#their chemistry is and always will be amazing

[threeacttragedy]

Entry 10: The One About the Audibly Loud Lukola FanFic

I’ll address the elephant in the room. And, no, I’m not talking about Jake Dunn’s brown suit! Or, that he’s posing with a man. Or, that Tyler commented “Bellissimo!!!!” on Jake's post.

I don’t think a lot of people understood the connection I was making this morning about “Mis-Directed,�� Gwilym Lee, and Jake.  So, now I feel the need to explain because I don’t want people running with a narrative that goes in the opposite direction of where I was taking it.

Sorry, JVN, you’re getting pushed to the side again. I promise, I’ll get to you one day.

Let’s go back two months…

On September 25, Nicola posted to her Instagram stories a link to Alex Babsky’s post, which was a picture of Nicola. She had her hair and make-up done but she was wearing one of her own dresses (the black dress she wore in Australia and Brazil). Babsky captioned his post “[pink bow] @nicolacoughlan in London today for…well, never mind what for actually [laughing emoji with hand over mouth] [winking emoji] [shushing emoji].” Nicola responded, “You’re amazing it was so gorgeous to see you xxx.”

Babksy’s caption sent the fandom into hysteria wondering what the hell Nicola was up to. It didn’t help that this was the same day Luke updated his Instagram bio and used “Xx” and it didn’t help that Nicola was wearing the black dress she allegedly wore on her beach walk in Brazil with Luke.

Do you want to know what I thought the photo of Nicola was from? I’m not going to lie – I thought it was pre-wedding makeup. Seriously, not kidding. It reminded me of my own wedding day. Formal hair and makeup and my own dress that was easy to take off without messing up the hair and makeup. I never said I wasn’t a little bit delulu.

On November 5, an author named Lucy Parker announced on her Instagram feed that she had a new Audible book called “Mis-Directed” being released in February 2025. The post came with pictures of Nicola wearing the black dress and the same hair and makeup as the September 25 post. Nicola (presumably) is reading the part of Hattie Murton, and Gwilym Lee (presumably) is reading the part of Anthony Rafe.

Oh, okay.

Turns out, I was wrong.

So, Nicola and Luke didn’t get married.

Fine.

I have always liked crows.

But, wait a minute – what the fuck is this Audible book about? A woman who stars in a romantic drama called “Leicester Square” (what the fuck?) which was adapted from a best-selling romance novel (what the fuck??). Then, in comes our antagonist, Anthony Rafe, who plays opposite of Hattie and, let me quote here, “But when very real chemistry sparks during their scripted love scenes, Hattie begins to think the industry’s legendarily heartless Bad Guy [Anthony] might just a have a pulse after all. And Anthony, for his part, is caught off-guard by the way his heart races when he’s around his aggravating onscreen lover. As reality starts to imitate art a little too close for comfort, the world’s most unlikely couple might just have more in common than they thought…” (what the fuck???).

Let’s start with Leicester Square. What the hell is Leicester Square? Oh, the name of the fake television show on which Hattie and Anthony star. Sure, Jan. Is it odd to anyone else that Leicester Square is the name of the location of where the London premiere of Bridgerton Season 3 took place? You know, the event that happened hours before Papsmear.

Then we have the make-believe show being adapted from a best-selling romance novel. Mmm hmm.

Let’s try and not make the connection between Luke and Anthony. Mmm hmm.

And, let’s add fuel to the fire and have two co-stars falling in love with each other.

Yeah, we get it. It’s a Lukola FanFic being read by none other than Nicola. I mean, the only way it could be any better is if Luke was reading the part of Anthony Rafe! But, no, that part is being read by Gwilym Lee (who is fantastic in everything he does, by the way).

Who is Gwilym Lee? Well, he’s an actor (my father calls him “Midsomer”). Ask Mr. Google about him. But, if you check out his Instagram feed, you will find that he knows Jake and has since, at least, 2022. Is it possible that Nicola met Gwilym through Jake? Yeah, it is.

Now, why do I find this situation intriguing? Specifically, why did I find the post from Jake this morning posing with Gwilym interesting (and a bit shady)? Let me explain.

The Jakholes took the “Mis-Directed” FanFic as shade towards the Lukolas. Yes, they went there because that FanFic does not (in the least) fit nicely into their Jakola narrative. I mean, if it wasn’t shade to the Lukolas, how weird the storyline must have been for Jake! The writing was audibly on the wall, in big red letters, but the Jakholes chose to spin it into something messier than my hair in the morning after sleeping on it wet.

What exactly is this theory? Well, per the Jakholes, Nicola hates the Lukola fandom so much that she sat and read (likely, for hours) this Lukola-coded FanFic just to spite us! I mean, Anthony is a bad boy in this story and “everyone loves to hate” him (don’t forget, Luke became the devil incarnate after Papsmear). And, Hattie is tired of the “brutal press, overly invested fans, and a cutthroat industry…[that] would give even Pollyanna an edge of cynicism.” The Jakholes believe this means Nicola is saying she’s really in love with Jake and she wants us all to know that by reading a Harlequin-style romance about a woman who falls in love with her costar! Oh, my God!! How could she?!

What in the actual fuck are the Jakholes drinking with this bullshit? I know, I know. I shouldn’t expect anything better from people who ship Jake with Nicola. In fact, if I was a Jakhole, I might buy into this conspiracy theory. But, I’m not a fucking Jakhole. And, guess what Jakholes? I don’t mind breaking the hearts of Lukolas by saying we’re probably never going to see sexy-hot Brazil pictures of Luke and Nicola, so I don’t mind telling Jakholes to put this theory back into Davy Jones’ locker and feed it to that bitch Kraken.

Let’s talk a bit further about the absurdity of this “Nicola is shading Lukola” subplot from Hell.

We will pretend Nicola hates Luke. She hates Lukola. She baits the Lukola fandom for shits and giggles.

What would this make Nicola?

It would make her a villain, for starters (and “villain” is me being extremely nice).

More importantly, it would make Nicola a PR nightmare.

Even if Nicola and Luke despised each other, do you believe Netflix, Bridgerton, and Shonda Land would allow Nicola to play games with the Lukola fandom? Talk about playing with fire!

The reality is the lines between Polin and Lukola are heavily blurred at this point. I hate to say it – and maybe a lot of you will view me as a complete asshole after I say this – but, if I learned Nicola was shading the Lukolas (therefore, in my opinion, trolling Luke), I would not be interested in Bridgerton Season 4. Or, Season 5. Or, any season after that. Or, in Nicola, for that matter. You’re welcome to have your own opinion about this but I would feel incredibly betrayed, and not just by Nicola. On top of that, for me, Polin has become Lukola. They’re so blurred, they don’t even resemble a line anymore. Maybe that’s a bad position to be in, but that’s where I’m at. Sorry, not sorry.

I’m not going to rehash the breadcrumbs left by Nicola that support Lukola – if you know, you know (or you can catch up by spending an afternoon on Tumblr). Even Luke, in his own way, leaves Lukola-coded crumbs. We also have damn convincing evidence that Netflix, Bridgerton, and Shonda Land support Lukola. I mean, even they’re blurring the lines with “Nicola and Luke’s Cutest Moments” and interestingly timed images of Polin. So, do you think they’re going to let Nicola fuck with that on a public forum?

That would be a cold, hard NO.

But, this Audible book – “Mis-Directed” – is loud and made louder because Nicola is reading it.

So, what is this Audible book? Shade? Or, Nicola being cutesy? I’m going to place my bets on the latter solely because, like I said, the Corporate Office is not going to let Nicola shade Lukola because it has a direct effect on Polin.

That’s not to say that the excitement of this Lukola-coded “Mis-Directed” FanFic wasn’t attacked by the Jakholes from all sides, and the wind – for the moment – was kicked out of it. That’s a different story for a different day.

But, what I found so intriguing about Jake’s post today is that, of all the people he could have included in his photo (because there’s obviously lots of people at this event), he chose Gwilym. And, this means people will look into Gwilym. People will realize that Gwilym is the other side of “Mis-Directed.” People will realize Jake and Gwilym are friends. People will realize that Jake’s friend is reading a Lukola-themed romance novel with Nicola.

And, if we agree that the book is not shade towards the Lukolas and we agree that Jakola is not real, what is the significance of the connection between Jake and Gwilym? Maybe it’s nothing. Maybe I’m overthinking it. But, the connection – at least in my mind (and it’s been there since November 5) – is that Jake supports “Mis-Directed” because he supports Lukola and he has always been there, helping Nicola lay the breadcrumbs. He wanted people to look into Gwilym and make the connection. Jake could very well be the one who suggested Gwilym read the part of Anthony. Jake is the degree of separation.

I want to close this out by noting that Jake also liked the post Nicola has pinned on her Instagram grid – the black and white one about her Time 100 article. You know, the one where Nicola says, “A lot of people really want me to marry Luke.” Follow the links and it will take you to this article. That’s an interestingly placed like by Jake, in my opinion – as is his photo op with Gwilym.

[anonymousewrites]

Apple of My Eye Chapter Four

Eventual! Harry Hook x Child of Snow White! Reader

Platonic! Descendants x Reader

Chapter Four: Out There

Summary: Family Day goes extraordinarily wrong.

            “I’m guessing you got Mal ready for her date with Ben?” said (Y/N) as they sprawled across Evie’s bed.

            “I picked out her outfit, did her makeup, reminded her that him being nice isn’t disrespectful like on the Isle, and tried to remind her to have a good time,” said Evie.

            “A whole bootcamp,” chuckled (Y/N). “I did the same for Ben. Sure, he and Audrey were…something, but it was mostly Audrey dragging him around at organized events. This was the first time he actually asked someone out. He’s nervous.” They looked at Evie as she sewed. “What about Mal?”

            “Mal doesn’t get nervous. But this isn’t something she’s used to. It’s not like her mom told her how to date,” said Evie. “My mom was the only one really interested in having her child learn about that. The others…it wasn’t encouraged.”

            “Is that why you’re trying to find a prince?” asked (Y/N).

            “I’m the daughter of a queen. My mom has high standards for me and whoever I date,” said Evie.

            “You should be able to fall in love with whoever you want,” said (Y/N).

            Evie smiled slightly. “It would be nice to fall in love and just…be.”

            (Y/N) grinned. “It sounds like you’re thinking of someone?”

            Evie’s eyes widened, she blushed, and she chuckled nervously. “I’m not.”

            “Uh-huh, sure,” said (Y/N). “He likes you, too.” They didn’t have to say Doug’s name for Evie to know. “He was going on and on about how well you’re doing in chemistry today at lunch.”

            “He told you about that?” said Evie, smiling.

            “He’s always talking about you,” said (Y/N). “Always, ‘did you see Evie’s outfit today? She looks amazing. And she’s so smart, and she explained how she made her jewelry, and she’s so creative.’ ”

            “He thinks all that about me,” said Evie softly.

            “He thinks the world of you,” said (Y/N). “You shouldn’t hold yourself back from that if you like him.”

            Evie smiled, and then her smile fell. Soon…soon this would all be over. The villains would be freed and overrun Auradon. It wouldn’t matter what her feelings towards Doug or anyone else at Auradon were.

            “I’ll think about it,” said Evie. She cleared her throat and smiled at (Y/N). “And you’re still certain no one here interests you? I think I’ve seen a few different people looking at you. Merida’s daughter is pretty dashing, and Esmeralda’s child is very good-looking.” Evie grinned. “And I saw you watching them dance. You like someone with some sway.” Evie got up and pretended to dance with a wink.

            (Y/N) laughed and sat up. “I find them attractive, sure. Who wouldn’t love those green eyes and hips? But I don’t feel…”

            “The spark of True Love?” said Evie.

            “That,” agreed (Y/N).

            “Do you get worried you won’t find it?” said Evie.

            “Sometimes,” admitted (Y/N). “But it would be a disservice to myself to settle for less than what I want.” And (Y/N) wasn’t just saying that about themself.

            Evie smiled. “I hope you find who you’re looking for.”

            “I hope you do, too,” said (Y/N). “And until then, we’ve got good friends, right?”

            “Right.” Evie grinned.

            “Oh, by the way,” said (Y/N), leaning in. “Speaking of good friends, would you do me a favor as one?”

            “What is it?” said Evie.

            “Would you design an outfit for me? For the coronation?” said (Y/N). They smiled. “I love your designs, so it would be really cool if you would make me one. Even just a sketch.”

            They could have sworn Evie’s eyes lit up. “I have been waiting for this moment.”

            “Is that a yes?” said (Y/N).

            Evie grabbed (Y/N) and pulled them to their feet. She already had a measuring tape in her hands. “I have free reign?”

            “I’m scared and excited by this intensity,” said (Y/N).

            Evie gave them a positively evil grin. Royalty to dress up? Her friend to dress up? She was going to have a field day.

            “(Y/N), your mother might be the fairest of them all, but we’re about to give these royals their first taste of real style,” said Evie.

            (Y/N) grinned.

l

            “As you know, this Sunday is Family Day at Auradon Prep,” said Fairy Godmother, smiling at her Remedial Goodness 101 class. “And because your parents can’t be here due to…distance—” she laughed awkwardly “—we’ve arranged for a special treat.” She turned on a computer, and the screen displayed four familiar, infamous villains.

            Their kids straightened and paled. This would be a…very special treat.

l

            “Do you think Family Day is going to go well?” said Ben.

            “We do the same things every year other than changing the song-and-dance routine,” said (Y/N). They smiled. “So, yes. You shouldn’t be worrying about this of all things.”

            Ben cleared his throat. “But things are��different this year. I’m with Mal, now, and I want her to meet my parents.”

            “That’s a big step,” said (Y/N). They smiled. “You really like her.”

            Ben’s smile softened shyly. “I do.”

            “I’m happy for you,” said (Y/N).

            “Do you think my parents will like her?” said Ben. “I know they were hesitant about the program, but Mal and her friends are really great.”

            “Your parents learned to see past prejudice, so they should come around,” said (Y/N). They paused. “Eventually.”

            Ben sighed. “I just want this to go well.”

            “I’ll be there to help,” promised (Y/N). “My mom and dad know I’m part of the organizing committee, so if you need to call me away for some help, it’s fine.”

            “Thanks, (Y/N),” said Ben.

            “Anytime, my prince,” teased (Y/N).

            Ben groaned at the title, and (Y/N) laughed.

l

            One disastrous videocall later, all thoughts of happiness over being at Auradon had flitted from the VKs’ minds. They knew what they had to do the day of the coronation. They knew what would happen to them if they didn’t pull it off. They knew the consequences for everyone if they did.

            “Okay, we all know what it looks like,” said Mal. “So, we’ll be up on the dais under Beast’s spell jar, and we’re coming in from here. I will be in the very front. You all will be up on the balcony.”

            “Okay,” said Evie.

            “Carlos?” said Mal.

            “Okay, so I’ll find our limo, so we can break the barrier and get back on the Isle with the wand,” said Carlos.

            “Perfect,” said Mal. “Evie?”

            “Yeah?” said Evie.

            “You will use this to take out the driver.” Mal held up a perfume bottle. “Two sprays, and he’ll be out like a light.”

            “Okay.” Evie nodded solemnly.

            Carlos and Jay nodded. Mal looked at each of them and nodded. The plan was set. They just needed to follow it through. However, Mal found herself slouching down in her seat as she gazed at the potion she wanted to make.

            Evie’s eyes widened as she saw the page. “M?” She furrowed her brow. “You want to break Ben’s love spell?”

            “Yeah.” Mal cleared her throat and tried to defend herself without letting her true feelings shine through. “You know, for after. I don’t…” Evie sat down next to her, and Mal swallowed. “I’ve just been thinking, you know, when the villains finally do invade Auradon and begin to loot and kick everyone out of their castles and imprison their leaders and destroy all that is good and beautiful…” Mal pursed her lips. “Ben still being in love with me just seems a little extra…cruel.”

            Evie’s gaze softened. Mal cared, truly, about Ben. Evie understood. They had all made friends and bonds here at Auradon, and those would all be burned away when their parents came and took over Auradon.

            “I’ve been thinking about that, too,” said Evie. “My mother…she’s going to kill Snow White this time. She’s going to make sure of it. She’ll have her revenge and be the fairest in the land again.” Evie paused. “And I don’t know what she’ll do to (Y/N) just for being Snow White’s child.” She looked at Mal. “They’re…kind. I don’t want them to—” She looked down. Her friend was going to be hurt because they were kind like their mother.

            “I know,” said Mal. “I know, E.”

l

            (Y/N) stood behind Ben in blue slacks and a white blouse with yellow bows as Family Day began. He stepped into the small group of students performing and put on a charming smile.

(Ben) “Ma chere Mademoiselle, It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure, That we welcome you tonight, And now we invite you to relax, Let us pull up a chair, As the dining room proudly presents, Your dinner.”

            He bowed, and the group began to dance.

(All) “Be our guest, be our guest, Put our service to the test, Tie your napkin ‘round your neck, Cherie, And we’ll provide the rest.” (Ben) “That’s right.” (All) “Soup du jour, Hot hors d’oeuvres, Why we only live to serve, Try the gray stuff, it’s delicious.” (Ben) “Don’t believe me? Ask the dishes.”

            He grinned, and (Y/N) and a few men moved up to dance with him.

(All) “They can sing, sing, sing, They can dance, dance, dance, After all, miss, this is France, And the dinner here is never, never second best! Come on, go on, unfold your menu, Go on, take a glance, and then you’ll Be our guest, be our guest, be our guest. Yeah, be our guest.”

            Everyone came together and weaved in and out of lines.

(Ben) “We tell jokes, I do tricks, With my fellow candlesticks.” (All) “And it’s all in perfect taste, That you can bet. Come on and lift your glass, You’ve won your own free pass, To be our guest.” ((Y/N)) “If you’re stressed, It’s fine dining we suggest.” (All) “Be our guest, be our guest, be our guest. Yeah, yeah! Come on, be our guest, be our guest, Come on, come on, Be our guest!”

            They finished with a flourish and a bow. They were met with cheers and claps, and so the group bowed again.

            (Y/N) spotted their friends, smiled, and walked over. “You made it.”

            “Wouldn’t have missed that,” said Mal. “It’s cheesier than the snacks.”

            (Y/N) laughed sheepishly. “You should’ve seen a few years ago. It was a rendition of ‘Heigh-Ho.’ That was a trainwreck.” They glanced at their phone. “My parents are arriving soon, so I’m going to say ‘hi’ to them, but if you need me, just come and find me. My parents and I won’t mind.” They waved. “Bye.”

l

            “(Y/N).” Snow hugged their child tightly, and Florian joined the hug a moment after her. “Oh, it’s been too long.”

            (Y/N) laughed. “I saw you just two weeks ago,” they said.

            “Still too long,” said Florian, smiling. “Tell us about everything.”

            “We’ve heard about Prince Ben’s new program. Is it going well?” said Snow.

            “I think it is,” said (Y/N), smiling. “Ben’s fighting to do what’s right, and I think it’s going to pay off.”

            “That’s wonderful,” said Florian. “Who are the four students? You haven’t told us anything.”

            “We have Jay, son of Jafar. He’s really strong and a great leader at sports. Then there’s Carlos, son of Cruella. He’s a real sweetheart with a big heart,” said (Y/N).

            “I like the sound of them,” said Snow.

            “And then there’s Mal, daughter of Maleficent,” said (Y/N). “A little rougher around the edges, but she’s really funny and cares about her friends. I admire her strength.” They paused and glanced between their parents. “And last we have Evie, the best fashion designer I’ve met and a girl with the strongest, sweetest heart. She’s basically my best friend. She’s the daughter of…the Evil Queen.”

            Florian stiffened slightly, and Snow paused. (Y/N) bit their lip.

            “Mom?” they said.

            “It’s…unexpected,” said Snow. “I can’t say it doesn’t make me nervous to know that someone raised by my stepmother in a place with very few good influences is near you.” She smiled. “But if you believe they have good hearts, then I’ll believe it.”

            (Y/N) relaxed. “They really are great people. I think it’s taking time for some people to see it, but—”

            “You!” A frightened, furious voice pierced the air.

            All heads turned to the croquet field. Queen Leah, mother of Aurora—Sleeping Beauty—stood staring at Mal, who took a step back at her cry.

            “How are you here?” demanded Leah. “And how have you stayed so young?”

            (Y/N) moved to the field before their parents could even say a word, and everyone watched as they stepped between Leah and Mal.

            “Queen Leah, it’s alright,” said (Y/N). “This isn’t Maleficent. She’s still on the Isle.”

            Ben stepped up beside them and smiled. “This is her daughter, Mal. Don’t you remember my proclamation to give the new generation a chance?”

            “A chance to what, Ben?” said Leah sharply. “Destroy us?” She looked around at everyone. “Come on, you remember, don’t you?” She looked at Snow and Florian and then at (Y/N). “The poison apples?”

            Evie’s eyes went to the ground, and (Y/N) tried to catch her gaze and shake their head, to remind Evie it was alright, but Leah was still speaking, still hurting, still turning people’s heads away from the kids who deserved a chance.

            “And the spells,” said Leah. “Spells. My daughter was raised by fairies because of your mother’s curse.” Mal flinched. “So her first words, her first steps, I missed it all. You mustn’t trust her.”

            “Queen Leah, your daughter was cruelly punished for a simple mistake,” said (Y/N) softly. “But it would be unfair to Mal to punish her for what her mother did. We can’t change if we continue the same cycle of hurting people.”

            The VKs’ lips parted at (Y/N)’s words, and their eyes went to the ground. All this hurt, and they were going to—

            “I’m sorry,” said Mal, stepping forward.

            Chad moved in and pushed Mal back. (Y/N) instantly took a step forward, and Chad stepped back slightly.

            Still, he glared at Mal. “Stay away from them.”

            “Don’t do this, Chad,” said (Y/N).

            “What?” Chad scoffed incredulously. “They were raised by their parents, (Y/N). What do you think villains teach their kids, huh? Kindness? Fair-play? No way, okay? Nuh-uh.” He looked at Mal. “You stole another girl’s boyfriend.” Ben almost lunged, but Chad just held up his hands. “Hey, hey!” He looked at Jay. “You enjoy hurting people.” He looked at Evie. “And you’re nothing but a gold digger and a cheater.”

            “Chad!” said (Y/N), raising their voice. “You do not speak to my friends that way.”

            “Friends? You think they’re your friends?” Chad stepped forward. “You’re just the idiot idealist who is playing pretend that villains could ever become good. Wake up. You’re going to be the first in line to get hurt, playing ‘besties’ with the Evil Queen’s daughter. Let’s just hope you don’t take a bit of any food she gives you.”

            (Y/N)’s eyes widened at the accusation, and Evie’s hands quivered. She pulled her mirror from her bag.

            “Mirror, mirror, in my hand, who’s the biggest jerk in the land?” She sneered and held it up to display Chad’s face.

            He scoffed and batted her hand away. “Come on.”

            “Hey!” Jay grabbed Chad for putting his hands on Evie. “Back off, Chad!”

            “Alright, hey!” Doug nervously tried to intervene.

            “Just back off!” said Jay.

            Evie dug a perfume bottle out of her bag and pushed into Chad’s face. She pulled the pump twice, and a mist fell into Chad’s face. Instantly, he collapsed.

            “Chad? Chad?!” Audrey gasped as Doug caught him.

            Horrified gasps and cries went up in the crowd at the sight.

            “Evie did something to Chad!” cried Lonnie.

            “Come on, Mal,” said Evie, grabbing Mal’s hand as everyone stared at them like they were a freakshow.

            “Chad, wake up!” cried Audrey.

            The VKs ran from the party. Ben and (Y/N) were left to stare helplessly at one another. Ben’s gaze went to his parents and then to the floor upon seeing their disappointment. (Y/N) turned and ran after their friends.

l

            “Guys,” said (Y/N), catching up to them. “Are you…” They trailed off. Of course they weren’t alright. “Can I help at all?”

            “We don’t need your pity,” said Mal.

            “Mal, I’m not trying to pity you, I want to help,” said (Y/N). “What Chad said was unfair, and your reactions were provoked. That wasn’t your fault.”

            The other VKs just looked away from them.

            “Yeah, well, it felt pretty good anyways,” said Mal coldly. “Just leave us alone, royal. It’ll be better for all of us.”

            (Y/N)’s heart ached, and they looked at the others. Jay crossed his arms. Carlos looked down. Their gaze landed on Evie. “Evie?”

            “Just go,” said Evie softly.

            “…Alright.” (Y/N) stepped back and turned away. “I’m sorry.”

Taglist:

@neenieweenie

@hampterfae

@american-idiot-jpg

@lunalixya

@roo024

@unholycheesesnack

@paastaboi

@lbee13

@rory-cakes

@theeghosted

[shecriestotheclickingoftime]

favorite fandom writers 1 2 3 GOOOOO

ok i think i almost went insane trying to answer this question but i was also hoping that someone would ask bc i could yap about this forever!!

my list (also w specific fic recs) in no particular order:

@tinytennisskirt 's fics are some of the first i read in this fandom, and omg they're all just too good. i got into their fics back when i was an art girlie (and before i even started actually posting on here) and omg cottage culture changed my brain chemistry. and also same with kiss me. and then for patrick fics those three words is also just so so good.

@egcdeath i originally knew from reading their fics on ao3 before i even started this account (i'm new to being in tumbler fandoms but a very longtime ao3 user). she isn't active anymore but it would feel wrong to not mention them in this post. their fic off the beaten path. i read it on ao3 so long ago but i must admit that somehow it still lives in my mind rent free... like genuinely there are specific scenes that i still replay in my head at night when im trying to fall asleep.

@fruitjoos also needed to be on this list!! their fic serving up suds is one of my favs, it's so cute and so fun and also just so well written. also her fic homesick is new, but i've already found myself revisiting it multiple times for comfort. im always on the edge of my seat to see what she's gonna post next, because i already know that it's gonna be so good.

@grimsonandclover is an amazing mutual of mine now, but i also knew originally from ao3, and read their fics long before i ever talked to them (i don't think i've ever told them that though oops). they wrote the fic you & i as a gift for me and the kindness of them doing that still sticks with me, and also that fic is just amazing.

@diyasgarden 's prose in her writing is genuinely unmatched. she has a way of understanding characters so deeply. and this is very clear in her writing - she is able to write these characters in such an honest way that it's heart-shattering and beautiful, with language that's so so gorgeous. this isn't even a full fic, but her work about patrick tht was based off of anything by adrianne lenker actually made me sit for a second and process bc it was just so good. i have to mention she also has amazing taste in literature (which makes a lot of sense based on her writing), i will forever treasure our 2-person oomf book club.

@amymbona was also one of the first people who i followed on here, before i even started posting, and her stories are so good. both her AUs and blurbs are so good, and going through her masterlist is like discovering a box of treasures. i still revisit the list, finding new things to read and scenarios to imagine, and my sadness and boredom is instantly cured.

OKKKKKKK that's the list!! sorry that this list is so long and specific, but im a yapper at heart and i needed to speak!! i basically ended up writing this instead of my history essay that i was going to write... but writing this was just too necessary. also if any of these writers read this, sorry if this is weird 😭😭 

[rookinthecrownest]

Discussion about romances + expectations under the cut (I'd put it as like..mildly critical, but also coming from a place of understanding?). As usual, will tag as such so you don't have to engage/read on if you don't wish to. I always invite open discussion, just keep it respectful (as I will endeavour to do so myself).

This is going to be a bit of a ramble, so I apologize if my thoughts are not clearly laid out like they should be.

I think I've found the reason why I (and maybe others), feel that the romances in Veilguard feel a bit... idk, hollow, at times (not BAD!!! just feeling like there could be MORE). And that's because of the trap of expectations. I may also be speaking completely for myself here.

Anyway, let's rewind to 2014.

Be me, 10 years ago. You're not really a gamer, but indulge in action RPG's casually.

See a commercial for this hot new game coming out called Dragon Age: Inquisition. Be intrigued by the character designs, but know nothing about the world. Come to find out it's part of a trilogy. So naturally, you buy the first two games and play through them before playing the third.

Be amazed, and completely hooked on the characters, the lore, the world, the darker elements and themes. It becomes your favourite game series of all time.

But you had no idea that you could romance any of the companions going into the experience. And man, does it fundamentally rewire your brain chemistry to fall in love with cRPG and get ridiculously attached to your Warden/Hawke/Inquisitor.

So, you romance Alistair first because he's funny as hell, and has a really interesting story/character arc. Then you romance Zevran, and love that too - he's charming and suave and awkward and funny. Then you go onto DA2 and romance Fenris and Anders, and each of those romances pack their own emotional gut punches. Then it's finally time for DAI, and predictably, you go for Solas (a veritable slow burn that spans TWO games), Cullen, and partially (I never finished those playthroughs lol) Blackwall and Dorian.

I had no idea you could romance companions going into these games. It was a pleasant surprise! It always felt like an important part of the story, while not overshadowing the main plot. There was enough material in the codexes, the cutscenes, and party banter to make each romance feel complete and whole and awesome and nuanced.

And then, like some of you I suspect, I read an article that touted Veilguard as "The Most Romantic Bioware Game Yet", and I thought - "Wow, if they're saying this then the romances must be something else", given the quality of the previous romances you've experienced in these games!

But you get to the game - and while you're having fun, it definitely leans more into the ARPG style where romances feel a bit more pushed to the side in order to tell a certain story than the traditional Bioware/Larian RPG experience you've come to love.

Which is fine! Again, once I stopped thinking of Veilguard as a classic Bioware CRPG, and more like GOW/The Witcher, I found I was able to appreciate it a lot more for what it is. Things have to Happen A Certain Way for the narrative to work, and that's not a bad thing. DA2 was similar - it was a harrowing, personal tragedy about the Hawke family and their struggle to survive in Kirkwall.

Just like DA2, there are aspects of Veilguard that make me glad things happened the way they did. I'm not mad that Rook has so much dialogue without a ton of player input and you can't 'be evil' - because the game doesn't make sense if you can. At its core, Veilguard's narrative is centered around Regret, after all - you can't have an evil protagonist running around because Solas' Regret prison would never work (evil people don't generally tend to regret their actions...)!

Now, if you're expecting a long-winded, fully researched academic breakdown of every romance I'm sorry but that ain't happening tonight lol. This is not based in any fact, this is all opinion.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but sometimes it feels like the romances in this game (and I say this with the biggest grain of salt as I've only done Emmrich and Lucanis' - and am going through Neve's now), are just missing....something, to take them from good to great.

I loved Emmrich's romance. I thought it was very well done. I think a lot of people would agree it's one of the stronger ones in the game - doubly so if you play as a Mourn Watch Rook (you get a TON of MW specific lines going this route, it's great). His side romance with Strife if you don't get together is very cute, I enjoyed it. But as superbly well done as it was, somehow, I wouldn't even put it in my top 4 Bioware romances.

With Lucanis' romance - whatever my hangups may be about how it was handled, certain parts of his romance were done excellently (even better than some of the previous Bioware romances, I'd say). You can read more about my thoughts on his romance here which is why I'm not going into detail about it. Unlike Emmrich's, I would put it in my top 4 because I fell in love with the character that much (both in the game but really, I've loved him since Tevinter Nights), and I've grown very attached to my first Rook and him as a pairing. I've seen others share a similar sentiment on here (and I hate to say it but I agree) - sometimes it feels like I fell in love with Rookanis despite the way it was handled, not because of it. I can't say that for many other romances. While it's been fun to think up a lot of HC/write fics/make art about those abandoned concept sketches and parts where I felt the game could have showed us more of their dynamic, I can't help but feel like his (and other) romances would have immensely benefited from even 1 or 2 extra small scenes to flesh it out a bit more if they weren't going to let us freely talk to our companions.

The issue with the romances might also have something to do with the pacing of the game itself. I think Act 2 is where the pacing goes a bit awry, before picking back up in Act 3 (which is great, I love it).

Sometimes I also felt that there was a little too much reliance on codex entries and party banter to tell the story of the romance rather than showing it explicitly through cutscenes. I think that's what makes the romances feel a bit truncated at times, compared to the previous entries? Some of the romance-specific party banter was so good, it probably deserved its own cutscene. But it's also highly dependent on the party you have, and it's easy to miss/not trigger. I remember absolutely living for the cutscenes in the first three entries and I can't explain why I feel like, subjectively speaking, Veilguard just has less romance content (this may not be objective reality - I haven't compared the amount of romance specific content head to head with other games).

I also couldn't tell you why I feel DA2 doesn't suffer the same problems as DATV in terms of romance interaction - because you can't freely talk to your companions in that game either. Yet somehow, it always felt like I was getting enough of them to not notice that. I do miss being able to chat my LI's ear off and ask them questions about their life/their views/etc. like I could in DAO and DAI. I think it's a shame we can't because the companions in DATV are SO interesting. I want to ask them all a billion questions about their lives/stories/etc even if they're not my love interest. The party banter in this game is immaculate but being able to talk to them individually about this stuff would've been SO nice. I feel that I've missed out on SO MUCH of these characters just because I didn't have two of them in my party at the same time!

Anyway, I need to wrap this up.

In closing, perhaps, if I hadn't read that article about how it was going to be Bioware's most romantic game ... maybe I wouldn't feel this way? I think it sent my expectations through the stratosphere, and that's no one's fault but my own. Not Bioware, not EA, mine.

I know that this game's development cycle was a unique sort of hell that the other games didn't suffer. To go from Joplin -> Morrison -> Veilguard. To have so many of the original staff leave the team when Joplin got scrapped. To have to pivot from Live Service and then back to single person RPG. More lay-offs. It's a miracle this game got made. I'm happy I can sit around thinking about it. And I hope its successful enough that we get DA5 so we can all sit around dissecting that in 5-10 yrs time.

Don't get me wrong - I enjoy the Veilguard romances for what they are. I'm enjoying them more I play and discover additional banter/codex/etc that I missed the first time around. Like any Bioware romance, there are spots where they hit their stride, and spots where they falter a bit. When they hit their stride they knock it out of the fucking park. But when they falter, you can really feel it. Romance is hard to write! And you'll never fully please everyone.

But a small part of me wishes I'd gone in blind, and checked my own expectations a bit.

Maybe you agree, maybe you don't. Tell me about it. What was your experience with the romances? Did you also read that article and get your expectations up?

I hope this makes sense.

Kind regards good fandom folks,

Keep the discussion respectful. And please don't use this post as an excuse to just blatantly hate on the game.

-Rookie

[yourimaginationrealm]

Your hands are killing you. You sigh as you watch the sun set. The Stone Age is quite exhausting except that one little crazy head is worse: Senku. Helping him to regain the technology or development of the old world, is taking all your energy. First, you helped knitting by Yuzuriha. Then, you helped the boys with the grains. France needed you for some cooking and Senku asked you to hold some of his pistons while doing some experiments. You almost dropped one of your tiredness. In the end, you rest by sitting alone in the field and watching the stars above your head. Without any light source, you can see billions little stars and it looked mesmerizing. "What kind of constellation is that....?" you mumbled to yourself. "Is that Sirius?"

"Nope! The one you mentioned is just Jupiter." The all so known voice of Senku. He came from behind and sat slowly behind you while he never left his gaze from the sky.

"Should you not rest? All day doing some science. My head would explode." You didn't mean it as an insult. He scoffed. "When you love what you are doing, you don't need much rest." "You are amazing, Senku." It was a simple sentence yet the words stopped the mans staring from the constellation to you. He blinked. Already in school, you were different. The first day you met, he was rambling about some chemistry what nobody understand and some classmates seemed annoyed while you just said. "You are cool!"

You let your gaze down and watch over your shoulders softly towards Senku. A pretty and tired smile is on your lips when you asked him. "Would you tell me more about astronomy?" You hugged your knee and waited for his answers. Senku had his lips a bit apart and was in awe of your cute side profile. With that smile he is willing to do anything and then talking about science ? Any time.

He chuckled. "Are you really asking me this? I can talk about astronomy all night and day." You eyes lighten up and he starts to explain all signs of the zodiac. You listen carefully until your eyelids drop. You couldn't control your body so slowly your head lands into Senkus lap. He stops his podcast about stars and watches your sleeping form. His lips forms a smile as he admires you. He leads a single strain of hair with his finger behind your ear.

He can explain any phenomena through science. Any odd events can always be solved yet every time he is near you, he can not detect what is wrong with him. Is something wrong with him? He sighs. Back in school era, he tried to avoid you at any cost as soon as he found out that he feels weird around you. He just detests the idea of having no clue what your presence is doing to him. Again, his fingers are dangerous close to your lips while he can not take off his eyes on these. That longing.... Could it be love? That would be the only explainable thing. Even though, love can not be clarified entirely. But if it's true that sucks. If that is the thing he is feeling so weird any time you close he can only sigh defeated. Love? Really? Him? As a scientist ....? Damn, that is so uncool.... __________________________________ I had this imagine long in my drafts and forgot about it! Sry! You can see it on my old design ;D

[ingravinoveritas]

Lovely new article about Michael in Paste magazine. Article is behind a paywall, so here is a transcription (with thanks to the person on FB who transcribed it, and the parts in bold are my own emphasis).

There’s so much to love about Prime Video’s Good Omens. A delightful adaptation of the popular Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett novel of the same name, the series is romantic, thoughtful, hilarious, and heartfelt by turns. The story of the almost-apocalypse and what comes afterward, it wrestles with big concepts like destiny, free will, and forgiveness, all framed through the lens of an unorthodox relationship between an angel and a demon whose love for one another is a key to saving the world.

As anyone who has watched Good Omens already knows, nothing about this series works without the pair of lead performances at its center. Stars David Tennant and Michael Sheen—who play the demon Crowley and the angel Aziraphale, respectively—have the kind of lighting-in-a-bottle chemistry that’s the stuff of legend, and their characters’ every interaction conveys both their deep affection for one another and the Earth they’ve made their home. Their romance is the emotional linchpin around which most of the series turns, and their heartbreaking separation in the Season 2 finale is so devastating precisely because we’ve seen how necessary the two are to each other’s lives.

But it’s Sheen’s performance in that final scene that really twists the knife. As Aziraphale’s face crumples following his and Crowley’s long-awaited kiss, the actor manages to convey what feels like every possible human emotion in the span of less than thirty seconds as the angel realizes what he has both had and just lost. The moment is emotionally brutal to watch, particularly after sitting through five and a half episodes of Aziraphale looking as lovestruck as the lead in any rom-com. Sheen makes it all look effortless, shifting from giddy joy to devastated longing and everything in between, and we really don’t talk enough about how powerful and underrated his work in this series truly is.

Though he’s half of the central duo that makes Good Omens tick, Sheen’s role often tends to get overshadowed by his co-star’s. It’s not difficult to see why, given that Tennant gets to spend most of the show swanning around in tight trousers looking like the Platonic ideal of the charming bad boy, complete with flaming red hair and dramatic eyewear. Tennant also benefits from Crowley’s much more sympathetic emotional arc. I mean, it’s hard not to love a cynical demon with a heart of gold who’s been pining after his angelic best friend for literal millennia even after being cast out from Heaven. Of course, viewers are drawn to that—likely a lot more easily than the story of an angel who’s simply trying the best he can to do the right thing as he wrestles with his role in God’s Ineffable Plan. Plus, let’s be real, Tennant’s sizeable Doctor Who fanbase certainly doesn’t hurt his character’s popularity.

As a performer, Sheen has a long history of playing both real people (Tony Blair, David Frost, Brian Clough) and offbeat villains (Prodigal Son’s Martin Whitly, Underworld’s Lucian, the Twilight Saga’s Aro). In some ways, the role of a fussy, bookish angel is playing more than a bit against type for him—Gaiman himself has said he originally intended for Sheen to be Crowley—but in his capable hands, Aziraphale becomes something much more than a simple avatar for the forces of Good (or even of God, for that matter). With a soft demeanor and a positively blinding smile, Sheen’s take on the character consistently radiates warmth and goodness, even as it contains surprisingly hidden depths. The former guardian of the Eastern Gate of Eden who gifted a fleeing Adam and Eve his flaming sword and befriended the Serpent who caused their Fall, Azirphale isn’t a particularly conventional angel. He enjoys all-too-human indulgences like food and wine, runs a Hoarders-esque bookshop that never seems to sell anything, and spends most of his time making heart eyes at the being that’s meant to be his hereditary adversary.

Given the much more difficult task of playing the literal angel to Tennant’s charming devil, Sheen must find a way to make ideas like goodness and forgiveness as interesting and fun to watch as their darker counterparts. It’s a generally thankless task, but one that Sheen tackles with gusto, particularly in the series’ second season, as Good Omens explores Aziraphale’s slowly evolving idea of what he can and cannot accept in terms of being a soldier of Heaven. His growing understanding that the truth of creation is colored in shades of grey and compromise is often conveyed through little more than Sheen’s deftly shifting expressions and body language.

Our pop culture consistently struggles to portray the idea of goodness as something compelling or worth watching. Explicitly “good” characters, particularly those who are religiously coded, are frequently treated as the butt of some sort of unspoken joke they aren’t in on, used to underline the idea that faith is a form of naivety or that kindness is somehow a weakness. For a lot of people, the entire concept of turning the other cheek is a sucker’s bet, and believing in something greater than oneself, be it a higher power or a sense of purpose, is a waste of time. But Good Omens is a story grounded in the idea that faith, hope, and love—for one another, God, and the entire world—are active verbs. And nowhere is that more apparent than in Sheen’s characterization of the soft angel whose old-fashioned waistcoats mask a spine of steel and who refuses to give up—on Crowley, on humanity, or on the idea that Heaven is still something that can be saved.

Though he and Tennant have pretty much become a matched set at this point (both on and off-screen), Sheen’s performance has rarely gotten the critical accolades it deserves. (Tennant alone was nominated for a BAFTA for Season 2, and Sheen was categorized as a supporting actor when the series’ competed in the 2019 Saturn Awards.) But it is his quiet strength that holds up so much of the rest of the show around him, and Sheen deserves to be more frequently recognized for it. That he makes it look so easy is just another sign of how good his performance really is.

I love this so much. The thoroughly well-deserved praise for Michael's incredible performance as Aziraphale, but also that Aziraphale and Crowley's relationship is specifically described as a "romance." And of course, the first sentence of the last paragraph that acknowledges how much Michael and David are indeed a "matched set" that cannot (and should not) be separated...

[ingravinoveritas]

I could not agree more with all of the above. One thing I keep thinking of is how Michael was saying years ago that the lines between the character and real life were blurry for him, and when GO 2 came out last year, he was saying that is even more so the case now than before. To wit, this quote from SFX magazine last year:

“Everything that has happened in-between plays into coming back to these characters. I am sure it is all feeding into it.”

It really seems like the relationship between Michael and David has and did inform the relationship between Aziraphale and Crowley in season 1, and was doubly true for season 2, and in the case of both seasons, their chemistry made the show what it was. Michael and David themselves have made it clear that what we saw on screen wasn't just the characters, and that none of what we saw would've been the way it was if they weren't playing these roles together.

I also can't help thinking of the comments from DP Gavin Finney, who talked about setting up the shot for the kiss in S2. How no one wanted to interfere with what Michael and David were doing and the depth of the performance they were giving, which Gavin summarized so beautifully by saying, "They're so strong and so real and true."

It's not just that Michael and David were so perfectly cast in the roles of Aziraphale and Crowley. It's that they were perfectly cast opposite each other, to give each other what they needed to make their performances resonate the way they did, to where we are still talking about them five years later. I can only imagine how much more we'll have to talk about when season 3 comes out...

BBC: How have you found it collaborating with David and Michael?

Jack Whitehall (Newton Pulsifer): They’re both incredible. They’re such good actors, you could see them in either role. But this is perfect casting. Even at the read through, they were both already singing. The heart of what will make this work is their dynamic. That is the core of this piece.

(https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/good-omens/whitehall)

I totally agree. GO is the result of incredible teamwork: exceptional cast, incredible crew, tailors, designers, make-up artists, graphic designers, producers, authors, musicians, directors, technicians... the list would be endless. Everyone contributed to making it a masterpiece.

BUT without Michael and David and their chemistry, Good Omens wouldn't have been perfect

[starrrbakerrr]

Peeta has said many charming things, but this line always has me giggling and kicking my feet. I don’t understand how Katniss was so strong.

Suzanne really decided to create the perfect man: he can bake and paint, he’s charming but not cocky, and is really kind and caring only to then strip and distort his entire personality, thanks suzanne.

I kinda hate how they changed this in the movie. Even in the paragraphs before this they had this flirty banter that was so so good. The movies erased or changed nearly all of their banter though.

But, anyway - Peeta Mellark is the blueprint that no other book boyfriend has lived up to.

[sketchy-tour]

✨DANDY COMMISSION APPRECIATION POST✨

Of course, being commissions I bought, none of these lovely beautiful pieces are by me. Credits (in order) @frillsand @weevmo @lanlishiba @parrotparfait @kandavers

I am!! GONNA attempt to gush about all these pieces without devolving into keysmashes or screams but like. A. AA. AAA. I was gonna say "yall have no idea how annoying I am about Dandy" but honestly you do. You all do because I shake my silly puppet oc around CONSTANTLY.

ANYWAY I JUST!!! AUGH! ALL OF THEM MAKE ME SO HAPPY!!! The fact I get to see Dandy in art styles I love and adore around the fandom fills me with a joy I cannot even DESCRIBE to you!! OOH I JUST!!! I love them. I love these pieces. I stare at them all the time and now I'm rattling them all around at you guys!!!!! LOOK!!! LOOK AT THESE LOVELY LOVELY PIECES RN AND CHECK OUT THE ARTISTS!!!!!

[ingravinoveritas]

I know we've all seen and discussed The Kiss so many times by now, but it's nearly the one-year anniversary of GO 2 and ever since I saw this slow motion gif and this clip, it's felt like watching it all over again with fresh eyes.

Everything about this is so breathtaking on so many levels. The way Michael's eyebrows raise, the way he seems to almost lift himself into the kiss, like he was physically bringing himself closer to David's/Crowley's lips, and how they very nearly melt into each other even as they're trying not to. You can almost see their hearts leaping close together, as if something powerful is happening as much within them as without.

It reminds me of episode one and the angel-that-would-be-Crowley snapping his fingers and saying "Let there be light." Four little words, one simple gesture, and a whole universe that wasn't there before exploded into being. Sparks flying, in more ways than one...

And I love it. I love that this kiss is so incredible that we are still talking about it one year later, and that it will forever be one of the most gorgeously searing kisses ever committed to film. I love that we have this kiss specifically because it was Michael and David in these roles, and the once-in-a-lifetime chemistry between them.

There are film kisses, and then there are film kisses, and almost nothing I have ever seen on screen comes close to this, or ever will. I am so, so grateful to Michael and David for giving this to us, and to each other...

[ingravinoveritas]

I don't even care what plot they're doing for good omens 2. Seeing Michael Sheen and David Tennant together is entertainment enough. They could've acted out the script in Neil Gaiman's bathroom and I'd have been damn right enthralled

[norringtondeservestheworld]

I CRY

[royalarchivist]

Quackity: Someone who I really wish would play a little more is– I'm going to say it: it's Luzu. Because Luzu – I was in a past server with Luzu called Karmaland, which Vegetta owns – and we did some crazy ass stories. [...] I would definitely love to do more stuff with Luzu, you know? [...] His thing is the time zones, though. Which makes sense, 'cuz he's like 60.

Foolish: Is he more of an early bird?

Quackity: No, he's like 60. He's 60. He sleeps early, wakes up early. That kind of like, BS. He's like, "Oh, I have a kid to take care of." It's like, "So?"

Foolish: Tell the kid to grow up!

Quackity: That's like a hobby. [Laughs] That's like a hobby, bro, that's like fcking–

Foolish: Just kick the kid out.

Quackity: Hey, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. If you told Ollie [Luzu's son] to fcking– to just grow up, he would.

[ Full transcript ↓ ]

Quackity: Someone who I really wish would play a little more is– I'm going to say it: it's Luzu. Because Luzu – I was in a past server with Luzu called Karmaland, which Vegetta owns – and we did some crazy ass stories because– Ok, so the thing with Karmaland and the problem with Karmaland was that every.

Foolish: The problem with Karmaland!

Quackity: –was that everyone were Spaniards. Everyone was Spaniards. Everyone from Spain, they all had Spain timezone.

Foolish: And that's a problem

Quackity: So I would always start streaming at, like, 5 pm, and all the people from Spain would be asleep. Everyone from Spain would be asleep. So, it was just me doing content, and occasionally, it'd be with Luzu, and I miss that a lot. You know, Luzu– the reason he doesn't play on QSMP as much is because of timezone, so that is literal fcking revenge. That is revenge because Luzu had a fun time being Spaniard and making sure that when I connected late times in Karmaland, there would be no one! Well, guess now– guess what now, Luzu? You wake up at fcking six in the morning– [in a sad crying voice] –and if you ever want to come back, I'll fcking log in for you. No, I'm kidding. But I think- I think– no, I would definitely love to do more stuff with Luzu, you know?

Foolish: Yeah.

Tina: I wanna meet him.

Quackity: His thing is the time zones, though. Which makes sense, 'cuz he's like 60.

Foolish: Is he more of an early bird?

Quackity: No, he's like 60. He's 60. He sleeps early, wakes up early. That kind of like, bullsht. He's like, "Oh, I have a kid to take care of." It's like, "So?"

Foolish: Tell the kid to grow up!

Quackity: That's like a hobby. [Laughs] That's like a hobby, bro, that's like fcking–

Foolish: Just kick the kid out.

Quackity: Hey, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. If you told Ollie [Luzu's son] to fcking– to just grow up, he would.

Foolish: Yeah, absolutely.

Quackity: That's a horrible question. That really hurt my feelings. OK, Foolish: you have to ask a question now.

[spiderliliez]

“You need to talk to Godfrey” Based on the non-fiction book by Rebecca Godfrey UNDER THE BRIDGE (2024)

[+] LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 [+] ..more on “Under the Bridge” 🎬

[infiniteaugends]

The Tommy/Buck break up came out of no where and makes no sense. Did they think we would celebrate or enjoy losing queer representation? Especially in such a cruel way! I don’t get it. It feels icky that for the first time Buck’s love interest doesn’t get closure is when it’s the queer man. Especially a man who has expressed feeling alone and isolated. This is by far the worst of Buck’s breakups and it means a queer character’s arc ends with isolation and heartbreak. What message are they really sending with this?

For me as a bi person it feels even more icky. “You’re gonna break my heart.” “I’m your first, but not your last.” These feel like illusions to the bi stereotypes that we are indecisive, cheaters, and greedy. Like Bobby married the first woman he dated after the death of his family. Athena married the first man she dated after getting out of a very long marriage. They didn’t need to ‘explore their options’, but Buck is Bi so that must mean he can’t just choose a person. He needs to demonstrate it, onto the hamster wheel we go.

I was so excited about a well done Bi character (they are few and far between) and Oliver Stark said they were doing it with care. This is not with care! This is horrible, and harmful, and it makes me so upset. This is literally the second time this week that a piece of media that was supposed to be safe (that I was excited about), became a source of shame and borderline biphobia. Along with the results of the election, I’m just so tired and heart broken.

I’m sure many Buddie shippers are going to be cheering on the downfall of queer representation in the name of getting what they want. The hate and vitriol they have spouted at a queer character and an actual real human being has just been rewarded. They were right Tommy Kinard was just a plot device, another in a long list of used and abused queer characters. It all just sucks so much and makes me want this week over that much faster. This was a cruel decision done without care for queer viewers.

[noperopesaredope]

Me watching the prequel movies: "Padme's alright, but she's kind of boring and I don't care for her that much."

Me watching Clone Wars: "Padme Amidala could dropkick me, step on my neck, and spit in my face, and I would thank her. She is so cool and smart and I want to be her and also maybe be her assistant. She's a savvy politician who believes in peace but is not afraid to shoot a bitch if needed. Revenge of the Sith Anakin doesn't deserve her."