#that’s where they would be explored best I think

[inkedinshadows]

First of all congratulations for 1000 followers 🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉 it’s honestly amazing and you deserve all the best❤️❤️❤️ also happy new year 🎆🎆🎆 secondly, all the prompts are super good it, I had such a hard time choosing from them cause they that are all amazing, anyway I think 19, 20 and 21 just fit together perfectly for an angsty Azriel fic.

Broken Vows

Pairing: Azriel x f!reader

A/N: thank you so much anon, you're the sweetest! <33 And happy new year one month too late oopsie 🤭

Prompts: "I trusted you." + "Don't leave me now. Please. I still need you." + "Baby, please, just look at me."

Warnings: Az is not the best partner here (I promise he didn't cheat)

Word count: 1.3k

It must be a dream. A nightmare.

Whatever was happening, it wasn't real. It couldn't be. You refused to believe it.

Azriel was still talking, but you weren't listening anymore. His words blurred together in your mind, yet his first few sentences remained sharp, playing over and over in your head.

I've found my mate.

You had never been the jealous type, so it hadn't bothered you when he began spending more and more time with Madja’s new apprentice. It had started as small talk after her visits and you usually lingered too. Talya seemed nice enough—quiet and reserved yet friendly.

You hadn't questioned it when Azriel started visiting the apothecary for even the slightest headache. But then those visits became too frequent. He went there even when both of you felt perfectly fine.

You should have realized something was off when Azriel became distant. The signs had been there. You had just been too blind to see them.

But the problem wasn't that he had found his mate, was it?

I want to be with her.

A few simple words, and the whole world collapsed around you.

“Baby, please, just look at me.” His voice finally cut through your thoughts. ��I know this is hard to hear, but let me—”

“You promised,” you interrupted him. Your eyes met his from where he sat at the other end of the couch.

“Baby…” he began, but you cut him off again.

“You promised,” you repeated, your voice rising as tears pricked your eyes. “You promised!”

Guilt flashed across Azriel's face, and he at least had the decency to remain silent as you pressed on.

“You said you'd reject your mate for me, Az,” you blurted out. Hot, angry tears rolled down your cheeks, but you barely noticed. “It was in your wedding vows, for gods’ sake!”

Azriel shook his head. “It's not that simple. I don't—”

“Isn't it?” you interrupted again. “Because it seems simple enough to me. You just reject the bond, like I did.”

His expression immediately hardened. “I don't want to reject the bond. If you would only let—”

“Why wouldn't you want to reject it?” you demanded.

“Because she's my mate!”

“And I'm your wife!”

For a moment, you just glared at each other. His shadows swarmed nervously around his wings, but then his shoulders slumped and his expression softened slightly.

“Can you let me explain?” he asked, studying you. “Please.”

With a sigh, you wiped your cheeks before crossing your arms over your chest. You simply looked at him, waiting.

“I don't want to lose you, baby,” he said softly.

“I don't see how that is going—”

Azriel stopped you mid-sentence. “Let me finish? Please?”

You rolled your eyes but gestured for him to continue. Listening to him was the last thing you wanted right now, but maybe he was going to surprise you. Maybe he was going to say it was all just a joke, a prank, and you'd be mad, but it would be fine.

You were grasping at straws, and you knew it.

“I still want to be with you,” Azriel said. He shot you a sharp look when you opened your mouth, and you sank back against the couch to let him continue. “But I also want to explore this bond with her.”

You scoffed. “So what? You think you can have both of us?” You shook your head, something vicious twisting in your gut. “That's not going to work, Azriel.”

You rose from your seat to head upstairs. You needed time to think, to figure out what to do. If you stayed, you would only get angrier. You had already cried and had no desire to do it again. But if you left, maybe you could spare yourself the fury.

Though the pain—the ache in your heart—could not be avoided, no matter what you did.

“Talya said that she understands the situation and she'd be willing to—”

You froze on the spot. Azriel must have realized he'd said the wrong thing because he didn't finish the sentence. His eyes dropped to your clenched fists as you turned back to face him.

Your restraint was gone. You wouldn't hold back now.

“You talked to her before you talked to me?” you seethed.

“Well, I…” Azriel seemed to be grasping for words. “She's my mate,” he repeated, as if that was explanation enough.

“And I'm your wife!” You threw your hands up. “I have been for the last two centuries!”

“I'm sorry, baby, but I—”

“Don't you ‘baby’ me, Azriel!”

He lowered his gaze, but you were too upset to care about the hurt look in his eyes. It was nowhere close to the heartache he was causing you.

“You know why I never worried about you finding your mate?” you asked. He looked up at you, but even if he had planned on saying something, you didn't give him time. “Because you promised you'd choose me. You promised you would reject the bond. And I believed it, believed you. I trusted you.”

You were well aware of what rejecting a mating bond felt like, how difficult it could be to deal with. Even without feelings involved, even knowing that you and your mate wouldn't have been a good match, it had still taken you two weeks to feel whole again. But Azriel had been there, filling the empty spot where your bond had been with his love.

You had never regretted your choice. You never had a reason to.

“And now I find out that not only did you spend time with her knowing she was your mate,” you went on, “but that you also want to be with her?”

Azriel’s voice was firm, edged with frustration. “I told you I want to be with you too, didn’t I?”

“Mother above, Azriel,” you snapped. “You think that makes me feel better? I trusted you, but you didn't even try.”

You had fought before. After two hundred years together, arguments were inevitable. But you usually talked it out and reconciled after a few hours—a day at worst. Maybe that was why Azriel didn't look particularly concerned.

Until you slipped the wedding band off your finger and tossed it onto the couch beside him.

His eyes widened in shock, and his usually restless shadows stilled behind him. You both stared at the ring, the silence stretching as your anger faded, leaving behind only a broken heart.

“You can't have your cake and eat it too, Az,” you finally said, your voice calmer now, resigned.

You turned on your heel again.

“I'm leaving,” you announced, already walking toward the stairs. You could go stay with your parents. They would welcome you without pressing for an explanation.

Azriel snapped out of his stupor and stood, reaching for you.

“Don’t leave me now. Please. I still need you.” His fingers closed around your wrist. “I still love you.”

You yanked your arm free, but didn't turn to face him. You couldn’t bring yourself to look at him as you bit out, “You should have loved me enough not to pursue your mate. You promised.”

He tried to stop you again, his shadows swirling around your legs as if to keep you from walking away from their master.

“Baby, that's not—”

You turned back one last time. Tears lined your eyes and your voice broke on the words. “I should have been enough, Azriel.”

You didn't wait to hear his response. You didn't try to go upstairs to pack some clothes.

Unable to stomach his presence any longer, you winnowed away.

a/n: technically, this is the end. I wanted to leave it open and hanging, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that I am a sucker for happy endings so I might write a part 2 bc I already have an idea :))

Taglist: @mrsjna @navyblue-eternity @paintedbyshadows @highladyandromeda @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @azrielsmate3 @mollygetssherlockcoffee @mirandasidefics @tinystarfishgalaxy @cynthiesjmxazrielslover @anarchiii @readinggeeklmao @anneas11 @azrielslittleslut @lilah-asteria @aaahhh127 @lorosette @azrielsrealmate @pey2618 @mellowmusings @k8r123-blog @daughterofthemoons-stuff @minnieoo @saltedcoffeescotch @georgiadixon

1k taglist: @onebadassunicorn @thegoddessofnothingness

[tangents-within-tangents]

Like fr to everyone talking about headcanons/AUs/"having fun" in the notes: the word you are looking for is REinterpretation. Not to go webster or anything but

-Interpret: explain the meaning of information, words, or actions. (explain, expound, clarify)

-Misinterpret: interpret something or someone wrongly. (misunderstand, misconstrue, mistake)

-Reinterpret: interpret something in a new or different light.

It seems in fandom spaces the word interpretation is often used at times when what they actually mean is reinterpretation (or sometimes just reaction or impression, ex: your opinion of a character is subjective and valid, but that's not the same as an interpretation).

If your "interpretation" is completely divorced from or contradicts the text, it's not an interpretation anymore. It's a reinterpretation. A reimagining. And yeah you can totally have your fun, go off! Just don't act like it IS an interpretation. Because valid interpretations come with supporting evidence, which is the whole point of the og post.

I think this bit from OP's other reblog describes it best:

this is one way it gets messy that fandom is a space for both media analysis and transformative works even though those two things don’t always co-exist comfortably or necessarily serve each other.

This is the crux. Both happen in fandom because both are a form of engaging with a work that you appreciate. But one literally relies upon analyzing what IS presented in the text, and the other upon reinventing and transforming that text (and headcanon sometimes straddles this line in between). So the important thing is recognizing the distinctions and not mixing them up. And it goes both ways:

-“He would never act that way” we know, it’s an intentional recharacterization bc we're exploring something different right now

-“But he's just a poor meow meow” not relevant right now because we're analyzing how the writing actually portrayed him

Textual evidence doesn't matter when we're just having fun and making incorrect quote memes, and headcanons don't matter when we're analyzing thematic content. The distinction helps us to have more productive conversations. And crossing the streams can sometimes take us to harmful or frustrating extremes.

To borrow an example from Rowan Ellis: You relate to a Taylor Swift song and feel seen in your queer identity? That's great, no one can stop you from experiencing the song that way even if Taylor didn't intend it. But if you turn that around and say this is proof that Taylor herself must be secretly queer, or worse that she's somehow queerbaiting? Please stop!

Another example: Someone once pulled the "we're just having fun, you can scroll past" card on me when they were straight up bashing the writing for not going the way they wanted. Please, have your fun, I won't stop you. Write a fix-it au where your blorbo comes back to life. Vive la fanfic! But when you say "the writers should have done [random specific thing] if they wanted me to believe he was truly dead" whilst blatantly misinterpreting the thing the writers did do to confirm it so it can fit into your theories/denial? That's not 'just having fun' anymore, that's flawed/unfair criticism and I'mma push back on it. (I didn't actually, just for the record)

Headcanons by definition are not canon, and I think you'll find most people are totally fine with you having whatever headcanons you want, so long as you don't start claiming that they are canon or that your way is the only way. That's where people have a problem.

But even headcanons that don't contradict canon, that could fit into ambiguous gaps where canon did not confirm or deny the possibility either way, are still headcanons. They aren't presented in the text itself and therefore not useful to analysis and criticism.

And I think this is where the distinction can feel blurry at times. Because some headcanoning is based on evidence from the source material. So some may think it's the same as media analysis, but I'd call it extrapolation rather than interpretation. It uses canon evidence in more of a imaginative/conspiracy theory/inspiration to bounce off type of way. Especially since fanon is often about filling in gaps.

Fanon focuses on the story, and treats it almost as if it and the characters are living. But media analysis relies upon treating it as media. On recognizing it was written by a person who made choices and used literary devices and elements intentionally to convey meaning (even if we can debate on what that meaning is).

Subtext is not just whatever you want to project onto a story. Subtext is an actual literary device. Meaning that is intentionally implied by the author because you shouldn't spell everything out and it's important to let the readers participate. It's what the characters aren't saying but the author is.

Unreliable narrator is also a literary device, that is intentionally crafted and indicated throughout the whole text. It's the author saying something through the character saying the opposite. It's not an excuse to ignore whatever you want to ignore of what the narrator says.

Characters aren't people and they don't actually make any choices. Everything they do, everything they are, was written and crafted by the author.

(In short, when I analyze character arcs or critique writing choices, I'd love for the discussion I get to point out things I may have overlooked or misinterpreted. Not for it to just shove in a bunch of irrelevant headcanons, character personifications, and Watsonian explanations that have nothing to do with my arguments.)

Fanon is very open-world concept (and open multiverse lol), but analysis is about looking at what the author did give you, what they chose to include or not and what it is meant to show us.

Writing is about crafting an iceberg that implies a keel under the water. Therefore analysis is about studying the iceberg to try to interpret that keel. And fanon is about exploring the whole ocean. And transformative work is about idk cutting off chunks and making ice sculptures.

All of them are very cool and fun in their own right but I think we can see how they can definitely clash and get in each other's way.

Not “Only my reading of canon is correct” or “Interpretations are subjective and all valid” but a secret third thing, “More than one interpretation can be valid but there’s a reason your English teacher had you cite quotes and examples in your papers, you have to have a strong argument that your interpretation is actually supported by the text or it is just wrong and I’m fine with telling you it’s wrong, actually.”

[fookinhellcurlyy]

Louis Tomlinson's Career History Pt. 1 and 2 [Post-1D] by notastrwbrysng2

Full credits to notastrwbrysng2 from X/Twitter. Reposting screenshots and texts for archiving purposes.

While I haven't done my own personal deep dive on this topic, I think this particular thread is a very informative and transparent (backed with public articles) + beginner-friendly. Not sure if this has already been shared here before but I thought I'll make this archive post anyway.

I also saw this anon of @twopoppies asking about H & L's solo careers after 1D's hiatus, so this feels like perfect timing to share it here.

I know @hoovesandfloorpaws is also doing a separate big business/industry research soon, so this introductory thread (for Louis, at least) could be a good starting point while waiting.

Note: I will copy-paste the exact texts from the tweets. The words after the cut below are from the linked thread (source). The cited articles per tweet are hyperlinked ('x'). I might replace/combine some screenshots due to Tumblr's limitations, as well as add the links from where they were originally taken.

Again, thank you so much notastrwbrysng2 (Megs) for creating this.

———

Part 1: The "missing years" not shown in AOTV

Notice how we didn't get years 2016-early 2019 in AOTV? | x

Questions I wonder about.. Louis as first signed to RCA. THEN it was announced sometime later that he switched to Epic. What happened with the label switch here? | x

"It had previously been reported that Tomlinson would end up at RCA, but when Epic Records president Sylvia Rhone heard Tomlinson’s music — in particular the song “Back To You” featuring Bebe Rexha — she campaigned for the project." Okay, okay..

It sounded at this point like Louis was on track, had songs written, had songs recorded.. Did a charity single in 2017, Just Like You cane out as a single ep.. He chatted in Nov 2017 about releasing an album and touring in 2018! Perfect, right?

....except there were crickets the first half of 2018.

January brought Louis roasting Coachellas 2018 lineup.. Towards the end of Jan, an Ask anything video.. | x

February, he teased Habit lyrics.. we have a photo of him recording All Along... And not much else..

March, The "Miss You" singer won the Best Solo Breakout award, beating out Camila Cabello, and his former One Direction bandmates, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Liam Payne. Oh, so 4 or 5 of them were on the radio simultaneously... | x

April, another Hey, still working on the album…

And May…he left James Grant management.

Synopsis of rest of the year: (X-Factor, a couple awards, signing with WMA). Louis and Dalton Harris stuck it to cowbell and won the season.

2019 rolls around.. Two of Us promo starts and halts in March for a few weeks due to the passing of Fizzy. Louis took some time off (as to be expected) to be with family.

As of this point, Louis had released: Dec 2016: Just Hold On (not backed by an album) 2017: Back To You (no album) 2017: Miss You (no album) 2017: Just Like You (Non-album promo single) 2018: nothing! 2019: Two of Us (unattached at the time)

Yet another label change Feb 2019 now a move to Arista… STILL under S*co/S*ny.

So, 3 years in and NO completed album still? The other unattached but soon to be on the next album Walls were: KMM, We Made It, and DLIBYH with zero promotion, just a director's cut MVs that mirror much of the story Papillon.

Finally, Walls is out in 2020 with it's 4th and final single, and very little promotion.

Flash forward to concerns in 2022/2023 of the same issue: Absolutely NO airplay in his home city and surrounding areas, very little marketing in the US.

(Not much can be found about 2016.)

Coming up next: Exploring WHY Louis has hit roadblocks and how everyone is interconnected

—

Part 2: Louis' Role in 1D thru 2016

I highlighted Louis' slow moving career that started with self released singles, two label pickups (one seeming promising!), a bunch of crickets, and some movement again in 2018. To understand what was going on, we have to go back to when the band was first created. This sounds silly, yes, but it is connections that keep continuing to recur this entire time.

First, let's discuss the US market. They did not have any active boybands and record labels saw an opportunity in Brit boybands.

Leading up to January 2020, plans were put into place and discussed by Sony how to cultivate a boyband. Hottest thing in the UK was TXF. Build a boyband, sign them at their first audition in March 2010. This is a crucial link to the UK side of what will occur later on. | x

Louis & Harry both have contract dates March 26, the same day as their initial auditions. The ones on TV are their 3rd/4th. The band was set up ahead of time and played out on the cameras. During their time in the house, Lou is The Leader by week 2 (:50 in).

To reiterate AOTV, Louis has the least amount of vocals, virtually no solos until Midnight Memories. His songwriting skills were a huge asset (after "pissing off a lot of people," according to Savan Kotecha). Savan later told Rolling Stone that LOUIS led their sound forward.

Songwriting, then suddenly music management (NOTE DATE!) became Louis's role. SC began to groom Louis, who consistently fought for the boys behind the scenes, to be his "protege" of sorts and steered him away from a future solo career as early as 2014 and was "given*" an imprint

As we all know, as Louis talked about, the label did not move forward due to micromanagement by SC and S*NY. | x

At this juncture, Louis is now done with the band as of December 2015. He does not have anything lined up but is being courted by.. S*ny head Rob Str*nger. As the article in the OP explains, they wanted him for songwriting &/or music mngmt Louis at...an industry party?

Part 3 & 4 here.

[newkatzkafe2023]

Hey I was thinking how would every wukong in different universe do on Valentine’s Day’s with the reader or Y/N it can be a couple thing or married couple

2 weeks till valentine's day 🥰

(Lmk Wukong) Ah Indoor movie dates their's nothing like them, Wukong and you would wear your most comfortable clothes and cuddle on the couch under a nice warm blanket. You both would get your favorite movies and bucket loads of snacks and just relax and enjoy each other's company after all you both have been married for 500+ years.

(HIB Wukong) It's date night and you both go out to a nice cutesy restaurant together. Can you believe that Wukong would get so nervous about going out with you, despite you both being married for centuries. It's exactly like that every year, but it's sooo adorable with his red nervous face and giving you your favorite flowers. It's like your both still dating and it would always warm your heart.

(MKR Wukong) Valentines Day ewww😒 was what he would always say and think, he would get nauseous at the lovey dovey couples around him. That was until he himself had found a nice monkey girl and when and got married himself, so uhhh that's karma but good karma. You both would cuddle quietly together under the night sky as you and the other couples would watch the shooting stars, Wukong didn't need to make wishes though he already got what he wished for.

(NR Wukong) You both would go out dancing every year on Valentine's Day, and what's different about it.... well, it's one of those slow dances for people who got married. Wukong would always find a way to touch you or make contact, I mean, he loves to be around you all the time. You both have though some crazy sh*t together over the years, and their are times where he's tired and for once had enough but then he remembers you. You unwavering support and endless love and next to Li and Su, one of the last good things in his life He'll genuinely never know what he would do without you. It's what makes him get back up and keep moving, after all he's got you to care very much for He can't leave you behind.

(Netflix Wukong) Hates to admit it, but Valentines Day is his day of reflection and remembrance, especially with you. Wukong had been alone for a Concerningly long time not being accepted by anyone, not even his own kind, Wukong tried his best to fit in somehow until he met Lin and a little bit later you. You have accepted Wukong right away with open arms and an open heart. You treated him so kindly and so gently that he thought you had to be a dream, but as the years go by. he finally realized after meeting, after dating, after marriage up until now, you weren't going anywhere and continued to love him despite his shortcomings and personality. Wukong made a vow to never stop loving you and never forget your unconditional love for him as well.

(BMW Wukong) Ohhhhhhhhh boi he can't keep his claws of you on valentine's day or any day of the year. He took you to see the fireworks, however he got a little to occupied with you, so you snuck to the very back and tongue wrestled to your hearts content. It's safe to say that Wukong was addicted and obsessed with you, and he would absolutely smother you in affection and love. He may be egotistical and mildly problematic, however their will never be a doubt about his sweet love for you.

(Destined one) A nice moment of silence between the two of you, being at home and enjoying some quiet time as well. The Destined one would take this time to observed you thinking about how far you two have come from your hardships and dark days. You both have support for each other as you both would cuddle, purr, and even kiss, you both laying on the bed listening to each others heartbeats and softly breathing. With an occasional kiss on his cheek the Destined one was finally at peace with just you, and only you.

(Lotmk Wukong) With you both privacy is everything it's where you both a free to explore each other and bond as a married couple. Wukong honest words and thoughts about you wil always leave you breathless, especially when he showering you with Compliments as he smothers you next and cheek with sweet kiss and soft whispers. Your sweet shared promises and gentle whispers your both in your on world of heaven, giving you both true peace and love at last.

FEEL FREE TO REBLOG🥰😘

[mandatory-blog-stop-asking]

Batgirl #4

"Wrong question. Not Batman. What would my mother do?"

It's that time of the month where we can say Cassbros we are so back.

Pretty cool issue; I believe at this point we have most of the premise exposed and a lot of the stakes cleared up. It's awesome we get to have a proper Cassandra book just called "Batgirl" without any asterisks to that title.

It is somewhat of a shame that there seems to be no internal consistency about how much Cass actually talks, in general-- in one book she'll be jokey, nearly talkative and will use every verb in the dictionary, and then you go to this and she's on the classic well-chosen small words train again. Which I much prefer, but I understand how it can be limiting for writers.

I believe this is the right way to do it, though. The book plays to Cassandra's strengths as a character and is constantly using her unique way to see the world to move the narrative and the dialogue forward. She's constantly checking everyone and constantly reading the best way to continue any interaction, and that's just really fun to see after so many attempts at defanging her and making her easier to write.

The State of Lady Shiva is a matter books can be written about, but suffice to say I think this strange and softer side of her as she deals with Cassandra is at least novel and a little more interesting. It reminds me of how Simone used to write her whenever she had to deal with Dinah, and while I'm guessing this is still going to end with a rift between mother and daughter, I'm guessing they'll also be closer than before, and that's nice.

I really, really hope this can be an ongoing, though. Even the little we've seen of how Cass interacts with Gotham in issues 1 and 2 shows us a part of the city we normally don't get to see, settings we could explore and at least one interesting idea for the character in the future, considering the wave of destruction these enemies left in their wake. I wouldn't hold my breath; this is DC Comics, but a man can dream.

Overall still enjoying it, still recommending it, Cassbros don't call it a comeback because we never left.

[sunflowersandchrysanthemums]

Why is SatoSugu so compelling?

Oftentimes, I gravitate to ships with solid characters who end up with poor writing decisions. Just look at any of my past Kalpollo fics, but SatoSugu defies this. Instead, Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto are some of the best-written characters I've encountered in a long time. Expertly crafted as individual characters, a duo, and in their respective roles in the larger story of JJK. I believe it is within this masterful writing between these two characters that we find what makes the Ship so compelling.

Stirring beyond the surface of their ship tropes, we find a narrative that simultaneously presents us with two opposing questions: What change would need to happen to impact their fates? and would those changes be enough?

For more details and nerd stuff, see footnotes at the end of the post.

My intention here is not to provide a character analysis or study on what makes Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto great characters, instead, what I am doing is reflecting on my personal reactions to this ship in order to better understand why I find it so compelling. (1) As well as doing some critical analysis of the writing.

When I get into a ship, I find a sense of compulsion to write fanfiction. My previous endeavors into fanfiction were fuelled by a desire to write these characters better endings and, more importantly, work through some personal trauma. (2) The end result is a fic that satisfies both needs, I get to create or explore these beloved characters more and gain personal insight.

So far, this has not been the case for SatoSugu, like everyone in this ship, I just want to see them to be happy. Similar to before, my first thought upon writing a fic was what would need to happen for them to have a happy ending; it seemed like a simple enough task. Instead of diving head first into writing, I found myself stuck with how well-written they were.

When I write fanfiction, I try to stay as true to the characters as possible, but these two have made this quite a challenge. Gege wrote them so well that I have constantly found myself doubting if these characters would do the things I imagine in my fics. I'll go on a fic planning session feeling great only to learn something new or remember a small detail about them, causing me to completely rethink my perspective.

I, as a writer, am stuck with determining how much would I need to change about their story for them to have an ending where they work together to change their society without completely altering what makes their characterization so compelling.

This conflict helps demonstrate just how well crafted Gege wrote these characters. So much of who they are, their personalities, their quirks, and their uniqueness, is tied directly to the events of Hidden Inventory/Premature Death. It is not an exaggeration to conclude that without HI/PD happening the rest of the events in JJK would not have happened or would have been drastically different. Again, now leaving me with the question, if HI/PD doesn't happen, then how much of Satoru's and Suguru's characterization is impacted? Am I still staying true to the characters? (3)

It is within this conflict that Gege has incited in many of us, both viewers/readers and creatives, that we find why the ship is so compelling to us. It makes us question ourselves, question what choices we would make, and think beyond what is shown to us to understand our interpretations. Never before have I had such a long and continuous visceral reaction when thinking about what happens to these characters. Their stories make me cry, but they also make me think.

They inspire me to not just reflect on their characters but to create something of my own and for that, I thank you Gege for giving the world this deeply compelling ship.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Footnotes

Academically, what I am doing is phenomenological analysis, most in line with feminist thought; reflecting on personal experience to gain insight into a topic. In this case, I am using my personal reactions to SatoSugu as a part of gaining a better understanding of why I find them so compelling.

See my AO3 fics, Hues of Blue and Gray, and Apollo's Fathers

This is just my personal goal for fanfiction and not a statement on other writers' interpretations of Satour and Suguru

[serbarris]

Offer Me That Deathless Death

Chapter 12 of At Best You Find a Little Remedy Dragon Age: the Veilguard, some spoilers for plot, spoilers for Emmrich's romance  Pairing: F!Rook Ingellvar x Emmrich Volkarin  Rating: E Summary: Their first time, from Emmrich's POV, under the cut as nsfw! Words: ~600 read the chapter on ao3

He knew the implications of what he asked.

“Have you touched yourself while thinking about me?”

As if her pleasure (or lack of) hadn't consumed his every thought since her admission in the library. It should be sacrilegious to leave someone so bereft. Maker knows he indulged himself enough over the years. It was thrilling, to be the solution to her predicament, to be the one to coax unfounded pleasure from the indomitable Rook. To be her first and only pleasure.

He asked her as if she hadn't been the one haunting his fantasies for months. He had barely touched her and yet his fantasies paled in comparison to the real thing. She lay before him, her honey hair a halo in the veilfire-lit room, her lips swollen from their earlier attention, her lipstick leaving the faintest stain. He traced her tattoo with his tongue, feeling the heat of her skin as she blushed so beautifully for him. He nipped and sucked at her skin, tracing the soft curves and hard bones, the strong muscles that made her so fierce in battle. As he descended, he mapped every mole, mark, scar, and freckle. He kneaded her flesh, so soft and malleable. He decided he wouldn't mark her, not tonight. Not when he intends to leave his presence etched upon her soul.

“I want you, Emmrich. In any way you'll have me.”

Oh, the ways he would have her. Not tonight, tonight was for her to experience le petit mort and for him to build the foundation of his eternal veneration. She had him enraptured. Far beyond the novel curiosity that she had piqued, the lust she ignited within him, she plagued his dreams.

His tongue explored her wet heat. He wanted to know what made her gasp and moan. What left her boneless and begging for more? What would put his name on her lips spoken with devotion meant for a prayer to the Maker?

He pulled away.

Her pupils were blown, he was barely able to tell the difference between the colour of her irises. Her parted lips framed her breathy moans, her legs squirming against the grip he had on her thighs. He knew it was torture for her, to be brought so close to the precipice of release but denied once again, especially by his touch.

It had been years since he felt such delicious warmth around his cock. He savoured it. He would sin a thousand times over to repeat this moment. His thrusts were slow and deep, he could feel Calliope tremble under him, whimpering. The leg wrapped around his hips was insistent, fighting his pace.

He will give her what she wants, eventually. If she is to come undone then it will be on his cock, where he can watch her tumble off the cliff, witness her muscles flex, her chest heave and the shape of her mouth as she reaches her peak.

She bites his lip. Oh so softly, so gently, he wonders if she even noticed she did it. Her nails etched scriptures on his back that would fade with the rising sun.

He relents, his stamina waning, his resolve shattering. All penitence for his pride. She writhed beneath him, her swallowed gasps a sweet aria that he conducted until they reached a grand crescendo—pleading each other's name like a chant that would have the Maker forgive them for their sins.

[wendylianmartin]

There is something I realized about the story that I wanted to touch on. Kappa and Siren both seem to have given up on their dream, and they just keep going for each other. They are not living for themselves, but for someone else, which is not healthy at all…and I love it. Seriously, I love it so much. It's funny, because I tend to despise that dynamic when I see it in stories, because I don't like how it tends to idealize that kind of relationship. But in Castle Swimmer, not only do I prefer it that way, I wouldn't want it any other way. Sure, it's unhealthy and not ideal, but that's the thing… Siren and Kappa are neither healthy nor ideal.

These two boys have both been through so much in their lives, they have been through so much trauma, they have dealt with so many emotions that it has affected them deeply. It makes sense that their past would prevent them from having enough self-esteem to live for themselves right now. It's not something you can just wipe away after a motivational speech.

The way Siren and Kappa are acting is not healthy, is not something I wish for them in the long run. But it makes SENSE that they can't do otherwise. Sure, Kappa is growing right now, but his recent growth still won't erase the effects of 20 years of trauma and neglect. The same goes for Siren. There is something Kappa says to Siren in one chapter that perfectly illustrates this fact:

"Think about everything you've been through since we met. The scar from your mother, the creatures in the god's mouth, dying and being brought back to life. It makes sense that you're having a hard time, it would be weird if you weren't."

I think nowadays we're used to characters having a Shonen-like character arc that makes them evolve and immediately get rid of all their problems. But realistically, it's not that easy. People have to deal with the state they're in for a while before they can really get over it. That's what the story has shown us, that things don't get solved with one miraculous solution like the beacon and the prophecy, learning to say no, finding dad, and so on. That's why it felt not only right, but natural for them to live for each other, no matter how unhealthy it is : Of course they can't live for themselves right now. It's not healthy, but it's realistic. And I'm rooting for it, not because I want the bois to keep living for someone else instead of themselves, but because I'm happy that the bois have a motivation to keep going despite everything they're dealing with right now.

I'm confident that they're going to get better. I'm confident that they will reach a point where they can finally live for themselves and not just for someone else. But that moment is not coming right now, and that's okay. They're allowed to be in a bad state and do the best they can with what they have. As Neth said, "bad motivation is better than no motivation at all."

Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy the Shonen-like arcs of the characters. And I'm proud of the growth our babies have already made, their progress and everything, I really hope to see more of it! But through this approach, I think CS is conveying a message that's not so common in stories, but really deep and important: growth takes time, it's okay if we're not our ideal selves right away. We're allowed to be unhealthy, to deal with it as we can, as long as we're still here and still doing our best. And maybe sometimes it is best to focus on living with our burdens and our mistakes with the limited tools we have. For NOW, the ideal self can wait.

(God, I LOVE this story so much…)

Thank you for the thoughtful analysis! I’m happy my goals with the story and characters are coming through.

I’ve experienced this myself- how our strongest motivations are not always the healthiest ones. I think it’s interesting to explore that in the characters. There was a reason Siren’s mental health took a nose dive after he accomplished his goal of finding kappa. (Which wasn’t even supposed to be his goal In the first place lol) I relate to him a lot in that struggle.

I could see it being frustrating when the characters struggle with the same problems and seem to regress but it feels more faithful to the themes of the story in that way.

Mental health itself is kind of a broad, deep topic and I know I don’t explore it perfectly but I’m happy with how the story has progressed so far 👍

[magicwhiskers29]

Hrm. So issue 76 brought the end of the Diamond Cutters as we know them (or, uh... don't know them, because it still hasn't exactly cleared up if Surge and Kit we're supposed to be part of them...)

I am definitely interested to see where they go with this, of course, because there's a lot to like!

Tangle comforting Jewel was adorable, and I think it goes a long way towards showing that them being best friends goes both ways -- we've heard a lot about Jewel keeping Tangle out of trouble, but here's Tamgle being there for Jewel after trouble as well.

Belle's declaration was also super cool! It makes sense with her role in the last few issues, and I do think that with no Restoration HQ, it does a long way towards giving her something new to do along with that.

Whisper still on a war path does a good job of establishing that not everything is just fixed up after this conversation about what comes next, and c'mon. The way she asked Silver if he was up to "stop" Mimic is definitely set up for some light murder later on. Or, at least light attempted murder. Not exactly surprising that Silver would initially be on board with just straight-up killing Mimic -- this could be set-up for an 06-like plotline regarding that maybe? In any case, it's good setup for trouble later.

I should also say, I liked Lanolin's apology. They do a really good job of humanising her for all her mistakes, and her goal of wanting to help rebuild a village, a proper settlement is sweet.

But I guess I'm maybe still a little disappointed? I really do like what's here but arhjhrhjgghh I get the feeling Lanolin won't be around for a while now, and that's a real shame! I really like Lanolin, and with them still addressing the consequences of Sonic being the Phantom Rider with the Chaotix, it feels like there's maybe a missed opportunity to explore some of the absolutely fascinating thoughts Lanolin has about Sonic. I don't know. But if she is absent for a bit, I'll miss her :(

I don't want to end this on a dour note though, so... Okay, her and Jewel talking was great. Seeing Lanolin, supposedly bossy unflappable Lanolin sniffle and stumble over her words means a lot, especially when it's clearly in response to Jewel's large-scale breakdown. It's very reactionary, and I appreciate it.

Oh, and of course, I am curious... Who's going to be in charge of the Restoration this time!?

[bugcatcherkit]

more plural mob talk when you get the time please!

I need to hear about shigeo and mob/other characters it's my favorite interpretation of them!

OKAY I will try my best!!!!! But its a little difficult because the way I think about them changes a lot. There's, like, some set characteristics and all, but I don't tend to think in "definitives" with them. The difference between this and canon is there's More Dissociation and a further degree of separation (though, again, Baseline Identity; they can't exist in isolation).

OKAY OKAY. ANYWAY. I think a lot about the resentment they developed for each other. Mob resented Shigeo ("his power") for how they lost security in their relationships and were isolated from others, as well as his general destructiveness that Mob had to deal with the aftermath of. I also think that Mob sometimes gets hung up on how to live his life to the fullest when he has to share it with a part of their brain that doesn't always agree with what he wants to do.

Shigeo started resenting Mob for taking over their entire life, and also all the demonization, dehumanization, being rendered as scapegoat, and being cut off from all their relationships. Confession Arc was him trying to separate himself from Mob so he wouldn't have to deal with that anymore. And despite learning to accept and be more open with each other, I think they still struggle with this stuff sometimes in post-canon !! When they have problems with each other, most of it comes back around to this. But they're better at working through it and communicating and all that.

In line with their new communication efforts. I think it's interesting that Shigeo seems to know more about Mob than Mob does sometimes. Mob is so good at intellectualizing his emotions and fears and experiences, but Shigeo is more aware of the underlying emotional reasons that Mob struggles to grasp. Mob does not know this much about Shigeo, because Shigeo is mostly Raw Emotion, and he mostly relies on what he's been told about him up until post-canon. I'd imagine finding a balance becomes difficult sometimes even though that's what they're working on. Also, I tie this stuff to their memories. Like, Mob doesn't want to be left in the dark about things he doesn't remember but Shigeo does, especially surrounding stressful experiences. But Shigeo is like "bro you just want to Know you don't want to actually Accept or Feel anything about it yet".

I know I have other stuff about how i view their dynamic but I can't think of it right now so I hope this suffices. Most of the time they're just going through life. Mostly co-con or blended. So.

OH AND OTHERS. One I really think about a lot is Mob/Shigeo and Dimple. IT'S SO GOOD. They severely understand each other. Also, whether he knew it or not, Dimple was one of the only guys in Shigeo's corner for a while because he was always encouraging them to stop holding themselves back and consider their emotions. And Dimple was there to help them out a LOT when others couldn't, which was a big hang-up for Shigeo during Confession Arc. They all understand what it's like to be seen as scary or insignificant or inhuman in some way or another, so they don't do that for each other. And its great for Shigeo to know that once Dimple realized he couldn't use their power (which he never actually succeeded in doing), he stuck around anyway when he Rematerialized. Overall, Dimple would Get It and not pass a lot of judgment I think. Dimple dynamics are so underrated guys…..

Another fun dynamic is them and Ritsu, who I think was the First to know by the way. Sometimes he helps figure things out between them when they're having an especially difficult time communicating. Also Shigeo's general strong attachment to nostalgia means he kinda struggles to see Ritsu as more grown up, and he babies that kid in a way that Mob does not. He also likes to give Ritsu so many cool rocks off the ground and he'll feel mildly offended if Ritsu doesn't keep them.

And also Shigeo and Tome would get along great. Their shenanigans would be worrying.

Sorry I didn’t explain many other dynamics I got sidetracked and also I didn’t want this to be too long. This took a while because I’ve been in my “school is starting soon” slump where I am so so so tired all the time and struggle to focus on anythingg 🙏

them..

[hinamie]

u should think of tiny megu. To keep the stress at bay. You should draw him actually. Ooooo you wanna draw tiny megu getting the love he deserves so bad /j

he's with his 2 best friends

[laurellala-comics]

Fun fact! This was the real tipping point that made Edgeworth run away after AA1, they just couldn't show it on screen because they didn't have the rights to Chappell Roan's music <3

(A spiritual successor to my "Hot to Go" joke from this post. Image description under the cut below)

[Image ID: a four page black and white comic of characters from ace attorney.

The Judge stands solemnly at his podium holding a gavel "Mr. Miles Edgeworth, you are on trial for the murder of blah blah blah..."

A cheerful Maya Fey leans over to Miles Edgeworth, who is staring straight ahead and looking very concerned

Maya: "Psst! Mr. Edgeworth! If you win your trial, can I show you Chappell Roan?

Miles: "What the hell, sure." Internally he thinks "Oh God I am going to jail"

A box saying "later" in the top corner of the next panel marks the passage of time.

The Judge smiles as he says "I declare you... Not Guilty!"

We see a full body shot of Maya dancing excitedly while Miles looks on, emotionless

Maya: YIPPEE omg you're going to LOVE this

Miles internally thinks "oh no, the consequences of my actions.

We see Miles standing in between Phoenix Wright and Maya looking apprehensive. Maya beams in excitement, while Nick puts a reassuring hand on Miles' shoulder

Miles: Alright, so what is this exactly?

Nick: She's a pop musician Maya really likes

Maya: You promised you'd let me show you, and it's legally binding because you said it in a court room!

Miles: That is not how the law works Ms. Fey

Maya: Shh just listen!

We see a panel of Miles' pensive face concentrating as he listens to "Hot to Go". He thinks to himself "hm".

Another panel zoomed in more. His pensive expression has grown more tense/confused as he listens to "Red Wine Supernova". he again thinks to himself "Hm" in a larger thought bubble.

We zoom out again to see Nick, Miles, and Maya standing together again. Miles stares forward blankly, eyebrows raised. Maya excitedly leans in.

Maya: Ok, that's her whole discography. So! What did you think?

Nick looks at him, waiting for his response

We get a panel of Miles, looking bewildered. He starts to speak "I..."

We cut again to see the three of them standing together.

Miles: I... don't think I like women?

Miles looks shocked and confused. Nick is bent over laughing, using a hand on Miles's shoulder to support himself. Maya looks outraged and appalled!

Maya: MR. EDGEWORTH! Just because you don' like her musi it doesn't give you an excuse to be sexist!

We see a panel of Miles looking stressed and confused. He leans his head on one of his hands, which messes up his hair, showing how he isn't his normal put together self.

Miles: I should rephrase that. What I mean is, Ms. Roan is clearly VERY assured in her feelings towards women. I was... unaware that anyone felt that strongly. I thought we all viewed these things with a vague sense of distaste and unease but collectively ignored it. Like how we do with climate change.

We zoom out again to see the three of them. Miles stands in the middle looking deeply uncomfortable and lost in thought, vibrating with unease. Nick and Maya exchange deeply concerned glances across from him.

With lingering unease, Miles begins to walk away.

Miles: Well, I should be going then. Goodnight.

Nick hesitantly raises a finger to point out an inaccuracy in that statement

Nick: It's four in the afternoon-

he gets interrupted by Miles who repeats firmly: I said Goodnight

Nick looks in the direction Miles walked off in.

Nick: ...He'll be ok, right?

Maya reassures him: Of cours Nick! I mean, what's the worst that can happen?

Jump cut to a closeup of Nick's hand holding Miles' letter which reads Miles Edgeworth chooses death in all caps. Then, below in smaller font, it says Also femininomenon was really good, thanks.

We see a panel of Nick glaring wordlessly at Maya as he holds the letter in his hand. Maya leans against the wall and looks away, whistling, trying to look innocent to avoid blame.

As a bonus, we also have a page that takes place a year later. Miles and Nick stand talking. Miles looks calmer now, and Nick smiles encouragingly.

Miles: In my time in Europe, I've been examining myself and my approach to law. Ultimately, the most important focus must be justice. We owe it to ourselves and to the people we serve

Nick: Wow, that's really inspiring Edgeworth. And, uh, hows the... the other thing going?

We get a zoomed in panel of Miles glaring menacingly at a suddenly nervous Nick

Jumping out again, Miles turns his back to Nick as he continues to talk

Miles: So as I was saying, justice is truly so important...

Nick nervously rubs the back of his neck wearing an awkward expression as he sweats nervously. He thinks to himself internally "Ooookay then, clearly still working through some things there"

/.End ID]

[luck-of-the-drawings]

[OLD ART ALERT] A COLLECTION OF SCENES FROM THE GILLIONS CATSCRATCH ARC THAT BROUGHT ME GREAT JOY. i love fishy chips especially when its just gillion being delirious and violent and hostile

[lbhslefttiddie]

suddenly seized with the desire to write/draw a few short little scenes from the world after the events of You Can (Not) Redo (the uh. the yqy timeloop fanfiction. not the evangelion movie which i named it for) because it is, generally speaking, a happy ending, but also yqy is left deeply, deeply broken in ways that would be both fascinating and hilarious to explore

[eri-pl]

So with @edennill mentioning isekai recently (a week ago? Idk), I started thinking and realized something: (if we ignore part of meta that's self-contradictory anyway or if we squint hard enough) if we are contemplating the concept of "isekai-ed into ME", landing there as an elf makes just as much sense as landing there as a human. Because the difference between the two kindreds is how they're tied to Arda and since we are getting thrown into a different world anyway (because this is the only way this premise makes any resemblance of sense, because time travel is a total mess) we can as well be more strongly tied to it. It makes just the same amount of sense as being more loosely tied.

(Tolkien said that there is no inherent physical difference between Men and Elves; the only difference is the nature of their bond with Arda and stuff like this, purely spiritual or whatever to call it.)

[feline-evil]

Hiding my shirt that says 'i am not normal about narratives that imply an inanimate inhabited structure is a living breathing organism' as i walk into a board room and pitch my idea that we should make more horror revolving around living architecture