#they often pop up where a person wouldn't expect them

[bittershins]

also this may seem oddly specific, but if anyone has any songs that they like that end up featuring reed instruments, expectedly or not, I'd appreciate them being sent my way!

[nikovraskol]

this is gonna be very long winded so apologies in advance!

I’ve noticed that the readers ages of 16, 18 and 21 feel more important since they’re like a checkpoint for important parts of their lives. 18 is when they butted heads with their family more often, 21 is when they died and 16, well that’s the age that the returned to.

what would it have been say at 16 they were on autopilot so they went to breakfast and Alfred (and by extension the rest of the family ) didn’t realise something was off about them until later?

what if they returned at 18 instead of 16 when their relationships were more volatile with the bat fam?

or heck maybe at 21 a month, week, day or hour before getting shot- say if they were able to contact the police beforehand or at least call Alfred for help if they were shot but the last timeline warned them enough that they avoided lethal wounds?

(bonus: Bruce or the others - I’d expect Jason to pop up from a seedy alley- finds them after being shot and on the verge of dying, but they’re saved just in the nick of time)

(bonus bonus: they get greedy and kidnap surprise adopt multiple different versions of reader and their batfams go nuts because they “went missing”)

GRR come over here and kiss me on my hot mouth i'm feeling romantical also i will carress you for picking up on the age thing.. like damn u actually read my shi

masterlist

at sixteen, if you were to go to breakfast and act on autopilot! then congrats! you'd be able to leave (for a month). it'd be difficult because bruce wouldn't check on you so you couldn't ask him for funds. but if you were to ask alfred maybeee he'd give it to you, so long as you don't say what it's for, of course.

so then, you're living happily, peacefully even. for two months, you live your life like a normal person! until one fateful evening when you're casually lounging about -- someone knocks on your door. weird, but okay.

you open the door, and there stands fucking batman and robin just. standing there.

"we're here to--"

you slam the door on their face. now, because you've acted on auto-pilot, they didn't interact with you in the same way they did in the og story, so you're understandably confuddled. because? why the FLIP is your estranged family at your door?

over the course of the next few days, strange events occur. you go to the diner down the road to get some food and red hood slides into your booth wordlessy. you're walking home after going to the store and nightwing literally APPEARS and offers to carry your groceries. your phone's battery is mysteriously depleting fast, flipping orphan and spoiler show up at your school, hanging around.

worst of all, no matter where you go -- there's that bat-shaped shadow following you. if you look up, you'll see the outline of his cowl, and if you lock eyes he will swoop in, to save you -- of course! so keep your head down, savour your freedom for as long as possible but don't ever get too comfortable.

at eighteen? ooh i feel like a fly mischeviously rubbing it's hands together.

twenty-one year old you waking up eighteen, well, dare i say, it's better than waking up sixteen.

eighteen you had preemptively distanced yourself from the family for you. you're a legal adult, so you can work -- and best of all? (you can smoke ciggerattes) you have actual friends.

up until your eighteenth birthday, your every waking thought was on how to be better, to get better -- so with you becoming a legal adult -- well you understood that there isn't much for you to do anymore, you began to focus less on yourself and more on you. despite that, there was still the nagging feeling heavy in your chest that you'll never be accepted, never be apart of them -- there was a part that yearned for that acceptance, however late it maybe.

so your sudden disinterest wasn't alarming, not really. until you've finally found a good place, in a nice area. you're packing your stuff casually when bruce walks into your room for the first time in fuuck knows how long (because alfred asked him to).

"where are you going?" he is flabbergasted, but keeps a cool expression on his face as you give him the most diabolic side glare ever.

"i'm... leaving?"

lmao, no you're not! all of a sudden this calm procedure turns into a whole thing. give bruce the name of your landlord, he wants to see if they're good -- in fact, he can buy the house off of them so you don't have to pay a thing!

dick and jason are literally scanning every part of your new apartment, top to bottom, every single thing.

"this is not safe, these windows don't even have locks." jason sighs, analysing your windows with such scrutiny it makes you uncomfortable.

"this chain is broken! tut, tut, you can't live here!" dick adds on, ignoring the fact that the chain on your door is fine and that one chip on it won't get you killed.

tim begins to talk to you about finances, but he overexplains it using words you can't even begin to comprehend -- you're pretty sure he's doing it on purpose, what with the smug grin on his face.

"didn't bruce buy the building?" you ask, your eyes narrowed as you watch him scribble down numbers and whatnot.

"..no comment."

while those buffoons are doing that, you're being pressured by damian to stay.

"why must you leave? to live in a crappy old shack? just stay in the manor, it's safer for you." he's literally DOWN your neck with these types of comments. meanwhile, you're reeling 'cause what the fuck is going on?!

whether you give in or not is up to you -- just know, you will one way or another return to the manor.

as for the last one, let's say you get transported back five minutes before getting shock. which pisses you off 'cause what're you supposed to do in five minutes!?

nonetheless, you manage to get away with being shot once instead of five times, so you have enough energy to limp away -- and then you bump into red hood.

oh damn, oh damn, wow, so he's going to shoot you to -- or that's what you think, what you don't expect is for him to pick you up and literally shoot your offenders.

wow, okay.

you get taken back to the manor and you're literally reeling as they fuss over you, "how could you be out so late!?" this or "why do you need a job!?" that.

it's a shortcut to being locked in the manor, they take care of you like you're incapable, dick spoonfeeding you despite your protests, tim sitting silently besides you which makes you stress because he's so unnerving, cass hovering around you -- bringing you everything you need, sometimes you don't even realise you need it until she brings you a glass of water because you 'looked thirsty' (???).

this isn't just restricted to when you're recovering. you nearly died because of their negligence! so they pay extra attention to you, just so you don't get any silly ideas about walking gotham alone at night. honestly? what were you thinking, it's a good thing they're here to protect you.

(also side note ; the idea of jason being NEAR (name) when they died, but not knowing is so eghsudg to me, like he'll learn about where they died after finding the crime scene and he falls into a pit of despair because if he had taken the right route, if he had followed his instincts, he could have saved you.)

as for the last, last one. let's say you're a random variant of (name) from another universe and you've gotten transported without knowing it, you walk home morosely.

as you open the door, you are greeted with countless different versions of you -- all of them wearing the same expression of confusion. you don't know how to react when dick spots you and shouts, "we got another one"

guys if u sent an ask or request I WILL get them done.. i'm just being a lazy bum, thank u for the kind words tho everyone <3

[andhumanslovedstories]

you think often of how nurses should speak and relate to patients, and i highly appreciate knowing you put this kind of thought in and share it with other nurses. but as someone who often occupies the patient position, i'm curious if you have any thoughts on ways for patients to interact with nurses, when we are in decent enough control of our faculties to make choices about that. i would like this knowledge from both an altruistic perspective in recognizing nursing is difficult and not wanting to voluntarily make it difficulter, and a wholly self interested position of knowing nurses who like interacting with me give better care. what helps as a professional and as a person?

I'm surprised how much I had to think about this question. What do I want patients to do? I don't know. A lot of it is basic human decency, some of it is specific to my nursing workflow, but overall I find it complicated saying what patients "should" do. I cut out about 500 words of navel gazing from this post explaining why. Here are answers I've come up, in no order and not of equal importance.

--a lot of it is basic "polite interaction with another person in a professional setting." If you're asking this question, you probably care about treating people well in general. If you wouldn't say it to a barista, would you say it to your nursing tech?

--don't do joke answers to basic orientation questions like "what's your name" and "where are you right now", because it's annoying to have to clarify if you're actually confused or if you're fucking with me. I know they're annoying. Just answer correctly so we can move on.

--have some flexibility and patience. Hospitals have a lot of moving parts, and each person interacting with you has other patients that also need care. My hospital and state has mandated nursing ratios. The maximum amount of patients I've had in one assignment is five. Other hospitals have far less protection, and nurses may have six, eight, twelve other patients. Our respiratory therapists each cover multiple units. One CNA might cover the entire floor. I know if melatonin is the difference between you sleeping or not sleeping, it is very frustrating for someone to bring it late. I just ask you keep in mind that there's dozens of reasons that might happen besides someone ignoring you.

--help us help you. If you can lift your arm up for me to put a blood pressure cuff on, why are you holding your arm completely limp so it's like putting pants on a toddler than doesn't want to get dressed? If you can help roll yourself in bed, help us roll you. If your IV is beeping, hit the call light so someone can come turn it off. If you don't have urgency issues and you can tell you're going to need to go to the bathroom soon, call before it's an emergency. If your IV hurts when I give you medication at 8 pm, tell me then, not when I'm trying to give you your midnight antibiotic and all the evening staff have already gone home.

--if you don't understand how something works in the hospital (what happens when you hit the call light, how often are people going to take your vital signs, why can't I get up and walk around the room), just ask. It's really easy for people who work in a hospital every day to forget other people aren't familiar with it.

--don't treat doctors noticeably better than you treat everyone else.

--pet peeve number one: if I give you pills in a med cup, you can just use the med cup to get the pills to your mouth. You don't need to pour the pills into the palm of your hand and then pop them into your mouth. You're gonna drop the pills, and I'm gonna end up on the floor looking for a tiny tablet of dilaudid.

--bundle requests, especially low-importance ones. If you ask for crackers and you know crackers make you thirsty, just request your drink at the same time. Don't make me walk to your room, the nutrition room, and your room again ten minutes later.

--I don't expect people in the hospital to be pleasant all the time, and I don't take snappiness personally, but I always really appreciate the patients who apologize or even just acknowledge their behavior.

--I love patients who acknowledge my work. I don't need effusive praise or a thousand thank yous. It means a lot for someone to just be like "hey, thanks for your help tonight."

--have patience with repeating yourself. If you've got something important and complicated to convey, practice a quick understandable blurb that takes no brain power from you. There may be something that you've told the staff a dozen times, and it may be documented in your chart, but in the hospital you see many people who have never worked with you before and for whatever reason didn't read that info in your chart. For example, I'm a float pool nurse which means I almost never see the same patients twice. I can get sent to a different unit and a different patient load at literally any time. I can't familiarize myself with complicated documentation or read every nursing note. Especially not for patients I know I will only have for four hours. I know repeating yourself is annoying, I know it sucks to have to explain your bathroom routine or your preferred pain med or when you like to get pills or whatever every shift. And it's great when people make that information very easy to find! But if you just accept the reality you'll be repeating yourself a lot anyway, it makes doing so less frustrating.

--pet peeve number two: don't exaggerate to make a point. This is such a human thing to do, and god knows I catch myself doing it all the time, but you can raise objections in a way that's factually true. I've got a lot of concrete data that people are very often wrong when they say they're been "waiting for hours" after hitting a call light. The computer has a time stamp of the last time I was in your room. I know it was 45 minutes ago. There's a timer by the call light. I know you called twenty minutes ago. And I know it feels much longer when you are waiting for basic cares or pain control or anything pressing. Things can be unacceptable without needing to be exaggerated. When the exaggeration is the base of your complaint, it undercuts your credibility. Honestly I find it really irritating when I spend a disproportionate amount of my shift with one patient only for that patient to tell another staff member that I've been neglecting them. Just say I did a bad job, don't pretend I wasn't there at all.

--don't ask me to pull my mask down so you can see my face. like cmon dude.

--I'm not saying you have to send all your visitors out of the room when I'm there, I'm just saying have some sympathy for how nerve-wracking it can be to do your job while being intensely watched by five other deeply invested people with limited context for your actions.

--this is a nebulous and difficult one. You might have a lot of emotion that you don't know what to do with. What you shouldn't do with it is channel it into every interaction you have with a healthcare worker. If you feel guilty about how you haven't visited your mother in a while and now she's in the hospital, you gotta find ways to deal that don't involve getting extremely passive aggressive at your mother's night nurse.

[lazycats-stuff]

How about one where Bruce and M!Reader have been dating for a while. Reader lives in the manor and everyone in the family has opened up to reader accept Damien. One night when reader is babysitting Damien while everyone else is out reader is able to finally get through to Damien. He really opens up to reader and even ends up falling asleep in readers lap much to the shock of everyone. Reader becomes Damien’s favorite person and he is always practically clinging to readers side. If not it’s totally fine!

Oh yes! Bruce would wonder for ages. Also, no specific version of Bruce in mind, imagine any version you want. This gif popped up first.

Summary: (Y/N) does something that no one was able to do. Damian opened up.

Warnings: fluff, mentions of psychological warfare, (Y/N) is patient man, Damian is not trusting, did I mention fluff?,

(Y/N) and Bruce were match made in heaven according to Bruce's three boys plus Alfred. Bruce and (Y/N) have been dating for 3 years and (Y/N) has moved in just a few months ago to live with Bruce. The 3 boys were happy. One wasn't. But we will get to that later.

Every member of this house, expect for one, loved (Y/N). At first they thought that he was a gold digger and was just looking for money and fame. Couldn't be further from the truth. Bruce even trusted (Y/N) to tell him that he's Batman.

He was often supportive of them, didn't try to stop them, or talk them out of it or snitched. In fact, before (Y/N) moved into the manor, he would leave little snacks for the boys and Bruce to take during patrol. He slept during that period because he has a job and he can't work while sleepy.

Everyone loved it. Besides Damian, but we will get to him later. Of course, they all went to the apartment to get those snacks. It was a nice change and those snacks were lit. They gave them an energy boost and they were all happy to have the boost that runs out when they get home.

And there was one important thing that (Y/N) has that Bruce is not really known for it. Emotional availability. Boys came by to his apartment when they needed to talk to him about anything and they would be sure that (Y/N) wouldn't tell anything to Bruce unless it was serious.

Now, when Bruce proposed to (Y/N), everyone was happy. Besides Damian, but that was then. The 3 out of the 4 four boys were happy that they had a stable person alongside Alfred and they would be happy to have a second parental figure, considering that Bruce was slightly overwhelmed and needed support he needed.

Of course, the media caught wind of this and was all over (Y/N) for it. It was difficult to live a normal life, but since he was an author, he spent his time at home and just decided to keep going out to a minimum. Bruce made sure he was taken care of, knowing it wasn't easy.

(Y/N) moved in when his address got leaked and the press started hounding him even more. Bruce already wanted (Y/N) to move in, even before he proposed to him. So, one weekend, (Y/N) packed his stuff and Bruce helped him move to the manor, making some space in his room, just for (Y/N).

Everyone was happy and helped (Y/N) in any way to help him settle in. Besides Damian. Damian wasn't happy by any means and he didn't like any of this. His mother should have been the one in (Y/N)'s spot.

So what does Damian do in that situation?

Psychological warfare it is. (Y/N) found his stuff going missing from time to time. Damian would be close to him one day, then distant and cold the other and there was no way to see if he was actually any progress. Then, it got a little bit more extreme.

Damian tried to mess with him even more, more directly. Bruce and the others tried to persuade Damian and Bruce knew that punishment would only fuel the problem. (Y/N) knew that he had to prove himself to Damian that he could stand in this family.

So, (Y/N) asked Bruce to train him. To show him the ropes. Bruce was surprised and he could see why, he was hesitant, but did it anyway. Now, (Y/N) knew how to fight, knew how to see signs of something psychological happening, such as manipulation and warfare.

(Y/N) was more than ready to take on Damian and crack that tough exterior. Bruce was more than supportive, but worried that (Y/N) doesn't get hurt by Damian. (Y/N) has said that it doesn't matter. He wants Damian to accept him no matter how long it took.

Everything came to a head one evening when everyone needed to go out somewhere and (Y/N) was stuck babysitting Damian. He didn't mind it actually and it was going to be a great time to bond. Of course, if Damian wants to bond. He would never force Damian to bond. It would counter productive.

Right now, he would fancy a movie night or something like that. He made himself comfortable on the couch, a cup of green tea on the coffee table and he got himself a blanket. He put some snacks on the table too and turned on the TV to check what's on.

He could easily go to Netflix and check what to watch. This is going to be a rather nice night.

" You know father doesn't love you? " Damian said from behind the couch, near the kitchen. (Y/N) turned his head to look at him and then took his hot green tea.

" I know he does, otherwise I wouldn't be engaged to him. "

Damian scoffed and moved closer to the couch, but still far enough.

" You can scoff all you want, but I know you hate me because me because you want your mom to be with Bruce so that you can be a family. " (Y/N) said and Damian was quiet. (Y/N) knew he has hit a nail on the head with that statement.

" Also, I know you think I will try to replace your mom, but I won't be trying to. "

Damian scoffed once more and (Y/N) laugh. " Damian, you were raised by assassins and you are the son of Batman. You know when people are bullshitting you. " (Y/N) said and took a sip of his tea.

Damian knew that as well. He could see if someone was lying directly to his face. Damian moved quietly and sat down next to (Y/N), still some distance between the two. (Y/N) didn't say anything as he watched Damian, waiting for him to start. He waited for Damian to start talking.

" I... Do you know anything about my upbringing? " Damian asked (Y/N), crossing his arms, still defensive.

" I just know it was rough. Some said hell. I don't know any specifics. " (Y/N) explained and sipped his tea.

" Well... It could be described as hell... I was taught to kill anyone in 50 different way using a single object. I was never really shown love, only seen an heir to the league and the son of Batman. " Damian started and (Y/N) put his tea down, giving him his full attention.

Damian stayed silent before he started talking once more. " I was trained to be an assassin and love was... Not a thing there. When I came here, I was still cold, despite everyone trying to be nice to me. I guess deep down, I still missed my mother. When you entered the picture, I was pissed. I thought you wanted to replace my mom. " Damian paused for a moment.

(Y/N) watched him in silence. He allowed him to compose himself.

" And you were nice, so I got suspicious. Even when father recently proposed to you, I was mad and pissed." Damian said, frowning and shaking his head. " I couldn't understand why you would be so loving towards us. But I see the way father looks at you and how much he loves you and how much he has opened up emotionally. The way everyone has... " Damian stopped and moved closer to (Y/N) who lifted a blanket to let Damian get closer.

Damian did just that and he hugged (Y/N). (Y/N) wanted to scream from happiness, but he had to remain calm. " And when you didn't leave when I messed with you, there was something more than intrigued me about you. "

(Y/N) put his hand on Damian's shoulder and Damian relaxed. " I'm guessing I didn't get any love when I was younger so I guess I was just repellent to love. "

(Y/N) smiled and hugged Damian. " Don't blame yourself. I don't blame you at all. If you feel bad, we can start over completely. A new slate. Clean slate. " (Y/N) suggested and Damian nodded and (Y/N) saw a small smile on Damian's face.

" Good. " (Y/N) said, smiling widely and watched as Damian put his head on his lap, before covering himself with the blanket. I smile and pat his head.

" I know it's not easy to trust me, but I'm here for the long run. " (Y/N) said and Damian let out a hum.

" Are you tired? " (Y/N) asked and Damian nodded, closing his eyes. (Y/N) didn't say anything and caressed Damian's hair. (Y/N) smiled widely, happy that Damian liked him.

Bruce and the others came back home, worried beyond belief. Is (Y/N) hurt? Is he even alive? Bruce and the others checked the living room, one worried for his fiancé, the others worried for their dad number two.

Well, they didn't expect to see Damian sleeping in (Y/N)'s lap, looking calm and peaceful. (Y/N) shushed them with bringing his finger to his lips. He smiled back at Damian who shuffled a little bit, looking like he was going to wake up, but he remained asleep.

Bruce's jaw dropped a little.

" Hi. " (Y/N) whispers and Bruce smiled, melting at the sight of Damian laying on (Y/N)'s lap. The other 3 boys are still in shock.

" How? " Bruce whispered back as he moved closer to the duo.

" He opened up on his own. " (Y/N) whispers and Bruce cards his hand through Damian's short hair.

" Really? " Bruce whispered and kissed (Y/N)'s forehead.

" Yes. I think Damian and I will bond more. " (Y/N) whispered back, smiling. He kisses Bruce softly and looks back at Damian.

" Lets get him to bed and then get you to sleep. I'm afraid that I have to go on patrol tonight. " Bruce explains and take Damian into his arms. (Y/N) stands up and says hi to his other sons. He gave each a hug, before going to his room to sleep. He made sure that Damian is tucked in the bed and Bruce made sure he tucked Damian in correctly.

After that night, Damian was always near (Y/N), following him around, making sure he was safe at all time. Can you blame Damian? When ever they are out and doing something, press hounds them and Damian has to make sure that his dad is okay. Like, what did you expect from him?

Bruce didn't say anything as he saw how Damian spent a lot of time with (Y/N). It was nice to see and Bruce know how Damian would protect him from anything that might hurt him.

Now, what shocked Bruce was the first time Damian called (Y/N) dad. It was not something he expected and he had to sit down on the couch for a moment.

The rest of the family lost their collective minds. (Y/N) cried and hugged Damian tightly. He has never been happier and he was officially going to adopt all four of them. He talked to Bruce about adopting those four, but only when they all accepted them.

Now he was going to do just that, without a doubt. The others also called him dad, but Damian calling him that? (Y/N) was officially happy and could move to adopt all four boys. He would do that once he marries Bruce and since Bruce has connections, he could speed the thing up.

Now, does any of this mean that Damian is (Y/N)'s favorite son? Nope. He loved all of them equally. Maybe a little bit more than Bruce. And now, even when (Y/N) and his sons are now cuddling on the couch, watching a movie, (Y/N) has never felt so calm and relaxed.

This was something that he wishes never stops. Bruce may have or may have not snapped a few pictures.

[fatphobiabusters]

Hey, sorry if this is a weird question but I'm trying to learn more since I honestly wasn't educated about fatphobia before and I'm trying to fix that (especially now that I won't be a teen in a few months and my mom could be considered fat and I love food so like we all know the body type I'll have in a few years). I often see people say that being fat is bad because people like firefighters and nurses get injured when saving/caring for them and I'd like to know if there's any way to like.. fix that? I obviously don't want very poorly compensated people risking their lives to get injured more than they have to but I also don't think policing people's bodies is right...

Hmmm where to start. The thing is nurses are understaffed, often asked to move patients by themselves when they shouldn't be. It's not just fat people that can injure a nurse, anyone who can't assist on their own lifting can. Lifting say, 180 pounds from the floor is risky, Hospital beds are closer to the average person waist plus there are handles and bars for the patient to assist. Rolling a patient in bed is difficult, again if the patient can't assist. Making sure staff is getting help is crucial. They wouldn't let me move myself from the bed I was on, onto the surgery table but it was quick and took three people to properly nest me and slide me over. (I was going in for gallbladder surgery) there were multiple people who could have assisted in the room if they needed more. So really, fighting under staffing and over working in the medical field is key.

Im not as familiar with fire fighting techniques however I know that there's an issue of businesses not having Evac Chairs or sleds for the physically disabled. I'm thinking of the brand Evac Chairs but ANY such device is useful.

Im looking at the sleds:

This goes up to 440

This one goes up to 500 carrying capacity!

These should be part of fire and rescue training and provided to the rescuers for public safety. Any business that sees a large amount of foot traffic should have these on site. (I don't expect a small mom and pop shop to have one, but Walmart should. Hospitals should.)

So basically: proper training, the right equipment and proper staff. These all play a role in how to circumvent awful situations.

Also take the consideration of what these people say "it's bad to be fat because nurses and fire fighters" these types of people are one bad turn from saying "it's bad to be in a wheelchair because it's too hard for fire rescue" or "it's bad to need nurses to turn you to prevent bed sores" they think, fundamentally, that fat people choose to be fat so we deserve less empathy. And even if it was 100% a choice for every person, it doesn't mean we don't deserve care and common sense accomedations. You can't say you respect bodily autonomy and support disability rights if your support is conditional. Only supporting "the good ones" is a policy in futility.

As an aside: check your smoke detectors and reduce fire hazards. Know your exits and keep low to the floor if there's smoke. Regardless of size people get real relaxed with fire safety because it's rare it's an issue. Some basic things is all you can do so please do them or have someone your trust to do them.

-mod squirrel

[ilikekidsshows]

-long ask ahead-

Big fandom blog recently said that ML is a character-driven show, that it shows what the characters WOULD do, not what they SHOULD do. This really got me thinking.

Somehow I can kinda see their point; if there was a book about the events of ML written completely from Marinette's POV, we could see all her thoughts and how she disregards other characters' feelings/existance and it would make sense because they are not of any priority to her view of the world. As Marinette she has a strong drive to get Adrien into her hands that leads to all kinds of funny/questionable situations. Her depictions in the show where she paranoidly imagines scenarios with Adrien or is plotting to get to him is what I could see as character-driven moments. No-one outside of herself is giving her these goals and ambitions.

But aside from that? The Ladybug/superhero side seems only reactive instead of active. She saves the day when the villains attack, but has no ambition to go after them when the attack is over. There is no real tie to her personal life aside from her having to play the hero role and some attacks interrupting her civilian life. If the story wouldn't emphasize that she is the greatest Ladybug, and instead anyone could do it as well, then Marinette probably wouldn't do it. She doesn't seem personally attached to being Ladybug, as seen in Kwami's Choice. If we removed Hawkmoth with all his backstory and ambitions from the show, there wouldn't be a Ladybug, there wouldn't be a plot outside of Marinette wanting Adrien. Marinette is not interested in the lore of the miraculous or in being a superhero, she wouldn't do anything without an outside influence. So this side is more plot-driven if we view Hawkmoth as the plot-tool?

And what about characters popping out of nowhere and mingling with the plot (e.g. Felix, Chloe)? Chloe's actions are clearly often just there to further the plot of the episode instead of giving us insight on her character. Felix's goals change every other episode. Tomoe could be any other prop and we wouldn't know more about her, etc.

Can stressing about being the guardian be viewed as character-driven? No-one outside of Ladybug herself really pressures her to act a certain way in that role (Su-han could be talked down easily, I don't count him). Is her keeping secrets and disregarding Chat Noir a result of her controlling behaviour, thus character-driven? (but it's also extremely convenient for the writers to add tension or because they don't care about Chat Noir) And how is this perspective meant to make it more bearable to watch unfolding?

I did look up some character-driven vs. plot-driven posts and explanations, but the more I think about it in the context of ML, the more it blends together and I get no clear answer. Of course, there's probably very few exclusivly 100% character- or plot-driven stories, and certainly not a show like ML, but some elements should be easier to put in one box or the other? I'm not even sure about the definitions of character- vs plot-driven anymore, I'm so confused, I'm sure I got it wrong along the way and mixing in-character with writer's views and so on.

I would love to respark my enjoyment of the show with a simple change of perspective but I think that sadly won't do. In the end, whether it's this or that, I'm still disappointed and unsatisfied with how it went in the long run. Yet it's still interesting to think about how people who still really like the show could view it.

I think you mentioned on your blog that you have some education in media-analysis or something of the kind. If you like, could you share your perspective on the claim at the top?

What's the common definition of character-driven stories and can we apply it on ML?

Would this change of perspective make some writing choices more enjoyable (it's subjective, I know)? I think a lot viewers expect a superhero show to be more plot-heavy and characters to develop (or characters wanting to improve themselves somehow), so if we went into ML thinking from the start "this is not about the plot and how people should act, I'm just watching characters do whatever they would do" would our reactions be really different?

How would the show have to be written and presented to be truely character-driven?

Sorry that's a lot I ask. Feel free to answer whatever you like (or ignore the message). Thanks for reading anyway.

Anonymous asked: Miraculous is character driven story, the plot is determined by what the characters's do rather than the usual opposite with wath the characters doing is determined by the plot, said a friend of mine when we discussed before. What's your opinion about it if I may ask?

---

Okay, so I'm just going to start this by saying that "character-driven" and "plot-driven" are not literary analysis terms, but writing tip terms. It refers to what the focus of your story is. It means that, when you write a book or a movie, you should usually pick to prioritize an in-depth character study or a story with a lot of plots or world-building (the lore, if you will). Character-driven stories have a plot or several, but it isn't intended to be the main draw, so it can be sloppy while more work gets put into making sure the characters are complex and have clear arcs from beginning to end. Similarly, plot-driven stories can have complex characters, but the main draw is meant to be the larger narrative.

Plot-driven vesus character-driven is a writing tip against avoiding a bloated story full of unnecessary details. If your story is about two nobles dealing with an arranged marriage and the pressure their families put on them, having a complex magic system and magical duels using said system take up a bunch of pages is unnecessary. Similarly, if you're writing a story about a complex magic system, how it gets used and how it affects the society at large, dedicating a lot of time to a romance arc takes attention away from the actual points of the story, like the dreaded "forced Hollywood romance" in action/adventure movies.

In a comic or TV series, you usually (thanks companies for cutting episode counts; you suck) have more time and space to deal with more stuff, and varying stuff can improve a long-running series. In an ongoing, long-running superhero comic or show, you can and should use both and have them take turns. This is, in fact, the industry standard. Sure, a Batman story can technically have him chasing down Scarecrow, but, if the bulk of the episode/issue/trade is him battling his inner demons that the Scarecrow's Fear Toxin causes him to hallucinate, then is the story really about chasing down Scarecrow, or is it about developing Batman's character? (It's the latter.)

In general, I don't think "character-driven versus plot-driven" is a useful analysis tool, because it's binary. Basically, in media analysis, you should always try to avoid yes or no questions, but many binary questions are equally bereft of deeper meaning. Asking if Miraculous is character or plot-driven will answer that question, but not anything else. You can describe how you came to that conclusion, but the character/plot divide won't by itself create any other points to be made about the text, you need another tool/lense/question for that.

In addition, character-driven versus plot-driven can't refer to "what moves the story", because moving the story is the plot. The plot, or plots, are the cause-and-effect chains within a story. A plot doesn't move by itself, either natural occurences or character actions will move it along, you need a cause and effect. This also means, that, even if character-driven was a way to describe story progression, only stories about natural disasters could be not-character-driven.

In the top ask, the would vs should division seems to imply that the person describing Miraculous as character-driven is trying to say that, in Miraculous, the characters’ actions are supposed to be logical from the perspective of their personal motivations and not necessarily morally correct. This is how I’ve seen most people defend Marinette's villain arc; that we aren't meant to agree with her, but simply wait and see what the payoff will be.

The problem with this approach to analyzing Miraculous specifically is that the writers have never committed to a long-term payoff. I just can't believe that Marinette's villain arc will lead to a satisfying conclusion instead of the show either dropping the whole thing without addressing it, or having Marinette once again get so upsette that her victims have to console her. They're already setting up the possibility for instant forgiveness by focusing on how upset she was about the lying she “had” to commit. She already feels bad, so punishing her would be wrong, and the “punishment” here refers to any kind of long-term consequences for her actions.

Of course, the implication also is that, while we supposedly aren't supposed to agree with Marinette, we can't hold her too accountable either, we can't “demonize” her or want her to get “punished”. Which just sounds like we aren't even allowed to expect this “plotline” to have a satisfying conclusion. It could very well be that these people would think “yeah, Marinette was wrong but she feels really bad about it so let's just everyone forget about it until she does it again” would, in fact, be the satisfying payoff. Basically, even wanting the other characters to be justifiably upset with Marinette is the same as wanting to “punish” Marinette, so we can’t expect any character to behave like they have motivations or feelings outside of pleasing Marinette.

But, like, that's that thing with character actions supposedly making sense from their perspective; as you said in that book comparison, it only makes sense from Marinette's perspective. From any other perspective, what on earth is motivating the other characters to keep giving Marinette chance after chance while she squanders them all? She's not that good of a friend that she’d earn that much leeway, not from supposedly reasonable normal people who are merely acting how they would act instead of how the Marinette-favoring writers think they should act. The would versus should argument therefore only refers to Marinette and is just an excuse for her actions.

In addition, we have one big problem with the argument that Marinette is supposed to be a flawed character and anyone criticizing her is just too impatient to wait for the payoff for her character arc, in addition to the writers�� inability to write payoffs that I already mentioned. The other problem is that, while the audience might think Marinette needs to grow and become better, the writers don't. Every single one of Marinette's self-growth arcs has been scrapped: her inability to communicate got vindicated, her awkward romancing got excused and her quest to confess to Adrien got resolved by Adrien confessing instead. Marinette isn't a character who grows. In addition, the writers' every comment on the S5 finale has been nothing but excuses for why Adrien not knowing anything is right, because Adrien is just too emotional (like a hysterical woman who needs to be controlled because the writers are that kind of people).

So, in terms of what character-driven and plot-driven even mean: if Marinette is both completely disengaged from the plots of stopping the villains permanently or figuring out the Miraculous lore, and is a static character who doesn't actually grow or have a discernible arc, what is Miraculous as a show even about? In addition to the love square, it used to be about character development before the retool, but, after said retool, the characters have stagnated and the show just spins its wheels until the writers decide to have something cool happen to ramp up social media engagement. Now all we have is the love square and Marinette acting like she’s the center of the universe, so I guess the show is about the love square and Marinette, so it's technically character-driven, if character-driven can mean “making one character look like she’s the only one deserving of sympathy or celebration”. I guess you could say the show is Marinette-driven, it’s about Marinette and what she wants and what a girlboss she is while getting what she wants.

Frankly, it kinda sounds like the new character-driven vs plot-driven comparison is trying to create a new way to say: “don't expect a kids' show to be well-written.” It's kinda like people are saying: “of course the plot is shit because Miraculous is about the character writing”, but, like, the character writing is shit too. That’s what I’ve been saying since the S5 finale aired and Astruc started claiming that Marinette won and was truly kind and Adrien can't be trusted to know the truth about Gabriel: the way Marinette is written doesn't match how the writers want her to be viewed. The writers are only really interested in writing one character, but in a way where all her character arcs get scrapped, which, I think, doesn’t even hit the bare minimum requirement of being character-driven the way writing tip websites intend it.

My background in media analysis mainly means I'm pretty good at spotting patterns, and Miraculous' patterns reveal sloppy plot writing and sloppy character writing. It's all just been slop since the retool, mostly, I think, because the writers aren’t really interested in developing their characters or plots. The writers’ main focus seems to be to try to sell Marinette as an amazing person who deserves all the attention, while everything outside of isolated “cool” scenes gets overlooked. The wisemen of the groupchat saw these definitions and called Miraculous a “look at our cool girlboss”-driven show.

[monpalace]

ships .. (skyward sword) link/reader, (linked universe) sky/reader

content .. what sky is like when he's in love, skyloftian culture regarding romance, and how miscommunication is inevitable when the two involved are from two differing cultures.

warnings .. miscommunication, but not in a dramatized way. written with linked universe in mind. they/them pronouns used for reader. i came back to this at different levels of tiredness, so a few thoughts left me and never came back (including the ending). not beta-read. remember the original ramble? ignore that.

notes .. based off this request, but i've never touched skyward sword aside from tauberpa's abridged videos, plus i wrote that original proposal thoughts while sleep deprived, so inaccuracies may or may not be present?? i focused on the romance/relationship culture of skyloft since i'm so unfamiliar with the game

but on the subject of feather proposal i think i got the original idea from cloudninetonine??? i truthfully don't remember because when it was first put in my head it felt like a fever dream

Sky had always been, and will always be, a hopeless romantic.

His Zelda, Sun, had shown him more than enough stories that included romance as they grew up. She had exposed him to just enough that it had molded and cast what he thought the perfect romance would, permeating his dreams with his other half and the blank spaces of his papers with what he could remember they looked like.

(For some time, Sun was all that he coveted. They had spent so much time together, he had felt as though she was The One, but after years of exploring his tastes, he had learned better.)

Loftwings had a large influence on Skyloft. Even someone taking their first step on the sky islands could tell.

Not only were they said to be borne from their rider's soul, destined to carry their Hylian counterpart through the waves of the wind; but they also mated for life, until the flames of their conjoined souls finally diminished.

Of course that would bear heavily on Sky's interpretation of romance (— alongside how a Loftwing's choice in mate more often than not influenced who their rider would choose to spend the rest of their days with, and how divorce between riders was often seen as taboo).

(But who was he to comment on that? He's soundly sure he and his other half would never part.)

On Skyloft, disposing all but one of a Loftwing's shed feathers was to be expected from residents once they hit puberty lest someone pick one up and get the wrong idea. Even those in relationships need to keep the habit to keep away suspicions of adultery.

Sky kept two of Crimson's feathers on his person at all times since he was a child.

One had been plucked from the plume of his head when they had first bonded as a sign that their souls were one and the same. It's always within sight of both himself and others, dangling freely from his left ear with the same amount of pride Crimson has when he soars through the air.

The other had naturally fallen from Crimson's breast not long after they had both matured. He keeps it close to his heart, tucked underneath his layers and layers of clothes, kept overtop his chest where his heart beats strongest by a form-fitting undershirt or a prick of his skin if it's something looser.

Because he's much better at working with wood rather than metal, Sky would always keep his whittling kit on him. It's not as large or extravagant as the one he keeps in his room on Skyloft, but it's small enough to fit alongside his other utilities without issue and he's able to use it just fine without any issue aside from the usual knick or two.

He always keeps the kit and a piece of raw wood on him in the event he meets his other half on his travels. He knows he wouldn't pop the question right after meeting them, but he doesn't want to be ill-prepared in case they ask for something.

Whether it be practical or for aesthetics, he's always willing to deliver the highest quality product.

Upon meeting the one he wants to spend the rest of his days with, Sky is a mess by his standards.

(It takes him weeks to determine whether or not he really wants to dive into the deep end and give his all to someone who may or may not like him— in a non-creepy way, of course. He knows better than to do most of what characters do when pursuing someone.)

He sleeps less, he and his items are constantly in order, and his usual appearance that screams “just got out of bed,” is cleaned up.

He strikes himself with the question of whether or not he should be this out of sorts when in love (no one in the stories he read was), but he accepts it.

If he were to find his dream person in his Hyrule where everyone knows him, it'd be obvious to everyone that he's interested in that certain someone.

If he were to find his dream person outside of his Hyrule with the other Links, it'd still be very obvious he was in love regardless of how long they'd been traveling together.

Prior to his supposed proposal, Sky would court his love interest with at least a gift a day; one every week or so if he's busy. It's always more intricate the longer he takes to finish.

The gifts are never something they have to imply they want. He takes what he hears from the grapevine and from what he's heard his interest said in passing and takes it from there.

On Skyloft, physical affection (both platonic and romantic) is an accepted practice because of how open Loftwings are to giving and receiving it with their riders.

Naturally, it carries on outside of the sky islands.

Sky had always slept closer to others than what was typically deemed acceptable. He gingerly knocks his head against those he considers family, grooms others when they have a leaf in their hair or wipes away a smudge on their cheek, presses kisses to their face when they look like they need it, and covers most of their body with his own when they speak of being cold.

Physical affection comes first nature to Sky, so he wouldn't put it past who he's interested in to think of it as them being good friends only.

The only thing is; he can't help but wonder whether or not he and the one he's been courting can consider each other more than friends.

There was no point in time either Sky or his interest ask to date or whether they were dating.

Eventually, their kisses drifted closer and closer to their lips, their hugs got longer and longer, and they had begun pressing against each other when sleeping to the point where almost melded as one.

When the time came Sky felt it was appropriate to propose, your response was lackluster, in his opinion.

You had said your thanks, held it up to yourself and asked if he thought it looked good on your person, kissed him on the cheek, and then went off to Wind because he usually had a colorful assortment of knick-knacks to decorate with.

Nothing else changes after that.

You still hold each other while asleep, you still walk shoulder-to-shoulder with each other with intertwined hands, you still press kisses to the other without shame, and you still accept any type of affection the other offers.

The only new thing is that, from his perspective, you're engaged and he doesn't know whether to feel giddy (you're engaged!) or anxious (did you even know?).

Whenever the topics of significant others, marriage, proposals, ideal type, and anything else relating to romance, during nights when everyone was tired and curiosity ran rampant, Sky's eyes are consistently drifting to you during the conversation.

When he brings up how riders present the feathers from their Loftwing's breast during one of those nights when the campfire is flickering down and it's hard to make out anyone's facial expressions, he knows something clicks when your eyes lighten and widen before relaxing.

You pull him away when the topic changes to Warriors and his stories of a younger Time (who swears none of them are true).

"You proposed?"

Sky has to lean in when you speak. Your voice is so low as though you were scared of the others hearing even though you were far enough you couldn't hear the belly laughs from the others.

And he returns the same energy.

"Not if you didn't want me to."

"I thought we were dating. Was the feather not supposed to be us making it official?"

"Dating?" It was a foreign concept in Skyloft. Most relationships went from courting to marriage. "Do you want to date?"

When you bite the inside of your cheek and shake your head, Sky watches as you finger the feather that hung loosely from your person. "We're already this far in. I don't see why we have to now; I just have a few questions of my own."

Sky answers all questions to the best of his ability. He's shocked that you aren't mad he swindled himself into a relationship (no less, a relationship), but he'll easily give you confusion.

Most of the other Links are asleep by the time you both return (Sky's halfway there himself) and those who are still awake know better than to say anything when they see the way you both wear your feathers in matching styles.

[damnfandomproblems]

"People keep calling minors puritans" anon who got banned from their discord server: You are being handed every goddamn tool to curate your experience and refusing them. You're not being pushed out, you're forcing your own preferences on others and experiencing the consequences of that.

I've modded a large discord server for years. We have a gacha channel. I have a microtransactions problem. You know what I do? I mute the gacha channel, often turn on hide muted channels, and I have never once been in that channel. The other mods handle anything that pops up there.

"What if they talk bad about me where I can't see" is a ridiculous justification for banning a NSFW channel. They can also do that in DMs, but I hope you don't get angry about them DMing each other. You have to trust your friends to not be stabbing you in the back, and if you can't trust them, you need either better friends or therapy. Or both. (I don't say that as an insult at all, I know some people do and that's disgusting. I'm in therapy. It fucking rules. More people should be in therapy.)

It's perfectly valid to not want to have NSFW in a server you created, and I'm sorry that you got banned without warning. It sounds like things were handled badly all around, and we definitely don't have enough information to say you were in the right or the wrong. But you cannot simply expect other people to not ever engage with NSFW in any space you could possibly see. You are being given the tools to avoid seeing it. It is your responsibility to use them.

And to say "adults shouldn't be allowed in fandom spaces because they push minors out"? Not only are you generalizing a TON, that statement is downright CRUEL. I shouldn't be allowed to engage with and talk about the things I like just because I'm 25 instead of 17? When I'm basically the same person as I was then? Fandom has been a huge part of my life for over a decade. And you think I shouldn't be ALLOWED to be a part of it because some adults wouldn't take you refusing to respect your own boundaries by staying out of clearly marked NSFW spaces. That makes me angry and it makes me feel incredibly hurt. I'm just here enjoying the things I love. And you say I shouldn't be allowed to, when I don't even know who you are, and you don't even know who I am.

I know you're a kid, and that's not your fault. I remember being a kid. But I hope you learn to realize that you are responsible for your own experience. You can't expect every single person in the world to cater to you. The majority of us do want you, and everyone, to be comfortable in fandom. That's why we tag and why we clearly mark NSFW content, so people can block what they need to. Hell, I'll block anyone I see whose DNI I violate so I don't cross a boundary by accident. (And also because I don't want to interact with someone who doesn't want to interact with me.) But we have just as much of a right to be comfortable in fandom spaces as you do. We all need to create our own boundaries rather than expect others to remove everything we don't like.

If you don't like seeing filtered terms on your dash... unfollow the people who post them. If you don't want to see NSFW in discord, mute NSFW channels. It is your responsibility to do these things.

You have been given so many tools to curate your own experience. I promise you and everyone around you will be happier if you learn to use them.

Oh, my ask is about 5796.

Posting as a response to a previous problem.

[siryouarebeingmocked]

Found an Self-Insert Cyberpunk fanfic.

Except it's not the usual type. It's the type where it's told entirely from the perspective of people other than the SI, which makes it more interesting.

Problem 1: Current events.

Almost all the references people make are ones you'd expect from someone today, like Batman or other pieces of pop culture.

Cyberpunk 2077 often references fictional in-universe media. Like the dead rock star stuck in V's head. In a world where everything and everyone is disposable and temporary, why would people usually reference 80 year old media?

At one point, a character explicitly compares another character's clothing to Danny DeVito in Matilda.

Okay, the CP timeline divergences mainly started in the 90s. So it's possible that the movie was still made, but it's still odd. Especially when the same characters don't recognize that the story's lead is heavily based on Walter White. Shaved head and everything.

Except he's using his chemistry potential for good, not evil.

And it's not just media. It's also Current Year memes, like V describing certain people as a "corpo bros who watched too much American Psycho", or himself as a "disaster bisexual".

Oh look, a segue.

Problem 2: Rainbow connection.

The story puts a lot of emphasis on LGBT characters.

There's Judy Alvarez, obviously. But also, V's in with Meredith Stout is Stout's explicitly non-binary ex who, you guessed it, is they/them.

Adds nothing to the story. The SI provides that info, and Meredith tries to trip V up, but he sees through it.

Since Meredith is a Militech Corpo, and V is an Arasaka ex-Corpo (who still isn't over it), why doesn't V…just use that connection, somehow? Militech and Arasaka are rivals. There could be some friction there. Or V could sympathize with how Stout would do anything to keep her job.

Why are non-binary characters always just they/them? Why not he/she/they? He/She? Xi/xir? or Lunagender? Or using regular He or She interchangably while IDing as enby? Why is it always the basic, simple, "normal" version? Got a Rochester's Wife situation going on?*

Also, in fanfics, things like this often suggest even more awkward left-wing political insertions, down the line.

Problem 3: even more awkward left-wing political insertions.

Well, just one.

Panam Palmer just didn't fit. This wasn't rare in Night City. Lots of people who didn't fit in, were awkward, had no social groups, didn't choose to be loners. She expected to be alone in the city and no one cared. But it was personal hate. Her skin color, nomad markings, speech, just being a woman. The list went on and every day there was some new jerk who needed to find out, because they messed around.

Panam is canonically native American, according to the devs, but she looks like a random white biker lady wth a tan. Wouldn't be the first white-passing Native woman I've seen.

Also, she lives and works around Night City. Which is extremely diverse.

Judy Alvarez and Jackie (both Hispanic) were both POV characters, and race wasn't really mentioned. You'd think ex-Arasaka V or someone would mention Arasaka's racism, but nope. River Ward was a viewpoint character, and he's much more visibly non-white, down to his necklace and dreamcatcher (if romanced).

He only brings it up in the fic when Misty asks him if he ever had his fortune told. Apparently his granny did a "spirit walk" when him and his sister were born.**

I've seen playthroughs of the game, and I don't remember sexism really being a thing. Why would skin color matter much when anyone can change that and other ethnic features at will?

Why did race only come up as a significant thing now?

I'd expect Panam to get the most stick for being a Nomad, not brown, or a woman. Especially in a city where any woman could sprout mantis blades and go Cyberpsycho at the drop of a hat.

This feels…reductive. Like the writer wanted to give Panam challeges to overcome so she could be a Tough Woman™, and just…piled too much on, like a Chicago hot dog.

I would've gone with something more subtle. "Her back itches without her Nomad tribe behind her, and she's uncomfortable in a city instead of a desert, or a road. Even the echoes sound wrong."

So, yeah, this was the last straw.

Also, I checked the writer's profile, and, very stereotypically, she's from Portland.

*Also, you might recall that there was a nontroversy over an soda ad in the game featuring a lady with, ahem, a rather substantial bulge. Based on an actual trans woman. Somehow, portraying a (possible) trans woman in the same sexually objectified way as ads featuring non-trans people is transphobic.

I never worked out that logic.

My best guess is that some people were uncomfy with it, and it's about a trans person, so it's must be *phobic somehow.

Wouldn't it be ironic if the ad was just Photoshop in universe? Or the in-universe model was a non-trans woman who strapped on the junk just for the ad?

(Though depending on who you ask, that still counts as being a trans woman, somehow.)

**Come to think, that kind of feels like it's stereotyping. I can't find evidence Pomo Native Americans do spirit walks, but maybe my Google-fu is just weak.

[sea-owl]

Have you seen the news about Michaela sterling? What are your thoughts?

I have, and I decided to sit on the information for a couple of hours before answering. Reminder I haven't seen the season yet but it's all over my dash so hard to avoid.

Initially, I was a little disappointed. Franchael is one of my favorites as is their story. I was also kinda hoping we get to explore the soilders more in this world since Michael is the only one of the lord husbands to be part of the army. By the shows own rules we would have to do a major rewrite to Michael's story for Michaela. By the shows own rules Michaela can't inherirt, and the merry rake persona wouldn't be that viable of an option either because of how easy a woman can be ruined. Now do they plan to have Michaela become a spinster as well so we have our third or fourth one or is she going to be a widow like Francesca by the time their season rolls around?

And this also brings up Francesca's infertility storyline. Is that going to continue or are they going to keep that baby with John so Francesca can keep running Kilmartin? Or are they going to go down the Featherington route where John leaves in his will that Michaela's son inheirts. Again that will bring back the question of Michaela getting married.

Now, like I said initially, I was a little disappointed because I was excited to see Michael on screen. Needed some time to process. And for those like me who are disappointed it is OK to feel those feelings and process them. Michael was a pretty beloved lead from the books. I kinda equate this to gender reveal disappointments. Mom and dad are expecting and then the gender of baby isn't what they originally wanted. Are they going to love their kid any less? Or are they less wanted? No. They still love their kid just need a moment to readjust.

Now let me be clear on this as well. Being disappointed is no excuse to attack the actress playing Michaela. Nor is it an excuse to send hate to anyone. Being disappointed and needing time to process is OK. Attacking others is not.

Onto Michaela Stirling, I'm sure Michaela's actress will do a wonderful job. I can see a few potential plot lines for Michaela. And I'm sure this question is gonna pop up eventually, too. For my writing, at least am I going to continue using Michael, or am I going to switch to Michaela?

I'll start by saying this isn't my first rodeo with something like this. I'm a little bit of a gamer and often with RPGs the avatars usually have a male or female option with a gender neutral name or male and female names. Like Tav on Baulder's Gate 3, Byleth on Fire Emblem Three Houses, Robin in Fire Emblem Awakening, the Pokemon franchise. For the fandoms they often just switch to their preferred or whatever the vibe is that day, what story elements they might be using. Another option I see but not used often is they kinda combine the two by making the character either Trans or genderfluid. Or my personal favorite, make them twins.

I'll probably switch depending on story vibes or more than likely make them twins. Francesca can have three Stirlings. Give her a why choose. I mean majority of the fandom agrees that modern day John, Francesca, and Michael would have worked out poly, we can throw Michaela in there too.

[demonic0angel]

Happy Halloween! The Mad Scientist one-shot is out! Read it here on AO3 or here

CW: kinda descriptive depictions of guts and intestines, autopsies, unreliable narrator, outside POV

Bruce had noticed that Jason had been acting suspiciously for the past few months. Although it could've been attributed to an improved mood, it was just very suspicious how abrupt the changes were. Every once in a while, he would come to the Manor with almost a skip in his step and a twinkle in his eye. Maybe it was something else, but every time, a part of his personality changed and resembled something closer to... how he used to be.

Bruce was extremely worried but he didn't dare voice it. The last few times he did, he had earned all of his children's ire as well as Alfred's, who had scolded him for several hours before letting him go, citing that he was a paranoid boor that couldn't appreciate it when his children came home.

Which wasn't true!

But Bruce was undeniably paranoid and he was extremely worried that something had occurred with Jason, because the changes were just too weird.

He once couldn't stand even standing in the same room as Damian or Timothy, and now he was acting as a mediator between their fights, replacing Dick, and he was even gleefully bringing them around on his bike to have fun.

Before, he would have never read books in the library like he had used to, but now he would sit within the study with a book and lounge on the couch, even occasionally entertaining company or reading aloud to Cass.

He also wouldn't have helped around in the kitchen or linger in the Manor like when he used to live there with Bruce, but now he visited frequently and often enough that there was a consistent plate and seating arrangement for him when dinner arrived.

Bruce couldn't help but feel like it was strange.

Jason's temper had smoothed unnaturally and his mercurial moods had calmed without any fuss. The green within his eyes had mostly faded, only showing his usual stormy blue eyes.

It was... anticlimactic? In a way?

Bruce didn't know what he expected, but anytime he voiced his suspicions out loud, his family would stare at him like he grew several different heads and said heads all looked like the Justice League.

Like now, for example.

Dick stared at him with a judgmental look as Bruce futilely tried to explain his thoughts.

"Bruce." Dick said in a final tone, after Bruce tried to persuade him to hear him out. "Usually, you have reasons to worry. But we've already talked about this. Jason is happy. We already checked the first few times when you were worried and we confirmed his identity. It's him. He's doing better. So drop it, B."

Then he left with a bit of a huff.

Disgruntled, Bruce sat himself down in front of the Batcomputer and began to write his report of last night's patrol.

He was making progress when suddenly, there was a crackle on the comms and a small screen popped up. Barbara appeared, looking tired and exasperated.

"You wanted to know when Jason goes offline, right?"

".... Yes." For a moment, he desperately wanted to be less anxious for once and to be able to enjoy the pleasant change of his second oldest son. But he couldn't. As a hero, as a protector of his family and city, he needed to be ready for any and all threats.

Even if... the enemy was one of his too.

Barbara hummed. "His comms just went offline just a moment ago. He was stabbed though. That's why I decided to contact you. He was stabbed several times by an assailant before he incapacitated them, but now his comms are off and I can't reach him." She sent him the location.

Bruce immediately stood up and raced off into his Batmobile without a moment's hesitation. He trusted Barbara to inform the others if this was a trap.

When he reached the last location where Jason's location had pinged, Jason was still there. He was sitting up on the ground, his helmet still on and still bleeding. He was half hidden in shadow, and Bruce was almost about to reach him when he could hear the clicking of heels.

Immediately, he slid back into the shadows himself, cursing the fact that he couldn't retrieve Jason and bring him to safety.

A tall woman walked towards Jason, a clean white lab coat around her while she wore all black underneath. Her hair, though almost unseeable in the darkness, glinted red and was pulled up into a messy bun secured with a bandana. She stopped in front of Jason and before Bruce could stop her, she crouched down and swept him up in a bridal carry. Even with heels on, she didn't stumble when holding Jason, and she swiftly turned around and began walking away.

Bruce didn't dare attack, worried that Jason would get hurt further and decided that he would follow and see what happened.

The woman walked for a long while, before finally ending up at a warehouse. This specific warehouse belonged to Vlad Masters, one of the new investors in town, but she familiarly held a key to the door and opened it with one hand, adjusting Jason so he was held to her chest like a baby.

Bruce burned with the urge to snatch him away but he could only grit his teeth and bear it.

The woman walked inside and Bruce followed quickly, where he was lead to a secret door that was the entrance to an underground area. Bruce stealthily followed and was eventually met with the woman placing Jason down on an autopsy table in a dark area with only a single bright light, like a surgery room. Next to the cot was a table with a variety of different tools and bottles of various substances, some that he couldn't even identify.

In that moment, her appearance became clearer. She was a beautiful woman with bright red hair and blue green eyes, all set on a face that would've rivaled a demi-goddess'. Her expression held something like a manic glee within and she looked ever so slightly crazed, like she was moments away from falling to the floor and laughing or crying herself to death. Something about her just read off insanity, not dissimilar to the Joker or Jason when he was in one of his episodes.

Bruce had to focus back on her actions as his eyes widened.

Jason's head lolled and the woman somehow knew the way to take off the helmet, because it came off easily and without any explosions. She took off his mask too, by digging into his pockets for the glue dissolver. Next came Jason's gear and bodysuit, and then she was stripping him of almost all of his clothes. She left his underwear on, but Bruce's skin was already prickling at the vulnerability of his son and he itched desperately to grab him and get out of there. However, something seemed to be holding him back.

Bruce watched in vague horror and confusion as the woman turned to wash her hands thoroughly, and then turned back around to take a piece of alcohol wipe and rubbed it all over Jason's chest.

She hummed to herself softly, a pleased smile coming over her face as a frenzied delight came to her eyes. "So perfect," she muttered, sweeping her eyes over Jason's body appreciatively.

Bruce's heart dropped into his stomach as bile rushed up his throat.

The woman took a needle and inserted it into Jason's neck, injecting him with an unknown liquid. Jason's body relaxed and his expression slackened. Thankfully, he was still breathing in a steady manner, or Bruce probably would've broken his only rule at this very moment.

When the woman picked up a scalpel, she smoothly made a y-incision into his chest. Bruce barely held back a whimper.

Holding open the flaps of his skin with some tools, the woman peered inside of his chest cavity, still with a smile on her face. She began collecting blood samples before leisurely pressing down on and gingerly touching Jason's guts.

Bruce watched, completely and utterly frozen, only able to stare in disbelief and horror. This woman was absolutely playing around with Jason's body, cutting him open and messing around with his insides like they were toys. He didn't know how to feel anything but disgust, shock, and extreme alarm.

She hummed as she scraped off a piece of lung and then fixed it onto a slide, finding the microscope near her and turning it on to look into its eyepiece. She fiddled with the focus and then she observed the cells. She picked up a bottle filled with a green liquid next, and poured it into Jason's chest. The green, glowing liquid sluggishly oozed on his organs before they began to absorb at a rate visible to the eye.

A wider smile broke onto the woman's face. With the back of her hand, she petted Jason's hair and cooed, "Very good." She took a finger and poked through his rib cage to stroke his beating heart.

Bruce almost couldn't believe his eyes.

The woman continued on with her invasive procedure, poking and prodding at Jason's organs, scraping off bits of DNA to look under her microscope and occasionally sticking needles into Jason or pouring mysterious liquids inside of his chest cavity. It almost looked careless, but she wrote down observations the entire time and did it all so meticulously and familiarly that it made Bruce believe that this wasn't the first time this woman had experimented on his son's body and that this was a case study.

Jason, thankfully, didn't wake.

Somehow, with no medical equipment attached to him, he laid on the table with complete and utter stillness, as if whatever she was doing to him didn't register. It was as if he was asleep, as his breaths rose and fell calmly.

The woman was finally finished with her bizarre and disturbing experiment, and she stitched up the large cut before she turned him to his side, where various stab wounds laid, red and inflamed.

She clicked her tongue and muttered to herself, "I was careless this time," before taking more alcohol wipes and another vial of green liquid to wipe at the wound. Then she took her suturing tools to stitch him up again meticulously, each stitch straight and neat.

Jason shuddered this time, finally registering it but he still didn't wake. The woman adjusted him again and then moved herself to his head, adjusting the light as she did so. She checked all of his orifices and then took a saw.

Bruce's eyes widened and for the first time, he found himself able to move, almost calling out, "Stop!!" before something grabbed him and pulled him back.

The woman paused with the saw in her hands but didn't turn around. She just stood there in silence before she chuckled as Bruce struggled fiercely in vain from the things that captured him.

She continued on with the procedure, cutting open Jason's skull and then pulling out his brain. She carefully handed the gray organ with gentle hands, stroking its ridges with her thumbs affectionately like she was petting some sort of cat.

Jason was still breathing, even while missing the entire top half of his head.

Bruce gave a muffled scream. The thing that was holding him down grew tighter, clenching its grip.

He had to get to Jason! He couldn't lose him again!

He wanted to scream for him, but even his voice was failing.

The woman chuckled again, still not looking in his direction, but she seemed to be addressing him as she said, "Don't worry. There's only a few more procedures until he's in his best condition."

Bruce's vision was suddenly filled with darkness, with the last thing he saw being the woman nuzzling Jason's brain, before he knew no more.

————

When Bruce woke up, he was back in his bedroom at the manor, with Jason there with him, idly looking through his bookshelves. In disbelief, Bruce called out, "Jason?"

"Whoa, you're up?" Jason turned around. "You passed out in your car. What happened?"

Bruce stared at him with wide eyes. There was no scar on his forehead, nothing that indicated that what he saw was real.

"What do you mean what happened?" Bruce demanded, growing agitated. "You were injured and I went to find you and then a woman took you and—"

"Chill," Jason said with a small smile. "I wasn't injured. It was a false alarm and I got help from one of the guys I work with because I was knocked out. I'm fine, everyone's more worried about you."

Bruce stared at him in horror. Then he said slowly, "No, that's not what happened."

"Bruce, I don't know what to tell you. Nothing happened. You passed out. Wait, let me call everyone." Before Bruce could protest, Jason threw open the door and screamed, "He's awake and clearly delusional! Damian, quick, smother him!"

Fast as a bullet, Damian came running in and threw himself onto Bruce's lap, either intentionally or unintentionally doing as Jason asked and smothering him under his growing weight. "Father! Why were you working so hard that you fell unconscious?! Do you not listen to your own words?! Know your limits!"

"B?! You're awake!" Dick said and the rest of the family came running in.

Bruce was forced to console all of them as they fretted over his condition and demanded to know if he was okay. Bruce felt relatively fine, but there was only one thing on his mind as he turned and met Jason's steady gaze, which held unidentifiable emotions within. Jason smiled and Bruce couldn't help but tense, wary and very confused.

Who was that woman? What did she do with Jason? What happened?

And... was this even his son anymore?

||||||||||||||||||

A Halloween fic that isn't in Jason's POV 😱 (I'm obsessed with him being in love with Jazz)

Jazz and Jason are dating and Jazz is a freak who likes experimenting on her perfect specimen of a boyfriend and Jason is a freak who likes her being obsessed with his DNA. In Bruce's eyes, Jason is the victim, but TRUST, Jason is a willing participant and he likes being Jazz's play toy.

I kinda wanna expand on this idea, but expanding on this current one-shot further will ruin the creepy Halloween vibes, so I'll probably expand on it in the future 🫡

Thank you so much to @meditating-cat who betaed this entire series!

[kaizenkhaos]

Harringrove Lovefest: Love is a Battlefield

It's Harringrove Lovefest time! I'm so excited to not only see all the wonderful creations by everyone, but to share my own fics :D For today, I decided to go with the prompt, Love is a Battlefield. After a couple of attempts, I finally settled on the idea of Steve and Billy at Lazer tag ^^ Featuring the gang, it's Max's birthday and of course the Hargrove-Mayfield Siblings are on opposite teams. Who will come out on top? Max or Billy...Steve or Billy?

Edit: @harringrovelovefest: I managed to mess the tags up, oops. So hopefully this fic will come up when you search the tags now. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Yes Steve. The targets are all over your body."

He mustn't have caught what Dustin had said the first time, but to his credit, he had been concentrating on the idiot in front of them who'd thankfully finally turned off. No signals. Poor lane discipline. Terrible driving. Trying to not get himself and his passengers killed seemed to happen more often than he'd like these days. At least the road was clear now, so maybe he'd be able to keep up with the explanation Dustin was attempting to give him. Him, Dustin, who was sat in the back, and Robin, in the usual shotgun seat, were on their way to another birthday celebration. This time, it was Max's. She'd pulled the gang together to go to Palace Arcade. After several months of expansion, the place had finally finished the new Lazer tag section and Max had been more than eager to try it out. She'd pretended to not be so bothered about it but it had been clear by how she'd constantly reminded the gang about it, that she was excited. Steve had never heard of Lazer tag so had had no idea what he was getting himself into or what to expect. But as usual, Dustin was happy to fill in him, Robin chiming in too.

"And you score points for shooting them. Different amounts depending on where you hit. If you shoot the same person enough, your opponent is dead and out of the game."

"Out the game? So what, you then sit out for the rest of the match? That sounds kinda boring."

"That's why they have the chill out zone. Have you not been paying attention Steve?"

"And why you try to not get shot," Robin smiled, looking over at him. With that look. Really helpful Robin. Real clever insight there.

The Camaro and Nancy's Marquis was already parked outside when they pulled up. Steve sliding the BMW in next to them. Max and Billy were already waiting at the entrance, leaning against the wall but clearly keeping an eye out for them. Nancy must just have arrived too because now the passengers were all piled out of the car. El, Mike and Will getting out of the back, with El excitedly rushing Max, before pulling back. Will waving at her and then at his brother in the car. Mike hanging back until El had finished hugging Max and then falling in by her side. Another car rolled up behind them and out popped Lucas. Him waving to his mom and dad, and Erica who was busy reading something, before walking over to the group. Giving Max a big hug as Billy just rolled his eyes and said nothing. Nancy and Jonathan however stayed in Nancy's car. Guess they weren't joining them then but Steve decided he'd just go and check before they all disappeared off into the arcade. No man left behind and all that jazz.

"You not joining us?"

Nancy wound down the window, a small but tight smile on her face. Her eyes saying something which she didn't speak out loud. "Work call," was all she said, Steve noticing Nancy wasn't the only one looking not the happiest. Jonathan looked like he'd barely slept, deep bags under his eyes. He was staring down at his camera, doing something with the lense. Steve nodded. Things between him and Nancy were still a little awkward. But they were slowly getting there. Her and Jonathan honestly just ready for a break. So he left them to it. Hopefully whatever the work call was, it wouldn't be so bad. Time for this lazer tag business though. The others were staring over at him and Max especially. Tapping her foot. He was holding them up. Time to go.

"No, I'm not writing down the Shitbirds Hargrove."

Hargrove grinned. The pencil hovered over the other team name slot, despite his sister's blatant stares. Of course the asshole would want to give them not only the worst name but give him an excuse to call them that too. Not that Max was having any of it.

"Bite me. We're not the Shitbirds. We're the Hawkins Hawks."

Steve knew Hargrove was just trying to get a raise out of them and it was kinda working. Finally prising the paper out of Hargrove's warm hands, he finally filled in the team name. Birthday girl rights stated that they were going with Max's name and that she was also the team leader. So her name went down first. Max had also wanted to kick his brother's ass, so she had chosen to be on the opposite side. Her team was made up of Steve, Robin, Mike and Dustin. He had been surprised that she'd not chosen El but it soon became clear why. Apparently Max's spirit had transferred to her too, and now she wanted to kick Mike's ass. She'd also come up with a team name which Hargrove had decided to jot down. He knew Hargrove would have prefer something darker but he also knew he was a sucker for El. Didn't matter how much the guy tried to shrug it off. And Hargrove wasn't a fan of Mike, something he didn't hide. So having El rather than Mike no doubt would have pleased him. That and he'd now be able to hunt Mike down with no legal repercussions.

The rest of his team was Lucas, Heather (who'd turned up just after the group had gone in) and Will. Apparently, there were usually meant to be way more people, strangers added if the party wasn't big enough by itself. But the Hargrove-Mayfields had hired the area out so it was just them. Pretty neat.

They all waited for Steve to hand in the form at the front desk before they were taken into the briefing room. Rules explained and then to a room where all of the packs were hung up on the walls. By the time Steve stepped into the room, the packs had been distributed. Colours chosen. Of course Hargrove had picked red. But Max seemed happy enough with blue, so he said nothing. Noticing the way Hargrove grinned though as Steve worked out how to put the pack on and finally strapped himself in. In they way that told him there was an ulterior motive for him choosing the red. Hmmmm. So much more tempting to wipe that smirk off his face. He could always do that on the field. Or die trying.

No one had played before but Steve knew that some of them would be better shots than others, and that some of them would also concentrate on one prey. With the others, it would just be a free for all.

"See all you shitbirds on the battlefield." A wink and then Hargrove was gone. Steve shaking his head before noticing Max's stare, her head nudge of 'come on' before she too disppeared into the darkness. He shortly followed after her. Into the narrow corridor of darkness. The lights of Max's pack swirling before going solid and the team emerging into what he could only describe as a neon version of hell.

It was like a mini city. Tall buildings scattered around the large warehouse like space, some appearing to have more than one floors. Dark holes large enough to be windows for someone to stand out, ominously looming in between the blue light cast walls. Lines of light cut across the gaps in the buildings. Indications of other things to come. The whole place was cast in the blue light, amplifying the blinking lights which indicated the team's pack. He spotted a blue pack, then a red. Then another blue as the teams made their way into their starting positions. A voice telling them to get ready for the first round.

The first round seemed to pass in a blink. The teams back in the pack room before they knew it. The reality being, that half an hour had come and gone. The last survivor registered at minute 29.

Max waltzed into the room like she'd just won a million bucks and she might as well have in terms of the match. She'd wiped the floor with everyone.

"In.Your. Face. Loser!"

Steve couldn't help but chuckle, seeing how Lucas wanted to say something but kept his mouth shut. The corner of his lips twitching as his girlfriend continued to rub her victory in. The last one had been a lucky shot but Max clearly didn't care. She'd caught Lucas completely off guard. But it didn't matter. She'd hunted Lucas the most and knocked him out. He'd managed to get a couple of shots on her but that was it. Mike and Robin had also suffered from Max's reign of terror. Steve had been taken out by an El and Heather double team ambush attack. El showing way more glee than he ever thought she would. But it was El, so of course he was gonna let her off. Dustin, however…..

"Where were you, you totally bailed on me!"

"I had Will on my ass, if you didn't notice!"

He hadn't and shrugged, Dustin rolling his eyes as he readjusted his pack. Even in lazer tag, Dustin apparently could still be sour. Steve couldn't be for long though. His stats against Hargrove were pretty good. Although he'd come fifth overall, he'd managed to kill Hargrove and come above him. Just; Hargrove was sixth and Steve knew that meant he'd now be out for blood next round. "Was just letting you shitbirds win as a warm up," was Hargrove's excuse, Steve rolling his eyes before checking his gun. Yeah yeah. Not like Hargrove hadn't just waltzed around and not taken it seriously until he'd been taken out by pretty much all of Max's team. Then he'd picked up the pace, but it had been too late. One more shot from Steve had finished him off and parked him on the bench. Who'd been the shitbird then?

The second round was a Hargrove comeback and another Mayfield rampage. The siblings owning the match and coming in first and second. Max continuing on her kill streak and bullying of Lucas. Hargrove constantly stalking Steve and taking him down at every opportunity. He'd not been messing around, eyes on the prize. A pretty darn skilled shot had taken Steve out the game and he'd watched from the sidelines as the others had been taken down. Ending in the siblings hunting each other down and then each other out. The points were tight but Max had just scrapped ahead. It didn't matter. Steve had come in last and Hargrove was elevated.

"What happened Harrington? You lost your stride man?"

Steve shrugged. "One one man. It's all to play for in the last one."

Hargrove grinned, tilting his head a little. "Ready to lose again you mean. At least put a bit of back into it this time. Ain't fun when your opponent just takes it lying down." Round three. Steve hid around the corner, his gun up like James Bond as he listened into the conversation. Softly chuckling as it went on.

"Hey! No making out shitbirds, we're here to play a game."

"I'm already out." Steve could hear the pout he knew Max was now giving her brother. "I got Lucas ages ago."

"Not that long ago." The protest from Lucas made Steve have to cover his mouth to dull the snort.

"Ages ago. I heard you coming a mile off."

Checking behind him, he peered around again. Coast was clear, no pack in sight. He could still hear soft muttering from the pit room but he didn't hone in anymore, instead choosing to zip right past and then listened out for Hargrove. Of course Hargrove wouldn't have gone far so he needed to keep his wits about him. Footsteps…sounding up the nearby stairs before there was a pause and then the sound of them slowly going back down. Perfect. He could even line up the shot from here. Got him. The sound of the pack echoed through the corridor and a disgruntled sound meant that he'd nailed him. Two to one. Gloating rights was his. Maybe not on points (in fact definitely not on points), but he could on take outs. Given how quiet it was, he couldn't help but wonder how many others were left. Was he the only survivor? Or were there others still hunting out there? It didn't matter. He'd got him. Fist pumping the air, he grinned as he went to find Hargrove. He knew that Hargrove might not give a rat's ass due to his admittedly sweet shot in the second game. And the points, but Steve was still gonna gloat. This was still his victory.

The packs made it hard to get close. Them clanging and smacking together as they kissed. But Hargrove didn't care; Steve's back was up against the wall. The lights on and off under his eyelids. His hands still finding skin under his jeans. Of course Hargrove had gone commando; did the guy ever wear pants? Did he even own any? Or had this been another special treat that Hargrove at times hinted at, whispering in his ear in the locker room. Breathing against his lips on the back seat of his BMW. Hands remaining on hips, he strayed no further. He didn't trust himself dipping onto his thigh. His thirst could go from zero to sixty in a blink of an eye and it would be hard to hide a hard on. Even in the cargos he was wearing.

"No making out?"

"Are you a shitbird?"

Steve chuckled, pushing Hargrove up against the opposite wall as soon as their packs were finally on the floor. Mouth on his neck as he pressed his leg against those tight jeans. How Hargrove had run around in those and not chafed was a mystery. But they certainly made things interesting now. Seemed like it wasn't just him that would have to cover up a hard on……

[chevelleneech]

https://www.tumblr.com/chevelleneech/759715569566105600/a-little-while-ago-i-posted-about-how-although-i?source=share

Samee like i don't ship them like that, they could reveal their partners tomorrow for all i care but I'm interested in knowing what they think/feel about eachother lol

About the military though ngl i used to think they had it all planned for long time nd all but after seeing their conversation in car where they said they didn't really met up much n all i was like okay maybe enlisting together was never in their head at that point so i was more curious to know how do you go from "we didn't meet/call eachother" on July 14th to applying for Buddy program at the end of Aug or start of sept like that's just 1.5 months difference. I mean if I'm not exactly much in touch with someone why would i make a plan to enlist with that person? I'm not saying by not meeting often jm and jk became awkward or strangers but all members have gone individually, RM- tae did their training together ig(correct me on this one) so jikook should also think of Enlisting individually right? like that's what's first would come to ur mind......Why would my mind go to something that k-pop idols haven't done before? like jikook are literally the first two idols to use companion system for their enlistmemt so how did that come to their mind?

Then i wonder about jk's comment of him wanting to join special force which is again very known thing to armys like that's what you'd expect from him so that ain't surprising but then why did he not go to special force? is it because of tattoes? cause ig some ppl can't go there if they have visible tattoes, but some says they can go to some units of specific force even with tattoes so which one is correct? I have seen ppl from special force with tattoes like jk's but their whole service was yrs long nd not just 1.5 yrs...so again what's the reason? Has jk talked with V about joining special force? Had him and V ever talked about joining special force together? Given tae is also in special force. I'm pretty sure tae got the idea of special force because of one of his wooga frnd cause he's also done special force.

Has someone suggested this to them? does this decision has something to do with mental health? taemin had faced some things in military because of which he was sent to social service mid service ig so was jm worrying about that? is it something that concerns jk's mental health? Was it because they wanted to be around eachother? Or was it because they thought rather than being alone in MS it's better to be with your frnd nd that way they could depend on e/o for emotional support. I wanna know how they came to that decision. See the decision was Mutual is given cause if not they simply wouldn't apply but I'd love to know the reason behind it.

I don’t want to to touch on everything you said, simply because I will talk for days and lose my train of thought.

However, I think the biggest points are the fact that as you said, it is interesting that two people who from their own mouths are saying they didn’t meet up nor call each other as often as they used to, decided to do a joint enlistment. Of course, JM and JK had known each other for a decade by the time they chose to enlist, so it’s very possible they did choose the buddy system before separating in 2023. It is possible they reconnected because they knew this was what they chose, and they didn’t want to go into it, if they got it, with much distance between them. There’s no way to know if they decided after Connecticut or before, because they’re not going to tell us why they drifted for a bit.

As for their enlistment overall, I too wonder what their motivation was. I said it think it’s because they simply do not like being apart, and I stand by that thought, but you are right in wondering what it might actually be.

They did not have to enlist together. None of the other members even went at the same time except Tae and Joon, and given how much closer Tae and JK seemed during 2023, you’d assume they would have chosen the buddy system, but they didn’t. Why? I don’t know. It’s possible Tae wanted to do something that he wouldn’t qualify for had he done BS, but I don’t think it’s a tattoos though, as I saw someone say JK would have still been eligible for special forces.

I don’t know the detail of it of course, but let’s say for arguments sake JK couldn’t enlist in certain divisions because of his tattoos, Jimin’s arms are clear. All his tattoos except his moons (which are easily covered) are small, so he wouldn’t have had the same limitations as Jungkook. Unless the rules prohibit wrist/finger tattoos. But again, his are so small, a long enough sleeve covers his wrist, and unless he’s constantly waving and giving high fives, I don’t see how those would be an issue.

So without digging too deep, just on the surface, it’s hard to conclude they used the buddy system for any reason other than, they wanted to ensure they were together if possible. Especially since their company has no say.

Is it possible they have more mental health things going on than we know? Absolutely, and that could easily be a factor, but we can’t just decide that and run with it. They’ve both said they’re grateful to have the other by their side during this time, and again, we know now that leading up to the application date and their enlistment in general, they made the choice to be with each other for multiple trips.

Meaning, dating or not, they knew what was coming down the line and chose 1) to travel together to reconnect after a bit of time apart, and 2) to at least try and get approved for joint service.

Therefore, I’m back to the only conclusion I’ve got, lol. Jimin and Jungkook didn’t want to be separated. Because you, me, and anyone else with common sense has pointed out, they didn’t need to use the buddy system to join at the same time. Nor was it a guarantee anyway, so calling it fan service or a business decision to ensure BTS all came back by 2025, is illogical. Because had they been denied, they would have had to enlist alone, no matter their state of mental health or what was paid to them by the company, you know?

The buddy system only works because they got it, so nothing else could have spurred it since it wasn’t a shoe-in. It was literally them playing the lottery, because they wanted to try and be together. Why? That’s the mystery, lol.

[caelum-in-the-avatarverse]

Hello! I’m trying to collect seminal fanworks for different fandoms, and figured that it would be a good idea to ask you for any for atla since you said that you’ve been involved in writing fanfic for the show for so long. Basically, I’m hoping to find any fics that are widely popular within the fandom and/or have laid the groundwork for certain aspects of fanon. I’ve already got Embers by Vathara down for this since I’ve seen influence from it pop up pretty often, but I’m a bit new to the fic side of the fandom so I wanted to know which other ones were out there. Thank you!

Hmmm. Well, I can probably point you in the right direction, BUT there's a few things about me you'll want to take into account.

I have always had incredibly niche tastes. Even back in 2009 I was way more interested in reading about minor characters than I was reading about the main cast, and I preferred genfic over shipping. So the fics I read didn't tend to get popular, and the fics that did get popular were usually shipfic and thus I didn't read them and wouldn't be able to track their effects on the fandom. I also haven't regularly read ATLA fic in years; I write it, but I'm way more interested in my own OCs and worldbuilding and headcanon sandbox than most fic these days, so I'm not sure what the current trends are or where they came from. Most of the things I point you towards are going to be very old and possibly forgotten.

That said, I think your best bet is going to be figuring out where the hangout spaces were and who the major players were in old ATLA fandom and going from there. @loopy777 and @piandaoist may be able to help us out here too, especially since I only joined the fandom after the finale aired; they were around long before that.

So, where did the original ATLA fandom and its fic live? Well, for the fic, mostly on FanFiction.Net. You're lucky in this regard--I don't think there were any big independent fanfic archives for ATLA. Harry Potter was around at the same time and had several big fic sites, but HP was older than ATLA, so places like Sugar Quill and FictionAlley were founded around 2001. FFdotnet was founded in 1998, but back then it was pretty commonplace to build your own personal place on the internet. By the time ATLA aired, though, I think FFdotnet was becoming the go-to fic place. And old ATLA fandom never seemed to have much of a slash fandom; if it had that would've been more incentive to start up a separate slash-focused archive, since m/m would be especially vulnerable to purges. So as far as I know, no one felt a need to establish an ATLA-focused fic website, and if they did it never got very big. You'll probably have some good luck seeing what was popular if you just go to the FFdotnet ATLA section and sort by number of reviews and check the dates on what you find.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are going to go looking for this stuff, you need to keep in mind that you are looking at a past internet that is very different from what you might be used to today. For all that purity culture wankers like to complain, AO3 is a dream compared to the olden days. Now, you can see a fic's tags and warnings (or that the author chose NOT to warn) before you even open it. That was not possible or expected on many other fic archives. FFdotnet only gave you so many characters to write your fic summary, that was precious real estate. Sometimes people warned for things in author's notes, sometimes they did not. The culture and etiquette around warnings was different; in many fandoms back then, failing to warn for character death was seen as way more upsetting than failing to warn for rape. Check the rating, the summary, the author's notes--and then understand that you might still run into a completely random sex scene halfway through the fic. Was every fic like this? No, of course not. Most of them weren't. But you have to understand that this is an unavoidable risk. If you can't handle the idea of stumbling across some underage Zutara smut, this might not be the project for you.

Oh, and mind the citrus scale--lemons mean sex, limes mean the characters don't go as far as having sex.

And FYI, it's been ages since I've read anything I'm about to go over and I can't remember the details, so yes, this warning applies to anything I recommend here, too.

Other places to check...well, fandom lived on LiveJournal back then. I'm not sure if ATLA fandom was very affected by Strikethrough and Boldthrough; like I said, there didn't seem to be a lot of slash fans back then. But you could probably go trawling through old journals and communities and see if you find anything interesting... Oh, and back then all fanart would've been posted on DeviantArt, that was pretty much where fanart lived back then. LJ didn't have native image hosting, you had to use Photobucket if you wanted to post any images on there, and why do that when DeviantArt was RIGHT THERE for your fanart.

Ooooh, here you go, FanLore has some lists of ATLA fan spaces, lots of which are on LJ and DA!

There was also AvatarSpirit.Net, but they shut down ages ago. I archived a lot of the threads before it went, but I basically skipped the whole fanfic forum--everything in there was probably on FFdotnet, and no one really left comments on the fic threads, so it seemed pointless since I was pressed for time.

I think that pretty much covers the places. So what about the people?

Well, off the top of my head, I think one fan you might find useful is AvocadoLove (haha your names match). She wrote a lot of fic, but her most popular by far was Another Brother, which I believe was the original Zuko Joins The Water Tribe story, so that trope can be traced back to her. AvocadoLove also kept what might've been the fandom's most prestigious fic reclist, which you can still see on both her LiveJournal and her DreamWidth:

LJ 1 | LJ 2 ||| DW 1 | DW 2

There's a lot of popular fics on this list. Be warned, though, that a lot of them have disappeared, especially if they were posted on someone's LJ instead of on FFdotnet. A few years back I went down this list archiving everything I could, and the number of error pages I hit was saddening. It's possible some have been reposted to AO3 so you can go check there.

Going off this list...

Enslaved by sharkflip--This was a popular Zutara fic, Zuko's the one who got enslaved lol. Extremely different worldbuilding from canon, I gave it a read once and it was interesting.

Mai's Ramblings by @loopy777--Oh my GOD I forgot this existed but it's great. Unfortunately ASN is gone and I have no idea if they're posted anywhere else, LOOPY TELL US, but these were just hilariously stupid rambles by Mai on every ATLA ship imaginable. Did they have a big effect on fanon? Unsure. Were they beloved by the ASN community? YES.

Stormbenders by Fandomme--Another super-popular Zutara fic, people loved it, so it's possible it might've affected Zutara fanon?

Water Tribe by Rufftoon on NoSelfControl--Okay, so this is a long webcomic about "what if Zhao survived the Siege of the North, got amnesia, and the NWT begrudgingly took him in?" Very popular with Zhao fans back in the day. The really cool thing about this is that Rufftoon was actually an ATLA storyboard artist, so her artwork looks a LOT like the show. I believe she made Water Tribe as a sort of personal practice for long-term visual storytelling or something. She did lots of other ATLA art too, you should check her out.

Oh, speaking of webcomics...

Plight of the Freedom Fighters by SioUte and PFFbySIO--The first webcomic was a "how to make Jet survive" story, the second followed the Freedom Fighters after the war as adults. SioUte was the Freedom Fighters BNF back in the day.

And while I'm thinking of it, not a webcomic, but sylvacoer had this whole not-really-Zutara story going on that was literally Blue Spirit/Painted Lady.

*thinks* Look, when it comes right down to it, unless there's stuff going on in the shipping subfandoms that I'm not aware of, I don't think you're going to find anything that directly established as much fanon as Embers did. There were plenty of other super-popular fics, sure, but most of them focused on shipping, and worldbuilding wasn't quite as important. Embers put worldbuilding first and foremost, and therefore it was easier for the fandom to pull from as a whole.

Uhhh let's see what else...at this point I'm basically just throwing whatever I can remember being interesting at you, lol, idk how much of an effect any of this really had.

DJNS wrote a bunch of fic with interesting premises, some shippy, some not. The Zuko/Aang roleswap AU was pretty cool.

For me personally, the biggest influences on my writing were Dark Puck and Rebecca Hb, specifically their Dai Li fics. They had a circle of friends on LJ who put out some good stuff.

*thinks* Yeah, I think that's all I've got for now. Hope that gives you a starting point! I'd also recommend, as you trawl through FFdotnet, checking out the authors' favorited fics in their profiles, you could probably find more interesting stuff that way.

Idk, I'll add more later if I think of anything. But if you start with AvocadoLove, I think that's an excellent starting point.

[electricea]

SHIPPING INFO. Answer the following for your muse(s) so people know how shipping works on your blog.

What’s your OTP for your muse(s)?

I don't really have any OTP for him but I do have a bias for any ship that involves a fellow Phantom Thief since I do think there's already a strong foundation for trust and friendship there and to me, the progression to a romantic relationship would feel more natural.

What are you willing to RP when it comes to shipping?

I'd say most anything - like I've even said in my rules that I'm willing to do fade to blacks or to state or infer our muses have a sexual relationship (provided they would both be adults in said relationship) - I really only draw the line at writing sex/sexual acts or smut. I don't wish to write any of that and I'm not comfortable with it. Also, any sort of toxic or problematic relationship where it's abusive - physically, verbally, emotionally or otherwise - or in which one party is grooming the other or ignoring the other muse's boundaries or consent.

How large does the age gap have to be to make it uncomfortable?

For his main verse in which he's a teenager, I'd say I draw the line at shipping with eighteen, maybe nineteen year old muses - won't go any older than that if Ryuji is going to remain sixteen or seventeen. As for any alternate verses where he's aged up - that would honestly depend on the nature of the ship itself and how big the age gap is - but broadly, I'd say as long as they're both consenting adults, I don't see any issues - but with that being said, I probably wouldn't exactly be keen on shipping a freshly eighteen year old Ryuji with a thirty year old, for example.

Are you selective when shipping?

I don't really feel that I am - I look for chemistry first and foremost and I go from there - generally if someone expresses shipping to me or offers up a muse they'd like to ship with Ryuji then in nine out of ten instances, I'd say I'm pretty inclined to say yes - so long as the relationship isn't inappropriate or doesn't involve an adult being shipped with a teenager - also I guess what I try to keep an eye out and really look for is how that muse treats Ryuji - because if they're rude to him and don't really treat him all that well, then I would expect that to change - I'm not doing a ship where he continues to be treated like dirt.

How far do steamy moments have to go before they’re considered NSFW?

Any removal of clothes or touching is where I'd consider it NSFW, personally.

Does one have to ask to ship with you?

You don't have to explicitly ask - but bear in mind I'm not a mind reader so engagement on things like shipping calls, sending shippy memes does generally help because I am truly oblivious and have no clue when another mun is also interested in shipping - and to be fair, I do my part as well - I try to make shipping calls and show interest in shipping with others, so it's not just a one way street.

How often do you like to ship?

I kind of feel like I haven't shipped all that often lately - or at least, not many new ships - but I'd like to change that. Shipping's always quite fun.

Are you multiship?

Yep! Sorry, but shipping is just way too much fun to restrict it to only muse and plus I think part of the fun in being multi ship is that it allows you to explore a wide array of ships with all sorts of different muses and I try to treat each ship as its own individual, separate thing - so there's no cheating, no two-timing going on. There are no favourite ships, just a ton of really awesome ones with some amazing muns that I treasure equally.

Are you ship obsessed or ship more-or-less?

Uh, is there a neither option for this question? I like talking ships but I'm not ship obsessed - I don't do the Spotify playlists and moodboards, the matching promos or drabbles, etc - but I do enjoy and appreciate them - and it's not as though I'm indifferent to or annoyed by ships. I just like them and I like sharing headcanons whenever one pops into my head.

What is your favourite ship in your current fandom?

I don't really have a favourite ship - that's part of the fun of Persona, yeah? Gotta ship 'em all! (So long as we're excluding the Joker ships with the actual adult women lmao.)

Finally, how does one ship with you?

Uhh, send me shippy memes, like my shipping call, just come running into my dm's, say you want to ship? Just say it outright honestly - I'm not great at picking up on clues or hints, so yeah I might need to hear it actually confirmed by the other mun that they do in fact want to ship, but once I know, I'm happy to get the ball rolling.

Tagged by: @gamenu (Thank you!)

Tagging: Whoever would like to give this a go!

[kuramirocket]

Anti Magic AU

Okay, so for months I have had this idea running through my head and I have finally finished writing the first part of this au which in part has been inspired by talking with other fans. It's not written like a fanfiction exactly, more like bulletin points of ideas happening within this au, if that makes sense.

Please note that this is supposed to be a mariocest au! So, keep that in mind.

With that said here is the ideas for my Anti Magic au:

Magic is looked down and frowned upon in the Mushroom Kingdom. The only exception being power ups because these items occur and pop up naturally in the wild. It is viewed as being acceptable to use them in times of battle, but only in battle. However, even then those who are exceptional in their usage may get a bit of side eye glance or whispers about them because it's unnatural for a person to be so talented in their usage. As a result strict laws exist in their usage and cultivation.

Despite being the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom and being very well liked, some hushed underground whispers by some Toads may follow Mario behind his back about how is it possible a human not native to their world has such good control and grasp of these powers. The same scrutiny may follow Luigi, but not as intensely in this particular area as Mario, seeing as Mario is the one who has gone on the most ‘adventures.’

Due to Bowser and Koopas such as the Fire Bros ability to use fire, one of the magical abilities most looked down upon with distrust is wielding fire. And wouldn't you know it, the power up Mario most exceeds at is using the Fire Flower.

Another thing to note, one of the reasons magic is looked down upon with harsh laws surrounding its usage is also due to the animosity between the Mushroom Kingdom and the Darklands. As mentioned Bowser's ability to shoot fire from his mouth and his top ranking council of magikoopas being prime examples of the distrust of magic.

While some light magic may be acceptable such as the laws and rules that keep the universe in tact and in balance, again, unless a person is from the Star Realm (e.g. Rosalina, Star species, etc.) or a higher otherworldly authority, every kind of magic is forbidden from being used unless necessary in combat to defend the Mushroom Kingdom. And even then the only real acceptable magic to be used in these scenarios are power ups. A person who has natural magical abilities are discouraged from ever using their abilities due to magic's tricky, powerful and ever fluctuating state.

In terms of Princess Peach, while she wields some faint light and healing magic it is faint and strong enough to counter Bowser's dark magic as they are polar opposites. The Royal family line is expected to wield just enough magic to guarantee their lineage's survival and for the good of the Mushroom Kingdom as if Peach were to fall the MK could fall into havoc and disarray. As such, law decrees that the Royal family may only use their light healing magic on themselves for their own survival. The use of light and healing magic outside of this is forbidden no matter the circumstances. The safety of head of state and the royal family is top priority above all else. Because of this Peach is often counseled to stay behind where she will be safe when an attack or invasion occurs. This is why soldiers exist to to be on the front lines (Mario in particular and to an extent Luigi having unintentionally taken this role). If all else should fail, then the ruler will have no choice, but to fight and be the last line of defense.

Despite being a good fighter, caring about the safety of her people and their well being, Peach does not like having to sit back while others fight to protect her and her kingdom. But due to the council and laws of the Mushroom Kingdom being strict, unyielding and having more traditional ideaologies, she has no choice, but to head the words of her council. Despite being the ruler of the MK, Peach's words are not law and much must be debated and discussed between the royal council and herself. Thus, the council does have a lot of power and political influence.

After the events of Luigi's Mansion, both Luigi and Mario want to plant a garden of fire flowers. Luigi because he likes gardening and finds the task relaxing. Luigi has always found pleasure in the up keeping of the house, especially in times when Mario is away. It's his way of helping. In Mario's case, he finds the idea of a Fire Flower garden appealing because not only will it be beautiful, cared for his baby brother, but because this means having quick access to the power up he is most skillful at using. Mario has found he has a great affinity to fire. 

After his experience at the hands of King Boo, part of the reason Mario wants the garden is to feel safer. Luigi shares the same sentiments in wanting to feel more secure. Boos and ghosts cannot be physically fought and defeated, thus, they make for a challenging foe even for a skilled fighter like Mario. Fire flowers, while they cannot really damage Boos, they can stop them for a bit. It's not much, but it's something. A Super Star, light and the poltergust are the only real things that can stop Boos and ghosts.

Unfortunately, word quickly gets around until it reaches the ears at the Castle. Royal Toad guards arrive at the bros home and they ask the brothers to accompany them back to the castle as Toad neighbors watch in hushed whispers. Luigi quickly and bravely steps up asking if this is necessary right now seeing as Mario is still recuperating from the ordeal he suffered with King Boo, however, the guards quickly state both of their presence is required without delay. No exceptions. Resting a hand on his bro's shoulder Mario reassures Luigi he is feeling fine for a simple trip to the castle. As the brothers pass by them, 2 guards flanking them in front and behind them, they can hear the Toads whisper how it's odd for someone like Mario to be so fond of fire, especially fire magic. And even how Luigi does not seem bothered by the flowers heat and magical properties as those who even just get close to the flowers feel the sting of the simple heat emanating from the flowers. Those who use the fire flower have found it taxing on the body, though the adrenaline from combat may help to wield it somewhat, the heat from the power eventually becomes too much and a person is normally only able to be use the power for short periods of time before it takes its toll.

All the while, as the bros are walked through Toad Town up to the walls of the Princess’ castle, they can't help but feel as if they were being marched in a sort of show of exhibition - this is what happens when you do something you should not. Mario and Luigi can only silently look at each other as they feel an uncomfortable tension in the air, Toad eyes all around them with even more whispers as the MK's heroes are escorted, for what and why they aren't sure, but presumably for an audience with Peach. Seeing Luigi wriggling his hands together in anxiety and his own hands balled up in fists, Mario reaches his hand out for his baby brother at his side to take. Clasping their hands together, both brothers smile warmly at each other, hands entertwined as the whispers continue more intensely as ever.

Upon arriving at the Castle, the brothers are greeted with the sight of Princess Peach sitting on her throne, high atop the stairs. At the bottom, her royal council are seated along a semi long table. The guards that had escorted the bros excuse themselves, shutting the castle doors behind them, the echo of the door closing, sounding like a loud bang as the noise reverberated the high walls and ceiling around them.

“Hello, Mario, Luigi.” Peach states, “Thank you for coming on short notice and I apologize for the inconvenience. I know Mario is still recovering from King Boo's failed revenge” states the princess cordially, nodding at Mario. Mario simply shrugs, stating it was no big deal, even though he can't help, but think neither he or Luigi really weren't given much choice. Peach quickly explains the reason they were summoned - the fire flower garden is not allowed. Luigi quickly steps forward surprised, asking why. He afterall, like Mario really enjoyed creating and tending to it. She apologizes, saying the entire garden must be destroyed. The Mushroom Kingdom has strict laws on the use of magic and power ups, she explains. Once more Peach apologizes, seeing the expression on their faces, but it is law.

At this point, one of the council members, an older Toad, a strict expression and frown on his face, states if the brothers are to live in the Mushroom Kingdom, despite their past deeds and heroics they must adhere to the kingdoms laws and learn them. Ignorance and failure to comply will not be tolerated. Luigi quickly steps forward saying they were unaware and didn't mean to cause trouble. 

Seeing the way the brothers have their fingers tightly clasped together since their arrival; Adding on, the older Toad states that other laws in particular the bros should be aware of is anti incest laws. (Such relationships are heavily frowned upon, equally as taboo and illegal as back in Mario and Luigi's old home in Brooklyn). Upon, hearing this, Mario and Luigi quickly release their hands, not being able to help blushes of embarrassment darkening their faces. All Luigi can do is nervously nod, while Mario resists the urge to ball his fists in anger. Were they not even allowed any semblance of physical affection either? Mario and Luigi had always comforted each other through soft and gentle physical touches - hugs, holding hands, kisses to the cheek and temple, and most of all forehead touches.

Walking down from her throne, Peach puts a hand on both bros shoulders, much to the chargin of the council, saying that what happened is okay and not their fault. She should have explained all this to them from the start when they decided to move here from Brooklyn. Despite her kind words and reassuring smile, another council member speaks up reminding the brothers once again, that regardless, ignorance and failure to comply won't be tolerated. No one is exempt. It would do well to remember that. Bowing quickly, Luigi apologizes again and says they will remove the fire flower garden immediately. Mario stays silent all throughout, trying to keep his emotions in check. It was quite clear the position they were in as he looked straight at the strict and firm faces of the royal Toad council.

With that, Peach states this was all that needed to be discussed and walks the boys to the front doors, one hand on each of the brothers back, once more apologizing to them they had to come all the way to the castle for such an uncomfortable reason. Luigi smiles and tells her not to worry about it. He and Mario know she was unhappy with the situation as well, as another apologetic and sympathetic look crosses her face. The three say their farewells.

Once back inside the castle walls, the Toad council berate the princess for being so familiar with the two plumbers. Regardless, as their unofficial status as soldiers, she is a princess and customs must be followed. Next time, Mario and Luigi will be also be expected to learn and follow etiquette guidelines when meeting with and addressing the princess. Furthermore, the discussion of their roles in defending the MK need to be discussed and officially decided upon if they are to be so close to royal affairs. Peach can only inwardly sigh and shake her head at the strict regulations. She likes and trusted the brothers after everything that has happened since their sudden appearance in their world.

All throughout walking back to their small home, both Mario and Luigi are silent. Each processing what they were told at the summons. 

With everything that has happened since their arrival in the MK it feels like the brothers had hardly time to rest. They are still getting comfortable with their names and faces being known throughout the kingdom. It seems wherever they go, looks and whispers abound ever since both accidently fell through and became seperated via the green pipe that connected this world to their old home in Brooklyn. Furthermore, after Luigi's capture by Bowser and Mario's quest to find and save him and Bowser's subsequent defeat by them using the Superstar, it wasn't long before another skirmish with the Darklands’ king and new enemies (the Boos) occurred. 

Luigi can't help, but worriedly glance at his brother, who has yet to utter a single word, eyebrows narrowed. His brother tended to become silent when stressed, angered or overwhelmed. He wanted so much to hold his hand again, but refrained from doing so, the council's words still echoing in his mind, another blush threatening to cross his face. The thought of he and his big brother being something more… It was a ridiculous notion. Sure, they had always been close, even closer still after all that had happened living in the MK. And Luigi couldn't imagine not having his big brother by his side. Still, them together like that it was impossible, yet his traitorous heart beat faster at the thought.

Finally, arriving at the privacy of their home, Luigi quietly asks, ‘Mario are you okay?’ Mario who had been facing away from Luigi quickly turns, surprising Luigi with a sudden fierce hug. It only takes a second for the surprise to fade and Luigi instantly relaxes, nuzzling his face into the crook of Mario's neck, rubbing his hands up and down Mario's back in a comforting gesture.

“I don't care what those Council members said. They're not going to stop me from showing my love to you like I always have.” Heart dangerously racing once more at his big brother's words, Luigi tightens his grip on Mario. “But we'll get in trouble,” whispers Luigi. Gently pushing Luigi back to look him in the eye, hands on his shoulders, Mario speaks, “We're not doing anything wrong. We've always comforted each other this way. So, why should we stop because of some stuffy Toads and laws?” Now, moving his hands to gently rest on his brothers cheeks, Mario just as gently guides Luigi's head to his, foreheads touching, never taking his blue eyes off his baby brother's same colored eyes. “Being affectionate isn't illegal.” Luigi can't help but close his eyes and nuzzle a cheek to his brother's strong, but always so gentle and warm hands, a sigh of content at the physical contact and the pleasant warmth it always spreads throughout his being.

Opening his eyes again, Luigi can't help but want to be even closer with his brother, fully aware and conscious of how close their faces are, each word his brother had spoken, he could feel the warmth of his breaths over his own lips. However, pushing those feelings down and wishing he could stay like this for a while longer, the single focus of his big brother's loving gaze, Luigi addresses the problem at hand. “I think we still need to get rid of the fire flower garden.” With a click of his tongue, Mario finally releases his brothers face and turns around sighing. “You're right. It seems we can't avoid that,” states the older twin, running one hand through his hair. 

“I'm sorry, big brother. I really wanted to do something nice for you.” Quickly turning back around, Mario grabs Luigi's hands into his own. “I know and it isn't your fault.” Both of them had really thought that the idea Luigi had come up with for a fire flower garden, a beautiful sight of this world's natural wonder and emergency supply of power ups, had been a great idea. Thinking about how it was supposed to be cared for by him and not just to bring both of them a sense of security, but especially as a way to bring his big brother comfort after his capture at the hands of King Boo, Luigi's fingers squeeze Mario's hands in another show of apology and comfort. Mario can only smile sadly. The garden Luigi had tended to really was beautiful. Almost as beautiful as the field of wild fire flowers he witnessed when he had desperately sought to rescue the person he loved the most.

Despite the bros feeling a bit down trodden at the unexpected turn of events, they know there is no other choice, but to dismantle the garden. Luigi reassures Mario to rest and that he'll be the one to get rid of the Fire Flowers. “Are you sure?” Asks the other in a quiet tone. Nodding, Luigi simply states he wants his big brother to relax and rest. Mario needs to recuperate his strength after the traumatic experience of being trapped within a frame. Not to mention being the target yet again by powerful enemies who would love nothing more than to see them both, especially Mario, out of the way. Luigi will be okay with this task. With one last look into his twin's eyes, Mario places a soft kiss to his forehead, before retiring to their shared room.

Thus, knees down in the dirt, Luigi starts to rip out each fire flower from the ground, the heat they emit, even from the stems, engulfing his hands, yet never stinging or uncomfortably hot. As the green plumber places each one in a bucket of cool water he had brought and placed next to him to sadly extinguish their bright glow and power; Luigi is all too aware of the neighbor Toads eyes on him the entire time. Their whispers back, reaching his ears.

“It seems even the kingdom's hero got lectured for planting those fire flowers.” 

“Yeah, didn't they know it's not permitted?”

“It's odd both don't seem bothered or even suffer small blisters from being in contact with the flowers so much. It's not natural.”

“For being a coward, the younger brother doesn't seem to have any trepidation of using power ups either. I heard, both brothers found the prospect wielding their powers exciting.”

“Magic shouldn't come so easily. Even the royal family must practice and train from a young age to get a good grasp on its control.”

“An affinity for magic is a dangerous thing. I heard the younger brother like the older has his own affinities, but they seem more… problematic.”

With all these words, Luigi only sighs, now knowing why the neighbors had looked shocked to see him and Mario daring to cultivate these power ups. How could it be that in a lush world brimming with wondrous magic that people could only dream about back in their old world, could be talked about in such a hushed and taboo way?

With unease filling him, Luigi holds one fire flower close to his heart, part of him longing to at least be able to preserve one in secret and present it to his brother as a gift. It's what he had wanted with the garden after all - to console, to reassure, to show his love for his precious brother. The person he cared for most in the world, who deserved everything and more. But with eyes and whispers following them still, even now, Luigi knows it's a futile attempt. Word could reach back to the palace just like however it had already. It seems gestures of security and love through a simple garden would not be granted even to the supposed hailed heroes of the Mushroom Kingdoom.

So, with this au. The timeline of events up to this point are as follows:

- The Super Mario Bros Movie

- Another battle with Bowser soon following after the events of the movie.

- Mario has some skirmishes with the Boos resulting in King Boo wanting revenge on him.

- Luigi's Mansion.

- Mario and Luigi being summoned by the council and whispers of Toads throughout all this despite their heroics because of their apt usage in power ups.

I definitley, do have more ideas and do want to add a few other games following this timeline of events. Though, I need to polish these ideas and add more details.

I just really wanted to explore the potential of political drama, mistrust and fear of magic even with regards to the heroes, in this case Mario and Luigi. Plus we need more mariocest ;D Again the potential of drama and angst are too good.

Hope you guys liked this! Let me know what you think! :)