#this happens both with characters from media I like and my OCs especially old ones I redesign

[chroma-imp-draws]

I don’t even do it on purpose it just happens

#digital art #digital sketchbook #trans #sketch #this is so stupid but the transgenderification beam has been in my brain and I needed to communicate it #this happens both with characters from media I like and my OCs especially old ones I redesign #not my fault they’re all obviously trans

[saintsenara]

As someone who isn't the biggest Hermione fan and keeps it quiet because greater fandom LOVES her, I'm honestly gagging for more of your Hermione takes. Especially your takes on fanon Hermione, who I can't STAND. Have a good one x

thank you very much, anon - there are dozens of us!

hermione is certainly the character i struggle to find common ground with the most - and this has been the case since i first read philosopher's stone as a child.

[which has actually been a really fascinating pop-culture experience - i think we tend to overlook, both because the media landscape and its representation of child and teen girls has changed since the 1990s and because of jkr's increasingly harmful views on gender, just how groundbreaking hermione was as a female protagonist in media which wasn't marketed primarily or exclusively towards girls. there is a reason why so many girls and women identified with her when the books were coming out - and it was very interesting for me growing up to not be one of them.]

the cause of my beef with hermione is for the incredibly petty reason that i find people who possess many of her more... striking traits quite difficult to deal with in real life, particularly if they don't acknowledge [which people in the hermione vein often don't...] that these traits are things it might benefit them to work on in their interpersonal relationships...

but this doesn't prevent me recognising that canon!hermione [and any real person like her] is interesting - and that her more annoying traits work well with her more straightforwardly admirable ones to create a fully-rounded character who, from a fanfiction perspective, is a great vehicle for all sorts of tropes, themes, and storylines.

which brings us - of course - to fanon!hermione...

fanon!hermione is, at her core, another brick in the wall of mary-sues. she's beautiful, and so clever she can solve millennia-old puzzles without batting an eyelid, and she's preternaturally emotionally intelligent, and she's morally spotless, and she's always right, and the story's preferred romantic partner worships the ground she walks on, and anyone who doesn't like her is punished.

i don't think - to be clear - that there is anything wrong, per se, with people wanting to write fanon!hermione [nor, to be frank, with other flawless fanon versions of female characters, oc mary-sues, or self-indulgent self-inserts - i'll defend the right to have fun with characters to the death]. this is a hobby, and people's way of engaging with that hobby doesn't have to appeal to me - it's fun escapism sometimes to write a character who is wonderful and perfect and beloved and has a sexy partner; and when it comes to accusations of writing someone "out-of-character", let she who is without sin cast the first stone...

but i also think - and [sigh] here comes some discourse - that fanon!hermione is part of a slight... girlbossification of female characters in the harry potter fandom [and presumably in others, i just don't follow closely enough to know] which i've always been a little uneasy about.

i understand why this happens - this fandom, like many, has an overwhelming preference for making blorbos of male characters and for imagining these characters in slash relationships. the treatment of female characters in slash subfandoms - i.e. tonks in wolfstar spaces; lily in jegulus spaces - is often straightforwardly misogynistic, and even in cases where it isn't, female characters are often shuffled quietly to the sidelines, except when they pop up - often suddenly in a queer pairing of their own - to benignly cheerlead the male couple.

and i think it's good that this is challenged - as i also think it's good that the heteronormative vibes of a lot of slash are challenged - and that we, as a fandom, are increasingly interested in female-centric works [whether focused on a romantic pairing or otherwise] and discussions. i hope these continue to take up fandom space.

but i have also noticed that the way female characters are written and talked about in these context is - as i've said - quite #girlboss in its approach. the focus is on women as clever and competent and feisty and unruffled and brave.

[including female villains, there are a lot of girlboss bellatrixes knocking around...]

and great! it should be! - but from what i've seen this also comes accompanied by a resistance to the idea that women can also be boring, unintelligent, self-infantilising, vain, arrogant, ignorant, talentless, meek, domestic, rude, dislikable, conservative, incurious, complicit in their own victimisation, plain wrong, and so on, and not only still be worthy of exploration, but be worthy of these characteristics not being automatically considered bad things for someone to possess and it not being seen as letting down the sisterhood to explore a woman who possesses them.

and, sure, hermione cannot be described as many of these things - but she is...

self-righteous; cruel; petty; from a privileged class background in the muggle world which blinkers her understanding of the class structure of the wizarding one; stubborn; terrible under pressure; shown by the text to be intelligent largely due to an ability to rote learn; a people-pleaser with a tendency towards a slightly hagrid-ish blind loyalty; extremely deferential to authority and willing to tolerate cruel treatment from authority figures [i.e. snape]; the most childlike of the trio [she takes her schoolbooks on the run and reads through them for comfort! she's an enormous animal lover!]; interested in one of form of stereotypical femininity [knitting! wearing pretty dresses!] even if she rejects the form of stereotypical femininity liked by e.g. parvati and lavender [and anyone who thinks she's not going to get along with her mother-in-law because molly's a housewife is dead wrong - she's having the time of her life helping put together a sunday lunch at the burrow]; possessed of a filthy sense of humour [i will never understand why emma watson said that the key to playing her was to be prim...]; someone who obviously wants to be liked and to be loved; and so on...

[and also, by the end of the pre-epilogue narrative, eighteen. she's often written in fics in a way which makes her sound like she's seen a lot of life - especially if the fic wants to claim she's "too mature" to bother with men her own age... but she hasn't - she's a teenager, and the reason she's so unpolished and abrasive is because literally all teenagers are unpolished and abrasive. it's just one of the mortifying agonies of growing up.]

we should love this. it makes her thorny and messy and mixed-up and human - and i am perfectly delighted by explorations of her character which delve into unravelling this tangle.

i just like her less as someone who is there to be right and beloved and uncriticised.

unless it's by ron. everyone should be uncomplicatedly adored by their wife guy.

#asks answered #in defence of... #hermione granger #annoying canon version only #we love unlikeable women in this house #reject the girlboss paradigm

[bombcollar]

I was tagged by @go-go-devil!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

I currently have 151.

2. What is your AO3 wordcount?

327,526

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Currently the most recent fics I wrote have been for Cadence of Hyrule but I've also recently written for Iconoclasts and Pokemon.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

The Ferris Wheel (Bugsnax, Snorplo) - 248

Gemini (Bugsnax, body horror) - 169

Imitation Beef (Bugsnax, continuation of a canon scene) - 165

Imago (Elden Ring, Miquella wakes up as a big bug) - 154

Field Notes (Bugsnax, AU, cosmic horror) - 148

5. Do you respond to comments?

I always try to, even if it's just to say thanks.

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

oh god probably one of my bugsnax fics... bugsnax really was ripe for angst. Both One Last Dance and Weary end in the implication that everybody has succumbed to the snax. I tend to leave things on more ambiguous notes than angsty, so even if the characters are in a sad or desperate situation it's uncertain what's going to happen to them next.

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

Sleep is Dark Souls III fic that implies the age of dark is actually a good thing and Lorian and Lothric survive to see it after all they've been through. I know I have written other happy things but this one is very hopeful.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I've gotten a couple shitty comments or ones where I was just like, I have no idea what you're trying to communicate to me, but they're extremely rare and I just delete them if I do get them.

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

I do not write smut. Just not my thing.

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

Not often, I have a few Fromsoft crossovers but I did write a Bugsnax/Nier Automata fic that never got finished. That's Between My Teeth.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of!

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yes, quite a few. Ao3 user Dashana in particular has translated a number of my Iconoclasts fics to Russian. I will probably never say no to having a fic translated if it helps it reach a larger audience, especially because I tend to pick niche fandoms or subjects.

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

I have, with @malicious-fisheeves and with @wheeled-jack as well as some other friends who don't really use tumblr.

14. What’s your all-time favorite ship?

I really don't feel that strongly about ships much of the time but I do really like Wally/May from Pokemon RSE/ORAS and Gwyndolin/Darkmoon Knightess from Dark Souls.

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

Ugh I have this Mochi Mayhem rewrite thing in the works but I just can't seem to make any progress on it. I may put it out there unfinished but the problem is I have a big chunk of the beginning done and then a scene at the very end and nothing in the middle lmao.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I've been told I'm really good at building dread. I personally think I'm good at writing platonic and familial character relationships, and writing characters who might be antagonists but who are complex and sympathetic.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

I have some trouble when it comes to writing incidental side characters that might serve a purpose for one scene but aren't really that important.

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

I really enjoy writing dialogue, it's one of my favorite parts of the process.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

I wrote a Rayman 3 fic about some OCs of mine probably back in 2003 or something. It was about these griffin-like creatures that had the powerups tested on them and it fucked them up because they were flesh and blood rather than made of cloth like the Hoodlum enemies are. They were trying to escape the facility they were kept in. Unfortunately I do not think it's still posted on my old ff.net account so it may be lost media.

20. Favorite fic you’ve written?

I'll always be extremely proud of Monarch Sunrise (the bugsnax timeskip cruise fic) for the sheer scale of it (as far as my fics go) and for all the help I had plotting and editing it.

This is a tough question to answer though because I'm really happy with many of them. I'd say my favorite thing I've written lately is Lyre Lyre, my Octavo backstory fic, because I think it does a good job of laying out his situation in a concise and entertaining manner, like he's telling this story to a crowd.

as for tagging folks uhhh how about @wheeled-jack @mumagi @disco-descent

#ask games

[bluedeedeedoop]

👻🦋🦈💘📚🚦🍬 for the writer ask game

yippee thanks for the asks!!!

👻 What is your wildest headcanon?

Ooooo okay im answering barrissoka for this; During the rebels era, Ahsoka eventually meets with Barriss by accident and they discuss and become happily ever after the end i will end my life if this doesn't happen thank you and goodbye.

🦋 Which character is your favorite to write?

BARRISS. 100% barriss. also when i was writing tangled the series fanfiction, cassandra was probably my fav too fr

🦈 Which character is the toughest to write?

this one is tough because i've only ever started writing for like two fandoms- and by the time i write for a ship ive already consumed as much media and fanfiction and humanly possible, therefore absorbing their personalities and attitudes into my brain, making them easy to write :D but i guess out of the two fandoms ive written for, probably rapunzel from tangled the series. dont come at me.

💘 Is it easier to write angst or fluff?

well, i personally both are easy to write for me when i really get into it- like when my brain is LOCKED IN. but okay hear me out. i fucking love writing fluff and reading it, but by god angst is somehow easier for me to flow with then writing yk???

📚 Is there a fanfic or fanfic writer you recommend?

(im sorry in advance) YES I KNOW MANY!!! of course these shall be barrissoka because yes but i know a lot of other amazing writers too for other fandoms!! i recommend: @kaaragen is an AMAZING author and their work And if we fell together has my heart and soul and god fucking damn it take my money ANYWAYS- The author mylordshesacactus has amazing works!! the author Gabby(kirahsoka) has amazing works too!! the ao3 series Clouded Light and the works Lost Shepherd and Coming home to you (A personal fav!!!!). Also my amazing friend @jedimasterbailey and their fic The Padawans!!! Another one of my favorite authors is @lesbiansandpuns whose work i absolutely love so much i stg especially The moments when we smile and those between has me on my knees not even joking (their other works are literally godsent as well). also!! @425599167 is an amazing author and their take on Barriss Offee as a whole is absolutely wonderful, their work The Erosion of the Spirit had me dissociating for a good week on that fic, literally amazing. I also really adore Let's call it love by my friend @stellanslashgeode!!

🚦What sort of endings do you prefer to write: ambiguous, bad, happily ever after, etc.?

ok im a sucker for happily ever after alright??? but i love me a good build up!!!!

🍬 Do you write for multiple fandoms? If yes, what is your favorite fic of yours for each fandom?

i've been in a LOT of fandoms but i didn't start writing for any until recent (last couple years) which are Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure (the tangled series) (judge me and i will eat you) and Star Wars! for TTS prob my fic Painting can wait (guys this is my old writing please bare with me) and for Star wars probably Love you anyway. (even if you hate tea) because i kiiiiinda wrote that one as self indulgence. again if i hear anything i will eat you.

WOO THAT WAS A LOT.

here is little art snippet of an oc!

#ask games #writer ask game

[yamayuandadu]

Megumu Iizunamaru

How I feel about this character: I have mixed feelings, honestly. Expanding the tengu society via the introduction of a new character from a different social stratum is very welcome. We’ve been sitting on heaps of tengu background from the print works since the early Windows days and it felt like it’s just going to be a way to make it easier for fans to come up with ocs. I’m pleasantly surprised that was not the case. I think her personality is fun and it was refreshing to have an antagonist with multiple actual minions again after WBaWC and HSiFS where almost every character operates on her own. However, I can’t help but think she was sort of robbed of the grandeur she could’ve had if she had more spotlight in the game instead of sharing it with Chimata. Especially since the latter is… hardly thrilling, probably a candidate for one of my least favorite Windows final bosses, with a design which looks like that old meme poking fun at ZUN’s art. That’s beside the point, though. I also think Megumu's own design is missing something. More than once I’ve seen fanart giving her a more pronounced night sky theme, which works well. Same with leaning more into her namesake’s highly distinctive iconography. All around, from my perspective Megumu is a promising character who however for now failed to quite reach the standard for modern Touhou big names, despite having the potential for that.

All the people I ship romantically with this character: I already covered this topic in the Tsukasa and Momoyo asks.

My non-romantic OTP for this character: there is evidently great potential in her ending interactions with Kanako. A funny thing to note that's tangentially related is that in the middle ages both Suwa Daimyojin and Izuna Gongen developed origin myths which inolved them arriving from India in the distant past.

My unpopular opinion about this character: the story in UM would be better off without Chimata and with Megumu getting the bump to stage 6 and a more elaborate design to match (Tsukasa is functionally the spiritual equivalent of the typical stage 5 boss anyway). Granted, not sure to what degree this is an unpopular opinion because frankly through the past two years the only time when I’ve seen Chimata brought up on my social media feed it boiled down to some variety of high caliber “horny on main” incident, while I do see Megumu and Momoyo, let alone Tsukasa, semi-regularly.

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon: honestly would like to see her interact with Okina, she's probably the best character we have atm to use to go further with what is already implied in Aya's route in HSiFS.

[infiniteorangethethird]

Hellooooo hi, I'm too lazy to scroll yeah

Can you tell me a bit about your paracosm? :3

A bit? Nope, sorry, no can do, I can only tell you a metric fuck TON about my paracosm. Hope ur prepared for an infodump >:)

Sooooo uh. There’s a lot to talk abt (because I don’t know how to shut up) so let me break it up a little. Setting-wise, the story’s set in a fantasy version of Earth, where the most important difference (aside from the presence of magic) is that if someone writes a story and enough people read it, the story becomes real in a parallel dimension. I originally thought of this as a way to explain how my OCs could meet with the characters from my favorite shows/books, nowadays it’s both a mechanic that facilitates the story and (recently more frequently) the focus and source of conflict.

Because of the setting, aside from the numerous stolen characters from other media and reworked versions of said stolen characters, there’s obviously a lot of magic going around with a fuckton of places to visit and even more magical species to populate the world and wield said magic – “angels”, demons, shapeshifters, monsters, gods, you name it. Most of my paras are non-human and those who are also tend to have non-human ancestry or some kind of extra magical power (what’s the point of fantasy without fantasy, yknow?). But also, because I have a weird obsession with Organizing and Putting Things In Boxes, I have the physics of magic worked out to an absurd detail, feel free to shoot me an ask abt it if you want to be bored to death :D

Plot-wise… well. I would summarize the story, I actually HAVE a pretty decent summary, but it’s like, 100+ pages (50k+ words if I recall correctly), and I’m pretty sure tumblr would not Like That (and this version’s not even up to date), so. There used to be a lot of exploration of the world (aka me integrating my current interests into my paracosm because I can), nowadays it’s a lot more character-focused, with the plot revolving around 15-ish “main” paras and their lives. Which can be anything from “I can finally go to college and study the stuff I wanna study! Yay!” to “oh god oh fuck I’m a general in a multidimensional war and thousands are dead if I make the wrong move” so. There’s a lot of throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. (I am a sucker for big epic fights tho so that happens a lot lol)

Thematically, I like to focus on the inner worlds of my paras and how they relate to the world around them. Each of them come from different backgrounds with different perspectives so any time I wanna explore a concept I can just pick whoever falls closest to that (like, “oh THIS one was abandoned by their family but THIS one is a stable father figure, found family trope go brrr” just to name an example). There’s a lot of hurt/comfort generally speaking, heavy on the emotional angst and, because I’m a secret whump enjoyer, there also tends to be a lot of blood. Like a lot. (Dw I always balance it out with some old-fashioned “finding peace in each other’s presence” daydreams, especially soft and cuddly.) Oh yeah and also everyone’s gay but that’s pretty much expected at this point.

Sometimes I also like to wonder about the morality of certain aspects of this universe, since the setting and world is so different from ours, but ig that’s a topic for another day haha

Anyway yeah that’s as short as I could get it 😅 it’s a bit hard to talk about my paracosm as a whole because it’s so old and as a result incredibly widespread. I do have a sideblog dedicated to it but tbh I haven’t really touched it in ages so what little info it has is probably outdated. Idk what else to say, if there’s any part you’d want me to go into greater detail feel free to ask (I know ppl mostly only care about the paras which, fair, but when it comes to talking abt my paracosm practically any topic is free for the asking lol), and sorry for the long ramble haha

Bonus doodle of one of my paras (Rowena) I did like a day ago

#paraportal #the orange dimension #<- had to come up w a tag for my paracosm lol #my art #para: Rowena

[sleepyowlwrites]

OC/WIP ASK:

Do your characters have any hobbies that may or may not be illegal?

Do any of your characters work with/for/ or against the government

How old is your oldest OC in terms of creation date?

How old is your oldest OC in terms of how old they are in-WIP?

Which of your wips would you say is your favourite and why?

Have you ever made a tier list of your own ocs?

What's the most horrific thing you've written, in terms of horror/violence to a oc, side character or a place in your wip?

What's the most tragic thing that happens in your wip?

Have any of your ocs names been inspired by other media?

Have any of your wips been inspired by other media?

Do you listen to podcasts or music to get inspired for an oc or wip?

Do your characters believe in the supernatural?

Do your characters have their own religion/ Does your wip have a religion you named yourself?

Have you ever created an alien race and the language and everything else that would need?

Have you ever used a generator to create an oc name, planet name, realm name or anything like that?

Okay, your nickname is now Trouble, and it will generally be meant affectionately but in this case slightly exasperated. Love you.

1! Yes, the city story kids do many illegal things. I've listed them in another ask, Rune and Moss in particular participate in regular theft in a Robin Hood type manner.

2! City story again. Nobody is fond of the government. They're not actively working against it but have plenty of gripes, specifically with law enforcement. Jet, Copper, and Rune all grew up with privilege, so they're actively aware of how it's going to be to bring Max to justice.

3! I think my current oldest are the twins Kena and Kyt, who I originally thought of in 2010. They're from Rain Story.

4! Myr, from space story. They've got at least a millenia under their belt by the time the story starts.

5! Hard to say, but these days it flips between city and youth story. I love the cast of both of them, especially the specific character dynamics.

6! No. I have a list of all of them, but it's really hard to rank them. I did have that one ask where I ranked them by genre, so I guess I could do that kind of tier list.

7! Um, I've definitely written specific stuff in the past, but from recent times, either Zan's first death in summon story or that story about a man who becomes an automaton.

8! In city story it's every time we hear about or witness Max's abuse. In mercenary story it's hearing about Yadsmyn's war experiences or Tav's multiple attempts of abandonment. In rain story it's Jaino's despair.

9! Names? I don't think so. I either go with letters and sounds I like or else just pulled from nature.

10! I don't go looking for inspiration, most of the time. I just happen upon it. Unless I'm worldbuilding and looking for specific textiles or something.

11! Only in the wips that actually have supernatural or fantasy creatures. While all my contemporary works are at least a touch surreal, unless I actually put supernatural elements in my wips, nobody has any beliefs in those things.

12! Guild, rain, mercenary, and summon stories have created religions, but I haven't put a ton of thought into them yet.

13! I've created alien races but not languages for them. These days I stick to creating creatures, odd words of languages, and idioms with not necessarily explained contexts.

14! Yes! None of those are in any of my current wips, tho. Generators are great, but I find myself using wikipedia pages about "town names" and "trees in desert biomes" and "viney plants."

I hope I didn't skip a question because on mobile it doesn't show the numbers.

#sleepy answers #writing asks

[mysticstarlightduck]

Eve's weird question time: invent a crack ship either between ocs of ypur two different wips or your oc and character from a popular media. Or both. Of course I want to know reasons it would work and if you are up for it... how would they meet?

Hello, @repressed-and-depressed! Thank you for this Ask!

Lmao, this is such a fun question tho.

Invent a crack ship either between ocs of your two different WIPs or your oc and character from a popular media:

(I'll go with two characters from my WIPs for this one!)

Um, Wilhelmina Tallow (From my WIP Enchanted Illusions) and Kaden Rihdel (from my WIP The Last Wrath). They'd be the perfect fit! I mean, she is bubbly, wild, and artistic, and he is also bubbly, wild, and artistic. Both have twins of their own (Wilhelmina with Henri and Kaden with Sybil) so they'd be able to relate on that matter as well.

Another good pairing would be Emryc Thorne (from The Last Wrath) and Ambrose Prosper (from Enchanted Illusions). They'd be unstoppably chaotic, and the amount of sheer sassiness and drama they'd give would be through the roof. That and the fact that Emryc is a full-time thief with a love for poetry and Ambrose is a glorified tomb raider who also happens to be a linguist. What's not to like?

From my other (minor) WIPs I would say:

Kaylathell Deimos (a pilot character from my WIP Supernova Initiative) would absolutely adore Charlie-Beau Morrigan (from my WIP Open Secret Files). These girls give zero fucks as to what others think of them, have a majestic taste in music, and will cause a minor explosion if left unsupervised.

Ethan Donnovan (from my WIP Open Secret Files) and Vesper Fox (from my WIP Supernova Initiative) would be a match made in heaven. They're both rebels that despise oppressive authority, especially if it comes from a corrupt government, and both seek the freedom to do things the way they want to.

How would they meet?

Wilhelmina Tallow and Kaden Rihdel would probably meet, accidentally, at some social gathering of some sort - preferably, a fancy masquerade with tons of food and good music. Kaden would likely be there to perform as a bard and would definitely get into some form of trouble, and Wilhelmina would meet him in the chaos.

Ambrose Prosper and Emryc Thorne would 100% meet at an old crypt/tomb. Of course, Ambrose would be there to study the ancient artifacts, and while he is marveling at the preserved history, Emryc would probably be there to steal the most valuable artifact amidst the treasure, and Ambrose would try to stop him.

Kaylathell and Charlie would likely meet either at some repair shop, where Kay seeks to have her spaceship fixed and Charlie wants a ride out of the planet. Or, they'd meet up in some buzzing dive bar, where one of them - Charlie - would get into a street fight and the other would be impressed at her skills and join in to help.

Ethan Donnovan and Vesper Fox would certainly meet with the purpose of thwarting some corrupt government scheme, with Ethan being an on-the-run outlaw and Vesper being the rebellious sister of a spy who has the files Ethan's been looking for to clear his name.

[majachee]

tell me about these ocs 👁👁

My OCs, you see, come from a fairly passionate interest of mine.

And... my grievances towards certain modern adaptations.

See, I like stories that expand on or reimagine classic myths, and use said myths in a new and interesting way! Especially if they have an added cultural/historical influence, like Garmr and Fenrir in God of War: Ragnarök!

For some mythos, our resources are lacking. Especially with Norse mythos, where are main source is essentially surviving ruins and texts from outside sources, and Snorri's Edda (which was written during the Christianization of Scandinavia. And some of the sources we have of the Vikings come from biased outside sources and unnearthed graves.)

So, creative liberties are inevitable. I don't get too up in arms about "mischaractetizations" like some other mythology nerds because... well... they're fictional characters based on thousands year old mythos. And thus, I was inspired to break free from these chains and go absolutely buck wild with my own creative liberties! With some inspiration from other medias, of course. I always found God of War's multi-pantheon story interesting, so I'm expanding on that concept a bit in my own story! I like Hellblade's portrayal of the gods from an outsider looking in, especially with the added context of her trauma, of course these gods of the men who killed those she loved would be seen as monsters! A more modern twist on Orpheus and Eurydice in Hadestown? With the added industrialism commentary? YUMMY. (Ignoring my issues with the Persephone and Hades stuff)

And so, that's what I hope to bring to the table! An exploration of fate, mortality, morality, and philosophy using gods and familiar literary heroes as my chess-pieces, exploring cultural influences through the ages and the ever-changing connection of man and god. The inevitable end to all things.... In reality its probably not That Deep but hey im having fun lmao

As for my grievances.... I feel like certain modern stories miss the original point of these myths. While yes, they're mystical and have some silly bits to 'em, they were used to explain the order of the world back in the day. Why are there seasons? Why do natural disasters happen? Why are we here? Where do we go when we die? What must we do to ensure a safe travel to the theoretical afterlife? Why do we have laws and civilization? But also, people seem to forget the underlying themes of a lot of these myths (esp greco-roman myths); these gods are nuanced like us mortals. While idols of worship, they are not spared from cruelity.

The Kidnapping of Persephone is not only a story of the seasons, but also a story about a mother's grief and the traumatic reality of young women being forced into marriage. Hades and Persephone isnt a good relationship, and its one of those things thats uncomfortable to see romanticized even with the creative liberties in place.

While I do take a lot of creative liberties, I do not want to erase specific meanings found in these myths. Specifically that mortals and gods are both equally flawed and neither are inherently perfect, and the relationships aren't always the healthiest really.

Despite my belief that humanity is inherently kind, that doesn't mean humanity isnt flawed or cruel yk yk?

I explore a lot of silly things with my silly little god ocs and I KNOW THIS PROBABLY ISNT WHAT YOU WERE ASKING FOR BUT YOU DIDNT NAME A SPECIFIC OC AND I GOT OVERWHELMED SO I TALKED ABOUT MY INSPIRATION BEHIND THEM FOR A BIT SORRY LMAO

#maja needs to shut up tag #ask #anonymous #lore posts #oc tag

[maugus]

UNPROMPTED. Anonymous asked ; This is just something I've observed, but I hope you realize that sweet, "non-edgy" characters 100% have a place in both RP and in media and Minette really is a lovely addition to the dash. I know it seems like the edgier, hard-ass types have more appeal (esp if they're female/OC's), but every muse being a sarcastic jerk with a traumatic backstory does get old after awhile. We need sweet, kind characters and there's nothing wrong with your OC's being lovely, nice ladies. Please be gentle on yourself, and know that Minette (and your other muses) are wonderful to see on the dash and I hope you can gain more confidence going forward knowing that we want them around & adore interacting with them. Have a nice rest of the week, otherwise!

Anon I'm ngl , I saw like half of the first sentence and immediately thought I was in for some sort of hate - I ABOUT PASSED OUT BNFVCVFHF I'm so glad that wasn't what this was and I wanna say thank you for taking the time to drop this in my ask box , it really does mean a lot to me.

This is something I struggle with when it comes to muses because while there are absolutely lovely people like you out there , there tend to be just as many who turn their nose up at muses like Minette. From my experience in the RPC's I've been in , it used to be because they saw them as self - inserts or as if they were made solely for shipping because they are soft and lack that sassy edge (even then it's like, so what ? Let people have fun.) Nowadays it still feels like they're seen as ship fodder but it also feels more so like they're just seen as boring because . . I don't know why honestly ? Minette is a sweetheart but she has just as much baggage as any hardass muse I've ever written and she can provide just as much angst and conflict if we really get into it tbh - And I've written those sassy , edgy , villain muses MANY times over. But I always end up gravitating back towards my soft girls because I just . . Love them and honestly , they're refreshing and more fun for me to write normally. Like , I'm also so very aware that if Minette had been a male OC even , she would have gotten a lot of attention and people clamoring to interact even if she was still 'soft' like , immediately. Don't get me wrong , I'm not whining about it I swear. I'm just . . Self aware of it , because I've seen it happen in real time. It kinda sucks. It's the unfortunate truth of most RPC's (coming from my 8+ years of experience in many of them,) that female muses , especially OC's and ESPECIALLY (x2) the soft ones , are going to get poopoo'd more often than not. I try not to let it get me down because I've got lots of lovely mutuals on here who obviously really like Minette ! (We wouldn't be mutuals otherwise , right ?) But the ingrained stigma of being 'lesser' is hard to shake , which is why I have such a hard time reaching out myself / wanting to plot / sharing ideas / or even sending memes in a lot of the time. Because a lot of the time it feels like I'm being annoying or forceful in doing so when . . If I was on a canon or male muse blog , it wouldn't feel that way at all.

Regardless , I know seeing this sort of post probably gets old and I know I'm preaching to the choir. I don't know why , I just feel the need to explain my feelings about it all a lot of the time when it comes up. But seriously , thank you so much. This was super sweet of you to send , and it warms my heart that you thought of me and took the time to send me something. I'm very comfortable on Minette rn , so I don't think I'll be leaving and taking her with me any time soon. That being said I'm glad you like her because you're going to be seeing her for a long time coming , hopefully EEEEE -

#ϟ ▌╏OOC. #ϟ ▌╏ASKS. #((mmMMMM i dunno if there's anything else i should tag this as since a lot of it's under a readmore and you can guess what its all about)) #((so just lmk if you want it tagged with smth ig???)) #((but seriously thank you anon)) #((i hope this doesn't feel like im whining or complaining and overshadowing how sweet this was of you)) #((its just a topic that irks me a lot still because)) #((i unno it doesnt make much sense to me ig)) #((i really appreciate this. i kith u anon))

[wiypt-writes]

Guilty As Charged

Guilty As Charged: Bucky Barnes One Shot

Summary: Defence Attorney James ‘Bucky’ Barnes is the absolute bane of your life…

Pairing: Lawyer AU Bucky Barnes x Reader (Frenemies!)

Warnings: Bad language words.

Word Count- Under 2k

A/N:  This was originally posted on my old blog ages ago, but I’ve just given it a little polish and thought, seeing as I’m on the Bucky Train at the moment, I’d bring it back. Also, my knowledge on US Criminal Law is sketchy at best, so humour me…

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this bar reader and any other OCs that may or may not be mentioned. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Bucky Barnes Masterlist // Main Masterlist

*******

In God We Trust, the words set about the Judge’s podium were fixed in your vision, motes of dust moving freely in the rays of sunlight which were streaming through the large, ornate windows of the court room and you took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, concentrating on expelling the nerves you were feeling with the air that left your mouth and lungs.

No matter how many times you were in this position, the reading of the verdict still got to you. Your gaze turned to the jury, as the judge did the same, that all important question ringing across the room, the air stiflingly tense.

“On the charge of murder in the first degree, do you find the defendant or not guilty"

“Not guilty.”

Fuck.

Cheers from the defendants family drowned out your loud groan as you rubbed at your temple. Looking over at your colleague, Sam, you shook your head in utter disbelief.

The judge continued through the remaining charges, second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, and your despair grew as the same verdict was returned for each.

You’d lost. And it stung, not merely because of your near perfect conviction rate, but for the family of the victim you were one-hundred percent convinced the accused.

"Y/N this wasn't your fault.” Sam stated in a low voice but you simply sighed again and shrugged.

"I was sure they'd see through his lies,” you glanced over to your right where the defence team, headed up by James Buchanan Barnes of Barnes and Rogers Law firm were shaking hand with each other and their defendant. Barnes' face was arranged in the usual smug look that you always had the urge to slap right off it. His partner, Steve, glanced over at you and gave you a genuine, sympathetic smile.

He’s always the most courteous out of the two, the one you actually didn’t mind dealing with when it came to cases.

"He fucking did it Y/N," Sam's voice was almost a growl, "I know he did."

"Well in the eyes of the law he didn’t." You stated, standing up.

The commotion continued behind you, as the defendant was told he was free to go. Making sure to keep your head down, you hastily shuffled your papers back into their respective files and packed your briefcase up. Picking up your jacket, you shrugged it on, smoothing down pencil skirt before you head to leave the courtroom before Barnes can pipe up with his usual smart ass quips. But you're not quite fast enough. "Commiserations Miss Y/LN, can't win em all." The familiar Brooklyn drawl hit your ears.

"Buck," Steve sighed "c'mon pal..."

You grit your teeth. You know you shouldn't rise to it, but you just can’t help it. The man is an utter jack ass in the courtroom. Spinning to face him, you shot him your best contemptuous glare, the one you always reserve for those people you really cannot stand, and looked at him like he was something you'd just trodden in.

"You know Barnes, there is such a thing as being gracious in victory as well as defeat." "Defeat?” He asked, looking at Steve with a puzzled expression on his face, “no, not sure what that is." "Eat shit.” You mumbled before turning to Sam who was stood behind you, watching the exchange. You nod to him and the two of you continued up the aisle towards the exit. The victim's family were congregated outside and all at once the start barraging you with questions.

"How did that happen?"

"You said it was a cert he would go down!”

"What about a private prosecution?”

You sighed and turn to look at them, you were exhausted. "I'm sorry.” You shook your head. “That new evidence that his attorney submitted, it was just threw too much of a doubt into the juries mind..." you held your hand up to gently silence them. “If you're serious about a private prosecution then I can meet you next week to discuss and put you in touch with a few people but I’m sorry, as far as the State’s involvement goes…I can’t do anymore."

Escaping as quickly as you could, you and Sam headed back to your office. After a short meeting with your boss, the District Attorney, who was as pissed as you were that the prosecution had failed, you emerged feeling twice as tired and battered as you had when you’d left the courtroom.

As Sam stated, there was only one thing left you could do. Drink alcohol. A lot of alcohol.

It was a short walk to your preferred bar, having decided to abandon your car and collect it in the morning. You were going to get drunk. Really drunk. "Hey Y/N, hey Sam." Clint, the bar tender greeted you. “I hear it wasn't a great day.” You looked up and saw he was pointing to the TV behind the bar. It was on a news channel, focussing on a report from earlier that afternoon which wasn’t surprising. The case had thrown up huge public interest ever since the body of the teenage girl has been found in the alleyway in Queens. The defendant confessed but somehow, the new evidence submitted was an alleged recording that the defence had gotten their hands on as proof the confession was taken under duress. If you were being totally honest, you had to admit that it didn't sound great, the officer did seem to be leaning heavily on the defendant, but the other evidence was, no, IS overwhelming.

But all it needed was that little seed of doubt, which the defence sowed expertly, and the jury couldn't convict. And now, thanks to Barnes and Rogers, specifically Barnes, in your mind a dangerous killer was walking free. As you stared at the television, you saw Barnes on the screen with the defendant, all smiles and Steve at his side. Barnes greeted the press with a raised hand. "Clint turn it over man." Sam almost pleaded and Clint shot you both a sympathetic look, before he pointed the remote at and flicked the report over to a mundane, late afternoon game show. You ordered 2 beers, and then settled at the bar on one of the tall chairs, crossing your bare, heeled legs as you and Sam began to dissect the case. You couldn’t help it, you always did this, analyse where you went wrong or right.

The pair of you got that enthralled in your discussions, that before you know it, it was an hour lager and you're now four beers deep... and Sam was fielding an angry phone call from his wife, Natasha. "I gotta go, boss." He sighed, apologetically, “it’s my little girl’s dance recital at six and if I miss this one, Nat’s gonna hang me out to dry!” You waved his explanation off. “Its fine, Sam. Oh, and take the morning tomorrow. That case has had us working all hours and I don’t intend on being there till lunch. Clint, gimme a bourbon please?" "Don't let Barnes get to you.” Sam sighed. “You know what he is like" "Smug, arrogant and annoyingly self-righteous.” You nodded. “Yup, I got it.” Sam smiled and dropped a friendly kiss to your cheek. "See you later." Clint slid the glass of bourbon over to you and you smiled before pulling out your phone to check a few emails and your social media. You were just reading through an article about a Billionaire in Manhattan who had designed some kind of metal suit that allowed him to fly (because that's gonna end well), when a familiar voice broke your concentration. "Can I buy you a drink?" You rolled your eyes and looked up at Bucky Barnes as he leaned on the bar, still in his suit, although he had dispensed of his black and white tie, and opened his top button. This was another thing you hated about him. He is utterly gorgeous. Like GQ cover gorgeous, especially in his sharp suits and silk ties.

And he fucking knows it, too. "Depends." You shrugged, throwing back the remainder of your bourbon. "Does it come with a side helping of irritating smugness?" He chuckled. "I'm off duty, Doll so no."

"In that case I'll have another Monkey Shoulder." You slid the empty glass back to Clint. "Take it you're not driving home?" Barnes asked, his azure eyes running over your bare legs. "Well if I do and I get caught, I'm sure you can get me off any charges.” You replied sharply, shooting him a look that made it clear you caught him eyeing you up. And it isn't the first time either. That's another reason you clash so much in the courtroom. Sexual tension. Fucking jerk. He barked out a laugh "You're really not happy with me are you?" "Not particularly." You shook your head, thanking Clint as he pushed the now full glass back to you, with a small wink. It's a double, you noticed. That should set Barnes back a bit. Bucky reached for his beer and after a pull he looked directly at you. "Come work for me." He said and you groaned.

Not this again. "I'm a prosecutor." You rolled your eyes. "Not a defence attorney. I told you that last time you asked. And the time before, and the time before that." "I'm nothing if not persistent." He winked, turning in his stool so he was facing you. "Besides, I can teach you the ways of the dark side." "You’d love that wouldn't you?" You snort. "Oh, Sweetheart you have no idea." He leaned forward slightly, his elbow on the bar and this time he is blatantly staring at the flash of skin that was showing above the buttons on your blouse. "My face is up here, ass hole." With a smirk he raised his deep, blue eyes and they locked onto yours. Despite yourself, you feel your breath hitch slightly. Dammed him and his sex appeal. "Why are you always this insufferable?" You eventually tore your gaze away from his and picked up your drink, glancing up at the TV as an excuse not to look at him. "Ah come on Y/N, don’t be like that." He reached out to squeeze your hand which was resting on the back of the tall chair you were sat in. "We could make a great team..." You raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "Professionally.” He added, his eyes not leaving yours as he took another large drink of his beer, and you pulled your hand away from under his. "I'd kill you within five minutes of us being in the same office." You glared at him as you took another sip from your drink. He chuckled and eyed you again, “to be fair I'm not sure Stevie would be able to function with a beautiful dame such as yourself in close proximity. He still flusters around any woman that isn’t his Peggy.” "That's because Steve is a happily married man." "So am I." He shot back. Ah yes, Mrs Barnes… "Your wife deserves a medal. She must have the patience of a fucking saint to put up with you." You said into your glass. "I have other hidden qualities which mean she's prepared to overlook my slightly less favourable personality traits." He quipped, and you looked back to see that lopsided grin on his face that flips your stomach. Behave Y/N. "They must be very hidden." You mused, and he let out another loud laugh.   "You're killing me, Doll.” "Good." You drained your glass. The liquid burnt your throat and you could feel the effects of the alcohol from the last few hours as your brain started to hum. You looked at Barnes who was watching you, his eyes shining with all the cheekiness of a teenage boy and you know you need to leave before you do something stupid.

Like snogging his dumb, handsome face off. "I think it's time I got going." You said simply, standing up. Barnes gave a nod, draining his bottle. “Yeah I should be making tracks too. Wife to see to, you know how it is.” You stood and he did the same, and you realised he was holding up your jacket, ready for you to slide your arms into. Narrowing your eyes slightly at his sudden chivalry, you couldn’t help the small smile that flickered across your face as you turned and allowed him to help you into it. His hands dropped to your shoulders and he span you round gently and smiled with those perfect teeth, a smile that lit up his beautiful face, his eyes crinkling in the corners. "Lead the way Mrs Barnes.” He instructed softly, dropping a tender kiss to your lips. "You know it's a good job I love you,” you smiled, sliding your arms up round his neck. "Yeah, I know." "Although right now I'm struggling to remember why." "Well, when we get home I'll just have to show you some of those hidden qualities I was talking about, see if they help jog your memory.” You bit your lip slightly at the dark flash of desire that flit across his eyes, and you leant up to brush your lips across his stubbled jawline. "Unanimous verdict,” your voice drops slightly as you pull back and he smirked again, “guilty as charged.” You tossed Clint a good bye, linked your hand into your husband’s and he walked you outside into the brisk wind, his arm pulling you close, his lips pressed a soft kiss to your temple. Yeah, James Buchanan Barnes might be an insufferable, arrogant ass hole in the courtroom, but outside it he's simply your Bucky.

#bucky barnes #buck barnes fic #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #lawyer au

[joonapeach]

FIC-RECS (II)

part one of my fic recs 

part two of my fic recs since my last fic recs post got over 1000 notes and that’s basically the most attention i’ve ever received in my life 

i. @littlemisskookie : LOVE ME AND LEAVE ME

if you love something, you’ll let it go - that’s just the perfect epitome of this one-shot. jin is genuinely such a good guy and yet, you go through a whirlwind of emotions because of the predicament him and oc are in. i really like the idea of duty vs desire in this story, and it’s so well done considering the premise of royalty.

ii. @cinnaminsvga​ : THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB

theres a lot of bts social media aus out there but this, this one man... i read it two years ago and you’ll still catch me saying “i love you then and i love you still” just because all the emotions i felt reading this story imprinted on me so deeply. i highly recommend this if you’re looking for a story to grow with characters and laugh and cry and you know, all that fun stuff

iii. @sugaxjpg : THE LIONHEART’S OATH

i have read this on multiple occasions and have also cried uncontrollably because of it on multiple occasions. the characterization of oc and jungkook is so beautifully done, especially in the last scene, and the dialogue just squeezes at your heart. this fic leaves such a mark on you that even after reading it, it just comes keeping to your mind.

iv. @versigny : IN EVERY LIFE I WILL FIND YOUR SHOULDER TO CRY ON

this is a classic. i love the way the reincarnation plot is done, something about seeing the stages through which oc and jin go through is so satisfying !! a+ writing and a fic i always think about when i think of reincarnation tropes

v. @inktae : AWAY FROM THE SUN

this story is just absolutely beyond-words amazing. the writing is so good that there is a movie playing inside my mind when i read it and i can feel everything happening around me. the concept of the story is so distinctive and magical, as well as the set-up and dynamic of the characters. i’m genuinely so impressed a story of this quality exists on this site. it’s a literary masterpiece (and hence, a must read). 

vi. @vankoya​ : DEVIL SKATES ON THIN ICE

i love flawed characters + i love stories about redemption, and this fic perfectly takes two of my favorite tropes and puts it in this stunning setting of being an ice skater. the writing is beautiful and i just love revisiting this fic from time to time.

[ao3]

vii. ELLIPSISM

i read this fic in june 2019 and i was broken (in both a good and bad way). i was been suffering for a few months because this story and its beautiful characters and themes of depression etc. could not leave my mind. that combined with the fact that i basically forgot what this fic was called tortured me everyday

ok that’s all from this list now. i stopped reading fics for a while and i’m still trying to recall the old fics i liked, so maybe part three, maybe not

#fic recs #bts fic recs #bts fics #bts x reader #jin fics #seokjin fics #seokjin angst #taehyung fics #taehyung fic recs #jungkook fic #jungkook fic recs #jungkook smut #jungkook angst #fic rec #bts #fics #bts fanfiction #bts social media au #bts angst #jungkook #joonapeach #jungkook fluff

[wild-houseplant]

/returns like a ghostly apparition, knocking on your window/ hello can we please get these for Rhodri ? 🍒 🎂 🥃 🍾

Oh henlo hi :3 *opens the window and welcomes you in with cake and goodies* Thank you for the asks! <3 I'm spoiled!! (any chance I could send you a few more as well? 8D ok if not!) Under the cut! We know how it rolls around here :D

🍒 Has your OC had their first kiss yet? If so, with who?

She has! It happened just shy of her nineteenth birthday, courtesy of her friend and fellow Circle mage, Stella. Stella's lovely! She's a very vivacious, absent-minded sort with absolutely no filter, and is an absolute beast at drawing, especially plants and intricate patterns. They end up in an open QPR (Stella's a pansexual loveless aro while Rhod’s pan-everything) and they're basically like those old couples that argue about weird shit like the ideal colour of toast right up 'til Rhodri's conscription a year later.

🎂 Has your OC got any contradictory interests or traits to the first perception people have of them? How do they surprise people?

HAHAHAHAHAH. Oh. My God. Well, the resting bitch face hides that she's a snuggle monster who's great with kids and babies, but I've talked about that a lot already.

Probably the thing that strikes most people as contradictory is the way she can jump between playfulness and earnest solicitude. It's mostly because she doesn't trust her gut in social situations (and fair, it's often misled her), so she's constantly analysing as she goes. It happens especially when someone makes a joke that she takes seriously. Bugger goes from comfort mode to hyena-esque laughing in 0.001 seconds. Throws 'em every time. :D

🥃 If your OC was in this universe, what would be their favourite show/book/band/social media platform?

Ooh. Do you know, I've never thought about this! Let's see... show-wise, I can see her going for documentaries. Especially ones about space and anything geology, but I think she'd watch just about anything. Book... at a guess, probably psychology textbooks so she could get a better grip of how she thinks, and how others think. Developmental psychology would be of particular use, I would imagine, so she'd feel very prepared as a parent. I do have a hc, though, that she has a very soft spot for heroic novels. Tales of the gallant, mighty protag saving the day with their strength and wisdom put stars in her eyes like nobody's business. Band... you know, I peg her as liking instrumental stuff, especially if it's rich and slow. To flesh out my characters, I listen to music until I find a song with the elements that scream their name to me. For Rhodri, I ended up with Méditation, from the opera Thaïs, played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, so I'll put them as her favourite band. Link if you want to listen to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlNQhKOmPSs Haaa and social media platform? Mm. I can see her having a whale of a time on Tumblr, actually. She'd probably end up with a blog that she didn't write on much, but would reblog every cool thing she saw to make sure her mutuals caught it, too. At least once they suggested that instead of sending them a link to it via discord. She's undoubtedly a jim, bless her.

🍾 Does your OC believe in luck? If so, do they have any charm or ritual they do before a stressful event?

Nope to both of these. Not in the sense of an extraneous force rigging the game for you. There's definitely being lucky or unlucky, but that's because the outcomes of prior events were favourable or unfavourable and brought it to that point. She does like the idea of charms and rituals, though. They encourage a certain mindset, and they're often very beautiful, even if the force they're making their appeal to probably either doesn't exist, or won't listen.

[tundrainafrica]

So I see your a LeviHan shipper!! I enjoy the ship a lot too!! But are there any specific reason that their your favorite?? Maybe you could explain that a little through a list? But anyways I hope your week has been good so far, Sav. Have a good day/night!!!! - Signed by Your Secret Santa 🎄

Hello! Thank you for asking about my week (and my ship). 

I enjoy the ship a lot too!! But are there any specific reason that their your favorite? 

To answer that first question...

You’re in for a long rollercoaster ride of a rant because I don’t think I’m the type of person to ship anything to the point of writing domestic fluff fics unless the I felt really really drawn to the ship. 

Anyway, (slight) spoilers abound! Will keep manga spoilers subtle, mostly Levihan scenes.

Disclaimer: I do not want to start shipping wars. I specifically avoided the words like should or best because I recognize that shipping is generally based on preferences. I respect everyone’s preferences on what they want out of a ship or even a relationship and through this, I just hope to express my own preferences and maybe even gush with people who agree.

1. The ship did not move the plot. The plot moved the ship.

Attack on Titan is not a romance or a shojo, if it’s not fairly obvious from any chapter you would randomly read. As a reader, I would have expected it to fall short with pairings. Most shows which are not romance based tend to have a few pairings which just suddenly end up together towards the end of the manga because “What’s a happy ending without marriage and kids?” There is usually a trend of just pairing of the extras and sometimes, or maybe even more often than not, it just seems to come out of nowhere (ehem... Naruto.). Maybe the relationship worked off screen but I dunno. Like no shipping war here but the only pairing I had full support for was Shikatema. 

In stories classified as romances, there is enough of a spotlight on the sexual tension and mutual pining of specific characters for the romance to be considered reasonable. In my opinion, some authors tend to sacrifice really good world building for a good romance. Objectively twilight for example had some crazy good world building but it just kinda focused a little too much on emo Bella and emo Edward for the world building to actually be appreciated by the casual reader. Tbh though, this is not necessarily bad because people get into stuff for reasons, sometimes, I just wanna read a good fantasy, sometimes I just wanna read a good romance.

Romances though as a main driving point for narratives, require some convenient serendipity moments and sexual tension which can be written well but as a reader, I prefer to see more natural relationships born out of necessity (Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata is a good example of what I’m talking about in a romance novel.)

Attack on Titan through its narrative actually made Levihan seem VERY VERY possible. If I had to compare the presentation of this ship in canon to at least one relationship in other anime, I would compare it to Royai from FMA. 

Like, if Attack on Titan didn’t give us random subtle hints about romantic or just platonic relationships between the two or even about anyone, even if Levi and Hange did get together in the end, it would have been one of the pairings, I probably wouldn’t have raised an eyebrow at. 

But they could be just friends? Which brings me to my next point.

2. Their current situation makes it so it’s only natural that at the least, they considered it. 

Yes. Friends is a valid interpretation for anything. I mean, given our hook up culture, people can fuck as friends too. People probably have made out drunk as friends too. Like I have seen my fair share of this type of bullshit in high school and college and I would say, we do not need a kiss or a fucking session to recognize that something can be a good relationship or to recognize that they have probably thought about it. 

A relationship requires a commitment (conscious or unconscious) to caring for the other, keeping the other safe, recognizing their flaws and thinking about them regularly (Call me scott peck or marriage counselor but like I honestly think the world would be a better place once people recognize that quality romantic relationships are worked for).

Mind you, Levi and Hange lost everything.They literally lost everything from their old life, all their friends, all their loved ones and all they have is each other and they’re forced to take care of a bunch of kids.

There are people who have said before, no one gets very close with someone without ever considering a romantic relationship with them. Or even if they never considered it romantic, they could consider at least “living with them their whole life,” or “supporting them through thick and thin.” The things is, towards the end, they were constantly together and what drove them to that situation is that both of them are aware of what the other had lost. They understood each other more than anyone else and they recognized that they were the only ones left in their own circle and I personally think that is more than enough for a relationship to naturally bloom between them.

3. The relationship and the signs are subtle and it works.

I personally probably would not have enjoyed it if canon showed a romantic relationship of the two after Erwin died. It’s a valid interpretation to consider that it could have happened, based on my explanation for number 2 but Hange is commander, Levi is captain. They have a professional relationship and they have goals and obligations which take precedence over personal desires. They are in the middle of a war and the most which probably could have happened was a secret mutual pining between the two and I think Isayama has injected the most subtle hints which are the most that could have been appropriately put into canon without seeming too OOC. Hange and Levi are not selfish people. They have promises, dreams and obligations which they respect and have committed themselves to already. It has also been shown at earlier points of the manga that they do put their survey corps duties on top of everything so acting on a romantic attraction at that point in time would have definitely been inappropriate. 

I personally think, the scenes of Hange going out of her way to save Levi as commander, killing her other soldiers to save both their asses, suggesting in the forest that they live together instead of go back to the war and not leaving an injured Levi until she had no choice were more powerful than a lot of romantic scenes where people actually fuck and kiss. Kissing and fucking are easy. Leaving the duties and responsibilities they have worked for for five years to keep the person they love alive hits way harder. 

Call it platonic. Call it romantic. But no one like Hange would have deserted her post as commander for a few chapters to take care of a sick comrade and kill her subordinates to save their asses if there wasn’t anything between them. 

4. It gives a great example what healthy relationships can come from. 

I grew up reading sweet valley and chick lits cause I was a basic bitch and I kinda grew up with a somehow unrealistic idea of where relationships come from. Call me a late bloomer but I only actually figured out where the romance and the happiness of a relationship was when I got into one with my best friend for five years. 

It’s the sexual tension and the “will they wont they?” push and pull which can lead to satisfying sex or a happy ending in romance novels. I think in a way, media kinda overglorifies it which kinda gives a lot of young people the wrong idea about why they getting into a relationship is fun in the first place.  Because after the satisfying sex and the kids, what’s next for the relationship?

Years of utility bills, diapers, chores, schedules, parent teacher conferences and compromises until someone gives up or dies. And what kind of relationships can actually thrive through all these? 

Those that have mastered the underrated parts of relationships. These include conflict resolutions, compromises and open communication. I think we have seen enough of those two, even before season 3 that have shown that they know each other very well and they have shown to at least have a relatively equal power dynamic which is a foundation for open communication and mutual trust in relationships even beyond the fucking and marriage stage 

5. They have a great foundation of character development for both parties.

As I mentioned above, they have a relatively equal power dynamic. I love Royai from FMA and I have compared Royai to this multiple times. I would say though I prefer Levihan over Royai because I felt that Royai had more unequal power dynamics? (Though I still think Royai is a top tier ship ). Also, they have shown to tell off the other when they don’t like what the other is doing. They are complete opposites but here is the magical thing. They talk everything out. They’re generally open people to each other and they know each other way too well as hinted in scenes before and opposites work as long as the others are willing to compromise. I think (especially in season 3 and season 4) that they have done enough for each other and have compromised enough for each other in the survey corps that these skills could easily be brought with them even after the war.

That open communication is just what makes them maintaining a relationship while being complete opposites very OC and realistic. Eventually, they did probably did make compromises, which most likely softened or moderated the crazy parts of their personalities which is just a really fun part of their relationship to explore. 

6. It could realistically last so maybe ...

7. A good foundation for happy children?

Maybe it’s how it is written because of the actual story and why would Yams write a romantic drama in a story about genocide and war. Tbh, I would attribute it more to Levi and Hange’s personalities though because Mikasa and Eren have their fair share of drama, mostly one sided though coz Mikasa. This relationship has no drama, no misunderstandings which just further supports my point that they have a relationship that thrives on open communication and mutual trust. Drama is fun like when we’re the ones on the sidelines eating the popcorn but I have third wheeled enough people in my life to realize that I will not support a relationship where both parties are just not ready to be mature about it, in real life and in fiction. 

My favorite couples, in real life and in fiction, are definitely those who keep conflict among themselves and maybe among trusted people. I think one sign of a healthy relationship is one where problems don’t become public through social media or through like 20 people. One important yet underrated part of relationships is the atmosphere of comfort and freedom which encourages both parties to be able to directly approach one another before tensions and uncertainties get out of hand.  

And a life free of dramas at least in the early stages of life just kinda shows at least that both parties are ready to bring a new life to the world? Because like immature parents with shitty conflict resolution skills really fuck kids up man and I passionately believe the world would really be a better place if babies were born out of trust, mutual understanding and open communication instead of sex but yeah, make sex fun to keep our race alive.

So anyway, I guess, I just finished explaining why I love this ship so much while also disclosing my preferences for relationships. 

As mentioned above...

Disclaimer: I do not want to start shipping wars. I specifically avoided the words like should or best because I recognize that shipping is generally based on preferences. I respect everyone’s preferences on what they want out of a ship or even a relationship and through this, I just hope to express my own preferences and maybe even gush with people who agree.

Other pairings which I support for those curious: Shikatema, Royai, Victuuri, Percabeth etc.

Also... To answer your second question... 

My week has been great, some pretty solid life developments but US elections wise, not so great... (WHY IS THE ELECTION RACE SO CLOSE?)

#levihan #levi x hange #levi x hanji #levi ackerman #hange zoe #ship #analysis

[jaefmin]

Talent hunt - J.JK

DKSDKLSD HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE <33

➳ Pairing: Jeon Jungkook x Female reader

➳ Genre: pure crack✨friends to lovers au, lil bit of fluff in the end, friend!jk, crack!jk, the oc's kinda talentless TUMBLR ADDICT OC FOR Y'ALL!

➳ Summary: Jungkook's filled with talents, just like your snack bowl. He can't believe it, that you do nothing except writing your articles. He wants to find it all in you, because he knows that you've got the energy. Read on to find out what happens between both these characters!!

➳ M.list

“I mean, you would have some specialty at least.” He pleaded, again. “I told you already, Jungkook, I don’t do anything.” You replied for the ninth time, sparks of hope left bursting inside you that he would stop. “It can’t be that way. Every person is special in some or the other way, I know you’ve got something.” Those sparks inside seemed to find their way down pretty quick. You found it pretty annoying, especially when he had to do this between your work. You tried to come up with some reply for him to stop. Once you’d tell him about it, he’d think over it and stop annoying you. After thinking for a while with Jungkook sitting in front of you with puppy eyes, you came up with one.

“Yes!! I have a specialty!!” You bursted out, and Jungkook’s face lit up with a bright smile. “Ha!! I knew it!! Told ya!!” His face lit up, excitement filled inside to know what it was. “There’s this site called tumblr, and it’s GOLD. I have a lot of mutuals over there and they’re the reason I’m alive right now. I’m pretty famous there.” Your chest widened at the amount of notes you had on your posts. Jungkook's expression seemed to change every word of your answer, before he came up with another question. “N-no, Social media-? I didn't mean that.. Any real talent? More of like, uhh sports? Drawing? I bet you’re good at drawing!! You’re that typical type with glasses and you’d look pretty good with a brush.” You doubted yourself earlier on calling Jungkook a crackhead, but it seems like you have to doubt yourself upon doubting Jungkook being a crackhead or not now. ‘It isn’t what it seems like, kook. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” Jungkook, being back to the moody gen-z he is, rolled his eyes at your comment. “Come on girl!! Don’t be a mom! I know you’ve got this!” He hits you playfully while speaking, at you could have sworn, if he had just applied 🤏🏻 much more force, you would have gone flying ten feet away. “A MOM?!!? EXCUSE ME!?!?” Your tone didn't seem to satisfy him, “Alright, calm down smelly. Since, you’re think good at nothing, we’ll go through a list of things that I’m good at or I know, and then I’m pretty sure we’ll find a good quality from them that you have.” You knew the article you were writing wasn’t going to get anywhere. “One condition.” The man in front of you rolled his eyes once again, “Go on, mom.” You shot a death glare at him and that was all it took; his hands were up in the air, peace written all over his face. “You let me complete my work after we finish this.” Jungkook seemed surprised, “That’s all?” He pauses, “Duh, I’m doing this for you to feel good. I can stop right now if you say.” Being a person who wasn’t contended hurting others feelings, you replied “Alright then, let’s do it.”

He sat on the bed, and you followed him upon it. “Okay, so first question, how fast can you run?” He asks with curiosity. “Hmph, bold of you to think I even get up from my seat.” His eyebrows curl up, and you know that he’s saying something in his head about you, like you’re hindered. “So if you’re saying you don’t get up from your seat, do you only write articles all day?” He questions, “I just told you, you forgetful egg, I’m also on tumblr! And that, I’m telling you, it takes up more than half of my day.” You reminded him, and whenever the thought of tumblr came into your mind, you internally smiled at yourself. ”Jungkook seemed to be in deep thought, and again came up with a question. “Y/N! Yes! You write articles! That’s your speciality!! Your writing’s good!!” Your eyebrows shot up along with Jungkook’s and both of your eyes widened, you’ve come up with something! But the reason you were happy is that this long conversation finished, and you could finally get back to finishing your article. “Yes Jungkook!! That’s the good quality that I have!! So it’s done, we’re finished, and now I’m getting back to my work.” You got up from the bed, and were about to get back to your seat, when Jungkook caught your wrist.

“That’s only one quality Y/n!! I have a lot more things that I’m good at!! It can’t be only one!” You balled your hand into a fist, annoyance filling you up. You tried to calm yourself down instead of exploding right at Jungkook because he’s your friend and you do care about a person’s feelings. You turned, “I know! But I’m so sorry, koo!! I really have a lot of work right now, so mind if we keep this convo for later?” You asked, hoping this would lead to a finished article at the end. You knew this wasn’t getting anywhere, Jungkook would definitely want to continue. “But Y/n,” He placed both your hands in his, “You know you’ve been feeling unmotivated lately, right?” His voice deepened. “It is really important! We need to do this! I understand that your article’s important too, but your mental health should be given more importance. It’s alright if you lose your job, but health-” It’s funny how he makes you think about his duality in every conversation. Sure of the fact that even begging and falling to his feet won’t help in this situation, you intruded his speech. “I understand.” You pressed his hand, “Let’s dive into it!” You were pretty good at fake-smiling and the tone in your voice seemed quite believable, the sarcasm hidden behind. You took your seat on the bed in front of Jungkook. “That’s the Y/N I wanna see!!” You smiled at his innocence, and continued the conversation.

“So, what about any sport that you’re interested in? Maybe something like badminton, football, volleyball, or swimming?” Jungkook’s next question popped up, and it reminded you of the old days. “The last time I swam was when I was ten, because my elder brother accidentally pushed me into the water, and I almost drowned, and like everyone’s parents, even mines were triggered and they pushed me to learn swimming.” Another sarcastic reply made its way through your lips, Jungkook again bewildered by how unattached you are. “And well basketball, I used to like it, but then I almost broke my nose in a match, never found the courage to get back on the ground again. Jungkook was quick to reply, “That’s not called getting triggered, Y/N. They did it because that's gonna help you in some or the other way in future.” Your face went blank at his comment, “Who's being the mom now?” “N-No, I’m not-” Jungkook went red stuttering at every word. "Next thing we’re looking at is… reading! Do you like reading?” He immediately planned to change the topic, your face retaining the blank expression that’s always put on it. Did he just forget that you write articles? Still, boys don’t get these kinds of death glares or eye contacts girls make, so Jungkook stays clueless. His eyebrows furrow up, thoughts muddled up in his mind. After deep thinking for a while, Jungkook strikes. Proudness takes over you, you got yourself a friend who understands girls.

“Nevermind!! We’ll move on?” Your mouth flung open at his reply, a feeling of your hopes shooting to the sky but then immediately bursting out like a firework, sparks falling to the ground. Can someone really expect something from Jeon Jungkook? “I’ve run out of ideas Y/n..” He pouts sadly, and that’s the cue to your happiness. “Okay that’s great! Now I’m getting back to writing my article!” History repeats itself; you get up from the bed to be pulled back down again. Not being someone who can keep their feelings suppressed for a long time, you aim to bawl right at Jungkook, but before anything comes out of your mouth, he interrupts. “Just one more thing Y/n.” The extra amount of innocence spread on Jungkook’s face is something that anyone would give into, and personally you did find him attractive. The way he’s dressed looking all cuddly, you would give into his arms right this second if he asked to. Yes, you did dream about him every night before going to sleep, how fun it would be to have someone like him taking care of you. His duality is out of the question; there’s no one better than him. If it were for him, you’d leave the whole world and give into Jungkook’s arms, but the strings of life keep pulling you back towards them.

Lost in your thoughts, you didn’t realize how the time passed by, before you heard a couple snaps in front of your face. “Earth to Y/N???” Jungkook waved his hand in front of you a couple times, bringing you back to reality. Work can be postponed for this angel, just the way you’re punctual. You sat back down and placed your hands above Jungkook’s. He cleared his throat, straightened his back, and began. “Look, people like you, I mean, the ones interested in social media, glasses, look cuddly and cute like penguins,” Jungkook was good, but in some cases you couldn’t guarantee what he would come up with. “I bet you’ve had a boyfriend.” His statement caught you by surprise, your heart racing inside. You didn’t have the courage to reply to him, you are the least interested in opening up. It wasn’t a moment before Jungkook shot back at you, “I’ll tell you what type suits you.” Jungkook’s pretty much of a crackhead, but something urged you not to stop him. You wanted to know which perspective Jungkook looks at you with.

“I think your boyfriend would’ve loved your kisses. I have a feeling you’re a really good kisser, and you would often want cuddles from him. And yes,” He laughs, “You would be a wholesome of cute actions, and there’d be no one else who loved it more than him.” He booped your nose and finished, and not gonna lie, you could drool on him right now. His face was gleaming with compassion, eyes so deep you could drown in them. His lips curved into a tiny smile, the bunny teeth making their appearance. All you wanted to ever do was stay glued to him and keep on listening to those beautiful words that came out of his mouth. His eyes met yours and he leaned you in, a soft expression settling on his face as a stroke of sunlight passed through it. Jungkook continued asking further, “Can I kiss you?” His fingers gently stroked on your cheekbones and his eyes met yours. Faces not centimetres apart, both of your breaths tangled. You locked his lips with yours and gripped onto Jungkook’s neck, your sweet action making him give in. This is what you wanted, and this is what he wanted. You both stayed the same way for a while before separating.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

gon rb and then add the taglist beuase dumblr's mean </3

#kpop fics #jungkook #borthday special

[terrainofheartfelt]

I think it's pretty amazing how much the gossip girl Fandom has changed. From my experience, most of my friends admit they didn't know what they were thinking with Chair when GG was on TV. And now you see this women empowerment movement. It's nice to know I've always been right about supporting DAIR. If only you saw the Fandom when GG was popular lol.

Oh, well for starters, let’s all be glad I wasn’t in the GG fandom while the original show was airing for a lot of reasons. Back then, I was a teenager DEEP into the twilight saga. My myspace page was all about my devotion to Team Edward. I was insufferable, my parents and brother are not on tumblr (thank whatever gods exist) but shoutout to them for loving me & putting up with me at my Peak Fangirl.

But to your point on how the fandom has changed, to put it extremely simply: I think it’s because we’re ten years older now. Most of my beloved gg mutuals are in their 20s like me, and while I can only speak for myself, the distance of my beliefs between when I was a teenager and the person I am now is VAST. My ideas of self, of feminism, of love, of sex, they’ve all evolved drastically over time.

Oh god especially my ideas of sex. My sex ed in high school wasn’t even in school, it was received via my church youth group [horrifying]. Now we don’t have time to unpack ALL of that, but I remember the exercise we did for the idea “just remember you’re having sex with everyone they’ve ever had sex with” (which, sidebar, I’ve always thought is a stupid ass phrase. That’s just not accurate, but I’m getting off topic) and it wasn’t that we were taught abstinence-only, but more like, “now don’t you want to keep this number as low as possible?”

So, between twilight and my religious upbringing, I’ve internalized this idea of “the first person you have sex with should also be the last person you have sex with,” and I think I’m still grappling with undoing that idea in my brain. BUT. bringing this back to GG: this idea permeates a lot of teen soaps in the 2000s, and the romantic fatalism that goes along with that.

I’ve been watching The OC for the first time, and it’s been interesting bc it’s the show the GG showrunners did before GG, so I can kind of see the blueprint for the ideas and characterizations that were really...amped up in Gossip Girl? Like OC is a dramatic-ass show, but it feels more gritty and grounded than Gossip Girl, in which everything feels heightened and elevated and...distanced, I guess? And these two shows are really actually period pieces, they are such snapshots & products of the area in which they were created -- which, carried those views of love and sex as a throughline throughout the course of their shows. (i.e., dan & blair both end up with their respective firsts, bc it’s Destiny. Or something like that).

So, when I first watched the show (I was a freshman in college, the show had just come up on netflix streaming - I still thought I was straight, I was still Christian, I still had yet to take a gender studies course), well - for starters, I was so into the derena endgame, and chair...I wasn’t too invested, but like, it’s not like I wasn’t positive towards it. And I think a lot of that was due to these 00’s media ideas of, what’s the right word...sexual fidelity? And the belief that everyone has One Person, and if they’re ever not with that One Person then those other relationships are fake and false. And derena and chair in the show both followed and affirmed that kind of viewpoint by ending up together.

I should say here that I am not equivocating the relationship dynamics of these separate ships, I’m lumping them together to make a point, but derena =/= chair in my interpretation of the show and of the characters.

Now, I am older and hopefully a little bit wiser, and I believe that romantic love isn’t necessarily destined, but it’s something that’s built, that grows, and a person’s sexual history is not a reflection of their goodness, and that love can change and evolve and it doesn’t have to be romantic or stay romantic to be meaningful. So, when I rewatched the show in my mid-20s, dair was the ship that resonated with me the most. And it still does, which is why I’m here, writin’ fic, and answerin’ tumblr asks from you lovely people.

Also on my rewatch, I read that dan & serena grew out of each other, which is sad, but it happens, and that’s okay. And with chair, all those red flags that 00’s teen soaps gloss over (because they do them for nothing but the Drama, the lasting implications don’t matter, it’s about taking the stakes of the moment as high as possible) I really saw them, and they alarmed me in a way that didn’t alarm over-romanticizing 18-year-old me. That being said, I’m very happy in my little corner of the fandom sandbox, and I’m not looking to argue the virtues of some ships over others or change hearts and minds. I just want to write my silly little stories and maybe have my friends read them :)

I think it’s also important to mention that since GG stopped airing we’ve entered a new wave of feminism, and the MeToo movement arose, and as people of my generation have grown up, we are engaging with the media we grew up in with our evolved/evolving viewpoints, and I think that’s why there appears to be such a change within the fandom. Plus, in the grand vast scheme of history, sex positivity and gender empowerment are SUCH recent things, and in the past ten years, they’ve progressed lightning-fast. Like, remember when I said I began college and I still thought I was straight? Gay marriage was not legal where I was from then. Like, I remember the day Obergefell v. Hodges was decided, and that win was not a guaranteed one. (I was actually studying abroad in Rome at the time, so we American students were running through Italy being like “gay marriage!!!” while the Italians just watched us like “????????”)

You say you’ve always been a dair shipper, and that’s great for you! But I wasn’t. And for me, I am constantly learning and unlearning and relearning, and media (even off the rails CW teen dramas like Gossip Girl) is one of my ways of doing so. Though I will put on my Old Lady Librarian Liz hat for a second and say: if you’re still in school/university, and have the opportunity to take a gender studies course (outside the realm of the internet, bc tumblr is not the be all end all of education), I highly recommend it. I’m still no expert, and I can’t throw any verbatim Judith Butler at you, but engaging with those ideas and the history of gender studies academically gave me a framework for thinking critically that I’ve taken with me. And nothing teaches you humility like wading through Butler jargon.

Thank you so much for this ask, this really got me to think and reminisce and I enjoyed it!

#asks #anon #long post #on today's episode of liz overshares... #you may have gotten more than you bargained for with this response anon #but tbh no one has ever accused me of being shortwinded #gg meta #also for tagging purposes #anti derena #anti chair