#the bw movie is so hard to watch at times

[capsicle107]

(X)

[thecoolerbrother]

i think something moonage daydream was really good at doing was capturing a vibe

[redroomreflections]

A Quiet Moment

Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader

A Family of Her Own Series

2/7

Masterlist | General Masterlist

w/c: 1.9k

Summary: After the fall of the Avengers, Natasha Romanoff returns home to her secret family—a life she's carefully hidden away for years. Struggling to balance her role as a mother and wife while avoiding the dangers of her past, Natasha is forced to make difficult decisions that impact her loved ones.

This Chapter: Natasha and R after Natasha comes home. Natasha is still on the run and this is set sometime after BW movie. -

The night came quicker than Natasha anticipated. Darkness wrapped around the small house like a soft blanket, the only sounds being the constant chirping of crickets outside and the faint creaks of the wooden floor settling. In the dim light of the moon filtering through the curtains, Natasha lay awake, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts, but her body was blissfully still.

The bed beneath her was cool and inviting, but the warmth of you pressed against her side sent a wave of comfort through her. You were close—so close that she could feel your steady heartbeat.

In the rarely used guest room, just a few steps away, the gentle breaths of your new occupants filled the air with a quiet sweetness. Stella, in her little room, lay curled up under a sea of blankets, her small figure rising and falling with each breath. It had taken some time to get her to sleep. Constant promises that Natasha would still be there in the morning remained.

Natasha could picture her, the way she’d insist on sleeping with her favorite stuffed animal, a well-loved bear with one ear missing.

And in the nearby crib, Nick slept soundly, his tiny chest rising and falling softly. Natasha’s heart swelled at the sight of him, so peaceful, the previous night’s fever just a memory. You had moved the crib closer to your bed after Nicky had fallen ill, something you’d informed her of when she’d questioned it. Natasha turned her head slightly, glancing at you.

“You should be sleeping,” You mumble tiredly.

Natasha blinks, turning to face you fully. You look back at her, your eyes hooded, a small, sleepy smile on your lips. She feels a smile tug at her own lips.

“I can’t,” She whispers.

Your smile is comforting as you gently pull her closer, resting your forehead against hers. You cup her cheek, and she leans into the touch.

You let out a soft sigh, reaching out and tracing the curve of her jaw with your finger. Natasha watches you, her heart racing, her mouth going dry.

"Is this okay?" You ask quietly, your finger moving down her throat, following her pulse.

Natasha swallows hard and nods. She wants this, and she wants you. She just doesn’t know what you want, but she thinks she does when you move closer.

“We can’t,” You frown slightly. “I want to but…” You say. You glance over to your sleeping infant just a few feet away.

Natasha knows the feeling of wanting something but knowing it isn't right. She reaches for your hand, squeezing it.

"It's fine," Natasha says, though she isn't sure if she believes herself. “I just want to be here with you.” She assures you. “Are you sure he’s okay?”

“I’m sure,” You nod. “His fever broke just before you came. He was fine. You saw. Even smiled for Melina.” You smile.

Natasha chuckles. A genuine smile appears on her face. The image of Nick smiling up at her was one that would forever be imprinted in her memory.

“I’m worried I’m missing everything with them,” She admits quietly. “I’m leaving you to do everything on your own.”

Your smile is comforting as you gently pull her closer, resting your forehead against hers. You cup her cheek, and she leans into the touch.

"You're doing the best you can, Natasha," You tell her. “This is what we agreed is safer. Stella and Nicky are safe here.”

Natasha frowns. She knows. It was her idea, after all. But, still, a part of her wonders if things could be different.

“Is it what’s best for you? For us,” Natasha begins. “We are married. How can that work if we barely see each other? If you’re only with the kids. It’s unfair to you.”

Your brow furrows, and you lean back to look at her.

"That's not how I think of it," You tell her. "We're doing the best we can, Natasha. The best for us, the best for the kids. This is what we wanted. A family. When all of this blows over we will be together.”

“Oh yeah,” She replies lazily. “Is that what that meant earlier in the kitchen ? It was a warm welcome from you.”

“You mean the part where I hugged and kissed you?” You raise a brow.

“No, the part where you kind of ignored me,” She replies.

“For Stella to have her moment with you,” You roll your eyes.

"And when you kissed my cheek?" She questions.

"You didn't seem to mind it," You reply. "Did you?"

"What if I did?"

"Then I wouldn't do it again." You rub a hand across your face.

“You’re pissed,” Natasha sighs.

“Do you want me to be angry with you ?” You shake your head. “I can ice you out if you want.”

“I want to hear how you feel about all of this,” She reasons. “I want to hear how you’ve been.”

There’s a pause.

“Baby?” She turns to you.

“I’ve been…” You rest your head against the pillows. “I’ve been lonely. Afraid. Exhausted.”

Natasha begins to grab your hand but you stop her.

“It’s not something you can make feel better with a hug and a kiss,” You pull away. You don’t want to but she asked. “These Accords. They’re serious, Natasha. Before that you were in Lagos for who knows how long. Then you’re on the run. You’re still on the run might I add. You come home with these strangers. A new family. People I’m supposed to welcome in when you’ve never told me about them before. You never even mentioned you had a sister.”

“I’m sorry…” She begins. “It’s complicated.”

“It always is,” You shake your head. “That’s what it always has been. Dominic doesn’t remember you, sure, we could work on that if you’re home sometimes. If you’d bother to call. Stella asks about you all the time. The only glimpse of you she gets is on the news if I allow her. She’s two there’s only so much placating she’ll take.”

Natasha doesn’t speak this time. She knows you’re not done.

“And I,” You choke on your words. “I’m here everyday. Being the doting, and loyal wife, I cook, I clean, take care of the kids. Hell, I fuck you when you come home if that’s what you ask of me. I just want you to be clear with me about what this is. What we are to you. If we’re just some side quest I’d have rather been told this before pushing two eight pound babies out for you. For us. Because we’re married. You won’t tell me about the new scars you have. How you’re practically still limping on your feet. Natasha, I don’t know what you want me to say. You’re here for two days.”

Natasha breathes. She allows you the space as she sits with your words.

“I asked Stella about her birthday,” You say finally. “She says her only wish is to have both of her Mommies with her.” You can’t see her face but you know that part has hit her hard.

You take her hand again and intertwine your fingers.

"I just...I want to know what we are, Nat," You say. "I can't do this without knowing. It's driving me insane."

Natasha takes a deep breath and pulls away, sitting up. Her stomach is churning with anxiety.

"I don't know," She confesses, her voice low. "I'm trying, okay?”

“You don’t know ?” Your voice has a harder edge now. “What the fuck do you mean you don’t know.”

“Y-“ She tries again.

“No, you need to talk to me. Explain to me what that answer means.”Natasha looks away, refusing to meet your gaze. She can't stand to see the hurt and anger in your eyes.

"I don't know what to tell you," She says, her tone sharper than she intended.

“Tell me you love me. Tell me you’ll come home. Tell me you won’t miss your daughter’s third birthday or your son’s first.”

Natasha can feel the tears stinging her eyes, threatening to fall. She can't do any of those things. Not the way you want her to.

"I can't," Her voice is barely above a whisper. “I have to break them out. Wanda’s stuck. They’re all in prison because of me.”

She looks over at you, her eyes brimming with tears. She knows that what she's saying isn't fair.

"If I do this, if I free them, they'll come here," Natasha says. You shake your head, and Natasha can see the tears forming in your eyes. She hates seeing you cry. It's worse when she's the cause.

"So, what?" You ask. "We can't just keep hiding. We can’t continue being your secret. I refuse.”

"I'm trying to protect you," Natasha insists.

"But, what about me, Nat," You demand, your voice rising. "You can't just show up out of nowhere. Stay for two days then leave.”

Natasha is silent for a moment, her mind racing, her heart pounding. She needs to fix this. But how can she fix something when she doesn't know what's broken?

"God, I feel so stupid,” Your voice breaks. You quickly wipe at your eyes.

Natasha looks at you, her heart aching. You're her wife. You've always been there for her, no matter how difficult things got. But now, she feels like she's failing you.

“Baby, come here,” She reaches for you.

"Just stop," You snap.

Natasha stops, her hand hanging in the air. Her throat tightens. She's never seen you like this, so angry and upset.

"I can't keep doing this," You whisper. “I don’t have all of the answers for us. I gave up a career. I gave up my life for us. For this. For a family with you.”

Natasha doesn't respond.

"I gave up so much, and you won't even tell me the truth," You continue. "You're lying to me. To everyone. Even the kids."

"I'm trying to protect you," She says again.

"To protect them. If I tell anyone about the farm, about the kids, about us. It's over.”

"Would that be so bad?”

"I-."

"You said you love me," You remind her. "You promised me. That's what you told me when I got pregnant with Stella."

Natasha doesn't know what to say.

“Nat, I don’t want to fight,” You frown. “I didn’t want our only nights together to be like this.”

"I know," She murmurs.

"It's just hard, and you're not making it easier."

"I know."

"I'm sorry," You apologize.

"I know," Natasha repeats. She reaches for you again. This time you come. Somehow you ball yourself into her lap, your face resting in her neck.

“I don’t want to get the call one day that you’re gone,” You whisper.

"I won't," Natasha says, rubbing your back. "I promise."

"You can't promise that.”

"I'll be careful."

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

“I love you, Nat,” You kiss her neck.

She holds you close, savoring the feel of you in her arms.

"I love you, too," She whispers.

The room falls quiet once more, the only sound coming from the occasional gust of wind against the window pane.”How are you feeling?" Natasha asks after a few moments, her voice soft.

"Better," You answer. "Now that you're here."

"I'm sorry I've been gone so much," She says. “Once all of this blows over. Give me a month. Two tops. I’m home for good. I’ll tell everyone.”

"Promise?" You look up at her.

"Promise," Natasha smiles, leaning in and kissing you.

The kiss is slow, soft, and full of love. Natasha's hand rests on the back of your neck, her fingers gently caressing the skin. You needed her. You’ve wanted her all this time and now she’s here.

next part

[doubleddenden]

I see some people worrying that the Teraleak will cause Pokemon projects to be delayed or canceled (thanks to a fake leaker who lost his credibility trying to stir the pot like usual), especially ZA.

I'm not a leaker with inside info, I'm not a TPC employee, I'm just a lifelong fan like many others- just to preface this.

My opinion is this, for what little it may matter: I don't think any game projects are in any rush to be canceled or completely restarted from scratch. This leak is huge and does cover other facets of the franchise like anime and movies- those could be possibly affected, but I'd say the chances of anything deep in development being outright canceled is near zero- not impossible, but very low.

Imo the worst that may end up happening across the board is that stories in the works may need to be rewritten, characters planned reworked, certain new Pokemon or forms shelved for later or permanently jailed like other beta Pokemon, or maybe get delayed a bit longer than what they normally would have.

That being said, there's something very important people need to realize about this: Pokemon isn't a passion project, it's a franchise that makes more money than any other. They are a business that makes products to be bought, watched, consumed, all in pursuit of appeasing people in suits who like money. That sounds like a cold take to some, and I'm sure there are plenty involved that are passionate about their work, but money is the MAIN objective here- I think we can all see why SV released so early despite clearly being unfinished with that understanding.

In other words, there are billions of dollars tied into a lot of projects going on. Shareholders and investors will want their money back and extra. Employees need to be paid for their hard work, and while the games don't make nearly as much as mobile games or merch, that's still a pretty heavy billion or more dollars earned with each release, quality not really important. This year, they're banking on merch, tcg, mobile games, and especially TCG pocket to help make up for the gap year.

However that still leaves the next year or two. They are balls deep in ZA and gen 10 production right now, it is literally too late to turn back now or risk SV but WORSE, and to drop it all because of a leak is tantamount to lighting billions of dollars ablaze and shooting your own ass with a pistol.

A source code and a possible PC build being out there can lose a little money, but let's be real: most Pokemon games have leaked before their scheduled launch date to be available for some form of Piracy. I can attest that this has been the case since- from my own memory- HGSS's and BW's initial releases. In recent times, SwSh and SV both were being emulated days and weeks before commercial launch.

And you know what happened? They still made so much money that the more recent games have collectively sold more than most of the older gens.

Sure, you can emulate, you could try the pc build if it ever leaks- but the pc build supposedly requires specific specs to play- in other words, it is most likely a dev build meant for simulating the Switch or Switch 2 specifications. Emulating is harder to do the more recent a game is, and not all pcs are made for it in general (my "gaming" pc can play plenty of Steam Games just fine, but it absolutely shits itself trying to run an RPGmaker game or trying to emulate anything more complex than the gba or n64). Even then, most fans would prefer to play the games on original hardware because it simply WORKS the best and as close to intended as possible, and it is just easier to buy a game than figure out how to get just the right settings to run a Switch game at lower fps and overall quality, let alone find a source for a game that doesn't come preloaded with a virus or a tracker to get you fined. In other words, people who emulate are probably a very small percentage of the total player base, and people who would emulate a more recent Pokemon game are probably smaller in that group. And let's be real- the people who will emulate were already planning to anyway.

Let's be clear- a source code can be worked wonders with... if you have the time and know how to figure out how to do it and THEN the time and know how to also do it. If you're a game studio and it is your JOB to work with it, you get paid to do so for many hours a day. If you're a fan trying to get a game to run natively on pc or other devices, you're most likely going to be doing this while you're off work or dealing with other life commitments, and it'll still probably take more time than if you were someone who originally made it.

Here's 1 more important thing: yes, this is probably the earliest a Pokemon game project has gotten leaked, but A. It is not leaking to the public YET other than 2 or 3 small bread crumbs that barely mean anything OOC and only stated by the one guy who has it. B. Although ZA is playable, even the Leaker himself said that the game still needs to have more side quests and things worked on. It's not the final product yet, in other words, meaning even if he did go back on his word and leak everything, there will still be things missing they haven't added as of August of 2024 when GF was breached. That definitely includes Pokemon, plot lines, etc.

All of this being said- people will buy the games. Simple as that. That's guaranteed money. That's money they want and need. So what this means overall is that ZA and gen 10 will most likely not be canceled- least of all as a way to "punish" fans for the actions of 1 guy.

A delay, perhaps? Well, all we know about ZA's release window is what we've already been told: 2025. That's it. No point in 2025, just the year, anywhere from January to December. If they decide to redo huge portions of the story- which I doubt they'll erase too much- we probably won't even know about it until the next big leak (which if gf have half a brain they'll invest more in their cyber security, if nothing else than for their own safety) or unless we are told to our faces by them directly, which I doubt. Any delays will strictly be internal rather than on our end- maybe they'll need to delay from April to November of 2025 for ZA, but we don't know that because all we know is 2025!

In simple words, if something changes, we won't know anything until after the fact. We won't see a difference from our perspective until later, like how we're now discovering a bunch of new gen 3 and a few gen 5 beta Pokemon 22 to 15 years after the fact. Worst outcome is maybe they'll cut content and blame the leak- but let's be real, they cut content anyway because of anything from time constraints to "kids and their smart phones."

It'll be fine. Don't stress about that.

[tokyogruel]

im so sorry to everyone who has ever tagged me in a dashboard game and i havent done it. my brain explodes every day and i forget, htjat people tag me in things

but 2 people tagged me in this (tag 9 people meme) in the last 24 hours so i feel obligated LMAO (tagged by @eslover and @carlysky815

Last Song: "local anesthesia" by covey

Favorite Color: it depends on the day, but purple and yellow are strong contenders right now

Last Movie/TV Series: i.. have no idea im going to be honest. i saw the sonic movie for the first time a few weeks ago?? i dont watch movies or tv often anymore

Sweet/Spicy/Savory: sweet or spicy, though it's hard to choose

Relationship Status: engaged, @deaddying <3

Last thing I googled: "japan how long must you go to school to bw a doctor" typo included. the answer is at least 6 years btw

Current obsession: MILGRAM. fuck my stupid baka life

Tag nine people:

@wxdragonghoulxb @neontetra @blueepink07

@roseofcards90 @amugoffandoms @linabirb

@assortedinsanities @ruruss @red-moon-at-night

[love-is-a-pearl]

Alright, I will be honest:

I don't like Black&White saga cause it feels like flopoed retcon/reboot of pokeanime. Like, in the beginning it cut ties to previous sagas and regions. Like, after whole THE BUILD UP in Sinnoh, it felt like Ash got robbed. Also doesn't help that in beginning they isolated Unova pokemon from previous generations. And the thing is, is that 5 gen pokemon design already stylistically different from previous ones: more round, simplified.

Also, it didn't help that relationship with rivals are less close and tense than in Diamond&Pearl. Like, all other characters beside main trio feels shallow and caricatures. In Sinnoh, both Ash and Dawn learned something from their rivals, Paul and Zoe were REALLY IMPACTFUL to them. But when we compare Iris and Dragon huntress (yes, I don't even remember her name)... That's basic. Like, Iris's rival surved as plot tool few times at best.

But second part of saga is better (*cough - cough * cause Cynthia and Dawn came back *cough- cough*) : old pokemon are back, we see mythical pokemon in action. Also, I enjoyed Decolora arc!

Good points of BW:

I like Cylan and Iris. For Iris in particular... She feels like Misty's other version, but in a good way. I also like her story arcs with her team, like damn, homegirl got her own Suicide squad in pokeworld 😂.

Also, there's Team R... One one hand, it's was hard for me to see them drop comedy tone. On another hand, they demonstrated us how much dangerous they can be! Like, they got their business! Our trio was more menacing than whole Team Plazma, honestly 😅.

All in all, my main issue is that Black and White drop most of connections with Diamond and Pearl. Like, transition was too DRASTIC. But I do understand, that there ate people who adores 5 gen. I mean, I heard that 5 gen games was top tier. It's just, unfortunately, I stsrted to dwell into pokemon games since 6 gen, so I was unable to even play Black and White. Maybe in that case I watched anime in different context.

Also, I really like movies in that saga! Like Keldeo and Mewtwo (or Newtwo ( if you know you know)) put everything in their movies, and Victini's one with TWO DIFFERENT VERSIONS was low-key something in cinematic universe level.

... That was looong ask, but I really need that out of my chest 😅

Nah, dont worry, go and vent its the first step to overcoming trauma lol I joke but seriously, if everyone sat down to understand what they dislike and like about a season like that, things would be so much simpler :v

BW is totally an attempt to a soft reboot! But there's one thing I feel folks often forget: The games themselves were that too!!

The lack of pokemon pre gen 5 was something that came from the games, as unova was the first region outside of Japan. Pokemon company was trying to start anew from all sides and that ended up affecting the anime the most because for some reason, it was decided that they would star anew, but keep a familiar face in Ash.

And then we have the fact that the BW games got a sequel immediately after, Black and White 2, and the story on those was directly connected to the first games, showcasing an Unova 2 years after BW1 (highly reccomend them btw, some of the best overarching story in pokemon games ever)

And like, the anime started with the narrator just saying Ash was still 10!! Someone surely made that a rule in the background, so how could they tell the story of a Unova 2 years later with a main character that just couldn't age?

So the writers just had to do their own thing. And probably made up so much of it halfway and also explain why they just scrapped so many characters of the day post league. They just wanted some time for people to forget the first half of BW to try and implement things from BW2.

And that's the thing, this issue is not from BW only. We know for a fact that there were plans for Ash to leave the anime during Johto, but they couldn't just say goodbye to him, so he stayed. Black and White was just the culmination of that decision. And I feel like hating on it alone is just… not aknowledging that pokeani is flawed from the get-go yknow?

What made BW that weird is what made Ash and Serena and the Kalos loss weird, what made journeys weird and what made 2beamaster miniseries that FUCKING WEIRD.

BUT GOSH TRIO!! Now the way those 3 were handled in the season is one thing I can't excuse lmao

People love to talk how out of character Ash acts this season, even though is not even that OOC when compared to pre DP, but TR were the ones that felt like complete different characters! And while I enjoy the whiplash of Ash gang doing silly things overlapped with very serious evil dutiestm, I feel like that that was a bad decision throught and throught. I get that at first they wanted a Team Rocket vs Team Plasma situation, but doing that with the TRio is just so weird.

HELL YEAH, I LOVE THE NEWTWO MOVIE! It makes no sense but gosh Mewtwo2 and genesect's relationship is just so ADORABLE i love them so much. Is those kind of stuff that makes me sad about BW, folks see a mewtwo that is not the main one and they dont give it a shot, but is such a heartwarming story in the end.

[felassan]

A conversation/interview video with Casey Hudson called "Casey Hudson Interview: Mass Effect Director on New Studio Humanoid Origin and His Next Game": [source and watch link] In the video they discuss topics like previous BioWare games and the early days at BioWare.

Part of video description:

"In this career-spanning interview, I talk to Mass Effect creator Casey Hudson about his philosophy on game development, projects like Star Wars: KotOR, and his new remote-friendly studio, Humanoid Origin, which is hard at work on an all-new sci-fi game IP."

Some quotes/notes under the cut:

Covid was a strange time for everyone. Casey was a studio head at BioWare when the pandemic and lockdown hit; everyone went home. this was very surreal, but he "was sitting in [his] home office as the General Manager for a studio of several hundred people", and "it kind of worked pretty well, and then it just makes you realize that if that's possible, then maybe you don't need the big infrastructure, huge studio locations, maybe there's a different way to do it."

Casey is also a concept artist. when they were starting creating Mass Effect, he was really concerned with the Citadel and what the shape of it was going to be, so he did tons of drawings trying to figure out what it would look like.

In the early days of BioWare, the old BioWare culture had devs often out dancing on Whyte Avenue. many of the devs in the early days at BW worked on Whyte Avenue. just downstairs from them is where all the bars and restaurants were, and many of the devs lived within walking distance. at that time work was most of their lives. if they wanted to meet their friends at the bar, they were just downstairs or across the street. "This is not a lifestyle that you wanna maintain into your 30s and 40s, but that's kind've what it was like at that time. But because it was so, I think it was a really narrow existence in a lot of ways and half of it is in the winter, bitterly cold outside, that we then first of all have a lot of time to focus and imagine something but also you then really start thinking of like, what does the escape look like? Where do you want to be right now? Instead of in the middle of the winter in Edmonton working 12 hours a day. Where would you, what do you fantasize about? That I think is kinda what propelled a lot of the vision for these really epic places and a sense of escapism." - Interestingly KOTOR and ME1 both have levels/scenes near the end with beaches.

It took people 15 years to notice that the sentence in the opening segment of ME1 "and the civilizations of the galaxy called it.. mass effect" was an homage to Top Gun ("the pilots call it Top Gun"). this was put in there because Casey used to want to be a fighter pilot when he was younger.

Why did they have the Reapers in ME, these lovecraftian terrifying horror things? They originate from 2 things. BW really envisioned ME as "imagine that there was a movie that came out in the late 70s or early 80s". it was to be kind of in the vein of Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, or Alien, and like it was like a major sci-fi hit that just didn't get released, only now you get to play it and be in that experience. "So that's kind of where we went with, not necessarily horror, but that sort of sci-fi suspense feeling. And then I think the other piece was, we were just really swinging for the fences. like, if there's a threat, what is the biggest threat? And if you're gonna make a decision in this game, let's make them agonizing decisions of the highest stakes, and so ME kind've has this feeling like, of everything being big and important and difficult choices and huge scale. And I think that's where it came from."

99% of the creature models for Neverwinter Nights were thrown in the trash. Casey made a bunch of models over the course of a year, as a major part of his role that year. Then the D&D 3rd Edition rules came out with concepts in them for how things were supposed to look. "I believe what happened was we were asked to just snap to those concepts, so all of these character models that I had made were just never going to get used. the irony of it is the one thing that did end up getting used was the giant spider model I did in my first day or two."

(on his first day at BioWare they gave him a concept for a giant spider, and in his first week he made this spider monster model.)

early screenshots of NWN were from a prototype as opposed to the proper game engine.

the interviewer mentioned that the NWN era was a stressful time, a dark time at BioWare. the publisher was going bankrupt.

the co-founder doctors Ray and Greg were very good at providing an environment that felt stable because they were shielding the devs from a lot of the existential crisis the business was in, so it felt stable, but they also provided real stability. "The games that we worked on, for many years, everything we worked on shipped and became a good game that brought revenue into the studio and elevated our status as a developer. But I know that it was a lot rougher waters than what we experienced. I'm always curious to follow up with Rey and Greg and find out what that would have been like for them."

The interviewer then mentions that things then got a little more exploratory at the studio at that time, and the fact that there were some cancelled projects. Casey: "At that point, we were becoming larger as a studio and growing the number of projects we had at a given time. I think at one point there was just more projects than we could sustain in terms of focus and just the logistics of getting that many things out. Prior to that though we had an amazing run, it was very rare to be able to ship everything that you work on, and I think we had that for quite a while."

At that time in games development, devs just worked on the game they were working on all day. Nowadays in game development there's lots of other things they often have to do during their day at work (like instead of and in addition to). in his new studio, Casey said he wants to try and work smarter or faster, and without ending up doing crunch time, and without working on things that end up needing to be downscoped.

He also discussed the development of KOTOR at various points in the video and relayed some anecdotes about KOTOR. for example, Jolee Bindo is named after his imaginary friend from childhood that he had.

On the naming of Anthem: "So that one, I've only heard the story secondhand because I came into Anthem at the very end. I was on that project at the very, that was going to be the next full game that I was gonna work on right after ME3. We moved onto what was going to be our new IP and it was called Project Dylan at the time. I worked on Dylan for about a year before I left EA. I was at Microsoft for a while. then after a few years, that project was still going and then had actually been announced as Anthem and had its E3 debut. So they already had their name, as of that point. As I understand, that was another one where it's just, you try a number of different names, and at this point, there are just so many things being copy-written that it's really hard to find a name that isn't blocked by an existing product. But I thought that was a great name."

In the early days of BW they generally didn't have much interaction with the publisher. "It just really felt like we could just go off and design something that was true to itself and was amazing for what we were making". it's harder and harder to do this nowadays as publishers and studios get bigger and bigger.

[source]

[busting-buffers]

I was watching The Unlucky Tugs' video where he ranks the TTTE movies from worst to best and decided to make my own so HERE WE GO!

Tier List maker HERE

14. MIR: I liked this movie as a kid. But I recently rewatched and boy howdy is she BAD. I didn't watch series 11 when Whiff was introduced, so having him in this movie was odd to me because I didn't know who the hell he was! The train racism in this is so overdone and never gets resolved, the logging locos are ANNOYING, and Thomas is just a dick the entire time?? -5/10

13. CAE!: This was one of those that they could have done better. The learning segments make it hard to watch when you're older, but it's for kids so who cares. But again, Train Racism. It gets resolved at the end, sure, but literally just...keeps happening. MIR in point. Also, the random involvement of D10?? And Lady?? who haven't been mentioned since TATMR??? Odd choice. 2/10

12. DotD: They basically rehashed CAE in CGI form, but none of the Train Racism is resolved. The Diesels suck, manipulate Percy, and take over the steamworks. That's it. That's the plot. 2/10

11. BW!BA!: I liked it. The songs were fun, Ace was a cool addition as a bad influence on Thomas, and Nia sure is a girl's engine. It seemed so rushed, though. Like Thomas had this grand idea, Sir Topham jokingly says yes, and like 15 minutes in Thomas is sailing off on a ship to Africa. "Where in the World is Thomas?" is a good ensemble number with cool callbacks to other movies, "Free and Easy" is just catchy as hell, and the other numbers are fun too. It was okay, but not my favorite. 4/10

10. TotB: It's just so, so average, but better than the others ranked lower. I love how James is the antagonist because he's covering up how scared he is in the end, but Percy just seems to baby-like for my taste. His fears are rational, but they really dumbed him down. I do love the introduction of Gator, and his and Percy's friendship is adorable. But it's all downplayed as Thomas didn't comfort Percy, so Percy gets a new BFF and Thomas is upset when Percy wants to leave. I get it, but I don't. 5/10

9. KotR: Ok this was a fun one. We get 1-5-6 buddy-content and it's super cute! I love this pal trio. The Earl and Stephen are such fun characters and I love how they worked them into the series later on. Stephen's characterization is so odd though, but I get it. He's upset he can't be useful like the young engines, and that's all he wants. This movie sets up for some good episodes later. 6/10

8. BMM: This one is so cute! I love the Narrow Gauge engines, and the beginning sequences are action packed and set up the movie well. But it comes back to Train Racism AGAIN. Diesel overhears about Luke and decides he wants him to be sent away, and then Diesel is in the wrong as always. I mean, he is, but we gotta stop making the diesels just bad engines. He did what he thought was right, especially not knowing the context. 6/10

7. HotR: Thomas's first CGI movie was a hit with me. Obviously it set up a rough era but I enjoyed the movie! Hiro's introduction is so fascinating, and Spencer being the antagonist is so so neat to me. This big silver showoff wants to get rid of an antique, but for what. That's why I didn't rank it higher. There's no why as to why Spencer wants to get rid of Hiro. Because he's old? Then why doesn't he hate Eddie?? His actions have no motive. 7/10

6. TaTMR: Don't come for me. I like this movie! It's whimsical and fun and a cool take on the series. It has it's flaws, obviously, like there's no set up for as to why D10 is there in the first place. But then again, this movie was rewritten I think three times? The original script would have been fun if the movie wasn't made for kids. An evil bastard who hates Burnett Stone because he was in love with Tasha, and wants to destroy the last thing Burnett can remember her by? So fascinating. I would have loved to see the original done as a more adult-ish action take on the franchise. 7/10

5. TAB: This movie is so awesome. Retelling the OG RWS and TV series stories in CGI, giving Thomas an introduction arc, and most importantly, Black Livery James (you know I had to mention it). It's such a great call-back to the original 5(?) stories and episodes, and I thought it was done very well. It holds a special place in my heart, but it's not my favorite. 8/10

4. TGR: I loved the musical take on this AGGHHH. All the musical numbers are so fanciful and catchy. I loved the plot, I love how the characters are set up. But like TUT says in his video, some of it is all marketing ploys. Like Thomas jumping the drawbridge, which I will continue to question why. But if you overlook Mattel's marketing, it's a good movie and it stands up well. 8/10

Also the next three movies are in no particular order so:

JBS: THIS. THIS WAS AN INTERESTING PLOT! James is boasting about how he's the favorite and the best, as always, so Thomas decides to put him in his place. But Thomas, unlike James, doesn't know the mainland well because he has lived on Sodor for probably 99% of his life. He was sent/arrived there in 1915, the same year he was built. He only knew Brighton! The experimental engines have great character, and I wish we got more of them in the series. Frankie and Hurricane are so, so interesting: they butter up Thomas to think he's hot shit, then BOOM! Trapped because they need another engine to work there, and can't do it unless they train-nap them. "Hottest Place in Town" is such a good song and aids to their plans, and it sets up their trickery well. The ending is not the best, but seeing Hurricane almost melt was just top notch to the whole thing. 10/10

SLotLT: This and TGD are so interesting because we see another side of Thomas. He thinks he can do no wrong, causes an accident, and ends up being punished. He does it twice, and winds up in a sort of Boy who Cried Wolf-ish situation after saving Ryan from the dynamite. Sir Topham only saw the part where it seemed Thomas was trying to get rid of Ryan, and gets angry with him again (and uses his full name? Papa was upset.) Ryan and Thomas's dynamic was so, so interesting and I wish we had more. Daisy being reintroduced was something I didn't see coming, and was a great way to tie her in to the series again. Same thing with Donald and Douglas, our beautiful Scots. Sailor John being the first human antagonist is so interesting, and this movie also has it's dark points. John was actually going to try to blow Thomas up aith dynamite! He blew up Sir Topham's office! This movie was great. 10/10

TGD: I had the DVD when I was younger and watched it every night before bed. It was so interesting. The songs are top notch: Racing to the Wharf, Jobs-a-Plenty, and Where, oh, Where is Thomas. The bridge scene is incredible and a great way to set it up. Thomas being insecure after Stanley shows up was something that never really happened, and he despised him so much he tried to essentially decomission him? Devious Thomas is my favorite. Thomas actually regretted how he treated Stanley, and they became good friends. SLotLT and TGD had similar plots in that aspect, but they did it so differently that it's not another DotD and CAE! issue. This was my childhood favorite and it still holds up. 10/10

[neonsbian]

OKKKK i finished watching all the oceans movie so here is my definitive ranking:

Ocean's 8 - women criminals, easy win. ok but seriously, all i want from an oceans movie is a fun little heist and i not only got that, i also got homoerotic tension bw debbie and lou. there were fewer characters but i genuinely think that was to its benefit bc i actually remember everyone and it also establishes a reason for everyone willingly participating in a heist. also, i like that they didn't rob a casino. the whole magnet thing for the necklace was kinda unnecessary imo but whatever, u need that moment of 'oh no we didnt plan for this!' in every heist movie, it didnt take away from the fun

Ocean's 11 (2001) - i mean, it was a fun little heist and i got homoerotic tension bw danny and rusty. i had a good time overall and it was fun movie. i think when u got such a big cast, its gonna be hard to give a shit abt all of them and tbh, i didnt even remember some of the guys names even though i saw all of the movies. also no one explains their reason for doing the heist (except danny ig) which personally detracts for me. again, it was just a good time

Ocean's 13 - i don't really have anything to say, it was just a good time overall. points off for not having any women besides the woman who works for bank but we got more danny ocean yaoi so :/ also there wasn't enough yen imo

Ocean's 11 (1960) - i think the idea of a bunch of war veterans robbing 5 casinos in las vegas on new years is really interesting but idkk man it was kinda boring, they spend more time talking abt their lives than the heist and the heist itself wasn't rlly that interesting to watch? like the plan was more interesting than the way they pulled it off. i do think its funny that none of them got away w it tho

Ocean's 12 - all im looking for when im watching an oceans movie is a fun little heist and that is not what i got in this movie. the set up for the plot was stupid, every gag and joke went on forever and was not funny, the french guy who hated danny pissed me off, matt damon pissed me off, the only women in this were love interests and one of them was a cop!!! that movie was 2 hrs long and it felt even longer somehow

[bokutosbiceps]

Could I have a match up please! And for (Demon Slayer, JJBA and Hunter x Hunter)

I’m a goth girl who has a bit of a sassy attitude, I can quite rude but a playful kinda rude if that makes sense. I also have a dark sense of humor. I also tend to keep to myself and only really open up to people I’ve gotten close too. And once you get to know me I’m pretty chill and sweet most of the time! uwu, I also have huge confidence since I have 13 tattoos across my body.

My zodiac sign is a libra uwu

My favorite hobbies are writing for fun, drawing, playing video games and I love collecting plushies! I love drawing horror type of stuff and I enjoy writing stuff for my favorite fandoms. And my favorite video games are fighting ones like mortal kombat for example.

I love// Goth Fashion, Art, Heavy Metal, Video Games, Horror Movies/Slashers, Cute adorable plushies, I also adore blankets, I enjoy spicy food and spicy ramen, I also have an obsession anything strawberry related. My favorite things are Tattoos, I love getting them (besides the horrible pain) and I love looking at them uwu

I dislike// I hate whenever people talk down on me for having tattoos and for my sense of dark goth fashion. I hate people who try touching my things without my permission, and I also hate centipedes because they are ugly and gross and I don’t understand why they need so many legs.

When I’m looking in for a partner I’m looking for someone who I can laugh and joke around, someone who wouldn’t mind my tattoos and goth fashion, I want someone who’ll love my sassy attitude and obsession of plushies uwu

My sexual preference is bisexual // I don’t mind uwu

I added this for a bonus // My appearance // I’m a 4’11 girl ,, who’s around 97 pounds. I have short hair, and freckles all over my body. I have 13 tattoos all over my body, my legs, thighs and arms, and one on my back and chest. I’m always wearing a small choker. But when I dress up I love wearing my huge chokers, black lipstick, black eyeshadow, and black clothes. With my huge platforms that give me an extra 6 inches. uwu

a/n: bruh i had suchhhh a hard time choosing bw kakyoin + josuke for you 🥺 also bw chrollo + shizuku. anyways, i hope you enjoy, love 💞

hunter x hunter

i match you with shizuku murasaki! as a goth girl herself, she would never ever judge you or bother you about your fashion. she’d actually identify with it quite a bit + sometimes you guys might even share clothes! she’s also a lover of both gorey + adorable things, so together you are buried underneath a mountain of soft, cute plushies while watching the latest slasher thriller. shizuku’s personality and humor can be described as a bit dry, but she thoroughly enjoys your dark sense of humor. to this day, the rest of the troupe swears you are the only one who can make shizuku laugh. you’re able to bring out the funny, almost humorous side of shizuku with your overall attitude + personality. you both feel really secure in your relationship because of your combined bluntness. if something isn’t right, there’s no drama, it’s solved almost immediately. shizuku also has a habit of bringing you back a choker from each one of her missions, since she looovvvessss seeing you wear them. 

(i'm so sorry for the fanservicey gif, it was the only decent one from 2011 hxh that i could find 😔)

kimetsu no yaiba

i match you with douma! the way y’all would get along is terrifying. you’re like two peas in a pod, but he’s slightly creepier than you, but doesn’t ever let you see that side of him. if he could do one thing for the rest of his eternal life, it would be to sit + laugh with you. you can make each other laugh in a split second, + you guys share the same type of humor. others might be frightened by the jokes you make, but you guys get each other perfectly. douma also is absolutely infatuated with your fashion sense, especially your tattoos. he loves to have you sit in his lap or lay across his legs while he traces each + every one of your tattoos with his long nails. he also likes to feed your obsessions. would buy you every single fluffy plushie in the world if he could. he’s also super duper affectionate + loves to just pick you up + squeeze you since you’re tiny compared to him. he likes to say you’re his own personal plushie 🥺

jojo’s bizarre adventure

i match with you kakyoin noriaki! this sassy, gamer boy bitch. as soon as he heard you like combat/fighter style games, he’s infatuated. you guys could stay up for hourssss playing video games with each other, but he’ll usually fall asleep first. you’ll be playing with him then all of a sudden his character stops fighting back + you turn to see him snoozing on your shoulder. he’s adorable. he absolutely loves to watch you draw + study your artwork. he’s somewhat of an artist himself + a perfect afternoon for him could be just y’all sitting against each other + drawing, stopping occasionally to show each other or ask for each other’s opinions. kakyoin is terrified of getting a tattoo since he has a lower pain tolerance but he’s always wanted one—he’s so jealous that you have so many cool tattoos. maybe one day you can convince him to start out with a small one, but he’ll only agree if you accompany him to hold his hand 🥺

[tinycupcakesstuff]

Gonna jump into my time machine and do one of these!

1. Share a song that makes you think of - Celine Dion “I drove all night” is part of the soundtrack of my Eric/Sam origins fic when after having a big fight, Sam drives all night to rescue Eric from his family after he comes out disastrously when he returns home for his fathers funeral.

2. Do you read/reread your own fics? Yes, my WIPs.

3. What’s your favorite fic that you’ve written? I’m enjoying my WIPs, my pre movie and during movie fics are my babies.

4. How many WIPs do you have right now? 2-3

5. What’s a fic idea you’ve had that you will never write? I started it, but may not post…a decades post movie fic where Sam convinces Eric to watch Fellow Travelers and he just totally loses it and adult Scot comes home to find eric a sobbing distraught mess and thinks someone had died only yo find out a Eric is in his feelings about Hawk and Tim and yells at him calling him snd *ass*hole.

6. Are there any fics from others you reread all the time? Yes all BwS fic on repeat in perpetuity.

7. How many ideas for fics do you have right now? So many.

8. What project(s) are you currently working on? A Eric/Sam origin story pre movie with goal of 80k words, at 50k. I have a during movie into immediate post movie fic jm 30k words into.

9. Do you write every day? If you wrote today, share a sentence of what you’ve written! Not every day but I think about writing every day.

10. Is there a fic that got a different response than you were expecting? Never published 🥴

11. Do you have specific playlists for writing fics? No. I live in silence.

12. Do you have a playlist for your current WIP(s)? Share it! NA

13. How much planning do you do before writing? Lots of thinking of the scenes. I need to know what’s happening then write it down.

14. If you could see one of your fics adapted into a visual medium, such as comic or film, which fan fic would you pick? Omg yes…TV series. Multiple seasons. Lots of story to tell.

15. How do you come up with titles for your fics/chapters? Still working on title for my premo is fic but my other one is a line from the film.

16. At what point in the process do you come up with titles? When it’s right. Can be at any point.

17. What’s something you’ve learned about while doing research for a fic? Omg, well I’m a die hard hockey fan now. #Leafsforever

18. What’s one of your favorite lines you’ve written in a fic?

Eric never knew he had a type, but this has to be it. Physically, Sam was a very handsome man but it was beyond that to the very dignified way he carried himself at all times.

19. Give us a small teaser from one of your WIPs.

Eric stared up at a group of men, the fluorescent lights created a halo effect around them. Instead of angelic and comforting, the effect was surreal. He suddenly felt frightened. 

By the tense posture and squared jaw he could immediately discern one of the figures as his coach, Bob Axelrod. Eric was careful not reveal any sign of fear or emotion on his face. There was also dad, a doctor, and a younger man he didn’t recognize. He shook his head in a lame attempt to collect himself. The feelings of fear and confusion crested into a wave of anger. 

His Dad spoke first. “It’s about time you woke up.” He and Axelrod were cut from the same cloth. Men hardened by their meager circumstances they could never quite overcome. In his father’s case, he was stuck running the family business and never got to live out his dream of being a hockey player. That was Eric’s job. Axelrod was just born angry and hateful, and had his own middling NHL career to stand on. They were equally triggered by any demonstration of humanity, that was weakness. Eric was supposed to be a hockey machine, nothing more, nothing less. This Dad and Axelrod were looking down at him with matching contemptuous scowls. They had a knack for sucking all the air out of the room.

“Yeah, I know, how embarrassing for me to be rendered unconscious by general anesthesia. What will the papers say? ‘Eric McNally is a sissy,’ right Ax?”

Axelrod snorted derisively, “Fucking faggot, more like. You caused a God damn brawl and now Sanders is out with a sprained ankle.”

Eric clocked the fourth man wincing from the use of the slur, and he self-consciously straightened his burgundy paisley tie that perfectly complemented his immaculately tailored suit.

“I don’t give a fuck about Sanders,” Eric spat out.

The nurse was still standing next to the fourth man and Eric watched them exchange an uneasy glance. He was tall and handsome and seemed to be comfortable in his own skin and pink tie. He didn’t look like someone who gets pushed around. Something in his expression changed as he stepped forward, “Mr. McNally, I’m so glad you are awake. I’m Sam Miller, your lawyer. John Thompson assigned me to your case.” He looked Axelrod square in the face and then back to Eric. “There was indeed quite a melee after you were knocked unconscious by Sanders. Multiple players engaged in a fight and sustained injuries. Some are pursuing legal action against the team. That is why I am here, and I would advise you not to speak with the team’s representatives without me being present.”

Eric’s Dad lunged forward. “They sent a lawyer up here! This is absolutely ridiculous. Bob Axelrod did nothing wrong. We don’t want you here.”

Sam then directed his cold gaze to Eric’s father, “No one sent me. Mr. McNally is a long-term client of our firm and I am here to represent him with all matters pertaining to his contractual relationship with the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club and his rights to pursue civil and criminal charges against those who assaulted him on Thursday.”

Eric’s dad wagged a finger in Sam’s face,“Get out of here! No one wants you here!”

Eric watched on in horror and sat up in the bed too fast causing an overwhelming shooting pain down his arm.“Fuck!” He cried out loudly.

They all paused in their tracks, temporarily fixated on Eric who was breathing slowly trying to ride out the wave of intense pain. He was determined to put an end to this, and pushed through the pain to yell at his father. 

“Dad! What the fuck do you think you are doing? Don’t you dare lay a finger on him! Get out of here! You and Axelrod need to get the fuck out of here and don’t ever come back! You can go out there and talk about what a fucking disappointment I am and fantasize about how you want to take me out back with your rifle and put me down. Get the fuck out of here.” 

Eric laid back down in the bed and pressed the button to his morphine drip. 

Eric’s Dad and Axelrod left grumbling to each other.. Eric breathed a sigh of relief. Sam hesitated a second, allowing them to leave first. After their voices receded down the hallway, Sam started to make his exit. 

“Hey, Sam. You can stay. I just wanted those assholes to clear out.”

He turned back into the room and approached the bed with a hint of a smile , “I’m Sam Miller. Pleased to meet you officially. And, um, thanks for that.”

20. What’s a favorite title for a fic you’ve written? TBD

21. Have you ever deleted an entire scene after spending hours laboring over it? If so, why? YES! I originally had them meet in a totally different way. But, I will post that as a separate one shot one day.

22. Do you know how your fic will end before you start writing? No. I am more of a pantser than a plotter. All I know is HEA!

23. How do you choose where to end a chapter (if you have multi-chapter works)? I like to end on dialogue or a nice thought that is a nice point to pause or reflect on.

24. Share a moodboard for (one of) your current WIP(s). OMG, I have a whole pinterest for Eric and Sam.

Sam

Eric

25. Have you ever upset yourself with your own writing? Not really.

26. Is there something you’ve written that you would never want your family to see? ALL OF IT heheheheh

27. Is there a fic you were nervous to post/share? Why? I'm nervous to post, but I know that I want this story out there.

28. Have you ever tagged a fic “Dead Dove: Do Not Eat”? LOL no

29. Share a bit from a fic you’ll never post OR from a scene that was cut from an already posted fic. (If you don’t have either, just share a random fic idea you have that you don’t plan on getting to.)

Okay, I will post the above referenced fic.

“There, there.” Sam says, patting Eric’s head absently.

They’re sitting on the couch, Sam with his legs up on the coffee table and Eric sitting beside him with his head between his legs. Eric lets out a few muffled sobs. Sam hears the footsteps approaching quicker than he can think of a plausible explanation for the current state of affairs. 

Sam turns his head without removing his hand, fingers now weaving through Eric’s salt and pepper flecked hair. The contour of Eric’s skull in his hand is so familiar, it’s like the back of his hand. What is less familiar is Eric’s emotional outburst. Eric had become considerably more in touch with his feelings since Scot came into their lives, but this sort of outpouring of emotion was a first for Eric. Sam was surprised when Eric willingly watched the latest television series depicting LGBT issues. Eric didn’t typically care much, but when Sam explained the premise of the new series Fellow Travelers, Eric was intrigued.

They had met in the last few seasons of Queer as Folk which Eric would watch but roll his eyes at. It’s been more than 20 years since they met, and a lot has changed since then. Eric came out on air and became involved with several LGBTQIA sports organizations, learning the acronyms and finally embracing his community.

So they sat down on the couch each Sunday to stream it, Eric more than Sam eagerly awaiting the new episode. Yelling at the screen. He was completely and utterly captivated by the on screen depiction of two men in love.

Sam glanced over his shoulder expecting Scot to appear at any moment, his footsteps were approaching rapidly. 

“Eric is having feelings,” Sam says by way of explanation.

A look of terror washes across Scot’s handsome face. He had grown into a tall, broadchested  man in the years since they adopted him. He spent far more time in the gym than Sam would have ever predicted, much to Eric’s delight. There was a lot of truth to Sam’s theory that his strong embrace for the feminine was an expression of his grief for his mother and an attempt to stay close to her. As he moved into puberty and processed his grief he learned to embrace his masculine side. Now, he was a grown man with he/him pronouns and his partner is trans. He goes to the gym to keep up his bulky physique, but wears his hear long and styled to perfection with a full beard. He’s the product of three parents who embraced him fully and allowed him to express his authentic self.

“What the hell is going on?” He says, voice quivering, betraying a deep concern. The rich, deep, sound of Scot’s voice snaps Sam back to reality. Still, after all these years, sometimes Sam expects his prepubescent squeak after all these years. 

As if on queue, Eric pops his head up. 

“Oh, hey, Scot. How was the lecture?” 

“Eric, you’re sobbing!” Scot nearly shouts and rushes to the couch and wedging himself between them, a habit he’s had since he was a boy. Sam’s lips start to twitch up into a smile and he and Eric exchange a look behind Scot’s shoulders.

Eric, who has now fully regained his composure, opens his mouth to speak when he is abruptly cut off by Scot.

“Are you ok? Is Sam ok? Tell me. I can take it.” 

Sam’s hand is now on Scot’s head, weaving his fingers through his long, shoulder length auburn locks, “Scot, slow down.”

Eric slips an arm around Scot’s waist, “We’re fine, Scot. We were just watching Fellow Travelers.”

“Assholes!” Scot shouts as he shoots up off the couch.Sam and Eric can’t help but laugh. Sam is bemused by Scot’s swearing. He, like Sam, isn’t prone to profanities. Unlike Eric, who has very colorful language picked up of a lifetime of locker room talk.

He’s pacing in front of the TV.

“Ass—” he pauses, allowing Sam and Eric join him to complete the phrase, “holes!”

“First of all, I thought one of you were sick! I know the story of Hawk and Skippy is emotional, but Eric, really? Sobbing? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you cry before.”

“I’m a closet romantic,” Eric snarks back.

Sam chimes in to Eric’s defense, “I mean, it’s pretty sad. Historically speaking.”

Scot shrugs and settles back in on the couch, “So, Eric, do you want to talk about it?”

Eric huffs impatiently, “I think you guys are making more out of this than it needs to be.”

Sam rubs his back gently, patiently waiting for Eric to open up.

“Fine. It’s just that I think about how when we fell in love, and what if we met at another time, and I don’t know…”

Sam smiles a knowing smile that reaches his eyes while Scot looks on confused.

Eric waves a hand dismissively. “I was thinking about what if I couldn’t have you. What if we couldn’t be together. I would have ended up like Tim, on an odyssey to get over you but never able to.”

“I love that my parents are so in love.”

30. Ask anything

I’m Bored and Anxious So I Slapped Together a List of Fan Fic Writer Asks

1. Share a song that makes you think of [fic title] 2. Do you read/reread your own fics? 3. What’s your favorite fic that you’ve written? 4. How many WIPs do you have right now? 5. What’s a fic idea you’ve had that you will never write? 6. Are there any fics from others you reread all the time? 7. How many ideas for fics do you have right now? 8. What project(s) are you currently working on? 9. Do you write every day? If you wrote today, share a sentence of what you’ve written! 10. Is there a fic that got a different response than you were expecting? 11. Do you have specific playlists for writing fics? 12. Do you have a playlist for your current WIP(s)? Share it! 13. How much planning do you do before writing? 14. If you could see one of your fics adapted into a visual medium, such as comic or film, which fan fic would you pick? 15. How do you come up with titles for your fics/chapters? 16. At what point in the process do you come up with titles? 17. What’s something you’ve learned about while doing research for a fic? 18. What’s one of your favorite lines you’ve written in a fic? 19. Give us a small teaser from one of your WIPs. 20. What’s a favorite title for a fic you’ve written? 21. Have you ever deleted an entire scene after spending hours laboring over it? If so, why? 22. Do you know how your fic will end before you start writing? 23. How do you choose where to end a chapter (if you have multi-chapter works)? 24. Share a moodboard for (one of) your current WIP(s). 25. Have you ever upset yourself with your own writing? 26. Is there something you’ve written that you would never want your family to see? 27. Is there a fic you were nervous to post/share? Why? 28. Have you ever tagged a fic “Dead Dove: Do Not Eat”? 29. Share a bit from a fic you’ll never post OR from a scene that was cut from an already posted fic. (If you don’t have either, just share a random fic idea you have that you don’t plan on getting to.) 30. Ask anything!

[elfdragon12]

So with the caveat I am splashing around in the shallows of the franchise and everything I see makes me not want to go deeper. I do think it depends. I definitely get wanting fewer humans in Transformers. Multiple times watching the shows I’ve wanted the human characters gone. And yet. I have a soft spot for a bunch of the G1 humans and Bumblebee is probably my favourite thing from the franchise. A movie that’s mostly about a human. Though I still wish there was more with just the robots. But then they just make the robots humans anyway would be what I gather. And it would not necessarily make it better.

For example, I really do not like the Prime kids. Raf and Miko are annoying in their own ways and Jack is one of the blandest audience surrogates I have seen. But then they eventually got replaced with a robot, Prime Smokescreen, a character I despised. Prime had a LOT of issues, and a fair few good things, and I think the kids were just one of the symptoms overall. They largely had no reason to be involved with the actual war so reasons had to be contrived.

And I will say, I think part of it is that it’s a kid’s franchise at the core. And a bunch of the shows feel the need to have a token kid involved. Whether or not it makes sense. Like I also disliked Sari. Then I thought “would I dislike her if I were still a kid?” And my answer was that given the kind of kid I was, “probably, but less.” And as such people write off humans in the story entirely, when if used well they can make the story better.

Which is all I guess to say that I think it mostly boils down to what purpose the humans play in the story and how well said role is handled. For what it’s worth I did find ONE fun enough for the most part.

Sorry Beast Machines turned out to be such a dud. Hope it doesn’t affect your love for Beast Wars. And hope you like whichever one you watch next better!

Here's the thing (which you've touched on in this message): humans don't make a Transformers show bad, the writing quality does. Humans just tend to be the default scapegoat for a story's flaws.

You just gotta find what clicks with you. I tend to find the older shows more endearing, flaws and all.

I feel like a lot of Transformers stories that go out of their way to exclude humans tend to lose a lot of the heart that makes the best shows good. They usually try to be Edgy™️ and Mature™️, but don't do a very good job at it because they're trying too hard to be those things. (Folks try to claim Energon Universe is edgy, but apparently they didn't notice the tender moments sprinkled across the story.) While Cyberverse would not be considered edgy, it does try during the Quintesson/Matrix for preschoolers arc (Hot Rod's VA even tries to reflect this, but I don't think he executed it well). No one even dies via a smelter or a pool of lava! However, most of CV's flaws are in the absolutely atrocious pacing and "it's a kids' show" (derogatory). Rescue Bots is a preschool show through and through, but is much better written. It's often silly, but it's fun silly.

Maybe if there were more shows without humans, the ratio of good to not good would be less skewed towards not good. So far, TF One is the only one I'd say is good without a bunch of disclaimers, like "just skip the whole first season" or "it makes sense they're all acting like that because they're in a stressful situation--even though it's not inherently more stressful than the other show". It knows it's a kids' movie, so it works to tell a mature story that is enjoyable to their intended audience.

Beast Wars is great because it creates a good balance of serious, fun, silly, and thoughtful. Beast Machines has been called "too dark" for kids, but BW covers more serious topics. However, BW is a more brightly lit show and has humor (also Shakespeare quotes) so that it isn't too heavy for the child audience. (Don't worry, a poorly written follow-up couldn't possibly make me love BW less.)

TFA and TFP are pretty hit or miss when it comes to human characters. Personally, I think Sari generally works just fine as a child appeal character. I probably would have liked her if the show aired in 1997 on KidsWB. I did like Jade in Jackie Chan Adventures. Where TFA misses the mark is with the human antagonists, Prometheus Black/Meltdown being the only good one, Porter and Headmaster and Slo-Mo being okay, and the others being... Not great. The good TFP humans are June, Raf, and Fowler. There are people who like Miko, but I'm not one (maybe if her character actually grew and matured at all, it'd be different), and Jack is cardboard.

I think one of the big reasons that the original show's humans work so well is that they are supporting characters rather than main characters. Yes, even Spike. They rarely take over the story and they are typically quite competent in their support roles. The only humans I don't really like through the show are the BOT episode kids and Dirk Manus (no one came here for human/human romance!). Daniel is fine in the original show, in my personal opinion. I loved Rodimus remembering their friendship. There are also a lot of humans and it's a revolving door. Don't like a human? Don't worry, they probably won't show up again!

I've actually started another show! Victory! So far, it's pretty cute! The pacing of the episodes is kinda wonky and they introduce a lot of characters really fast so I'm having a hard time pinning names to bots. However, I think Holi and Jan are very cute friends and it's sweet how all these robots are this kid's foster family. Also, I've been watching Rescue Bots with my sister now it's on Tubi (seriously, at this point, there's very little reason to pay for a streaming service for TF shows now. Almost all of them are on Tubi or YouTube). There's a lot of focus on interpersonal relationships early on in Rescue Bots.

[so-much-nonsense]

potential

one of my niche interests is binge watching. i am almost always watching something. one point in my life i ran out of things to watch. well, not literally, obviously, but i only wanted to watch certain things i completed them. stuff i did not wanna watch very often ends up being bad and boring than not. so as my last straw i have resorted to all languages. i watch content regardless of genre, language, country, age restriction(ahem thats not to say i am not old enough). anyways, during this process kdramas stuck with me as something to watch while i go to sleep or when i dont want too much plot and worry about or even think about it. they never came across having potential to me. i know a lot of others out there would disagree with me but this is just what i feel. theyre always slow paced, very bright, when not very bright trying too hard to be too dark(and failing miserably), no plot that hooks us up. but, BUT, recently, very recently, just 2 hours ago i watched a kdrama named long time no sex. obviously started off bc of the title but god it is so good. i mean, i have only watched 2 episodes really and that is the problem. so far everything they have shown me i cannot wait another 2 days for another two episodes. basically a married couple with no kids, pretty in debit and paying off loans and interests, a couple of insurances, but live comfortably. they start blackmailing others involved in multiple relationships. now the plot might not be the most interesting one ive watched, but the way everything is portrayed bw these two main leads, is more than unique. truly there are only a handful of series or movies that show this comfortable couple dynamic interestingly and god did this drama nail it. though they were a very active couple, they just stopped having sex few months or years back unintentionally and neither of them have had a problem with it. how they never stopped loving each other even though they havent been intimate is portrayed really well. the husband is literally the greenest flag everrrr. let it be when he remembers every single detail about them from 7 years ago or when he tries hugging her and reassures her that its fine if they dont have sex, or when he talks about how having sex is not a duty for married couple and when he sees that shes actually interested he recommends trying to get in the feel by telling each other things they like about one another, every single thing he likes about her is spoken so well and it is very evident how much he loves her. whenever theres a disagreement both of them proceed to talk it out in literally less than 2 minutes. though it might not be realistic, i mean, why is it not realistic? exactly! that is what should be going on and not hours of unnecessary arguments. he is really never afraid of being "lady like" and that makes him all the more manly because he is always very thoughtful and considerate about her and deals softly. no fragile masculinity exists here. i could go on about this man but ill stop lol. i can guess what the future episodes could host but i dont want to this time. this time i just want to be intrigued by it. i cannot wait for them to start having sex again, or its ok even if they decide they are better off this way(which would be totally unexpected). ok i just said that about two characters in drama. guess whos crazy? AND, and the fucking trust they have in each other, shed trust him with her life. even though he is foolish at times she balances it out. when his car got totalled and she found out that he dint tell her she figured a way to get him money instead of getting back at him or starting a fight(not that hed let a fight sustain or theyd go on for more than a minute) bc she knew theres no point in getting upset now that the cars gone and the intention behind his lie is nothing. its almost as if they know each other and communicate. crazy right. its almost as if they love each other.

[gatual]

small talk in general is a torture 🤦‍♀️ omg have you been to a gym before? let me know how it goes, it’s so exciting! ᕙ(`▽´)ᕗ how long is your winter break? listen the whole purpose of breaks is for you to relax so you’re doing a great job 🫡 i also have a vacation in 2 weeks which i’m gonna spend helping my parents with the crops. until then my weekends are mostly free so i’ll download conjuring and if you feel like watching together hmu!!! (灬♥ω♥灬) omg the first saw is less gory so i think you should give it a shot! for me hmm i decided to give guitar lessons another try so we’ll see how it goes 🥲 omg weather sounds like HELL, what temp do you usually get in winter? southern hemisphere is a mystery to me djdjdjdj also so lovely that you get to hang out with your friend, i hope you have a great time! ♡✧˖°.

small talk is terrible and i am terrible at it but I've read this thing that says like, frequent small talk helps build sth more than small talk and that's how you usually start relationships yadayada reason why I prob have no friends 🤣it makes some sense it's hard to put to practice,,, also yea! I used to love going to the gym bw my 17-21 I went everyday 😳was really into lifting; then it stopped feeling good but now it's feeling good again 😄 tomorrow I'll finally start w friend hehe also winter break lasts a month! I did nothing it was great☺️took way to long to answer this but are you still with your parents or not anymore?😟 helping w the crops sounds fun tho🫶 also ik u watched the conjuring and my breaks is over but we could still arrange to watch a movie 🥺 a saw one perhaps:D I've been meaning to ask u for ur timezone but I think I never did also YES GUITAR LESSONS SOUND GREAT how is it going :DD mmm winter here tends to be like 0° as the lowest (we rarely have -2° -3° even 0° is rare) and highest honestly,,,, to give u an example tomorrow it'll be 32° 💀 this winter hasn't been a winter at all usually the max is like 22 24°c but we've had 30°s frequently this year which is insane 💀💀💀

[dio-the-thot-exterminator]

Fanfiction: A year in review

Tagged by: boltslutters

Tagging: @cybertron-after-dark @susanoos-wife @pwushizz I believe all of you guys write

Hiiiii haha i'll try to fill this out to the best of my ability but know it will be empty asf ☠

Number of stories posted: 0

Word Count: N/A? At least 6k Im not sure, do my spelling errors and gibberish count as words ahah (i deleted stuff 😓 ough) 

Fandoms written for: tf bw, slugterra, slasher, chronicles of Riddick

Pairings: none? Im not sure ahh. I don't do any ships but i deff write a lot of characters together as like duos. Mostly involving Rurue. 

Stories with the most interaction (kudos, comment threads, etc): 0 cuz i dont post my shiii

Work I'm most proud of: LMAOOOO my breaking bad au with tarantulas and blackarachnia. I had to lock in for it, even if it was only for a day or 3,  It's just too funny to me and I had so much fun writing what I could. Let's work harder to add meth to beast wars!!!

Work I'm least proud of: N/A? Everything is just incomplete, not developed enough, or not edited (or I alr deleted it 🧍)

Favorite review: dont have one…..yet >:)

A time writing was really hard: does every time count? Let's see when I was trying to connect the dots but they didn't connect. Lowkey the idea was abandoned but I started writing a riddick/bw crossover AND au (with depthcharge and rampage). I got pretty far in writing and planning where I was gonna go but it just didn't work out grrrrrr!! 

A scene I wrote that surprised me: uhh N/A? 

Favorite excerpt: its not done yetttttt, but i was playing around with a boondocks tfp crossover. And Riley started doing a stupid ass monologue about how these robot niggas gay. The humor appeals only to me but i dont careeeee. Once i finish it and if i get brave enough i'll post it. For funnnnn. 

How did I grow as a writer: i have no idea tbh i took a break from writing this (last) year

Who was my greatest positive influence: the friends we made along the way ^^

Anything Irl that showed up in my work: I mean the shows/movies I watch that inspire me at the moment or inspire the story itself. So do random conversations with people, but other than that no? 

Any projects you're looking to finish/start this year: not necessarily, i'll just see where this year takes meee 

thanks for the tag <3 sorry for typos

Fanfiction: A year in review

Tagged by: @the-starry-lycan

Tagging: @benadrylcandlewhack @psplf @dio-the-thot-exterminator I know at least two of you write

Number of stories posted: Total, about 8, 2 last year.

Word Count: 32,351

Fandoms written for: Transformers Animated & Earthspark

Pairings: Megatron/Optimus and Blitzwing/Bumblebee

Stories with the most interaction (kudos, comment threads, etc): The one with the most interaction is an anon fic with over 100 kudos and 10-20 comment threads

Work I'm most proud of: Electrical Hazard for being both insane and brave enough to post it. Also my first smut fic, anyone?

Work I'm least proud of: A Crack in a Kaleidoscope of War I would have wanted more time to iron out and work around some of its awkward writing, but I was pressed for time. I now refuse to look at it most of the time.

Favorite review: This one commenter has been diligently commenting on every new chapter of a fic I've been updating sparsely, and they are the sole reason I'm continuing this fic in the first place. If you think you're that person, thank you.

A time writing was really hard: Writing Crack in War Kaleidoscope was really hard as I had a time limit. I'm god's slowest writer, so I really had to work under pressure there.

A scene I wrote that surprised me: The entirety of Electrical Hazard. Every day I push the limits of what insanely stupid premises I will write and get away with.

Favorite excerpt: I like a lot of the start of Electrical Hazard which I will not share because It Is Smut

How did I grow as a writer: Lots of ways! I worked under pressure, wrote characters I was unfamiliar with, betad for someone, collaborated with someone else, and expanded a fic into my longest-running one.

Who was my greatest positive influence: There's an irl friend that's been making me excited to write more. And of course, that one commenter keeping my will to work on a fic alive.

Anything Irl that showed up in my work: Not this year but last year a fic I wrote was hinged on a scene similar to something I experienced in a college cafeteria.

Any projects you're looking to finish/start this year: I! want! to! write! for! different! fandoms!

[psikind]

I beat pokemon scarlet today hi for the love of god hello