#uplifting stars au

[brrdhouse]

(wip? doodle? who knows)

does anyone remember uplifting stars. i do.

[dreamerdrop]

Tags from @autistic-mandalorian which are too good to leave as tags:

#This was my thought too #But then I thought "maybe in the Trek future there are just Really Fucking Good accommodations?? And he did want to be a doctor as a kid™ #So I think either one works and they illustrate different ideas #If he does become a doctor - then that proves the augmentation was nothing but ableism and self-serving abuse on his parents part #Because they decided what their son could and couldnt do as an adult before he was even ten years old and before trying Any accommodations #If he doesnt become a doctor - then that proves that his worth and happiness are not in fact tied to his performance and accomplishments #And just existing as himself is enough to create a happy life and to be loved #Both are good thematically it just depends on which one you are going for.

YES. That’s exactly the thing, as long Julian meets an unaugmented version of himself who is content with himself and his life, it doesn’t matter much what that life looks like in the end, because either way it still presses on one of the long held wounds Julian has been nursing his whole life as a result of being augmented in the first place.

Julian Bashir meeting an alternate universe version of himself who still goes by Jules. Jules doesn't fake eye contact as well as Julian. When he speaks, it's mostly in short direct sentences, as few words and as to the point as possible. He can still ramble for an hour on a topic he's passionate about though.

Julian realising in slow horror that Jules is also a doctor. Jules also works for Starfleet. Jules is also stationed on DS9. Jules is friends with his own Garak, who thinks he is delightful and intelligent and interesting. Jules is still friends with a Miles O'Brien who thinks he is a little weird and off putting but will fist fight anyone who talks bad about him. They still play darts and racquetball, though Jules isn't quite as good, he and Miles still treat each other as friendly rivals.

Jules, who is still a diligent and dedicated professional, who takes pride in his work as a doctor, and whose parents were arrested and charged before he ever set foot on Adigeon Prime. Jules, who mended Kukalaka and continued to stitch him up for years to come just like Julian.

The slowly dawning horror Julian has at realising that this is who he might have been, and that Jules is, in fact, fine. He wasn't top of his class, but he's still a damn good doctor. He can't work for three days straight without sleeping, but he's no less dedicated. He's not as physically adept, but he's doing fine. He's loved. He's fulfilled. He's happy.

Julian Bashir isn't sure how any of that is making him feel about himself at all, nor does he know why he finds himself crying himself to sleep that night.

[fairykazu]

WISH UPON A STAR FT. SCARAMOUCHE ! cws: best friends, mutual pining, requited, fluff, modern au, teens, gn!reader notes: guess what they wished for. this has been in my drafts since forever. so sorry about that. masterlist | moonflower masterlist taglist: @ainnofinway @lovemari @lily-lmao @aethion

it was friday and it was usually the days where you and scaramouche hang out and relax from school, which is almost always turn into a sleepover. both of you were in his room, underneath a blanket fort. leaning on scaramouche's shoulder, you yawned, "scara, did you know it's going to have a meteor shower tonight?"

he shrugged you off, your head hitting the pillow besides his torso, "really?" he liked how you didn't mind that your head hit the pillow, instead resting nicely on his shoulder. he didn't want you to know that he actually liked it.

you nodded your head, boring your eyes into his indigo lensed ones. he turned around quickly, ignoring your gaze as his ears burned. "when?"

"around 11:50, i think." ignoring his antics, you answered, smiling. "i hope we would see it by then, if your mom lets us."

"don't worry, she will."

he replied quickly as you furrowed your brow, "are you sure? how would we even see them?" as long as you could remember his mother is protective over him, but luckily, not to a point where she's overbearing. regardless, she hates when scaramouche gets rebellious which is bad for her since he likes to rebel whenever he can. you try your best to prevent it, but you end up wrapped into whatever he wants to do.

his answer was blunt, as sharp as a newly forged sword, "sunroof."

you scrunched up your face, scaramouche likes when you do that. it's funny to see your reaction to his seemingly careless replies. "the sun roof? seriously?"

it's clear that you aren't taking him seriously, maybe it's time to amp it up a bit.

he confirmed it and took it a bit further by crawling out of the fort to point up. he could hear the blankets rustle behind him while you crawled out of the fort from the tiny opening. looking where he was pointing at, you wanted to cry. despite his family being rich, his mom liked to spend it rarely, making sure it goes to the right places, which is smart. she is smart but man, how could you guys even see the stars from this one-by-one square?

well, not really one-by-one, but it's big but not big enough to see every star that's possible to see with the human eyes. you wanted to cry but instead you turned around, hearing scaramouche's chuckles. "did you really believe me?"

your frown pressed into a thin smile, "what?" you were in disbelief because not only did he lie, he's laughing at you. wow, rubbing salt in the wound is really cruel.

he liked to pull pranks or jokes on you because your reactions are almost always funny to watch. but seeing the doubt set into your face, it made him feel a bit guilty. so he decided to uplift your spirits instead."im lying! of course, i won't make you watch it from this window because this-" he drew a rectangle with his fingers. "- is too small for you. when it's around the time, let me know and i'll show you how we'd watch it."

"what?"

"i just know a place."

when he said, 'i just know a place', you didn't expect it to be on the roofs of the house and how you got there? you don't even know nor remember. it kind of just happened within a blink of an eye.

scaramouche was chuckling to himself quietly as you looked at him, dumbfounded. no one in this house ever discovered that he had dug up tunnels and pathways in secret. so of course, he had a pathway to go up the roof. is this really true?

kind of. mikoto figured it out it was him but despite it, she never tattletale on him so it's technically a secret. if you ask him why he did it, he'd just smirk but in reality, he was a devoted liv and maddie fan.

you two sat on the roof, where scaramouche laid out a blanket for the both of you. scaramouche threw up pillows in which you caught, "are you comfortable?"

"as comfortable as a person can be on a roof."

"good enough." scaramouche replied, climbing up and adjusting the corners of the roof. you're just happy that he didn't make you sit on the slanted roof but instead, where he had his hideout on the flattest part of the roof.

you took two of the pillows and set them down. scaramouche immediately hogged both of them as you frowned, "that was two for two of people sitting here..." you pointed to yourself and then him. "two people, scara. me and you."

"...uh huh, i'm following?"

"you're insufferable." you replied as your face lit up. "wait."

"what? what are you doing? you're making me scared."

you pretended to stretch your back as you declined on him, resting full body weight on scaramouche. "humph! what are you doing??"

"you're a hogger, you know that? this is what you get and you can't push me off." you said, expecting him to fight back or roll you off gently. but instead, you hear,

"fine. what time is it?" thank god, he changed the subject because you wouldn't have known how to continue it after he agreed with your antics for once. "around 11:40."

"good, we can wait out here then."

"good..." you glanced everywhere but where he was. "scara, i don't think your roof may not be the safest place for us to stargaze." you said, recalling your complaint from earlier.

scaramouche lifted himself up as he watched for you if you fell, his hand near your head in case you did. "either this or the sunroof."

"thank you for blessing me with the opportunity to see this beautiful night sky, scara!" you replied quickly as he hid his chuckle.

waiting for ten minutes just to pass away is taking forever, scaramouche thought as he annoyed you by poking you. it was easier to just watch paint dry than wait for the incoming meteor shower. but he looked at you while you began to fight back with his poking by poking him back, it was worth it.

"scara! the stars!" you jolted up as scaramouche pulled you back into his embrace. when you turned to his face, he explained, "i don't want you to fall down and die. i don't want to be linked to your death, how would i go to the ivy league colleges now?"

"uh huh."

but did you really care? no... you rested your head against his chest, noticing how his heartbeat was increasing. you wanted to make fun of him, but you didn't want him to notice so was yours; you kept your mouth shut.

you asked, as he was tapping your arm, "scara, isn't the stars so beautiful?"

scaramouche agreed with you but not for reasons you may think. as you looked at the stars, he looked at you.

"wait, scara! wish on the stars."

"that's so childish."

"but i heard they come true!"

"... fine but im not doing it because you said so."

"i know, don't worry."

[nazrigar]

Let's Say Go!

The Great Star Saber for my All-Sparks AU. The chief guardian of the Temple-Ship of the Primes, a place of worship and meditations, and a place that contains precious relics and archival information of Cybertronian history and culture.

Star Saber is a man that burns with Justice in his heart and deep faith within his spark, and importantly, a man with in nigh infinite patience. Travelling on his ship, which itself is converted from the great temple, he's more than willing to accept any would be traveller among the stars… or help out those in desperate need, be it for guidance, protection or just someone to talk to.

On a story note, he rescued Drift, then still called Deadlock, from the wrath of the DJD, besting them after giving them a fight they've never had in countless years. Only the threat of an arriving Deathsaurus and a backup fleet stopped him from outright obliterating the Decepticon group (something Deathsaurus loves rubbing into Tarn's face).

He helped uplift the young woman from the depths of despair, and convinced her to re-embrace her name of Drift. After all, it may be a legacy name, but how she shapes her own legacy is entirely up to her.

Besides the great sword he wields, he's one of the most obscenely well armed cybertronians, let alone Autobots, out there, able to dispense missiles from his shoulders, themselves already armed with huge cannons, and even rapid fire from his helmet.

Also... had this dynamic between his baby sister Firestar waaaaaay back when he was younger, and everyone in Orion's generation were still small younglings.

[kikis-writing-world]

Espresso

Or: She needed to come back down to earth

Chrissy Cunningham has tickets to see her favorite pop star perform. It's a concert she'll never, ever forget.

Past Eddie/Chrissy, current female Pop Star!Reader/Rockstar!Eddie

*In the 3rd person, can also be read as an OC

Word Count: 3k

Rating/Warnings: Reader is female presenting and performed Espresso originally by Sabrina Carpenter, and I describe her as moving and posing, but possibly with the aid of dansers? - blank slate otherwise. No Upside Down. Could be read either canon!AU (mid 90s or so as they're adults now) or modern!AU. If I missed anything AU wise or blankslate!reader wise, please let me know kindly <3 I'm only human.

This work is rated PG but this blog is always 18+

A/N: The song got me, what can I say? Somewhere in my head Espresso mixed with Sk8er Boy by Avril Lavigne and here's what you get. A little fic to whet your appetite. Not edited, not betaed, written in about 1.5 hours while also at work- but I hope you enjoy it anyway <3

divider by @saradika-graphics

“Say you can't sleep, baby, I know That's that me, espresso-

Chrissy giggled as she sang along to the track floating from the state of the art boombox on her dresser. Her best friends, Cindy and Linda, danced around the bedroom with her, feeling like teens again as they got ready for the concert that evening.

“I can’t get enough of this song,” Linda gushed as she leaned close to the mirror above Chrissy’s vanity. She stopped singing along with the other girls long enough to apply her shiny lip gloss to perfection.

“She’s the best.” Chrissy agreed, turning the volume up even farther, hitting the threshold as the boombox reached max volume.

“Can I borrow this?” Cindy asked, picking up one of Chrissy’s eyeshadow palettes.

“Of course,” Chrissy agreed without thought, only to pause. “Wait- as long as you use that pink,” Chrissy amended, pointing to the neon hue. “Because it’s perfect with your outfit.”

The girls all laughed as they agreed on it being the perfect shade.

“How did you even get these tickets, it’s been sold out for months?” Linda asked, turning away from the mirror, bopping in place to the music.

“Daddy has a client whose son’s fiance got mono on her bachelorette vacation, so they canceled the wedding. They sold her tickets to afford the cancellation fees.” Chrissy explained as she compared two necklaces against her outfit. The girls cringed in sympathy, but the mood was quickly uplifted as they all tuned back into the music, forgetting the unknown couple’s problems. The tornado of excitement and glitter moved through the room until suddenly the girls all stopped what they were doing to sing along in tandem.

“I'm working late 'cause I'm a singer Oh, he looks so cute wrapped around my finger

The three faced each other as they sang, sharing the moment as they each performed their hearts out as if they were the one performing on stage tonight. The three danced, twirling their hips and waving their arms the way they did as teens, trying to get all the boys’ attention. Not the three grown adults they were, with homes, partners and responsibilities. It was freeing to feel so young again.

“My twisted humor, make him laugh so often My honey bee, come and get this pollen-

The three all shrieked with laughter as they reached the end of the verse, laughing at each other’s lewd dance moves in camaraderie.

“Oh shit, is that the time?!” Cindy gasped, cutting off the raucous laughter. The other two girls turned to the clock Cindy was staring at, noticing time did indeed fly when you were having this much fun. If they didn’t finish getting ready soon, they would be late and then have a hard time finding a good spot to watch the show from.

“Shit!” Chrissy cursed, barely audible over the blasting music. She jogged over to the boombox, turning it down a few notches to a more reasonable volume.

All three women snapped back to task, perfecting their make-up and concert looks. It wasn’t long before they were running out the door and into Chrissy’s powder blue Beamer. Chrissy hadn’t even backed out of the driveway before Linda had the car stereo blasting the album, right where they had left off in the house. The three women sped down the highway, singing along to the tracks they would soon be hearing live.

Chrissy was sure her perfectly coiffed hair was falling and frizzing up, her carefully applied make-up turned into colourful smudges across her cheeks, the boots styled to match her outfit splattered with dirt and mud - but she couldn’t care less. She was having the time of her life at the concert. The singing was amazing, even better than the album. The dancing, the choreography - the hunky dancers. She was having the best time, dancing and singing along with Cindy and Linda.

“This is AMAZING!” Linda shrieked as the song ended. Chrissy clapped and cheered while Cindy jumped up and down.

“Alright, alright,” the woman on stage spoke, waving off everyone still cheering after the last number she performed. Her chest heaved as she caught her breath from the singing and dancing, skin glistening with sweat under the stage lights. Her hair hadn’t fallen and her make-up hadn’t budged. Chrissy watched her in awe, quieting her own thrilled cheers to hear what her favorite artist had to say next.

“Oh my god, Indiana, you guys are crazy!” She laughed, waiting for the crowd to die down. Unfortunately, the comment made them cheer in agreement. Chrissy and her friends jumped up and down, cheering along.

The performer on stage dropped the microphone to her side as she laughed again at the crowd’s reaction. She looked off stage and made a little shrugging motion, a smile on her face all the while. Chrissy couldn’t see who she was looking at from her angle - someone on her team, her manager, someone running the equipment; she wasn’t sure. She kept looking between the crowd and the wing of the stage until they quieted enough for her to speak once more.

“See I have a friend,” the singer started, roaming the stage with ease. Her presence filled the large space as the crowd - Chrissy, Linda and Cindy included - took in each word with bated breath. A field full of fans waiting to see what she would say or do next. “A very good friend, you might say.” The singer admitted with a sly smirk.

The crowd exploded - some cheers, some boos of disappointed fans.

“Did you know she was seeing anybody?!” Linda gasped.

“I hadn’t seen anything in The Enquirer!” Cindy shook her head, flailing her hands as if trying to fan herself. “Oh my god, who do you think it is?”

“It could be anyone,” Linda started, only to be interrupted by Chrissy.

“Maybe Leo!” She laughed, joking while all the while loving the idea that her favorite pop star might be dating her favorite hunk of an actor. Linda and Cindy agreed by way of shrieking and jumping with excitement. Chrissy joined in immediately.

“See, my very special friend is from right here in Indiana!” the star continued over the mic, halting the girls’ theorizing. They quieted down, Linda blindly grabbing for Chrissy and Cindy’s hands as she never took her eyes off the stage. No one wanted to miss a hint on who the mystery “friend” was. “He told me that you guys… Well, he doesn’t seem to like his home state very much.” The star fake pouted as the rapt audience booed. She looked off stage, pointing her exaggerated pout that way. 

“Oh my god, is he here? Who is it?” Cindy nearly fell over, trying to lean over far enough to see backstage.

“I can’t see from here!” Chrissy huffed, craning her neck to get a better look. It was no use, they were too far to the same side to see into the wings.

“I know! What a meanie!” The singer laughed joyfully into the microphone. “I tell him he’s a big meanie all the time, but he doesn’t believe me.” She rolled her eyes playfully.

A dull laugh rolled through the crowd and the performer gave it a moment to breathe before continuing with her story. “I think you were all a bit mean to him too once, but maybe one day you’ll forgive each other.” She tutted. The crowd cheered their agreement - anything to make their idol happy. The reaction made the singer beam brightly, glancing over her shoulder yet again.

“This next song… I wrote it for him, and-”

The crowd cheered and awed, interrupting her briefly. She shot a wink offstage before rolling through the crowd’s roar.

“I wrote this for him, and right here in front of everyone he says he hates, I’m dedicating it to him! Let’s show him some love!” She yelled over the mic, the crowd growing louder as it fed off her excitement.

There was a short beat of silence before the opening notes to Espresso started, making the crowd go wild once more as the smash hit song started.

Chrissy, Cindy and Linda all screamed along with the crowd, jumping with excitement despite their sore, aching feet after dancing all night. Chrissy pulled her camera out of her fanny pack, snapping pics as the song started. The singer smiled and danced to the opening notes, waiting for her cue to start singing. The dancers around her grooved along with her, waiting for the choreography to start.

"Now he's thinkin' 'bout me every night, oh Is it that sweet? I guess so Say you can't sleep, baby, I know That's that me, espresso-

The trio of women sang along at the top of their lungs, as loud as their already sore throats would allow. Chrissy couldn’t be bothered to care that she likely wouldn’t have a voice tomorrow, it was worth it to sing along.

"Too bad your ex don't do it for ya Walked in and dream came trued it for ya Soft skin and I perfumed it for ya I know I Mountain Dew it for ya That morning coffee, brewed it for ya One touch and I brand newed it for ya

The singer and her group of dancers made their way towards their side of the stage, the crowd around them cheering for her as she approached. The three girls got their cameras ready as they snapped pictures of their favorite singer performing their favorite song just a dozen feet away from them. The male dancers fawned over her as the female dancers backed her up, dancing with her.

"Now he's thinkin' 'bout me every night, oh Is it that sweet? I guess so Say you can't sleep, baby, I know That's that me, espresso Move it up, down, left, right, oh Switch it up like Nintendo Say you can't sleep, baby, I know That's that me, espresso

The singer moved back across the stage, doing her best to perform to all sides, giving each fan in the crowd a chance to see her and her dancers. She had been doing it the whole show, but the crowd predictably was even more lively for her big, hit single.

All too soon, the song ended with everyone on stage hitting a final pose. The singer was center stage, looking upwards towards the stage lights as the dancers posed around her. Cameras flashed through the people as everyone took their chance to get a decent shot as everyone stood still aside from their heaving chests as they caught their breath.

Chrissy, Linda and Cindy followed suit, cheering and taking pictures between their jumping and flailing. Chrissy was lifting her camera for her fourth or fifth photo of the pose - she lost count - when Linda grabbed her arm and her attention.

“Look!!!” Linda screamed as others in the crowd started reacting too. A tall, lanky figure had emerged from the wing, sauntering proudly towards the singer at center stage. He wore dark coloured jeans and a black t-shirt. His face wasn’t visible past the mop of inky curls when they first caught sight of him, but Chrissy felt a sinking feeling in her stomach at the silhouette. It was too familiar, a memory of her past, but surely it wasn’t-

More people from the crowd started screaming as the man crossed the stage. The singer finally dropped the pose, lowering her eyes to look at the crowd. She was smiling, face flushed from performing, but she soon noticed the crowd looking to the side.

Chrissy heard a man behind her, arguing with his girlfriend, the conversation fading in and out of the ruckus around her. “... -ed Coffin… telling you that’s him… think I know what “Shredder” Ed-…”

The pop star on stage looked surprised to see the man at first, but by the time he pushed through the cluster of back-up dancers around her, she was smiling up at him. The smile was brighter than any she’d given the audience on stage that night, a smile that shone in her eyes in a totally different way than performing on stage made them shine. The pop star started to speak, the microphone still held to her side not picking up any of the words. She didn’t say much before the man interrupted her, cupping the back of her head and dipping down to kiss her.

The crowd cheered through the passionate kiss. The back-up dancers around her reacted with joy and surprise at the public display of affection, some gasping while others applauded or laughed. 

The man pulled the woman to him, holding her like he might be able to absorb her into himself in front of everyone. The singer didn’t fight, but she was obviously caught off guard at first. It barely took a moment for her to drop the microphone, a loud thunking noise booming from the speakers as it clattered to the stage. Her arms wrapped around the man, returning his embrace as she kissed him back. The sound of camera shutters nearly drowned out the voices of the crowd as everyone rushed to take pictures of the pop star and her apparent boyfriend - some to brag to their friends, some to try to sell as the first appearance of the world’s newest celebrity couple.

Chrissy stayed frozen, camera to her side as she watched who she was sure was her high school ex-boyfriend, Eddie Munson, having a heavy makeout session on stage with her favorite pop star.

“Wait, is that…” Cindy asked, starting to also recognize the man who had yet to turn his face their way. Cindy looked at Chrissy, her frozen reaction being all the answer she needed. Cindy prodded Linda, trying to get her to smarten up to what was happening to their friend.

The couple on stage finally parted, catching their breath as they only had eyes for each other. The pop star looked up at her man like he was the only person in the whole state, let alone in a crowd of hundreds. The man’s hand, covered with large silver rings, cupped her cheek gently. From where she stood, Chrissy could see his thumb caress her cheek. Despite the warm summer day, Chrissy shivered as she felt a ghost of a touch, a memory, across her own cheek.

The man leaned in, speaking directly into the singer’s ear for a few seconds. She let go a second later as he released her, bending down to pick up the microphone that was left abandoned on the stage. The man turned towards the crowd, finally showing his face to the entire audience. Some cheered as they recognized the lead singer and guitarist for the heavy metal band, while others who didn’t listen to heavy music waited for a clue to who the man was.

“Is that Eddie?!” Linda gaped, looking up at the man who was once the boy dating her friend.

He was older now than he was then, obviously. His mop of curls were still present, if possible better cared for. He had inky tattoos up and down his visible arms and some high on his neck, coming out of the collar of his Metallica shirt. He’d grown a short goatee, but the dimple in his cheek was still visible as he addressed the crowd. He looked… Great was probably not a strong enough word for how good Eddie Munson looked.

“Your Ex? Like, Eddie Mu-oof” Linda continued until Cindy elbowed her harshly in the side. Linda finally noticed the pale, frozen expression on Chrissy’s face. “Oh.” She mumbled lamely.

“Who's a freak now, Indiana?” Eddie growled into the microphone, his voice raspier than Chrissy remembered it- age, constant performing and steady smoking had settled into his vocal chords in an appealing way. It reminded Chrissy how he used to sound after a show at The Hideout, voice rough from a night of screaming into the mic. 

Eddie tossed the microphone to a nearby dancer, not bothering to check if the unsuspecting man caught it (he did, barely) as he stuck his tongue out, devil horns atop his head. Just like that, Chrissy could see the boy underneath the age, tattoos and facial hair. The 18 year old who couldn’t promise her the world, but promised everything in his world, only for her to break his heart a year and some months later. Out of everyone there, Chrissy looked up and saw no one but Hawkins’ freak with a heart of gold Eddie Munson, but she realized Shredder Eddie Munson of Corroded Coffin didn’t even know she was there. She hadn’t even realized he’d gotten signed, or the band was famous- when had that happened?

Eddie turned, planting another passionate, borderline messy kiss on the pop star's laughing lips. The crowd erupted in another set of cheers, harshly pulling Chrissy back to real life.

Eddie ended the kiss, resting his forehead against the singer’s. The two’s lips were moving through their wide smiles. Chrissy could only imagine the sweet nothings being exchanged. Once upon a time, in a different life, in a quiet trailer park, those sweet nothings had been reserved just for her.

Eddie patted the star on the ass before releasing her from his arms. She laughed as he jogged back to his spot in the wings, hand over her mouth like she couldn’t believe the kiss they’d just shared. Eddie didn’t bother to acknowledge the crowd as he left, no wave goodbye or lude gestures. Before he disappeared from view, he turned to blow a kiss in her direction.

Red faced but smiling gleefully, the starlet pretended to catch it, placing it on her cheek. She stared after him even once he was out of view, only remembering herself when the dancer handed her the microphone.

“Oh, um…” She stumbled her words into the mic, giggling bashfully. She lowered the mic and took a deep breath, physically shaking her limbs. “I was expecting that even less than the rest of you.” She joked once she brought the mic back up to her smudged lips. “Let’s, uh… Let’s move on with the show?” She laughed, unsure how else to move forward with the setlist. The crowd cheered their agreement as she nodded to all her dancers and musicians to get ready to start back up.

“Should we leave?” Cindy asked quietly. Linda stared at Chrissy, waiting for her response.

It was definitely a concert she’d never, ever forget.

[raisedbythetv89]

I just started watching White Collar for the first time and a realization about most male written and directed media smacked me DIRECTLY in the face which is that SO MUCH media written by a for men is genuinely just male nerd self insert, non-canon compliant, AU fan fiction??????

Like them writing and creating stories is just “ok so these guys are soooo smooth and well dressed and women just flock to them at every turn and they can get away with anything and everyone believes and supports them when they do mess up and everyone thinks they’re sooooo brilliant”

This media isn’t just portraying women “for the male gaze” it’s EVERYTHING. Everything in these stories is supporting and uplifting mens’ delusions about who they are, how they’re perceived, and how they should expect to be treated. Which is incredibly ironic because anytime media portrays women or the world in the female gaze in a more “in my ideal world things would be like this” instead of portraying us as nothing but weak, broken, unloved, traumatized, victims OR one dimensional sex symbols with no needs or emotions they’re screaming, crying, throwing up about how stupid and unrealistic the story is….

This explains SO MUCH about how male characters are handled in shows like Veronica Mars and Buffy. Even though they’re shows staring women all the “good guys” get the delusional self insert, y/n, AU fan fic treatment (Buffy still wants Angel in season 3 and Riley in season 6 even after everything they did and Xander is CONSTANTLY forgiven for all the atrocious shit he says and does and is wanted by all women besides Buffy. Veronica forgiving Duncan and getting back together with him and even CONSIDERING Piz could truly only be born from men being delusional AS FUCK. Writing how they want men to be treated by women rather than being based in reality and the woman having even an ounce of self respect.)

Which is why the “bad boys”, Logan and Spike are such better characters. They’re so much more realistic, they get held accountable by the women in their lives, have better growth and are just way more appealing and attractive because they’re not the walking embodiment of what MEN want men to be treated and act like.

Oh god this feels like such cursed knowledge to have like it’s important to see this media for what it really is but now watching it feels that much yuckier like finding the porn of someone you DO NOT LIKE but like their emotional porn “this is what life would be like in my fantasies” and they’re the fantasies of the grossest men alive 😭😭😭😭😭

Also it shows their emotional maturity like all of these things are what 13 year old boys fantasize about not actual mature, grown men….

Also just realized this is why the Star Wars sequels were so hated. It wasn’t just Rey being powerful and loved by her found family and Kylo. It was that the movies showed the reality of men like Kylo. They destroyed the male fantasy Darth Vader created. They aren’t super cool, powerful badasses. They’re extremely sad, broken, temper tantrum throwing lost little boys who just want love and acceptance but have lost the ability to accept it because of the dark side (aka the patriarchy) which is the reality and that made me SOOOOO ANGRY lololololololol and this is why Joss Whedon THOUGHT making Spike into a sad pathetic mama’s boy of a poet would make the audience not like him because that DOES work on misogynistic men who enjoy the male gaze but does NOT work and only humanizes and makes Spike even more complex and lovable to the female gaze 💀💀💀💀 oh good lord

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Slowburn (7) Masterlist

part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six

blown again into instant flame (ao3) - jonsaremembers

Summary: Dan reappears in the corner of Phil’s vision, wearing the green suit.

I’m fucked, is all Phil can think.

Because Dan is awfully fit for someone stuffed bodily into a green morph suit. Even the way the hood squashes his curls down and out over his forehead is kind of adorable

Come along (ao3) - ottertrashpalace

Summary: In medieval England, a young knight rides north, sent to serve at the court of the quiet young Duke of Lancaster

It Hits Different (ao3) - danisnotinteresting

Summary: I really have no summary for now, just read the tags please

knight of wands (ao3) - dizzy

Summary: Some days are just boring.

(And some aren't.)

life happens, coffee helps (and so do you) (ao3) - halfofacrackedbluesky

Summary: Dan makes friends with the barista at the local coffee shop.

Like a Bowl of Oranges (ao3) - cloej88

Summary: Dan has built a solid career for himself as a ghostwriter. He safely hides behind other people’s words, crafting their tales and pocketing the cash without any threat of notoriety. But lately he has been working on a book of his own, itching for a change.

Phil is an indie filmmaker who happened into some huge breaks over the last few years. He wants to use his influence to uplift queer stories for the screen, so he puts out an open call for story submissions. At his agent’s behest, Dan submits his story.

The writer!Dan and director!Phil friends/co-workers to lovers AU that we never knew we needed.

shapes and weights to choose (ao3) - queerofcups

Summary: Getting to interview Phil, Phil Lester, feels like the kind of recognition he's been working towards for years and Dan doesn't know how to handle it.

Dan's a sex toy blogger, Phil's a nearly-retired porn star. They fall in love, eventually.

The Clock Keeps Ticking (ao3) - tellsfromhale

Summary: Dan has spent over a decade growing comfortable with himself. Finally, he can live his truth, and he can do it with Phil at his side. For the first time, he's excited about what the future holds.

Then, one day, he finds himself suddenly back inside his childhood bedroom a decade in the past, and getting to that future with Phil becomes a lot more difficult.

Two Man Team (ao3) - Nefertiti1052 (Succubusphan)

Summary: This is the story of two struggling friends who after many trials and tribulations find their way back to each other and build the life they've always dreamed of.

Or how Phil changed his life by talking to random strangers on the internet.

Undercover (ao3) - phansauce97

Summary: After recovering from tragedy, Phil does his best to get back on his feet. He still had his mom, his brother, his friends, and a good future to look forward to. So, continuing to put one foot in front of the other, he pushes on.

Things turn upside down though when a new student arrives at school one day; tall, mysterious, and wearing all black.

"Dan Howell," or Agent Ten, as he's known, is a master assassin and secret agent. His mission? Go undercover to befriend, study, and ultimately - kill Phil Lester.

Yet despite his best efforts, this mission ends up being much more challenging than Dan would have previously expected, especially when he begins to fall hopelessly in love with his target.

You’re my new dream (ao3) - danniepanic

Summary: phan but based on tangled. Phil is the lost prince and Dan is the thief. it will not be 100% tangled for example Phil does not have magic long hair, but powers! not everything will be based on tangled, just the story itself is inspired by it.

[daydreamsandafternoonteafics]

You Know I'm Always Coming Back To This Place

Hi, hello, hey- I don't even know where to begin because I never genuinely thought I'd be back here.

Some of you may know me as CrumpetsAndTea or Daydreamsandafternoontea or maybe you don't remember any of my handles and just vaguely remember my stories: Let's Pretend It's Love, the quirky, fake-dating AU featuring a mildly-misanthropic cat and Netflix loving MC who convinces Harry to be her fake boyfriend in preparation for her sister's wedding or Crossroads, the angsty, pregnancy AU that centers around the misunderstood and isolated catering company-owning MC's tumultuous marriage to an emotionally unavailable, workaholic Harry with an unexpected pregnancy as the last possible lifeline for their union.

If any of that rings a bell to you, you've probably noticed my fics dropped off the face of this website, along with my blog and really most of the original Tumblr 1D fanfic community, which reached its peak somewhere between 2015 and 2019.

Writing has always been a passion of mine and something I've loved to do since I was nine years old. Fanfic gave me an outlet to create my own little impossible worlds where my teenage obsession was the star. Little daydreams I kept hidden in my thoughts could be brought to life in this virtual space and to say that it changed my life would be an understatement. Looking back at it all now, it's crazy to think what a major part 1D fanfiction played in shaping the brain chemistry of a certain age group. You really just had to be there for it all.

If we're being totally honest, I started writing 1D fanfic a bit late. The band was already on the decline and near hiatus by the time my fics gained any traction but our community here on Tumblr still managed to ride the rollercoaster out well beyond its peak.

You may wonder why I deleted my original blog and fics, and the answer is fairly short and simple but also completely complicated: life. I juggled finishing college and a major chronic illness along with the dreaded existential confusion of adult life while crafting these stories and then of course the major fandom burnout crept up.

Those joyful carefree days with unlimited free time to write were replaced with stress and sickness and I'd forgotten what it was like to be passionate about something. Dealing with the separation of 1D as a group and the boys' subsequent solo careers was also a somewhat difficult concept to grasp. I am glad that they have/had the freedom to pursue music they are most passionate about but there was a ton of toxicity that arose with the division of acts.

The "family" that I once thought of the 1D fandom as was now a mess of divided houses with a particular group putting down the other boys to uplift one as the most superior. I've always been a Harry girl by nature. He was the boy in the group that stood out the most to me. I fell for his gorgeous green eyes, adorable dimples, and offbeat sense of humor. The songs he put his pen to spoke to me the most(even without knowing he wrote them), His raspy baritone was one of the most unique voices I'd ever heard and we shared a love of the same type of music.

Being a just Harry girl felt right. Until it didn't.

I found myself feeling very uncomfortable amongst this new group of "harries" that was emerging with the debut of his solo career. This group consisted of some of us OG 1D stans who were crazy about Harry from the start but the loudest voices were those who never cared about 1D at all and used Harry's success to insult and talk down on the other boys.

Some will probably say I'm being nit-picky or overly sensitive but the vitrol coming from harries was awful. As a Black POC fan, I especially found myself feeling uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe reading some of the racist remarks made about Zayn or the white fans who called black harries "annoying" and "whinny" for attempting to get H to aknowledge the BLM movement.

All of this never really gave me the opportunity to adjust to or even enjoy Harry's solo roll out and I found myself even looking at him funny for the way that his fans were acting. (Not that his fans are a reflection of Harry but a toxic fandom can certainly turn a fan or casual listener off with no wrong doing on the actually artist's part). Interacting with the fandom wasn't fun anymore, it was anxiety inducing and left me feeling awful everytime.

I got seriously ill right before the release of Fine Line and exhausted with everything, I decided to pull the plug on all Harry-related fandom. I couldn't even bring myself to write fics anymore. It was quite the adjustment but I've found that not religiously keeping up with him and the fandom has been better for my mental health. Maybe the Harry fandom has changed(I seriously hope it has) but that unfortunately was my experience.

So why am I back? Well, I think we all know the answer.

Trying to process Liam's death has been difficul and surreal. I don't think any celebrity death has or will ever affect me in this way. There's been a bunch of incredibly insensitive think pieces about his passing and how fans are processing everything. Surely I didn't know Liam personally but having lost a brother at a very young age, I do have a perspecivtive of the pain his family is feeling at the moment which adds a different level to the grief I feel as a fan. However, I think what hits me the hardest is now having all the warm, fuzzy memories of enjoying 1D will now be bittersweet and soiled with the reality that Liam is no longer with us.

There's so much that's been lost here: a son, father, brother, boyfriend, friend bandmate ect and also the fact that 1D will never exist as a full unit anymore. There's the loss of my youth, knowing I'm ten years older than the 18 year old girl who swore I would never get over those five boys.

It's a bittersweet reality to realzie that dispite adult life jading my optimisim, One Direction was never too far from my heart and mind. I still feel the imense joy listening to their music or watching their interviews I felt all those years ago. I still feel that magical spark when reminising about my years stanning the band and the inner teenager in me wants to hold onto every bit I can.

I'm sure I'm not the only 1D stan in that place right now so I decided to bring back my fics for all who enjoyed them. With the recent events and nostalgia, I also find myself coming up with new ideas but I can't promise any active fic writing at the moment. I just don't think I have the time. I will however pick "Crossroads" back up. I think that was some of my best writing and I still thought about that fic years after abandoning it.

I think there's still time for me to fall back in love with Harry but for now, I'll mostly be preserving this space for the nostalgia of 1D. If any of you were writers from this era of 1D fanfic or read some of my fics, I do hope you'll stop by and say hello. I'd love to catch up with some of you all and see how you're doing.

[jacksonscouts]

A TLOU rec-list from the Jackson Scouts!

We've got a buffet of fics to choose from: Try some fluffy cakes, angsty cookies, and beautifully-crafted pies!

Take a slice of our homemade self-recs!

looking for the light - 700 words, Starting with the smallest, this is a beautifully written fic about Joel taking care of baby Sarah. It's very slice-of-life🍰 By: @sixhours Not Strong Enough (WIP) - 4k words, Ellie has avoided returning to Jackson until she hears that Tommy's dying. This has a Dellie exes-to-lovers plotline!! By: @auburnstargazer Sierra Nevada (WIP) - 11k words, Ellie and Abby cross paths again and put aside their differences to take care of Lev. You could cut the tension with a knife! By: @punkassfrance

There’s No Road That Will Lead Us Back - 20k words, A Tess Lives AU where Ellie and Joel are savage as hell to each other on the road to Wyoming. By: @adhdprincess Skin (TW: referenced rape/noncon)- 40k words, Ellie and Joel meet at Silver Lake instead of Boston. This story was an absolute emotional rollercoaster with the most satisfying ending!! By: @paigegonerogue Dark Shades of Innocence Lost (Explicit, Minors DNI) - 56k words, You meet Joel Miller, the owner of Club Inferno, and he hits on you with a southern drawl so heavy, it makes you fold in minutes. By: @mermaidgirl30 Blood runs thicker than water (WIP) - 230k words, Joel and Tess get Ellie when she’s a baby and raise her themselves. Joel is so in character that I have to remind myself he didn’t write this. By: @roselees

Taste these homemade cookies from friends!

mend - 800 words, A short, sweet fic about Ellie working up the courage to come out to Joel. This is told in a Joel x Reader format from Joel’s POV. By: @goodwithcheese, rec'd by @sixhours spots of bother - 8k words, In Jackson, Ellie gets chicken pox, and infects Joel and Tommy. We love a classic sick fic! By: noah_swan, rec'd by @roselees strange highs and strange lows (WIP) - 11k words, Joel gets Infected. Luckily for him, Ellie's immunity is more easily shared than first thought. By: @consultingzoologist, rec'd by @roselees The girl in the grit - 20k words, Joel meets Ellie several years early while working at the FEDRA orphanage. “feels like a love letter to canon with its own original twist.” - roselees By: @boopernatural , rec'd by @roselees Wasteland, Baby! (WIP) - 44k words, An Ellie x Reader fic that takes place post-TLOU2 where you and Ellie learn to heal from each other. “it’s imperative that people read it’s life changing” - ellstronaut By: @cherriesxinthespring , rec'd by @ellstronaut The Stars Incline Us (WIP) - 240k words, A poetic long fic that starts with Ellie and Joel settling in Jackson and develops into a thought-provoking conflict where Ellie has to protect Jackson. By: @wordspinning , rec'd by @adhdprincess

If you read a story and enjoy, consider leaving a comment! Writers love encouraging comments, even if it's just a heart emoji ❤️.

This rec-list is here to uplift the wonderful writing community in this fandom. Please share this around to show support for writers!

Thanks to @saradika-graphics for the divider!

[willow-lark]

10 MORE byler fic recs!!!

with the discussion going on in our fandom lately, i wanted to try and uplift some really good fics i've read recently! pls check them out and show the works and authors some love 💕💕 (also thank you to the wonderful @andiwriteordie for motivating me to make another one of these. check out all of her fics along with these ones! :D) (also, my other rec lists: x x x)

we'd be great together by makeit_pink (T, 1/1, 2.6k) - mike and will are having their weekly movie night when they end up sharing a kiss. short and sweet. so, so cute and full of fluff!!

The Manuscript by @whereyouare13 (T, 2/10, 10k+, ongoing) - it's 1997. will byers is a popular sci-fi author, but his editor has rejected his latest romance book. things only get more complicated when mike wheeler re-enters his life. i am a SUCKER for reunion fics and i love will's relationship with robin in this one!! i CANNOT wait to see what happens next.

let the stars fall by @etchedstars (T, 1/1, 3k) - the world is ending. mike and will share a moment. oh??? my gosh??? i literally have not stopped thinking about this one since i read it. legitimately haunting. beautiful prose. mwah.

don't you know the truth (that i'm so in love with you) by mikeslawyer (G, 1/1, 14k) - soulmate aus my beloved. this one is SO GOOD!!! top tier angst right here. and the ending??? the ending??? my HEART. i'm sorry i'm not more eloquent but asdfgjkljk

i'll be watching you. by @beanieblogs (G, 7/?, 12k, ongoing) - in autumn 1983, hawkins national laboratory kidnaps will byers. he and el then escape together. HELLO??? THE concept of ALL TIME. it's more about the willel sibling bonding than byler so far but you should read it anyway. gosh. this is great.

7. träumerei by @tenderforgs (G, 1/1, 3.5k) - a beautifully done character study of will byers. i'm really obsessed with the prose & description in this one. just stunning!!

the body is a blade by @tenderforgs (T, 1/1, 1.6k) - GOD just kill me now will all of these beautiful will character studies???? augh. i want this fic tattooed on me. literally weeping.

Every eye trained on a different star by @ohfallingdisco (G, 1/1, 2.9k) - will comes out to bob. everything i never knew i needed. i miss bob every single day. this is so so good!! it really made me tear up.

stars by the pocketful by @thesapphicbard (T, 1/1, 1.1k) - will and mike share a sweet moment. THEY ARE SO IN LOVE!!! completely adorable. this is the kind of fic that i need to have 5 other apps open to read bc every line is so squee-inducing. i love it sm.

Mike Wheeler's Guide to Being a Supportive Friend by @mike-wheeler-ik-what-you-are (T, 1/1, 1.1k) - a guide to supporting your best friend when he comes out to you. god i love fics like this!! i'm never not down for a good delve into mike wheeler's brain. lighthearted and really funny!!

[fuckyesfeysand]

Creator Highlight #5 - @rosanna-writer

Welcome back to Feysand Creator Highlights!! We want to take a moment to recognize the amazing individuals in our fandom who kindly use up so much of their freetime and creative energy to share their work with us!

Today we want to highlight @rosanna-writer! If you've ever wanted to follow a feysand creator who was kind, uplifting of others, positively engaged in the acotar fandom, and absolutely brimming with talent, then you really need to look no further!!

Rosanna-writer has had an incredible influence of the feysand community. You'll always find her leaving encouraging words on fics, bouncing ideas off with other creators in the tags, and willing to ask the important questions like, what if Rhys was a goat?

This creator truly understands what it means to be part of a community, and we are grateful that this is the one she's chosen to share her beautiful writing with. It was hard to just pick a few, but here are some of our favorite feysand fics she's shared with us:

to make them love me and make it seem effortless - When the High Lord of the Spring Court whisks her off to Prythian, it's exactly what Feyre Archeron wants. Her plan: let Tamlin romance her to break the curse and use her proximity to him to pass military secrets back to the mortals. And it works—until a certain other High Lord tries to steal documents she's after.

The Dust of the Stars in Her Eyes - Feyre Archeron didn't want a prince, just a night off and a dress. But when the mating bond snaps for Rhysand at the ball where his father is pressuring him to choose a wife, he'll do anything to keep Feyre close—even convince her to fake an engagement to him.

we said hello and your eyes look like coming home - A canon-divergent AU where the bond snaps for Rhys on Calanmai, Feyre unwittingly accepts it, and Fire Night magic proves to be more transformative than anyone bargained for. Feyre drags a mate she hardly knows out from Under the Mountain, then puts him back together as war with Hybern approaches.

You can also find more on her AO3!

[donkey-hyuck]

UNDERSTAND:: jjh

idol!au | uni student!reader | strangers-2-lovers!au | fluff

“maybe we could try it if you let me

take you by the hand

you’re the only one who understands” - keshi

TW: food | profanity | lowercase letters

————

~ the night had shimmied it’s way to cover the now dark sky. you and your friends were out at some seven-eleven down the suburban street, taking a break from studying and watching all of the boys play their late night games on the court.

your friends’ lover had invited the two of you to watch him and his teammates play for a bit before going back to stuff your brain of information that may or may not pique your interest.

the two of you had now been sitting on one of the old beat-up benches with your ice cream slowly melting due to the humidity of the hot summer air.

all of the boys were goofing off and constantly teasing each other and their laughs (as well as you and your friends’) echoed through the open air. however the laughing came to a brief hault when a group of about four men asked to join a game. to which the boys boisterously agreed.

the game was neck and neck. not that you were keeping count, your friend was actually doing it for them but you knew they were tied. you could feel it. and by the time someone had finally scored a point (it was a three pointer by the group of four men), everyone was wiping their sweat and congratulating them with ‘good game.’

the group of men had left their belongings on the bench the two of you were sitting on. they were all handsome, that was for sure. even in their sweaty glory. and you hadn’t realized you were staring until you felt a slight puncture in your ribs from your friend.

“hi,” said the first, who appeared to have dimples painting his already beautiful face. the man had told his friends that he would catch up with them later as he turned back to you with his undivided attention.

“hi,” you awkwardly smiled back, looking at your friend who told you she was going with the boys.

the night long carried on, and the summer night breeze felt just perfect in a moment like this. you had learned the man’s name was yoon-oh (he prefaced that he preferred jaehyun, though.)

the conversation which the two of you were having was completely and utterly random. laughs and little bits of teasing were shared, and you don’t know if it’s because of the summer air or because you had been locked up in your dorm for the past couple of days studying for your finals, but something flickered. maybe not physically but emotionally, something was there and you knew you both felt it.

unfortunately all good things must come to an end. when jaehyun had received a phone call from his manager did your encounter finally come to an end.

“oh my god, it’s already one in the morning!” he laughed, “have we really been talking for that long?”

you took out your phone from your back pocket to confirm the time. and it was almost two in the morning. you both laughed out loud, too shocked that you got carried away in your conversation that really was not important. but it was important to you, and you hoped he felt the same way.

“when can i see you again?” he asked, pupils dilated as he took in everything he could of you.

“any time you want, really,” you replied, as he took your phone out of your hand and put his number in your contacts list.

“i’ll call you,” you nodded at his words as he walks further and further away. you can feel the freedom walking away with him.

—

every encounter with yoon-oh has been an absolute dream. he makes you feel like you again. he makes you feel free and he makes you feel incredibly happy. and he can say the same thing about you. everyone, even the makeup artists, can tell that his mood had just been uplifted. although they, of course, don’t know the reason behind it. they also don’t know that the reason is a person— you— rather than an item.

and you remember the exact moment.

he held you close, under the stars as the condensation escapes your noses. and this moment feels different. it feels raw. you’re facing him now, and he can see all the stars reflecting in your gorgeous eyes. he laughs, looking at the ground, not believing that he’s doing this now.

“what’s wrong?” you chuckle, gaining his attention back.

“i thought i’d be too scared to ever tell you this. and to be honest, i’m still shitting my pants right now. you make me feel nervous and calm all at the same time.”

you’re confused on where he’s going with this. he’s a great friend, but friends don’t hang out the way you two do, do they? friends don’t look at each other the way you two do.

he lets out a sigh before taking a step closer and shoving his sweaty hands in his coat pocket. “i cant believe i’m doing this,” he mutters underneath his breath, although you can hear him and it makes you laugh.

“doing what?” your nose scrunches, as you observe his stance. oh no, are things going to get awkward now?

“i like you… like- a lot,” he pauses, “… and maybe- if you want- i’d like it if we tried. if we can be together because that’s all i want and i know that’s all you want. our friendship was brief, i know- and it might be even shorter after me saying this to you- but none of it matters. even if you and i aren’t meant to be, i was eternally grateful to have met you… i still am, and i think i forever will be.”

your smile lights up with every word that escapes the beautiful man’s lips. he has so much to say and you think he still has more. although you know the answer to his upcoming question.

“you understand me. in ways i never even thought of. you’ve helped me escape my shell and you’ve helped me when i never even knew i needed help. our time had been short, yet i still long to be with you for as long as you’ll have me. you understand me and my feelings, and my heart, and my soul with every fiber in your being and i don’t know how much more i can handle. please, i want to create more memories with you. but i want to create them as a couple. [y/n], will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?”

jaehyun has truly never talked as much as he did that night. and you enjoyed every moment of it. with the whistling of the winter wind, the hot air escaping his lips, and the thumping sound of your heart, you knew the answer. you knew the answer when you first met, as if you knew this was going to happen.

jaehyun feels as though he was going to cry. he had never had a moment like this happen to him ever. his feelings were just too overwhelming and he didn’t no how much longer he could last. he’s looking down at the ground once more, and he hears you step closer to him. you cup the side of his face to finally catch a glimpse of him. and in that moment, he never realized how undeniably in love with you he was. every stare, every touch, and every word has meanings he will never understand. his feelings are overwhelmed in that moment. he remembers.

and it’s in that moment that he will cherish you, your relationship, and the late winter nights as you close the gap you oh-so needed to close.

you had both understood everything the other person wanted and words didn’t even have to be exchanged.

you had understood the underlying feelings you had stowed away from the man since you first met.

jaehyun understood the true meaning of life, because he now had you.

[millidew]

I posted art of my actor au YEARSSSS ago but I never expanded on it. I believe the best actor aus retain the themes of the media, just dialed back. in this case it’d be parasocial relationships and believing people’s masks:

Danganronpa began as a video game to TV adaptation but grew into reality TV once they ran out of games

It’s still massively popular and basically inescapable, the month before a season airs you CANNOT escape the ads

But even more inescapable are the ads promoting joining that start practically the moment a season ends, BECAUSE:

The characters are based heavily on the actors themselves, even taking their names. Being associated with such a popular franchise known for uplifting smaller actors into big, memorable roles, it’s of course imperative that any up and coming actor apply!!!!

However, writers also use other aspects of the actors: hobbies, friends, family, insecurities… all written into a consumable fictional character, one that the public will likely always associate with that actor. This is the ‘DR model’: exchanging parts of yourself for near instant success

This blurs the line between fiction and reality, and makes fans assume they know that actor through their DR character

For characters like Korekiyo and Angie… this isn’t a really good deal

Actors have a history of method acting, encouraged for authenticity, further blurring that line. There’s either a lot of tension or camaraderie between casts

They’re expected to live and breathe this caricature of themselves, one that audiences see as a peek into the ‘real them,’ affecting their future projects

Indeed, a lot of actors are later typecasted as their DR character

That doesn’t mean they all have been though! I think first chapter victims and killers are usually pretty ok since they pretty much show up for cameos. I think Kaede is a famous pianist irl and was one of the least affected by the DR model despite being a protagonist

there is a thriving rpf community that sees DR as a godsend

writers that double as actors are uncommon but not unheard of, they usually stay in the background so to not outshine the other characters. tsumugi has had some minor roles, and even more roles as an extra. s53 might be a cry for help tbh

s53 was a HUGE campaign. DR had been steadily losing interest (and money) over the years, but tsumugi managed to revitalize it. the only problem is in order for her season to stick to its themes… they’ll have it hold off on another season. maybe an all stars one day? either way, during the final trial, you really couldn’t escape the projections of shuichi, maki, and himiko blasted all over japan

[viscanpikamine]

Intro post!!

My name is Arcade but most people call me Pikamine!!

I use all pronouns, I’m queer and non binary

I’m 20 years old and unashamedly gen z <3

I’m autistic! I struggle with social interaction so be nice ^-^

I speak French and English (I struggle sometimes with English oop).

My main interests are Star Wars (especially Republic Commando), Fallout (especially Old World Blues and the Enclave), Saint Seiya and TTRPGs (Pathfinder player mostly but I play multiple systems!)

I draw! At least I try to when my mental health allows me to 😒

I love being cringe, I love people being cringe, cringe is very much alive and it’s fueling me <3

Live and let live, you are free to ship or think what you want but I’m also free to block you if I don’t like your content (or you lol)

Same goes the other way around, please block me if you don’t like what I post, I don’t care for drama!!

Repcomm specific :

Delta Squad’s n°1 fanboy, I love my boys they did nothing wrong ever in my life!!

I don’t hate any Repcomm characters. Etain defender for life, same for Kal Skirata, Walon Vau and any debated character. Get behind me guys

Pro Jedi and pro True Mandalorians

Not a big fan of the Disney era but I refuse to post and focus on hating it. I’ll always uplift the content I enjoy more than bash the one I don’t!

Currently working on a silly Repcomm College AU with @sugaarquoted so you’ll see some of that mess over here

I also post about my OCs sometimes!

I’ll organize this post better over time so expect it to change (I’ve never made an intro post could you tell)

Welcome to my blog!! <3

[crepesuzette2023]

Your account is honestly such a blessing. I’ve found so many good Mclennon fics because of you it’s actually insane. Now for my ask, what are some good AU Mclennon fics ?

Thank you for asking! I already listed a few AU stories in my overall faves post, e.g., under J/P without the Beatles—but I didn't really focus on fully realized, different-time-different-place-different-everything-AU stories. Here are a few I loved:

in our house we never get bored (@backbenttulips): The Beatles live in a polyamorous marriage à la sedoretu (Ursula LeGuin). Enchanting and enchanted. Soothing.

a great threat (@pauls1967moustache). Yoko is a woman and an artist, and so is Paul. Theirs is the superior battle for John Lennon's apple. A battle for each other, really. I can't overstate how much this works for me. They compete for fame and artistic collaboration, not for anyone's half-hard dick. This feels like the real Paul/Yoko dynamic in many ways.

@saint-mona: You Gave Me the Word. 1958. John is troubled after his mother's death, and befriends Paul, a bookstore owner who shares a past with Julia. Paul and John become friends—and more? Sensual and tender. Younger John & older Paul are good for each other.

snugglesweaters: You Might As Well Arsk: Hilarious, uplifting, and profound epistolary/email modern AU, with excellent (written) supporting turns by Ivan and George. It does take a fucking village.

@dailyhowl: Sleeping Sand, Morning Moon : On the other end of the tonal spectrum, this is a long, dreamy and wintery novella about grieving London playwright Paul and Scottish village eccentric John, and their long, slow way to each other. Set in 1966. Contains a surprising core of Paul & Brian, and very interesting memories of Paul/Ian.

Only a Northern Song (@stonedlennon): 1963, Liverpool: Paul works in a record store (yes, for Mr. Brian), and John is a dock worker and poet. They find each other. A long, long time after reading this, I can still 'hear' the two of them talking to each other.

Thank you @javelinbk for pointing me to and why the sea is boiling hot (madamboogie)—a reincarnation fic set starting in the late 90's. I'm only a few chapters in, but it's interesting and different!

Speaking of: @javelinbk also wrote many great AU's: John and Paul as the two nice men at the flowershop (Double Fantasy), Paul as wealthy business man, and reluctant #1 son, with John as his hot mess driver (The Life of Riley), John and Paul as stepbrothers after Jim gets married to Mimi (Brother Dearest with the follow-up I love even more, because it's melancholy and romantic and complicated, and it has Mike McCartney: Father and Son)—but a recent favorite is Our Version of Events, in which John Lennon is introduced to Beatles fan fiction by May Pang, and has questions for Paul. Set in '71. I love how this one is both an ode to fan fiction and a damn good story (with a non-tropey ending).

I also enjoyed many AU stories by @unchaineddaisychain. For instance: You've Got to Pick Up Every Stitch (Halloween! Modern AU, Paul is John's boyfriend for the night to stick it to John's ex, very sweet morning after), We are Stardust (Brit Paul and NYer John meet at Woodstock in '69, and it's so fucking romantic), and These Nights (modern AU, slightly jaded rock journalist John unexpectedly spends a night with rising pop star Paul. Cold shower, please!)

[f1crecs]

Fic Rec List - Charles/Sebastian

you might also enjoy : soulmates AUs (part one)

if your fic is on this list and you don’t want it to be, please let me know and I will remove it immediately, no questions asked. I have contacted most of the authors on this list, but sometimes people fall through the gaps - just pop me a message🤍

have a pairing you want me to do next? please read the faqs and then head to my inbox.

don’t forget to give the authors featured on this list some love in the form of kudos, bookmarks, and comments!

there is something so compelling about these two. there will certainly be a part two for this - the talent in the Charles/Sebastian fandom is immense!

if you are interested in Charles and Sebastian but aren't sure where to start, I also recommend you read this primer, created by @effervescentdragon. it is fab ❤️

apologies to the authors on this list, some of whom i asked for consent to create this list over four months ago. i don't know why this one took me so long. 🤭

rouge et blanc by @melancholiepeufiable | G | 2.5k Charles calls Sebastian after a difficult race. This author has such a beautiful writing style. This is so achingly sweet, and a welcome tonic after some of the races of late. One thing that I really love about this author's writing is their dialogue - it flows so beautifully, so naturally, with so much emotion, even 'over the phone', and it is such a pleasure to read.

'Some would’ve called him a shadow of his old self, yet Charles didn’t see it that way. Sebastian was simply a man coming into his own body, settling into the skin and bones that made him who he was, no longer needing to hide behind the fierce nature that once declared him a ‘cut-throat, selfish bastard’.'

just a drive into the dark stretch by mcreary | T | 3.2k Charles leaves home, and is picked up by a stranger. I loved this story so much. There is a tension throughout, helped along by the author giving us only just enough information - there's a lot here that we, the reader, need to fill in, and it makes for a gripping reading experience! The dynamic here is also very fun - Sebastian is very flirtatious and cheeky, and Charles is seeking adrenaline, and together they make a suitably unhinged pair. Loved this!

'Charles shivers, hairs on his arm standing up. His gut says run, his brain says run, his heart says stay, the adrenaline pumping through his system with every beat.'

nsfw: we’ll start by holding hands by @sebchal | G | 5k Post-retirement, Seb invites Charles to go ice-skating. This is such a sweet story! Their dynamic here is so much fun - there's a lot of hesitance here, and a fun lack of communication, that builds and builds the tension. The author writes emotions so well - it is so fun to read!

'Sebastian was a patient man, so he waited until Charles opened his eyes again. Seeing devotion amidst the embarrassment in his gaze was more than enough proof for Sebastian'

In your car, I'm a star (and I'm burnin’ through you) by @hungriestheidi | M | 5.1k Charles and Sebastian talk, post-Seb's-retirement. This story is hauntingly beautiful. It is bittersweet, in the kind of way that clutches at your heart and squeezes tight, but not too hard that you don't still leave feeling hopeful and uplifted. The author's writing style is almost lyrical in its flow and beauty. Stunning.

'On the Saturday that follows, they sit in the garden to watch the sunrise. They must have gotten no more than five hours of sleep and they are sharing a blanket as they lay on the damp grass, the olive tree by their side like a silent third party looking for the sun.'

nsfw: act of god by @melancholiepeufiable | E | 15.4k Charles is Sebastian's biggest fan and lucky charm - things take a dark turn. This fic is very different to the other story that I rec'ed above from the same author. It is beautifully written, with a very clever narrative structure that unfolds over time. The use of imagery here is stunning, particularly the religious imagery. The Charles and Sebastian dynamic is absolutely perfect - the push and pull of it all captured so well, despite uneven power dynamics. I adored this one.

'A certain earnestness came from him, like he sought out to please instinctively rather than by choice. Although it could be argued that he chose to revel in that instinct. The sharp focus of his eyes were a dead giveaway that the latter might’ve been true. He was attentive, similar to what Seb saw from his competitors, always aware of what was happening around him.'

He Is All, And He Is More by @effervescentdragon | M | 15.4k Charles and Sebastian keep meeting on the battlefield. This is a stunning Old Guard AU which changed my life a little bit. The story is absolutely gut-wrenching - the contrast of violence and death with the relationship that is slowly blossoming between them is gorgeous. The reverence and adoration here is stunning. I loved every second of this.

'His smile feels like sunshine. His face looks like a holy painting. His name sounds like benediction.'

time and again by @badboy-george | M | 16.1k Charles and Sebastian reconnect following Charles' retirement. This author is absolutely fantastic in so many ways, and one of my favourite things about their writing is the amount of detail they weave into their stories - their fics are always so rich and so well thought out, and it is such a pleasure to read. This fic is beautiful, almost poetic, and I come back to it often.

'He wonders how others who came and went before him could find the right words to say at this moment. How they had found the courage to smile and sing and reaffirm their love for a sport—a family, a home—they must now say goodbye to.'

nsfw: evergreen by @piastriachios | E | 18.2k Sebastian and Charles enter a marriage of convenience. This is perhaps my favourite Charles and Sebastian fic - the dynamics here are perfect, some of my favourite characterisations in the whole fandom. I feel like I'm becoming repetitive, but it has to be said again - this author's use of colour is absolutely stunning, and adds so much to the story. A beautiful writing style.

'It feels strange. To construct an image of a man through the images he himself had deconstructed, to take an already made collage and rearrange the pieces, into a picture of his own. He lets out a deep breath, and goes over to the stack of his boxes still sitting by the door. Wonders where he’ll even get started, how he can fit his sharp edges and clunky shapes into Sebastian’s already-made picture.'

nsfw: Romance by the Fractures by @hungriestheidi | E | 43.6k The mountains and valleys of Charles and Sebastian's marriage. This author is so fantastic at writing intimacy, domesticity, and the complex tapestry of relationship. This story is achingly heartbreaking, but absolutely worth every second of turmoil, as it is just so beautifully written. It's like poetry. Just beautiful.

'It’s a sonnet of dissonant poets, of instruments that perpetually are out of sync, of singers who miss the cue and argue over papers while the crowd stares, wildeyed, baffled, how the actors of their favourite play cannot get along, not even for the sake of the spectacle, for the façade of happiness they should be wearing when they visit a place that is so dear to them, first holiday together, honeymoon of endless sunsets.'