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#like you see i don’t think jealousy is necessarily bad if it’s 1. something objectively good to have and 2. something with no scarcity

idkwhoiamanymorebutwtf · 4 years

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Amity absolutely in not going to choose the Emperor’s Coven over Luz.

I keep seeing it suggested that Amity’s ties to the Emperor’s Coven could become an issue. That she may decide supporting Luz isn’t as important as her ambitions related to the Coven. That she might chose to side with the Emperor’s Coven, causing a rift between her and Luz. However I don’t believe that for a second, and that’s for two reasons.

1.) Luz is, as of right now, the most important thing to Amity. It's always felt to me like Amity already chose Luz over everything else. Amity has sacrificed her own physical wellbeing, even putting her own life in danger, to help Luz in the past. There's no way Amity's parents approve of Luz so she's put her relationship with her parents, something she's worked desperately for, at risk just by liking Luz, but she continues to be around her. Amity was willing to throw out her social group for hurting Luz. Why wouldn't she follow the pattern and pick Luz over the Emperor's coven too? And I mean..she must know she'll have to. Amity knows that Luz is Eda's apprentice. She knows that Eda is wanted by the Emperor's Coven. She's gotta know that she'll have to pick between the two things eventually, right? And if her plan wasn't to eventually pick Luz when she had to make the choice, why would she have put Luz before her own physical wellbeing, before her social status, and before her abusive parents' wishes? Not to mention , Amity's greatest fear was being rejected by Luz. It wasn't her abusive family. It wasn't being denied by the Emperor's Coven. It was the idea that she could lose Luz. Which makes it pretty cut and dry what the most important thing to Amity is in the end. Amity has already been willing to put so much on the line for Luz. I feel like she isn't going to stop now. Especially since, tbh, it seems like Amity has never been happier than she is currently. Realistically if you were a normal person with a good strong support system and a healthy conviction to follow your dreams then you wouldn't be willing to risk your life and dream job for another person. However Amity isn't a very healthy person. Her family is abusive, her friends are cruel, etc. Amity made their goals for her into her own goals because she didn't feel like there was anything else out there for her, not becsuse she personally wants it. She wasn't happy. Until Luz was kind and optimistic and showed her the potential that there are good people out there. I mean, why do you think she latched onto Luz so quickly and has put her physical wellbeing, social status, and relationship with her family in jeopardy just through having feelings for Luz and standing by her so far? She's willing to do that because Luz is one of if not the only person in her life that isn't abusing her to some extent. She isn't going to act like a normal person with a good support system and healthy ambitions they care about because Amity isn't any of those things and right now Luz means so so so much to her by proxy of being the only person in her life who's good. I don't think she'd give that up for anything, speaking both from personal experience and from the behavior ive seen her exhibit as of late and how much she's already risked.

and

2.) Siding with the Emperor’s Coven would go against Amity’s strong sense of morality. Amity has been an incredible human being for her entire life. Every flashback we've seen of Amity has shown her as nothing but a good person. She was wrong to treat Willow the way she did, sure, but Amity did it all in an attempt to protect Willow and in the end how could anyone hate her for that? When she was told to befriend Boscha, Amity immediately refused, acknowledging that the other girl was mean, and for as long as the two were friends she never seemed to warm up to the cruel girl. When Amity accidentally got her Grudby teammates hurt she felt so horribly guilty that she quit playing forever. She's made mistakes cause she's a human being and people mess up sometimes, but I honestly think Amity has always been an admirable person. Why on earth would Amity ever support the Emperor’s Coven when she finds out what horrible things they’ve done? And some people suggest that while she’s not a bad person, her ambitions may make her do bad things. But Amity’s integrity has always come before her ambition. That much is made exceptionally clear back in Covention. Amity wasn’t willing to cheat in their magic duel. She refused to lie or cheat and that means that if Luz had really been better than her and won fairly, Amity would have taken the loss. She easily could have cheated. Everyone else did, it wouldn’t have been hard for Amity to do the same. But she didn’t, and she was extraordinarily upset that the other people involved did. Amity was horrified that Lilith cheated in her favor. Even if it helped her look good in front of the Emperor’s Coven, cheating was never even an option that crossed Amity’s mind and she was completed mortified that Lilith tricked her into it anyway. Her ambition was never as strong as her integrity back then, so why would it suddenly overwhelm her morals now? I mean, if cheating in a competition was a disgusting thought that she never considered for a second. Something that Amity screamed at Luz for doing and was completely ashamed when Lilith did it. Then how can anyone expect that Amity would support the Emperor’s Coven after all they’ve done? Even with all the pressure Amity’s under from society in general and her abusive parents, she hasn’t sacrificed her morals yet, and to suggest she might now is to completely disregard the strength of character she’s been shown to possess so far.

“But Wait!” I hear you say, “A clear parallel was drawn between the relationship of Luz and Amity vs the relationship of Eda and Lilith! That means Luz and Amity was likely to go down the same route and become enemies!”

And you are correct that there was a clear parallel drawn between these four in Covention. However i’d venture to suggest that this parallel will be used as a contrast rather than to show history repeating itself.

I’ll start by saying that I personally believe the “history repeats itself” trope is very hard to get right and is only really effective in certain situations, this not being one of them. Tell me, what, narritively, would be the positive effect of pushing Amity and Luz down the same route Lilith and Eda went down? I can’t see any good reason for it except the ~shock value~, and honestly anything you do with a character exclusively to shock or upset the audience rather than to develop the characters in their natural progression is a bad choice by default. There’s no reason Luz and Amity need to be like Eda and Lilith. And in fact, not only is the idea of their relationship being a foil the the Clawthorne sister’s relationship more interesting to me because it has an actual purpose (to show that the sister’s both screwed up their relationship and that if you communicate and try to be good people then you won’t end up in a fight to the death against someone you’re supposed to love and that both sister’s could have made steps to be better siblings but they didn’t and that’s on them), but it also seems to fit a lot more cohesively into the narrative knowing what we do about both the relationship between Lilith and Eda and the relationship between Amity and Luz.

I get the feeling Lilith was always jealous of Eda. That Eda was stronger. That Eda outshone her. It may not even have been fair a lot of the time, after all, Eda is known to cheat her way through things. And it also seems as if Eda, instead of supporting and reassuring her insecure sister, was proud of this and held it against Lilith that she was better. Well, when Luz and Amity first met, Luz outshone Amity too. Amity was angry and bitter and disliked Luz because it fucking hurt to have her achievements taken away from her unfairly. They easily could have gone down the same route Lilith and Eda did. With Luz sticking to her guns and insisting she was better, that she deserved the recognition more anyway and Amity acting like a jealous, vindictive child. But that didn’t happen. Luz tried her best to make it up to Amity and Amity, once Luz expressed her remorse and took steps to make amends, not only accepted it but reflected on her own behavior and admitted she herself could have been better too. How did Amity and Luz manage to overcome a conflict that’s still tearing two grown women apart? By overall being better than Eda and Lilith were. Luz felt terrible for hurting Amity. Eda was proud of outshining Lilith. Amity didn't let herself be overcome with bitterness or jealousy and instead reflected inwardly on how she could have been better too. Lilith just kept getting worse and worse and straying from the path of morality more and more. We can see it clearly in Covention. Lilith cheated. Amity on the other hand would never stray from her integrity even if she wanted to win and was mortified to find out what happened. Eda bragged and taunted and teased Lilith for cheating. Luz ran after Amity to comfort her. Overall Amity and Luz are better than Lilith and Eda and that's why I don't see them making the same mistakes. Another difference I see, Lilith let her desperation for power make her a bad person. Amity realized she was being colder than she'd like to and instantly ditched her cruel friends and tried to he better. Eda let's her wild nature make her inconsiderate (she's not just a criminal for not joining a coven, she does actual morally wrong crimes too) but Luz tries her best to be kind and to make people happy and he selfless in general. As I said before, they're both better than their mentors. Both Eda and Lilith made mistakes that lead them to where they are (although Lilith is objectively the worse of the two, she isn't necessarily the only one to blame for their relationship failing). Because Luz and Amity are a contrast to Eda and Lilith, not a repition of their story. Luz and Amity show what can happen when you communicate and try to understand and empathize with people and don't stray from your own morals no matter what other people may do to you.That's something it doesn't seem like the sister's ever learned how to do, and that's what tore them apart. But it's something Luz and Amity exhibit consistently. Communication, mercy, understanding. and that's why they aren't doomed to be like their mentors. Because as I said before, they contrast Lilith and Eda's dynamic in every way simply by being better friends to each other and people in general.

#the owl house #lilith clawthorne #edalyn clawthorne #eda clawthorne #amity blight #luz noceda

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goraturtle · 3 years

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1 - 43 please!

WHEWWWWW, i told myself i’d do these questions for two of my main current ocs i play in weekly motw sessions, Astrid and Frankie, if i got any, so let’s goooooo

under a readmore bc this is long and i’m not evil

What’s the maximum amount of time your character can sit still with nothing to do?

Astrid - if she’s with someone? Astrid could probably sit in companionable silence for hours, and she’s very much a “falling asleep on people as a love language” kind of person, so if she trusts u and has time to kill she Will fall asleep on you. If she’s by herself waiting for something to happen or already twitchy to begin with? she could probably stand like 3 minutes before getting agitated and pacing around or finding something to do

Frankie - if she’s ever in a spot where she can’t think of anything to do, she will Find something to do and then get so absorbed in it she won’t move an inch over the course of literal hours. either that or if she’s with people she’ll be content to just laze around and hang out

How easy is it for your character to laugh?

Astrid - not very easy at all, she’s more likely to roll her eyes at you if you try to say something funny or elbow you sharply in the ribs if she doesn’t approve of your joke lol

Frankie - extremely easy, frankie is generally pretty easygoing + especially loves to make other people laugh

How do they put themselves to bed at night (reading, singing, thinking?)

Astrid - this kid is kind of a mess so she’s very much one of those “go over everything in your head that could possibly go wrong in the future” kind of people, which, as you can imagine, doesn’t rlly help with sleep

Frankie - for plot reasons [tw terminal illness ///] (ie. Frankie is actually extremely ill and her backstory is that she came to town seeking a magical cure to save her own life) Frankie is usually so bone weary she doesn’t need a routine. From a young age she’s been good at falling asleep wherever/whenever she wants, but these days the second she hits a slightly cushioned piece of furniture, she’s out like a light (and also a very heavy sleeper)

How easy is it to earn their trust?

Astrid - surprisingly easy if you’re a decent person. she might still be slow to open up but that doesn’t mean that trust isn’t there. for all her prickliness, Astrid likes to believe in the good in people (to her frustration)

Frankie - Not that easy actually! Frankie likes to believe in the good in people too, but she tends to be highly suspicious of strangers

How easy is it to earn their mistrust?

Astrid - depends on the person, very VERY difficult if you’re someone she’s already trusted bc she has a hard time wrapping her head/heart around betrayal (even if she projects otherwise) but if you’re just some rando it’s easy to land yourself on her shitlist

Frankie - Also not easy, she doesn’t mistrust unless you give her a reason to. She’s just pretty neutral on people and tries to cover her bases until she’s got cause to believe otherwise

Do they consider laws flexible, or immovable?

Astrid - my baby was a thief for most of her life before getting scooped up and conscripted into being a superhero, so in general she does not give a shit about the law

Frankie - you know, for a law school dropout you’d think Frankie would care more about laws, but she doesn’t. not even a little bit.

What triggers nostalgia for them, most often? Do they enjoy that feeling?

Astrid - I think seeing happy families for her is a unique trigger, reminds her of when her mom was still around and when her twin siblings were babies. She was separated from the twins for years, and has reconnected with one of them, so I think even spending time w/ her little sis has been triggering major nostalgia as well. She wants to tell her baby sister more about how things were (Caroline was too little to retain most memories from back then) but doesn’t want to push too hard, and doesn’t know how to open up about memories she’s kept close for years. The feeling is painful, but little by little she’s learning to cope w/ it and appreciate it.

Frankie - Happy families is probably a trigger for Frankie as well, since she left home after highschool after getting into a dumb argument w/ her dad. She was always going to go home after getting her law degree, but got her diagnosis + discovered the existence of magic and that changed everything. That nostalgia is extremely painful for her, and she tries to block it out as much as possible, since she knows that the next time she sees her parents it’ll either be after she figures out a cure for herself or once she gives up completely and goes home to accept her fate

What were they told to stop/start doing most often as a child

Astrid - she was a bit of a gregarious wildchild so it was a lot of exasperated “get DOWN from there” “Astrid stop RUNNING” “Don’t forget to hold my hand when we cross the street!!!”s from her mom lol. poor woman.

Frankie - Frankie was a very shy little kid, so it was a lot of gentle coaxings from her parents for her to speak up

Do they swear? Do they remember their first swear word?

Astrid - fuck yeah she does, hers was probably “fuck you”

Frankie - absolutely. she probably swore the first time after hearing her dad cuss or something, so it’d be something like “son of a bitch” or something (her dad probably lost his mind laughing after he heard her say it, and her mom would NOT have been happy w him lol)

What lie do they most frequently remember telling? Does it haunt them?

Astrid - She hasn’t told her baby sister that she was a thief before her current gig, and that makes her feel bad honestly

Frankie - the lie by omission about her general health and why she came to town in the first place. it haunts her literally every single day.

How do they cope with confusion (seek clarification, pretend they understand, etc)?

Astrid - she does not ask questions, probably acts like she understands/is above the conversation but you could definitely catch her side-eyeing people or eavesdropping to try and understand

Frankie - outright is like ‘haha what’

How do they deal with an itch found in a place they can’t quite reach?

Astrid - will scratch herself on every single inanimate object she can reach, scowling the entire time

Frankie - complain very loudly to incite sympathy and help

What color do they think they look best in? Do they actually look best in that color?

Astrid - she generally wears a lot of black/dark blue. She looks good in dark blue, but she also looks great in brighter jewel tones (she won’t wear them though bc she thinks it’s ‘Too Much’)

Frankie - she wears a TON of color all the time, think tacky buttondowns every single day, but she thinks she looks best in that soft peachy kind of orange (and she’s absolutely right)

What animal do they fear most?

Astrid - *takes a long draw off an old wooden pipe* Mankind

Frankie - she was kind of woodsy as a kid, living in montana, so i don’t think she’s really afraid of any animals. maybe a healthy respect for bears? now that she’s a werewolf i don’t think she’s scared of any animals at all

How do they speak? Is what they say usually thought of on the spot, or do they rehearse it in their mind first?

Astrid - definitely an on-the-spot thinker

Frankie - she’s very careful about what she says, generally, but she can blurt stuff out if she’s feeling emotional/not in control

What makes their stomach turn?

Astrid - cruelty in general. She’s lived a hard life and isnt afraid to punch hard, but she doesn’t understand delighting in someone’s suffering

Frankie - thoughts of impending inescapable death

Are they easily embarrassed?

Astrid - depends, most things won’t rattle her but I think genuine affection when she isn’t expecting it will get her a little flustered

Frankie - no she’s a rock. the only thing that could make her blush would be like a genuine romantic confession + someone being interested in her in that way

What embarrasses them?

whoops, see above

What is their favorite number?

Astrid - does not care

Frankie - 420

If they were asked to explain the difference between romantic and platonic or familial love, how would they do so?

Astrid - she’d probably roll her eyes and be like “Don’t be stupid, do I really have to explain something so obvious to you?”

Frankie - “Well first of all if I wanna kiss them on the lips it’s romantic”

Why do they get up in the morning?

Astrid - more habit than anything most days, but she gets up for her little sister, for her teammates, and in the hopes that they’ll be able to find the other twin, her brother, very soon

Frankie - very much does not want to die or let down the people who have supported her since coming to down.

How does jealousy manifest itself in them (they become possessive, they become aloof, etc)?

Astrid - she’d get possessive but ONLY in private, afterwards. Astrid would react off the cuff and get pretty pissy, but get even angrier at herself for lashing out + leave/avoid the person for a while to try and control herself

Frankie - I don’t think she’s used to being possessive so it would take her completely by surprise. She’d get very hurt, and wouldn’t necessarily be aloof, but she’d try to remove herself from the situation so she’s ‘not in the way’. She’d probably get pissed at herself for even feeling hurt, when it’s not like she’s in any position to be laying the foundation for a future anywhere

How does envy manifest itself in them (they take what they want, they become resentful, etc)?

Astrid - thief, so. she will definitely just take that shit provided there’s nothing else to make her hesitate (ie. it’s not a special trinket/memento and provided the person she’s stealing from isn’t struggling to make ends meet)

Frankie - I can’t see her getting envious over a possession or anything honestly

Is sex something that they’re comfortable speaking about? To whom?

Astrid - yeah, why not honestly. I think she’d be fine talking generally about it w/ anyone. She does NOT want to hear any details about her two madly in love middle aged coworkers fucking, though, please no

Frankie - definitely. not a lot of romantic experience, but Frankie is old hat at hookups/one night stands and doesn’t shy away from talking about it if asked. I think she’s more embarrassed about never having been in a real relationship than she is about her sexual history

What are their thoughts on marriage?

Astrid - her mom never got married (she has a different father from the twins, and in both cases the dad fucked off and left after her mom realized she was pregnant) and she is terrified of letting people down, so at the moment she isn’t rlly excited about that kind of thing. Her ex, Charlie, also betrayed her and hurt her pretty badly, and even though they were teenagers Astrid still thought of her as being The One, so she’s doubtful about ever finding or wanting to find a replacement. She’s still young and traumatized though, and I can easily see her mind changing

Frankie - literally domestic life would be bliss for her, but she doesn’t even let herself think about a serious relationship, let alone marriage, bc she does not anticipate living long

What is their preferred mode of transportation?

Astrid - she had this shitty old 2003 chevy silverado she drove for years that she’s still got a soft spot for, even if she’ll swear up and down to any witness that she hates the damn thing

Frankie - she’s got a little prius-c bc i wanted to shove her into a clown car, but she grew up on her parents’ horse farm in montana and tbh. nothing can beat horseback for her.

What causes them to feel dread?

Astrid - these days? being alone/feeling exposed. She’s gotten used to her backup. Also thinking about her lost twin brother has been a major source of dread/pain for her lately

Frankie - when she wakes up in the morning and the body aches and chills are worse than the day before

Would they prefer a lie over an unpleasant truth?

Astrid - no and if she caught someone lying to her just to save her feelings she’d be SO mad, prepare to get ur ass beaten by this maladjusted 5′1 twenty five year old

Frankie - definitely not. which is hypocritical as hell for her, all things considered

Do they usually live up to their own ideals?

Astrid - she sets very high standards for herself that she can’t possibly meet, so no. she’s still trying to feel like she belongs as a superhero

Frankie - usually, but obviously her lying about her health is a major blind spot where she becomes extremely hypocritical

Who do they most regret meeting?

Astrid - i’d say on the surface she says she regretted meeting her ex, Charlie, but that’s not true, not even a little bit. She’s still heartsick over everything that happened between them

Frankie - there was an incident with a werewolf hunter (who Frankie had helped to save the life of) going after Lou and Selene. Lou got shot (Frankie healed him) and the two of them had to kill her, which was obviously traumatizing for them. Frankie still wishes that they’d never even seen the hunter in the first place and regrets saving her life

Who are they the most glad to have met?

Astrid - when she was conscripted into the superhero biz and given her powers, she was put onto a team with two other supers named Arsenal and Bullet (the other player characters, real names are Heather and Cyrus), who are middle aged pros very used to the field. Astrid’s only 25 so they naturally kind of leaned into the parent relationship, and Astrid loves them so much. It was rocky at first because Astrid was adjusting and wasn’t even sure she wanted to be there, but they have been so patient and kind at this point i think Astrid would literally do anything for them

Frankie - the other player characters, again (two twins named Selene and Lou who are members of the local werewolf pack. Frankie got bit in the first session to see if a werewolf’s healing abilities could cure her. It didn’t work), but especially Selene. They’ve been bonding a lot lately and as much as Frankie wants to keep everyone at bay in case she fails and has to leave town in the middle of the night, everyone she’s met in town has made a big impact on her.

Do they have a go-to story in conversation? Or a joke?

Astrid - her only ‘joke’ is that she rolls her eyes constantly. in the early games when she was still too emotionally constipated to really chat with Arsenal/Heather and Bullet/Cyrus i made her roll her eyes like every 3 seconds. She doesn’t think she’s a very funny person and spent a lot of time growing up trying to focus on keeping herself fed/safe so she feels awkward trying to crack jokes + has a (correct) feeling that most of her ‘stories’ from her teenage years would horrify Heather and Cyrus

Frankie - she’s been very cagey about details about her personal life in-game, but I am very excited for her to tell the story about when a horse kicked her and broke 3 ribs when she was like 8

Could they be considered lazy?

Astrid - definitely not. this girl would not know how to relax if you paid her

Frankie - if she’s stoned? yes. (she self medicates)

How hard is it for them to shake a sense of guilt?

Astrid - hard, but she also doesn’t seek validation from other people. A pep talk from her two favorite work parents would probably go a long way (which is probably a small reason why she doesn’t ask for that from them, since she’s a little self-punishing)

Frankie - easy enough throughout the day when she’s busy, but feelings like that tend to come for you when things get quiet

How do they treat the things their friends come to them excited about? Are they supportive?

Astrid - not used to people coming to her bc they’re excited, usually ppl come to her w/ Problems, but she’d be very supportive, if a bit awkward

Frankie - VERy supportive, 10/10, will get extremely invested for your sake

Do they actively seek romance, or do they wait for it to fall into their lap?

Astrid - she sought it out with her ex Charlie, initially, when they were teenagers, and has been kind of closed off ever since, aside from the occasional one night stand here and there. Even those, she waits for it, though. Having your ex kick you out and try to hurt you does a number on the ol’ self esteem. She’s not really interested in romance currently

Frankie - doesn’t seek it out at all except in a purely sexual context when she’s bored (w/ others strictly looking for the same) bc she doesn’t feel like she’s got enough time left to give to someone right now. Also, genuinely, she’s got some self esteem issues as well and can’t fathom someone wanting her for more than just one night

Do they have a system for remembering names, long lists of numbers, things that need to go in a certain order (like anagrams, putting things to melodies, etc)?

Astrid - nope, not at all. If she did she would have gotten a lot better grades in middle school/early high school (she dropped out like freshman year)

Frankie - she just writes everything down in a notebook

What memory do they revisit the most often?

Astrid - the night that Charlie told her to get lost and then tried to kill her. She hasn’t come to terms with it yet.

Frankie - the last time she saw her parents. When her dad lost his temper and said “If you’re gonna walk out that door then don’t come back” and she, in all of her 18 year old stubbornness, followed directions to the letter. She had a good relationship w/ her dad, they’re both just stubborn and stupid. she wishes she could have repaired things sooner

How easy is it for them to ignore flaws in other people?

Astrid - extremely easy, she doesn’t exactly see herself as having a leg to stand on.

Frankie - easy, everyone fucks up, she’s more interested in communication and willingness to make things better than she is in perfection

How sensitive are they to their own flaws?

Astrid - EXTREMELY sensitive

Frankie - fairly sensitive, she’s very self aware of her shortcomings but stays quiet about them since most of them are really only apparent to her

How do they feel about children?

Astrid - loves kids, terminal big sis syndrome. will never want her own bc she’s terrified of fucking up and thinks she would make a bad mom

Frankie - likes kids, once again doesn’t rlly think about them as being a possibility for her. When she’s cured and ready to start considering a future (the gm isn’t gonna kill her i trust her too much we’re just in this for the angst) i think she’ll really want children, she’d consider it a privilege to raise a child. Also she’d be the perfect dad joke lesbian

How badly do they want to reach their end goal?

Astrid - she went from a lonely thief to a superhero being slowly reunited w/ her family, plus she’s made a new kind of family in the process. All she wants is to find her baby brother right now, and she’ll do anything to make sure he’s safe and sound.

Frankie - so bad it hurts. what started out as her being purely scared of dying has also quickly turned into her wanting to live and stay more with these people she’s met.

If someone asked them to explain their sexuality, how would they do so?

Astrid - “Girls.”

Frankie - “Haha, why, you interested? *winks*” (but also lesbian as well)

#oc singularity #thats my tag for astrid bc its her superhero name (shes got gravity powers)#oc frankie #asks #txchallas #WOO that was fun thank u!!!!

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bluephoenixdruidicprincess · 5 years

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Shadowhunters 3x15, To the Night Children -- Review

You guys are in for a treat this week. I'm actually doing this review way earlier than I normally do. But make no mistake, this absolutely doesn't mean that I enjoyed this episode and I was just so excited to talk about it. Quite the contrary, I didn't enjoy this episode. Just like the previous episodes, I found this episode boring and completely unnecessary in the grand scheme of things as most Heidi centric episodes tend to be. Again, it leaves me with the questions, "what was the point?" and "when is the plot going to finally start?" So let's discuss Shadowhunters 3x15, To the Night Children.

I would like to preface this review with saying that I am NOT a huge supporter of this show. I do enjoy certain elements of it but I'm not what would be classified as a devoted fan. For me, Shadowhunters is not a good show and I do get very critical of the show in my reviews. Honestly, for me, I watch the show because 1) I'm too curious not to and 2) I find that this show can be so bad its funny and that's how I reap enjoyment out of it. I am not at all invested in this show or its characters anymore. I'm just watching to see what happens. If you're a die hard fan and you lash out at everyone who has a different opinion than you, you might want to skip these...I'm just saying. My reviews may not be for you. If you do decide to be a total troll, well then pay attention to the below disclaimer.

This is going to be an honest review of my thoughts and feelings regarding this episode. If you're the kind of Shadowhunters fan where you only want to hear positive things about the show, this is not the place for you. If you decide to stick around and get offended by what is said, then that's on you. I warned you. Just know that if you send me any rude comments or messages, I will 100% ignore you. I find that's the best way to deal with bullies. I work 14 hour days. Do you really think I want to waste my incredibly valuable free time dealing with derogatory comments? Hell no. This review will consist of my honest opinions. Opinions are never right or wrong. I'm not telling YOU how to think and feel. I'm telling you what I, quirky and socially awkward me, think and feel. So please, lets discuss with dignity and respect. If I'm critical about this show, it's only because I want it to get better. There is, in fact, a difference between hating a show and being critical of it. I do not hate Shadowhunters, I am being critical and analyzing the flaws as I would with any other show. There are positives but there are also negatives. It's great if you want to promote positivity with this show (and I encourage you to do so) but that doesn't mean I'm not going to point out the things that are legitimately wrong with it. Also, keep in mind that despite the fact that I do like the books, me being critical of this show has nothing to do with my fondness for the books. I don't really care if the show deviates from the source material as long as the changes are good, it makes sense, and it doesn't create plot holes within the confines of the world the show has created. My problems with this show are problems I would have with any show or book for that matter. I think it's perfectly reasonable to take issue with a show that has plot holes, shoddy world building, and inconsistent characters. There will be spoilers for the books and movie.

How is it possible that we're half a season in and we've only had filler episodes? Seriously, the endgame plot for this show better be something fantastic to make up for the pointlessness that has been these past few episodes. You could skip this episode and you wouldn't miss anything.

What Is The Point of the Heidi Plot

Seriously, what even is the point of this plot? Particularly with how it was closed out in this episode. This plot did nothing for Maia's character arc, it did nothing for Simon's character arc, it was a complete waste of time. It was a horrible usage of what happened to Simon's family. None of our characters had any sort of emotional attachment to Heidi and I highly doubt any of the audience has any sort of emotional connection to her. No one cares about her so why on earth was there so much time the show doesn't have devoted to her? And I can now say that without a doubt that the Maureen plot done in the books was a 100x better than what happened here in the show. It was actually kind of epic. And this isn't me being mad that the show changed stuff from the books, this is me looking at the plot objectively and remarking that the books did it better. How does Heidi die in the show? Maia kills her for killing her pack, nothing more to it than that. How does Maureen die in the books? Via collusion between Lily the Vampire and Maia that results in an alliance between the vampires and the werewolves and effectively ending conflicts between the two parties that stems centuries; Lily becomes head of the vampire clan and Maia becomes alpha of the werewolf pack and together along with Magnus and Alec's guidance, they work through downworld drama one conflict at a time. What's the difference between the show outcome and the book outcome? Well, the book outcome has a lasting impact on the world, it actually does something for Maia's character arc, it gives her agency. What does the show outcome do? It gives Maia vengeance, I guess. I'm not sure what else. And to be perfectly honest, it's never felt like show!Maia was all that connected to the pack to begin with. It always kind of felt like she hung around them because she was obligated to and not because she genuinely thought of them as family. The only wolves she really socialized with were Luke, Jordan, and Bat.

And I think it's a little unfair of Simon to be looking down on Maia for killing Heidi considering it's not like he hasn't done the exact same thing for Clary before. Maia had every right to take vengeance for her pack especially when we just proved in an earlier scene that Alec had made a deal with Heidi. In Maia's eyes, it looked like she wasn't going to get justice for the pack. And can I just say how utterly pointless it was that so much work was put in to bring that girl out of her coma to "out" Heidi when Maia literally killed Heidi in the very next scene. They wasted so much time on that when they could've been doing something with the actual plot.

Malec Stuff, I Guess

What was Malec up to in this episode? Well, they were dealing with the implications of Magnus losing his apartment. Alec is letting Magnus stay at the Institute but the other shadowhunters aren't super fond of that idea. And in the biggest surprise I think we've gotten in the entire series, there's an actual cafeteria where shadowhunters actually congregate and eat with each other. I had no idea. I was honestly contemplating the possibility that they might not even eat, period. Seriously, why don't they use this cafeteria setting more often? It would be so much more interesting instead of scenes constantly being done in the war room. But as Magnus walks into the cafeteria with Alec, everyone just kind of stares at him like he's the new kid at school or something. Magnus contemplates that maybe they should go out to eat and Alec tells him not on "pancake day" and I'm very confused by this. Does NYC not have anywhere that serves pancakes? The NYC Institute must be serving some bomb-ass pancakes, let me tell you. These better be pancakes so awesome they would make the angels weep. Highly doubtful considering what I saw on the plates looked barely edible. And apart from the questionable pancakes, I did notice something else in this cafeteria scene. Alec goes to sit next to Clary and Magnus sits next to Alec. And just the body language Alec and Clary had sitting next to each other was just so much more positive and open than the body language of Magnus and Alec sitting next to each other. And Clary's body language was certainly more open towards Alec than it was to Jace. Honestly, it felt like Alec and Clary were the ones romantically involved with each other. While I don't ship Clalec by any means, I can't help but notice their chemistry and its certainly more pallatable than the chemistry Kat has with Dom or the chemistry Matt has with Harry. I'd be very interested in visiting the alternate universe in which Matt was the one who played Jace.

But there's a little bit of drama when Magnus is talking with this other shadowhunter dude, and the shadowhunter dude reveals he's glad that Magnus and Alec worked things out. You know, that fight they swept underneath the rug in 3A? You might think this is finally the moment in which that conflict will actually be dealt with. You would be mistaken. There was enough time to highlight some Clave bigotry but apparently not character development it would seem, that's Shadowhunters for you, though. The whole debacle is laughed off as jealousy and ends with Magnus saying he doesn't mind if Alec airs their relationship's dirty laundry with his co-workers. And I'm just like, "What?!" Who could possibly be okay with something like that?! I tell you, this show is trying really hard to avoid that whole immortality conflict. But my question to the writers is if you didn't want to deal with it, why on earth did you bring it up in 3A to begin with? It was pointless then and you're treating it as if it's pointless now. Can we please have these two deal with a conflict like the actual adults they're supposed to be?

And this all culminates into Alec and Magnus deciding to move in together as throughout this episode Alec had been realizing he can't be an effective leader if he doesn't follow the same rules as those who are under him. Since it's against the rules for a downworlder to stay at the Institute, Alec and Magnus decide to find an apartment and move in together. And this whole leader business kind of showcases why I don't necessarily like that Alec is the head of the Institute this early into his character arc. This whole being a stickler for following the rules and then not following the rules and then following the rules again. It's far easier for your heroes to bend the rules if they're not in this position and at the end of the story, Alec's character arc is to become a leader so he can now make the changes he wants. But with Alec in this kind of situation, it's just kind of a "bleh" character arc that really doesn't go anywhere and it's full of plot contrivances and whatnot. Alec hasn't made any changes to the system at all and it's become quite evident that the Clave doesn't trust him and it really leaves you questioning why the Clave continues to leave him in charge.

But anyway, the episode ends with Magnus having a seizure and Alec calling out for help. What is up with this season's awkward endings? Sheesh. And I guess now we're going to have another filler next week to deal with this BS as well.

The Plot This Episode Should've Focused On

We have Clary trying to deal with her own guilt about letting Jonathon go in the previous episode and it just keeps on highlighting how I dislike how this story is being handled. Jonathon basically arrives to taunt Clary about the fact that she can't do anything to him and once again, can we get this plot going already? It's taking forever. Even though I still hate how this show is executing this plot. Clary basically has no sense of agency, there's no kind of personal reflection in it. It's like the show is doing the bare minimum to get by with it. Probably because they have so little time to actually do anything with it so they're trying to keep it as minimal and simple as possible. But this is one of those things where I don't want it to be simple. I still think Jace would be a better option in terms of being the subject of Jonathon's obsession. The show wasn't willing to do the Clace incest angle so why are they so ready to dive into this incest plot? Obviously, I know why. It's because Jonathon's evil. Shadowhunters has never been known for its subtlety.

Miscellaneous Stuff

There's an altercation between Clary and Aline in which they're sparring and Aline is making it very obvious that she wants to hurt Clary if it'll hurt Jonathon, maybe even kill her. It eventually gets out of hand when Clary loses control and starts beating the crap out of Aline basically. Jace pulls Clary away and asks Aline not to turn Clary in and I'm just rolling my eyes at this point. What does this show have against holding Clary accountable for anything...or admitting that she’s selfish, for that matter? I am kind of happy that we got a character here in the form of Aline who doesn't automatically worship the ground Clary walks on, though. It's about time. Clary is so worshipped on this show that I'm beginning to think she has a bigger ego than book!Jace. Just serves to further prove that Clary has way more in common with Valentine than she does with Jocelyn. And wouldn’t that be an awesome character arc for her? Where she has to come to terms that she has a bit more of her father in her than she cares to admit?

Clary has a conversation with Luke at the precinct and Luke tells her he's planning on holding himself accountable as he feels guilt for leaving the pack and potentially leaving the pack wide open for this kind of attack. Clary tells him he shouldn't and while this certainly wasn't Luke's fault, I can respect what Luke is doing here. It's too bad Clary doesn't understand the concept of holding oneself accountable when you feel you've done wrong. But she convinces Luke to stop with his current way of thinking because she still needs her father and I'm just like, "Since when?" When has it ever been shown that she's needed Luke in any sort of fatherly capacity. She certainly didn't need Jocelyn. I mean she decided to use the wish to bring back a guy she's only known a couple of months as opposed to her mother, her entire motivation for all of Season One. But whatever, I guess.

Izzy decides to prosecute Raphael due to the role he played with Heidi. And once again, I don't understand the whole point of all of this. It's a thing that happened I guess so I suppose I should take note of it. And once again, we're stuck on this whole Rizzy thing and I can't stand it.

As I mentioned earlier, this episode was hammering pretty hard on our heroes needing to quit bending the rules and follow them full-scale and it's just something that leaves me very confused on. Because it's not like they don't know the Clave has been doing some shady shit. So it's like they're turning a blind eye when they're making these kinds of decisions. And I'm particularly confused about why Simon is so big on this whole followoing the rules thing. When has that been a prevalent aspect of his character arc?

This episode continues to make me ask the questions, "What was the point?" and "When is the plot going to start?" I'm sick of these filler episodes. This episode gets a C for me. It's an episode that's just kind of there. As always, let's hope for better next week.

#shadowhunters #shadowhunters 3x15 #shadowhunters 3.15 #shadowhunters to the night children #to the night children

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genyatta · 6 years

Text

Hey look Mage remembered to actually do the thing, this time around. Anyway, here’s the full updated masterpost of fanfic recommendations under the read more. Sorry it’s a week later than intended. The separate postings will go up tomorrow, interspersed as last time.

Incomplete Fics (as of compilation):

Leave My B o d y by darlindear (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Currently labelled as incomplete, but it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger. Written for Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompts: Valentine’s Day, Pet names/Nicknames). Genji and Zenyatta spend some time in the hot springs near the monastery.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13719702/chapters/31518087)

Too Curious by Far by Naopao (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Faun Zenyatta finds injured dragon Genji in the woods where the former lives. But there’s something brewing on the horizon…

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12929484/chapters/29546106)

I’m Such a Fan by Blacklacelilacs (Rated T; Graphic Depictions of Violence and Major Character Death)

Sentai Team AU where Zenyatta is a fan of them – particularly Green Sentai, since he saved his life a while ago in China. When he gets the chance to meet his heroes, he gets a lot more than he bargained for.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13663815/chapters/31385157)

The Sentai and the Cultist by Lacertae (Rated M; No Warnings Apply)

Sentai AU where Zenyatta is an unwilling antagonist and it seems like the Green Sentai the only person who’s going to actually listen to him. There is something darker afoot than the Cultist. Updates on Mondays, currently.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12703095/chapters/28967106)

Pawsitively Head Over Heels For You by cellostiel (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Genji is the cute cat hybrid barista that trans bird hybrid Zenyatta has a crush on. Good thing it’s mutual.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13471026/chapters/30884190)

Clarity Line by SimonBlackchill (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Genji has family issues and sorts them out by prank calling the supposedly psychic omnic who appears on television. He gets a lot more than he bargained for.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11857479/chapters/26771082)

Saturday Morning Sentai by Phylix (Rated E; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

Sentai AU that’s a little bit more like modern superheroes; not necessarily gritty but a little more realism is tied to it.

Personal warning for usage of drugs, though it’s not explicitly described. Also McHanzo dick pics, because that’s a thing.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11536227/chapters/25900470)

Ryujin Sentai Goranger – Season 3; Episodes 1-11 by choriarty (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Brought to you by the same author of “Oni and Okashi”, it’s the third season of the show Ryujin Sentai Gorangers! (In choriarty’s words, “don’t worry about seasons 1 and 2 the 3rd one is best”.) It’s a combination of Sentai, Power Rangers, and Sailor Moon and is the fic to read for all your cheesy, glorious Sentai needs. One of my personal favorites.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11721924/chapters/26403825)

At the End of the Day by Anemoso (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Pretend Relationship AU where Genji’s still human.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11252334/chapters/25154838)

Miraculous by choriarty (Rated G; No Warnings)

Genyatta Week Summer 2017

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11275392/chapters/25217517)

Senses by enigmatic_fossil (Rated T; No Archive Warnings)

One person’s take on Zenyatta and Genji meeting and subsequently traveling together.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9875360/chapters/22151882)

Summer by Trashbab (Nopholom) (Rated T; No Archive Warnings)

Genyatta Week Summer 2017

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11317809/chapters/25331091)

Hero by phalenne (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Sentai AU

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11135469/chapters/24848712)

Deleted Scenes by Hubris_and_Crafts (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Side stories from wyntera’s Popcorn Redemption, starting with (and so far only having) Genyatta getting together with the movie Hero of My Storm. Also Shambali Shenanigans.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10564467/chapters/23340591)

Ain’t No Sunshine on the Psychic Plane, Darlin’ by notzenyatta (Rated T; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

Zenyatta is kidnapped, Genji rescued him under mysterious cicrumstances and nothing is right.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9861998/chapters/22129547)

The Dragon Becomes Me by thel9stwea699 (Rated T; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

Weredragon Genji is ousted from his clan and wanders the world, and accidentally stumbles across Zenyatta.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8965348/chapters/20507371)

Summer Love – Genyatta Summer Week 2017 by snickering_lemon

(Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11341377/chapters/25381869)

Judgement by vibidi (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

I can see why I don’t see a lot of talk about this one, but I promise it’s worth the time! Genyatta is a little bit of a side note in this one. It follows Zenyatta through the Recall and trying to deal with his own issues as well as coming into a team where not everyone likes the fact that he’s there. Also, honorable mention of the alternate title: Maybe the Iris Was the Friends We Made Along the Way.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7511021/chapters/17074232)

Moments of Hana by ObsidianCoffe (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Focusing on Hana “D.Va” Song, Genyatta is definitely in the foreground and features in at least two of the (currently) five chapters. It’s adorable and also great in terms of team relations.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9095728/chapters/20678545)

Those Who Need It by tea_and_outer_space (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Modern, human AU where everyone has some form of chronic illness, pain, or mental condition, but they all find friends in a free group therapy. Genyatta’s not really a focus of the fic, more so the parts about Genji.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8806711/chapters/20190952)

The Tale of the Lost Dragon by the artisticfox (Rated T; No Archive Warnings Apply)

Directly related to another AU I haven’t read (yet), it can serve as a stand-alone. Mythical AU.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10611681/chapters/23465982)

I Would Move Mountains by twitchtipthegnawer (Rated M; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Hybrid AU where Zenyatta is human and Genji is a hybrid. They set off from Amsterdam to Nepal, but the peaceful journey isn’t always so peaceful.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9894521/chapters/22180067)

Dragon’s Guide by Ayleid (Rated M; No Warnings Apply)

You’ve heard a lot about this one already! Slow burn, modern day, college professor AU. Definitely a good read but super lengthy – don’t start this one at 2 am. Or 11 pm. (Trust me.) There’s actually a side fic where Genji, Hana, and Lucio all make academic vines which I recommend as well, though Genyatta isn’t even really mentioned in that one. It’s the second link.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8155211/chapters/18689135)

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10324025)

Mountain Air by calaverita (Rated M; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

Angst fest Genji who becomes slightly less angsty and is more smitten with Zenyatta.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10713933/chapters/23735895)

Make My Spirit Still by Poee (Rated M; No Warnings Apply)

AU in which the brothers are friendly with each other but are stagnating in skills. Therefore, they are sent to learn among the Shambali. Human AU where “Hanzo doesn’t get access to the sharp object cabinet just in case”. (I don’t think it’s going to be continued, however, so fair warning.)

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8172763/chapters/18726142)

True Self, Without Form by Byacolate (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

True self is without form.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9333578/chapters/21149138)

A Different Color of Bullshit by scarvesandjumpers (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Hanzo struggles with reconciling who Genji was and is, as well as what he was told.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12114795/chapters/27472290)

Omnic Don’t Care Where I’ve Been by orphan_account (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Currently on hiatus, it seems. But AU where Zenyatta is a caretaker omnic and Genji needs help after a bad car “accident” leaves him a cyborg. He ends up crushing on his caretaker and wanting to know him better outside his job. Slow burn, NSFW.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/8757145/chapters/20073493)

Complete Fics (as of the compilation):

Expectations by robotfvckers (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Human Zen teaches Genji how to kiss.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/14320761)

Next stop, my heartby headraline (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Human Zen and Genji get squashed together on public transit. Fanfiction shenanigans ensue.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/14151435)

Reach forth, reach backwards by Lacertae (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Written for Zenyatta Appreciation Week. A year and a day have passed since Mondatta’s death – the cycle is complete, so the Shambali approach Zenyatta to be leader of the Shambali.

Many things are brought to light, and Zenyatta’s not entirely sure how to react to any of this. Genji tries to help him.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/14105739)

over the valley by Fluoradine (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji and Zenyatta (early in their acquaintanceship) try to learn about one another.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13997340)

Priorities by choriarty (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Written for greatsenpai on twitter. Personal warning for mentions of jealousy. But it’s Genji and Zen, so they work it out. Zen returns from a long mission, and Genji wants to spend some time together. But other people keep needing Zen for something or another, and it wears on Genji’s patience.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13963488)

how strange it is to be anything at all by celestialfics (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Genji and Zen’s first meeting, and them becoming companions, and Genji finding a home in Nepal.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13872630)

Better Half by LoliTurk (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Summary says it best: “Zenyatta has an important story to tell and spends too much time worrying about all the things that could go wrong, that he risks sabotaging what could be a wonderful moment. Luckily, Genji will not let that happen.”

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13814073)

spare me a glance (i’ll make it worth your while) by anti kytheras (Rated G; No Warnings)

Personal warnings for descriptions of jealousy, since I know some people try to avoid that. Genji tries to take his husband on a date after a series of missions that drive them apart for a long while, but well, nothing’s ever that easy for these two. They chat and work it out in the end, though.

Written for greatsenpai on twitter as well as Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompt: Valentine’s Day)

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13710546)

Fallen Snow by Sadina Saphrite (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Personal warnings for descriptions of injury and near death-experiences for Genji. Not everyone who travels up the Shambali’s mountain is friendly. Genji and Zen go to help.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/14221452)

Milfoil by Aslinn (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

A story for greatsenpai on twitter, Genji plans his and Zenyatta’s first date. Course, nothing’s ever easy for these two, is it? It all works out in the end, though.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13655985)

Gravity Pulls Inwards by headraline (Rated M; No Warnings Apply)

The Genyatta prequel to “Gravity Plays Favorites”, yoga/aerialist Zenyatta crushes hard on the pole dancer Genji. Too bad he’s a bit of a jackass. Featuring: healthy brotherly relations between the Tekharthas and Shimadas, Sassy Zenyatta, older sibling bonding over the younger siblings’ pining over each other, oh and Zenyatta and Genji getting turned on by one another. There is NSFW in the third chapter, as well as mentions of past sexual abuse (but nothing graphic on that front).

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12881952/chapters/29427048)

genyatta week 2018 by ben76 (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

All human AU with trans Genji, so heads up. Their collection of their Genyatta Week 2018 prompt answers.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13656219/chapters/31366044)

Treasure by Omnicode (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Written for Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompt: Pet names/Nicknames) Summary says it best: “Loving someone is to cherish them. Loving someone is to be intimate with them. Loving someone is to laugh with them. For best results, combine all three.”

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13667184)

The Rookie by greygerbil (Rated T; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

Written for Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompt: Different Skins). Blackwatch Genji and Carbon Fiber Zenyatta get to know each other.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13722162)

Looking Forward by greygerbil (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Written for Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompt: Parents/Babysitters/Interacting with Kids). Summary says it best: “During a disaster relief effort, Genji and Zenyatta find a child. As they bring her to safety, Genji wonders if a family is something that might be in their future.”

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13711137)

Fire and Blood by greygerbil (Rated M; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

Written for Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompt: Love on the Battlefield). Battle worn, tried and true.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13690227)

A Storm by greygerbil (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Written for Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompt: Snow Day.) A blizzard traps Genji and Zenyatta in a cave. Good. They have a few things to discuss.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13700964)

Shelter by greygerbil (Rated M; No Warnings Apply)

Written for Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompt: Valentine’s Day). Modern AU where Genji (still entrenched in the Shimada clan) spends White Day taking refuge in an old Buddhist temple.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13674747)

Battlefield Camaraderie by greygerbil (Rated M; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

Written for Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompt: Pet Names/Nicknames). Summary says it best: “During a Blackwatch mission, Genji meets a Shambali monk who is as infuriating as he is ultimately helpful.”

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13663032)

The Stars Watch Us From Heaven by greygerbil (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Written for Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompt: Music/Dance). Genji’s father recently passed away, so he tries to lose himself in the Tanabata festival where he meets a strange omnic.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13652370)

Stop and Remember by Lacertae (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Written for Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompt: Snow Day). Snow brings up some memories for Zenyatta, not all of them pleasant. Genji tries to help him.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13706619)

First Steps by Lacertae (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Written for Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompt: Love on the Battlefield). Summary says it best: “Where Genji learns to trust again.”

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13699284)

Memories for Tomorrow by Lacertae (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Written for Genyatta Week 2018 (Prompt: Music/Dance).Zenyatta finds something that reminds him of Before. Genji shows him it’s okay to move on while still remembering the past.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13656162)

The walk back. by Trashcanfiction (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Fanfiction of Lacertae’s “Counterpoint to Balance”, picks up right where it left off.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13193010/chapters/30177963)

Nature Reclaims All by LightPinkTheColorOfMyAura (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Hanahaki disease fic with angst and pining Zenyatta.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12801579/chapters/29219733)

Crush by nerdy-flower (baconnegg) (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

McHanzo and Genyatta, though it’s mostly about the Shimada bros trying their best to be brothers. Genji invites Hanzo and McCree over to his and Zenyatta’s apartment to celebrate the New Year.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13465242)

Stars Carry On the Same by Byacolate (Rated M; No Warnings Apply)

First and foremost, there is NSFW in this, so be forewarned. Anyway it’s human, witch blogger Genji meeting, befriending, falling in love with, and eventually proposing to human oracle Zenyatta. Featuring healthy Shimada bros relations and Mondatta appearing for about a paragraph. And dragon familiars. Part of their “Boil Without Toil or Trouble” series, but this is the prequel to all of that, so you don’t have to read the rest for this to make sense.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13438404)

don’t need a degree in astrophysics to know you’re my star by antikytheras (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji is alone on New Year’s – until a chance meeting with a certain someone in a grocery store.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13252878)

morpho by chuchisushi (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

A pitch hit for the Genyatta Secret Santa. “Genji and Zenyatta spend the night in a battlefield”.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13234386)

Midnight by fre (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Genji gets drunk on New Years and is very sentimental. Zenyatta finds it cute.

(Implied Sexual Content, but not while Genji is drunk.)

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13223946)

Blossoming touch by crystalldragon (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Zenyatta encourages Genji to write a diary to express the things he cannot say. The omnic does so as well, but ends up writing a letter to Genji instead.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13180518)

A Counterpoint to Balance by Lacertae (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Lacertae’s gift for marshmellowtoast for the Genyatta Secret Santa. Sentai/Cultist AU. It’s hard to be a Sentai Ranger, especially when you’re trying to date your nemesis (and don’t even know it…)

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13124553/chapters/30025011)

Home Away From Home by deerna (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

deerna’s gift for indigopersei for the Genyatta Secret Santa. Genji only really feels at peace in Nepal; Zenyatta comes with him for reasons he’s not sure how to say.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13196214)

Road to Nowhere by greygerbil (Rated T; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

greygerbil’s gift for Jojo for the Genyatta Secret Santa. The first meeting between Genji and Zenyatta happens at a capsule hotel in Shanghai. A series of moments leads to new opportunities. While it is tagged with Graphic Depictions of Violence, it’s not super awful.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13122348)

Love, Open Beta by greygerbil (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

greygerbil’s gift to Ace for the Genyatta Secret Santa. Zenyatta loves Genji. It is a strange feeling, having never been in love before. (Featuring Mondatta as the older brother figure.)

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13122531)

mask of the sparrowby void_emissary (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

void_emissary’s gift for ironoverwine for the Genyatta Secret Santa. Oni Genji and Sanzang/Cultist Zenyatta. Genji is rescued from the cold by Zenyatta.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13124907)

Sleep and the night by WyrdeKid (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

WyrdeKid’s gift for grey-sentry. At some point, we all just start teaching one another.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13125228)

Just Kiss! By NeonCandies (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

NeonCandies’ gift for d-sel for the Genyatta Secret Santa. The prompt/summary: “mutual pining with a sweet ending! Overwatch team is looking at Genji and Zenyatta dance around each other when its obviously they are smitten and in love??? Bonus when even Talon team is shaking their head at the two dorks (as Sombra shouted, "DIOS MIO JUST KISS ALREADY")

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13103688)

that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam by twicedamnedharlot (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

twicedamnedharlot’s gift for Knisspel for the Genyatta Secret Santa. Honestly the summary is best: “Zenyatta's new boyfriend is Kamen Dragon's publicity agent.

He really should have cleaned his room before he came over.”

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13126113)

To Hold by Marshmellowtoast (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Marshmellowtoast’s gift for the Genyatta Secret Santa (couldn’t find the original addressee). Genji asks Zenyatta to run away with him – this time with romantic intention.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13127277)

Love Blind by WinterSorceress (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

WinterSorceress’s gift for Snowwhitebirdie for the Genyatta Secret Santa. Lena sets Genji and Zenyatta up on a blind date.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13129911)

the waltz of the snowflakes by Fluoradine (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Fluoradine’s gift for excelsheep for the Genyatta Secret Santa. The Nutcracker ballet- but with Genji and Zenyatta.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13135365)

Stop the Dams by MedicDuFresne (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

MedicDuFresne’s gift for galadrigal for the Genyatta Secret Santa. Human, College AU. Zenyatta finds a stressed-out Genji on the roof one early morning.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13150851)

Back on Track by MedicDuFresne (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

MedicDuFresne’s gift to honeycola for the Genyatta Secret Santa. Not everyone sees eye-to-eye in the new Overwatch.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13150956)

Warm together by SuklaaSiili (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

SuklaaSiili’s gift to Jordan for the Genyatta Secret Santa. Genji and Zenyatta going on a date during their vacation time from Overwatch.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13091652)

Things Are Changing by sociallychallengednerd (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Genji comforts Zenyatta after hearing about Mondatta’s death.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13103565)

a slower warmth by viscrael (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

It is a hard thing for Genji to accept touch. Zenyatta has earned the right to do so.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12765675)

Shelter by Naopao (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Naopao’s gift for kesaheiina for the Genyatta Secret Santa. Genji’s recurring dreams are comforting in their familiarity, until they are comfortable in the unfamiliar.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13109142)

Articulation by LiterallyThePresident (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Mass Effect AU. Quarian Genji gets drunk and apparently is a feelsy drunk. All the Geth love Genji.

Warning for alcohol use.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12898608)

A Winter’s Date Night by MedicDuFresne (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Human, College AU. It’s date night for Genji and Zenyatta.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12819828)

Use Me For Good by Dragestil (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Zenyatta helps Genji overcome some mental blocks.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12747888)

Genji the no good stuff-stealing baby who his bf loves v much by hyattdeath (Not Rated; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Genji gets sick. When he gets sick, he steals stuff from his teammates and hides.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12742311)

On the Hilltop by cellostiel (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Human, College AU. Genji’s worried about screwing up his date with Zenyatta.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12655449)

Blankets and Comforters by UranianProcyonid (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Genji suffers from sleep paralysis, and Zenyatta helps him calm down after an episode.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12545748)

Blinding by Ora (Finale) (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Junkenstein verse story. The Summoner and the Witch try to blind the Iris by killing of its servants. (Symmetra/Mercy, implied Genyatta).

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12572004)

Day 4: Forehead Touch by Raepocalypse (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Soulmate AU. Genji is confused on how to show Zenyatta intimacy; Zenyatta shows him how.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12360000)

Kitsune Koibito by choriarty (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

AU of Oni and Okashi where Zenyatta the kitsune is accidentally summoned by Genji.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12348279)

Homesick by acetone (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Homesickness is a strange concept for Zenyatta.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12133815/chapters/27523638)

Emmoni by Anemoso (Rated G, No Warnings Apply)

Genji has medical anxiety.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12098610)

On the Hilltop by cellostiel (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Human AU. Genji and Zenyatta go on a date.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12655449)

Firsts by Starshifter (blueiaf) (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

The first meeting between Genji and Zenyatta happens when Genji’s running from the cops and accidentally enters someone’s home.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/11974221)

Mind, Body, and Soul by Grovey (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Genji and Zenyatta at the Shambali Monastery as Genji comes to terms with his own self (and feelings for Zenyatta, who’s dealing with his own issues).

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10067147/chapters/22433117)

What’s Left by robberreynard (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji has issues and Zenyatta is perceptive.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11544492)

kisses & rainfalls by crystalldragon (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Human, College AU that is all fluff. Genji and Zenyatta wait in the rain for Mondatta to pick the latter up after a trip to Japan.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11581083)

Hum by SimonBlackchill (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

It’s a rainy day, and Genji makes the most of it. With some encouragement from Zenyatta. If you read “Paw Beans”, it’s now a series with this as the second installment. Series is the second link.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11586216)

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/779571)

The Highest Priority by Bumbles (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Zenyatta thinks about Genji and what the ninja means to him.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11615607)

Garlands and Other Tricks by SimonBlackchill (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Third in the series with “Paw Beans” and “Hum”, flower crowns and gentle kisses in a flower field.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11625597)

Quiet Solidarity by fre (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Eating is a complicated thing for Genji, not so in the action but more so in the preparation. Zenyatta’s priority is Genji’s comfort, first and foremost.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11720706)

Blooming by NeonCandies (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

A Hanahaki Disease fic – Hanahaki Disease being where unrequited love is expressed in flowers that grow in someone’s body. A problem for humans, but less so for omnics.

The blooming cherry blossoms still put Zenyatta at risk.

(Implied Reaper76 as well).

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11730870)

Isolation by fre (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Genji’s experience with death and how he associates himself haunts him. Zenyatta does his best to help.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11836458)

Feathers and Scales by SimonBlackchill (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Starcaller AU. Starcaller Zenyatta runs into Aquila, and Dragon Genji saves him.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11869821)

tactile by viscrael (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Pre-relationship. Genji has problems sleeping because of something on the horizon and Zenyatta is tactile.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11947926)

Afternoons (More or Less) by Brightspark (Kitchat) (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji wonders if accepting the Recall was the right move, and Zenyatta comforts him as best he can.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/12001608)

Catharsis by Anemoso (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Genji is tired and Zenyatta is mischievous. Also mutual pining and sharing a bed.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/12006219)

Where the Past and Future Meet by KNACC (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Genji and Zenyatta sort through an old storage locker that holds relics from Genji’s past. Part of the “Something About Us Verse” series.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/12058251)

Paw Beans by SimonBlackchill (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Zenyatta and Genji go into a cat café. Adorableness ensues.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11537913)

Pulling My Black Waters by SimonBlackchill (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji helping Zenyatta with Mondatta’s death.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11512494)

Fellow Feeling by hyrulehobbit (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Networking fic where Genji and Zenyatta have a mind-blowing experience. Personal warning for possibly graphic depictions of violence.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11484555)

Opening Night by choriarty (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Modern College Theatre AU.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11456850)

Rememberance by hyacinthis (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Genji helps Zenyatta as best he can.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11434575)

Genyatta Prompts by LegendaryBard (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Short and sweet, ten one-word prompts that all deal with Genyatta.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11339862)

Nobody’s Perfect by deerna (Rated G, No Warnings Apply)

Pre-ship that is technically a part of Genyatta Week Summer 2017. Genji and Zenyatta end up watching Some Like it Bot.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11319801)

a whisper that’s just loud enough to make out by Fluoradine (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Human AU. (I can’t tell if it’s supposed to be part of Genyatta Week Summer 2017 or not.)

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11316966)

in good memory by Fluoradine (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

While it’s been a year since the Overwatch Recall, it’s also been a year since Mondatta was assassinated, and Zenyatta and Genji go to have a memorial for him. It’s a bittersweet piece.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10985955)

somebody said you disappeared in a crowd viscrael (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

A brief talk about Genji and Zenyatta’s first “meeting”.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10978209)

Beautiful by SlishFlash121 (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Short, cute piece about touch.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11011611)

Winter in Nepal by theorchidhorror (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Love confession – prompt “I think I’m in love with you, and I’m terrified.”

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10934634)

Melting Hearts, Melting Circuts by RojoManzana (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

It gets cold in Nepal. Genji ensures Zenyatta doesn’t freeze over.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10903665)

earth and sun by Fluoradine (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji is leaving, but he wants to give Zenyatta something before he goes to remember him by. Problem: it can’t be just anything.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10885608)

To Do Things Right by Agent_Fluff (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Shimada Genji doesn’t do a lot of things. The writer lives up to their name.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10882908)

People Watching by choriarty (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Oni/Kitsune AU.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10818378)

Genji’s Diary by nicoisbest (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

A twist on the cliché you’re expecting. It’s solid fluff.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10799217)

Memory of Happiness by Scientia_Fantasia (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji helps Zenyatta deal with Mondatta’s death.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10738212)

Embrace Tranquility by Scientia_Fantasia (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Fluffy piece about Genji being touch starved. Oh, also love confessions.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10730634)

Glitches (as a metaphor for genji’s emotional state and as a general pseudo-medical term for omnic illness by notzenyatta (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings/No Warnings Apply)

I kid you not that’s the full, actual name of this fic. They’ll be another one by them in the list. But I promise it’s actually a really good read with pre-relationship worried Genji and cool as a cucumber but sweet as cotton candy Zenyatta. Sick fic.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10703907)

The Little Things by Fis (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Literally just fluff.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10580415)

Push and Pull by Masu_Trout (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Even in Numbani, Genji doesn’t feel like he belongs. Zenyatta tries to make him feel better.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10579749)

Mercy by notzenyatta (Rated G; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

Zenyatta and Mercy have a disagreement and Genji tries to comfort his robot boyfriend.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10506012)

Transcendence by FandomAmbassador (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genyatta marriage proposal and subsequent wedding. Also Hanzo is a good bro.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10471548)

chuck-a-hunk-o’-wood-and-slice-it-in-half-mid-air-with-your-katana by notzenyatta (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

I wasn’t kidding. Anyway, Genji is touch starved and deals with affection poorly. Zenyatta calls him out on it eventually.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9903479)

Slow Motion by dressrosa (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Fluffy, gay robots during a rain shower.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9692087)

Waltz of the Flowers by FandomAmbassador (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

They dance. So fluffy.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9588608)

Chocolate by 4RU (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji makes chocolate for Valentine’s Day.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9300137)

Snow Day Antartica by Dorianssecretlibrary (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Has McHanzo and ZarMei (what’s their ship name?) as well. Classic snow day activites shared between couples after an impromptu vacation.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9291461)

new year; new love by jyoou (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Nostaliga and new beginnings. Isn’t that what the New Year is all about?

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9272669)

Resolutions by novalillies (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Happy New Year, you gay robots.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9143755)

Jokes by biTurret (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Zenyatta tries to help Genji cheer up with Mondatta’s encouragement due to the cyborg’s issues with adapting to the monastery.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9130015)

Morning Ritual by AlphaKantSpell (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Slice of life of two beings waking up.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9075343)

Christmas Letters by Nievia (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

In which Genji is #relatable and struggles with finding the right words to write. Oh and love confessions, those to.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8981725)

Zenyatta Mondatta by greygerbil (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

AU where the omnic crisis never happened, leaving omnics as servants to humans still. Genji meets Zenyatta, who defies all of his expectations.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8787916)

Paths Converging by greygerbil (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Zenyatta decides to leave the monastery, and Genji realizes that he can either go with him or stay. Love confessions.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8769853)

Snow Day by FryinHawaiian (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

For Genyatta Week 2016, first snow day. Pre-ship.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8761771)

Doubt by greygerbil (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji doubts his place. Zenyatta helps him and Genji asks to be his student. Pre-ship.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8758942)

Thankful by MamaPenguin (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

What are you grateful for? Follows the whole Overwatch Team during Thanksgiving.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8644501/chapters/19825021)

Blue Slipper by HamandChiise (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Cinderella AU in which Zenyatta is not a damsel in distress and Genji is smitten.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8465686)

Hide ‘n Seek by LovePills (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Cute, innocent one shot about Genji and Zenyatta playing hide and seek. Cause why not?

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8151697)

Always Comfort by Exorciststuck (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji helps Zenyatta deal with Mondatta’s death.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8146078)

Kiss the Cook by xXCrossArrowXx (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Genji didn’t know Zenyatta could eat, much less cook.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7216384)

Alongside by bexacaust (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Domestic fluff.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7210886)

Mercy Deserves Better by ObsidianCoffe (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Mercy’s not paid enough to deal with a crushing cyborg and semi-oblivious monk. Not Gency.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7184141)

Kintsugi by Fledgling (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Zenyatta is a sweetheart and Genji’s in love with him. Established Genyatta.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7140650)

Sore in the Morning by xXCrossArrowXx (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Morning kisses and fluff.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7045282)

Monster by overlordy (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji is haunted by a child’s remark. Zenyatta tries to banish the thought. Love confessions ensue.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7039558)

Digital Love overlordy (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Fluffy love confessions.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7039279)

Broth by artvinsky (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Genji cooks for the team that has become a family to him. Background Genyatta.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7027552)

Petals by tinybeasts (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Bastion tries to make friends with the other robos.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7294342)

A Step at a Time by Brachydios (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Zenyatta has a crush on Genji and Lucio is the best bro. Love confessions – and also mischievous Zenyatta.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8033239)

Dandelion Pine by Byacolate (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Hanzo and Zenyatta both worry when Genji is sent on a mission without them.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8005462)

Little Surprises by Exorciststuck (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji tries to surprise Zenyatta He succeeds when he least expects it.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7975795)

Impromptu Nap by stripesyturtle (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji sleeps and Zenyatta helps him do so peacefully.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7961299)

Peace by Musical_McCree (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

In which Zenyatta is #relatable and doesn’t want to wake up. Genji tries to smooth the transition.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7793488)

Wearing the Pants in the Relationship by Brachydios (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

A silly, fluffy thing where Genji steals Zenyatta’s pants and the latter just wants to go to the meeting. Established Genyatta.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7762960)

Is This Easy Mode? By iencourageviolence (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

I’m just going to say “arcade date” and leave it at that. Established Genyatta.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7749790)

Park Bench by pyropinkfish (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Human Genji meets Zenyatta in a park. Well, more like finally introduces himself to the omnic he always sees walking through it.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7826407)

Ticklish Bird by Rhymepod195 (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Talon Genji and Sunyatta Zenyatta fluffy drabble. Implied Genyatta.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7932394)

ryuu no ikari by weegie8 (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

McHanzo and Genyatta. The Shimada bro’s significant others are captured and have induced their wrath. Badass Shimada bros.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7646635)

metamorphic frying pan of love by agmundr (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Zenyatta is a dog walking fashion disaster. Genji, for reasons beyond his own comprehension, is smitten. (Human AU.)

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7739431)

Warmth in Winter by Brachydios (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Fluffy morning with the robos. Established relationship.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7741126)

the clouds breathe for you by agmundr (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Human Kid AU where Zenyatta and Genji bond over being different.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7741702)

Stars by goldengoddess (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji and Zenyatta take a break from a party and confess their love.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7431639)

Deepest Sympathies by Beldam (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Reverse AU; Genji helps Zenyatta after the death of one of his brothers.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11455731)

Summer Start by Lacertae (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Genyatta Week Summer 2017

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11317908)

Oh the Time That Has Passed by MedicDuFrense (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Written for PutridVodka’s Hidden AU, combines canon with AU.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/112509390)

Rhythmic by Lacertae (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Pre-ship dancing.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11266248)

The Path is Never Straight by sturmfreii (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Deals with Genji having a heavy dissociation episode and Zenyatta trying to help him. Lots of fluff at the end.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11202195)

A Purple Glow in the Dark by BenevolentErrancy (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Shit goes sideways as Genji and Zenyatta make their way to Gibraltar after the Recall. Bittersweet. Has a fight scene in it but not a graphic one.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10913598)

Folding Papers by Lacertae (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Starts out pre-relationship and ends with established Genyatta. Genji wants to give Zenyatta a gift since he’s been under the monk’s tutelage for a year now.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10765821)

Lend Me a Hand by Sp00kWorm (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Author might be Spookworm; it’s hard for me to tell. Anyway, fluffy as cotton candy marriage proposal.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10738689)

like sunlight dripping by SmugShimada (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Nomad Genji and Sunyatta Zenyatta. Fluffy drabble.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10541169)

a little world created by love by crystalldragon (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Non-binary Zenyatta and Genji take a vacation and discuss the possibility of children.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10329641)

Along the path Happiness Follows by Lacertae (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Friends to lovers. Honestly the summary is best. It’s a slightly longer read, but worth it.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10038347)

being more (than what i’ve been) by mywordsflyup (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

College Librarian AU.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9777761)

I Think, Therefore by Byacolate (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Bastion has some questions about love.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9297197)

Touch by Lacertae (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Genji is both touch starved and reluctant to initiate contact.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9279623)

The Greatest Life and Stickiest Leaves by Byacolate (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

I have to make honorable mention of one of my favorite tags: “Shimada Genji’s Affection Erection”. Anyway, fantasy/mythical creature AU with unresolved romantic tension and pining Genji.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9272825)

Cardamom and Pepper Kick by Byacolate (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Technically part of a series, but the first part is incomplete McHanzo and is unnecessary to read to enjoy this one. Anyway, supernatural AU featuring fluffy, domestic witches and oracles.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9212012)

The Mistletoe Started It by Mo-Mouse (abyssmalDeath) (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

In which Genji and Zenyatta kiss under mistletoe and proceed from there.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9060754)

A Letter to an Old Friend by greygerbil (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Genji struggles for words here, too. Luckily, Zenyatta knows how to help him.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8950960)

A Call to Arms by greygerbil (Rated T; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

The Shambali are attacked, and Genji and Zenyatta are of the few able to help. Doesn’t mean Genji’s not worried about it though. (Part of Genyatta Week 2016.)

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8826880)

Tannenbaum by tenuous_pteradatyl (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Written for Genyatta Week 2016. Just holiday fluff.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8814034)

Follows Me Everyday by goonyte (Rated T; No Archive Warnings Apply)

Genyatta Week 2016

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8796163)

Preternatural by tenuous_pteradatyl (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

AU where Genji is a dragon and Zenyatta seeks to help those who need it.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8793262)

Hesitation by greygerbil (Rated T; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

Genji is reminded of how precious his and Zenyatta’s time together is and comes to the conclusion that he has a question to ask.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8779642)

Trust by Unchained_Silver (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Genji eventually shows his trust to Zenyatta – by showing his face. Zenyatta has a crush.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8758450)

Universal Motion by Balenae (Rated T; Chose not to Use Warnings)

Mondatta and Zenyatta have a discussion. Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, the truth.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8457913)

Take a Load Off by alohiel (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

The Overwatch team has a Thanksgiving feast. Featuring sweaters and Bohemian Rhapsody.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8255999)

parlez-vous francais? ;) by slxightofhand (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings/None Apply)

Literally just kissing.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8119057)

A New Man by Sp00kworm (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Again, might be SpOOkworm (it’s hard for me to tell). Anyway, one shot about Zenyatta helping Genji in the very beginning. More about Zenyatta than Genyatta.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8049931)

Needy Sparrow by Flamenoodle (Rated G; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Genji feels the need to share his affection.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8066935)

New experiences by Iyrs (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

In which Zenyatta wonders what it would be like to feel, and Genji shows him that he can.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7803862)

Sugar Crystal Sisyphus by Byacolate (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Human AU where Genji works in an ice cream parlor and is a little in love with one of their regulars.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7865452/chapters/17961538)

curse.exe by Byacolate, mywordsflyup (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Frog Prince AU. Has a podfic by Arioch that’s about 55 minutes long. Podfic is the second link.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7542721/chapters/17150755)

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7812148)

Hug by ObsidianCoffe (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Recovery is not a straight line. Zenyatta helps Genji.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7472859)

Touch Starved by chelseyelric (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Genji is touch starved, but is afraid to initiate it. Zenyatta has no such boundaries.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7468689)

Similar Pains by Corvidae_Corvus (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

First meeting between Genji and Zenyatta. Zenyatta heals Genji, but physical wounds are fleeting compared to those on souls.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7383715)

Floating by chelseyelric (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Genji got an upgrade and is now able to levitate like Zenyatta. Well, he would be if he stopped overthinking it. Zenyatta helps him with the happy thoughts part of the Peter Pan saying.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7367965)

A Chapel of Unreason by Byacolate (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Cuddles. Literally just cuddles. Established Genyatta.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7287325)

The Saltiest Sea Knows its Own Way to Me by Byacolate (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Just gentle fluff.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7270618)

Softly by ObsidianCoffe (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Kissing. That’s it.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7234276)

Sketches and Kisses by xXCrossArrowXx (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Genji decides to sketch Zenyatta one day.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7003711)

empty nester by goabani (Not Rated; Temporary Major Character Death Warning)

It has a happy ending, I promise!

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11001438)

Catching Stars by choriarty (Not Rated; No Warnings Apply)

Starcaller AU. (For those like me who have no idea what that is, it’s Space-y/Fantasy AU.) Love confessions and first meetings.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10696773)

In Plain Sight by cellostiel (Not Rated; No Warnings Apply)

Zenyatta talks to himself in Nepali. Genji wants to know what he’s saying.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9858461)

Suteishi by BashfulInfidel (Not Rated; No Warnings Apply)

The road to recovery is never easy; especially not with the wide canyon between the brothers now. Genji tries, Hanzo tries, and Zenyatta tries because it’s important to Genji.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8480398/chapters/19432723)

Cuddle Time by superfast_pinetree (Not Rated; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Drabble about sleeping in the same bed.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8766571)

Flower Crown by Flamenoodle (Not Rated; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

In which Genji teaches Zenyatta how to make flower crowns.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7921822)

A Perfect Night to Dance by Ladytronus (Not Rated; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Pining central as Genji and Zenyatta dance.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7950175)

i remember touch by choriarty (Rated M; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

Soulmate AU where the first words your soulmate says to you appear as a tattoo. Follows Genji.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11096397/chapters/24757362)

Convalescence by tenuous_pteradatyl (Rated M; No Warnings Apply)

From first meeting to travelling to joining Overwatch after the Recall, this follows Genji and Zenyatta and their growing relationship as shit goes sideways with the Shimada Clan. Also some nice brotherly relationship with Hanzo and Genji. NSFW included.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7971889/chapters/18234664)

Ode to the Lettuce Leaf by Byacolate (Rated M; No Warnings Apply)

Rapunzel/Witchcraft AU where Zenyatta is in a tower and Genji finds said tower. Implied NSFW, but nothing is mentioned.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9612344)

You Must Forgive Yourself by megsblackfire (Rated M; Major Character Death)

This is part two of a series but it’s not necessary to read the first one. Hanzo drowns and Genji blames himself. Hanzo doesn’t blame Genji, but how’s he supposed to tell him that when he’s a bearded dragon? Pre-ship Genyatta.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8460973)

Oni and Okashi by choriarty

(Rated T before being rated E for Chapter 13; the chapter’s skippable. No Warnings Apply.)

Oni Genji meets Witch Zenyatta when the latter summons him completely by accident. You’ve actually probably heard a lot about this one as well; there’s a lot of brilliant fanart for it!

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9506510/chapters/21505331)

Series:

i made poor life choices and now i have to write genyatta everyday by antikytheras

I feel though. Anyway, a series of various scenes and events with our favorite robos. Includes: serious, silly, alternate universes, Oni/Sanzang, and human AUs.

(https://archiveofourown.org/series/931980)

Genyatta drabbles by stupidHipster (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

Genji wins a bet, and gets to ask Zenyatta to do a few things.

(https://archiveofourown.org/series/731931)

The Shimada Brothers Need Healing by nerdy-flower (baconnegg)

Modern, Human AU where Genji and Hanzo escape the Shimada clan at different times in different ways, but end up finding each other again. Including: mental healing, physical disabilities and trying to live with them, Shambali shenanigans, brotherly love, Genyatta pre-ship, ship, engagement, and marriage, McHanzo pre-ship and established relationship, and mentions/ an occasional showing of Rein/Modatta.

(https://archiveofourown.org/series/936354)

Something About Us by KNACC

Delves into the relationship of Genji and Zenyatta – sort of slice of life, in-between moments. Follows Genji. Main fic is incomplete and rated “E” for Chapter 10, the other two are complete and are rated “T”.

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/603112)

Kamen Hero Dragon by KNACC

Slow to update but oh, so worth it. Sentai AU; second installment is Genyatta Week 2017.

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/757815)

Pit Viper by Byacolate

Sanzang Zenyatta/Oni Genji; the best way I can describe this is “whimsical”. All the same, they’re both fairly short but sweet. There’s even a podfic of them both by Arioch (second link).

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/750234)

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/11299500)

the curving path by chuchisushi

Described as a “five plus one that got a little out of hand”, the main story is a super long read but holy mother of things great and small, it’s one of my personal favorites. Also has a podfic by Arioch (I have it downloaded; it’s about 1 hour and 45 minutes long). Again, podfic is the second link. The second installment is just smut, while the third focuses mainly on Tracer interacting with Genji and talking about him.

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/592528)

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11047359)

Equilibrium by NeverwinterThistle

Hurt/comfort series with more comfort than hurt. Both pieces are on the longer side and slightly introspective.

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/600055)

Color Palette by Balenae

The first piece is rated E but has more than just smut (even if it is present in almost every chapter). It’s not completely necessary to read to understand the series: it’s an AU where Genji is still human and meets the Shambali when they come to Hanamura. Second installment has “a glimpse of canon” and the third one is pure smut. Still, a good read.

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/560945)

Collection of small Genyatta drabbles by bluegemini

Exactly what it says on the tin, neither piece is over 500 words. Super cute and super fluffy.

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/589489)

Moments by Balenae

The first installment is rated E for chapters 9 and 10, both of which are pure smut. Warning for major character injury and non-graphic descriptions of violence and pain. Second installment is a prequel about Genji and Zenyatta’s first meeting.

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/517945)

^^^ Genyatta Week Series

Casualhomesatanism Genyatta Week 2017

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/757173)

Angededesespoir Genyatta Week (2016)

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/603835)

Sacramental_Wine Genyatta Week Summer 2017

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/757812)

Evanescentwoodnymph Genyatta Week (2017)

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/757323)

Mo-Mouse (abyssmalDeath) Genyatta Week 2k17

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/757104)

LittleMissSweetgrass Genyatta Week 2016

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/600691)

Angededesespoir Genyatta Week (2016)

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/603835)

SuklaaSiili Genyatta Week 2016

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/600811)

YoousUffish Genyatta Week 2016

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/600511)

TymBunn Genyatta Week 2016

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/599743)

4RU Genyatta Week 2016

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/602065)

Overlordy Genyatta Week 2016

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/600481)

Crystalldragon Genyatta Week 2017

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/758616)

crystalldragon Genyatta Week 2018

(https://archiveofourown.org/series/942423)

8_Shoop_de_woops Genyatta Week 2018

(https://archiveofourown.org/series/942543)

casualhomesatanism Genyatta Week 2018

(https://archiveofourown.org/series/943071)

WinterSorceress Genyatta Week 2018

(https://archiveofourown.org/series/944613)

shimadagans Genyatta Week 2018

(https://archiveofourown.org/series/951063)

Genyatta Zine:

Restless by Fluoradine (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11324097)

Kachou Fuugetsu by Beldam (Rated G; No Archive Warnings Apply)

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10867548)

The Man-Machine Dichotomy by Balenae (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Genji goes to the Shambali Monks in order to heal, but it’s not what you think. Balenae’s piece for the Genyatta Zine “We Walk In Harmony”.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11624649)

Fics where Genyatta is a side ship:

modern romance by gleed (Rated T; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Modern, Human AU where the Overwatch team lives in an apartment complex. Honestly gleed puts it best:

“Hana has no idea that the Karaoke Night she organizes will lead to this much gay nonsense.”

Gravity Plays Favorites by headraline (Rated T; No Archive Warnings)

Modern day aerialist AU; McHanzo is the main ship but Genji and Zenyatta are together and are part of the main cast. Their relationship is definitely in the foreground, though as mentioned it’s not the focus.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11314008/chapters/25321230)

Oil and Ink (Series) by Demon_Apostle

McHanzo is, once again, the main ship, but Genyatta is mentioned in quite a few of them and the 12th installment has them as the main characters.

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/637514)

Worth the Trouble (Series) by headraline

Following the trend of McHanzo being the primary ship, but Genji is one of the main characters and is in a relationship with Zenyatta. Also a good read for brotherly relations between Hanzo and Genji. They rescue a kid and end up having to care for her as shit goes sideways.

As a heads up: Genji does make a joke about incest but it’s only a joke. I don’t really think it’s that big a deal but better to be safe.

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/754671)

The New Tattoo by Unholy_Author (Rated M; Graphic Depictions of Violence)

Another McHanzo as the main focus. It’s an AU where a tattoo appears for whoever you love. It goes beyond romantic love, too, which is my favorite part. Genyatta is in the foreground of this fic even though it’s not the main focus. All done now!

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7958251/chapters/18200611)

Reconstruction by Balenae (Rated M; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Following Hanzo, the Genyatta is mentioned but so far unfulfilled. Still a good read!

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7169135/chapters/16274675)

Non-Lethal Solace by casusalhomesatanism (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

It can comes across as McGenji at first and then switches to McHanzo. The Genyatta is more implied than anything, but it’s still a good read. Resident Shimada whisperer Jesse McCree.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10746882/chapters/23825448)

A Force For Galactic Good (Series) by LiterallythePresident

Mass Effect AU. Genyatta is heavily implied in the fourth installment and can be read as a standalone. All of them are short and sweet and despite having never played Mass Effect, I enjoyed reading them.

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/713022)

Death’s Best Man (Series) by deliciously_devient

Focuses on McCree and has past McGenji in it, though it shifts to Genyatta after the Recall (though the latter is only implied). A supernatural AU, and no, not the TV show. Since it focuses on McCree, the main ship is McHanzo and the most recent installment does have smut in it.

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/684819)

not your fault by Anna_Blossom (Not Rated; No Warnings Apply)

Personal warning of mentions of suicidal tendencies and injury, as well as a scene where someone is killed in self-defense (none of these are graphically depicted). More about Mercy and Hanzo coming to terms with one another, but Genyatta is present. Genji and Mercy are good friends. Also there’s a puppy.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10626900)

The Mariachi AU No One Asked For (Series) by arcxphxbia

McHanzo is the main ship of the series but Genyatta is mentioned in almost all of the installments and is in the foreground in the third one. College Mariachi AU (where McCree is the only one in the Mariarchi.)

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/656633)

First Time by kdwalbring (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

I never realized how much McHanzo overlaps in the Genyatta tag, but here we are. Anyway, main focus is McHanzo with Genyatta in the foreground. Also adopting children. And trans Hanzo.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8910469/chapters/20412811)

Lost in Translation by BenevolentErrancy (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

Again, McHanzo is main ship. Mostly follows Genji as Hanzo is insufferable and only flirts with McCree in Japanese. Problem: McCree doesn’t understand Japanese. Zenyatta is a gift. Genyatta is present but again, not the focus.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8108695/chapters/18583825)

Claws and Crumbs and Red Bean Buns (Series) by Byacolate and mywordsflyup (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Both pieces are rated E, though the Genyatta one only has smut in the last part of the second chapter. It’s not strictly necessary to read them in order, but the reason this is here is because the first (and main installment) is McHanzo focused, though Genyatta is in the foreground.

(https://archiveofourown.org/series/596080)

Don’t Take My Sunshine Away (Series) by Krasimer

Jumps between various members of Overwatch; it’s technically an AU since a lot of this was written before the canon came out. Mainly focusing on Reaper76, but other relationships include WidowTracer, McHanzo, Rein/Ana, PharMercy, RoadRat, and Genyatta. Also implied Sombra/Symmetra (sort of).

(http://archiveofourown.org/series/509745)

this grave ain’t big enough for the two of us by sajere1 (Rated G; No Warnings Apply)

AU where every Overwatch member that was presumed dead goes “Surprise! Not dead!” during McCree and Hanzo’s wedding. Genyatta is background. A nice, humorous piece.

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/7474140)

For Shits and Giggles:

The rules of the Watchpoint by DpsMercy (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10181591/chapters/22615094)

Overwatch DnD Nights by NevaRYadL (Rated T; No Warnings Apply)

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10505697/chapters/23181141)

Almost shameless self-insert:

Genyatta Week 2016: http://archiveofourown.org/series/600379

Genywatta Week Summer 2017: http://archiveofourown.org/series/756789

Genyatta Week 2018: https://archiveofourown.org/series/942645

My main focus right now: http://archiveofourown.org/works/9151075/chapters/20790313

Short List of authors of interest:

Byacolate: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Byacolate/pseuds/Byacolate

Mywordsflyup: http://archiveofourown.org/users/mywordsflyup/pseuds/mywordsflyup

Balenae: http://archiveofourown.org/users/Balenae/pseuds/Balenae

KNACC: http://archiveofourown.org/users/KNACC/pseuds/KNACC

ObsidianCoffe: http://archiveofourown.org/users/ObsidianCoffe/pseuds/ObsidianCoffe

Choriarty on AO3: http://archiveofourown.org/users/choriarty/pseuds/choriarty

Short List of Rec’s:

The Sentai and the Cultist by Lacertae

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12703095/chapters/28967106)

Ryujin Sentai Goranger – Season 3; Episodes 1-11 by choriarty

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/11721924/chapters/26403825)

Oni and Okashi by choriarty

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/9506510/chapters/21505331)

Mind, Body, and Soul by Grovery

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/10067147/chapters/22433117)

Dragon’s Guide by Ayleid

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8155211/chapters/18689135)

we slip back and to, beloved by chuchisushi

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8050102)

Something About Us by KNACC

(http://archiveofourown.org/works/8114317/chapters/18598222)

Purely NSFW:

Zenyatta Takes His Throne by BlueBun (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Genji eats Zenyatta out.

Zenyatta has a vagina, Genji has a penis (but this is only mentioned).

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/14074914)

The Soul Has Its Hours by Byacolate and D_sel (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Baihu Genji and Sanzang Zenyatta reunite.

Zenyatta has a vagina, Genji has a penis.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13916604)

Recompense by robotfvckers (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Trans, human Zenyatta meets a jaded god in Baihu Genji.

Zenyatta has a vagina, Genji has a penis.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13792947)

A portion of Paradise by Lacertae (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Genji loves eating Zenyatta out.

Genji has a penis, Zenyatta has a penis and vagina, though the former is only mentioned.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13529118)

Koi no Yokan by robotfvckers (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Summary says it best: “Zenyatta is Green Sentai’s biggest fan, and he’s more than eager to prove it during a fateful encounter”.

Sentai AU. Genji has a penis, Zenyatta has a vagina.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13528323)

Rewarding Patience by tinypearl32 (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Human AU. Zenyatta would like to test Genji’s patience.

Both have penises.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/13411875)

Light as a Feather by robotfvckers (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Human Genji teases Fairy Zenyatta.

Both have penises.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12969969)

The Exception by robotfvckers (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Human Genji ruts against Zenyatta’s faceplate.

Genji has a penis; Zenyatta has no genitals.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12857556)

nursing on a poison that never stung (teeth and lungs lined with it) by ruinate (Rated E; Chose Not to Use Warnings)

Healthy, loving, Dom Zenyatta and Sub Genji.

Genji has a penis. Zenyatta has a vagina.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12792090)

Sweet Temptation by Lacertae (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Genji watches Zenyatta pleasure himself with his Transcendent arms.

Genji has a penis; Zenyatta has a penis and vagina.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12762201)

Tricks and Treats by robotfvckers (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Genji and Zenyatta go all out for Halloween. Genji becomes enamored with Zenyatta’s costume. (Cultist Zenyatta and Sentai Genji).

Both Genji and Zenyatta have a penis.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12581720)

Day 30: Sex Toys by madam_mess (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Zenyatta uses a sex toy on Genji.

No one’s genitals are mentioned completely explicitly, though it is implied that Genji has a penis and that Zenyatta has no genitals.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12565548)

Day 25: Laughter by madam_mess (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Zenyatta loves Genji, making him feel good, and making him laugh. (Cultist Zenyatta.)

No one’s genitals are mentioned explicitly.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12496632)

Of Cults and Sex by thefuckistevvs (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Zenyatta, as an omnic, lacks genitals, but that doesn’t stop him from pleasing Genji. (Cultist Zenyatta.)

Genji is trans and the author references them as “cock” and “hole”, but it is penetrative sex. Zenyatta has no genitals.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12449184)

5 to 1 by Beldam (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Reverse AU Genji and Zenyatta make a bet. Zenyatta is a graceful loser.

Zenyatta has both a penis and vagina; Genji has a penis.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12424764)

Atop the Mountain by Anemoso (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Genji stumbles across the seemingly abandoned village below the Shambali monastery. He doesn’t expect there to be someone still living in the equally abandoned monastery, and he certainly doesn’t expect to fall in love with him.

Genji has a penis. Zenyatta’s equipment (or lack thereof) isn’t explicitly mentioned.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12380934)

Day 12: Tentacles by madam_mess (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Cultist Zenyatta has sex with Genji.

Tentacle sex. Genji has a penis.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12342414)

The Call by robotfvckers (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Forewarning of mentions of Genji being drugged (though he’s not drugged during the sex portion). Zenyatta goes missing after a mission; Genji is determined to find him. Though he’s not quite expecting this.

Both Genji and Zenyatta have penises. Also tentacle sex.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12312105)

hunger like a storm by choriarty (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Continuation of i remember touch, Genji and Zenyatta are sexually intimate with each other for the first time, but Zenyatta’s just bit nervous.

Genji has a penis; Zenyatta has no genitals.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12311385)

A Minor Inconvenience by robotfvckers (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Human, College AU closet sex.

Both Genji and Zenyatta have penises.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/12160998)

Side One: Harmony by robotfvckers (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Sanzang Zenyatta and Oni Genji. Zenyatta attracts a demon’s gaze.

Zenyatta has both a penis and vagina; Genji has a penis.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/11922585)

Praise by cellostiel (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Genji has a praise kink.

The tags say that Genji is trans, but genitals aren’t explicitly mentioned for either character.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/11750871)

A Blueprint of the Pleasure in Me by evanescentwoodnymph (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Written for Genyatta Week Summer Day 6: Intimacy.

Genji has a penis; Zenyatta has a vagina.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/11374932)

Sweet Sweet Craving by SacramentalWine (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Written for Genyatta Week Summer. Prompt: Beach/Pool Day

Zenyatta has a vagina; Genji had a codpiece but there’s no mention of his genitals explicitly.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/11325213)

Can I Get Your Number? By choriarty (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

AU. Genji goes clubbing with his friends after graduating from physio and meets a certain omnic.

Genji has a penis, Zenyatta’s equipment (or lack thereof?) remains unknown.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/10680033)

When You Give A Cyborg Some Clothes by LovelyMadhatter (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Genji didn’t realize he was naked for most of his time as a cyborg. When he gets some clothes, though, he notices that Zenyatta won’t stop staring at him.

Wireplay; neither character has genitals that are mentioned.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/8844013/chapters/20279956)

Good Boy by overlordy (Rated E; No Warnings Apply)

Genji has a praise kink.

Both Genji and Zenyatta have a penis; whether or not they have a vagina as well is left ambiguous.

(https://archiveofourown.org/works/7523545)

#genyatta #fanfic #the masterpost #i'm not going to put the ratings or warnings cause all of them are in this #they're all labeled #long post

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the-cryptographer · 6 years

Text

Probably not that many of you follow my writing too closely, but even for those of you that haven’t you might have noticed that I discuss polyamorous ships and concepts kind of disproportionately. And even when I’m not directly engaging open relationships or polyamory, I’m often writing monogamy as it exists in the context of people who are (1) spontaneously attracted to people who are not their partner and (2) have strong, emotionally intimate relationships with people outside their family or romances.

I’m far more willing for the latter to be the hill I die on than the former - which is to say closed two-person relationships are great, but I’ll forever stand by the estimation that, in any healthy relationship as such, both participants should be allowed without fear to have strong friendships with, and to experience passing attractions to, other people. But I kind of want to talk more about the former: about why I write polyamory, and how it is often a safer space for me to talk about my feelings of insecurity and jealousy and possessiveness than monogamy is. I’m not saying that it should be that kind of space for everyone - I understand and respect how, for many people, open relationships and polyamory can be a much less safe and secure place for people to explore these emotions. But I guess I’m bucking up against the idea that open and/or polyamorous relationships are inherently less suited than monogamy to comfortably processing these emotions. Against the idea that characters (and people) must be interpreted as unsuited for polyamory for the presence of feelings of shyness, insecurity, jealousy, etc. And, conversely, against the idea put forth by proponents of polyamory that it exists as a more generous and free form of love, which is inherently above feelings of insecurity or possessiveness.

I’m not exactly swimming in a surplus of relationship experience here, and the rest is me talking vaguely about my personal experience of anxiety in interpersonal relationships. So under the cut:

I mean, the gist of it is I’m a rather aloof and insecure person – anxious and neurotic. I often worry about getting clingy and overbearing with people, even when I’m pulling away in practice. I’m often envious of others - of their ambitions and accomplishments, outgoing nature and confidence and attractiveness. I have an overestimated opinion of my own talents at times, but somehow it’s vaporous and will recede into air - when I’m upset, I often have trouble thinking of things about myself that I like. I feel hopeless and helpless when situations run outside of my control, and can definitely become controlling and manipulative in my attempts to regain a feeling of security - although I’m relatively aware of it and take efforts to not toe ethical boundaries and to accept what’s outside of my power. But it upsets me all the same. I get tired of other people easily, even though I’m also often craving contact and social stimuli. I end up guarding my relationships with others pretty closely - I want to be around and there for the people I like, and I don’t want them to ditch me for other people. Being abandoned or left behind is probably my most reoccurring fear.

Based on assumption, this doesn’t seem entirely to me like someone who’d be really into multiple partner relationships. But it is. And it’s not something that’s really new for me. I’ve have a pretty long documented interest in open relationships and three-person relationships. In practice, I’m notoriously bad with relationships, and I think there are some ways that polyamory is inherently more complicated than monogamy that make it a further stretch for me - most notably it would involve maintaining relationships with more people and making decisions so as to accommodate and attend to the feelings of three (or more) people rather than two. But simply from the perspective of insecurity and abandonment, it’s something I find more cathartic and comfortable than monogamy.

It’s just... I’m painfully aware of all the ways that relationships fall apart. Certainly feelings for or a relationship with another person is one possible cause. But, there are just so many reasons. So many ways that stress, and tragedy, and death can pull people apart. Even for much less traumatic reasons, there are so many reasons someone could not be in the same place in my life five years from now. There are so many deeply practical reasons for people to split apart or let each other drift. And there are so many reasons that someone might very well chose to be alone rather than be with me (a decision i make about other people regularly) And there are so many ways all of that may or may not coincide with someone coming to love and care about me less - which really fucking stings, yeah. So amidst that crescendo of deeply upsetting feelings and realisations, there’s not really something super uniquely traumatic about the idea that the person I’m with might be in love with or sleep with someone else. I don’t see loving someone else or sleeping with someone else as determinately attached to either someone leaving me, or caring less about me. And if someone left me or came to love me less because of it - it would probably hurt no more and no less than if they left me or came to love someone else for all the many other reasons something like that might happen.

I mean, there are a lot of very shitty people out there who cheat as an easy, volatile escape from a relationship, or use their attraction to other people as a weapon to pry at their partner’s or partners’ insecurities and control them, or just generally behave like a waste of space. But I kind of default to my own experience here, and I don’t think it’s necessarily bad for me to want to connect with people who experience this in roughly the same way that I do. Which is to say I find it’s rather easy to care about multiple people at once, and to find multiple people attractive at once, and that wanting to sleep with that person over there doesn’t mean I’m /less/ interested in this person right here. Also I’m bi with aro leanings. And, while I don’t think this is really hardwired into my sexuality, I think my sexuality has made it a part of my identity that’s really hard to deny. I realise other people have described being bi as gender not being a determining factor in their attraction if they’ve otherwise found the right person. And that’s cool, and it’s interesting how this kind of thing works differently for different people. But for my personal brand, I kind of mean it more like if I’m in a room with forty random people, I’m going to find multiple men and multiple women attractive out of that forty people. And out of those, probably none of them I’ll actually want to sleep with, for god knows what number of petty reasons. But... I know there’s never going to be a one and only for me. Not because I couldn’t be with one person and only one person to death do us part in practice, but it’s not how my emotional response works. I feel strong emotionally intimate connections with people, but nothing that’s really of a singular romantic focus. And I’m going to always walk into that room with forty people and think a good number of them are sexy. And I’m very absolutely not okay with being with someone who’s not able to be okay with that. It’s been the object of too much shame and homophobia in my life that I’m not okay with having to hide it in its entirety from the people I’m closest to.

So, none of this is like - it must be polyamory for me. But it’s very... why not? If I found a couple of people I found interesting, and found me interesting, could get the logistics to work... why not? If the idea of someone I like sleeping with someone else doesn’t stress me out any more than all the other shit I’m constantly stressed out about... it’s kind of better that there are more people that you mutually care about and that you can rely on, no? If there are more people around, I’m better supported if something bad happens to one of them. If I feel insecure and need attention, there are more potential people who could provide it for me. If I am overtaxed and tired and can’t give my partner attention when they need it, there’s someone else who can maybe step in and help them. If there are more people that love and care about you, and/or more people that love and care about the people that you love and care about - that’s nice. I mean, this kind of thing cuts both ways - even if love’s not a finite resource, attention certainly is. And it means putting more attention and work in, for the sake of more people. It means more individual relationships to manage and maintain that might, nonetheless, someday sour. And all of this is balanced against the fact that, in our personal relationships most of all, we want to be recognised and appreciated in a unique and individual way. But there’s a kind of security in a wider network that doesn’t over-rely on any one of its parts. And I think people underestimate the heady comfort that could exist in that - almost particularly for those who are anxious, insecure, and controlling.

Anyhow, these are the kind of personal considerations that effect my fictional interests. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talks. I wrote this post at 3am. Don’t make me regret it.

#the process

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cherokeesunrise · 4 years

Text

Shadows of Humanity

Nationalism

Genocide

Infanticide

Child Abuse

R a c i s m

Sexism

Colorism

Human Trafficking (The New Slavery)

Forced Sterilization

Rape

Harassment

Theft

Thomas Jefferson on slavery in America:

"But as it is, we have the wolf by the ear, and we can neither hold him, nor safely let him go. Justice is in one scale, and self-preservation in the other."

We are at a pivotal time in human history in more ways than one. It is time for each of us to embrace our personal power and speak out against injustice. We are out of excuses because our shadow is crouching at our door.

Taking pride in your culture is not wrong. Each culture has accomplishments they should be proud of but racism goes beyond pride and seeks to destroy the lives of other people. It takes many forms. It looks like calling police on black people who are not doing anything you would call the police on if a white person were doing. It looks like denying a black child the right to the same level of education because you don’t think they possess enough intelligence or because you don’t want them to get ahead. (The intelligence one is a big one). It also looks like sitting by allowing other people to discriminate while you make ‘Now you know better’ faces at the other person. Acquiescing. Allowing. Still feeling you are the good one because you didn’t actually do the crime.

Racism in America translates into: “I am entitled to a happy life, and you are not.”

A Simple Truth Free Black People represent a Loss of power, a Loss of control. The persecution of black people seeks to regain that back.

There are 3 reasons for the level of racism in America that we have.

1. Fear.

*Fear of retaliation for all the evil things done to them.

2. Insecurity.

*Insecurity makes them believe they will lose Power if blacks gain power.

White power is Defined by black persecution. This is why black persecution persists.

3. Jealousy.

*When we are jealous of what other people have, we are not happy for them. Instead, we seek to remove it from them and retain it exclusively for ourselves.

This is a problem, not only in the white community, but of all humanity as we are ALL affected by it.

If we ignore it, no it will Not go away. Has it ever gone away?!? It will Not go away because people’s freedoms are attacked. Pretending it doesn’t exist or that only a few people are actually racist does not convince the people on the receiving end nor does it make you unaccountable.

It is important to view this as a human problem, a problem for ALL of us. Why? Because it is fear, insecurity and jealousy of white people that causes them to persecute and hunt black people. It is a cycle and until the cycle is broken, it will not go away.

I’ll spare you the details of how this planet runs in cycles but in relation to the human spirit, we can simply look at history. Pick a History, Any History. Anywhere in the World. At Any Given Time when people are oppressed, what happens? There is a revolt. It is the inevitable outcome that oppression of the Human Spirit Will Not Be Contained. Nature cannot be suppressed. It is not Human (or animal) to Want to Remain In Confinement. Every revolution in history is a testament to this, including the American Revolution.

We are human beings trying to survive on this planet so we are all in this together.

the Importance of Integration

"For here we are not afraid to follow truth, wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error, so long as reason is left free to combat it."- Thomas Jefferson

Integration can occur when we let go of the idea of different “races”. To help you understand what different races look like, think about the animal kingdom. We have mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects.

The genetic makeup is different.

The mode of reproduction is different.

Some lay eggs, some have life births.

Some are warm blooded, some cold blooded.

Some can breathe underwater, others cannot, while some can do both.

You get the idea. The Animal Kingdom has different “Races”.

Among humans, any blood can be shared with another human, a heart can be transplanted into another, any two humans can procreate and create another human. We all give birth the same way. We all require air to breathe – no human can live underwater or underground without having oxygen piped in. These are known truths obvious to most people.

A human cannot receive blood from a hippo, nor can a human get a heart transplant from a penguin. But a white person can receive a heart from a black person. A white person can receive a kidney from a black person. A white person can receive blood from a black person. All these things will save your life. If this happens are you now “black” ? Are you still human? Are you now less human?

This means race is a Social Construct. Someone made it up. It is a socially accepted norm. So is the persecution of black people.

There are many social constructs that are detrimental to our very existence. The problem with all of them, including racism, is a bully versus victim mentality. In the case of American racism: White people are the bullies. Black people are the victims.

These elementary concepts are at the breaking point for release and the reality of the situation will set in. Remember Rodney King.

The question is often asked and averted: How can a black person protest in a way that white people will Not object to?

The question is never answered; nor will it be.

The reason is: There is none.

There is never a way for black people to protest that will ever be acceptable because black protests:

§ Deny the illusion that everything is fine.

§ Represent uncomfortable truths about white culture that white people do not want to accept. (e.g. white people are aggressive and violent, which is the opposite of black people are aggressive and violent)

§ Represent a threat against white power (e.g. white superiority and white privilege)

In order to deal with the dark side of humanity, behaviors that work against our own best interests, we need to address them one by one. The dark side has value but if wielded unbridled it will not serve our best interest and will work against us. (The same is also true of the good side.)

Racism – the good – taking pride in your culture and your way of life is a good thing. It gives us confidence and is empowering. Each individual should appreciate their own divine nature and what their particular culture has accomplished in the way of positive change that works together for the greater humanity. Individual and Together.

Racism – the bad – at the point where My pride in My culture requires that You cannot have pride in Your culture - this is where racism does a disservice to you and to the people around you because it creates tension, wars and you could be on the receiving end of justice served. Is this the kind of environment that you want to live in? Individual and Separate.

So How do we examine this? Individually. And then, each one, teach one. Individually, we need to be the change that we want to see in the world. Individually. We cannot wait for “everyone else” to change because WE ARE EVERYONE ELSE. Everyone else makes up “us”. Individual but we are part of a whole society. I bear the responsibility of checking my own self and reconditioning any behavior that I do not want other people to enact on me. That way I am not part of the problem; I am part of the solution.

And Enough parts make up a Whole.

We are all divine in our own rite. We are individually all unique and no one else has the power that you alone have. The problem is you have not embraced it yet.

This is a Time to move forward, to mature, to step into your personal power and accept yourself, your abilities and your humanity – without the suffering of black people to reaffirm that power. Because that’s what ALL biases stem from – the feeling of a lack of power.

If you embrace the power within yourself, you will not need to externalize your power to black people, or anyone else for that matter, and then constantly need to reaffirm that you are powerful by “proving” it – Calling the police on regular people sitting quietly by themselves or going about their daily lives or hunting black people for sport.

Not integrating turns people who do not think they are racist into tools of wickedness. The officer who killed Philando Castile - after watching the video footage, there is no doubt the murderer was in distress over the murder. Why did this happen? The officer murdered an innocent man in front of a 4-year-old little girl. Usually young children think the police are there to protect them and look up to the police, but what do you think happens when a child witnesses something like that? Who was the aggressor and who was the victim?

The callousness, the fear, the denial, that ensued afterward turned someone who, based on his reaction, was shocked by his own behavior. This is how subtle our shadows can be. It is not always so obvious to us. The officer did not necessarily set out to shoot an innocent man, As Some Do, but racist ideology played into his own psyche and caused him to murder an innocent man and then to have no regard for the remaining family that was with him. They sat them outside on the ground and handcuffed the woman, as if she had done something wrong.

Why Integration is Important for the White Majority:

Your identity and sense of self is implicitly wrapped up in the identity of black people. The slave mentality you wish on them, enslaves YOU as well.

Embracing your personal power will eliminate the NEED to overly concern yourself with what black people are doing every moment of their lives.

If you embrace the power within yourself:

You will not NEED to sabotage their progress because you are scared you cannot succeed if you don’t.

You will not NEED to pick apart their appearance, because you will appreciate your own.

You will not NEED to harass black men because you will have Confidence in yourself.

You will not NEED to diminish black women because you will have confidence in your own divine feminine.

You will not NEED to oppress black children because you are worried you children will not have opportunities.

You will have Nothing to Prove if you embrace your own personal power because you will Know that you are divine and no one can take that away.

You have to prove this to yourself because the only thing you prove to blacks is your perceived inferiority.

When you Embrace Your Personal Power, you will Not need to Fear, Be Jealous Of or Feel Disempowered by Black People.

You will not have to worry about why they wear their hair that way. You will not have to worry why they are jogging down the street. You will not have to worry about why they are sitting in the park. You will not have to worry about why they are barbequeing with their families. You will not have to worry about why they are working outdoors. You will not have to worry about why they are living their lives. When you do this, you are externalizing your power and represent the fear, the jealousy and the disempowerment that exists in you at this time.

Stop and ask yourself: In this moment, if a white person were doing the exact same thing, would I be on alert?

Questions that reveal your intention:

1. How can a black person protest in a way that I will not find offensive?

2. If a black person gets angry, is it the same as a when a white person gets angry?

3. Would I ever trade places with a black person, even an accomplished one?

#Blackpeoplearehumanbeings integration shadowwork partswork rodneyking philandocastile AhmaudArbory GeorgeFloyd weainthavingit Youwillnothave

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liveyourjam-blog · 4 years

Text

The Secret to A Fulfilling Life

My mission is to help people lead more fulfilling lives. What I call Jam. I’ve been doing this work long enough to see the paradox in seeking fulfillment. The idea that fulfillment is something to attain, a destination, something we can enter into google maps if create the right action plan and script the right moves. The paradox is this – how can something so inherently intrinsic as fulfillment be found outside of us?

I’ve recently moved to a new country. I’ve taken the change as an opportunity to slow down while we transition our boys. The time has allowed me to re-commit myself to some of the tools and resources that have always been helpful (but hard to sustain) in my spiritual and personal growth.

Jam isn’t linear…

In my coaching practice, the client creates goals and I support the client in achieving their goals. Goal setting can be a linear process, but as with most things in life, the circuitous journey (whatever we discover about ourselves along the way) is equally, if not more, valuable.

In coaching people to Live their Jam, the notion that there is a linear process for leading a fulfilling life is misleading. And most importantly, it places our attention in the wrong direction. As I stated, Jam isn’t something outside of ourselves that we have to go searching for, and even if we reach it, we don’t get a golden ticket to sustainment. This can only mean one thing.

Drum roll…

We can only live a fulfilled life by consciously choosing the present moment.

I think we have all heard this before. But, why is it so difficult to live in the present moment? You would think with all the advances in modern science, technology and mental health we could find fulfillment! Yet, it’s gotten more elusive. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting around 40 million adults — almost 1 in 5 people. Let’s take a look at what’s getting in our way of Living our Jam.

Unfortunately, most of us don’t live in the present moment; we live in the future.

Beware of Destination Addiction – A preoccupation with the idea that happiness is in the next place, the next job and with the next partner. Until you give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where you are.

It’s true we all think that wanting the next thing is the voice of our true self, but it’s not. As Eckhart Tolle says, “The ego is lacking. It’s in a constant state of always wanting more.” We have all experienced the insatiable wanting of the ego. If we get that job, that car, that bonus, that vacation. If our child gets into that school or plays that sport. If that person thinks we are smart, or if we can prove how competent we are, THEN life will be (outstanding, awesome, perfect). That’s not living the present. It’s a never-ending cycle of, “I don’t have something and when I do have that something — my life will be amazeballs!” (Something = material thing, relationship, job, prestige, legitimacy.)

Living in the future-thought cycle ensures one thing – we will never be content.

When we let the ego tell us what is important in our life, our life becomes driven by unexamined intentions and automatic reactions to the world. We get further and further away from ourselves. So far, in fact, that we can’t even create what we want any more — because we don’t really know what fulfills us.

Our ego may even mislead us to what our Jam is! Many have pursued a dream that wasn’t our own! We love our parents and family and often confuse their wanting for our path. Or for some of us, our lack of fulfillment leads to a life where we become too involved, too enmeshed in the pursuits of our children.

Our ego weaves and holds the story we tell ourselves about our lives, so it’s understandable that many of us have pursued a path that was not of our own making. When we quiet the ego, Jam can be found as we sense what authentically lights us up. And, as we stay in the present moment, we can truly feel what appeals to us and what does not without the critique of the ego.

Many of us live in the past.

Another preoccupation of the ego is to live in the past. Those of us who live in the past either relish or regret what was. We prefer our identity back then or we return to the past because we don’t like what the future holds. When we live in the past, our narrative is trapped in time and can be heard in our lack of acceptance and responsibility for our current situation.

The past gives you an identity and the future holds the promise of salvation, of fulfillment in whatever form. Both are illusions.

When we realize that lasting fulfillment isn’t “out there” or “back there” we are free to mindfully give our attention completely to what we are experiencing in the NOW.

Let’s look at another way we stay out of the present moment and away from our Jam…

Most of us push away “challenging” feelings.

We spend so much of our time actively avoiding pain or disappointment that we forfeit now. Two ways we avoid challenging emotions are: 1) trivializing and, 2) moving into action.

For example, our neighbor gets a new car and remodels their home. We instantly feel mixed. We are happy for them but, we don’t like the ugly pangs of jealousy and inadequacy. So, we deny it! We make it “bad” rather than just is. Or perhaps we suppress the feeling and turn our minds to work on how we can afford to remodel our home!

Some of us make the mistake of equating painful feelings only to the “big things” like depression or the death of a loved one. We let go of these feelings that are part of human existence. Feelings of not belonging, not being good enough, not being liked. These feelings can come through even in the most common of situations! That’s why social media can be so unhealthy. The images and popularity can leave us feeling woefully inadequate. It’s okay to have these feelings – the key is to stay in the present moment and become skilled at noticing them from a distance. It is in this objective stand that they can exist but not have such a hold on us.

Here’s what works.

Accepting our feelings and reactions to situations is healthy. We can then move into conscious action. For example, limiting our exposure to social media would be conscious action after noticing and sitting with the anxiety we might feel after we peruse sites. Or, noticing we have personality traits that we don’t like, but accepting them nonetheless. Doing this allows us to be more whole – to experience all of ourselves and not just compartments.

Our impulse is usually either to try to deny our pain, by suppression or self-medication or to get caught up in dwelling on it through rumination and worry, allowing it to take charge of our lives. How will you know the difficulties of being human, if you are always flying off to blue perfection? Where will you plant your grief seeds? We need ground to scrape and hoe, not the sky of unspecified desire.”

We are NOT our habitual thoughts and emotions

One of the most liberating and beautiful truths is that we are not that voice in our heads. When we give our thoughts and emotions too much power they can overcome us. Through meditation and other mindfulness practices, we can train ourselves to look at our thoughts and emotions and not necessarily silence them, but distance ourselves. Game Changer!

We can look at our emotions and thoughts objectively and do nothing but observe them! We can later decide how we want to think, feel, and react. And, even when our mind wanders as it will in meditation, we can learn not to judge it. As Dr. Herbert Benson, founder of the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital suggests, when our mind wanders we can simply say to ourselves, “Oh well.” And, put our attention right back on our meditation (our breath, our body, our visualization).

There is nothing more important to true growth than recognizing you are not the voice of the mind. You are the one that hears it.

How do you know if you are living in the present moment?

If you are aware of your thoughts and emotions, then you are in the present moment. The mind has two areas. The thinking mind and the observing mind — both are extremely valuable. We tend to over-rely on the thinking mind in the Western hemisphere. But, the observing mind is what ancient traditions have taught to live in the present moment. Try to observe what you are thinking. Notice the voice, let the voice do all its talking and just observe. That’s the present moment. You don’t have to try too hard, the voice will talk and you just have to listen and know that the voice is not YOU.

Jam exists in the present moment!

No matter where I have lived, nature has been my portal to presence. Nature is central to the Swiss way of life. And once again, nature has gifted me with a clarity that is transformative. I will serve others to lead a fulfilling life through the present moment.

Jam exists in the present moment because when we are focused on what we are doing and enjoying it — we are at peace and in connection with our true self (God, the universe, our soul). And, when we face adversity in the present moment, we can just take that as information, too. Information not to be ignored or dramatized, but as information that is also a part of who we are. It’s so simple and yet our modern life has complicated what we know. That we each have our own access to Jam – Every. Day.

#fulfillment #mindfulliving #liveyourjam

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travisandersondatingblog · 5 years

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7 Types of Love You’ll Experience Before You Meet “The One”

You might assume that if you fall in love, it’s with “The One”.

But by this point in your life, you’ve probably loved a few men…and none of them has worked out. You remember feeling like you loved them…were you wrong? Not at all. There are actually different types of love and each is good in its own way, and you gain great experiences from each.

Why does no one tell you this?! It would be helpful to understand that not every man you fall in love with is meant to be the one you end up with.

We need a manual on love, I think.

Why Different Types of Love are Good For You

You remember being in your teens or twenties and falling head over heels for a guy. Maybe you even dreamed of that big wedding and all those kids you’d have. Now you’re older and wiser and can’t believe you ever thought you’d end up with Davey from your typewriting class.

But that doesn’t mean you didn’t love Davey. It was genuine…for that phase of your life and who you were at the time. Both your experiences and where you are in your life can impact the types of love you have, as well as your relationship with a man.

Experiencing different types of love expands your experience and helps you understand both what you want…and what you don’t want in a lasting relationship.

Let’s dive into the seven types of love you may experience. Some of them are less healthy than others, but I firmly believe that you can learn something from every type of love and every relationship you have.

1. Infatuation

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Also known as puppy love, this may feel real (and super intense), but ultimately it is fleeting. It usually happens within the first few weeks of dating someone new. You’re drunk on that feeling of infatuation. You can’t get enough of the guy…and he can’t get enough of you. You may hole up in his bed for an entire weekend and your friends think you’re dead in a ditch somewhere.

But you’re having an incredible time. You’re seeing nothing but possibilities. After all, this guy could be Mr. Right, couldn’t he? You’re already thinking about the summer getaway you’ll take…and maybe, if you’re honest, about what your wedding would be like.

And if you’re having sex, this feeling of infatuation will only be magnified. But in reality, most of that is just lust.

But then…maybe you start to notice how loud his laugh is when you’re in public. Or how it’s really not all that awesome that he has no car and you have to drive him everywhere. Some of that glitter fades and you realize you have nothing in common with this man.

The bloom is off the rose, as they say.

You quickly move from being completely gaga and unable to think of anything but this man to seeing all the reasons you’re not right for one another. And that’s a good thing because you’re realizing early on that this isn’t the guy for you.

Now, don’t get me wrong: infatuation is a healthy and necessary part of finding the perfect fit. You’re bonding to one another emotionally, physically, and biochemically. And if feels freaking fantastic, doesn’t it?

What You Learn From This Type of Love: If you’ve been through a divorce or it’s been eons since you last tumbled into love, infatuation provides a useful service: it makes you feel desired and attractive again. Your memories of your marriage might be fights and his put-downs, but here’s a guy who can gaze into your eyes and make you feel like the only woman in the room. There’s definitely value in that, even if he doesn’t end up being the one you end up with forever.

2. Friendly Love

You care for this guy…just not romantically.

On paper, this guy has it all. He likes the same music. He’s got a great career. He’s kind to everyone. He treats you like a queen. He’s a great guy and you want to love him…but honestly, you feel something more like brotherly love for him.

You try to force a relationship at first. After all, what’s wrong with you? Why don’t you feel passion and attraction for this amazing man?

The thing is, no matter how “perfect” for you a man seems to be, that doesn’t make him right for you romantically. There’s a lot at work when it comes to physical, emotional, and romantic attraction, and this man clearly doesn’t check all the boxes, no matter how much you want him to.

In a study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, researchers found that men and women who were friends were more likely to stay that way than become romantically involved. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

This type of love is a great base for friendship, and who couldn’t use more friends?

What You Learn From This Type of Love: It’s a fact: you can’t force romance. Sometimes being friends is what you were destined to be, and having a male friend provides so many perks. You can better understand the opposite sex, which can help you in dating and relationships. You can get his opinion on men you’re talking to, to see if they’re genuine and good potential suitors. You can learn how to be a better communicator, and you’ll always have a plus-one for events when you don’t have a date! And you never know: if you relax and be yourself around him as a friend, things might melt back into romantic love down the road.

3. Obsessive Love

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This type of love might start out like infatuation, but it quickly takes a wrong turn.

You freak out when he doesn’t text you back immediately…

You wonder where he is when he’s not with you…

You get upset when he doesn’t do what you think he should.

If you admit it, you feel a bit unbalanced and unlike yourself with him. Normally you’re the one being chased in a relationship, but you are desperate to have all of his attention, and you’ll do anything to get it.

Is your attachment style anxious-preoccupied? Probably. You may spend a lot of time being anxious about this relationship. Any time he gives you attention, you feel like the sun is shining on you. When he doesn’t, you feel like things are doomed.

In an obsessive love relationship, you may have low self-esteem, jealousy, and/or a need to control, even if these aren’t your normal ways of being in a relationship. There’s just some cocktail of chemicals and emotions with this guy that’s making you completely out of whack.

Pay attention, because obsessive love can be a serious disorder that needs to be treated with medication or psychotherapy. But it doesn’t have to be to that degree for it to negatively impact your life.

What You Learn From This Type of Love: This isn’t love! Any man that you look to for your source of happiness isn’t the right one. You may need to spend some time alone so that you learn how to be happy by yourself before getting into your next relationship.

It’s also a good lesson that you can’t control anything in life.

4. Codependent Love

You may make each other miserable, but you think you need one another.

Here’s another type of love that isn’t necessarily good for you.

With codependent love, one or both of you have unhealthy behaviors that the other is fostering. Shawn Meghan Burn, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, defines codependent love like this:

“I prefer to think of codependent relationships as a specific type of dysfunctional helping relationship. Broadly speaking, in dysfunctional helping relationships, one person’s help supports (enables) the other’s underachievement, irresponsibility, immaturity, addiction, procrastination, or poor mental or physical health.”

You may have explosive arguments. Drug or alcohol use. Abuse. Lying. Cheating.

Despite all of this negativity, you feel like you won’t find better. That you need this person to survive. That, in some twisted way, you’re good for each other.

This isn’t love, either. It’s drama, and believe me, sexy, confident lady, you can and will find better.

What You Learn From This Type of Love: There’s a lesson in everything, isn’t there? I think the lesson in codependent love is that you need to feel needed…just not like this. Whatever the bad behavior is, it masks bigger issues in the relationship that you need to work on by yourself before moving into your next healthy relationship.

5. Unrequited Love

He’s put you in the friend zone…but you want more.

I think we’ve all experienced this at some point in our lives: you have feelings for someone who doesn’t return them.

You aren’t in a relationship, but might be friends. It might be the Harry to your Sally, and you’re wondering when you’ll turn into a couple just like they did in the movies (I curse rom-coms for giving women an unrealistic expectation of romance!).

He seems perfect for you…so why doesn’t he feel the same?

Realize that you may be inflating how great this guy is simply because you can’t have him. It’s the whole “grass is greener” thing. Because he isn’t interested, he’s the more appealing. Try to step back and look at him for who he is. You might realize that he’s not all that compatible with you.

You may never even tell the object of your affections that you have feelings for him, though if you do, at least you know whether he feels the same or not. Otherwise, you’ll always wonder.

What You Learn From This Type of Love: This type of love teaches you what love shouldn’t feel like: it needs to be two-sided to thrive.

6. All-You Love

You give, give, give and get nothing in return.

Here’s another one-sided kind of love. You’re in a relationship, but you’re the one giving everything.

You sacrifice, you compromise. He takes.

You let him pick the restaurant whenever you go out because he’s pickier than you about where you eat.

Or, when he tells you he has a job offer across the country, you swallow your sadness about uprooting your life and leaving your friends and go to support him.

Your friends don’t understand why you’re with him because they don’t see him sacrificing or giving anything to you. But you’re so in love that you don’t see it.

Sadly, this relationship won’t last forever because eventually, you will run out of things to give. Just like a plant, you need things to thrive. Instead of sunlight, air, and water, you need love, affection, and selflessness. Without him giving those things, you will wither and your love will die.

What You Learn From This Type of Love: It’s beautiful to give in a relationship, but it needs to be balanced. You will realize your own self-worth and that you deserve someone who is just as eager as you are to contribute to the relationship.

7. Healthy Love

This type of love is worth waiting for!

Ahh, finally! The crème de la crème of love. Healthy, true love is worth waiting for. It means you’re in a relationship where you are partners, where you equally give to one another.

There’s no jealousy. No lying. No obsession.

He never makes you feel dumb or out of your league. There’s no drama.

While infatuation probably happened on your journey to healthy love, things have settled down a bit now. While you adore spending time with your man, you also balance it with alone time and being with your friends. You’re able to be genuine with him and have opened up to him in ways you haven’t in past relationships.

All these other types of love helped you get here, but now you see what the big deal is and how it’s different from all others. It’s that moment that you think, “OH! I see what the big deal is!”

You’ve learned lessons on your journey to true love so that you know what is and isn’t acceptable in a relationship. You’ve learned a ton about who you are, and have found happiness within rather than looking for it from another person. That makes you whole and completely ready for a real relationship that is right for you.

What You Learn From This Type of Love: You may have struggled to try to be yourself with a partner in the past, which is understandable, since none of them were right for you. Now you can relax, knowing that this man truly sees you for who you are.

Conclusion:

I don’t want you to discount any man you ever thought you loved as being irrelevant. I truly believe that every relationship we are in, every emotion we feel, is valid and useful. Sure, you might have been 15, 20, or 30 when you thought you were in love but did your age make those feelings irrelevant?

Think of it like this: right now, whatever age you are, you are the smartest you’ve been and have had more life experiences than you ever had in the past. But in 10 years, you’ll have even more and be even smarter. Does that invalidate what you feel today? Of course not.

Rather than thinking that there is one true love for you in your life, be open to the fact that you’ve probably loved many men in different ways. And those experiences led you to where you are and how you are capable of having a healthy love today.

Talk to me! Which of these types of love have you experienced? Have you found a healthy love yet? Leave a comment below.

Still looking for that healthy love? Sign up for my Attract the One online workshop to discover the three steps to get the right man to pursue you and only you!

The post 7 Types of Love You’ll Experience Before You Meet “The One” appeared first on Sexy Confidence.

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