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paperclipninja · 7 months

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Ok, I don't know exactly where this is going but I can't stop thinking about the fact we got the Crowley/Aziraphale meet-cute in the opening of season 2 and the way the layers of storytelling utilised the same literary conventions our fave demon and angel were inspired by when trying and get Nina and Maggie together.

We get to see Aziraphale and Crowley's understanding of romance and love, or more importantly, their understanding of what they think it should look like, through their misguided set up attempts, and this primarily reveals to us, a) they're both hopeless romantics and b) they have no idea about the subtle and real indicators of love or a burgeoning relationship between two people. But that's ok, they're celestials whose only reference points are books, films and each other (the most unreliable sources of all, exhibit a: Aziraphale telling Crowley Maggie has a 'pash' on Nina).

You know who does know about those subtle indictors of love and blossoming romance? The very human people watching the show. And so throughout the season we witness a series of tropes and moments that indicate Aziraphale and Crowley are indeed the ones whose love story is unfolding, and as viewers we are drawn into certain conventions that we are conditioned to assume will play out and resolve in a particular way. The nebulae creating meet-cute, the ongoing forbidden relationship that continues to build, the friends to lovers dynamic through the centuries and of course, the comfortable and cosy present-day lives, with 'our car' and 'our bookshop' and drinks at pubs and a relatively open existence together.

With each insight into the past, we catch the cues that indicate the developing affection, trust and care between the two; the way Aziraphale looks at Crowley when he realises the crows are goats, the way Aziraphale and Crowley cover for each other with Job's children, the bullet catch ('nough said) and the drinking of wine afterwards. When humans engage with literature or film, we understand the subtext of such moments, something angels and demons seem to miss as they focus on the overt gestures of romance and love in storytelling as confirmation of its existence.

In the present day, its the perching on the same chair, Crowley knowing the angel's different tones, the way they pop into the room at the back of the shop for private conversations, Aziraphale grabbing Crowley's arm, Crowley answering the bookshop phone with, 'Fell's bookshop, we probably don't have what you're looking for and we wouldn't sell it to you anyway'. While these are only a few of the prompts we are given, our brains piece together this storytelling along with the body language and expressions throughout, understand that all these aspects combined flag a romantic relationship developing and so we are swept up in the love story.

The way the flashbacks are interwoven with the present day is disorientating, because we are simultaneously seeing the sweetness and complexity of the developing relationship over time while in the present, Aziraphale and Crowley begin to fall out of step. Yes it starts with Gabriel's arrival and Crowley vs. Aziraphale's reactions and responses (there are many excellent posts that discuss this in great detail), but any misalignment isn't happening all at once, it in itself is like a dance; they move apart but then move together again, as an audience we think oh no, tension! oh good, that's resolved! However the neat trick here is that with each move apart as the individual characters undertake their own journey within the story, the distance grows a little greater. Meanwhile the interactions between the two characters do not necessarily shift dramatically and the set up through the storytelling still suggests that any threats are ones they will face together and it will be ok in the end.

Even the ball, I wanted to be all *swoon* and swept up. Everything that was happening on my screen told my brain that it should be feeling excited and full of all the feelings of seeing these characters finally starting to make a move, like I should be feeling giddy like Aziraphale seems to be because, just like the attendees at the ball and the very literature that inspired it, there's the music and the soft lighting and the smitten little angel face. But it's all those things and also none of those things, because as has been so brilliantly pointed out in this insight, this is all juxtaposed with the demon invasion happening outside and Crowley's futile attempts to convey the seriousness of the situation to Aziraphale. Crowley is doing the movements but he's not part of their dance in that moment, the dance they've been doing for centuries, and as a viewer it feels off kilter.

But we've seen their story unfold, we know that the love and the relationship is all there, and once again we see Aziraphale and Crowley fend off Heaven and Hell, both taking individual risks to do so and protect each other. Heck, we see that an angel and demon can put their differences aside and disapparate off into the universe together, our brains are poised, but also wary at this point because it can't be this easy, can it?

Crowley has to have it explained to him why their plan didn't work, Maggie and Nina sit him down to do so, and in that moment we are also being told that you can't just be pushed together, the timing has to be right (cue small alarm ringing in the back of my head). Despite this, and we know Metatron is never good news, we, as viewers, are held precariously in the hand of the storyteller as Crowley's emotional declaration clashes with Aziraphale's news in a way that side steps the expectations that have been building throughout the season. The final moment of Aziraphale leaving hits SO hard because the expectations many of the storytelling conventions set in motion are subverted at the very last minute. And it's absolutely brilliant.

Just to be clear, I know there is far more complexity in the show, the characters and the storytelling, and tbh I don't even know if any of this rambling makes sense. But the fact is, my tiny mind is just awestruck at the layers of meta in the way our no.1 angel and demon are calling on literary conventions to try to make two people fall in love, while we're watching these conventions in action showing us two people falling in love. The result?

The most incredible tension, yes between the characters and their sudden divergence (which was actually not so sudden after all, we were just a bit distracted), but also tension in the storytelling as the duality of the love story and the individual character stories collide head first in that final moment and we are left trying to untangle our expectations from the reality of what has unfolded.

(that last paragraph should probably have been the whole post honestly)

#good omens #good omens meta #aziraphale #crowley #neil gaiman #this is a very rambly ramble #and it may not make sense outside my sleep deprivation #but I needed to get it out #good omens spoilers

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libei · 3 months

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since i finished qian qiu vol 3 a week ago i think a lot about the moral dynamics between yan wushi and shen qiao a lot even while i was reading vol 2/vol 3. i know that is one of the main themes about qq but it's just so!!! it's my fave thing.

like shen qiao and yan wushi are obviously their polar opposites in everything that they do, but my absolute favorite thing about the novel is no matter what happens to them (shen qiao being betrayed multiple times, shen qiao saving yan wushi) their personalities are still the same. especially for shen qiao, he experienced many hardships and betrayals, he's seen how awful people can get and he knows how bad the world can get, but he continues to be the kind hearted person he is because to me there is probably no one else as kind as him. as yan wushi has said, there is only one shen qiao.

(also my personal fave character tropes is when a character is secluded in his own world by choice, but is forced to experience the world because of outside means, and by doing this they understand more of how the world works and what people are going through, and they start changing their thoughts as they get more exposure)

as for yan wushi, in vol 3 when he gets his split personalities, it is interesting how different a-yan and xie ling are but i do like some of the text saying despite how gentle and trusting xie ling is to shen qiao, deep down yan wushi still believes there's evil in everything and only trusts himself. but i do love the subtle changes in feelings yan wushi has towards shen qiao (which is funny to read in text bc it's whenever he thinks about how kind sq is towards xie ling and yws doesn't get those actions)

#thousand autumns #qian qiu #honestly this just turned into a shen qiao thought dump but i just love him so dearly!! i feel like i could say more about him #thanks for reading to the end if u did

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quinloki · 3 months

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Oh my god the apartment burned down trope

Reader upset bc maybe they don’t have family really, and Ace is like don’t be stupid come on

Oh god but all the other brothers tho

Finally meet them and look at ace like… bestie what happened to you (jkjk love him but that’s how you treat a bestie like Ace sometimes xD)

Even better bc the little you’ve seen of Sabo/Marco they’re both composed and relaxed and smooth but then you get to see their absolutely unhinged behavior when dealing with the other brothers and you’re like OH THIS IS WHERE ACE GETS IT FROM

then just being pops fave bc of course

Man so many shenanigans and so many brothers 🤔

OMG - so many shenanigans and so many brothers XD

And becoming Pops' Favorite is like automatically putting a gold star over your head. These boys love their father, and you've effectively got their father's approval.

The # of brothers who are a little sweet on you might be more than just two. But while they're all nice and no one is unsettling or creepy, most of the rest of them already know that they shouldn't add to the chaos that is Marco and Sabo.

Ace is just flat out perplexed, cause yeah, you're cute, but he just doesn't see you that way. He loves you, the same way he does Marco or Luffy or Sabo for that matter. He's more apt to hold you down adn lick your face than do anything romantic.

Luffy likes you same as Ace does, and I think those two accidentally break budding tensions between you and their brothers fairly often. Marco and Sabo realize that they're not going to be able to get away with subtle - you're a little oblivious as a general rule, but subtle keeps getting interrupted.

Both might be patient and good at planning things, but even they reach a point of frustration. It isn't just that they don't want to fight over you, but they don't want to pressure you, BUT they don't want to lose the chance to see where things go either.

steamy under the cut

The real problem is, you're living in this house, and having VIVID dreams about both Marco and Sabo, and at the same time. Waking up covered in sweat and gasping because you had a dream that all three of you were in the shower.

Marco kissing your neck and teasing your breasts, murmuring soft praises into your ear, and the shower really isn't mirrored, but it is in the dream and you can see everything. Sabo's between your legs, worshiping you as hot water cascades over all three of you.

It takes at least a day before you can look either one of them in the eye. You can't even really look at Ace, because all you can think is that if he knew what you were dreaming he'd stop being your friend (he would not, but he also wouldn't be able to help).

#quin answers #quin muses #kazieai

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kissmetwicekissmedeadly · 5 months

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also I neeeeeeed to know your thoughts on Virche Evermore so far!!! I’ve been debating getting it, but I def trust my mutuals’ opinions more than game reviewers lol

aww im honoured! 🥹 hope i can help you out! i meant to reply to this sooner but i couldn't 🥲 but that's good because I have now completed my first route meaning that I can give you a better answer! so. the game really is as good as you've probably heard it is. Now, when you say you've been debating getting it, I don't know if you were held back by the same things as me but just in case you too are worrying about this: while tragedy IS the domineering trope of Virche, you'll find yourself enjoying every other aspect of what you'd expect to see in an otome game just as much! The romance is romancing. The comedy is there. Nothing suggestive is happening yet you're thirsting over your fave just as much. Get this, I'm not good with extreme angst! The beginning of the prologue had me worrying about that, but in the next moment I was laughing at a funny moment so yeah those definitely exist and they will only make you bond with the characters further. that's part of why the writing is so good. god. the writing. I can't praise it enough honestly. The worldbuilding is complex and interesting to find out more and more about as the story progresses, it has its own brand of angst that would only exist within that universe so you're guaranteed to be taken aback by it. You know it's good if you're not just crying but also blinking in realization of what just happened. If you're like me and play mainly for the characters and your driving force is your fave, I'll tell you that my fave-radar is almost impeccable as often one look is enough for me to know which route i'm doing first, and the prologue only solidifies my choice. And here? I didn't see him coming. It went from 0 to 100 so fast that by the second chapter of his route I was unable to stop thinking about him. And again, what makes a character appealing here has a lot to do with the plot. The LIs are unique and fleshed out and I was ready with my choice for a second route right away after completing my first. What else? The bgm? Amazing. The art? I was looking at one cg of my second fave for a full minute yesterday. SOOOooo Yeah Andy I think I can vouch for the quality of Virche, the rumors are true LMAO ive no idea if you've read any reviews or anything, but i'd say, give it a try! I hope I didn't overhype it or anything, I just seriously haven't found a single flaw so far. But be warned, even if there are funny moments or cool worldbuilding introductions or these instances of subtle sexiness that are imo better than the typical fanservise, there is lots of dark and disturbing stuff too! Especially later on in the game, from what I've heard! So anyway, I hope this helps! If you end up getting it, you're always welcome to come tell me what you think and ramble about it 🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️❤❤ LOVE YOU HAVE A NICE DAY

#kissmetwicekissmedeadly askbox

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ggadtomarry · 2 years

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And now for my least least least fave tomarry trope.

Tom and Harry arguing about pureblood, traditions, the threats of muggles.... And Harry caving to Tom and his superior thinking.

Why, of course pureblood traditions need to be protected from the incivility of muggleborns!!!

Of course muggleborns and purebloods are different, and so they should be taught different things!!!

Of course a world where blood and birth (and money) divide the population is a good one!!!

Like, can't you hear the ramping fascist racism? It's really not subtle.

Harry may be less experienced with words and syllogisms, but he's right. Tom is a fanatic racist who probably didn't even care, but fakes it.

Less Harry being in awe of Wise Tom and his Totally Valid Plans for Wizard World.

More Harry defeating him in a debate because he speaks the truth, and Tom deep down knows it.

#tom riddle #lord voldemort #harry potter #tomarry

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xenon-demon · 10 months

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💝: fave trope w/ rec

This isn’t from the list, just offering it up to give you the chance to talk about it if you’d like—no pressure!

HHHHHHHH IM VIBRATING EXCITEDLY THIS IS SUCH A CUTE IDEA, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

ok. so. It’s very hard to pick an ULTIMATE fave trope buuuuut a very strong contender for the title is time travel fics. More specifically, time LOOP fics. (What can I say, Doctor Who had some significant effects on my preteen brain chemistry.) I love a good time loop fic because it lets you hit a lot of my favourite things all in one: timey wimey nonsense, getting to Fix whatever canon bullshit you need to, having all these little character moments where you can explore different dynamics and do character studies - especially if people other than the looping character start to change/remember things as the loops go on??? MAN. I EAT THAT SHIT UP. Also the potential for calling back to previous events or repeating an event with a subtle twist to it each time, it’s suuuuuuch good shit. I also find stories about the importance of trying - even when it’s difficult, even when you don’t want to anymore, even when it may not actually change anything - really resonate with me. Which is major time loop vibes, yknow? I am a certified Time Loop Enjoyer™.

I know there’s a lot of good time loop fics out there in the ST fandom (especially steddie fandom), which, duh, Steve and Eddie and the events of season 4 are practically BUILT for a time loop. Because of that (and because the fic I really wanna rec for this trope is A Lot and Not For Everyone), I’m going to rec TWO time loop fics for you.

1: echo by CaptainHoney (~30k words, rated E)

Warning - READ THE GODDAMN TAGS. CHECK THE ARCHIVE WARNINGS. I AM NOT KIDDING. This fic starts out going full tilt balls-to-the-walls and it does not stop once. It’s emotionally intense (lots of angst), the events of the fic are intense, it’s a heavier take on time loops than a lot of other fics in this fandom, and you Will feel like you’ve been put through an emotional blender by the end. But there is a happy ending (I’m a sucker for happy endings, I can’t read anything more than ~5k without one), and like I mentioned above this is a story about Trying. Trying even when it’s hard, even when you don’t want to anymore, is such a powerful story theme for me and I really like the way it’s explored in echo. Plus, it’s a love story of course, and a damn fucking good one - both the love between Eddie & Steve, and the love their whole extended found family have for each other.

ALSO. I’m a feral creature for fun narrative choices and echo is told both non-linearly AND from multiple POVs (don’t let that scare you, it’s always really clear who and when we’re dealing with. You’ll see if you read the fic). It’s absolutely fucking delicious. I don’t see this fic talked about much (literally ever, actually) and I think that’s a SHAME. That being said, I do recognise this fic is Very intense and not for everyone, which is perfectly fine! Take care of yourselves, and don’t read something that you’re worried might put you in a bad spot mentally just because I’m hyping it up here. 💙

2: you are young and life is long (and there is time to kill today) by heartofwinterfell (~70k, rated M)

This is a fun one. This is technically a series, with the first fic being ~18k from Eddie’s POV as he goes through the loops, and the second is ~52k from Steve’s POV as he lives in the time loop without knowing it’s a time loop. Yeah. I really love that perspective, you don’t often see a time loop fic from the perspective of the other character, and it’s done really well here. PLUS the second chapter of Steve’s fic goes into time loop aftermath and recovery, which is one of my favourite things to explore that often doesn’t get addressed in great detail.

Thanks so much for the ask, anon, I really loved getting the chance to ramble a bit 💙

Ask me for a fic rec!

#ask game #steddie #steddie fic recs #steddie time loop au #I realise I’ve given you two fics with Eddie as the one in the time loop and I am Not Sorry <3 #also honourable mention to the lathe which to me is the trope codifier of time loop steddie #it’s just so popular that I doubt anyone who enjoys this trope wouldn’t have read it by now #but if somehow that’s you - go read it!!!!!! the lathe by palmviolet on ao3!!!! it’s fantastic!!!!!

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sitp-recs · 2 years

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Hidden Gems by @gryffindorhearts

You probably already know GH for her gorgeous and soothing artwork - like this perfect ethereal Luna, soft road trip romance or that delicious and self-indulgent dripping Draco - or for her creative art reclists - this is one of my faves! - but did you know that she’s also an incredibly talented writer? Lys has published a couple gems that touched me in different ways. Today I want to take the time to highlight her charming short reads which include some of my favorite tropes but with her special touch to it. Pretty much like her art, her words are light, gentle and meaningful so believe me when I say these short stories will stay with you for a little while after you’re done basking in their atmosphere. They have just the right amount of sweet sweet aching, quiet contemplation and subtle tension, perfectly capturing the adult life I envision for them. Happy Thursday and go treat yourself!

Remembrall (2021, T, 1.3k) - the sweetest crossword fic you’ll ever read, charming and full of domestic bliss!

Mornings at Grimmauld Place have a typical routine: Draco makes the tea and reads the Daily Prophet. Harry is only allowed to begin the exploding crossword puzzle after he has finished. Harry's Quidditch-induced concussion has only thrown a minor wrench in their morning plans.

This Time Again (Next Year) (2021, T, 1.8k) - one of my favourite get together shorts, their chemistry is off the charts, tense and tender at once, and I love the soft realization guided by that hopeful, wistful feeling typical of new year festivities.

At thirty minutes to midnight on New Year’s Eve, Harry is buried under a mountain of paperwork. Only Malfoy, his long-time coworker and one-time lover, could have any hope of distracting him.

Put Some Time Aside (To Fall Apart) (2022, T, 3k) - professors and friends to lovers goodness! Love their easy friendship and the quiet tension in that dueling class, ahh the anticipation before they kiss 💋

They're meant to teach the second-years how to duel in an hour, only Malfoy's running late again, and Harry's arm is still sore from a nasty bludger hit. Scared, Potter? In the dusk-lit light of Harry's corner classroom, they prepare their lesson in more ways than one.

Witness Marks (2022, M, 15.5k) - the vampire mystery I didn’t know I needed with competent and meticulous clockmaker Draco (!!!) working together with Harry! Excellent world building, tension and an exciting plot twist within 15k, truly a delight.

No one comes to Cogg and Bell's with a working clock. After all, it’s Draco's job to repair what’s broken and put time – quite literally – back in order. When Harry Potter waltzes in a few decades after the War, red Head Auror robes flashing, Draco expected to serve as a consultant on a case. Instead, Harry offers him the broken Weasley family clock, and with it, the chance to live in the present for once.

#hidden gems s2

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transngin · 9 months

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this might be random but do you have any headcanons of the Daltons/lucky luke cause now they are my hyperfixation and yes I've joined a pretty much dead fandom but I was to hear your thoughts.

(only if u want to ofc)

hiiii anon its been. so insanely long since ive thought abt lucky luke and the daltons rotated them in my small brain but i love looove them as a characters so very dearly to this day and id be more than happy to give u. some of my carefully thought out (brainrot induced) thoughts :]

- JOE ADHD KING. no but seriously this fucking guy is so nd and mentally ill in so many ways. hes collecting them like cool rocks (<- im nd and mentally ill (obviously) and have always related to him)

- i know the entire thing abt the daltons is how theyre only distinguished from each other when it comes to height but i love playing around w the idea that they have like. subtle differences in their appearance that you wont notice unless you squint and use a telescope. like william having heterochromia, jack having freckles and joe having beauty marks and whatnot (cant think of anything for averell when it comes to this trope sorry </3)

- aroacespec gay lucky luke is so real and true and my alltime fave sexuality hc. also a little transgenderism for him as a treat. sometimes

- adding to the former: luke telling ppl he got his diy top surgery scars from a brutal shootout

- i dont like the modern daltons cartoon (it kinda sucks) but i really really like how they characterized william in it (bookworm and man of many talents iirc) and i really like the idea of him potentially being a graduate/of higher education but sticking with his brothers out of loyalty/peer pressure (<- potential for him to be the black sheep of his family and give him more character than in the comics and the old cartoons)

- luke and joe's archnemesis relationship oh my GOD [head in hands] ive always loved the multiple layers of their dynamic and the "cool hero who loves toying with the bad guy" vs "batshit crazy unhinged small guy villain" thing they always got going on. lukejoe is so good whether its platonically or romantically or anything in between i still care them so much. funny guys who hate each other fight each other are friends are besties are outlaws kiss kill each other have repressed homosexual feelings have never had friends before killed people with no remorse and have issues. i like that in men

- t4t lukejoe is. so good. perfection

- while im a professional les daltons #hater i love that one guy who showed up for like one episode and was never brought up again except in the bg of some episodes. unlucky luke (small dark haired manloser) if youre out there...

- el gee bee tee hc lightning round:

cis bi (sometimes transmasc) joe [wtf is a pronoun i will kill you], transhet jack [he/him], nonbiney [he/him] william, unlabeled averell [he/she + any] and ofc aroace gay trans luke [he/they]. idc abt other characters enough to form opinions on them

- ill most definitely add to this later if and when i start binging the entirety of ll again but for now. thats all. come get your food lucky luke enjoyers <3 shoutout to the three of you who still enjoy this media despite its many many MANY flaws

#💌; ask #good god its been so long since ive been on here sorry guys #i have a life now thats why #lucky luke #the daltons #idc going in the tags bc i wrote that much and i want the world to see my vision (im right and i should say it)#so nostalgic looking back at the lucky luke posts i made when i was literally 14-15. insane #literally grew up on ll now as an adult i fondly look back on my childhood and teenage years when these fun guys altered my brain chemistry #im still insane abt lukejoe after all these years i think theyre the mlms ever #something something repressed old man yaoi #lukejoe

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mutalune · 2 months

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I just wanted to let you know that you are one of the only writers I’ve seen do a time travel fic in an intensely narratively satisfying way. I know you don’t really plan on updating it anymore (which is so valid!! I’m just so glad I got to read *anything* from you, you’re so talented!!!). There are virtually no plotholes, you chose the perfect character to voice the narrative (he wouldn’t give away too much, so it leaves the reader in suspense), and you write the most beautiful character relationships!! Your attention to detail and understanding of the effects of trauma supplement the narrative so well!!! Both the subtle and large-scale effects were interwoven so well. And the suspense!!!! Oh my gosh!! The double dramatic irony of us the readers knowing things Aizawa doesn’t and Aizawa knowing things the rest of the characters don’t constantly kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s one of the only fics I can reread and find new details in every time. Every single character is written with so much love and care, it’s so beautiful and impressive!!!!! It’s such a kind story, overall :,)

There are so many more things I could say, but I think I’ve left enough comments on the fic itself and would probably go waaaaay over the word limit for a tumblr ask.

I hope you continue to find and work on projects you enjoy doing, even if tmgr isn’t one of them <3 <3 <3

You’re just a truly excellent writer and I wish you nothing but the best!! Reading your works is genuinely a privilege ♥️ ♥️ ♥️

;___; maybe I’ll just cry forever because of this ask tbh this was incredibly sweet and kind and I don’t have any clue what to say in response that will express how reading this made me feel

Time travel fics (tbh time travel fixits in general, there’s a bunch of kcomics that have the same trope and I live for them too) are so near and dear to my heart, and they’re my go-to “things are hard, I need something that makes me feel like mistakes don’t have to be forever,” comfort reads, and it really means so much to me that you enjoyed my take on one so much. And also that you picked up on a lot of my deliberate choices! The double dramatic irony, picking Aizawa (who admittedly is my fave bnha character so I was probs always gonna pick him BUT he also made a great unreliable-but-predictable narrator), and the trauma affecting things subtly and obviously… Sometimes I wonder how much of what I write gets across to readers, because I’m v much a “every choice I made, every word I picked, they all had a reason even if I don’t explicitly say what that reason is,” kinda writer, and it’s both amazing and humbling to have those details picked up on by a reader tbh 💕

Thank you very very very much for sending this message and brightening my day, it was so nice to read and means a lot 💕 I hope to get back into writing something (anything!!! I miss writing) soon-ish now that the holidays are over and 2024 is in full swing, and hopefully I’ll get something out there that’ll be in a fandom you enjoy 💕 thank you again!

#starlight personal #starlight fandom #starlight asks #truly it’s when anyone goes ‘your writing is awesome’ rather than ‘this fic is awesome’ that’s gets me gobsmacked ngl #v much view my writing as a ‘even a broken clock is right twice a day’ type thing even now rather than having faith that I write well #(not that I’m not always grateful and touched by ppl who love a specific fic and not to say those comments aren’t also appreciated!!!! just #that specifically commenting about my writing ability is the fastest way to make my brain blue screen; so thank you!!!!)#it’s been a bit of a rough month so far (dear god we’re not even halfway through jfc) so this was a very very nice pickmeup to read #I really do wanna post something again soon but I don’t want to post another WIP that I’ll never finish lmfao ;__;#finishing things is the WORST I was born to get halfway through and then have the ending teleported from my brain into paper w/o effort #if only lmfaoooo #but anyway!!!! thank you so much I appreciate this a lot and I hope you have a lovely day

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perverse-idyll · 1 year

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5 Things You Never Get Tired of Writing

Ah, thanks for tagging me, @billsfangearring! I am remarkably witless when it comes to thinking in terms of tropes and personal obsessions. So I’m just going to fake it. Tagging @danpuff-ao3, @titconao3, @liladiurne, @vulnerasanenturmyprince, @squibstress

rules: list five things you never get tired of writing. it can be tropes, themes, characters, phrases, whatever brings you joy. then tag five people!

1. I never seem to tire of describing Severus Snape, eyes, hands, greasy hair - even his arse (that’s for you, @consistentsquash, but I can’t deny it!). I love inflicting a Pathetic Fallacy on him, making his physical landscape reflect his emotional murkiness, the impact he has on the POV character (usually Harry), not to mention blurring the boundary between imperfectly, unpleasantly human and melodramatically, even mythically larger-than-life. I hope that makes sense. I enjoy translating Snape’s moral ambiguities into the messy human dimension while also leaning hard on ‘the uncanny’ (a way of othering Snape to make him vibrate at a different frequency than that self-same ordinary human version). I guess I want him to exist in between these two states. That’s the only reason I can think of for persisting in writing the extended version of The Lost World. No one needs this story! But Snape as Faust (or maybe that’s Al’s role?), Snape as Cupid, as Tam Lin, as the serpent in the garden… Ugh, this sounds so pretentious. And not Potterish at all! So much for concision. Anyway. You get the idea. My lavish physical descriptions of Snape act as gateways to the Mystery of the Interior. (Yes, I’m being tongue-in-cheek.) But I’ll stop now before my first “thing” on the list turns into an essay. 🙄 And because this reads as completely incoherent. Ah, one more almost-forgotten note: I love to describe Snape sensuously. To bestow on him an erotic existence and subvert or just plain ignore the penalties visited upon ugliness. So if you don’t want to read about Snape pacing through a story being a bitter, hot, fucked-in-the-head, smoldering, ugly man, avoid my fic.

2. Um, thing two. Bittersweet redemptions. Tragic redemptions, too. Also failed redemptions: see Mine the Gall. I’m using the term loosely, because maybe it's just a recovery or a realization, one earned but at a cost that may or may not have been worth it. This is a divide between reader me and writer me. As a reader, yes, sure, bring on the happy endings. They’re the perfect balm to balance the fics that wring my heart (which I grapple to me with hoops of steel). But when I’m writing, I gravitate toward loss and uncertainty and a more tentative kind of hope. I want the reader to feel a blissful pain. I like catharsis. But I also like the reward at the end, for my characters to reach the shore, weary and salt-shriveled and still together. The redemption may not wash away their guilt (looking at you, Severus), but it will still be more than they ever thought possible. Something they don’t believe they deserve - even if ‘deserve’ is the wrong way to look at it.

3. I love UST. Love, love, love it. Slather it around. Make my faves suffer because of it. Even when my OTP has already been locked in passionate embrace for thousands of words, I still want there to be UST, in defiance of the fact that once consummated, it should presumably be dispelled. And of course it must be soaked in equally unresolved feelings - erotic anguish, erotic contradictions, the incongruity of seemingly incompatible people welded to each other by unquenchable longing. The cocktail of unresolved tension - physical desire may be the glass, but yearning, projection, heartbreak, devotion, hatred, and tenderness provide the flammable alcohol. (Terrible metaphor, but I’m at work and can’t do better than that right now.) I love UST because it heightens everything. Even the most minor gesture acquires more meaning than it has any right to. I am not a subtle writer. I thrive on intensity.

4. The cocktail above reminds me - imagery. I’m not sure I could write without it. Periodically I try scraping the barnacles off - but there you go, the first thing I reach for is a metaphor. The elusiveness of meaning is a not-so-secret vice of mine, and imagery brings up those layers. I'm pretty convoluted in my mental processes anyway (not an approach to writing I recommend), and images in fic can evoke complex reactions without resorting to infodumping. Readers - all of us - interpret even the plainest, most straightforward prose through our personal filters, but images can sneak in on a more visceral level. Sometimes, of course, all those pretty phrases just clutter up the scenery. But if I find the right words, it can be the one indelible line, the one haunting moment a reader remembers long after they’ve forgotten what the fic is about.

5. I will keep this short. I like broken characters. I don’t enjoy breaking them myself, but I feel compelled to write about the way other characters cut themselves on those jagged edges. I enjoy mapping out their coping mechanisms, the degrees to which they’re able to heal (although not completely). How little they trust, how devastating their need for comfort can be. How cruel they are, how good at drawing blood, and how they see love as a force that can utterly shatter them. And more in that vein. But I’ve rattled on long enough!

#5 things I never get tired of writing meme #ugh so much blather #my obsessions are pretty obvious

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utterlyinevitable · 2 years

Note

Yay! I'd really like to see your take on E&Bs first proper date. Set after the ski lodge and after all of their feelings are out in the open. If PB won't give me the fluff I want one of my faves to deliver 😉

It’s a Date

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Becca Lao) Word Count: 1.7k Rating: T+

Summary: They've been dating in secret ever since the attack. Now, months later, Ethan is finally relenting to a first date. And it's certainly one neither will ever forget. Tropes: Fluff; Date; Secret Relationship; Firsts

a/n: THANK YOU for requesting and I still can’t believe I’m one of your faves (if you’re still around because I’ve had this in the ‘box for over a year). If this looks familiar it’s because I wrote a headcanon with the same premise way back when.

___________________

Months had passed since that harrowing day when Ethan Ramsey almost lost Rebecca Lao to ill-placed toxin poisoning. Even so, weeks had passed since their closest friends had been made privy to their secret relationship. Yet, it feels as if Becca had been probing him to take her out on a date for years. (It had only been eight weeks since she first floated the prospect of ‘an evening for normal couples’).

She has been dropping not-so-subtle hints ever since their overnight case at the ski resort. Since that night they agreed to a secret relationship, or whatever they are to one another (they still had not had the all-important title conversation yet). And it was time to cash in on the ‘wherever, whenever’ promise he made her.

Ethan finally entertained the idea in the most confusing way possible.

One evening the pair were curled up on his living room couch, debating what to do for dinner, when Becca broached the subject once more.

“We wouldn’t have to be this indecisive if we went out. Out out.”

“Like a date?” he parroted, eyes on the TV screen.

“You know, that sounds like a fabulous idea. Where we going?”

Knowingly falling into her trap, Ethan pushed her off his chest to rise. With a sigh, he padded into the kitchen.

Hearing the open and close of cupboards, Becca sat up straight, the fleece throw blanket still wrapped around her, watching him curiously (and confused beyond all rational thought).

Ethan returned after he retrieved a small mixing bowl out of his cupboard, along with two pens and a notepad from the far right drawer. He sauntered back over, placing the bowl on the glass coffee table and handed her a pen and a sheet paper;

“Write down your top three cuisines and no more than 5 restaurants you like, or would like to try, and fold them up.”

“Why?”

He shot her a look so disconcerting that lead her to believe if she asked any more questions she’d risk losing out on the surprise. So, Becca had no choice but to dutifully oblige.

Once she left for the evening (after justifying and demanding that should would not be putting out until this date), Ethan pulled a piece of paper out of the bowl.

He expelled a dry laugh and debated pulling out another. Of course the one option he didn’t particularly want to pull was the one he chose.

It was a restaurant in his neighborhood - less than a 10 minutes walk away from this very condo. One of the ones he wrote down he’d like to try. It was kismet really - a funny little joke. His innate need to separate their relationship from their work life was being challenged by an invisible force he didn’t believe in. And the first place he picks to celebrate their coupling is in a distinguished restaurant by the hospital.

It’s time to face his fears head on.

The only solace Ethan could hold on to was the knowledge that no resident could afford such a place. And any of his peers wouldn’t dare approach him outside of office hours unless it was a matter of life and death.

For two grueling weeks of Becca’s insistent prodding, Ethan meticulously planned their date. Specifically planned it so they would have the next day off together.

Deaux was a modern restaurant known for their impeccable service, elegant dining room and world-class wine list. The latter being the entirety of his interest in the establishment. Ethan could have popped into their bar any time in the last eighteen months they’ve been open to test the offering, yet something kept him away.

As he trails behind Becca following the waiter to their table, he understands why it had never felt right coming here alone.

“Wow, this place is fancy,” she noted as she took her seat by the elegant fireplace in the tranquil and dimly lit palette-of-grays dining room. Looking at the menu she added, “French?”

It was a dig and a question all in one. He could see the cogs of her mind trying to piece together what card he pulled.

“They use American ingredients to make the dishes. The wine list is meant to be impeccable.”

Becca smiled knowingly. “That’s a raving review coming from you.”

As Ethan thumbed through the carefully curated leather bound menu he shrugged, “I’ve been meaning to try this place since it opened a few years ago.”

“What’s stopped you?”

His ocean eyes met hers, radiating ever so blue against his navy suit. He spoke with laden honesty.

“I’ve never had anyone worth sharing this experience with.”

Her heart skipped a beat and her skin near-pricked with goosebumps. Becca playfully rolled her eyes whilst the blush creeping up on her cheeks betrayed her true feelings.

Moments passed in companionable silence as they perused the seasonal menu. Ethan taking less than a fraction of that time to choose his meal, spending the rest of their silence watching Becca. Gazing at her as she looked over the two pages of choices, watching her nose crinkle and bit the inside of her cheek. Certainly he noticed her eyes widened involuntarily whenever she landed on a price.

“Order whatever you want,” he said as encouragingly as he could without sounding incredulous.

“It’s too much,” she shook her head, resigned. “Just on appetizers it’d be $50 between us.”

“My treat.”

The look on her face was nothing less than pleading, her eyes big and brown and beautifully tugging at his heart. Ethan knows that as much as she likes indulging in the finer things, there’s a fine line between a taste and a guzzle. And right now, she doesn’t want to be a burden to her date’s wallet.

“Would you rather I order for you?”

He could see Becca beginning to undoubtedly reject the sweet gesture, her mouth opening and lips curling around the words. Words that never came because something stopped her.

Becca’s eyes narrowed and Ethan’s brows knitted together.

“You think you’d know exactly what I’d pick?” she challenged.

“I’m sure I could.”

“Fine.” Becca agreed with a devious smile. “You order for me and I’ll order for you.”

Ethan pretended to mull the proposition over. There wasn’t any harm in this little game, and he was always up for a challenge where Becca was concerned. At least then he could treat her to the date she deserved.

“One condition: I choose the wine for both of us.”

Her painted lips grew into the brightest smile; “Deal.”

Minutes later, when both menus were closed and the pair were more than satisfied with their choices, the waiter came over. Ethan wasted no time ordering a bottle of red wine Becca could not pronounce before the server could even ask if they were ready.

The server looked between Ethan and Becca, “Can I take your entrée order?”

“Yes,” Ethan made a motion for Becca to order first. His mouth pursed in a self-satisfied smirk.

For a split second she debated rethinking this game - debated choosing a whole other meal for her companion. But, no. If her mentor taught her anything it was to listen to her gut.

“Can we have the warm winter salad to start and the Giannone Chicken Breast for the main.”

The waiter nodded as he wrote down the order then looked to Ethan, who’s eyes hadn’t moved from Becca’s the whole encounter.

“She’ll have the Duck Confit to start and then the Prime Beef Tenderloin. Also with a side of herb and parmesan fries for the table. Thank you.”

The waiter asked if they had any allergies and promised to bring their wine right away. As if the pair even noticed his departure - their stares all too heated.

“That’s a lot of meat you got there,” she noted.

If he wasn’t sat across from her he would have kissed her then. Instead, Ethan rolled his eyes; “So… How did I do?”

With a shit-eating smirk she told him, “I would have never ordered the tenderloin.”

“I know.”

It was Ethan’s turn to gloat; “If it wasn’t for the price you would have ordered it.”

Her cheeks flushed and eyes flickered to the tablecloth. His heart beat just a tad faster at how well he knew her - how he just wanted to make her happy at any cost - how she’s letting him.

“How’d I do?”

Ethan smiled warmly.

He wasn’t afforded the chance to verbalize his praise, for the waiter came over and the two were engrossed in tasting the wine and sampling their appetizers.

Pleasant conversation passed between them effortlessly and the wine flowed freely - one bottle turned into two extra glasses of another bottle. The food was overpriced but a delicious work of art. Gratitude was evident in every motion, every smile and kind hearted jab of conversation. Grateful for this experience but couldn’t wait to be treated to one of her places.

During their entrée and a lull in conversation to enjoy the sanctity of chewing, a loud gasp of “oh my god!” screeched from a few tables behind them. The doctors in Ethan and Becca halted to attention, one halfway rising out their chair, assessing the scene in case they were needed to assist.

When their heads whipped around to the ‘patient’, they noticed a man on his knee and a woman with her right hand to her mouth biting back the elated tears.

Inaudibly, Becca “awed” at the happy couple. Her expressive eyes locking on Ethan’s and glazing over like she was about to cry. It would be his luck that he makes her cry on their first proper date, Ethan thinks as he settles back into his seat and gulps down large swig of wine.

When the scene was over and they both brought their attention back to their little bubble, Becca scrunched up her nose and added an absolutely disgusted; “Blegh! Did you have to choose such a romantic place? 0 out of 10, do not bring your colleagues here.” She shoved a large bit of beef into her mouth to stop her smile.

All Ethan Ramsey did in that moment, with a newly engaged couple in his peripheral and happiest woman in his foresight, was reach for her hand. “You’re not my colleague.”

The twinkle in his clear azure eyes told her all she needed to know.

For the first time outside the confines of Ethan’s apartment - in a very public place - Rebecca Lao brought their joined hands to her lips and placed a lingering kiss to his fingers.

___________________

a/n: it’s a bank holiday miracle! also sorry i kinda dropped the descriptive ball in the last half.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

> complete masterlist <

Perma:

@jerzwriter @quixoticdreamer16 @terrm9 @crazy-loca-blog @the-pale-goddess @schnitzelbutterfingers @gryffindordaughterofathena @lucy-268 @reputaytion-xiii @peonierose @withbeautyandrage @little-flowers-on-heaven @parisa-kh @forallthatitsworth @maurine07 @cariantha

All Ethan:

@queencarb @lsvdw-blog @mm2305 @senseofduties @differenttyphoonwerewolf @a-crepusculo @shreyasrivathsa @headoverheelsforramsey @blossomanarchy @rosebudde @coffeeheartaddict2 @cryomyst @rookiemartin @ohchoices @takemyopenheart @uneravine @ofmischiefandmedicine

#Anonymous #asked #open heart #choices open heart #ethan ramsey #ethan x mc #ethan ramsey x mc

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sunnydaleherald · 5 months

Text

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Tuesday, November 14, Part II

[Fandom Discussions]

the angst and yearning in the fuffy rooftop scene in ats sanctuary is UNMATCHED by antlerslayer

I love Willow as a character because of what she represents and teaches about the human condition by

steven s deknight says they got cautioned by the wb censors about this shot of angel pulling a knife by stellernorth

Angel Season 4 by all-seeing-ifer

James absolutely ATE with this proposal. by raisedbythetv89

It’s so important and profound and precious that Spike is present when Buffy tells her mom she’s a vampire slayer. by girl4music., winterlovesong1

but why did they give us spike w the little curl to his hair by alewifed

i feel genuinely surprised about is this idea that ppl have where spike falls into the dark, brooding, bad guy turned good trope. by alewifed

I think what gets me most is the “I am a demon” and “there’s a demon inside me” contradiction. by girl4music

Slayer-induced ADHD is very firmly part of my head canon by hersterical

I actually don’t think the Enjoining Spell is a plot hole. by austinoson

Season 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is all about Buffy figuring out how to not be Cordelia by coraniaid

Willow does a lot of terrible things in Season 6 but I will always refuse to accept that bringing Buffy back to life was one of them. by coraniaid

the thing that truly does kill me about angel season 4 is that the opening… five ish episodes do seem to be setting up something that could be honestly great! by all-seeing-ifer

Xander spends the first half of The Zeppo trying – largely at Cordelia’s prompting – to work out how to be cool. by coraniaid

Was "Buffy vs Dracula" a distraction for the Scoobies and Joyce so they can create Dawn? by Joshua

Which group is better at putting aside their personal drama and come together for the greater good? by Joshua

How well do Tara's accusations stand up at the time they're made? by garfan

should i watch angel? by Dogs of Winter

Fred/Gunn vs. Fred/Wesley by Bop

Queer vampires? by bonniedelarge

How would the story have been different if willow and Xander would have been/stayed a couple by

So much invisibility! by DifficultRice7075

Say something nice about season 7. by george123890yang

Who had the best Character development throughout both shows? by Virtual_Row_8445

Do you remember the first time you watched "The Body"? by jdpm1991

Willow could have killed Dawn by DifficultRice7075

First time watching Angel Season 4 by Sourpatchmoms

Am I the only one who likes Buffy season 7 and Angel season 4 by Parking-Ad-1743

SPOILER-FREE discussion on SLAYERS by johnnyorac

What I would change about season 6 by BrianTheReckless

Buffy’s Rocket launcher by DifficultRice7075

What's Your Fave AU ideas? by Girlthatbreathes

The Dawn episodes by CornflakeGrl72

Poetic excerpt from a shooting script by chumloadio

i know most people are tired of this, but seriously does someone prefer the bigfoot over the first one? by WhiteJaski

Are you surprised JM used "glee"? What what's one word you would use to describe Spike? by sushibananawater

Blood Sausage, Bangers and Mash? by Sea-Medicine-411

The Slayer Concept was Flawed From the Beginning. by loki2002

The Chip by Virtual_Row_8445

Opening Credits by johnnyorac

Buffy Tarot Hardcover Edition? by ghavrielle

What’s your opinion about the show Angel? by kindaweird0

Is Fred the most tragic character in Buffyverse? by Stegosaurus100

When SMG made my whole life as a little girl by ladybug5551111

Buffy similarities with TVD by lunarborealis

Mistreating Buffy by Mika95

Was Jasmine really a threat to humanity? by NoPoet406

Subtle thing about the room change by Itssixinthemorning

How mature or immature would you say Spike's view of love is? or was? by Foreverred97

Ugh by Mika95

What episode? by Mika95

what was your least favourite hairstyle of a character in the show by duvet-cover

What are the no-no's of magic in the Buffyverse? by SafiraAshai

Does anyone else think that the slayer council is really bad at their job? by george123890yang

Faith by Virtual_Row_8445

Fanfic request by Extra_Age2505

The Wish: a paradox by Vixen22213

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

Join the editor team :)

#btvs #buffy the vampire slayer #angel the series #fan art #fan fiction #meta

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hangmanbradshaw · 9 months

Note

For the questions for writers: 3, 4 (nfl fake dating au) and 7 👀

3. What are some tropes or details that you think are very characteristic of your fics?

ooooh I think miscommunication/assumptions, biased/unreliable narrators/when I do one pov it's all about their perception and they're usually off because of their own biases, found family, repressed or hidden longing or pining :)

4. What detail in the nfl au are you really proud of?

Hmmmm this one is def the work I'm most proud of in general, but I think it's the overall teasing of storylines/subtle foreshadowing I included that would hopefully be caught on a re-read OR the underlying theme of what does family look like- we see Nat's family which is one representation, Bradley's is another, the idea of the team as a family, Mav's version is another, etc and Jake is figuring out what it looks like for him.

7. Any worldbuilding you’re particularly proud of?

I love any of my movie AUs when I find ways to merge that world and top gun BUT in terms of my own world building, I think it's my rival princes story cuz that was fun to come up with, the fairytale of it all. Or this nfl one cuz combining my two fave things has been incredibly satisfying like being able to include actual real world nfl stuff but into this story? so fun.

#thank you friend <3 #asks

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zgvlt · 2 years

Note

Hi👋🏻I'm here to say that I'm ABSOLUTELY ADORE your Riddle x Reader fic ❤️❤️❤️

vdoabsiwnshj I didn't expect my ask to be this long. Sorry(?)🙏💦 This is kind of embarrassing so I'm going anon🙈🙈

The way you portray Riddle and Reader is not really something I often seen in the fandom.

Instead of the quite common "Troublemaker x Rule Sticker" or "Slacker x Hard worker", it is "scholar-lord x scholar-lord", two people who have chemistry with each other, but put their first priority on studies instead of relationship is just🤌🤌 hsabpwycdkpshsvsjskskskwhwpb

Therefore, the ending is very satisfying for me🤭🤭 "Maybe more than friends, less than lovers"=my fave trope💁‍♀️ I'm so lovin' it~♡

About ur characterization of Riddle, I really like how his need of having to be the dominant one/in control is there and also very on point😭😭😭😭 He couldn't bear being looked down on/underestimated, to the point even something so small, like the reader sitting on desk would look like towering over him sorta irks him in a way---one of the reason why the 'empty classroom part' is my fave scene🥺🥺🥺

Listing other stuffs I like below. Or else, this ask would be longer than it already is🤣🤣🤣

the way you write Riddle thinking he is subtle with his thing, but is actually not😂

Riddle's lab coat voice line reference😆😆😆

Stages of feelings development from Riddle's side [jealousy/respect👉🏻adimiration👉🏻appreciation👉🏻adoration]

Riddle being 'dense, but not too dense'+"But why would you want my attention anyway? Because you wanted to be my friend?" Idk why this cracks me up so bad🤣🤣

The way Riddle goes from refusing the idea of like-like to as I interpret subconsciously(?) accept the inevitability coming and his jealousy dyed down at the end😲😲, to which his feelings is now "not yet on the crush phrase, but the fondness is there(?)"👀

Riddle refusing to use the L word🤣🤣🤣🤣

Jealousy from both sides are stemed from respect of the other person

"Jealousy won't just disappear because you befriend someone or end up loving them" Feeling sm resonance over this😭😭😭

How Reader seems calm and nonchalant, but can be quite emotional(?) I've always love the idea of Riddle's s/o being an emotionally mature person that would cool themselves down or both of them whenever thry sennse their argument is seemingly escalating

The argue part, plus I totally agree with you on the "Riddle would be good with someone who could argue with him."

Extra note on (10)

As I think arguments is not 100% a bad thing, clashes and conflicts can serve as a way of knowing each other on a deeper level+broaden perspectives (which I hc Riddle' would learn to appreciate), just careful the words not to hurt the other too much+properly make up

[talking about this fic]

oh my god you know when when the ask notif popped up i went to click it and my phone crashed i was like (!!!) is smth wrong with the ask? nathya getting hacked era? but no it was just my phone

anon who are u do i know u 🤔 you type like people i know but i'm also delusional so 🤷‍♀️ but also ANON not to be parasocial right now UR MY NEW BESTIE YOU GET ME YOU GET ME!! i thrive off of feedback like this so scrumptious while reading i went from 😴🤒😷 (i was feeling ill) to 🤩🤭😳 i was smiling and all!!

riddle... when he brings up the friend part he's sort of like, "i mean, if you were also jealous me, then maybe you wanted to be my friend. that was what i was going through"

(8) is me @ my own experiences 😝 since i like dumping my emotions and turning them into fics, but it's true! the people i've been most jealous of are easily my closest friends so yk! life advice from nathya HAHAHA /j

And yeah on (10) i agree! Of course there are healthy ways to go about it, as long as they remember to take a step back to properly communicate, but yeah to better phrase it I see Riddle best with someone who can challenge him, not just academically but in general (but academics is a good way to start)

#—banathyaqueue #—nathyask #—anonnie #—fic feedback

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