ll be able to see the gentle upturn of his lips, a delicate little arc, brighter than any gem he could ever present to you.

ROBIN's love for you is something akin to the feeling of walking into a well-lived room: warm, familiar, safe. No matter how long you’ve actually been together, she always feels some sense of innocent puppy-love for you — always enamoured by the way you speak, and smile, and laugh, and…

It’s quite likely that you’re her first romantic relationship. She’s had fans in the past that might’ve liked the idea of her more than her actual self, but with you she feels seen in all the best ways. She doesn’t feel the need to play any role, or keep her hair neat and voice soft and back straight. In your company she feels she can let herself be, let herself hold your hand across the table or wipe a little bit of food off the corner of your lips. Would you be so kind as to let her? She hopes so — the feeling of your warmth next to hers is more exhilarating than the cheers of any crowd.

Robin’s preferred kind of dates are the more lowkey kind: maybe you just want to have a home-cooked dinner, or to watch a movie in the living room? She’ll help you set up the kitchen or help decide on a movie. It’s not uncommon for her to encounter reporters or paparazzi while out and about, and while she might be used to it, she doesn’t want you to get caught in the crossfire. It’s like a breath of fresh air for her, too — everything is so much less stifling when it’s just the two of you.

She seems like the type to express her love in little ways, too. She’ll order your coffee in the way that you like without even having to ask, or she’ll adjust your collar if it’s crooked before you go out together. The thought of you permeates all her thoughts and actions, too — in a crowd of people she’ll find herself singing only to you, and as you walk hand-in-hand through the late-night streets of the Golden Hour, not even the brightest lights will be able to tear her eyes away from you, the sweetest dream she could ever hope to have.

[stormblessed95]

Watching Are You Sure?! EP 6

A reminder of how I do these reaction posts as I watch things. I just write my reactions and thoughts down literally they happen. Think more of a bullet point format. I'll include links when I can to videos, thanks to the people who twt who upload clips. And at the end, I'll do a better wrap up of all my opinions. I hope everyone enjoyed the show so far!!

Flying to Japan on Nov 25, 2023!

Jikook being the rich bitches that they are now, do you think they had the whole plane just for them and their staff? The way they BOTH got to enjoy the window seats and the whole row to themselves for most of the trip. Genuinely wish I could fly that way 😂 it has to make that experience a little less miserable lol

Jungkooks super informal tone, the soft way he spoke, the way he placed his hand over Jimin's nape.... Topped off with talking about how their first ever trip together was to Japan, Tokyo. And that's why he wanted to come back. Excuse me 😭 the romantic in you is escaping!

JK panning down with his camera and us getting to see Jimin gripping his sweater over his tummy. Such a consistent habit! Both of them! JK randomly panning to film Jimin, and Jimin holding onto JK. They are so sweet and cute. It's giving boyfriend. I can't lie lol

"We have arrived" they say, while in a moving car, and I'm pretty sure Jimin has to be in JKs lap to film the way they are. Or at least BASICALLY all the way in it. Lol and JKs smug ass little smirk and pouty lips. Bro, chill 😅😂

The zoom in on Jimins eyes randomly. Another habit consistently consistent!

JK saying yes of course he knew Jimin's album was coming out soon and yes of course he watched the SGMB video. He stays up to date on all Jimin content thank you very much

Not the kids making Jimin feel old by calling him Uncle 😂😂

Jikook hanging out drinking and eating snacks and just chit chatting so normal and regular that Jimin just completely forgets they are filming a show for a brief second there, walking away without his camera. There is something so endearing about that

Not them showing us JK falling on the ice from both Jimin and JKs camera perspectives 😂😂

JK being super whiny and bratty and Jimin going "why are you so angry these days?" With a laugh and JK going "it's for the show" basically to be more entertaining. Lol and Jimin just saying that he can handle all his anger. Handle all of JK. "I can handle you" is what it's giving. And it's giving so so much. Just wow

They way they reminisced about their first Tokyo trip while eating their midnight snack 🥰 Jimin remembered so many details. JK just remembered being worried about Jimin's feet hurting during their long walk to Shibuya.

JK sharing how special it was for him to get a short letter from RM when he did his showcase. That was so cute!!

Them arguing over the AC with one being hot and the other cold was so relatable for me. It was like watching me and my partner 😂

They went to sleep in separate beds and woke up in front of cameras in separate beds, but you can't convince me that JK didn't end up in Jimins bed for at least part of the night. Lol his sheets are still tucked in all nicely (Jimin's aren't and JK doesn't sleep that neat from what we have seen lol) and his water bottle is moved over to Jimin's side of the nightstand too. But what do I know 🤷‍♀️😂

Has there been an episode where Jikook haven't brushed their teeth together? Lol

JK being all romantic about remember this moment of watching the snow fall together in the morning. And Jimin popping the bubble by saying they'll have to shovel so much snow in the military 😂😂

JK going I want to cut my hair and Jimin immediately coming over to crack jokes with wordplay 😂

JK just turning to stare at Jimin wanting his compliments over the glasses he picked out to wear. Lol and Jimin immediately giving him said compliment. It was absolutely giving domestic couple vibes. Can't lie won't lie

Bathroom selcas!!

JK wearing a napkin under his glasses because his nose was sweating because of the spice 🤣

The vibes and tones they have when speaking about their service is so drastically different when compared to in the USA. They are about to enter into service together and they have no more doubts or fear of being separated and you can tell in how they talk about it now versus then.

The editors making fun of Jikook ordering in Japanese lmfao "using all the words they know"

The reappearance of "KooKoo-San" 😭😭🥰😍

I love the animated train station 🤣🤣

Jikook sharing air pods and music on the train and roleplaying saying it feels like they are in an anime. They said they were listening to a Japanese song and Jimin was getting really into when he started this role play. Lol what song was it?!!?

Jimin pulled a JK and went from filming scenery to randomly switching his camera view to film Jungkook close up too.

JK snuggling up on Jimin as they watch the scenery go by on the train is the cutest fucking thing. JK was living the dream. You can tell they were so content and happy.

Finally arriving in Sapporo and walking through the train station seeing an adorable little girl and Jimin getting all sappy about how he would be an emotional mess as a girl dad if he ever had a daughter. JK looked both nervous and excited about that idea 🤣🥰💜

Jimin saying JKs live vocals on Hate You were so good that he threw his phone. So relatable. The biggest fanboy!

Jikook singing Super Tuna!! So cute!!

Jimin saying he has to be the most normal on a team of weirdos and JK being like nah babe, you are a total weirdo freak just like the rest of us! (Personally, I think to make it as an idol, you can't be normal, you gotta have a little bit of freak going on to be able to handle all of that lol) But yes Jungkook! Speak that truth! "Who sets the standard for 'normal' anyway?" EXACTLY!!!

Not Jimin pulling up Christmas Day by Jikook circa 2014 to listen to on their snowy drive in Sapporo Japan?! The sentimentality and romance in the air that has to be happening?! Lol even with their younger voices 🤣 the cringe over hearing his 19 year old voice say merry Christmas 🤣😂😂

Impromptu self photoshoot in the snow!

The way they giggle together is one of my favorite things. Over anything and everything

Jikook roleplaying at the museum bar lol that was inherently flirty. So flirty. What the heck. That was first time meeting at a bar with cheesy pick up lines roleplay. That's like kinky foreplay for some people 😂😂 JK getting all flustered over it too and ending it with the "you're ridiculous" lol

JK this thing is cute, Jimin buy it then. Ah, rich people 😅😂

Their embarrassed faces when the staff told them as they were walking away that they didn't pay for their drinks 😂😂😂 Jimin running up to go pay but with JKs black card! Lol not even his own! But that's before they said Cash only, so JK comes to pay for it in cash lol I too, would've felt very embarrassed over forgetting to pay 😂

Jimin galloping through the snow. Lmao he is such a little weirdo 🤣😂 love him so much

Their cute little snowball fight with JK picking up just massive clumps of snow to throw lol

Not them calling ARMY out for just enjoying watching them just sit around and eat. They know we are down bad lol

What kind of carrots is Jimin eating that they are bitter??! 😂

Jikook constantly memeing together too lmao!

Them saying they would've been such trouble together as same age friends. They already don't have a normal hyung/dongsaeng relationship at all. Can you imagine if those lines that they already pretend don't exist actually never existed at all? Already attached at the hip. If vminkook were ALL same age friends, they would be even crazier together I bet! Lol

Jimin once again talking about the dumpling fight. The way he was actually ready to beat Tae up during that is still so crazy to me 😂😂 the way he Knows they (Vmin) were both being petty AF back then and they can laugh now.

Lmfao not them talking about JK kissing RM for his birthday and RM telling him he went too far and crossing the line. They wore him down to accepting their kisses eventually. Birthday kisses must've turned into tradition since then for Joonie 😂😂

They've come so so far. I'm so proud of all my members. I too can't wait to see the 7 back together again!

Shall we head to the hot springs?? Can't wait!

Wrap Up Thoughts:

Please ignore any and all typos in this post. My brain is so fried and I'm so sleepy. Lol

Anyone else notice they spent almost this entire episode in matching and/or coordinated outfits? Yeah, me too! How very adorable of them. It's so obvious and clear in this episode than it has been in any other. The thing I noticed most about their dynamics in this episode was the consistency in all their little sweet and cute habits together. Things they've done around each other for years and years. And they are still doing it!

JK spent the entire episode randomly filming Jimin. And he said "I love it" or "I'm so happy" over 30 times in just the one episode. Traveling with Jimin and just chilling together brings him so much joy. Everyone should rejoice in that. And Jimin spent the entire episode randomly bursting out into song, but specifically SNTY 🥰 the support!

And the way JK was filming Jimin, it's still that consistency man.

I said most of my "analysis" moments in all that stuff above, I don't really feel the need to repeat myself but if someone wants or needs clarification on my thoughts, please ask/let me know! This was a beautiful and very sweet episode. They were just purely enjoying each other's company! They were so happy together. Good food, good beer, good company, beautiful atmosphere. I'm so happy for them. And it reeks of domestic bliss so often in this episode too. Lol love that for them as well!

If anyone in Brazil wants to know what video from Twitter is under any of my purple links, please let me know which one and I'll try and download and post that specific video for you. Just send an ask. Sorry for the inconvenience!

[sixstepsaway]

I don't get why people want to pretend Ed wasn't abusive. Why do people insist on making everything into binaries? Yes, Ed has been a victim of abuse. Yes, he has been abusive. Both things can be true. I love him because I think he's in interesting and I understand where his pain is coming from (even if I think S2 was a missed opportunity in terms of character development). But anyway, thank you for writing about this because maybe some folks genuinely don't recognize abusive trends.

I think it has a lot to do with the fandom culture of only being allowed to like "wholesome" ships.

Look at it this way: when season 1 was airing, Ed and Stede were, in fact, very wholesome. Sure, they had some moments of lesser wholesomeness, but overall they were pretty wholesome and sweet and gentle. They were sweet and finding love in middle age and it was adorable. They had a general stamp of fandom approval that they were, in fact, Wholesome And Good To Ship™.

If you look at other fandoms, you'll see a lot of times there's the Good And Acceptable Ship and then there's the Bad Ship (or ships) and the Bad Ship is always slapped with the "oh that's actually incest!" label when they've, idk, grown up together, or "oh it's abusive!" because one of them one time made a bad joke or something, or "power dynamics!" because one is 27 and one is 25 or one is short and the other is tall or whatever, and yeah sometimes the Bad Ship is actually toxic or whatever (which is not a reason to not ship and enjoy it!), but they're put in neat little boxes: Good and Bad.

And for a lot of people, those boxes keep them safe. Last year, someone who was an Izzy Hands fan got doxxed because...? They liked Izzy Hands and shipped him with... I don't know actually. Ed? Stede? It doesn't matter, all I know is they got doxxed.

The side of fandom that thinks you should only ship the Good Ship are toxic and downright dangerous. It's happened again and again in numerous fandoms and just keeps happening.

So when at the end of s1, Ed turned around and cut Izzy's toe off and fed it to him, I think a lot of people panicked because shit, now Ed was Bad too, and if he's Bad then you can't like him or relate to him or ship him with the Good guy of Stede, so what the fuck do you do?

Obvious answer: Blame Izzy. Izzy's already classed as Bad, so put all the responsibility on Izzy for Ed's darkness and then it's safe to ship Ed and Stede again and no one can call you an abuse apologist or whatever for liking them together.

(To be clear: Shipping says nothing about your real morality. This is very clear for many reasons, one of which is... spend thirty seconds watching fans of the Wholesome Ships dox people and abuse people online lol)

So they spent all this time saying Ed was just scared and lashing out, and now s2 has come along and Ed is... well, abusive, canonically.

And for most of us, that doesn't really matter. We can still enjoy Ed and Stede or Ed and Izzy, we can throw ourselves into fanworks and enjoy the show for the things we like, and we can critique the things we have issues with (my problem is not Ed being written as dark and twisty and having a villain arc, my problem is the show writing it badly, exploring it badly, and then handwaving it, because it's shitty writing) and still really enjoy the vibes we got from the show.

But for people who are scared because they spent all this time saying Izzy fans should kill themselves for liking an abuser, well... now they have a choice: either admit Ed is an abuser and admit that liking a character doesn't dictate your irl morality, nor does it say anything about you aside from what you enjoy in fiction, or excuse away his actions, insist he's just a lil meow meow and continue feeling safe in their little bubble.

In a lot of ways I can't blame people for wanting to duck and cover from it. I mean, look at the shit people get for liking characters who aren't perfect, or talking about the imperfections of characters, or just enjoying complex narratives!

But what genuinely concerns me isn't anything to do with the fiction really, it's when people look at Ed's behavior in 2x01 and 2x02 and go, "Nah he's fine," because oh, honey, no, you are making yourself so vulnerable to real life abuse. That is what worries me, which is why I answered that one ask saying Ed wasn't abusive, it felt important to point out why he is.

Anyway, that's what I think is happening here. I think people are just scared that if they admit their fave has multitudes and isn't a perfect character who never does any wrong, they'll get doxxed and abused and harassed online.

I get that.

[yuri-is-online]

Hi Yuri! I hope you are doing well<333 I really enjoy reading your writing and I am always more fond of reading the little octatrio fish gang! I dont really know how this usually works because I never send in any asks at all nor do I see your rules list or anything but if you dont mind I would like to make a request<3

A mc who finds an out of tune and old piano and fondly remembers that they used to play piano back in their world. And perhaps Azul hears in on this and despite the piano being old and out of tune, it is rather beautiful how you play it because of how imperfect the notes are being played out. (SORRY I WAS LISTENING TO FALLEN DOWN AND THE FEELINGS WERE JUST SURGING AND THE BRAINROT WAS TOO MUCH)

You dont have to force yourself or anything! Please take care and dont feel too pressured! <3

The Most Romantic of All Arts (Azul Ashengrotto x Yuu)

Hello dear friend and I am doing quite well thank you! I'm pleased you like my writing; the octotrio is what finally cracked my resolve to check out Twisted Wonderland and put FGO on the back burner so I suppose I shouldn't beat myself up too much for writing about them so much. I am sorry I caused you stress with my lack of rules, I don't usually send requests or asks myself, so I felt really bad to have frightened you. Not too sure if this will end up being what you had in mind, it got away from me a bit.

Also when you say Fallen Down, you do mean the Undertale soundtrack piece right? It's a soothing song I listened to it while I was plotting this to try and get into a similar headspace.

notes: they/them used for Yuu, header taken from the painting Spirit by George Roux (1885) which I found on this wordpres blog article I took the title from, it's a neat painting, Azul learning to find beauty and love in imperfections is important to me ok? Other works can be found on my masterlist here.

Sometimes you wonder if Ramshakle is sentient. The old building has more rooms than you know what to do with, and lovely as the ghosts are they don't fully remember what they were used for, if they remembered in the first place. But still there was something about those rooms that seemed to love you; he guest room almost built itself up around you, the kitchen had only needed some basic repairs before it was ready to help play host again, and no matter where a fire place was found it was always eager to burst to life and warm you and Grim.

It does not have the same love for Azul, he'd complained as much when you talked about just what it was he wanted with the building after the events of his overblot had cooled between you.

"It's got a graveyard in front of it, though?" That really had been the crux of your whole argument. It was hard to be annoyed with his laugh when it sounded so nice, the genuine amusement a refreshing difference to his previous performitive indifference.

"Yes," he muses, sipping at his real before he continues, "I'm not bothered by that much, ghosts and grave ships aren't uncommon sights under the sea, but I always forget how unusual humans think they are."

"There's a lot of superstitions about places where people are buried." You mean it as an explanation, but it brings an odd look to Azul's face, like there's an emotion bubbling beneath his surface he doesn't want to acknowledge but is too strong to suppress. It settles over you both, as you try to focus on drinking your tea while your host seems content to let his grow cold.

"Well, I suppose it's a good thing that ruin isn't really sentient." He sounds almost bitter, disappointed in how long he has let his drink cool you decide as he reaches for the pot and warms it with some fresh tea. "Otherwise, I'd accuse it of trying to keep you."

It's a silly thought, but the sight of this latest discovery really does have you wondering. You are supposed to be in that wonderfully accommodating kitchen making snacks for when Azul decides to "coincidentally drop by" later this evening to "go over the Lounge's expenses" in your guest room. On a Tuesday. When it was almost guaranteed business would be slow enough to keep anyone from wondering too hard about where he'd gone or the twins from being too upset about running things. But instead of "just wanting to try" a new recipe, you are here, tucked in a room just a bit further down the hall from the guest room watching Grim give his best impression of Ace after completing a magic trick. Because stars know he has never seen any other magicians.

"TA-DA!" He puts both of his paws out to really sell the piano at the window. "See, I told you I had a great surprise!"

"I'm sorry for not believing you." You say and try not to laugh with just how much more proud that seems to make him. "But where did you find this? Or how I guess, unless you moved it?"

"Nah." He shakes his head before remembering he's supposed to be the "great" Grim. "I mean I could have! But I'm just so cool I managed to find a piano here already, so all I had to do was clean it up instead! You're welcome henchuman." You scratch just behind his ears and politely ignore his purrs as you examine the piano and its bench. They're old, likely just as ancient as everything else in the dormitory and likely extremely, achingly out of tune. But the mere sight of it makes your fingers itch, and Grim barely has to whine "Well ain't you gonna play somethin'?" Before you're at the bench, experimentally pressing the keys to try and sound out something.

Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are-

You hum it rather than sing, irrationally worried Grim will somehow figure out it's a lullaby and complain that you're babying him instead of cutely dancing along with the music like it's one of the cassettes Deuce let you borrow. He cheers for another, and you oblige, letting your muscle memory carry you as far as it can as you try searching your brain for just what it was you wanted most to hear from yourself after all this time being unable to play.

And missing the click of a heavy door down the hall in the effort.

Azul hears nothing at first, and though it does disappoint, it does not bother him. He's had a long day, one about to be made longer still by the grey zone already draping itself around his thoughts as he shrugs his blazer off to his shoulders while en route to the Ramshackle guest room. He pauses, for what he tells himself is only going to be second, at the kitchen door and is left unrewarded for his detour.

You aren't there: and that does bother him somewhat, even if it should not if his pretext is to be believed. These visits were too commonplace to be random, but maybe you'd made plans, deciding not to look past his excuses for the evening. Maybe you were asleep, tired of the day or just plain tired of him. But there is a kettle sat on it's base, mercifully not on just yet, but two mugs and the pour over cone set next to as if it was expecting company. The nerves remain knotted in his stomach, though the cause shifts towards something more welcome.

So you do have a mug purposefully set aside and designated just for him, and is that a little recpie card with notes on coffee taped to that tin? These things should worry him, the picture he snaps and immediately hides in a folder should be for a purpose. But it's separate from those ones, labeled something inane and barely full with how careful he is to have his longing remain unseen. He wonders, briefly if it would be an intrusion to make the drinks himself. If it would reveal to much to show outright he knows the way you take yours instead of just saying it in time with your order, but knows that would not be the exact issue here. He is a guest, and guests limit themselves to the halls and that room he forces himself, with haste that would be noticeable if you were there to see it, back down the hall and back towards the guest room. Azul has work to do, he can content himself with the warmth the mental image the cups on the counter produces until something forces him to pause at a door once more. The piano is old, droning out a tune that is unpolished and rusty from the player's lack of practice but filled with such a specific sort of joy it has him actually running towards it.

You sit at the bench, a serious look of determination on your face so unlike the usual Yuu it can't help but be cute. Grim sleeps contentedly on your lap as you continue searching for the threads of melody still trapped inside your head from years of only occasionally reluctant practice. It's an unfamiliar tune in composition, but not in feel. There's words to this song, maybe not in the form of lyrics, but there all the same for him to stumble even closer to as he comes to a halting stop just behind you and the music ends in a surprised crash as you whip your head around to see him.

"Azul!"

"Very sorry to interrupt." He holds up both hands in surrender, composure only just maintained as you check to see Grim still asleep and laugh nervously. "I didn't know you could play."

"Can't really." You say somewhat bitterly and more confidence comes to Azul as a slight plan froms in his mind. "I'm really out of practice ugh. I know it shouldn't annoy me! But with how everything's been since I showed up, it's just not been on my mi- Oh hello?"

Azul fully removes his jacket and sets it on a side table close to where he had been satanding, moving to sit on the bench next to you. He has enough mercy not to loosen his tie or do anything else scandalous, but the close examination he gives to the keys could have fooled you. "Pity it's so out of tune, this is a nice piano."

"I know right! I'm really happy Grim found it." You resist the urge to poke his cheeks some and Azul lightly, trying not to too openly relish in your surprise reaches one arm around your back to place his hands into a similar position as you had been earlier, tucking you close to his side.

"May I?" He's smug. Too smug it's robbing you of sanity.

"What's it going to cost?" You try too hard not to sound like you're flailing as you look to see your question hasn't even phased him at all.

"Oh normally I wouldn't dream of charging for a performance," he clearly lies "but it's been such a long day I wouldn't say no to a cup of coffee." And he's off, music only marred by the off key of the piano in a clearly purposeful display of talent meant to sear itself into your mind enough that you don't think about his request too long. You and he are from two different worlds, but he knows that music has a way of gapping that if the stories of the mermaid princess told him anything at all. So when he purposefully slows the song at its end, he knows you know, that tricky smile he swore once he'd always hate kicking his heartbeat up again as you lean fully against his shoulder.

"Beautiful." You say, not bothering to give the compliment direction as he can't help but agree. "We should play together next time."

"I-" You pick yourself up and what he wants to say slows when you pick up his jacket for him and hold out a hand. Later, he all to easily decides. Later, without Grim and with specific time set purposefully aside so you know just how much it matters. "I would like that. You'll have to show me the songs that you can remember from your world." And he takes your hand just to soothe some of the ache, trying and failing not to show just how happy he is when you keep it.

[galaxy-fleur]

oooh an eagleone truther! i enjoy them both romantically and platonically as i think that there's enough in the remake to go around for both of my needs buuut

what do you think of them? like both platonically and romantic i really wanna know another pov! :D

Oh, I adore them. They're my go-to if I wanna write Leon just being happy and fulfilled for once. I guess you could call it a comfort ship, then? I just very like how they help each other grow as people throughout RE4R. It's not anything groundbreaking, but it's sweet and genuine. And a huge romantic like me sure loves sweet and genuine!

It's kinda funny, because while in the game itself it's mostly Leon being in the 'lead' between them two due to obvious reasons, whenever I write for them after the fact, it's usually Ashley taking the reigns instead. I guess the best way to say it is: Ashley makes Leon softer, while Leon makes Ashley bolder. That's how they work in my head.

Ashley helped Leon prove to himself that he is capable of protecting those he cares about, without having to sacrifice his humanity like Krauser did. In a way, she helped him move on from his failures in Racoon City. She gave him closure he was denied in for 6 years. While Leon helped Ashley believe in herself and overcome her fears, no matter how impossible the odds she is facing are.

In a way, they both helped one another find something they were lacking before they met each other. And they found that lacking thing through their connection to each other. That's what I mean by calling their dynamic sweet and genuine! They are two people who come to care for one another and grow as people as a result of that connection. I just think that's neat.

If we're talking platonic route here, it's kinda cute to think of Ashley potentially reaching out to Leon from time to time. We don't know how exactly the Remakes storyline will differ from the OG from now on, but it's fun to imagine her maybe sharing news about her life with him, possibly arranging a meet-up with him once or twice a year or so. I think Leon will always hold a certain soft spot for her, and it'll be pretty evident in a way he visibly gets more relaxed and warm around her. And Ashley will always feel safe and comfortable with him in turn. It's also neat to imagine him attending her graduation!

Just don't think about her coming up to him and thanking him directly for how much he helped her grow as a person and find her confidence, because he will get choked up and tear up about it.

Though there will be some distance between them. It can't be helped, really. There are a lot of things that Leon simply can't be fully open and honest about, unfortunately. And he definitely would never put Ashley at risk for his own needs, either. But I do think there is some level of solace he can find in their friendship regardless. I also kinda feel like Ashley would introduce him to lots of new experiences he never would undergo otherwise, lol. She gives me huge 'try everything at least once' type of girl, and she'll be dragging Leon along whenever such a chance arises. Operating a crane is not the only weird thing she does!

Actually makes me think of him playfully teasing her about her comment on him jumping across chandeliers, while she herself now suggests taking him zip lining or something.

And if we're talking romantic? Their dynamic stays mostly the same in my head, but it gets more messy. As it often does when romantic feelings get involved, hehe. Overall, I feel like Ashley will have to be the one to make the first move between them two. It's the sort of 'she fell first, he fell harder' ordeal. Leon (remake Leon to be more specific) is the type to keep his feelings under a tight lock and key until the last moment. Mostly because he does not want to involve Ashley in the dangerous mess that is his life.

As he says in game: 'you don't need me. you proved that you could handle yourself.' And while it was said as a genuine encouragement on his part - because Ashley is stronger than she thinks, and he wants her to believe in her own strength - it was also a wordless 'I can't be there with you like you want me to, I'm sorry'.

That said, Leon is also undeniably the one to be the 'down bad loser' between the two of them. And I mean down bad. The type of down bad to look at sunset painting the clouds and think that these warm shades of red and orange remind him of Ashley. It's this bad.

That's not to say that Ashley doesn't pine for him in her own way! She's not as fundamentally lonely as Leon is, though. But that's a good thing. She actually has the opportunity to work through her feelings and come to a mature decision to act upon them one day. And once she does act upon them? Boy, will Leon fold for her, and fold fast.

Their romantic relationship would probably be messy in the beginning, as Leon has lots of stuff to work through on his own, and while Ashley will offer her warmth and comfort, it'll be up to him to actually take it, at the end of the day. And I feel like it'll take him some time to achieve that.

Either way, I do think they'll work things out. And much like their first meeting, their genuine care for one another will be the driving force behind them growing as people in their own separate lives. Ashley brings Leon some much needed warmth and comfort when he needs it most, and Leon brings Ashley a sense of support and stability, no matter what challenges life brings.

They're a team, is the best way I could phrase it!

[snorky]

You?

Hey y’all! I apologize for taking forever with this story, I’ve been extremely busy recently. This fic is a lot more “iffy” than some of my works, so I’ll be sure to write something much fluffier next time, I promise. Auston Matthews in this story is basically a personification of someone I know in real life, unfortunately, but I’m pretty sure the real Auston wouldn’t be such an a-hole. The title is based off of the song “You” by Two Feet. I hope you all enjoy this fic, and please remember to take care of yourself!

Pairing: Auston Matthews x F!Reader

Word Count: 1.5k

Warnings: Angst, Friends-with-Benefits situation, A-hole!Auston Matthews, Toxic Relationship

—

—

The rain poured down in Toronto. It always does at this time of year. But on this night especially, the rain just didn’t seem to stop. City lights hung outside, twinkling and glimmering, emphasized by the raindrops that rolled down her living room window.

They hung like the stars that weren’t present in the Toronto night because of light pollution. It replaced the gaseous stars with man-made ones. It was so breath-taking and yet, a horrifying thought to think about.

White noise flowed from the TV, a jumble of mindless words and sounds of whatever was going on in the world at the moment. A reflection of what it seemed to be like in her head. The bright screen illuminated her face, intensifying her tired, worn-out expression.

Sitting on the living room floor against her couch, her mind ran endlessly, wondering so much about how she got here. Here in Toronto, so far away from home. 

‘It was only meant to be for school,’ she told herself. 

Ambitious and unstoppable, she wanted to pursue something so big. So big in fact, that her parents didn’t want her to, but she didn’t listen to them. Never did. 

“You’re a small girl with big dreams, huh?”

His words rang in her ears. A siren’s song that lured her in when she first met him at some cafe on a Saturday morning, their orders getting mixed up. They chatted for a bit, falling into a natural conversation about life in Toronto and how it felt far away from home for the both of them.

“Yeah,” he chuckled, “I grew up in Arizona, so ending up in Toronto was something new.”

She smiled, “Really? That’s neat,”

He hummed, looking up from his coffee and making eye contact with her, “I should take you there sometime.” He winked.

A laugh bubbled up from her throat, pulling a smile from him. She thought about it, visiting Arizona with a charming, handsome man seemed like a fun vacation. Plus, she hadn’t traveled much recently.

“Your laugh is sweet, you know?” His voice was weaved with a genuine tone. “I want to hear it more often, darling.”

Warm red crept up onto her face, blushing at his words. “Auston,” she let out a soft and yet warning tone. She didn’t want to fall for him. Her life was already busy enough with studying and working a job at a flower store downtown. Letting Auston in her life, her world, was a risky decision.

“Sweetheart,” he mirrored her tone, noticing her rigidness. “I mean it, I want to know you more.”

Silence fell between them, the whirring of the coffee machine and the chatter of other customers being the only noise in the air. Her gaze was directed towards her room-temp cup of coffee that she forgot to drink while talking with Auston, and he noticed it.

“We can take it slow, I’ll take you out and we can get to know each other more.” He smiled.

She smiled back and nodded, and they exchanged numbers and kept in contact over the months. More sweet coffee dates, more of him spoiling her with gifts, more of her energy being put into him, and more of their time spent together.

As they spent more time together, she started to fall for him, his cliche charming smile, his fast-paced life as an athlete, glamorous or not, and every detail about him. She grew closer and closer to him, but she kept her guard up.

There was no choice. Something inside of her kept nagging her to do so. She didn’t understand why she felt the need to, but she did, just in case. He knew some bits about her, and he noticed how she seemed quiet, but he never thought more of it. Maybe that’s where he went wrong, the fact that he didn’t think more than once or twice about something. Maybe she should’ve kept her guard up.

She was tired of Auston’s behavior. It was draining her, badly. Enough so, that her friends told her to block him, ignore him, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Auston meant so much to her, or at least she felt like he did. It didn’t matter if he cared about her or not. 

It didn’t matter that she had only known him for the past six months. There was something about him that drew her towards him. A moth towards a burning flame.

Radio silence was an ordinary thing to hear from Auston, however. She wouldn’t hear back from him for days and weeks, and then suddenly, just like that, he was back in her life. A flash of his message on her screen and she was a tangled mess for him. 

She had her own life and she was aware, and yet her mind kept lingering towards Auston when it could, but Auston was just, beyond tempting. 

The way his confidence never seemed to falter. The way his voice flowed smoothly as he spoke. The way he never failed to constantly wear his chain, no matter what. The way his mustache seemed to compliment his boldness. The way his warm, dark eyes lingered on her when she was wearing that one dress that seemed to captivate him.

“You look stunning, sugar.” He sighed as he leaned in to catch her lips with his, rough fingers grazing gently against her chin.

She kissed back, the slight taste of him on her lips, “You look even more handsome, Aus.”

The night sparkled behind them, a cool Toronto breeze brushing past. They stood outside a fancy restaurant downtown, slow jazz music flowing out of the doors. His navy blue suit seemed to fit him in all the right places, emphasizing his arms and broad frame.

He caught her eyes gazing at him and the sides of his lips curled upwards, “Like what you see, darling?”

A loud boom of thunder rumbled outside, snapping her back to reality. The TV was still on, her body sat on the living room carpet against the couch, and the sound of the dishwasher was running in the kitchen.

She sighed, thinking about everything she knew at the moment. Her mind was a raging storm, and she stood amidst all of it. 

Auston was simultaneously both the most heavenly and haunting soul she had ever met. As much as she wanted to ignore his faults and wrongs, she so badly wanted to admire all the good things he had brought into her world.

Her world. It sounded so strange when considering the fact that she had her own life before meeting Auston. But now, he was all she ever wanted. His touch, his gaze, his attention, all of it.

And yet, she felt sick to her stomach thinking about him. Every text he sent made her nauseous. He was a sour taste on her tongue and she savored every bit of it. She spent all of her days and nights trying to spend time with him. So much, that she created her own radio silence with her friends.

“Girl, where have you been?” one of her friends questioned. “You’ve been so quiet recently,”

The sun shined down on the group outside, sitting under the large umbrella centered at the table of the restaurant served brunch. At this time of day, it was either old ladies gossiping religiously on a Sunday noon or families on vacation looking for breakfast.

“I’ve been busy, sorry.” She was busy, but maybe with all the wrong things.

Another one of her friends looked at her quizzically, “You’ve been talking to Auston, haven’t you?” She looked at her, taking a bite of her scrambled eggs. “You look tired, I can tell,” she said quietly.

Taking a sip of her mimosa, she thought about it. Maybe she had been spending too much time with Auston. Maybe it was wearing her down much more than she thought. Maybe she forgot to take care of herself.

“We’re here if you need anything, we mean it,” her friend spoke genuinely.

It made her heart ache to think that her friends had to worry about her like this. Nonetheless, she nodded with a gentle smile as a response, and continued to enjoy her brunch with her friends, indulging in the sweet french toast she had on her plate.

Her friends still worried about her often, texting her and calling to check in with her every now and then. She appreciated the gesture, but she assured them that she was doing okay, but was she really?

Was she really okay if it made her heart ache to think about Auston with someone else? Was she really okay if her stomach churned at the mere thought of him leaving her?

A message popped up on her phone that sat on the round coffee table in her living room. Her heart started beating quicker, wondering who it was that would text her at this hour.

You up? - Auston

[inkblackorchid]

Honestly, as someone who's mostly a Roseknightshipper, it's been a lot of fun to go through your stories and discover your decision to make Sherry the Shounen Homoerotic Tension Rival. Obviously it's a pipe dream for it to actually happen, since Faithshipping has been locked in since chapter 1, but I can nonetheless get a lot of enjoyment out of Sherry testing the limits of Aki's sexuality.

Weirdly, I find your writing of their dynamic a lot more appealing than a lot of actual Roseknight fics, since it plays on an aspect that they tend to skate over: that is to say, Sherry isn't a very good person. She's not evil, per se, and certainly nowhere near as bad as Divine, but compared to Yusei, she represents a much more dangerous option, while Yusei comes off as the safe boyfriend you could bring to meet your parents (which is deeply funny for a guy with a well-earned criminal record).

As you write her, Sherry plays into all of Aki's worst instincts and attitudes, but unlike Divine, she's not doing it for selfish reasons (at least, not entirely). She wants Aki to fuck shit up, not for the sake of using her as a tool, but because she genuinely thinks Aki is at her best when she's in fuck-shit-up mode. And unlike Divine, she actually has a point--Aki trying to outright bury that part of her is indeed unhealthy, even if Sherry's solution is hardly the correct one. At the same time, this means she has the capacity to take Aki's own jabs at her seriously, because despite it all, she does seem to have a real fondness for her.

Point being, it's a neat dynamic, and I'm interested in seeing where it goes.

Considering the faithshipping endgame in my fics is, as you said, telegraphed from miles away, I find it hilarious but also genuinely flattering that Aki and Sherry's dynamic is still compelling enough to appeal to Roseknight shippers. Because yeah, I did purposefully write Sherry as ye olde shonen rival who's a bit too up in Aki's business and a bit too close and personal not to send mixed signals. (And honestly I have a lot of fun doing it. The weird sexual tension is hilarious to write.)

And Sherry certainly isn't a great person, no! But that's part of what makes her so interesting to me. Sherry may be valiant and dashing, but while her motivations are certainly understandable... they're also selfish, to be honest. Like yes, Iliaster is evil (mostly). But Sherry isn't fighting them because they're evil, she's fighting them because they took something away from her. And the second they promise to give it back, she chooses to switch sides. Because ultimately, she's not in this for the world or for the Greater Good or for justice, she's in it for herself. Which makes her very interesting and me very sad that she wasn't written better. Sherry being the dangerous option VS Yusei being the boyfriend you can show off to your parents made me chuckle, ngl. (Also, not inaccurate, as ironic as that is.)

And your description of Sherry's motivations is pretty much spot on for what I had in mind when I wrote her for my adjusted canon. Her "guidance" for Aki isn't coming from a place of malice, but Sherry has a skewed view of the world, so her solutions are also skewed accordingly. What she thinks is good VS what would actually be good are two different things, even if she'snot wholly wrong to tell Aki not to put herself in a muzzle. But yes, the fondness is real and I love playing with the back and forth between these two biting each other, then going back to trading genuine wisdom and life advice. Mixed signals galore.

Thank you very much! I hope you'll enjoy the future encounters these two will get in my stories. The resolution is already planned out, I just gotta get to writing it, haha.

[belit0]

imagine leaving lipstick marks on their necks/collar without them knowing 🤭

Okay, after writing and translating this whole work, I realized you asked for "lipstick marks" 🫠🫠🫠

I wrote the whole thing using the concept of hickeys, and I hope you don't mind 😭😭 If I have to re-write it (which I'll do if you ask me to) I'd need to change lots of things, and I felt kinda bad about doing that before showing it to you cause I really liked it!

I just hope this is okay :,(((

TW: none Pairing: Otsutsuki Indra / reader - Uchiha Madara / reader - Uchiha Izuna / reader. NSFW

Indra

DEATH! Too traditional to allow (Y/N) to take the reins. If anyone makes hickeys or marks, it's him.

We're talking about the greatest figure of power and respect in the entire Uchiha clan, the damn creator, of course he has to present a neat and respected image to the outside world, to appear untainted and beyond compare. People must respect and fear him, feel they are dealing with a superior and untouchable being.

Of course, having a hickey on his neck destroys that fantasy, giving him more of a human aspect, a person who genuinely enjoys the mundane pleasures of life, such as sex.

"What do you mean Otsutsuki Indra has sex?!?!?!?!?!?!" Yes, and lots of it. People would be shocked to death knowing the sexual beast sleeping inside this man during the day.

It will be one of his disciples who notices it first, as he receives an instructional beating on how to handle Taijutsu. Completely shocked, he will not dare say anything, choosing to think it must be a bruise, some lucky person who managed to touch him during training.

Eventually, the council elders notice, and someone must raise their voice.

"Indra-Sama.... There's something... there's something on your neck, if I may be so bold as to mention..."

Thoughts race at the speed of light in his mind, remembering the night before and how he got careless enough for (Y/N) to have access to his collar. She'd been bragging about reaching for his smooth skin and marking it, but he never thought she'd succeed.

He made the mistake of being careless yesterday, as she massaged his cock in the bathtub while taking a hot dip. Allowing her complete freedom to handle his cock as she wished, throwing back his head and exposing his neck, (Y/N) opted to carry out her move at the very moment he was finishing, so distracted by the sensation he didn't feel her lips sucking on his neck.

It was his fault for relaxing in her presence, finding a person he shouldn't have to pretend to be able to keep up with.

"Indra-Sama? Are you well?"

The older man's voice brings him back to reality, snapping him out of the stupor of remembering the situation. Now he sits with an erect cock and flushed cheeks, trying to pretend everything is all right.

"Everything is fine, there's no need to worry. We'll finish this meeting earlier than usual, there are pressing matters I need to take care of."

"Do you need medical attention? We could check you and see if that mark is anything serious or..."

"I said everything is fine, didn't I? You'll mind your own affairs, attend to your own duties, and forget about it."

He twirled his Sharingan along with his words, just for effect and depth, inwardly planning how he would repay (Y/N) for having taken such a dare.

Madara

Internally, he enjoys hickeys. He loves to know (Y/N) is as possessive of him as he is of her, where the feeling is mutual and fiery, never dull or monotonous.

However, like his ancestor, he has an image to maintain, and cannot afford to show marks just like that. The high collars on his robe help enough, at least to diffract the more outrageous ones.

Madara is aware of several people noticing this, but no one dares to comment on it.

His relationship with (Y/N) is more than well known by now, and no one visualizes him as a sexually quiet man. What surprises people is that he allows her to mark him as well. Who would think this Uchiha is so egalitarian, holding his partner on the same level of rights he possesses?

The one to comment on this will probably be Izuna, being the only one brave enough to ask such a personal question to his older brother. Of course, everyone knows his Aniki would never hurt him. At most, he'll get angry and drag him to the training ground to give him a good beating, but that's about it.

As they enjoy a nice cup of tea with Hikaku, Izuna takes the liberty of remarking.

"That's quite a noticeable thing you're wearing around your neck, Madara. Rough night?" Hikaku interjects, hiding the smirk in his cup of tea.

"Hm, one could call it that, yes." There's a faint hint of amusement at the corner of his lips, but he remains neutral, inwardly grateful the collar of his dressing gown is covering all the other marks.

"Who knew (Y/N) was so wild? Aniki, it looks like a massive insect bite… I now understand why you asked me to take care of your meetings today."

"Stop whining, Izuna. It doesn't hurt you to interact with the council and let them see you're a responsible adult."

"That, precisely, he is not." The third Uchiha sighs inwardly, bearing weeks of taking care of Izuna's respective duties.

"That, precisely, I am not. Besides, responsible adult?! Says the one who walks around with a hickey the size of my fist around his neck."

"It's not wrong to find fun, semi-permanent ways to show love for your partner." Madara smirks into his hot drink.

"Yeah, sure. Wait here, I'll throw up and be right back. What the fuck happened to my big brother, someone explain!"

Izuna

The womanizer no one would ever expect to see attached enough to wear a mark of possession on his neck. Izuna has been with countless women, but he has never allowed any of them to leave even a hint of contact on his skin.

What is it now, walking around the compound with a mark on his collar? It has a name and a surname, (Y/N), for her friends.

A few paragraphs ago, the Uchiha was mocking his older brother for becoming a love softie, and now look at him, melting to the point where he allows her to leave her declarations of affection written on his flesh.

He's totally proud of the hickey, even forgoing his usual long-collared dressing gown in favor of one that shows off his chest, evidencing the previous night's amorous experience with (Y/N).

Of course, the first to laugh at him will be Madara, returning the words of derision he had previously exclaimed. Hikaku will soon follow suit, being a bit more severe in the matter of teasing him. Izuna will smile and laugh at every attempt they make to annoy him, being genuinely glad to have those particular colors on his skin.

The one who really surprises Izuna with his comment is Kagami, one of his little students. The boy is just learning his first fire jutsu, but nothing stops him from making an innocent comment about the different colored marks on his sensei's neck.

"Izuna Sensei! Are you all right?! What is that?! Did the enemy do that to you?!" The boy exclaims with concern, his eyes wide open and on the verge of tears.

Izuna, being an idiot with poor ideas, decides to play a little joke on him.

"Yes, Kagami… Yes. Today, your Sensei is coming to say goodbye. It was the Senjus, Kagami, they marked me with a deadly poison on my neck, I have little time left but..."

"NO! IZUNA SENSEI! NO!"

"It's okay Kagami, it will be quick and painless, Hikaku will continue training you and everything will be fine..."

At that moment, he decides to pretend he's starting to suffocate, grabbing his neck and acting like air isn't entering his airways. He lies down on the floor to continue his show, closing his eyes and feigning death. He struggles with all his might to keep a smile from escaping his lips, but can't help but laugh when Kagami begins to cry inconsolably.

He throws himself on his Sensei's chest, weeping and resting his head on "the lifeless body". Izuna can't contain his fit of laughter, getting up and grabbing him in a hug, showing him that he wouldn't get rid of him so easily.

When Kagami opens his eyes in disbelief, Izuna realizes, this one just awakened his Sharingan.

"Holy fuck..."

He can already hear the screams his brother will throw his way once he finds out, Kagami being too young to even have a Tomoe.

[ppenguinpperson]

cardiomyocytes and connective tissue @nopanamaman

I’ve wanted to do a fic like this for some time now, a ‘thank you’ letter to PAFL and its community of sorts. I’m happy I finally got around to writing it:) 

I wasn’t sure whether I should do this or not, but, hey! It might make someone feel a bit better!! Or, reading the fic will. That’s enough reason, I think, and you don’t have to read this, of course, no matter who you are.

First of all, I want to talk about PAFL a bit.

The first PAFL song I listened to was PiP. I saw its thumbnail when listening to some other music youtube, and so, I listened to it. Oh boy am I glad I did:) I remember thinking how cool it is that someone's making songs for their OCs and that people are interested in them. I could see so much love for the characters in it. I was so happy when I discovered there were more songs like that!! This was around when Comfort Zone had first come out, a week or two after at most. That was two years ago. I’ve been obsessed ever since.

I love PAFL. I genuinely love that songs haven’t been coming out much lately. Like, there’s media that comes out weekly and sucks shit. I’m glad Ferry is taking their time with this!!! Even if all we get each year is one song, that’s cool, because the community is wonderful and we also get doodles and art and now patreon stuff.. yippee yay… !!! And even if we didn’t. who the fuck caressss!!!!! I love coming up with AUs and OCs and theorizing with my friends!!! the time between songs gives us time to do all that:)

The characters are so charming. Every member of the cast has been a fave of mine at some point or another. They’re all so, real! I love them! I love how they fuck up and I love how they get fucked over and I love how they get exploded and killed and shot and hugged and saved and helped!!! They’re human… might not make sense, but i rlly do like them…

It’s so neat looking back at older songs and seeing how stuff’s changed. The art style, the music, it’s all so nice to look back on. Even if I wasn’t there for it.

And don’t even get me started on the worldbuilding..  Everyone say thank you to Boris Strugackij and Arkadij Strugackij for making roadside picnic and inspiring Ferry to make this… so lovely and neat. wonderful. I have not read it myself, but I might, just to be able to make my own pafl OCs more swagger..

So. This fic.

I can’t mention two years ago without at least mentioning my depression.

I can’t remember most of last year, speaking truthfully. Parts of 2021 are also fuzzy. Depression and anxiety are terrible, would not recommend. This feels cheesy to say, but it does get better!!! Slowly, unsteadily, it gets better!!! I don’t mean for this part of the post to be a ‘feel bad for me’ thing at all. Do not. I am safe and healthy now and I couldn’t be happier to be here right now.

Is life good now?? Sorta, but what matters to me right now is, I’m happy!!! It feels so surreal. I never thought I’d be like this. A part of me wants to be angry, to get depressed again about how I could have been happy all this time. But I won’t!!! Because then I’d spiral and forget another year, and, I don’t want that!

Which is so cool!!! I can like, fucking, do stuff now!! I can throw away the bad thoughts, embrace the good ones, encourage myself!!! I do things!!! I go outside and goddd dude that’s so good!! I go outside!!!

I’m doing stuff! I’m drawing, writing, cleaning my room, taking care of myself!!! If I didn’t stay alive to enjoy these small joys, what am I even here for?? 

And I’m alive!!! I’m here!!! I made it, I’m here, writing this on 10th november, 2023, and I’m ALIVE!!!! How cool is that??? 

And yea, the world is shitty, it sucks ass, but, my friends don’t!!!:3 and that’s more than enough for me… SHOUT OUT TO MY FRIENDS!!! I LOVE YOU DUDES!!!

Moving on:

It doesn’t feel right to say that I’m here now only to PAFL. But, what I can say is that it’s been a wonderful crutch for me!! It’s been something to focus on, something silly, but also something I can relate to, and something that inspires me to make my own stuff! I’d most likely still be here, were it not for these silly songs.. but, not sure I’d be as alive as I am now! Unsure if my heart would feel right in my chest! And I wouldn’t have met my amazing friends!!!! Everyone here is so nice.

Dima may be a bit OOC in this fic, and that's because! This fic is based on my own experiences, which, i don’t think is bad…

I could talk here forever about how it gets better. Butttt to be quite honest I don’t wanna lol. I just wanna say, Thank you! to Parties are for Losers, for being cool. 

(Though I also wanna say, don’t put Ferry on a pedestal, they’re human, we all make mistakes, all that stuff.)

Ok time to go back to my manly Sergei ways and never talk about emotions ever again. or as anya would say: FUCK IT WE BALL!!!!!

[deputyrook]

Silly vampire romance book! :}

omg Hex you asked me about the one I most wanted to yap about ♥

'Silly vampire romance book' is my so-far unnamed project about a powerful, slightly-villainous vampire that owns a club in LA, and the group of hunters she ends up entangled with. Led my an old frenemy of hers, she begins to grow close to the group's occult researcher, who is less human than he first appears. I'm really hoping I can toe the line between hot dubcon [via blood addiction/mind control] and genuinely sweet.

It's been, by far, my favourite thing to write. It's in a really different voice than my usual style, since it's in first-person perspective, but I've been really enjoying how easy it is to get on the page. I'm not trying too hard to make it great, I'm just having fun with it and allowing myself to be a bit silly.

Here's a snippet ( ˶ˆᗜˆ˵ )

Duke’s eyes sweep across the room once again, and his gaze lands on me. I’m well hidden, but not invisible, and he freezes in place, holding out a hand to stop his companions as well. They stop moving, but they don’t see me yet, instead shooting unsure looks toward Duke. “Hello, Constance,” He hisses through grit teeth. I smile, and step out of the shadows, making my entrance. I’ve felt kind of ridiculous hiding by the curtains for the last few minutes, but it’s so worth it for the stricken, horrified looks that flash across his companions’ faces. “Hello, Duke,” I reply, “New friends? Given that you’re breaking into my office, I’ve got to say, I think they’re a bad influence on you.” The room is still dark, but I’m getting a much better look at the two people accompanying Duke now that I’m not busy blending into the shadows. He’s the same square-jawed military man that I remember, though he has more gray in his hair than the last time I saw him. Unlike me, he’s aged. But he’s still got that same expression of sour disapproval on his face, like it was chipped into stone. No sense of humour. Some things never change. The woman on his left stands behind him, almost hiding, as though she’s scared that I’m about to leap at her with my claws out. She’s got rich, dark skin, and darker eyes, though they glint with slivers of gold. As I’d seen on the cameras, she’s layered in black clothes, wearing a considerable amount of jewelry. And she’s young. Christ, she’s young- the woman can’t be older than 25. To Duke’s right stands the man with the shoulder bag, and as we look at each other, my throat suddenly feels oddly tight. He’s taller than Duke, but not nearly as stocky. With sandy blonde, neat hair, a sweater under his brown jacket, and glasses, the man looks out of place with the others. Like he’d be more at home in a library or a quiet cafe. But there’s something… unabashed about him. He’s watching me with clear interest. Not a trace of fear to be found. For the first time in a very long time, I feel a pleasant warmth run through me, and something akin to… attraction? I like that he’s not cowering behind Duke, or glaring at me suspiciously. He’s not classically handsome, and he looks more like a professor somewhere in his mid-30’s than a movie star. But he instantly catches my eye, as he watches me with open curiosity. Who is he? And why is he hanging around a stick-in-the-mud like Duke? But I have an aura of power and composure to maintain, so I look away from him and focus again on Duke. God, if Duke had caught me ogling his protege- or whatever is going on here- I think I’d just go out and lay out on the lawn and just wait for the sun to come up. Truly the worst case scenario.

[episodicnostalgia]

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 1 Overview

Well, there you have it. It took a lot longer than anticipated, but I’ve officially completed season 1.  Huzzah!

I’ve mentioned it a few times before, but I’ve never actually seen this series in its entirety, so it’s been interesting to watch from the beginning, especially since I’m less familiar with the early seasons. So, in the continued interest of nostalgic observation, I thought I’d take a second to rank the season as a whole, and share my overall thoughts on the show thus far.

For anyone who hasn’t been following along on this little journey, my episode ratings are based on a 5 star system, to the nearest .5 of a star.  In the interest of avoiding any additional rounding, I’m ranking the season based on the overall average of each episode, even though the final score won’t look as neat.  

So without any further ado, over the span of 25 episodes, my average rating for season 1 of TNG comes to…

1.96 stars (out of 5)

Admittedly, that’s not a phenomenal score, but I don’t think it’s altogether unfair, nor do I bestow it with any malice. The fact is, most of these episodes were subpar-at-best, and that’s more-or-less consistent what I went in expecting to find. Star Trek shows historically aren’t known for starting on the strongest note, and when you take into account the drama that allegedly took place behind the scenes, it’s not all that surprising to encounter some (at times excruciating) growing pains. Ultimately there’s still enough good here to justify my continued curiosity, and there’s something to be said for giving a show enough time to grow into itself; something that’s been unfortunately absent in the advent of streaming television.

A huge part of what does-and-doesn’t work comes down to the writing and characterizations, with only a handful of the cast getting any kind of meaningful development.  Unfortunately, the women get the short end of the stick (which led to some aforementioned BTS drama), so as I rank each character (using a pass/neutral/fail ranking), please keep in mind that the following criticisms are predominantly directed to the writers, and not the actors (who I genuinely believe were doing the best with what they had).

1. Jean-Luc Picard

It’s widely accepted that Patrick Stewart is a huge reason for the show’s success, but the writers do deserve some credit here. In one of my reviews I mentioned that his character progression feels like it’s largely made up as it goes, and often accidental.  That may be true, but also largely immaterial.  Most ongoing television shows DO make it up as they go, and that’s just a reality of the medium.  Personally, I enjoyed getting a new perspective on Picard, which shows that he was kind of a staunch asshole until this crew warmed his frigid little heart. Whether that’s the intent is immaterial, because it does make him more interesting, and lends itself nicely to some of his established lore, which is undeniably given the most focus across the board.

Grade: PASS

2. William T. Riker

Riker has such acute horny golden retriever energy in this season. He could easily have come off as Picard’s handsome right-hand douche, but he’s given just enough charm (I’m giving a good share of the credit to Jonathan Frakes for that) that I can’t bring myself to dislike him.   Having said that, he’s still fairly two-dimensional at this point in the show, and I can’t say I find him that interesting on his own.  Maybe the beard really does make a difference.

Grade: PASS (but not by a lot)

3. Geordie LaForge

Levar Burton’s talents are almost entirely unused, although I give him full credit for doing everything he can, LaForge amounts to little more than a bouncing board for Data.

Grade: NEUTRAL

4. Tasha Yar

Talk about a missed opportunity. Aside from her death in ‘Skin of evil’ (which barely focussed on her) Tasha was really only featured in one episode, which is widely regarded as one of Star Trek’s all-time-worst. What a waste.

Grade: FAIL

5. Worf

Everyone’s favourite Klingon is pretty underused for a majority of the season, but “heart of Glory” does a good enough job at fleshing out his character, and quite effectively starts his journey towards being one of the all time “trek greats”.

Grade: PASS

6. Dr. Beverley Crusher

Dr. Crusher was never really on my radar, back when I was a kid, and  I always kind of found her boring. Sadly, that mostly holds true here, but knowing what happened with Gates McFadden behind the scenes (she was fired for season 2, because apparently she agreed with my assessment), I do have a much higher appreciation for her performance.  Crusher has some attitude, and I like it.  I only wish the writers had used that to their advantage, instead of trying to reduce her to a romantic interest for Picard.

Grade: NEUTRAL (but would have been a ‘fail’ if not for McFadden)

7. Deanna Troi

Troi is clearly an example of a writing team who put in very little work to develop this character. I get that it was the 80’s and psychiatric/psychological treatments were only just starting to be recognized as a legitimate branch of health care, but the writers weren’t even trying here.  Troi is regularly depicted as emotional, fragile, and often relegated to “traditional gender roles.”  She’s not interesting because the writers don’t seem equally disinterested in exploring her, beyond her value as a pretty woman that Riker can sometimes covet.

Grade: FAIL

8. Data

Barring Picard, Data is the most developed character to come out of season 1, and I would say he’s easily the most interesting.  This is a prime example of how a show should ideally develop it’s cast.  Character-centric episodes are obviously important for establishing major beats, but it’s the small moments of continued growth that bring characters like Data to life.

Grade: PASS

9. Wesley Crusher

Ugh, I just can’t stand this character, and I feel bad because it seems like Wil Wheaton may very well be an alright dude, but holy shit is Wesley annoying. All the same, I feel the need to reiterate that I hold the writers 100% responsible for how his character was managed.

Grade: FAIL

I don’t have a lot else to say that I haven’t already talked about in the individual reviews, but there are two other elements that warrant a quick shout out.

Jerry Goldsmith’s opening theme is a classic. Of course it was originally used in ‘The Motion Picture’ nearly 10 years prior, but the arrangement for TNG is iconic, and I love everything about it.  No matter how bad an episode ends up being, the opening credits never fail to hype me up.

The Model work: This would be the last Star Trek series to use (I think almost exclusively?) models for the Enterprise, and the other various ships, and they look incredible. I’m not throwing shade on the other show’s use of CGI, those artists also did solid work, especially considering how new the technology was, but I’ll always be a slut for practical effects.

And that’s about all I have to say! For the sake of posterity, I’ve listed each episode below, along with my ranking. All the episodes with a blue-coloured rating are ones that I'd already seen at some point beforehand (mostly during my teen years). I’m curious to see how many I'd failed to watch growing up, so I'll continue keep track of that as I move forward.

Encounter at Farpoint - 2 The Naked Now - 2 Code of Honor - 0 The Last Outpost - 1.5 Where No One Has Gone Before - 3 Lonely Among Us - 2 Justice - 1 The Battle - 2.5 Hide and Q - 2 Haven - 1 The Big Goodbye - 3 Datalore - 3.5 Angel One - 1 11001001 - 2.5 Too Short a Season - 3 When the Bough Breaks - 0.5 Home Soil - 2.5 Coming of Age - 2 Heart of Glory - 3 The Arsenal of Freedom - 3 Symbiosis - 1 Skin of Evil - 1.5 We'll Always Have Paris - 1 Conspiracy - 3 The Neutral Zone - 1.5

[positivelybeastly]

X-Men #1

So. The big day!

Let's go.

Absolutely adore that it takes Hank the space of one panel to get Chief Robbins to go from shouting in surprise to smiling at him. Hank is honestly just effortlessly charming, and it really shows here.

This entire first issue is very Morrison in terms of continuity, with what I'm pretty sure is even a direct callback to New X-Men #115.

Feral bash brother and sister Magik and Juggernaut will never not make me smile. I'm genuinely so here for them to be a chaotic gremlin BrOTP in this series.

So jazzed for Idie to get some spotlight again. Outside of WatXM and her role in the Krakoan Exiles, she really hasn't gotten a lot of love, and I very much enjoyed her turn as the Storm of the team, deploying ice cover for the combat landing.

Glob Herman, you will always be iconic. Also, Hank, you're enjoying yourself entirely too much.

"B-But my husband lost his job at the Lockheed Martin factory where they make the bombs that cut children into a billion pieces! Won't you please think of our jerbs?!"

No.

Jesus Christ. Literally taking it out of him in chunks. Last time I saw Logan fucked up this badly by someone with a knife, it was in X-Force, and it was - oh. Oh yeah. Oops.

Well, anyway!

Always here for telepathic relay bullshit. There's something really just delightful about the sentence 'Dumping them into the common knowledge pool.' It's just very Morrison.

John Sublime and the U-Men . . .

I love supportive, nurturing Scott. Legitimately one of the best hats that Scott gets to wear. Also, rebound shots are always fucking cool.

That refraction is cool shit. There's just a lot of really neat visual flair going on in the combat, and it shows rather than tells us that Scott really is just as good as Hank hypes him up to be.

Cute.

One: who the hell put that needlework up on the wall? Because that's brilliant. I desperately want to see a "Bless this Mess," or a "Live, Laugh, Love," at some point.

Two: Hank bakes! He bakes Jewish shortbread! I wonder if MacKay knows that Hank speaks fluent Yiddish and decided to expand that to a wider interest in Jewish culture and food? Fucking cool shit.

OIHEPOAIGHSDAP[OUIHGOUHG

ADE[OIGHJEADPOUIGHSGOIUH

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS.

This is so good.

That one-two punch of Hank's burning, bristling fury at his previous self for denying himself the pleasure of Krakoa as well as denying him his memories of it, and the meaningful nod in the direction of X-Force, is so fucking good.

This is exactly how I figured Hank would react, and, like, I'm not gonna go ahead and say Jed MacKay is an amazing writer just because he writes Hank like I do, but fuck, it sure as hell makes me happy!

I also really like Stegman's art here because it evokes a simple fact of Hank's appearance - he's meant to be slightly uncanny and scary and able to switch from cuddly teddy bear to beast on a dime. The Morrison is strong here, the pleasant, bubbling layer of frothy cultured genius hiding a whirlpool of complicated emotions and self-hatred, and I couldn't be more enthralled.

I can't believe I'm actually getting acknowledgement of the fact that the rest of X-Force was just as complicit in what Beast did as he was, and that they do not, in fact, get a free fucking pass for being shitheads who did morally bankrupt things on a whim.

Giggling. Squealing. Kicking my feet.

Hims.

Hank is so deeply tired of Max's shit, I love it. "This is the fourth time this week you've pulled the intimidating hover chair flex on a passing human, Max, are you going to get tired of it eventually?"

Hank is rolling his eyes at this. God, what a good voice for Magneto here, honestly, and a decent continuation of the whole Ewing retcon about how 60s Magneto's characterisation fits into the wider whole.

Hank is the open hand. Scott is the fist. Max is the sleeping dragon. God, what a fucking good trinity, I adore it.

"Henry has a soft touch. He always has."

I've run out of image space, but Magneto's, "Tell me he will die on a mission soon," in response to Quentin is hilarious.

Genuinely adore the quiet moment on the roof between Hank and Scott. It's so nice to see these two as friends again, like it all never changed. I'm deeply curious to see if the knowledge of X-Force and everything that happened will change how the rest of the team views Hank, or if Hank's the only one who holds that against himself, but regardless, it's nice to see these two just kicking it with some beers.

Love the power move of leaving the Sentinel looming, midway through powering up its laser, over the town for a bit. "Don't forget, you owe us, we don't owe you."

That teaser is nice and ominous, even if it doesn't mean a ton just yet.

Overall, really good #1! I'm intensely excited to see where the rest of the run takes us, even if we do have to wait until August to see the next part.

Now, to go make caps . . .