#that man is shippable with anyone and i do mean Anyone

[linkcharacter]

It’s lowkey fascinating to me that you don’t care for shipping when you are the one artist where I can go ‘yeah, I see it’ with Curly and Anya. Which isn’t to say that’s what I take away from it! Rather that you capture something that people who boil characters down into a certain ‘shipping’ mentality lose or miss.

So often it feels like Curly is made into Anya’s protector. A guard dog or golden boy, (ironically enough) boiled down into something an ideal shippable persona is projected onto. And then Anya is just. Wildly submissive, or her very real perspectives and experiences within universe are scrubbed/sanitized to make the relationship easier to exist within a romantic context.

Not everyone does this and I have no real judgement for people who do, like you do you, partake in media in the ways you enjoy always. But that approach, to me at least, loses the nuance of their very human and very complicated relationship with one another is lost. A nuance that I find fascinating, and that I’ve never found to be lost here.

You make good stuff. Human stuff. It’s refreshing to see.

Aw man thank you I'm so happy :') This means a lot

And yea, same, no real judgement for how you see a character or a dynamic, it's just a matter of taste and how you're personally enjoying or depicting them. I may not agree or understand it but idgaf it's not hurting anyone whatsoever.

[saltsongwc]

Would Tigerfoot would remain single in your au, or would he have a partner in secret, of so who and why?

No art, just yap.

Because it's so, so hard to pick a partner for Tigerfoot, A) Whitestorm still dies, and is still with Willowpelt and B) while I would say "Whitestorm x Willowpelt x Tigerfoot" I don't actually see a relationship with the three working, not that they wouldn't have tried, but I think very soon Tigerfoot starts realizing that while he loves Whitestorm, he doesn't love Willowpelt, but they love each other a lot, and being a third wheel will eventually be unhealthy.

Goldenflower x Tigerfoot is an option, and one I really like! I like them becoming mates in their old age, platonic soulmates maybe? How do you explain someone who by the time they are old (in the lake territories) are the only ones from their generation still alive, and who knows you better than anyone ever could, are they romantic? Well they say I love you, but it's not romantic, they would kiss and hug and be together, it's deeper, intimate, private. No one is quite sure. It's not really a moving on from past loves rather embracing a new one while remembering, and I like the potential of sadness by Tigerfoot dying in the badger attack and then Goldeflower following not long after.

I haven't even thought of someone outside of the clans, other medicine cats? Let's be honest Mudfur is giving happily widower who is content not to move on, and Barkface is old and married to Tallstar, Runningnose? I don't see it personally. What about warriors from other clans? Can't see it also, I don't think he's close with anyone outside of Thunderclan.

Tigerclaw is super shippable with like 90% of anyone he shares time with, but Tigerfoot? My man is a doctor that is working 5 to 23 monday to sunday 4 weeks a month 12 months a year with no breaks in between until he gets an intern, he's married to his job, workaholic, he needs someone to match his energy or lack thereof, and I do not have one right.

I ask you, please, to share someone if you want to see him kiss anyone, and if it's funny (and I mean hilarious, this is your time to throw everything and the sink), I'll consider making it canon.

Hear ye hear ye, For I declare his paw is up for marriage

[foryoufics]

Fake Flowers ch3

Taglist: @livingformintyoongi

Authors Note: Thankyou to everyone for the love on this fic 🩷 . A oc is briefly introduced in this chapter, spoken of but this ain't about her lol and there may be hints of moments that make YN and Jimin seem shippable

Warnings: angst, cussing, adult themes

"How was your day?" You have to smirk and laugh when he comes into your apartment for your Thursday lesson grinning like a possum with a giant chunk of cheese, you won't mention the tent you see pitched in his pants

"It was really nice," he giggles, "how was yours?" He puts his coat up on the hook by the door, one of many house warming purchases because he couldn't stand the emptiness

"It was good, I've just been studying. I see you went to see her today and looks like you had a good time, I wasn't interrupting was I? You're sure she's okay with our situation?"

"nah, you're fine. It was a very fun day, she wanted to tease me before I left even though I told her she has nothing to worry about with us, we just eat and study"

"Well, I'm glad you aren't embarrassed and you trust me, I won't tease you about it. I'm glad things are going well with her, you two are adorable," you smile and tell him honestly

"Thankyou," he grabs a bottle of water from the fridge then leans on the kitchen island to see what you're studying in your notes. "You've been doing really well with lessons by the way, lots of progress is just a couple of months"

"Thankyou, I've been trying really hard, I think the writing is the hardest because the characters appear more like little doodles to me than letters and words," you laugh, "so what did you two do today?"

"We went shopping this morning and then just hung out at her place before I came here. YN, I know it's only been a few months, but, I really like her, I think she might be the one"

"Yeah?" You can't stop yourself from being happy at his happiness, "I'm glad, really. You deserve it, hopefully I can be invited to the wedding"

"Ofcourse, a real one this time," he laughs

"Oh yeah yeah, ofcourse, it better be. So, what should we go over today?"

"Honestly I'm not sure," he chuckles, "you said you're struggling with writing so write me a paragraph on what you like about the country so far"

"Alright," you chuckle and start the task

"Hey, by the way, I was right," he smirks

"You were? Right about what?"

"The roses being your birth flower, June, Cancer, roses and honeysuckle"

"You really didn't give up on that for almost four months now," you chuckle and try to hide your face with your hair as you look down and write to hide your blush. This man was too sweet, YN none of this is real, it's work to him, he really isn't your friend so don't think too much into it. Fresh start remember. "Well, thankyou for caring so much. There really was no need for all the trouble"

"It wasn't any trouble, I wanted to know. I mean having to reach out and track down people from your past wasn't the easiest thing but other than that it was honestly kinda fun doing that; playing detective," he laughs

".....Who.....who did you track down?" You look up now to meet his eyes

"I had to start somewhere, so first I looked for you, I found some old social media which led me to your ex's friend's wife; the one who's wedding you caught the bouquet at.....I gained some knowledge from that....."

"So you know? That's embarrassing.....," you chuckle to keep from crying or something stupid like that

"I'm sorry YN...."

"Don't be, it is what it is. You have no reason to be sorry or concerned....," you assure him

"No, really, you're awesome and you didn't deserve that...."

"Yeah, thanks ......"

"If anyone does that to you again they have to deal with me"

"I'm used to it. I'm not worth it Gguk, but thanks....."

"No-"

"He was supposed to love you. You were engaged. There's no excuse for that behavior. If someone loves you they should want to shout it from the rooftops...."

"Can we....please not talk about it? It's the past, don't worry, I won't repeat it"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Just that I know better now"

"Well she told me how you were only invited because of him and said when you caught the bouquet she was shocked because you had been him twice as long as she and her husband were at that point and engaged the entire time they had been together, and she said from what she saw he ignored you most of the time for his friends, and that you never actually got married.....how long?"

You sigh in annoyance, ".....how long what?"

"How long were you together?"

"10 years, and I know your next question, about half that time"

"I'm really sorry YN....."

"It's fine. I'm fine. I knew the whole time he never wanted to anyway"

"What do you mean, he did ask you?"

"Technically"

"Technically?" He raises a brow and takes the pencil and paper away from you, sliding it aside and coming over to you. "He took a knee and asked you, right? Please tell me he had the decency to do that at least, she sent me the engagement photos, they were really nice"

"Aish....no he didn't and thanks, I'm glad, I begged for those, had to fight for them," you laugh to hold the flood gates back and damn from snapping like a twig. You were embarrassed enough

"YN.....what do you mean by that?"

"What I said, anyways, enough feeling bad for me. We were happy for you a few minutes ago can we please go back to that? You said people.....who else?"

"YN, look at me," he is directly in front of you, taking your hands, "Please don't make me, let me just wallow in embarrassment in peace huh?" You laugh

"No, look at me," when he had your eye contact he speaks, "Listen to me, don't ever do that again. Next time if he doesn't properly ask you, you don't accept. Don't let someone do you like that. You don't deserve that, you're a great girl, for real, and seriously come get me if someone disrespects you like that again.....have you ever been with anyone else?"

"Define with?"

"Well, dated, or y'know with..."

"Dated yes, with no"

"And them?"

"Highschool, most lasted a month at most and cheated so I left them and half of them I don't even remember their names, the last was for the summer before I met him-your ears are red, are you okay? Do you have a fever?" You feel his forehead

"No, I don't have a fever. That just makes me so mad," he drinks the water and kisses your forehead

"There's no need really, I'm used to it. Oh-....t-thankyou...."

"One day, I want you to invite me to your wedding," he holds up a pinky

"Ofcourse, but like I said I'm here for a fresh start, don't get your hopes up," you laugh and give him a pinky promise

"So who else did you find?"

"Your Eomma...."

"What?" Your eyes widen as he says that

"Ahuh.....why did you lie? She's not your mom, she was your Oppa's....friend"

"I didn't lie, she was my mom," you say firmly

He nods, "Alright, well....she told me your birthday"

"She re-," you take a sharp inhale and genuinely smile

"What?"

"Nothing," you shake your head and smile as you continue to write and he waits

"What do you mean you're used to it? You should try to write smaller and fit more...."

"Used to being last choice or not chosen," you shrug

"Hey guys," Jimin comes in, "Woe, it feels awkward in here ....," he eyes you both

"We weren't expecting you....," you smile

"Yeah, I know.....I uh....I didn't want to eat by myself so I thought I'd come over and surprise you," he holds up the bags in his hands, "Is that okay? Sorry, I feel like I'm interrupting something, you two alright? Gguk, I thought you were spending the day with-"

"Yeah I did and no, you're fine, we were just talking. So what are we cooking?"

"Oh, I brought the stuff to make that one pasta and seafood dish we had that one vacation to the states"

"So let me get this straight, you weren't expecting me to be here and you came to surprise her?" Jungkook raises a brow and glances between the two of you, "how often does this happen?"

"Not often," you reply in unison with Jimin to Jungkook's accusatory tone. Your response in a tone of honesty and innocence. His in one of slight defensiveness. However Jungkook was still looking at you with suspicious eyes. "What? Really." You tell him again.

"For real, I've only brought lunch over once, it was the day after the lake, I was just worried about her and wanted to bring something to apologize," Jimin assures him

"Oh, okay," it was obvious Jungguk was still reading something into this

"Thankyou Jimin, it's really sweet of you," you thank him

"You guys want me to go?" Jungkook asks

"No you're alright," you answer together again and both have to laugh and Jungkook is squinting at you both, "are you two fucking?"

"No!" Jimin rolls his eyes

"I literally just told you...."

"Sorry.....," Jungkook says seriously to you. "My bad, it's just guys don't do stuff like that without motive"

"Really? You know me better than that....," Jimin retorts in disbelief to him

"Yeah, sor-"

"I know. Hey, can we all just stop and eat?" You intervene

"Yeah," they both nod, "so if I wasn't expected to be here, I'll let you two cook"

"YN, do you mind starting? I need to speak with my brother in private for a second...."

"Sure...do you have a recipe?" He nods and gives you his phone with the recipe on it and you start preparing things while he pulls Jungkook into his room

"What the hell?"

"What the hell what?"

"I just thought that she doesn't ever see anyone but you and it would be something nice to do. I'm not trying to make any moves on her, I don't even see her like that. I just thought it would be fun, I don't know, now she doesn't trust me...."

"I'm sorry, you're right. I was out of line....so you're saying if things happened to go that way you would be against it?"

"No, no I guess I wouldn't I'm human but it wasn't my goal for coming. I was just thinking maybe she was wanting some food from home after being here for this long, I thought if I was living somewhere else I'd want something from home," he shrugs, "I just thought it would be nice"

"It is nice man....you're a good guy....sorry I made those accusations. Are you sure you don't want me to leave you two alone though? You can see where the night goes and I can stay the night with my girl, didn't want to leave to be honest anyway"

"I mean yeah, sure, have fun. All you had to do is say you are in love dude. Go," he laughs

"Thanks," Jungkook smiles and laughs going to the door, he hugs you and says where he's going and you wish him well

"Is it okay if he goes and I stay still?" Jimin checks with you upon reentering the kitchen

You nod, "ofcourse, I mean....if you want to"

"Sure I do," he comes over and joins you

"Y'know, we could if you wanted....," you say after a prolonged stretch of silence the entire time you cooked together except for the few times you both had to laugh at stupid silly little mishaps like dropping something, your impatience with the pasta, and when you accidentally cut your finger and he helped you clean and bandage it, "brought Band-Aids," he laughed, shaking the box and you have to laugh. "Thanks."

The silence returned as you eat other than your compliments to him for the food.

"Y'know we could if you wanted...."

"We could what?" He looks up at you

"We could fuck, I've got a nice bed, and why not? We will be accused anyway and you took the time and effort to do all of this...."

He only stares at you, you try to read his expression but you can't determine if it's shocked or maybe offended

"I was kidding...relax," you say quietly and honestly and try to laugh

"Okay, I'm sorry, please stop being all silent. I was joking....I wouldn't make you do that, I respect you too much..."

"Jimin, I really was joking....I'm sorry....."

He says nothing and finishes up around the same time as you, says nothing as you both do dishes

"Thankyou for coming to eat with me," you thank him again as you think he might be leaving, only to be grabbed by the waist and brought flush chest to chest with him

"Uhm....Jimin....," you could feel your breath intermingling as his brushed past your lips and yours past his, "Jimin....are you okay?"

"Yeah.....," he nods, "yeah......goodnight YN," he grabs the door knob and leaves

"What just happened?" You ask yourself when you're left alone and falling onto your couch, repeating the day in your head, in this moment you can't do it anymore and the damn breaks. You find yourself hugging a couch cushion for a while, another one of those Jungkook purchases, and don't realize when you eventually drift off to sleep from exhaustion there until you at some point hear the door being opened

"Hello?" You sit up and look to see who it is, you've never seen this man before, but, you're so exhausted and over everything you don't even feel a sense of fear and simply don't care

"Hi," the man bows and puts his hands up in surrender, "I'm not going to hurt you-Im Namjoon, I'm Jungkook's brother, he wanted me to come check on you-you don't look like you're alright"

"Oh.....thankyou.....I'm fine....."

"He said Jimin was here with you"

"He was. He left," you check the time on your phone, "a few hours ago....check on me why?"

"I'm not sure, he said you had a conversation earlier that he wouldn't give any details about and he just wanted me to come and see if you were okay"

"Oh....thanks.....well, as you can see I'm alright. I just ell asleep on the couch," you chuckle

"Alright, but may I be candid? You don't look like you're fine and I know you aren't actually married to Jungkook but he's closer to you than any of the past wives so I feel like you're my little sister," he chuckles, "I have a little sister, I wouldn't want to see her look she had cried herself to sleep.....is that what happened? Did Jimin do something? Jungkook?"

You shake your head no honestly

"Is there anything I can do to help? Ice cream~?"

You giggle and nod, "Yes please....and can you not tell anyone about this?"

".....Yeah, sure. Is this your coat?" You nod and he brings over for you to put on. "You've met Seokjin right?"

"A few times yes"

"He really likes you, says if Jungkook didn't meet what's her face he wanted you two to be together," he chuckles

"That's sweet. I'm glad he approves, Jungkook is so happy. He's saying she might be the one," you feel warm and genuinely happy again thinking of his happiness

"So he's said," Namjoon chuckles, "so what kind of ice cream do you like?"

"Butter Pecan is my favorite..."

"They might have that, have you ever had matcha soft serve?"

"Soft serve, no, but I like lattes"

"You have to try it. Mind telling me why you were upset if I promise I won't tell anyone?"

".....it was......just a long day....draining...."

"anything to do with my brothers? If they did anything I'll handle it or worse, I'll have my wife handle it, they're terrified of her," he laughs

"No....no, they're perfect gentleman"

"Good. I tried to raise them well"

"You did a wonderful job"

"Thankyou"

"Are you sure your wife would be okay with you going to get ice cream with me? I don't want her to be disrespected or anything, if you want you can just leave me there and I'll bring myself home, I'm sure she is waiting for you"

"YN, it's alright. My wife and I have the utmost trust in each other and she agreed with Gguk and sent me. She knows only she has my heart and besides we just became parents so I'm too tired to even think of doing something like that, I've been taking night shifts so she can sleep"

"Good, and congratulations," you smile and chuckle, "how old are they? What's their name?"

"He's seven weeks and he's is named after his uncle Taeyhung"

"That is so sweet. Your wife seems to be very lucky with you as a husband and your brothers as her brothers...."

"I'll be sure to tell her, I heard Jungkook say you had brothers that really weren't around?"

"Yes"

"What about your sisters, surely they looked after you"

"Not really," you chuckle

"Well, after this arrangement ends if you and everyone are still close I would like for you to meet some more of the family"

"Id be honored, thankyou"

"Ofcourse, girl you have no clue how close Jimin and Jungkook are with you. They won't shut up," he laughs

"Really? What do you mean? I'm nothing special," you laugh

"I wouldn't say that to them. Jungkook says you have your guards up"

"I don't....I don't want anyone to get too attached if it's not real....it's not just for me, then too"

"That's sweet of you but whatever is going to happen will happen. So, what do you think?"

"Hm?"

"Of the ice cream?" He eyes the half eaten cone in your hand

"Oh, I didn't realize-"

"Seems like you're feeling better," he chuckles and messes your hair

"Hey, what's that for?"

"You're my little sister," he shrugs, "but I need to go, duty calls. I'll get you a taxi and here's my number, make sure you let me and Jungkook know you're home safe," he adds his number to your phone

"No, I will text you. I've got it, go," you laugh and insist he leaves to go home

Walking into your apartment you hang your coat, send the text and then remember your paragraph on the table, Jungkook never read it, that was a relief and he never will. You rip the page out and fold it carefully, hiding it in hopes he'd never find it and go to bed trying to only think of how happy he is so you can feel peace and drift off

[just-antithings]

The really sick thing about people saying Ringo from Blue Eye Samurai isn't shippable is that in Edo era Japan, he and Mizu are both considered hinin: not people at all, not human in the eyes of society, due to being disabled and being mixed race respectively. Hinin were not permitted to marry outside of others in that caste in a highly stratified society with very little room for upward mobility. So not only is that rhetoric ableist, it's basically turning to the world and going, "And when people in the show say he's not a person because he doesn't have hands, they're pretty much right; Mizu isn't in the hinin tier for me, but the man without hands is, so they shouldn't be together." While you could, in theory, counter-argue by pointing out that they're both hinin, you could also watch the fucking show and realize that an ongoing theme is that your caste means nothing whatsoever in terms of determining if you're a good person or not, if you have worth, or if you should be forbidden/allowed to do certain things.

Much like prior anon I don't even ship it and I'm angry about it just on principle. Who the fuck are they, are any of us, to say that a man born without hands isn't deserving of a relationship? We know canonically Mizu doesn't agree with that! Mizu buys Ringo three nights with prostitutes in episode one (it makes sense in context), clearly the idea of him as untouchable isn't one the other person in this pairing supports. Hell, even the prostitutes, in the little we see of them, think there's nothing wrong with touching him and aren't repulsed by him being born without hands.

Yeah, Ringo calls himself deformed*, but... IDK, I thought it was pretty clear watching the show that this was framed as an incorrect statement. He has some self-worth issues after being mistreated by others, he's not actually deformed or so hideous he can't be loved.

The only people who argue anyone can be too ugly to be loved are villains in the show who are some of the worst, most despicable characters ever written. It's kind of mind-blowing to see people who are echoing those sentiments.

(* Actual disabled people feel free to weigh in on if a disabled man in the 1630's in Japan calling himself deformed is offensive; I'm not disabled, so IDK how y'all feel about that line. But Mizu doesn't agree with him in-universe that he's deformed when he says it.)

.

[xx-psych0-rabbit-xx]

Gooey for ask game?

my blog today is gonna be 99% these asks lmaooo

favorite thing about them:just a swell little dude :) just a small man nothing much going on behind those eyes :)

least favorite thing about them:whos out here disliking gooey da fack...

favorite line:"My name? Gooey? Maybe?" i dont believe gooey has lines beyond this but this is already so full of personality kumazaki howww do you do it.

brOTP: oh kirby :3 good friends !!! i think gooey also gets along w wave 1 n the not included animal friends

OTP:i dont think you like.is there anyone you can ship w gooey.theyre so not shippable n i mean that nicely

nOTP: ???

random headcanon:i sooo wish i had one but i do not.gooeys perfect you dont need to add anything else.

unpopular opinion:gooeys perfect who da hell is out here saying anything wrong abt him...

song i associate with them: unexpectedly, gooey!

favorite picture of them:

[bohemian-nights]

Even in the book it’s clear that the relationship between Rhaenyra and Daemon isn’t healthy (in fact you can make the argument that no romantic relationship depicted in any of George R.R. Martin’s work is completely healthy) and isn’t something anyone should strive for.

So when I first watched the show and saw the romantic twist they put on Rhaenyra and Daemon I was confused (as someone who read the book first HOTD is to me what the Percy Jackson movies are to that fandom, enjoyable but differing vastly from the source material) and not going to lie intrigued.

But then as the episodes went on I developed a very big love-hate relationship with Daemon. Episodes 6-7 pissed me off 🫠 Hooking up with anyone at the funeral of your wife isn’t cool (also Harwin who was Rhaenyra’s lover for ten years who she had three children with just died) I mean I get that everyone grieves in different ways but the fact that he slept with Rhaenyra especially when I know how he treated Laena (and his daughters to some extent) 🥴🙄

I would also like to say that I don’t play around with domestic violence (fictional and in the real world) so Daemon choking Rhaenyra really turned me off his character. It also felt like another moment in HOTD to showcase brutal violence against women.

There are a handful of potentially healthy romantic relationships(Rhaena and Garmund might have actually had a happy marriage), but yeah if someone is using Dumbnyra as an example of one 🫠

To me, the show never framed their relationship in a romantic context. I mean Rhaenyra is underage when we first meet her, she looks super young next to her overly grown uncle, and the necklace he gives her could constitute as grooming.

I think people got confused with the “switch up�� because they are the only “shippable couple”(I say this term loosely because shippable to this fandom equals too white people who breathe near each other hence why we have the clusterf*ck that is lucemond) on the show so far. If the red flags didn’t ring for people in episode one they should’ve rung by episode four when he abandoned her in the brothel. People seemed to ignore this because she’s 18, but abandoning someone in a dangerous place they aren’t familiar with no matter their age is really scary

This is going to be a very controversial take(I’m not a person who gets off on seeing domestic violence), but it seems like the choking scene was necessary since people thought Dumbnyra was supposed to be a romantic couple 🤷🏽‍♀️

Daemon from day one was a crazy a**hole who hardly cared about anyone. He does have redeeming qualities in the book(notably how is with Laena and Nettles, which they better not screw over because Ryan Condal himself has said the man is a gray character and she’s his only light now), but so far they’ve cut those parts out and turned him into a man obsessed with his brother.

Rhaenyra, as are all the other women in his life, is a causality of his obsession. People wanted her to be his exception, but she was never framed in that way. In fact, she’s one of his first “victims.”

Daemon has not changed fundamentally since episode one. So it makes sense why he’d violently snap at her too. Out of all the violent scenes directed at women in the past season, the choking scene makes the most sense to me.

Like I said above, I hope we do see him change(and yes I’ll be biased and say I want him to change for Nettles like he did in the books) because he is supposed to be a morally gray character, but Rhaenyra is not part of the lighter side of him.

[theunchainedmelody]

Shipping Super-post: Why Sorayla is a great ship

Time to talk about a ship that is special to me and needs more discussion. Before I get into it, I'm not trying to make anyone ship Sorayla. And before you think me a heathen, understand that Rayllum is my OTP. Just browse my Tumblr account if you need proof. But I am a multishipper and I think this little ship needs more love and attention. It DOES NOT mean I don't want Rayllum to stay together. I do. So here we go. Here's some reasons why Sorayla makes a great couple:

1. They're jock bros. Soren and Rayla are both physical fighters, using blades as their weapons of choice. They are both athletic and like to show it off. This is seen with Rayla showing off her acrobatics to the Dragang and Soren being proud of his bod. It's one of the many things that make them birds of a feather, and means they could totally spar and work out together as a couple. Also... They do spar! Rayla clearly enjoys facing him.

2. They have fun chemistry. Rayla and Soren have a lot of fun banter. Despite her annoyance with him early on, Rayla indulges Soren more than other opponents. While they get only her disgruntled scowls, Rayla exchanges jabs with Soren and is, generally, more playful around him. Even if they're both meatheads, Rayla is the more grounded of the two with her often playing the straight man to his funny man. It's pure bromance mixed with some potential for enemies to lovers.

3. They both want to impress their father but turned on him to do the right thing. One of the most compelling parts of a good pairing is shared experiences (often trauma). And these two both have daddy issues galore. They crave the approval of their father or father figure. Rayla wants Runaan to not hate her and to prove herself as an assassin. Soren wants his father to see him as capable and worthy. But Soren and Rayla have good hearts that override this desire. They choose to do what's right and so they both defy and fight their own fathers. Rayla and Soren are heroes with strong moral compasses. Also fun fact: They both tried to kill Viren to save someone.

4. Rayla really cares about Soren. Much of the fandom views Rayla as seeing Soren as a nuisance and she certainly expresses that a few times. However we also see Rayla has come to respect Soren by Season 3. And in Season 4, Rayla spends most of the season worrying about his well being, and is overjoyed that he's alive to the point she looks ready to kiss him when she finds him alive (see the header image).

5. Canon scenes that make them shippable:

Soren and Rayla bonding over not wanting Callum & Claudia to flirt. I feel like this was a bit of intentional shiptease by the writers (double juicy as Rayla may have been crushing on Callum as well).

Soren canonically liking the idea of Rayla being interested in him (the fandom pretends this scene doesn't exist):

Rayla realizing she likes and respects Soren and him being playful back:

Rayla casually touching Soren:

Rayla being really really happy he's alive:

Scandalous hand holding:

6. They look good together: Just look at that aesthetic. Think of the beautiful babies they'd have. Artwork by me:

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed this Sorayla super post. To all my fellow Sorayla shippers, I'm down for all discussion and I'm eager to see your Sorayla fanart, fics, memes, and headcanons! ^-^

[aspiring-creative-person]

A little into season 2 of DS9 and I’m obsessed. I haven’t yet met a main character I didn’t like. And there’s so many great ships and friendships and rivalries??

(Long post just me rambling about each main character)

Ok first we have Quark. I hated the Ferengi until this show, and now I love them so much. He is a little menace, but he has really smart moments and he’s just such a fun character?!?

Odo! He is so sad and such a little squishy, he needs friends. I immediately shipped him and Quark, because they’re just?? So shippable?? Enemies to lovers anyone?? Of course they do actually like each other deep down 😄

Julian Bashir, British, Doctor, and playboy. In that respect he is the new Kirk, the new Riker. He’s got an ego but a charming grin and just?? Lol so silly. And he has his moments where he takes charge and it’s like 😳

People ship him with Garak, I’ve only seen like 2 episodes with him so far but he is a delight. He’s so goofy. No he won’t tell you his theories and plans. You gotta think for yourself. What does that smirk mean?? Just a humble tailor, plain simple Garak my a—

Jadzia Dax???? Love her. So adorable. Just smiling to herself when she thinks of her past. Telling stories. Has 7? 8? Lifetimes to think about and draw from. Finds simple delights in the world. Makes friends with everyone. Just such a sweet person.

Miles O’Brian. Workaholic. Pride in his work, likes to feel useful. Has a family, protective over them and would do anything for them. I haven’t actually gotten to know him super well so I don’t have a lot to say.

Keiko O’Brian, also wants to feel useful. She notices what needs to be done and steps up to do it. Not only is this a functional thing that makes sense in the world and context, but it gives her as a character and as a person, purpose.

(Also their marriage in general is very sweet.)

Miles and Julien’s rivalry, and from what I can tell eventual really close friendship but I haven’t gotten to that point yet. I can tell I will be obsessed with it later though.

Kira!! Traumatized, angry, and deeply caring. She wants to help as many people as she can, and she wants to protect people. She grows so much as a person even in the first season and a half?? Yes combative but she has good reasons, and she really does grow to respect people even when they have more authority and disagree.

Kira and Jadzia Dax are such cute friends?? They just gossip and chatter as they do their lighter work, and it’s just so cute?? But also Jadzia isn’t afraid to call out Kira when she needs it. They are literally best friends and also very shippable. I love them.

Kira and Odo is a fun friendship I didn’t expect right away?? They respect the hell out of each other and care about each other very much and it’s just?? So sweet?? And Odo being very uptight and Kira being combative and for her people but also through systems, they have fairly compatible world views? It actually makes sense lol.

Sisko of course!! The commander? Not Captain.. forgot what his title is lol. Anyway, just a dude who loves baseball. And his son. Does his best to be a father. You can tell how much he cares about his son. Respects people who disagree with him. Just wants the best for Bajor and the federation. Does a lot of delicate work.

Sisko and Dax being old-time friends, and him calling Jadzia an old man will never get old to me. So silly haha. Endless potential here.

Jake is Sisko’s son, and he’s just your average teenage boy. Wants to make his father proud, likes pretty girls, has a troublemaker friend…

And Nog, of course, child Ferengi and Human forming an unlikely friendship. A very fun duo.

That’s all I can think of for now, I think all the main characters and most of the pair combos.

I feel like Quark and Garak would get along. Tailor and someone in touch with their fashion? Yes.

Also spoilers for the beginning of season 2…

When Kira was gonna leave and then people just kept walking in to say goodbye or comfort her or try to get her to stay… just 🥲🥲 literally so sweet. Especially Odo!! I didn’t realize how close those two were until that moment, and they do explode that later as well. Just!!!!

I love this series. I think it is my favorite Star Trek show so far (I’m watching them in release order).

I feel like a lot of people like TNG more than DS9? But honestly there are so many iconic duos in DS9 and there kind of aren’t in TNG (except for Data and Geordi, and Picard and Q).

[sizzlingpatrolfox]

there was a post on reddit (about toxic taekook shipping) about how a lot of se asian fans take loveships seriously even when they're not real (like reality tv couples) and they'll still ship them if they are in a relationship with another person. it's shipping to the extreme.

Whether we realize it or not, whether we admit it to ourselves or not, 50% of shipping is fantasy 🤷‍♀️ we never know the full story, and even when we do, some people still cling to what they think it's true. Case in point, Jungkook saying that the J is for JK and jikookers clinging to "he can't say it's for JM but it's actually for JM"

50% real is that the J actually exists. 50% fantasy is what the shippers think it means.

Same happens with everything else. We're only seeing this side of things, we don't know what it actually looks like on their side, which is reality reality for BTS members.

I really wouldn't like to disrespect anyone either, but there's misogyny everywhere, right? It exists in all forms and sizes, and in every corner of the planet. So there's also a lot to be talked about and even studied when it comes to failed dating experiences and men who are just awful to young girls and women in general. There's a lot of idealization of romantic relationships, and they find that ships are an outlet for those ideals. There is a reason why shippers are usually straight women. Why aren't they shipping women? Have you seen the beautiful twice girls feeling each other up? They could be so shippable too. But no, it's only men that get shipped with each other because straight women are attracted to men, and they want or have romantic relationships with men. Seeing themselves as part of a girl/girl ship makes no sense because they don't have romantic idealizations about other women.

I've heard about those shipping "tendencies" in se Asian countries. If they don't like the actual couple, because their idea of love is different, and they think A and B don't have as much chemistry as A + C, well... Imagination is free.

Sometimes I guess it gets more personal and it's just not enough to daydream about finding that perfect guy, so ships are a great medium to somehow see that fantasy come to live.

Like??? You look at this and they look so happy and comfortable with each other. Is it really wrong to wish for something like that? Is it really a condemnable act to see love here and other hundred of similar moments? It's not.

(I really would be besties with taekookers if they hadn't messed with Jimin in the first place).

All across the board, I really see a lot of people just using the ships as vessels to materialize their own romantic ideals. And like yeah, taekookers have taken that to a pathological level, but it happens with all BTS ships. They want their ship to want each other because it is what they would want for themselves. The amount of times I've seen comments that go like

- Jungkook wouldn't want Jimin because he's ugly but Taehyung is beautiful so he wants Tae

- How can Jimin resist himself around this hot sexy talented man like Jungkook?!

- Jimin is so nice, how could Jungkook not want to fuck him in the ass???

Projection at its best 😭

The "how could A not want to do this which I would totally do if I were him?"

The "I want what they have!" like that's a thing people literally say all the time and they mean ittttt.

The "I wish someone would look at me like that"

There's just so much projection and putting personal feelings and aspirations onto BTS.

Just because shippers think something sounded flirty or romantic, it doesn't actually mean that BTS themselves interpreted it the same.

Overall there's nothing wrong in anything that I've said. Imagination is a good thing and people can fantasize about a non existent romantic life all they want. There's nothing wrong to "want that for themselves" as long as they are aware of that brain process. I'm actually understanding of the whole thing because I sometimes fall into the daydreaming too but I know that it's just that, imagination. I don't try to hold my fantasy together with theories and excuses if I see that reality is denying what I initially believed to be true.

It's not sane to take that into real life and hate a real life person as if they were actively part of your fantasy. Taekookers have completely integrated Jimin into their personal love story. Taekook only exists as long as Jimin is not in the picture. They literally took Jimin and said "he's the one getting in between and ruining the perfect little family that I created with taekook in my head". How is it that Namjoon and Taehyung also commented on Jungkook's lives, and they were all very sweet and interactive, but Jimin doing the same was a problem?

Maybe in those regions of the world these shippers are impacted by social issues more than other people, simply because of general culture and understanding of romantic relationships, and the more they feel something precious to them is being threatened, the more dangerous they become. Simply because if they don't have that beautiful thing, they don't have anything else.

[endless-oc-creations]

Fandom + BG3 & TWD?

My two favorite obsessions in the world?! This might be a little long answer then!

I'm gonna put a Keep Reading tab so everything doesn't get lost!

Send me a fandom

First up is BG3!

The first character I first fell in love with:

Answer: Listen, everyone was talking about Astarion so I was intrigued by him, thinking he would be my ABSOLUTE favorite, but as soon as my eyes laid on Karlach and heard her voice, saw her in action...I was HOOKED, LINE AND SINKER for her! So I probably fell for her first. Then Astarion.

The character I never expected to love as much as I do now:

Answer: Honestly....Gale. I just heard things about him talking about his ex-lover Mystra and can kinda seem like he's a know it all at everything. But obviously, since I played and even started romancing him with Asha...he's such a great character with a great story. Like all the BG3 party let's be honest... He has so much emotion and love for your Tav even when you're not romancing him. (If you make the right choices that is lmao) He just wants to show off his magic skills and be praised! 🥺

The character everyone else loves that I don’t:

Answer: Enver Gortash seems pretty popular in the fandom, but I can't stand him...It might be because I'm biased and he brought harm and trauma to my wife Karlach. I don't care for Minthara either? But in her defense, I hadn't really gotten a chance to because I've killed her twice already before she could potentionlly join later on 💀

The character I love that everyone else hates:

Answer: I honestly don't think I do? I mean I love a character that I think doesn't get enough love in the fandom like he deserves so I don't know if that counts? But I'm gonna name him anyway, that character is our favorite Warlock boy Wyll Ravengard.

The character I used to love but don’t any longer:

Answer: I don't think I have any? I've always loved all the parties and can't think of a character I met that I loved and ended up not loving anymore throughout the story.

The character I would totally smooch:

Answer:...There's a whole list for that as well...But number one is from my wife, Karlach. Number two is my husband, Halsin.

The character I’d want to be like:

Answer: That's a toughie...But I honestly can't think of anyone else besides Karlach. She's so strong and open and despite everything that life throws at her she carries on and laughs. SO I guess I would want to be like her.

The character I’d slap:

Answer: ...Do you want a list? But I guess one would be Araj Oblodra. No means no god damn it! Leave my bestie Astarion alone!

A pairing that I love:

Answer: I love far too many...Like they are all so GOD DAMN COMPATIBLE AND SHIPPABLE! I mean this concerning the main party members like they all belong together. So...Partycule superiority!!! But, if I had to pick just one pairing I love the most...it would be Wyll x Karlach. I would die on this hill of them destined for one another.

A pairing that I despise:

Answer: Astarion/Cazador...Cazador can drop dead and my boy Astarion deserves the world.

NOW ONTO TWD

The first character I first fell in love with:

Answer: Well, It was Rick if I'm being honest, Daryl was kinda oh I'm intrigued but I don't know if I love you yet type of thing but after the first season this man became my absolute favorite, my baby, I would die for him.

The character I never expected to love as much as I do now:

Answer: It's Daryl, that man is my whole world. I never expected to fall so hard for him when I first watched the first season of The Walking Dead.

The character everyone else loves that I don’t:

Answer: Fucking Negan ��

The character I love that everyone else hates:

Answer: Carol! I love her but the majority of the fandom doesn't seem to like her.

The character I used to love but don’t any longer:

Answer: I can't really think of one...If I liked someone I usually still liked someone, if I disliked someone...I probably still dislike someone,

The character I would totally smooch:

Answer: Daryl, Rick, Michonne, Glenn, Maggie, and Beth, they are my heart and soul.

The character I’d want to be like:

Answer: I would be Michonne! She's such a badass queen and I adore her strength and character!

The character I’d slap:

Answer: Fucking Andrea! I can't stand her!!

A pairing that I love:

Answer: Rick x Daryl 100%!!!! They own my heart and obsession.

A pairing that I despise:

Answer: Maggie x Negan! Like when Dead City first aired I was FLOORED with all the comments from people thatMaggie should just kiss Negan already and forget what he did to Glenn. Like I beg your finest pardon?!? That man murdered the love of her life right in front of her eyes and caused so much pain to her family.

[astralleywright]

ngl i think ashton is treated the same as beau was. people laud their character development of becoming nicer when it's really a cover for "finally, they're not a hysterical angry bitch anymore!" which you can tell because a vast swath of post-campaign content assigns beau the role of "background lesbian". obviously ashton is not a woman nor a lesbian but i do remember people more or less ignored them until they started to be nicer, and thus more palatable and shippable with laudna or orym

yeah lol i mean i remember seeing so many "oh i like Ashton now???" posts in the tag in the last 15 or so eps, especially after their post-reunion sea change. which like on one hand, fine! i cannot blame anyone for not vibing with someone clearly meant to be caustic and offputting, both on a character creation level and also as an intentional front in-character, even if Ashton and i are similar enough that it's like, i do not think you'd like me in real life, or at least me from 5 years ago. and i think it's based and epic to like characters who suck so bad, and i think some people just refuse to engage further with a character who is unlikeable or overtly flawed, which is how we get people who stan the Only Sane Man Moral Compass Hero's Journey version of Orym. but i also get that there’s a difference between a character being unlikeable in a way that's appealing and a character being unlikeable in a way that one personally finds fucking unbearable. it's a noble and difficult goal to enjoy and analyze a character in the latter category (this is a grand experiment i'm trying with FCG), so like if ppl can't do it i prefer them not saying anything until they have something nice to say, i guess.

But with all that being said, there are still big obvious chunks of Ashton's story that ppl mostly ignore or brush over. Namely their recent antipathy towards the gods, interest in the primordials not just for backstory reasons but as a source of identity and meaning, and reclaiming of Hishari imagery. i think there's this assumption that the ideas and beliefs Ashton is embracing right now are a temporary stop to his real destination as like, Champion of the Luxon Who Thinks The Gods Are Alright? or at least, if not a response to where they think he's going, then one to where they want him to go, because they think the persepctives he's currently embracing are Inherently Bad and Incorrect and that the narrative should/will correct him. (shoutout to the post i saw that suggested Ashton's hero arc was a reaction to them realizing they did the wrong thing in Hearthdell but not wanting to admit it lol. amazingly bad post)

[kukuandkookie]

The comments I left look out of order on mobile and idk if it’s the same on desktop, so I’ll just copy and paste them here, with a couple additional thoughts (sorry for probably bombarding your notifications OP) asjakfl:

Somehow found this in the donghua tag haha. And well I see a lot of people already expressing their thoughts, but I honestly think this is pretty subjective—as in, if you don’t like them, even when they get better, it may not be enough for you to like them. It’s all a matter of opinion and whether you vibe with this specific character/couple dynamic! For me, I love Bingqiu because of their contrast (the mighty and elegant, cool-as-a-cucumber (haha) Peak Lord is an actual meme-lord who’s constantly panic-yelling inside and pretending to be cool; the (originally) badass shounen/harem hero is now a clingy crybaby lover), but also because it’s a unique love story. Hualian has obsession in their dedication too, sure, but most readers view it as the healthier of MXTX’s couples and thus hold it on a higher pedestal. Bingqiu is like the skrunkly “low-class” pathetic meowmeow of MXTX’s main ships (that lower class, skrunkly feel is also sort of thanks to the fact SVSSS is, from the start, a parody and a comedy, even with the darker elements and implications), but I do think it’s fair to say that their romance gets better overall. Bingqiu’s main thing is learning to communicate but also healing: Shen Qingqiu’s presence in Luo Binghe’s life teaches him there’s still warmth and love in the world, and that he can still trust humanity. This renders our Luo Binghe, Bing-mei, completely different from his original counterpart, Bing-ge, who has gone the route of a successful xianxia hero and harem male lead, yet cannot trust anyone. Meanwhile, Luo Binghe’s feelings help open up Shen Qingqiu’s ability to confront and deal with emotions and also let people in (and to finally acknowledge that he’s come to see this book world’s characters as more than “just” characters) because that man sucks at addressing said emotions. Because of his preference for compartmentalizing all feelings, Shen Qingqiu is arguably an unreliable narrator and Luo Binghe is actually under a lot of mental duress from outside elements during the plot of the novel that makes him act much more out of control and volatile, which you’ll see more of eventually. I’ll also leave one of my old Twitter threads here that explains what is shippable and lovable about Bingqiu despite—or because of—their flaws. If you can’t view it because you don’t have Twitter or something, apparently it also got reposted on Tumblr. 😆 Oh, honestly I have a lot of threads on Bingqiu lol. Here’s another and another (this one is still one of my favourite things to mull over even now) and another. But basically, Bingqiu is about character growth haha. And they do become more romantic at the end (albeit with some HUGE missteps; for example, thanks to the influence of the sword Xin Mo), but if you still don’t like them at the end… Eh. Some of that “unhealthy” vibe is just kind of a classic BL/danmei couple dynamic—in terms of having an easily jealous and even possessive male lead—albeit with a goofier twist here. Also, I just really like Bunhe (little Binghe) KSGJHDFS. And I mean, if someone you loved and admired who was also once quite kind to you—albeit only after abusing you for a while, who even told you that demons can be good too, suddenly hypocritically shoved you into what is essentially hell without explanation after finding out you are a demon and only ever assumed the worst of you and ran away whenever you tried to talk to him after doing your best to crawl out of that hell to get back to him; and although you worked so hard to become a good hero and a strong protector for him, he continuously refuses to explain anything or even try to get to know the current you... Yeah, all that plus the demonic stuff negatively influencing Luo Binghe... It’s no wonder he kind of broke mkfsjfsjfs.

Ok SVSS fans help me out. I’m on book 2, almost finished it. And i’m really really not happy with how Luo Binghe’s character has been set up and i can’t sense any romantic chemistry between him and the MC. I know MXTX often drabbles in toxic/controlling/obsessive relationship tropes but this just feels way too off for me. I’m kinda close to stop reading cuz of how frustrated I am with how it’s been going so far.

My question is, does it get better after? Ngl im kinda exhausted with the main couple rn. Like Hualien have the obsessive trope too but their chemistry was impeccable and very con/dub con. But this just feels forced to me.

Help a girl out? :)

[basket-of-radiants]

Take that I am unsure the temperature of: Anyone who thinks Kaladin and Shallan should date has fundamentally misunderstood the point of the whole love triangle arc, which was about being in love with the image of someone vs being in love with the actual person. Kaladin and Shallan were in love with their perceptions of each other but didn't care to actually understand each other beyond the images they'd built. They only saw each other as ideals, not real human beings.

[bunnypig18]

Make it up to You

Stray Kids/Ateez fic for @skzseasons Hot Dom Summer Event! Prompt: Dom!Skz (AO3 Link)  Relationship: Bang Chan/Choi San Tags: NSFW, Dom!Chan, Sub!San, Choking, Mild Verbal Humiliation, Daddy Kink, Hand Jobs, Teasing, Begging Word Count: 2.4k Summary: Chan feels bad for ruining San's cardigan. San knows how Chan can make it up to him. A/N: My Stray Kids/Ateez agenda prevails!!! And of course it's with Chan again, cause Chan is just really shippable with literally anyone and everyone. I have thought a lot about Kingdom recently, so this is after the sports event where Chan stretched San's cardigan by hanging onto it for dear life lmao Honestly, I'm not very happy with how it turned out. It really is just them being horny af, but yeet yeet, I'm still happy I wrote it Pls enjoy!! Comments and Reblogs are as aways appreciated~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I really am sorry about the cardigan," Chan said, frown growing deeper.

San huffed in amusement and waved his hand.

"Don't worry about it! You can make it up to me!"

"Right. I can buy you a new one?"

Humming thoughtfully, San swayed from side to side, hands crossed on his back. With his advantage in height and broad shoulders, San simply was bigger most of the time. It was these rare moments like now when he acted all giddy and shy that he felt smaller compared to Chan. He liked that feeling. If Chan had any idea what he was doing, was another question, always so polite and nice.

But San had noticed the glances. He knew about Chan watching his fancams from Changbin. San wished Chan knew what he was doing to the younger and did it on purpose.

"I don't need a new one."

"No? I can…buy you something else?"

San sighed and leaned back against the wall. Chan stepped closer, curiosity peeking behind the guilt that filled his pretty eyes. So bright and yet sharp, an innocent predator.

San smiled.

"I know a lot of fun ways to make it up to me."

"Maybe I can…buy you food?"

San huffed, pursing his lips into pout. Usually his sultry voice was enough to get the other party to understand his intentions, but either San had been wrong or Chan was just dense. Or maybe something else - too sweet to ever consider that his junior could ask something like this from him. It had to be. No way San had been wrong about all the glances and comments.

He had to know.

"Hyung-"

San grabbed the front of Chan's black t-shirt and pulled him even closer, close enough that San could see the way Chan's pupils dilated. His pout curled into a smirk and he tilted his head, blinking - hopefully - in a cute way.

"-think about it. What fun things could two men do in their free time together?"

"I…I don't…"

"You know, hyung."

Chan visibly swallowed. For just a moment, his eyes darted downward. San stuck out the tip of his tongue, licking over his bottom lip, and Chan's eyes widened a little more.

"I- San, I don't-" Chan swallowed again and glanced back up.

"Was I wrong, hyung?"

"About what?"

Heat creeped into San's cheeks and his grip loosened on Chan's shirt, but he still clung to that little bit of hope. So he ignored the blooming shame of possibly being wrong and pouted again.

"Hyung!" he whined, "Don't make me say it!"

"San, I really don't know what you mean."

And Chan looked so damn sincere about it all. San groaned and stomped his foot once, arms wiggling, jolting the older man a little in the process.

"Hyung, please!"

"You can tell me," Chan said, voice growing lower as he leaned in, until it was only a whisper, "I won't judge, baby."

A shudder chased down San's spine. He couldn't help the whimper slipping his lips. The corners of Chan's mouth quirked up for a second.

He knew. He fucking knew and he was playing with San. It was literally everything San could have asked for.

"Need-"

San shifted against the wall and a sudden hand slammed right next to his head, stilling him instantly.

"Come on, baby," Chan drew even closer, their breaths mingling hot between them, "tell daddy what you need."

San outright moaned at that. His cock twitched and he squeezed his thighs together. Chan smirked, chuckling lowly, the sound crawling under San's skin. He gripped the man's shirt tighter and thin fingers curled around his wrist. Chan moved closer and closer, crowding San against the wall until he was caught between it and a firm chest.

San took a shaky breath, eyelids fluttering.

"Daddy, please…" he whispered, his mind already reeling with arousal.

Chan's cock pressed right against his and even through the layers of tight pants, San could tell the older man was just as affected. And he was also big. San couldn't help but roll his hips, squeezing his eyes shut as it chased heat through his whole body. He dropped his head back, legs shaky, and he clumsily repeated the motion.

An embarrassing squeak slipped his tongue as a firm hand snapped shut around his jaw. He blinked against the blur of pleasure and met Chan's eyes, both an abyss of something primal. San shuddered and his cock throbbed.

"You need to tell me, baby, or daddy can't help you."

"I need you, daddy! Need your dick!"

Chan cocked his head and blew gently over San's lips in a mockery of a kiss. An evil smirk curled his lips as San whimpered.

"Say please~"

"Daddy!"

Chan shook his head and leaned back a little. San immediately tried to chase after him, but the hand around his jaw slipped deeper, curling its bony fingers around his throat. With just enough pressure that San gasped, but could still breath fine, the hand effectively pinned him to the wall.

"Come on, baby, I know you can say it."

San pouted again, lips opening to protest, but the words died on his tongue as the fingers squeezed. His mouth fell open around a soft moan and Chan huffed in amusement.

"I could probably get you to come just like that, couldn't I?"

Chan drew closer again, brushing past San's face and pressing his lips against his ear instead.

"I just keep calling you baby and choke you a little and you cream your pants like a teenage boy touching a boob for the first time."

San whimpered and shifted, cock painfully straining against the zipper, but Chan had moved his hips away, leaving San to hump the air. He squeezed his eyes shut and wrapped a hand around Chan's wrist near his throat, the grip loose, and San wasn't sure if he was begging Chan to stop or continue. All he knew was that he was enjoying this.

"Baby-"

San cracked an eye open at the softness lacing Chan's voice. It also sparked in his expression, mixing with a hint of concern and hunger.

"Can you tell daddy what you want?"

Nodding a little against the restraints, San licked his lips, blinking until he could properly look at Chan.

"I want you, daddy. Please…"

"What do you want exactly?"

"Everything, please…Everything you want to give me…"

Chan smiled almost sweetly, only the dark depths of his eyes breaking the picture. His hand slipped away from the wall and instead, found their place hooked into the waistband of San's pants. The other hand remained at his throat, occasionally squeezing just the slightest bit, a reminder, a promise, a threat, San couldn't quite decide.

"Do you want daddy to kiss you first?"

"Yes yes yes! Please-"

San gasped as soft lips found his. His eyes fluttered shut and Chan leaned in closer, deepening the touch. Pliant and eager, San opened his mouth and a curious tongue slipped inside. There was no hesitation as it licked into every nook and cranny it could reach, like it was trying to map out the inside of San's mouth.

San moaned sweetly and dug his fingers into Chan's biceps. A low groan slipped the older man's lips. San gripped tighter, nails digging harder, and he swallowed another noise from Chan. Eager for more, San clawed higher, like trying to rip through the shirt, until his nails scratched along Chan's shoulder blades. They pressed close again and their clothed cocks rubbed together, eliciting another moan from San.

Both gasped as they pulled apart, chests heaving. San's heart threatened to beat right out his torso, legs outright shaking and he was sure that only the hand around his throat kept him from falling. His lips tingled, like burned from hot coffee, tasting of the sour candy Chan had eaten right before.

Fingers tugged at San's pants, pulling his attention back to the moment.

"Want daddy to touch you now?" Chan asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Can you fuck me? Please?"

"So impatient, baby…"

"Please! I need-"

San gasped, eyes growing wide. The fingers around his throat tightened again and San bucked his hips, but was slammed back against the wall by Chan's other hand.

"You need what daddy gives you," Chan whispered right against San's lips.

Another whine slipped, choked out between meek attempts of taking a breath. The fingers loosened and he gasped, coughing and heaving, shaking all over. Tears stung in the corners of his eyes and a brief spark of concern crossed Chan's expression. San was quick to kill it by moaning, hips shifting against the hand holding them down.

"You're so cute, baby. So eager."

Chan leaned back a little and let his eyes wander up and down San's body. The heat in San's face grew into a burn, on the edge of uncomfortable. He blinked and tears dripped down his cheeks, too hot against his skin. A hint of salt filled his mouth as he inhaled shakily.

Chan hooked his fingers back into the waistband of San's pants, tugging and brushing skin with hard knuckles and sharp nails. Every little touch had San twitching, whimpers and incoherent whines falling from his red bitten lips.

"You want daddy to touch you now?"

San nodded eagerly.

"Use your words, baby."

"Want- want daddy to touch me…"

"Good boy."

San's cock twitched and another thick drop if pre-come soaked the front of his underwear. Any other time, he might have been embarrassed, but all he could think about were the fingers dipping between underwear and skin, ghosting past where he needed it the most. They slipped out and San sighed disappointingly, earning him another quick squeeze around his throat.

The pants button popped open and San was sure his heart was going to follow, the anticipation straining the seams. Slowly, Chan pulled down the zipper, humming thoughtfully.

"Sannie, baby-"

San blinked through the tears and met Chan's eyes.

"-hold your shirt up for me."

"W-what?"

"Just a little, so I can better see."

Swallowing against the shame, San grabbed the edge of his shirt. How many times have Atiny's seen his stomach? And why were his hands still shaking as he lifted the thin cotton? Chan's eyes widened just enough that San noticed and he had to look away or else he would have been consumed by the raw hunger shining in the older man's blown pupils. Fingertips dipped between his muscles, following the lines with the slightest bit of pressure. San tried to hold back his breathing, the movements of his stomach, but it only made it worse.

Chan huffed and soft lips pressed against San's skin, right under his ear. He shuddered, squeezing his eyes shut. As the fingers wandered lower, so did Chan's mouth, exploring the curve of his jaw and along his neck where his other hand tightened its grip. San gasped. Chan swallowed the sound as he kissed San again, tongue licking inside without hesitation.

As their kiss deepened, Chan dropped both his hands to grab San's pants and underwear. Tugging them lower, San's cock sprung free, hard and heavy and drooling excessively.

One hand slipped back up to San's throat. The other curled its thin fingers around the base of his cock and stroked upward, chasing a shudder up San's spine. It ended in another high pitched moan, muffled by Chan's lips and tongue assaulting every inch of San's mouth. He could barely breathe through it all, only getting glimpses of air when Chan bit his bottom lip and pulled at it. More and more tears spilled down his cheeks, his vision a blur, mind a haze.

Chan gathered his pre-come with his fingers, smearing it all along San's shaft. It wasn't as good as lube, but it offered a smooth slide nonetheless as Chan's firm hand stroked up and down the cock. San moaned, rolling his hips, practically fucking Chan's fist. Desperate through the feeling of floating, San clawed at Chan's biceps, nails digging deep, and he hoped against all better judgment that he was leaving marks.

The kiss broke apart and they both gasped. San's moans spilled freely, growing louder and longer with every stroke of Chan's hand. He kept closing his eyes just so open them again, each time shuddering under the dangerous attention from Chan.

"Daddy…daddy…" San whimpered, one hand founding its place around Chan's wrist.

It was enough to make Chan understand what he wanted and his fingers tightened. San's mouth fell open, a thin string of drool dripping from the corner. The grip on his throat slowly cut off any ability to breathe and his moans melted into desperate squeaks and choked gasps.

San's hips stuttered, eyes rolling back. Chan increased his efforts as San's thrusts turned sloppy, stroking him faster, grip smooth and overwhelmingly hot. Soft lips scattered kisses along San's jaw and throat. Here and there, sharp teeth brushed skin, each time chasing shivers down his spine. The heat in his guts outright burned him, growing and filling every bit of his inside until it overflowed.

With one last clumsy thrust, San stilled. Immediately, the hand loosened around his throat and he moaned shamelessly loud as his come spilled all over Chan's fingers. They kept stroking him through it all, milking him of every drop into overstimulation.

San whimpered and slipped down the wall a little, shaking from head to toe. The last bit of orgasm haze numbed every nerve and he didn't realize Chan was moving until he was pulled into a tight hug, strong arms securely wrapped around his waist. San released a shaky breath and buried his face in Chan's neck, breathing in deeply the natural musk that had him almost ready for another round.

"Sannie," Chan whispered with the sweetest voice, "are you okay?"

San meekly nodded, fingers twisting in Chan's shirt for any kind of support. He was gently moved to the floor, where he stretched out his legs and leaned back against the wall, but he didn't quite let go of Chan. A smile decorated Chan's face as their eyes met and San couldn't help but return it.

"Are you really okay?"

"Yep. Better than I could ever be, hyung."

Chan chuckled and shuffled over the floor, taking a seat beside San. He wrapped an arm around San's shoulders and tugged him even closer.

"You don't think it can get any better?"

San perked up at that, invisible dog ears twitching. Chan leaned in closer until his hot breath ghosted along San's lips.

"It can always get better…"

"And you know how, don't you, baby?" Chan whispered, smile curling into a smirk.

"Oh I know, hyung~"

[cellard0ors]

So @starsarebleeding was kind enough to reblog my latest chapter of 'The Cards We Are Dealt' and mentioned in the tags not being entirely sold on the couple of Travis/Laura and I decided to write why I'm into it (besides the fact that some anti @ me, so I started out of spite 🤣)

I think the reason I dig it, is it's all based on choices.

Now, granted, the problem with watching gameplay vids on YouTube is, technically, there are about a thousand choices you can make within the game that will give you different dialogue, actions, consequences, etc and most of the vids I've seen have made choices I wouldn't have.

But the fact they are there can lead you down a lot of different paths narratively and Laura's story is very much wrapped up within Travis's and vice versa.

Yes, this is also true for Max, but while I liked Max okay, he came across to me as more of a window dressing character than anything.

He's the true damsel in distress who Laura has to protect and save - he adds to her character, but in doing so lacks depth.

Travis, on the other hand, has A LOT going on. He's trying to do his best, but is really awful at it. He's covering for his family's crimes and it's highly suggested it's not out of love, so much as duty, which, to me, is an interesting take on supporting your 'loved' ones.

Laura and Travis's interactions (again, depending on your choices) are unique, because Travis has no real reason to confide anything to Laura, yet he does the night she loses her eye and drinks next to her cell.

It's in no way healthy, but that's the scene that really sold me, because it showed how lonely Travis was and what a low point he reached and while Laura doesn't necessarily console him, she does listen and I don't think anyone has done that for him in a long time.

Granted, you can choose to have Laura be a real bitch here and that's just one of many things that might lead Travis to kill her later or trap her or whatever, but technically, if you simply go a pretty decent route, this man will back you up even if you murder his whole family, so?

I don't know, this isn't coming out as thoughtful as I would like (I'm at work writing this and am too impatient to wait and construct something better) but my main point is, with the way I played the game the first time and the choices I made, I could see why Travis and Laura are shippable.

As for the age thing - I mean, she's an adult and age gaps happen in real life all the time between two adults and they make it work. I don't judge them, so, not going to judge fictional characters.

In conclusion, I was just touched that my oldest online friend reblogged my fic 🤣😍🥰

[myemuisemo]

Galadriel & Halbrand: Bizarro-World Eowyn & Aragorn

The relationship between Galadriel and Halbrand up to episode 7 of Rings of Power is an inverse of the relationship between Eowyn and Aragorn in Lord of the Rings, in ways that make it damn enticing.

She’s a frustrated action girl who loves horses and rejects any effort to squeeze her into a passive role or even to limit her violence to defending the home turf. No, she wants to be out making change and slaying things. He’s (purportedly) a secret king who offers the means to fulfill her dreams.

But the power dynamic is reversed. Aragorn is of the noblest human blood going, on a high and noble quest, while Eowyn is a princess of a lesser ally. Conversely, Galadriel is among the highest of high elves, with a high and noble quest, while Halbrand is (she thinks) a “low man” of much skill and little ambition, the promised ruler of a lesser ally. Just as Aragorn won’t marry Eowyn because he’s got an Elf back home, Galadriel wouldn’t think of stooping to Halbrand because she’s got an Elf husband (who might or might not be alive).

SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 8 ARE ABOUT TO HAPPEN

It’s a really tantalizing set-up, not just to Galadriel (who dearly misses having comrades in arms), but to viewers. We get a male-female relationship with the development and nuance and camaraderie that Tolkien reserved for male-male buddies. It’s shippable. Looking back over the series, it’s not a healthy camaraderie, as it looks like Galadriel pushing slacker!Halbrand in service of her goals, with little regard to what he’s telling her. But hey, he’s not even the worst of Redeemable Bad Boys out there in popular literature: the people he hurts on-screen are undeveloped or actively annoying, and he clearly feels some kind of remorse for his past and some kind of bond with Galadriel.

(I do think he’s genuine in feeling regret about his past, just not the right parts of it. I do think he feels a real bond with Galadriel, but that bond is formed from their anger, pain, and obsession. I don’t think either feels toward the other anything like the courtly love that het couples have in canon, but he feels something.)

Then at the big reveal, Halbrand pulls the power dynamic out from under her feet. The cinematography on this sets it up as equivalent to the big damn romantic moment where the pauper reveals to the princess that he’s a true prince after all. Look at the golden light pouring through the trees! Halbrand is clad in princely rainment (in the same color family as Galadriel’s dress), showing increased self-confidence, and has discovered Elf hair conditioner. Look at those held gazes. This is straight out of not only romance tropes but also the Tolkien playbook of het couples walking together in the garden and deciding they’ll defy life and death for each other. This scene is the uncanny valley of romantic meetings: it’s all there but somehow unsettlingly a little off.

The world stands still on the “I have been alive since before the first breaking of the silence” line. You can see Halbrand’s face relax and flood with power. (Charlie Vickers is brilliant here.) He’s acting like this is a big reveal that shows how awesome he is, which, well, he’s a Maia, who are as far above the Elves as Elves are above Men. It’s like he’s feeling the situation as “Behold! You set out to be the inspiration of a mere Man and instead you inspired a demi-god!” Meanwhile, she’s got to be feeling the implicit mockery of that earlier “without you, I’d be nothing, and I’ll never let anyone forget it” moment – if Sauron could contain his urge to pull people’s tails, he’d do much better. (He may be trying to redeem himself, but he’s still working with a toolbox of unhealthy behaviors and believing he knows best. He’s got that in common with Galadriel in this era, too.)

If he’d stuck to reminding Galadriel of their moments of camaraderie, instead of trying to lean on her with creepy!Fingon, he might plausibly have pulled it off (as a story – we know canon doesn’t allow this). They’ve both talked about how the past can’t be changed; he needed to stay out of hers and focus harder on the many times they’d talked about the possibility of redemption. Up to this point, he’s manipulated her by offering her the opportunity to master her fears, so sullying her past was a huge mistake. Is it made out of lack of respect for the foolish Elf who couldn’t see hints right in front of her face, or is it made because he wants so badly to have this one-Elf army by his side? Could be both – Sauron’s evil seems to spring from having his belief that he’s superior all tangled up with his wants and desires, to the point that it gives him blind spots.

As a sidebar, I hope Bronwyn and Arondir have a happy life in the Pelargir and are allowed to assume that the King Who Was Promised died on the way to Eregion. Thinking back to Bronwyn’s speech about “maybe my people are just destined for darkness and have no choice but to bow to Sauron” gives a sad spin to her being presented by Numenor with a king and savior who is Sauron after all. Unlike Galadriel, she did nothing to bring this upon herself.