#i am just reminded of how many good fics there are on that site

[turtletaubwrites]

Turtletaub Fic Recs ~ Part 1

This is but a small sample of the incredible One Piece fics, headcanons, and drabbles that I've read on this lovely site, so I will be adding many more lists going forward! Please enjoy, and spread the love to these writers that have given me all sorts of feels 🥰 I've dug through my list, so some of these are recent, and some are from a while ago, but they all deserve a read. Enjoy!

Ace

Starvation by @wallachianblood ~ ANGST!! Only read this one if you want to hurt inside. Which is why I highly recommend! It tackles grief in such an interesting and uncomfortable way, and it's been stuck in my brain. (Please check the warnings, there's intense grief, angst, discussion death and of cannibalism in reference to romantic love and pain.)

Benn Beckman

When You Had The Chance by @fanaticsnail ~ The longing! The yearning! The "oof, why is this old man so hot?!" 🥵 Beautifully written as always, and now I have ANOTHER One Piece crush 😅

Buggy

@hey-august keeps giving us delicious lil Buggy bits that I can't get enough of! Have a taste: Breakfast, Whimpers

A Favor for the Captain ~ MORE Buggy from @hey-august that is just so stinkin' cute + hot! This two part fic is so well written, and I just adore when pathetic Buggy gets the love! 🤡💜

Corazon

A Reward From Cora by @leakyweep ~ STILL thinking about this. Short but sweet, and my Corazon, my heart, is now occupying my brain in a very different way. I would appreciate some more quiet time please 🥰

Eustass Kid

Kid by @kaizokuniichan ~ Hi, yes, this is so good! This is the fic that finally flipped me over into Kid territory. Now I'm scrambling, trying to figure out how to deal with a crush on this dumbass 🤦🏼‍♀️

Jinbe

Guiding Star by @discordantwritings ~ I didn't know I needed this, but I definitely did. Holy fuck, that fish man is sweet and 🥵🥵 Need me some more of this!

Mihawk

Little Game by @gingernut1314 ~ This is STUNNING. I'm late to the game, so I'm flipping stoked that I have more to read! The first chapter already killed me with how beautifully it's written, how rich the world/story is, and how interesting and lovely both Mihawk and the reader are!

Sanji

3, 2, 1 by @fanaticsnail ~ Ooh, this Sanji fic messed me up in the best way! I absolutely adored the flirty build up, the tension, the angst, and the lovely, smutty finale. Seriously, one of my fave Sanji fics, and you should give it a read!

Baby, It's Hot out Here by @lowkeycasanova ~ I LOVE perverted Sanji so much! Here's another short but sweet fic that carved a smutty little spot into my head. I bet Sanji would learn to make the tastiest popsicles just to enjoy the show 😏

I Can Teach You If You'd Like by @vinsmokc-sanji ~ Yeah, this is cute as fuck. Reminded me of working at restaurants, and having a crush on peeps that had no business being as hot as they were. SFW, and super cute, check it out!

Trafalgar Law (Can you tell I've been on a Law kick for a while?)

Pain Management by @thus-spoke-lo ~ I'm sorry, this fic still keeps me up at night. It has rooted itself into my skull, and I don't think it will ever leave. HIGHLY recommend. (Please check content warnings! This fic contains dubcon elements.)

Beset Fixation by @eelnoise ~ Yeah, Law with the feelings fucks me UP. This is so good, sexy, and emotional. 10/10

Therapist Law by @sanjisjuul ~ Um, hello?! This one has also stuck to my brain, and made me even more concerned for my mental health than I already was. Oh well 🤷🏼‍♀️ It's hot as fuck, highly recommend!

A New Routine, A New Man by @willowhaze26 ~ This is so satisfying, and so hot 🥵 One of the first Law fics I found, and I am grateful for this delightful work 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Hearts and Marks by @escenariosinfumables ~ This is one of the cutest fucking things I've ever read, and I need it to be canon.

Zoro

Rough by @kibblz-n-bitz ~ This is short, but filthy! Dirty talkin, dom Zoro is oh so 🥵

Ways That Zoro Wordlessly Says "I Love You" by @nina-ya ~ Such cute Zoro fluff, I adore him 😭💚 He's just a big sweetie!

| masterlist | about me | rules | ao3 | ko-fi |

#fic rec list #fic recs #turtletaub fic recs #one piece fanfic #one piece x reader #x reader #trafalgar law x reader #one piece smut #smut #trafalgar law smut #sanji x reader #fic masterlist #buggy smut #fem!reader #reader insert #one piece fics #mihawk x reader #jinbe x reader #zoro smut

[ai-luni]

nsfw hcs for merrick? i absolutely l o v e your writing, its so crisp i am literally crushing it up and snorting it like coke rn. also my boy is so underappreciated🥲

HE IS!! YES!! Merrick is so underappreciated. I need edits of him, I need fics of him. Genuinely his voice does things to me, I’m so obsessed with how scratchy his voice is. 

It’s actually embarrassing how much I listen to the ghost’s voice lines. @lylesx got me so addicted to Rorke’s voiceline video and I kid you not, it’s an experience. Now that’s what I snort like coke. 

And I’m so glad somebody asked because this has been plaguing my mind forever. Most childish gambino songs remind me of Rorke. Les, heartbeat, me and your mama, the redbone x bonfire mashup.

Thomas Merrick NSFW Headcanons

Now, let’s begin. 

Save a ghost, ride a cowboy. This man can be damn rowdy if you want him to be. 

He’s hot headed, loves a good bar, a good game of pool, like a true yeehaw blooded american. So if you get him to wear a cowboy hat, you’re really in for it. 

Merrick is steadily approaching his older years now and having been around the block a couple times now, I think he’d definitely prefer a partner who knows what they want. That doesn’t mean you have to be experienced, he's just a little over the shyness of it all now. The man does not beat around the bush, he wouldn’t be a commander today if he wasn’t assertive.

Merrick’s not opposed to one night stands but he’s also started to make jokes that he’s ‘over his prime’. Unless you completely took charge and played all of your cards correctly, I don’t think he’d take home a woman in their 20’s. 

The whole ‘innocent young girl’ act just wouldn’t work on him, period. He would love the idea of having a daughter one day, even if he had to do it as a single father. I’m certain you can find the correlation there yourself. 

(On a different note, Merrick as a father - to a daughter especially - is incredibly protective. He’ll scare off any potential date until they find one he likes, he’ll be proactive if anyone was making fun of them in class and the house has many security systems built in. Not to mention the fact he’s a petty officer, so if his child doesn't do their chores on any given day, they’ll never live it down).

Merrick’s favourite thing to this date is shower sex. Warm water, a hot woman and all the time in the world. What more could he ever ask for?

Seriously though, he’s been a SEAL since he was 17. The man has spent his entire life tossed between aircrafts, navy carriers, land bases and raid sites. The most luxurious thing to him is a long, hot shower. 

When he’s home alone, he’ll get himself off in the shower (also because it feels more private to him and it’s an easy clean up overall). Water running down his spine, palmed braised on the tiled wall. He’ll let his head hang forward, eyelids clamped. If an incredibly undignified noise wants to leave his mouth, then is the only time he’ll let it slip. 

However, he’ll have you in any position imaginable that could fit in that shower. His absolute favourite is having a shower with a glass door facing the mirror above the vanity. He’ll press your chest up to the glass and watch as you struggle to find a comfortable way to rest your head. Eventually he’ll give in and yank your wet hair back to your chin and sit against the glass, leaving your throat on complete display just for him. Then there's your ass slapping against him, your curved spine shiny and wet. It’s not the best position to get the most of him in you and you’ll likely cramp up quicker, but if you can handle it, it’s the quickest position to get Merrick to finish. 

Circling back to the daughter thing: man has a breeding kink. He’ll take any chance he can to ask if he can make you a mummy. 

There was one time you were riding him, holding his hands out by his head. The sight of you alone taking what you need from him was enough to keep him hard long after release but then you started to talk to him. Tease him the best way you know how. 

“You wanna be a father hmm? I’m gonna make you a father” He’ll groan like he was in pain and you’ll feel it, his dick deep inside you just as restless as his hands were. “What will your kids call you? Dad, daddy, papa?” 

When he’s out on a mission, if he’s not thinking about the view of you in the shower, it’s your voice in his ear getting him off. And when you’re with him, then wrap your arms around his neck, let your hands roam his chest and whisper in his ear for only him to hear about how good of a father he’s going to be. He will follow you around like a lost puppy. 

You did it to him around the ghosts once and they kicked up a storm. What nasty, dirty thing could you have possibly said to make him completely melt in your hand like that. 

If it’s not a “mummy” kind of day, he’ll say “yes ma’am.” In or outside the bedroom, he’ll say “yes ma’am” and absolutely loves it when you run the show. He’s also an avid user of “that’s my woman” when you are doing something helpful or badass.

I don’t know about you but I am absolutely whipped for this man’s voice. He would be absolutely smitten if he found out what his voice did to you. Also another thing that should be talked about more here is that Merrick can speak spanish. 

So if you’re being cruel and teasing him, he’ll send it back ten fold (He’s a massive tease and would love a witty woman). He’ll whisper right back into your ear, telling you what he wants to do to you, how hot you look in that outfit and sprinkle in anything in Spanish, until you're a shameless, moaning mess in public. 

Merrick isn’t opposed to public sex depending on the situation. Mission are an absolute no and it’d be very unlikely he’d let go all the way when hiding out in a safe house. 

(If you were with the ghosts hiding at a safehouse, he’d honestly see it as a game of ‘who can last the longest’. Both of you so so stubborn that the game has only ever ended the lot of you going back into combat or with Rorke or even Elias saying they’ll clear the room just so he can fuck you already. The both of you get so tense and strict just because you’re holding out on each other and the others find it very. very. annoying). 

If you were at a bar or restaurant or cinema or even another ghost’s house, however, it’s fair game (granted you can actually find a spot you won’t get caught).

It all started in a movie once, only two other seats were filled out and both were on the other side of the room. You grabbed his hand, stuck it between your legs and started to grind against it. He may have given you the most unamused look but even when you finished, he wouldn’t let go of your pussy until the film was done. 

He can be quite loud in the bedroom. Most of the time, however, he’ll only grunt and groan. He’s gonna be really worked up or angry to get a yell out.

He finds the maintenance of his beard quite an intimate thing and as much as a middle aged man can, he gets quite giddy when you trim it for him. 

Having you sit on his lap in the bathroom with a comfortable silence. His hands instinctively roaming your back as you giggle. His smile makes it harder for you to be precise that eventually you hold his head still by the jaw. He wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off you as concentrated on getting this right for him. He didn’t seem to care as much as you did and just brought you into a kiss. 

Usually if things escalate like that, you’d have to finish trimming his beard later in the night. 

Like mentioned before, Merrick’s been a SEAL for all of his adult life. He’s been a ghost since his early 20’s and has become most of his identity. Seeing you in his ghost mask could then draw two responses out of him depending on how he’s feeling.

On some days, he’d hate to see you wear the mask, see you be associated with any of the violence that that mask has seen.

On other days and more commonly however, seeing you wear his mask does something to him. Seeing you let this mask that has become a symbol of him wrap your face, so willing to be one with him. He wouldn’t make love to you in it but it would definitely instigate the evening. 

Besides he’s always thought the mask looked cool and you looking hot in it only confirms it. And then if the mask continued to smell like your perfume, even for a few days afterwards, he would be the happiest man alive. 

#cod #call of duty #call of duty ghosts #thomas merrick #thomas merrick x reader #merrick #merrick x reader #thomas merrick x you

[rubyreduji]

Talk about your moots; what do you like most about them (could be a paragraph or a single sentence, spread the love!!)

IM FINALLY GETTING AROUDN TO DOING THIS OKAY FDSJAKL

its too long so it's under the cut :') i just have to much love ig

MIKA (@toruro)

my mika...ah...what do i even say about her. tbh i shouldn't say anything because if i talk about why i love mika then you guys will fall in love with her too but she's MINE. jk the real reason is bc if i talked abt how much i love her i will write a whole essay BUT here are few reasons why i love mika: we just click, like i can't even remember how we went from like having one conversation to suddenly talking all the time but i would not have it any other way i love listening to mika's 30 minute voice messages and like she just supports me so much not even in a writing aspect like i can just talk abt my problems and mika will be there for me. she's also SO TALENTED??? like i will always hold her to the highest praise bc she is perfect and amazing in my eyes forever ☆☆ things that remind me of mika: coffee dates, flower fields, pretty trinkets in antique shops

BRIE (@leejihoonownsmyheart)

one of the first moots i ever made and tbh the most important one, she was the only person on this site i talked to for like months and she basically held my hand through the first few months of this blog as i figured out what the fuck i was doing and she has never been anything other than supportive. brie literally is so nice to anyone she interacts with and she just has such a sweet presence, like i love whenever we talk even if it just for a few mintues like brie really is my big sister and i will forever be greatful for her xx ☆☆ things that remind me of brie: friendship bracelets, ice cream on a hot day, blurry candid photos

SAR (@cheolhub)

me and sar's interactions are super sporadic but always so funny and i love how unhinged sar can be like she will be feral over her men and i support that like we don't talk that that much (talk to me more sar djkfsal) but like i know that it will always be such a good time ☆☆ things that remind of me sar: stars (obvi), cool sunglasses, fun wall posters

SAVV (@savventeen)

I LOVE SAVV OH MY GOD i just love talking to him like the vibes are always so chill and like he lets me bounce ideas off of them and it's so nice because i have no clue what i'm doing every and also just his fics are like a giant warm hug and so is his personality ☆☆ things that remind me of savv: pillow forts, running a successful show (theatre kids unite), board game night with your best friends

ELV (@userelv)

I DON'T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND LIKE FDJKLDSLA elv is a caratblr legend in my mind like literally friends with everyone, writes the most insane amazing fics, and super unproblematic like i am blessed to be moots with her. i just love seeing her on my feed or in my activity it makes me all giddy and happy AND she tags me in snoopy content >>> taking her out on so many arbys dates fr ☆☆ things that remind me of elv: sunflowers, honey pots, fun photobooth photos

EM (@gyuswhore)

okay so em's whole energy is just the cutest thing every i can't explain it but like literally just makes me so happy whenever we interact like UGH WE SHOULK TALK MORE but also like i just feel like em is so funny i need more of her in my life and like her writing is just so feel good to me i love it so much (also soooo talented at drawing like wtf dfjklsa im obsessed) ☆☆ things that remind me of em: golden hour, late night baking, homemade jewelry

KAI (@lovelyhan)

you guys kai is just so cute and sweet and like fjdsaklf first off their blog theme is always so cute and well put together i love it and their writing???? HOLY SHIT I ASCEND EVERYTIME I READ SMTH FROM THEM but also just in general kai is so sweet and nice to talk to and like you can see that in the way they interact with people on their blog and just how everyone loves them so much (as they should) like i would love to talk to kai more just bc like i want all the good vibes they bring ☆☆ things that remind me of kai: cute novelty stamps, doodles in the margin of your notes, linking pinkies

SALEM (@hoeforcheol)

RAHHH FDSJKLSA so brie is basically the reason why salem and i are moots and its insane because like SALEM IS SO SWEET AND SUPPORTIVE??? we haven't talked in a hot second tbh but like i fr feel like i could talk to them abt anything whenever and wouldn't feel like a bother like it's just a safe feeling around salem i love being moots with her and talking to her and just everything ☆☆ things that remind me of salem: screaming to ur fav song in the car, silly inside jokes, exploring a new city with your best friend

#rru.answers #anonymous #rru.moots

[i-try-to-write-stuff]

Administrative Alliance Chapter 2

Badly written smut -

Please do not read this fic if this is not your cup of tea. You have been warned, by clicking on Keep Reading means you have understood the warning. I am not responsible for your content consumption.

18 + DubCon

Your life changed drastically in a few days. S.H.I.E.L.D. had busted your parents for illegal weapons. They were clearly framed, everybody knew your parents were sweet and harmless people, but that didn’t stop S.H.I.E.L.D. from arresting them. You weren’t even sure if S.H.I.E.L.D had the jurisdiction.

Nobody would help you bail them out. Nobody knew where they were being kept until one day, you got an envelope which had a letter with instructions to follow, and you followed them to the dot. You went to the airport and identified yourself to the staff. You were taken to a private jet waiting in a private hangar, which landed in New York Avengers Facility.

You were shocked when Tony Stark, the billionaire avenger, greeted you.

“Welcome, Miss Y/L/N”, he guided you towards a conference room in the Avengers facility.

You were scared to death. Why were Avengers involved in anything concerning your parents?

“You sent that unmarked letter?” you asked.

“It depends. Are you willing to do anything to get your parents out of jail?”

“Yes, Mr Stark”

“Well, then, it is a good thing. I might have an assignment for you.”

“Assignment…?”

“Yes, you see, the lives of Avengers are very stressful and while many find a way to channel that, one avenger, in particular, had never had it easy… So, we need you to help him.”

“Help…but how?” you were alarmed by Tony Stark’s tone.

“He needs a partner…you know to help him out.”

“Partner…? I am not even in any sort of law enforcement agency. How can I be a partner to an avenger???”

“Avengers need partners too, not just in the field but in life….”

“Are you proposing an arranged marriage in exchange for my parents' freedom? You conclude incredulously.

“Yes, I am… And given the situation, it should be an easy yes.” He replied nonchalantly.

“What if I say no..?”

“You won’t. I have read your file, and you come from a loving family, which means you love your parents way too much to let them rot away in S.H.I.E.L.D.’s black site, and only the Avengers have the powers to get the charges dismissed.” Tony reminded.

“So, you want me to marry and then what?”

“Get married, have kids, grow old…the usual stuff.”

“But why me?”

“Why not?” Tony questions, unwilling to disclose the crooked methods he employed to get first find you and then trap you into agreeing…

You remained silent. You had no other choice, S.H.I.E.L.D. was a shadow organisation, and they held enormous power. You wouldn’t be able to fight them.

-------

So here you were, face down on a table of some apartment. Your dress flipped, panties were torn and stuffed in his pocket, your nails trying to hold onto the wooden table for stability while a thick and large cock of a super soldier penetrates you from behind… His hands grope your hips, angling your pliant body towards his. You had already cum several times on his fingers, tongue, and cock, but Steve Rogers’ libido was relentless. He had fucked you in his car after the ceremony. He kept fucking you during the ride after putting his car in self-drive mode. He was mercilessly fucking your pussy, he had cum once or twice, filling your cunt up to the brim and more, but his hard cock never softened. Your cunt leaking with a mix of your release, your drenched folds leaking his seed, a sight that made him harder.

He ripped off your remaining clothes, tearing them like paper. Steve Rogers then carried you to the bedroom, your pussy stuffed with his cock and cum. He kept fucking you. He laid you on the bed and situated himself on top of you between your spread thighs.

“We need to christen our marital bed.”

Your cunt clenches around his cock, he grumbled. Steve bent to nip the side of your neck, his lips moving towards your breasts, his lips sucking your left breast, while his hand kneaded your right breast, playing with the nipple, while you grabbed the back of his head to anchor yourself to his body. His cock spears you while his mouth and hands feast on your body. Your cunt contracted around him, and you were lost in delirious pleasure once again, your pussy convulsing around him ferociously. After that, he had enough. Steve anchored one of your legs on his shoulder and the other on his waist, changing the angle and rutting into your oversensitive cunt. His thick, hard cock thrusting into your G-spot, his pubic bone grinding against your swollen clit.

“Fuck, take it, take all of it”, Rogers groans.

His hands gripping your waist, he pulled you towards him, your fingers digging into the bedsheet. The super-soldier kept pounding into your cunt, his cock leaking his seed inside your welcoming pussy. His rhythm faltered for the first time in his life, and he buried his cock into your pussy. Waves of pleasures crashed. He felt his balls tighten up, your cunt clutching his erection, his cock rocking inside you. He felt his pleasure build-up, his speed and his thrusts stutter. Your legs buckled on the bed due to fatigue, your thighs spread open for the super soldier to take you however he wanted.

And he came fiercely, his cock softened inside you, and globs of his cum trickled out of your folds. He pulled out of you reluctantly, his eyes feasting on his seed leaking out of your puffy folds. He gathered the leaked seed and pushed it inside you. You whimpered with oversensitivity.

Steve Rogers’ balls drained for the first time in his life. All his life Steve Rogers only experienced partial pleasure, even with his own fist. But your cunt had given him what he desired most, and he wasn’t going to stop, ever. And given the potency of his seed, you will be pregnant for a long, long time.

He gathered up and cleaned you up before joining you in the bed. Waiting for you to recharge before another session of the horizontal tango.

If you like it, kindly reblog.

#Steve Rogers x reader #Steve Rogers x Desi!reader #Steve Rogers x Black!reader #Steve Rogers x WOC!reader #Steve Rogers x Desi reader #Steve Rogers x Black reader #Steve Rogers x WOC reader #Steve Rogers x Y/N #Steve Rogers x You #Dark Steve Rogers x reader #Dark Steve Rogers x Desi!reader #Dark Steve Rogers x Black!reader #Dark Steve Rogers x WOC!reader #Dark Steve Rogers x Desi reader #Dark Steve Rogers x Black reader #Dark Steve Rogers x WOC reader #Dark Steve Rogers x Y/N #Dark Steve Rogers x You #Dark!Steve Rogers x reader #Dark!Steve Rogers x Desi!reader #Dark!Steve Rogers x Black!reader #Dark!Steve Rogers x WOC!reader #Dark!Steve Rogers x Desi reader #Dark!Steve Rogers x Black reader #Dark!Steve Rogers x WOC reader #Dark!Steve Rogers x Y/N #Dark!Steve Rogers x You #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x y/n #steve rogers x female reader

[veganthranduil]

20 questions for fic writers

Tagged by @fieryphrazes, whose answers I enjoyed reading so much!!

1. How many works do you have on A03?

102

2. What is your A03 word count?

1,017,012

Oops.

3. What fandoms do you write for?

I have written Terror fics almost exclusively for like four years, with some MASH in between. Right now I'm back at a Pacific Rim fic I started in 2016.

4. What are your top 5 fics by Kudos?

i have called you by name (Good Omens)

never seek him, defiantly, at night (The Terror)

The Notion of Respectability (The Terror)

Gambling Man (Les Mis) (this one is so funny to me. happy eleven-year anniversary to my child)

flightless bird (dumb, wild, and free) (Good Omens)

5. Do you respond to comments?

Yes!! I am slow but I love responding to comments. If you tell me your thoughts on my fic, you unlock extra analysis rambling in response from me.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

This is so hard... I think it's a tie between Robofitz and the one where Francis cheats on his wife with James? But honestly my MASH sports medicine AU deserves a shoutout here too.

7. What is the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I'm going to say it's the one where the entire Franklin expedition survives (because there was only one bed), for maximum happiness.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Sometimes I get comments where the intentions of the commenter are not quite clear to me. I just delete & move on!

9. Do you write smut? If so which kind?

Yes & all kinds?

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest crossover you've ever written?

i have never!

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not to my knowledge

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

I have had people ask, but my policy is that any translation of my work should only be up on Ao3, and the people who were asking had been planning to put it up on other fic sites. So not to my knowledge.

I have translated a fic that I wrote from German into English though! It even tries to simulate the formal/informal pronoun switch.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No, but I've always wanted to!

14. What's your all time favorite ship?

This is hard... I don't have favourites... but I will say Fitzier if you make me choose

15. What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I have so many of those in my folder. Let's not speak of those.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I really like worldbuilding, in the sense of giving characters a politically & socially coherent world to inhabit. I think I am very good at that by nature of my training & academic expertise.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

I struggle most with differentiating between internal monologue & external actions. Like, I am constantly reminding myself that not all characters are telepathic and understand each other's actions.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I have written both an Expanse AU that used Lang Belta with translations, as well as a Weimar Berlin AU for Fitzier that just straight-up used German without translations. Languages are fun! Put them in more things!

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Transformers lol... or I guess Star Wars, but that was not published anywhere

20. Favorite fic you've written?

Past Sins, my James Fitzjames gets blackmailed fic.

I'm tagging @pianodoesterror and @laissezferre!

#johis talks #this was fun!

[hargrove-mayfields]

tag game, stranger things edition!

i was tagged by @thatgirlwithasquid and @intothedysphoria, thanks y’all, I really appreciate it! 💕

1. ride or die ship/otp : Hellcheergroveton! every combination in this ship is adorable and it has all my favs too ☺️

2. most annoying ship : m*leven. I am beyond tired of watching a young disabled girl be taken advantage of and have it be treated as romantic. El deserves to live partner free, and M*ke deserves to go in the whole garbage can.

3. second favorite ship : Hollogrove. Since it’s not part of the core hellcheergroveton relationship, I’ll branch out a little and bring in my girl Heather. I love her and Billy I’m a relationship and can totally see them spending the rest of their lives together ♥️

4. favorite platonic dynamic : Billy and Max, or Dustin and Steve. Or Steve and Gareth. Cause I headcanon Gareth as becoming Steve’s caregiver after the events of the show leave him with cognitive and physical disabilities

5. underrated ship : Hollogrove, Cunningway, Pompompineapple, Stonathan, Cheerscoops, Calicheer, Rockie, Stargyle, Cammy, Kegboys, Steather, Argilly, and so many more but I’ll stop there.

6. overrated ship : Any of the fruity four (it makes me wanna gag just typing it) ships. I haven’t looked in the fandom tags for a year because it’s oversaturated with passionless, factory produced, carbon-copy fanworks that look like Harringrove fics put through ai to be rewritten as St*ddie, or Buckleway into r*nance. I’m sick of it. It’s boring. I’ll come up with my own steddie content, thanks.

7. one thing to change in canon : Everything. Not even joking. I’m going blorbo shopping and bringing all my favs back to my dollie house to play fix-it.

8. something canon did right : Um. I guess letting actors put in feedback and details of their own. Like Millie choosing for El to touch Billy’s cheek, Dacre giving us backstory on Billy’s mom and also on Billy’s disability (BPD), both he and Joe Keery refusing the original scripts, Joe Quinn improvising Eddie’s crush on Chrissy, and so on. All of the actor choices are the only good things about the show at this point.

9. a thing I’m proud of creating for the fandom : @disabledbillyandsteveweek! There's more information about the event over on the blog, but basically it’s an event starting in about two weeks meant to highlight Billy and Steve as disabled characters, through all kinds of fan works and different ships!

10. a character who is perfect to me : Christine Renée-Beth Cunningham. Nobody compares to my cheer girl.

11. the most relatable character and why : Also Chrissy. She reminds me a lot of myself, especially how I was when I was still in highschool, being timid and struggling a lot with my mental health. I wish she could have grown and gotten help and felt better since I’m on my journey to doing so right now, but I’m forever grateful to have seen a character with an eating disorder and an abusive family on screen, portrayed in a heartfelt and generous way- all thanks to miss Grace Van Dien

12. character I hate most and why : Neil, Karen (actually just the Wheelers in general except little Holly), Brenner, Owens, the lady that shot Benny, literally so many of them. Anyone who intentionally and unabashedly hurts other characters without remorse.

13. something I’ve learned from the fandom : To be patient, because even when things seem tough or impossible, we can make it. Together, with friends who understand us, and who share our pain, we can fight and keep going! Especially because this community will always have folks who understand and have our backs, we just have to find them ❤️❤️

14. three tags I seek out on ao3 : I actually don’t read fic on ao3. The extreme amounts of severely triggering content hosted on that site is just too much for me and I can never seem to avoid it. I only post to ao3 because I know people find it easily accessible, but I had one too many mix-ups that led to me being in a terrible state of mind, so I discontinued using the site.

15. a song I strongly associate with otp and/or favorite character : I’ll never shut up about “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce. Conveniently off the same record as Hop has on Vinyl and Cassette, it’s my favorite song ever because it’s so tender and loving and even though it’s old people music yall should give it a listen. It applies to any ship, but especially packs a punch with Harringrove. Also “Magic” by Olivia Newton-John.

I’ll tag: @eddie-munsons-guitar86 @honey-tongued-devil @martianclown @hephaestn @jaylikesrainbowtigers @denkiddo1 @enchanted-day-dreams @stranger-themes-blog @ratbastardbilly @thinger-strang But there’s no pressure to do it! You absolutely don’t have to if you already have or if you just don’t feel like it! <3

#tag game! #billy hargrove fandom #not content #hey thanks again! it took me a few days but this was fun!! #love doing these things they’re always really positive and fun <3

[sorryyourenglishteachersucked]

Recently I saw a post going around about how people are overly condescending about people not knowing valuable internet skills such as how to curate your experience, and it was a good post that I didn't want to derail, but it reminded me of a closely related issue, so I'm making my own post:

When it comes to a lot of common fanfic and shipping discourse, I suspect a good chunk of it comes from people noticing a very real problem with Web 2.0 – that is, that the trend toward centralizing content on a few Big Sites makes it way harder to curate one's online experience than it needs to be, and contrary to popular claims, in many ways harder than it used to be – and applying the wrong framework to analyze and solve that problem. Don't get me wrong, I'm not blaming this brand of wank entirely on this Damned Newfangled Internet, Why Back In My Day--

But I am saying that the way the internet operates at this point is definitely a factor.

Look, I got into online fandom in the era where a SINGLE large enough fandom might have enough fanfic archives to fill an entire Monopoly board. This had its own problems (many of these sites could just cease to exist with no warning, whether because someone got tired of maintaining them or because a lot of source media creators were a lot more litigious and small archives didn't have lawyers; a lot of mod teams were unprofessional and inconsistent in which rules they enforced and how strictly and/or would just make up technicalities to remove pieces they didn't like, etc.), and this brand of drama existed then too, but it was a lot less...all-consuming. Back then you could usually just go about your life on Your Big Central Site (usually Livejournal if you were a fannish type) without being asked which “side” of an argument you were on, with no way to answer that wouldn't get you death threats.

Dark fic existed. Smut fic existed. Fics about touchy and upsetting subjects existed. Of course there were always some people who got really upset by that, and there were always regulars and even webmasters of more strictly moderated sites who were really judgy about it and assumed the worst of everyone who used the free-for-all archives, but in that period, by and large the response to people getting belligerent about it was basically “dude, stay off that site/out of that group then, stick to this one where that kind of stuff isn't allowed, leave it alone, it’s not worth it.” It was usually a lot less heated than it is now, simply because people had the option to stick to their own circles without being all but forced to interact with content that upset them if they wanted to be in the fandom at all.

The problem is, that advice doesn't work now that we're mostly centralized on big social media juggernauts and AO3, and “then block the tag/that user” is not actually the same.

The result is that curating your experience used to be done passively – you just stayed on sites and in groups oriented toward the kind of fannish content you wanted to see, and didn't visit the ones that invited what you didn't want, and on Big Sites where everyone mingled, you just didn't follow links you didn't trust – whereas now it must be done actively, in many cases involving downloading a ton of browser extensions, by creating tag and keyword blacklists that you have to configure yourself, which is not only tedious, but really sucks when something bothers you enough that you don't want to be reminded that it even exists and now you have to type it into your blacklist for every new site you visit. Never mind the fact that these measures can fail if someone forgets a tag, doesn’t tag their work properly because they don’t recognize the element as something people are likely to want to block (i.e., something that would get a work removed from a stricter archive before most users are subjected to it), does tag something but does so in a way that’s not picked up by your filters, you’re on a site that doesn’t let you opt out of seeing when and why content has been blocked (which, again, is not exactly a fun time when you blocked something because you don’t want to be reminded it even exists), or someone just decides not to tag something at all. You can block someone who does this or add their version of the tag to your blacklist, of course, but when that happens, the damage is already done. It’s even more likely for this to fail on Twitter and Instagram and TikTok, where The Algorithm is very likely to decide to show you things you never even knew you’d want to block, even more so than just this model where, even if you don't HAVE to follow individuals' whole accounts to see their content for your fandom, you're still more heavily encouraged to than you used to be now that broad site-wide tags have largely replaced groups. The onus of filtering has shifted from webmasters and moderators, to individual social media users who just dare to have boundaries, often for disability-related reasons that make that job a lot more difficult and stressful than it might be for others.

Because of the way the modern internet is structured, modern fandom absolutely has a problem with making it harder than it used to be to avoid what you don’t want to see, and this needs to be addressed and fixed. 

Again, I'm not saying things used to be all sunshine and rainbows, or that there are no benefits to centralizing, because there are a lot. However, even positive changes can introduce complications; every change breaks someone’s workflow (and steadily increasing corporate control of the internet isn't even a net positive in the first place), so of course we're having Issues. People love to talk about how rah, back in my day it used to be the wild west out there, "lemon" could be anything from vanilla fluffy smut to hardcore guro porn with detailed illustrations, and the only warnings you got were "don't like don't read" – but, as true as that was, there were other filtering methods. You didn't like how FFN or the big communities on Livejournal were more of a free-for-all than you were comfortable with? You went and made your own archive with blackjack and hookers by just opening up a new Invisionfree forum or something like it to only host/link to the kind of content you liked, or you started a new Livejournal community that banned the content that caused you distress. You invited all your friends. You ignored the broader unfiltered sites and groups unless you were feeling really brave and bored that day.

For all we talk about how things used to be so much worse and more unfiltered, that's really only half true. You were more inclined to accidentally actively click through to a surprise moderate squick, yes, but you would usually stick to sites and groups where any actual major triggers you had weren't allowed and certainly wouldn’t pop up in their full glory in your (now often algorithmically-generated) personalized feed like some kind of horrible jack-in-the-box (unless you were unlucky enough to log in during a 4chan raid, but that wasn’t exactly a daily occurrence like filter failures on Twitter now).

We don't really do that anymore. We don't really have the option to do that anymore, at least not the way we used to. Free and cheap forum hosts still exist, but hardly anyone uses them, because it's hard to populate a new site when the culture has shifted to wanting to maximize exposure more than build community and ALL the members of your my-otp-only-no-lemons-allowed forum and thensome already follow you on Twitter or tumblr.

However, somewhere along the line, fandom largely missed the point and applied a media critique model to this problem. Instead of calling for more websites to adopt (or more accurately bring back) interest-based user-run groups a la Livejournal, or placing more value on people who curate rec lists and building more tools to do so, it’s become a battle over what kind of content is allowed to exist at all. In this environment, depending on which side of the great debate you’re on, either every fanfic is treated as if it has the reach and influence of a major mainstream Hollywood production or more, or you recognize that that model doesn’t really apply so every problem it gets misapplied to gets shouted down as nonexistent.

Now don’t get me wrong, there are absolutely things in fandom that do need to be critiqued using that framework. Fandom has a long history of...not always being kind to marginalized people or characters. The beauty and ugliness alike of fandom is in the fact that fan works, especially fanfics, are mostly created for fun and nothing more. “Crack taken seriously” is so ubiquitous that a lot of it doesn’t even recognize itself for what it is; it’s just part of The Nature of Fanfic. Fan works are often unpolished; the quality is all over the place (and that is a good thing), because the barrier to entry doesn’t exist – people can just post whatever the hell they want, and in some cases this is actually more true than ever as the internet becomes more and more centralized, as people usually don’t need to go as far out of their way to search for the specific websites that allow their type of content. The downside is, this often means that because no one is reviewing someone’s work before publishing, no one is there to say “dude, what the fuck is wrong with you, that’s racist as hell, we are NOT gonna publish that”. This is definitely something worth addressing using the media critique framework.

But that’s not the same problem as the fact that content that explores uncomfortable and potentially triggering topics exists, and we are having trouble keeping it contained because the modern internet is built around trying to smash everything vaguely related together for Maximum Engagement.

Some people have liked to explore darker subjects in fiction for as long as fiction has existed, and this is especially common with marginalized people who may have a complicated relationship with darker subjects in fantasy because of their real life experiences. However, for just as long, some people have preferred to stick to fantasies that feel safe, often for the exact same reasons. This is because humanity is extremely varied. It’s really that simple. Darker fiction will never cease to exist, even if it turns out to be true that it “should” (which I highly doubt is the case). What we need to be doing is working on more ways to make that fact safer to navigate- 

Which is the exact opposite of what the modern internet is doing.

The modern internet is mostly about getting more eyes on every page to sell more ads, to the extent that even when it’s not about selling ad space, it’s created a cultural expectation of centralized content delivery where more engagement is always better and there's no such thing as a non-target audience. The modern internet is about cramming as much Content on Big Sites as possible, both commercially and culturally – mentally, we’re often averse to taking the few minutes it takes to sign up for a new site when we have bigger hubs we consider Good Enough. Oftentimes, the modern internet is about obsessing over your engagement numbers to the point of feeling dejected and personally slighted if someone doesn’t want to see content you know is a trigger for them because Your Friend Is Not Contributing To Number-Based Support. All the art is on Twitter, all the fic is on AO3, and if you want to browse those sites to look for it (especially Twitter with its very limited tag room) you will almost certainly run into content that will feel tailor-made to personally upset you, and if you want to engage with your fandom at large you have very few other options.

It’s just plain not good for fandom. At least AO3 is made for fandom, but it has its flaws anyway, because yes, the fact that it’s not made to sell ad space and user data may mean the features that get made are made with improving the actual human user experience in mind, but it also means...not nearly as many resources to make better features in the first place. (Block function? Easier filtering system? Saving filters account-side? I know they're working on some of these, but...well, the fact that they don't have the corporate backing of Twitter and Facebook is painfully obvious.)

We need to go back to embracing smaller and more specialized archives; we don't have to give up the security that AO3 provides to do that if we just mirror or link works hosted there. We need to create more rec lists. We need to push for more sites to adopt/bring back groups (it's sad when Facebook is doing something more right than any other major site). It would be great if someone could create an engine to let people easily create their own archives where users can embed AO3 fics, to let authors and readers alike take advantage of AO3’s protections while allowing readers the full benefit of passive curation again.

We need to recognize that Web 2.0 is just plain hostile to meaningful human interaction and community-building, perhaps especially in fandom.

#fandom #fandom culture #fandom problems #internet problems #web 2.0 #sorry your english teacher sucked #long post

[fangs-claws-paws]

Ranting

Just wanna put a bunch of petty, angry thoughts down somewhere.

99% is gonna be Warhammer 40k cuz dear god have some things been bothering me for a bit!

I honest to god care so little about the primarchs it is insane. Like I don't hate them, nor do I think they're bad, and I do genuinely like some of them. My problem is most writing and anything specific has to do with 'omg konrad so hot!' or 'magnus is bae!' p much insert any primarch there and its the same thing. And I just sit there with a grimancing smile cuz I just don't care for them like that, they're interesting characters in their plots, but I don't feel any sort of obsession or compulsion to write more about them, their story is told in the setting and that's good. I really don't want to read the 200th shipping piece about them with each other or insert guilliman/yrvaine, or primarch/self-insert, they are nothing to me. I care leaps and bounds more about the space marine's themselves, more about their loyalty to their primarchs and how that makes many do things they never would have done otherwise. Like the butchers nail in the world eaters, stuff like that. But at least on AO3 fanfiction its so rare it might as well not exist.

I guess bold words coming from the writer of the horniest/most fucked up space marine fan fic on the site. But I am allowed to bitch.

Other thing I hate with AO3 warhammer fanfiction, though looks more general, is the fixation with cross-over writing. Like there at least 10 fics there that are warhammer 40k crossover with my hero academia of all things. Let alone the 50+ fandom crossover fics that are a chore to scroll past due to the length of their tags (thankfully that's mostly reduced thanks to the tag limit AO3 had to enforce). None of them offer anything new, or interesting, or really anything I find worthwhile to read. Most can be boiled down to 'we took academia characters and hastily jammed them in roles of the primarchs' or something else just as uninspired. and again, like you do you, but it's miserable having to scroll through most fics and except for maybe 1 or 2 they are all pretty much the same thing with different window dressing.

Also wish there wasn't a treat of woobifying chaos. Acting like they're secretly the real good guys. Aside from being resoundingly not based in canon even remotely, it removes why I love chaos so much. I'm not a fan of chaos cuz I think they'll make everything right, I'm a fan cuz they just wanna watch everything burn and do horrific shit. Maybe I am tired of being nice, maybe I do wanna go ape shit! That's the appeal, the catharsis of being something so horrific and beyond good, and loving every step of the way.

Also not a huge fan of the new thing being hating space marines as boring generic action heroes, which I do kinda get bc GW loves using them as poster boys. But I dunno, I've just related to space marines more than the guardsmen. Not that I've ever been in war or some of the horrors they face. But when I relate is the isolation and seperation from the average human, like I loved reading in one of the Ahriman books how a space marine sat in a human chair and how it struggled to not shatter, how it made at least me aware how the world is not designed for them. They're children who were taken at an extremely young age and honed into weapons to be wielded, and I love when we're reminded that they kinda still are and how they're dehumanized by the Imperium. While space marines get along decently with each other, they struggle to understand the average human, how technically they're still emotionally children who have been given extremely dangerous weapons. That despite being angels of death for the imperium some humans still see them as freakish mutants that are barely tolerable only because they are weapons.

Like I know its extremely childish of me, but I do feel a little upset, annoyed, etc when space marines get parodied as obnoxious, stupid, hyper-masculine action hero jokes. Like 'oh ho ho! Bad ass space marines have to have their cybernetics tended to by humans, just proves regular humans are so superior to dumb marines!' Like yeah, but do you not see how it can also reflect the level of trust these dehumanized potentially deeply repressed traumatized individuals have to have that they allow select humans to help them with their disability, something that space marines shouldn't have, at least according to propaganda. Or how war can irreperably change even someone who is now seen as a tool, or that space marines are seen as just as replaceable as the cybernetics that they are augmented with. LIke IDK, maybe I see too much of myself in fictional superhuman dudes, but it irks me to have them only be seen as either just cool (which I tolerate infinitely more) or as something that must be constantly parodied and treated as something to be derided as pathetic masculine fantasy (which I detest)

#vent #negative

[loopylou0a0]

Just one dance

Since it's so hard to find any fics for Lost ark characters I like I figured I’ll just have to go and make one myself.

This is a one-shot scenario I’ve been thinking of lately so hopefully it works out well.

Feel free to change anything character wise in your head to suit you or your oc since I’m basing the MC as my insert/character, though I will try to keep it as neutral as possible.

Be aware, I’ve only just started playing again after quite a few months of having no time for the game and am only just nearing the end of the Rohendal quest line so if things don’t look cannon to the story it’s because I’m not there yet.

This is a Thirain x Reader/oc fic with a lot of mutual pining since we all know our boy is allergic to saying how he truly feels.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day the invite arrived you were simply sailing, setting off from a small adventure on Lagoon island. The hawk you had trained as a messenger was spotted in the distance as you watched the horizon trying to gather your thoughts, it had been a long time since you'd started searching for the arks and though you had now acquired four of the seven it still felt as though there were more problems arising than solutions. There was still no trace of Armen, your heart ached for the person you called a close friend, a companion you had once envisioned finding all the arks with had gone with that demon and had not been seen since. The memories of that day on the cliff were clear in your mind, reminding you how you and Thirain tried to stop him from walking through the portal but it was too late. There were just so many regrets from that day. Before your thoughts could spiral any further the site of a lone bird caught your attention and the faint traces of your magic was felt.

When the bird got close enough you raised an arm up and the small friend landed, chirping a greeting to you after not seeing you in some days. Giving him a snack you carefully untied the letter attached to him before gently moving him to the ballast of the ship. Without having to check you knew who the letter would be from, Thirain, the only person that would often communicate with you through your little messenger system and the one person you would keep in touch with most during your travels. It had been some days since you sent over your most recent letter updating Thirain of how your journey was going, having promised to do so before leaving the land of Luterra. Opening the letter you read its contents.

{ (Name), my dear knight.

I am glad to hear that you have been in good spirits as of late and that your mission to collect all the arks is going well even with the interference of the demon commanders.

I pray that when you do face the enemy that you will come back unharmed and please do not do anything too reckless in the quest for the arks.

I have been counting the days to hear from you again since your last letter, which felt so long ago. 

Things here have been fine. There is still much to do to rebuild Luterra and to strengthen our defenses from any other possible attacks by the demons, since with you on the seas visiting other lands has left us much weaker than even I would like to admit but we all know that you are needed elsewhere, even if all the citizens of my kingdom miss your presence greatly.

As much as I wish to continue writing about the most recent events that have happened here in the castle, I am hoping that you will be able to hear it all in person soon.

A ball will be held here in the castle on the eve of the harvest moon to celebrate all that Luterra has accomplished since the Kingdom of Knights was reclaimed from Scherrit’s and the demon's hands.

Since you were the main reason for our victory it would be truly devastating if you were not here to celebrate alongside us all.

I know your journeys have taken you far and have kept you busy but I do hope you will be able to attend. 

I don’t think I could possibly enjoy the celebrations without you here with me.

I wish you well until we next speak.

Your friend,

-Thirain}

Once you finished reading the letter you softly smiled, happy to know everything seemed well back in the land you left so long ago. However, the invite to the ball was something you felt you needed to think more on. You knew you would have more than enough time to sail back to Luterra in time to attend and see everyone you missed but could you risk taking a detoured stop to attend or would the next ark be claimed by the demons in that time? You needed to think a little more on this.

It was some time later and you had docked, ultimately having decided that returning to Luterra and joining in with the festivities would do you some good after all the troubling sights you had seen during the last few adventures you’d been on. Totally not because you couldn’t say no to Thirain’s request even if it was only through a letter. 

The trek from the docks back to Luterra castle was refreshing, some things still needed a lot of work to recover from the demon attacks and monsters were still lurking near villages in great numbers but the people looked more hopeful. It was only when you’d step through the gate at the entrance of the Dyorka Plain that you noticed how busy it was, there were lots of people on the streets and more knights patrolling, since there was only a day left until the ball, the final preparations were being dealt with. “The Kings Knight!” “The Kings Knight has returned.” “She’s back” “She must be here for the ball.” Whispers came from all around as knights, merchants and civilians alike took note of the presence of you walking towards the palace.

Luck was on your side though, as the gossip of your return had yet to reach the king's ears so when you set foot into the palace and Thirain finally spotted you walking towards him the expression of pure surprise and joy was clearly visible. This made your own grin widen. “(name) you’re here!” He called, stepping away from an advisor he had been speaking with to meet you half-way. “Your letter arrived on a good day, no demon commanders to deal with and few leads on the next ark so I had some spare time to visit, my King.” You joked in response, mocking a bow before quickly going in and hugging him. “It’s really good to see you, Thirain.” Thirain in turn wrapped his arms around you, the metal of his armour was cold to the touch but something about it was still comforting. “Yes, I’ve missed you too, my friend.” The two quickly separated, you stepping back first since you knew others were watching.

“It looks lively out there today. I take it that preparations are going well? Need any help with things?” You asked, noticing that there was still a lot of movement even inside the palace. Thirain nodded. “Yes, it seems everyone is excited for tomorrow night. But there’s no need for you to help, you’ve just returned, I can’t ask you for anything more than just being here.”

“You know I don’t like standing about whilst there is work to be done, besides I’m offering.” The face Thirain pulled at the offer definitely said he was not going to allow you to do anything there to help out if he had his way. Before he could get another word out another voice chirped up. “King's Knight! What a surprise to have you back in time for the ball! I wasn’t expecting you to be able to make it back with how busy you have been in the other Kingdoms.” Meehan exclaimed, coming from behind and giving your back a couple heavy pats. “Ah Meehan, it's good to see you again. You're looking well, hopefully a certain someone hasn't been giving you any trouble.” Meehan laughed as you nodded in Thirain’s direction whilst the man rolled his eyes playfully in response. 

“Nothing to complain about really. Just a lot to do to get Luterra back to full strength but we're getting there.” He paused then turned to face Thirain, becoming more serious. “And speaking of having a lot to do. My King, don’t you have a meeting to attend?” The realization of having other things to be doing washed over Thirain, he knew he should leave you to return to his duties but he wanted to stay by your side a little longer, he wanted to hear you talk of your adventures that he desperately wished he could have been beside you to experience. “Yes, though I am sure it can wait a little longer, Meehan. (name) has only just returned. I can't simply go and leave her here.” He tried to argue, it was a weak reason and he knew it. Before Meehan could counter or Thirain could dig himself a deeper hole you jumped in. “It’s fine Thirain. You have your duties and I understand that. Go, it’s not like I won’t see you later or tomorrow now is it?” 

You spun the man around and began pushing him to walk away. “But-” “No buts! I need to speak with some others I haven’t seen in a while anyway so get moving” The two of you ended up laughing as Thirain finally gave up and left the hall to actually do what was needed of him. Meehan chuckled, exasperated by the effect you had on the King. “I wish you would have let him know you were coming in advance. He might have actually done all his work before you arrived and wouldn’t be looking like a kicked puppy now that he has to leave.”

“Cut him some slack Meehan, anyone would be happy if their friend returned after so long. Besides, if i’m to be honest, I wasn’t sure I would even be here in the first place but with the world as it is but I think even I needed something to lift my spirit, even if only for a day.” You turned around to face the knight once more. “Now, what is there left to be done? And please save us both some time and don’t tell me there’s nothing cause I can see a lot of people scrambling to finish their tasks, besides, I will just find Cassleford or someone else and ask them how I can help.”

“I’m glad to see you as helpful as ever. I'll take you to someone who needs help with their tasks and let you do your thing. But don’t forget that you should be relaxing too. Oh, you have got something to wear as well right?” Meehan waved for her to follow him and the two started walking from the palace hall. “Ummm, this doesn’t class as something to wear?” You asked, gesturing to your everyday clothes. “Gods no!” Meehan exclaimed, looking at you like you’d said something outrageous.  “This ball is hosting not only the nobles and common folk of Luterra but some of our allies as well. This is to celebrate our progress and hopes for peace. You may be the King’s Knight but you don’t have to look like you’re prepared to fight at a moment's notice.”

You briefly thought about it and agreed with what he said, he’d shown you where your help would be needed and left you to it. As you got on with helping prepare for the ball Meehan could only stare for a few seconds. “Regulus, give me strength. Those two are as bad as each other. Let’s hope the king doesn’t get too distracted now she’s back.”

The day quickly turned to evening as you helped sort out final preparations for the ball, by time you finished moving the last crate a merchant needed help with the sun had almost set. You’d been lucky enough to find a more suitable outfit for the ball and had even managed to catch up with a few others when you came across them. Before you could even go and look to find an inn to stay at for the night one of the knights had found you and brought to back to the palace to speak with Cassleford who’d informed you that you had a room in the palace to use and that you’d been asked to join the King for dinner as well as him, Meehan and some others.

The night went well, you spoke with Thirain and recounted some of what happened when looking for the arks as well as mentioning the lack of progress locating Armen's whereabouts. They shared similar stories and confirmed that they’d heard nothing from scouts looking for the priest either. The sombre mood that had ended the night off quickly became more joyous the next day, the day of the ball. 

Vendors selling wares to newcomers and small shows in the plaza, it seemed everyone around was having a great time. Laughter and singing was heard throughout the castle grounds, only becoming louder as time passed into the evening when the main event of the ball began. As the sun fell over the horizon the halls of the palace filled with people from Luterra and further afield. The chatter grew as everyone discussed recent events and the latest gossip, like your presence at the ball.

Inside the palace you kept mainly to yourself as you normally did, tasting the different foods they had to offer and nursing your drink of choice as you watched everyone enjoy themselves in the centre of the grand hall, some gathering around officials whilst others listened to the musicians playing. There were some entertainers and dancers making others join in, it was lively, much more lively than what you last saw when you were here but it was nice. It seems things were looking good for Luterra and if all went well in their future repairs you could see the Kingdom being one of the first to reach true peace.

“King's Knight! I was wondering where you were. Enjoying the festivities?” Cassleford asked as he spotted you in the back of the crowd, near the tables lined with food. “Yes, I am. It’s nice to see everyone so happy after everything they’ve been through. How’s the patrols been? Hopefully you and the others have had no troubles and can enjoy yourselves a little as well?” Cassleford stood beside you looking over the crowd of people like you had been. “Good, it’s been quiet for the most part. Had a few drunken fools fighting but nothing serious. Most of my men are with their families but they're getting the job done so there are no complaints there.” 

“Have you seen the King tonight? He and Meehan should be together but I’ve not seen them yet, patrols and such.” He asked. You nodded and pointed to the other side of the grand hall. “He was last over there speaking with some officials from what I saw.” Cassleford raised a brow. “You haven’t spoken with him yet?”  You shook your head a little. “Not yet. He’s been busy with talking with the crowd and other dignitaries. I wouldn’t want to get in the way.”

All Cassleford could think in response to that is that Meehan must be thanking the gods that the King hadn’t been distracted by you and was actually doing something to strengthen the bonds with other lands. He thanked you and excused himself to find his king and update him on the progress of the patrols, leaving you to go back to people watching. Every so often you would fiddle with the fabric of the thin jacket that acted as a partial dress over your nicer looking trousers and shirt, this was probably the most dressed up you had been in a while which was weird but even you thought you looked decent. At least you were comfortable and could still fight if anything were to happen, as even at the ball you refuse to drop your guard.

After grabbing a new cup of your drink of choice you figured you’d walk around a little, see if there was anyone else you knew who wasn’t too busy. Humming along with the beautiful sounds of string instruments as another song began, by now a lot of people had begun to dance on the dancefloor in the centre of the hall with their partners, it was sweet. Just as you were about to return to the food table to watch the people dancing, a very familiar voice came from behind and grabbed your attention. “(name), I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Cassleford said you’d helped him find Meehan and I… Why didn’t you come find me sooner?” 

Thirain came up to you, pouting at the thought of you avoiding him. The crowd of people moving out of the way as their king walked past, the hushed whispers of the onlookers then began.  “Well, you did look busy Thirain. I didn’t want to interrupt you whilst you were speaking with those lords.” He sighed. “Even if I was chatting with others, you still should have come over. Your presence is far more enjoyable than their stuffy politics.” Now that he was in front of you, you could finally take him all in. Not wearing the normal bulky armour but a very fancy looking suit and jacket with gold accents on the black fabric and small pops of navy. “Well don’t you look dashing my King. The ladies must be swooning at the sight of you.” You teased, bowing mockingly as you said ‘my king’ like you’ve done since his day of his coronation, which made him chuckle a little.

“You look stunning as well (name), I still find it hard that I managed to miss you in the crowd with how well you’ve cleaned up. And don’t start with that, Meehan has been begging me to interact with one of the lords or dignitaries' daughters all night.” The two of you laughed a little at this. “Well don’t forget, stealth is one of my best weapons. But thank you, I was feeling a little underdressed in comparison but at least I know I don’t look terrible.” He rested a hand on your shoulder. “It’d take a lot for you to look terrible, you know.” He answered back, his gaze soft and only speaking the truth.

Quickly removing his gaze and his hand he turned his attention to the crowd so that his cheeks would have a chance to cool a little. “So, how’ve you been enjoying yourself so far?” He asked, trying to change the topic before he could say something that would overstep and ruin the mood. “This is probably the first ball I’ve ever been to. But even without something to compare it to I can honestly say this is truly wonderful and some of the most fun I have had in a while.” Thirain hummed in understanding, remembering that you’d once told him that your memories were hazy from before you began your quest for the arks. “What about you, been able to enjoy yourself whilst hosting?”

“It’s been fine for the most part. Though speaking with you now is already making the night more bearable.” He paused, an idea coming to mind as he looked over the crowd. “But there is one thing that would make this night far more enjoyable though.” You raised a brow. “And what would that be?” Thirain grinned. “I would love it if you would join me for a dance.” He had turned his gaze to you and offered his hand. Your eyes widen in surprise and you step back.

“I can’t dance.” Was your quick reply. “Don’t lie to me (name). I’ve heard how you’ve danced in the plaza before, so don’t make that excuse.”

You then shook your head as you looked anywhere but him. “That was different. It was more of a jig you’d do at the pub. Not one like that.” You pointed at the people dancing together on the dancefloor. “I can’t do that in front of so many people.” Thirain shot you a look that asked if you were serious before laughing. “Of all the things you have to be scared about and you are frightened of dancing in front of a crowd?” You growled a little and elbowed him in the ribs. “Shut it! I fight not dance you git. I just don’t want to go make a fool out of the both of us by stepping on your feet or tripping up. You forget that you have to make a good impression on potential allies too.” 

Thirain held his side where you’d elbowed him and continued to laugh. “Well if that’s what you’re worried about then that’s no real problem.” He started, gently resting a hand on your shoulder and standing directly in front of you. “I can teach you how to do it. You’ll be fine, everyone respects you for everything you’ve done for us. Nothing you can do will tarnish that image. If you trip I’ll catch you and I don’t mind if you step on me.” He was making some good points but that innate fear was still holding you back. “But-” “No Buts. All you’ve said are excuses. You haven’t said no. If you don’t want to dance with me that’s fine, all you have to do is say so.”

You hesitate, so tempted to say yes but could you do it? You had so many eyes on you and dancing with the KING no less would have everyone at the ball analysing everything you did. Thirain could see you breaking a little. “Please” The small pout and puppy eyes then came out. “Just one dance.” With that you had lost your internal battle. “Just one?” “Just one dance.” You paused and he grinned. “And you won’t get upset if I step on your toes?” He chuckled. “Step on them all you like, I can handle that, no problem.”  You sighed in defeat. “Fine. But if I suck and embarrass the both of us it’s your fault!” You exclaimed and pointed at him accusingly.

Once more Thirain offered you his hand, this time you took it and he then led the two of you to the dancefloor. People stepped out of your way as you walked by, more and more eyes on the two of you. The whispers that spread like wildfire were overwhelming and you were starting to regret your decision. Before you could run off and out of everyone's line of sight, Thirain turned, letting go of your hand and then placed one on your back. He took your left hand in his right and smiled at you softly as you reluctantly placed your right hand on the side of his arm. The music changed as a new song began. “Now all you need to do is follow my lead. I’ll move one foot forward, you move yours back with it and then when I move one back you follow. Simple right?” You rolled your eyes. “Sure, simple enough when you have enough practice but I don’t” You hissed a little. “Well to be honest, I haven’t danced since I was a boy so I’m a little rusty.” Again your eyes widen at this revelation. “You what?! I thought you-” “And lets go.” He butted in, gently nudging you back as your feet stumbled to match his movements. 

You were looking at the ground for a short while, trying to see where you should move your feet next, suddenly you felt a loss of warmth on your back and then felt Thirain gently turning your head up to look at him. “Keep staring at your feet and your movements will stay rigid.” You then stumbled a little. “How will I know where to put my feet and which one to move if I can’t look at them?” Thirain moved his hand back to its place, he pulled you a little closer. “Just let me lead and you’ll figure it out. You just need to trust me (name). You trust me right?”  You almost wanted to laugh at that question, was he serious? But as you looked into his blue eyes you relaxed a little and spoke with all the emotion you could muster. “Of course I do. I trust you with my life.”

“Then follow my lead. One foot back, then the next one. Now one forward.” He trailed off as he clearly telegraphed his movements for you, shaky steps on your part became more fluid, even with a few toes stepped on and sorry’s in the process. “There you go, already got the hang of it.” He cheered, encouraging you more. “Barely. I hardly feel graceful either. I must’ve looked like a fawn trying to walk for the first time.” By now you were more relaxed and back to your more playful self. It was then that the song that had been playing came to an end. Just as a new one was going to start you went to separate from Thirain but he pulled you in closer by the waist. You shot him a questioning look. “What happened to ‘Just one dance’, hmm?”

"That one didn't count, I was just teaching you how to do the steps, now you know what you're doing I'd say that technically this would be our first proper dance, right?" The cheeky little grin he was trying to hide didn't go unseen to you but you had to admit that you enjoyed dancing with Thirain, even if most of Luterra was watching the two of you. "Well look at you, seems you've learnt something from all those diplomats. Getting another dance out of me because of a technicality. I'll play along but it's just this one dance now, got it?" The two of you shared a quiet laugh as Thirain led you into the next dance.

It felt as though the rest of the world faded as the two of you stared at each other, there was a comfortable silence as the two of you got used to the new song and moved around the dancefloor. When there was a new move to be added, Thirain would give you a quick heads up and let the flow of the music do the rest. It was Thirain that broke the silence first. “I know you’ve already gone over most of your adventures but I’m curious about one thing.” This piqued your interest. “And what would that be?”

“It’s about the conditions of the lands you visited. From what you wrote in letters and told me it sounds like they’ve all had trouble with the demons like Luterra has. I want to know if there is anything we can do to help them rebuild in any way.” This was a bit of a surprise to you but then again the man you danced with was compassionate and a great ruler who cared deeply for his people. It seemed he wished to spread that compassion across Arkesia. “Tortyk has been overrun by pirates for some time now, even with my intervention there they seem to still have a large base there which makes it dangerous for the Mokoko that live there. So some aid in clearing the shores there would do them some good.” You started, thinking about all the places you’d visited in your quest for the arks. 

“Anikka for the most part is doing well, they’ve had to recover from a betrayal of one of their strongest fighters but their grandmaster is a strong leader. They’ve been lucky with their land so the effects of the demons should fade with a little time, plus they have a sidereal on their side. Arthetine is in the control their parliament, with Bastian and Sasha being the best people in charge, so I can see things improving with a bit of time. But their land is mostly barren so even an offer of aid when it is most needed would go a long way for the Cykins.” Taking another pause to gather the rest of your thoughts you sighed a little. “I’ve only had the chance to visit North Vern so far but their Queen Ealyn has been doing well for them. They have  suffered at the hands of a necromance that has been now been dealt with so they should be nearing full strength once more, well I assume so.”

“Then there is Shushire… They need the most help after everything done at the hands of the demon commander Akkan and the corruption that Vrad had caused.  The land is suffering due to the lack of fertile soil and people have been turned to slaves for simply not being able to survive. Madnick, is a great leader now he has taken rule from Vrad but it is going to be a long time until they recover even slightly. I doubt they’d have the strength to fight another demon attack on their own.”  Thirain’s expression was one of sadness as he pulled you in closer, almost into a full on hug. “I’m sorry you’ve had to see so much of that on your own… It must have been difficult.” 

You hummed in agreement. “Yes. This quest has been a hard one, since it hasn’t just been demons that have been the problem. Sometimes it was the greed of mortals that has been our greatest downfall. I just try to think of the positives on the hard days, the friends I’ve made and the hope that the people have been given again.”  You then laughed a little to yourself. “What’s so funny?” Thirain asked. “Ah, I just remembered something from Shushire, that's all.” He raised a brow. “Well don’t keep me waiting.”

Another small laugh came from you. “I just remembered that for some people living there, there is more hope for the future than fears... It was after the daybreakers and I celebrated our victory and I was preparing to continue on my journey, a young lad, probably our age who’d helped me a great deal at the time. Well he proclaimed his love for me.” You paused and smiled at the memory before muttering out. “Sweet lad.”

Whilst reminiscing you didn’t take note of the more serious frown Thirain had. “Really? What did you say?”  “Well I obviously told him I couldn’t accept his feelings at the time.” Another small sting to Thirains heart. “Oh, at the time? Do you plan to go back to him then?” You looked up and raised a brow. “Wow, someone's curious today. But if you have to know, I only told him that to spare his feelings. He’s young, he'll find someone better for him than me. And even if I did return the sentiment, it would have been cruel to string him on like that when I don’t know when I could return… or if I’ll even make it out of this ordeal alive.” Relief washed over Thirain a bit knowing your heart had yet to be claimed for the most part, yet a sombre mood fell over the two of you as you acknowledged a worry that was always at the back of his mind. That there may be a day you would not return to him because of you losing your life, it was a painful thought to have.

“Don’t sell yourself short. Anyone would be the luckiest person in the world to be able to call you theirs. You’ll live to see the fate of a new Arkesia, I’m sure of it. You are the strongest person I know. Who else could single-handedly save six lands and gather half of the arks?” Your face reddened slightly from embarrassment at his overly kind words. “Easy there Thirain. Keep speaking about me like that and I might get a huge ego. And you know as much as I do that I have had people helping along the way. I couldn’t have made it as far as I have without people like you at my side.”

At this point Thirain had pulled you in so close that your chests were touching, having done so when you were speaking. It felt like you had been dancing for hours but the song playing was only half-way done. The eyes of some nobles bore into you but you chose to ignore it and for once enjoyed yourself without feeling guilty for not working. 

There was a comfortable silence between the two of you when Thirain spoke up. “(name), after you return to your quest I want you to know that you are always welcome back in Luterra. You don’t need to do all of this on your own.” You looked at him somewhat confused. “I know that. Why bring it up?” “It's just that I want you to view Luterra as a home whenever you return. And hopefully a home you will stay in once your quest is over.” You wanted to respond but the words were caught in your throat. Before you could say anything Thirain once again gave you a heads up. “Alright, I’m going to let you step back for a twirl now.”

You followed his instruction and spun, then returned to his arms. “Was that really necessary?” You asked. “Of course it was.” You pulled a face as Thirain tried to cover his grin. “Oh sure it was, mister ‘That last dance didn’t count because of a technicality’, I bet you just wanted to show of how 'rusty' you are.” You both chuckled. The mood was once again cheerful as you both reached the end of the song, speaking about random topics that popped to mind. When the song reached its end Thirain asked if you trusted him once more. Like before the answer was yes.

Just before the final chords were played Thirain had you lean back and did an almost romantic dip. You both stared into each others eyes, so many emotions welling up which remained unsaid. And once the song finished you were pulled up once more. A light dusting of pink on both your cheeks from how close you had both been. Stepping back you mocked a bow. “Thank you for the dance, my King.” Thirain laughed, and bowed his head down in turn. “The pleasure was mine, my most loyal Knight.” 

You both left the dancefloor and were approached by others in the crowd, Meehan back at Thirain’s side trying to coax him into dancing with at least one of the lord's daughters but he said he felt more like mingling than dancing. The night went on and the festivities continued, with you close to Thirain whilst chatting with other attendees, sadly not always by his side like he wanted but for now it was the best he could ask for. It was only into the early hours of the next day did you retire to your room, the celebrations having come to a close not long before you did so. Just as you made the walk to your room you and Thirain bid each other a good night, there was some hesitance before you left but without another word you turned and walked away.

When the sun had risen later that day and many had woken up, the cleaning up of the palace and streets began. Thirain was up somewhat early for a meeting with a few of his advisors and once he was finished he asked anyone he saw if they’d seen you. All responded to that question with no, suggesting you were still asleep from the long night and the fact you’d been helping with setting up the day before something you'd done without him knowing which was just like you he thought. Leaving it a little longer and after another hour of you not being seen he went to investigate. He’d asked a maid that came from your room's direction if she had seen you but like everyone else she said she hadn’t.

Standing outside the room you slept in he took a breath to compose himself, not wanting to wake you up if you were still sleeping but still worried in the off chance there was something wrong. He knocked on the door a couple times and heard nothing. “(name)?” He knocked again and there was still no reply. “(name)? It's Thirain. Are you alright?” He asked and knocked for a third time with you still not responding. “I’m coming in.” He announced after a few minutes of hearing nothing on your end. The door opened and he walked into the room to see nothing, the bed was made and the drapes open to let in the light but there was no sight of you. On edge, he walked the room and noticed the window was slightly ajar from not being locked from the inside. Looking outside he didn’t see you at all, turning he went to investigate further but an envelope caught his eye.

Sat atop the desk in the far corner of the room was an envelope, he picked it up and saw his name written in the handwriting he saw every time he received a letter from you. Leaning against the table he hastily opened the envelope to read the letter.

{Thirain,

I assume you found this letter whilst looking for me.

I’m sorry but I had to go, my mission can’t be put on hold forever and there are still people that need my help. There are still demon commanders to be stopped and we still have to find Armen.

Last night was wonderful, though I can’t believe you made me dance in front of everyone with you.

I am thankful you invited me along, after seeing so much darkness in the world it was a refreshing change of pace, even if for just one night. It feels like I can take on anything now.

I don’t know if you remember much from all of our conversations last night but something you said has been bothering me.

You said you hope that one day I could view Luterra as a home to return to once my mission for the arks is complete and Arkesia has been saved.

At the time I didn’t know how to properly reply to this but now that I have had some time to think I want you to know the truth.

Luterra is my home, maybe not the home I was born in, grew up in or learnt how to fight in. But, Luterra is where I long to return to.

It is where my quest began, it is where I found my courage to fight the army of demons that grows ever stronger. It is where I have made friends who actually accept me for who I am, even if there are those in the world that will continue to hate my kind.

It is where I have had some of the happiest and saddest days.

It is where I met you, before you had become the king of a land I have grown to love dearly.

I do not know the next time I will be able to return here but I hope that when I do that the quest to gather the arks and protect Arkesia would have gotten closer to its end.

Knowing it may be some time before I can set foot here again, I will continue to miss Luterra greatly.

Even if my quest is not complete when I next return, I hope that I will return with good news at least or if the fates allow it, Armen will come home as well.

Now don’t go moping around now that you don’t have an excuse to slack off, you have your duties and I have mine. Plus I think Meehan is becoming tempted to whip you into shape if you don’t do your best.

But even if your duties require a lot of you don’t work too hard and please take care of yourself.

Do not worry I will continue to write and I hope you will as well, your letters always make the days at sea less lonely.

I'm sorry for leaving without saying goodbye, but I did not want this to feel like a final farewell. It would have been difficult for the both of us.

Instead, let's just say that even though we are apart we shall continue our strong friendship, goodbyes sound more final and like we will separate for long with no way of telling if we will see or hear from each other once more.

Instead, I will say until we meet again, be it on the seas, in another kingdom or when I return home to you here in Luterra. I do not know what the future holds or if I will be successful in my quest but I am certain that we will meet again.

Yours,

-(name)}

As Thirain was reading your letter with a sad smile, he couldn’t help but chuckle. “I should have known she’d leave. My stubborn Knight.”

At the same time Thirain was reading your letter you were already on your ship, staring out at the land of Luterra as it began shrinking from the distance growing between you and it. You had left Luterra castle not long after you retired for the night, you’d written that letter then left through the window and disappeared into the night. Like Thirain, you too had a sad smile, already missing him and the place you thought of as a home. Yet your resolve to find the arks and stop the destruction waiting to happen by the demons was stronger than ever.

In the castle Thirain took the letter you had written and returned to his study, placing it in a small draw along with the rest of the letters you had sent before looking out the window in the direction of the port. “Your right (name) this isn’t goodbye. Until we meet again. And maybe next time if the situation is right, maybe we could have just one more dance.”

You held a letter in your hand, a draft of the one you left for Thirain that you didn’t want him to see. It was too wordy and had some embarrassing parts you knew you couldn’t say. Tearing it up into pieces you let them drop over the side of the ship, the wind picking it up and spreading it over the ocean. “Until we meet again Thirain. I pray you stay safe.” There was a pause and you grinned. “Next time there's a ball, maybe we can have more than just one dance.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bloody hell I wrote way more for this than I expected. Hopefully it was alright for my first proper fic and Thirain wasn't too ooc in this.

Now back to catching up on the game.

#lost ark #lost ark thirain #thirain #thirain x you #thirain x reader #lost ark thirain x reader

[cathsith]

Hi, reddit people. I hope you're encountering more friendly people than douchey people.

There's a shit ton of useful and thorough guides that provide instructions on how to use the site. This is more of a "shit that's good to know, in no particular order" type of guide

Random thoughts:

💠 Profile: put whatever you want, as long as you put something. It's up to you what you want to share. Just practice common sense internet safety.

💠 People have some really, um, interesting names here, many NSFW. Personally, I think it's hilarious to reblog deep social commentary from someone with a porny name, but if you're concerned about having that on your blog, maybe make sure to check.

💠 I'm sure some of you are old enough that maybe you were on livejournal and are still mourning its loss. I miss it too, especially for fandom. Your best bet at recreating some of that experience is to find creators you like (many fic writers include their Tumblr on their ao3 profile or fics) and following and interacting with them here.

💠 You can either comment on or reblog posts if you want. Some people seem to have *opinions* as to whether it's better to comment or reblog but it sort of seems like a generational divide. I decide which one to do based on how much I want to add and if it's particularly interesting, well thought out, and/or funny.

💠 A lot of people talk about how likes are useless, but I personally think it's a YMMV type of thing. For a while I tried to keep my likes limited to things I wanted to save, since you can't save posts here unless you bookmark it on your browser. But I also tend to like personal posts or reblogs from mutuals as a mark of support. Yes, you should reblog art to boost the artist's exposure. And no one does what they should do every time and I'm sure artists still like getting likes even if they'd prefer reblogs.

💠 Some people have started putting DNI (do not interact) in their info on their blogs and may get mad if you reblog from them. Sometimes people reblog stuff that you like and then you find out that you strongly disagree with their politics/beliefs etc. No one sensible expects you to vet every single person you reblog and if anyone puts up a fuss, you can probably safely ignore them unless they report you for abuse. I've never heard of that happening.

💠 You can contact people two ways: asks and messages. Asks have a word limit and if you go past it, will broken up and may be sent in reverse order. Asks also allow you to be anonymous. People can reply publicly or privately. If you want it to stay private, you should probably state that. If you are anonymous, obviously the response can only come publicly. Messages are essentially chats. A lot of people are cool with getting messages, but I personally am too awkward to use them except with mutuals. (But I'm totally cool with getting them, if you are so inclined)

💠 Mutuals: some people follow others back everytime, some never do. But there's a funny thing where we (tumblr people) get deeply attached to mutuals even if we've never had an actual conversation beyond a comment or two. It's a thing, but a nice thing.

💠 There are a couple famous people hanging around. They're great and surprisingly good at tumblr. Be cool.

💠 Blaze posts are relatively new. You can pay like $10 to have your post shown to people like an ad. Some people use it to advertise their etsy or personal store site, but plenty of people also post pictures of their pets or reminders to drink water or hopes that you have a good day. I usually enjoy them but they're fairly unobtrusive if you don't.

💠 Because there isn't much of an algorithm here, ads can be really random and really strange. You can get rid of ads entirely with a paid account. I think that includes blaze posts but I'm not positive.

💠 Tags here are weird. They fall into a few categories:

🔹 Subject tags: fandoms, music, sports, current events, medical or psychological conditions, history, science, etc

🔹 Warning tags: they're obviously not required, but they're not hard to add and are really important for a lot of people. Sometimes they're posted as "cw: warning" or "tw: warning" but sometimes it's just the warning itself. Just do your best. If you see something tagged "unreality" it means that what you're reading isn't real, but may be presented as if it is. This is (to the best of my knowledge) a warning for people with delusional disorders. It's also generally acceptable to request that someone add a content warning.

🔹 Personal tags: people come up with tags they use on their own blogs for categorization. Some of them are pretty clever. If something is just tagged "personal" then it's considered rude to reblog unless the poster says it's okay.

🔹 Conversation tags: I've been here for ages, but I still don't know the origin of "talking in the tags." Whatever the reason, we do it a lot here. Sometimes it's a quick reference or quip, sometimes it's a dissertation. The longer the tags, the more entertaining they tend to be. If you see a screenshot of tags, that means that they have undergone "peer review"and deemed important or funny enough to be moved into the post itself. It's a high honor.

💠 Tumblr holidays - I think this list has most of them

💠 There is some AMAZING original fiction and artwork here, some of which has been deemed Tumblr Folklore. Check out this list

💠 Okay I'm gonna stop now because I keep adding shit and I've had this draft going for almost 24 hours now and I would like my tumbr app back now

Hope somebody finds this helpful! Feel free to say hi if you want

#reddit migration #guide posts of dubious guidance #r/196 #I added the 196 tag because I think that's a majority of the migration

[saphhicwitchbitch]

Destiel

I have just been reminded that supernatural is a literal book series in the cannon universe and fanfiction does exist. So what if Cas one day is on the internet, and lets say he is doing research about a city in England, which is called Winchester, and he happens across the book series. Naturally he gets curious and wants to read more. But real books aren’t free on the internet, so he comes across a site called ao3 with all this information on the Winchesters. He thinks that he must of course read it because he is grateful for any opportunity to get to know the boys better. 

On the journey he discovers lots of destiel. And he gets confused because he doesn’t understand the concept of fanfiction and of course dean can’t really be felling this stuff for him. Never in Cas’s wildest fantasies would dean ever love him back.

So he confronts him about it.

At first dean is confused because Cas is making no sense. Cas gets frustrated and turns his laptop to Dean and just wildly gestures to the screen. Dean reads it and gets all flustered because ao3 writers really have an amazing way with words and explaining Deans feelings. He looks up and Cas asks if this is true. So dean freaks out a little and explains the concept of fanfiction to Cas. Cas understands and then gets a bit sad because he had been expecting that Dean wouldn’t feel that way about him. But he accidently (upon reading many fanfics) let himself hope it may be true. Dean sees this and asks Cas why he is sad, and in a moment of bravery Cas lets slip about how good and happy he felt reading about Dean loving him back. Dean is surprised and does his silent broody thing. Because of this, Cas thinks he made a mistake saying what he did and goes to leave the bunker. But Dean stops him, stumbles over a few words, gets frustrated with himself, then tells Cas to sit down for a second. Cas does, he can never deny Dean. Dean goes to Cas’ computer and does some furious typing before putting it in front of Cas. Loaded up is another fanfic that’s only a one shot, and Dean tells Cas to read it. 

Cas does. 

When he is finished he looks at Dean confused. This fic was mostly an inner monologue of Dean’s about how much he loves Cas and everything he feels for him. Dean takes in his confusions and smiles, then he says,

“I am bad with words, so I thought it would be easier to let this tell you how I feel”

Turns out Dean actually does love Cas and for a few years now he has been reading fanfic to comfort him because he never believed his love for Cas would ever be returned.

But he was wrong. They were both wrong. 

They can both be happy together after all. 

#destiel #deancas #dean winchester #castiel #castiel my beloved #dean x castiel #dean x cas #supernatural #the winchester brothers #fanfic #imagine #mishapocalypse #destiel imagine #spn #Winchester

[greyeyedmonster-18]

I just saw your thoughts on the black brothers and I am so relieved... the amount of fanfic I read which has sirius abandoning regulus the second either he or regulus steps foot inside hogwarts absolutely chills me, tbh.

ahh! im so glad you stumbled upon my black brothers content!

more babbling below the cut because this got longer than anticipated because i cant shut up ever, so continue reading if you'd like some vague ramblings about reg and sirius, otherwise stop here <3

i really do love to write them and love to write their relationship (canonically or not). and i, like you, also read many the marauders fics where

sirius is AUTOMATICALLY this rebel without a cause, and already starting shit the second he gets on the hogwarts express, which like...i refuse to believe is how it went down

regulus AUTOMATICALLY is out of sorts with sirius the second he is sorted when, and i might die on this hill, regulus was like TEN at the time?? he probably got the vibe that his parents weren't thrilled (though i will also stand by that The Blacks while like....feathers were severely ruffled by Gryffindor sorting, they know how sorting works and sirius wasn't sitting there thinking rebellious thoughts and trying to piss off anyone; and were more concerned with the broader repercussions of being placed in a house with people outside of their little pureblood community because THEY KNEW (they raised him) sirius was a curious child, a questioning child.they could see what was going to happen) but regulus was TEN and could not. sirius was STILL his big brother!! that's it.

there are so many wonderful posts on this site that do justice of unpacking Reg and Sirius, and i will refrain from doing my own because no one cares that much, but, i will add one last thing. By citing my own silly little fic. in which there is a conversation between the two of them after Sirius's 17th birthday (first birthday post running away) and Reg goes to talk with him and this conversation happens:

“They haven’t gone into your room,  you know,” Regulus’ voice said to his back as he started down the opposite end of the hall, “They haven’t touched your chair at the dining table. Father is in his study a lot more…” Sirius stopped, taking a moment to remind himself that this was his brother and if he was going to pick a fight, it wasn’t going to be in with him. Count to ten. Count to ten. Walk away. “All summer. It feels like he’s watching the door, waiting…”

One. 

“Narcissa getting married and I know they…”

Two

“If you just apologize , they’d let--”

Ten.

when sirius runs away, reg is fourteen or else newly fifteen and sirius is sixteen (which in teenage years, might as well be a lifetime with how much brains morph and change and bodies etc etc). i truly believe that when sirius left number twelve, reg wasn't there to witness it. reg didn't know what the fight was about and just knew that sirius had been arguing with his parents more and more every year, and he just wanted it to go back to the way it was and had such a bitter taste in his mouth for gryffindor because of this despite sirius and him still getting along. sirius was still his big brother.

and so in regs head, its "sirius just please apologize. look at whats happening! father is upset you left, and--" without knowing the other half of the story (that sirius worked hard to keep him out of). and it isn't until sirius clues him in on whats really going on that reg gets it, and i believe informs regulus's character arc.

good god this was long im so sorry, you didn't ask for this. thanks for reading my content!!

#asks #grey answers #good god this got away from me and im so sorry #someone says Black Brothers and im setting up shop for the next 10 years

[saucerfulofsins]

Are you okay with minors interacting with your blog? Asking because I don't want to violate your boundaries by accident.

Hi! Thank you so much for your message 😊

Before I answer, I want to talk about some stuff.

I was 14 when I first entered the magical realms of fandom. This must have been around 2005 or 2006, I don't remember exactly when. It wasn't on a site dedicated to fic, but a forum that was entirely dedicated to talking about Paul McCartney. The thing is, this meant there were people of all ages on that forum. The median age was probably around 40 and while cis women probably made up the largest number of users, a fair amount of users were cis het men. Regardless, no one was ever creepy or weird or gross to me; the most they did was be a little bit annoyed by me and some other teens occasionally spamming discussion topics with emojis (which was definitely in part because my English wasn't that good at the time and using it cost a lot of extra energy).

The forum allowed some gen-rated het fic, which gave me the information I needed to discover m/m fic on LiveJournal (yeah, John Lennon/Paul McCartney). I was 15 by then. Fandom wasn't as mainstream at the time (and less so in non-English speaking countries), it definitely wasn't on any Massively Popular Websites or Out In The Open. The fourth wall was very much still in place, and the group of people who were writing stories on LJ was fairly small (especially compared to some of the big big fandoms nowadays).

Guess what, though? I talked to many people, and the majority of them were adults. Some of them had children older than me! There was never any discussion around whether that was improper or not, because everyone was treated equally. Of course age factored in to some extent in personal conversations... but in fandom takes? Why should it?

For me, I was always grateful there were people older than me, with more life experience than me. Their fics were awesome, although I didn't read everything. Why I didn't? Because I was 15 and entirely aware that not everything was for me. I didn't enjoy reading anal sex... so I didn't. I usually shied away from NC-17 (/Explicit), not so much because the rating implies 17+ but because I just... didn't want to read it. I knew people my age and younger who did read those stories because they wanted to and were okay with it. I don't think I've seen anyone ever throw a fit over reading something that upset them, and blame the author for posting it in a space minors could see. At most, people lied about their age so they could get access to some stories (because LJ would block explicit stories for minors... I think. Don't quote me on the details, things are a little fuzzy).

So no. I don't mind minors interacting with my blog, because I once was a minor directly interacting with many of the adults in the fandom I was in. Being taken seriously by them was actually really important in how I came to see myself as a fandom member and as a fic author. I especially don't mind a minor who asks me about my comfort interacting with my content, which is less about me and more of a sign I am willing to bet you're equally or more aware of your own boundaries and willing to assume responsibility... which reminds me of myself when I was a minor.

I don't mind minors interacting with my blog, because I think perspectives from people with a different age than you are very important (I have flatmates that are 25 years older than me!). Simultaneously, I know teens who want to read smut will find their way there. Who am I to stop them? All I can advocate for is to stick to your own boundaries, and take care of yourself, and to read stories and interact with blogs (however you shape that interaction) as long as you feel your boundaries are respected.

To close: I know the internet now isn't the internet it was 15 years ago, and I know that was a vastly different internet from the web in the early 90s. So again: no, I don't mind minors following me for the above reasons, and I don't need to be asked. I also don't mind adults curating their online presence by including a DNI in their profile.

Sorry, that was a bit of a rant. I just carry a great fondness in my heart for the many "fandom aunties" who took me under their wing, way back when, and I'm sad that the format of Tumblr discourages the same types of interaction that shaped my experience and view of fannish culture.

#long post tw #sorry i just.. many thoughts and feels #i rmr the name of one of the ppl on the forum #she was in her SEVENTIES #(so if she's still alive--and I hope she is--she's in her mid-80s) #(the same age as my nan) #and it did happen that obituary posts were posted to the forum #so the whole idea that fandom is only appropriate until a certain age or that only people of set ages can interact is completely foreign #to me #like no people weren't always nice to me? #but people aren't now #it's no different #i won't shit on minors/teens cause like... #i've been there #it might not be something i identify with anymore... but there's nothing cringe about being a teen and seeing a world full of cynical hope

[secretlywritingstories]

I’ve been thinking about the [AO3] You've got kudos! emails today. It was a stray thought at first, a little flicker of something swishing past me but I was at work and looking for a distraction so my brain grabbed it.

Held it tight for a moment and let it really sink in what it means that I get emails like that on the daily. Yes, daily, almost consistently for at least a year or two, maybe even more. It’s been over five years since I started using that site for my fics, shepherding over group of “old” favourites from Wattpad and tumblr and now it’s exclusively the site I use for my fic.

And bless AO3 for so many things (the tagging system, the include and exclude options for searching, the OTW fighting for fic writers, and more) but also something as simple at those daily automatic emails. I always open them. Always check on what fic(s) got a new kudos. How exhilarating it is to see a new one shot or a new chapter get a little chunk of new kudos and how heartwarming it is to see that even “old” fics still get kudos too.

I’m fortunate that so many people read my works, and that a fair few of them having decent numbers means that it is easier for new people to find them too. I’m not sure why I was lucky like this - I know some of it it must be my talent at writing and crafting, but some of it must also be dumb luck, and it’s definitely aided by me being consistent and prolific too. I am do not feel big enough to be considered a “big name” in any of my fandoms, but I have people who follow and look forward to new stuff from me. It’s very lovely. Every single reader is a gift.

The daily kudos emails today really reminded my brain that every single day there is at least one person - likely a fair bit more than just one with silent readers or re-readers - reading my words. A little piece of me spilled out onto the digital page. Kudos can never reach the same euphoria as getting comments and getting to hear what someone thought of your works, whether it be a simple “nice, liked it” or literal thousands of words of analysis or detailed thoughts. Those are unbeatable, but I still treasure the kudos.

Writing is “just” a hobby for me. A creative outlet that makes me feel good. A way to get the stories sprouting in my head into something tangible. I’ve been writing since I was a teenager, I’ve been posting my works online for eight years. The last few years I’ve mostly stuck to a daily schedule of writing. It’s a set part of my day, at least half an hour, just me and my laptop. Writing a line in a fic that will go on to live on AO3 for years to come.

A fic whose title I’ll see in a kudos email in a handful of years, delighted to be reminded of words I wrote long ago. Words I might even have mostly forgotten. After all, I write them to get them out of my head and into a better home where they will not be forgotten. But the readers do not forget. They will find it and it lives on. I think that’s bloody brilliant. Bless fanfic, bless AO3, bless the readers. I’m not sure I could ever have predicted being able to write the fics I have without the fandoms and the online community welcoming me with open arms. And now millions (yes, over 2.5 million just on AO3) of my words live out there for anyone to find.

#writing #ao3 #fanfiction #spilled thoughts #my tumblr dabbles

[aeriona]

Dkfmkeels I have a weird relationship with my writing, I gotta explain this in detail so I can understand myself better, long text post you’ve been warned

I loooove reading in general (both fiction and non-fiction) and the idea of writing appeals to me greatly! I’ve got so many stories all tangled up in my head and I so badly want to pull them all out and straighten them on a page, the the weird problem is that I really don’t enjoy the writing process?

It sounds fun in concept, especially with that Four Swords AU I’ve got, having that down as like a 40,000+ word fic on AO3 would be an absolute dream-come-true for me. And i’ve written little bits of that! Or at least i’ve tried haha

It’s just really difficult (and frustrating!) for me to take my thoughts and put them on a page in a way that makes sense for someone to read, also writing drafts makes me want to commit a hate crime because making a rough/preliminary version of literally anything feels like pulling teeth most of the time haha. I just want to write it in one go and have it be good, but i know that’s definitely not how writing works lmao

I’ve written like two pages of it, but merely thinking about the document itself makes me want to burn it because i hate it so much, and the weird thing is I genuinely have no idea why i hate it so much it’s just words lol. Maybe because the idea of having the weird niche stories within my head spilled onto a document just reminds me of how cringe I am?

There’s probably sites online or something (gotta to look into that), my interests mostly fall into science and art and no writing, but I’d absolutely love to get my story down for you guys to enjoy! It feels suffocating to have it all within my head and in a few vague artworks, i need it down in its entirety, if i even have that finalised yet lol.

to anyone who read all of that, you are really cool and I am fond of you for listening to my problems :) All this stuff isn’t that massive of a deal to me, but i’d like to contribute more to the four swords community than just art and I need to start somewhere lmao.

Okay rant over that’s all, thank you!

#rant #four swords #four swords manga #I’m just tired lmao #And i recently remembered that i can post text and not art on occasion lol #i’m trying not to be overly negative or garner sympathy from people (please don’t do that oh my god) #I’m just trying to explain this to both my followers and to myself because i only recently figured out this was a problem haha

[thetragicallynerdy]

All the fic writer ask questions are so interesting - I couldn't decide on one (or even a few) so please just choose the one(s) you'd like to answer the most!

Aww thanks friend!! Okay okay I went with these ones because they were calling to me:

☯️how do you think engaging with each other through tumblr, twitter, comments, kudos, creates healthy fandom experiences? How do you deal with that if you're not a social person/experience social anxiety?

So - I think it really depends on how you engage, but fandom isn't really fandom without some sort of community aspect. I say this as someone who lurked at the edges of fandoms for about 15 years before finally picking up writing, joining a discord server and fandom tumblr, and really becoming involved. Fandom before I started engaging was a sort of space that was fun to visit, but that I didn't feel any sort of belonging to - it wasn't until I actually started actively engaging that it became a community I was a part of. And community is lovely! We all need community, we're social creatures, etc. Engaging with so many different people in fandom also gets you out of your own head and experiences, and can be a really beautiful thing. Forcing myself out of my comfort zone has led to some absolutely wonderful friendships, and a community that I'm really grateful to be a part of <3

🧿what steps do you take to not take things personally if a fic doesn't do well, or if your writing/posting/sharing experience isn't going how you'd like it to?

This is something that I still actively struggle with in different ways - I mainly write for small ships and small fandoms and it can lead to a lot of "well why aren't people noticing my work" type thoughts. I think the things that have helped me the most are:

being careful of my social media use and expectations around posting. I don't use twitter much because it isn't a healthy place for me re: fandom jealousy (and many other factors, but that's one of them). I also have all notifications off on sites like tumblr, so I'm not constantly watching for responses to things.

reminding myself that the responses to a fic don't really mean anything in regards to how well its written or how good it is - sometimes things just resonate with some people! I've gotten a TON of responses to what i consider one of my weaker works, and very few responses to other things that I consider my best work.

i am lucky and have some absolutely amazing readers and also amazing friends who hype up my work - finding those one or two people is so helpful! because it can change it from feeling like writing was pointless to remembering that 'hey, i'm writing for these people that i think will love this'.

for me personally, feeling bad about how a fic is doing is also often a sign that there's some other area of my life where my needs aren't being met - either i'm lonely, or a bit anxious, or sad, etc. So sometimes looking at 'what need am i trying to meet with this and why isn't it working' is helpful!

I think overall it is a PROCESS to disentangle the "my worth is tied to my work and people's love of it" and the more you practice the easier it gets - and if you notice it's particularly bad right then, it can be a good time to take a step back and re-evaluate your needs!

Thanks for the open ask pal <3 I hope you have a lovely day!!

Fic writer ask game can be found here for the curious!

#ask game #fic writer ask game #zombiethingy