#but also i'm right and I take no arguments

[carriesthewind]

WOW.

Okay, after a night's sleep, I have decided that yeah, there is value in responding to this absolutely steaming pile of ignorant, self-centered, self-important, anti-intellectual, b.s.

It looks like a number of people in the notes were swayed, at least to some degree, by this garbage, so I think it is worth trying to show why it is nonsense.

(Also it's possible I'm still spoiling for a fight after being denied an evidentiary hearing on Friday.)

I'm not reblogging the post because folks don't need a self-aggrandizing tantrum on their dash, but I do think it is worth taking a look for yourself, in order to practice your analytical skills. Some questions to consider as you read:

(1) What is OP saying in her original post? What claims is she making?

(2) How, if at all, does the poster respond to claims OP made? What claims is the poster saying that OP made? Do these match what OP actually said? If not, (a) what techniques does the poster use to transform what OP said into the claims the poster is claiming OP made? (b) What rhetorical purpose does it serve for the poster to warp OP's claims?

(3) What affirmative claims is the poster making? What evidence or arguments do they provide to support their claims? Do they explore any of the specifics or real world implications of their claims? If not, what real world implications of their claims can you think of?

(3) What other rhetorical techniques does the poster use to bolster their argument? Do these techniques actually enhance and support the substance of their argument?

(4) Relatedly, how does the poster play into the biases of their assumed audience (tumblr users with generally progressive policies). What claims do they make to play into those biases? What evidence or argument, if any, do they make to support those claims? Are these claims by the poster reasonably related to the claims made by OP?

Now, let's explore their response in detail!

(Also obviously don't harass the poster, and I would recommend not directly engaging with them at all. Harassment is vile and makes you far worse than them. And earnest engagement is unlikely to be productive - the OP tried to engage with them politely (and even offered to help) in the notes of poster's original post. In response, the poster (1) implied that OP is an obsessive rude busybody. (2) Told OP to "Shhhhh. Chill." (in response to (paraphrased), 'hey, the advice someone else gave you is probably a waste of time and effort'). (3) And finally, after condescendingly telling OP, "Breathe. Practice radical acceptance. Know that I am here on the other side of the internet, flagrantly wasting my effort and thinking of you every second of that time," proceeded to prove that they were, in fact, "thinking of [OP] every second of that time" by searching OP's blog to find this post by OP and dumping this Arrested-Development-level demand to be taken seriously in the reblogs.)

(All of which is to say: hi, poster who was "being vagueposted about." I assume you are reading this, because you demonstrably don't have the good sense to block and move on. I'm not going to block you in advance, because I think you have the right to make your own terrible decisions, and I suspect any response you make is going to be *very* funny. See you in the notes!)

So, let's go through the poster's response, paragraph by paragraph.

They begin by doubling down on the stance that, "any sufficiently deep enthusiasm is indistinguishable from academic rigor." This, they say, is their defense of that stance. Let's see how it goes - but first, I think it's worth remembering, OP's original post is literally a single sentence long.

OP's claim, paraphrased, that the claim that "any sufficiently deep enthusiasm is indistinguishable from academic rigor" is incorrect and anti-intellectual. If we read the OP's tags, she clarifies that enthusiasm is valuable, but different from expertise.

The poster starts their defense with a long...explanation that the structure of their claim was a reference to the Arthur C Clarke's third "law" (read: sci-fi fiction adage).

*deep breath*

Ok. I'm a big a fan of wordplay as the next person. And I know from personal experience that it can be really frustrating to do some fun wordplay to make a point, and then get misinterpreted here on tumblr.com.

But. The wordplay has to make a point for it to be relevant to your defense. OP's claim wasn't "this poster did a bad job with the linguistic structure of this sentence and is not familiar with classic sci-fi." How does the "rhetorical structure" of the poster's claim support the substance of their claim???

It doesn't, is the answer. The poster explicitly asks this question later down, but then they never actually answer it. Instead, the rhetorical effect of this whole digression is just to throw out surface level references to things (Arthur C Clarke! "AI"!) that might make the poster sound more thoughtful and knowledgeable. It also creates distance from OP's actual point - as the post continues, the poster has to remind us what they're talking about. This gives the poster more control over the narrative, over what claims are under discussion.

Which leads to the poster's next paragraph: the unanswered question of why the poster structured their claim to resemble a sci-fi author's famous quote, and a baseless attack on OP.

And I think it is worth really lingering on this attack on OP. The poster claims, OP perhaps is "misreading or misinterpreting" the poster's point. But what on earth is the poster talking about? OP literally just quoted the poster's exact words and then said that they think this is anti-intellectual. What "misreading or misinterpreting" is being done?

No. Instead, this attack rhetorically sets up the poster's next couple paragraphs: not actually defending their claim as OP originally quoted, but reinterpreting their own words, providing their own special unique meaning that they will then proceed to use for the rest of the post. They are redrawing the rhetorical bounds of the conversation. Rather than defending their stance, they are redefining their stance so that it matches the defense they now want to make.

(Which is still bad. It's a bad defense and it makes me very angry.)

The poster proceeds to define "academic rigor" in a way that just means, "enthusiasm." Notice how no part of their definition includes things like critical thinking skills, building up a knowledge base, testing ideas, receiving criticism (wow I wonder why), or any expertise or action to build up and test that expertise. It's just what a person "cares very much about," how much "curiosity" they have; some inherent quality someone who "NEEDS to know." (Also hit the bell for another surface level reference - this time to Herodotus - to make the poster sound more knowledgeable.) If you actually read the poster's definition, it is entirely "idk vibes i guess."

Now, having defined "academic rigor" as enthusiasm, they successfully declare that enthusiasm is a necessary precondition of enthusiasm.

And then, we get the best paragraph of this entire tantrum of a post: "Any sufficiently deep enthusiasm is indistinguishable from academic rigor. It's like a fractal -- the closer you look, the more complicated it gets." No only is this another attempted surface level reference, this time to fractals, but just. What is this supposed to mean. At a glance, it seems like it kind of follows from the last paragraph - maybe, the more an enthusiast looks at something, the more there is to know? But the closer you look at this sentence, the more nonsensical it gets. What does things getting more complicated the more you look at them have to do with academic rigor (either a real definition or the poster's enthusiasm-based definition)? More importantly, what does it have to do with proving the point - that enthusiasm is indistinguishable from academic rigor? (You might as well say, "the further you fall down the rabbit hole, the deeper you realize it goes," except then more people would realize you are expressing straight conspiracist reasoning oops.)

Now, several paragraphs in and having firmly taken control of the rhetorical boundaries of the argument, the poster finally decides to provide some context to the original statement (and needlessly insult OP for trying to be helpful again).

The poster correctly quotes relevant parts of the discussion (although mischaracterizes their own responses as "polite" instead of "incredibly condescending and rude"). However, the poster then immediately characterizes OP's response as "muddied." Because words have objective meanings, however, we do not need to accept this characterization. OP expressed her argument very clearly. Rather, it is the the poster who claimed that OP was making an argument that she was not, which we can paraphrase as, 'passion and capacity for learning are limited to formal education at academic institutions.' It would be convenient for the poster if OP was making this argument, because it could be easy to argue against. But since OP clearly stated that she does not believe this clearly incorrect thing that the poster made up in her head, the poster claims that her response was "muddied."

The poster emphasizes this false claim in the next few paragraphs. They say, "to me she seems to be arguing that one MUST (?) receive formal training at an academic institution ("academic training" "trained expertise") in order to achieve that level of rigor." But OP simply doesn't say that. You can look at the reply the poster quoted, it doesn't say what the poster says it does.

Now, this is speculation on my part, but I think the poster really believes that OP is saying 'passion and capacity for learning are limited to formal education at academic institutions.' I think they believe this because its how they feel when they hear the (correct) statement that enthusiasm does not equal expertise. The poster repeatedly says that they think that enthusiasm for learning is the same as expertise. They throw a tantrum after receiving the slightest, politest, disagreement. They think someone giving them advice that hey, maybe its a good idea to get a basic foundation of knowledge before cold-emailing experts is a busybody who is obsessed with lecturing them. The poster simply, demonstrably, doesn't believe expertise is real, and refuses to admit that someone else might know more or better than them. If they "care very much about getting it right," how dare you say they aren't as good as anyone with "academic training," fuck you very much you elitist jerk.

This sense is emphasized by their next paragraph. First, they shift the rhetoric framework of the conversation again. The actual claim the poster says they are defending is that "any sufficiently Deep Enthusiasm is indistinguishable from Academic Rigor" (emphasis added). Now, they are claiming that OP means that no one outside of an academic context "has the capacity to learn what rigor means in their field." These are very different claims, but the poster shits between them seamlessly.

Second, they just completely misunderstand what academic rigor is. I'm sorry, you can read every book and article and (*sigh* dear god) TED talk in the world, that doesn't make you an expert, and that's not academic rigor. A large part of academic rigor is in how you critically engage with what you read. Otherwise you just end up, at best, with a bunch of shallow facts that you can "whip out at dinner parties to impress [your] acquaintances" or sprinkle as references in arguments on tumblr to make you sound smarter.

But no, the poster confirms in the next paragraph, you don't need critical thinking or training or people who will tell you that you are wrong. All you need is the information. And if you disagree, you are arguing in favor of "the ivory tower." (Take a drink.)

In the next two paragraphs, the poster pays lip service to the idea that sure, it's easier to learn in academia. But even then, they imply that somehow that's the easy route, that good learning environments create weak men, that people who are self-taught are the ones who are actually building up the critical thinking skills because someone doesn't just "tell them the answer."

Then, before the readers have a chance to absorb, wait, did you really just say that academia is really just having someone either tell you the answer or where to look for the answer and therefore unsuitable for "sincerely love to learn," (because you are, in fact, anti-intellectual), the poster then throws in a bunch of shallow buzz phrases about how higher education isn't available to a lot of people.

And I say these are just shallow buzz phrases for two reasons. First, the poster never actually engages with this lack of access. It's just sprinkled in, like the references to Arthur C Clarke and Herodotus. (For example, no, actually, "any sufficiently MOTIVATED person" can't actually access all this information that is online. You need a stable internet connection, devices to allow you to make use of that connection, to speak or read the language those materials are published in, enough time and sleep and food and goddam shelter.)

Second, this doesn't actually have anything to do with the actual claim that the poster is supposedly defending. Remember that? Remember the position the poster is arguing for? "Any sufficiently deep enthusiasm is indistinguishable from academic rigor." How does, "some people can't go to college" support that claim, specifically?

It doesn't, which is why the poster's next paragraph instead claims that OP is arguing that "those people do not have the ability to hold themselves to a rigorous standard of learning."

Which just.

Fuck you?

Because yeah, that would be a shitty opinion to hold! And you are the only person raising it! You are explicitly making the claim - fuck, perpetrating the anti-intellectual worldview - that anyone who suggests "caring about something does not inherently equal subject matter expertise" is an elitist who thinks that everyone else, ordinary people, real Americans, are stupid.

I'm gong to be honest, this is the part of the poster's claims that made me mad enough to respond.The notes include people agreeing that academics and "experts" are actually pretty elitist, aren't they, and they deserve to be "taken down a few pegs," that suggesting that you need a baseline level of knowledge or vocabulary before you can engage deeply with a subject is "gatekeeping."

The U.S.'s institutions are crumbling as they are dismantled by people that are making these exact same arguments. There is no meaningful difference in the reasoning of the poster's argument here, and the argument that "alternative medicine" hacks who never completed their medical training have sufficient credentials to run goverment agencies, and that if you bring up their lack of credentials, well, that just proves what an elitist you are.

The "worldview" the poster does not accept - is telling you not to accept - is the idea that expertise exists at all.

And because that is an incorrect and harmful worldview, the poster has to use a bunch of rhetorical tricks to hide what they are doing. And then to sell it, they throw in a bunch of words to stir up the audience's preconceptions and biases. OP's claim (again, that enthusiasm and academic rigor are not equivalent) is "racist and imperialist." Why? Don't worry about it. Something something college is expensive and inaccessible to a lot of people. All you need to remember is that these ivory-tower academics are The Bad Thing.

*deep breath*

Anyway, knowing we need a laugh to bring the mood back up, the poster then says someone on reddit criticizing your argument is an "informal version[] of the peer-review process." Besides betraying a deep ignorance of the nature of peer-review (I guess even knowing how academic processes work is also elitist?), I think this means that the poster has to be cool with my post here, right? Because I'm just doing peer review? (Because also, just to be clear: "the academic structure of the peer review is a formalized process of the very human impulse to gleefully tell other humans when they’ve stuck their foot in their mouth." No. This is just. No.)

Next, more misstating OP's original claim. The poster says, "An institution of formal learning is not a prerequisite to pursue and absorb information," which OP already agreed with in the comments of the poster's original post.

In support of this claim that no one is arguing with, the poster than makes up a "guy at the model airplane shop who seems to know absolutely everything that has ever been known about WWII planes," and asks, "why don’t we acknowledge him as a legitimate expert?" The poster implies that this is because this guy is autistic and OP is a bigot.

But the real answer is simpler:

Unless you are referring to something you chose not to link for some reason, he's made up. He's a made up guy in your brain. And OP never said anything about him, so it's really weird for you to criticize OP for not sufficiently praising him as an expert. Fanfic isn't reality.

To the extent we are talking about real phenomenons - who do you mean by "we" and what do you mean by "acknowledge him as a legitimate expert"? There are lots of people with legitimate expertise, and in my experience, they often are recognized as such. And I don't know where you live, but outside of revenge-fantasies of conservative pundits and the people who are mislead by them, most academic experts aren't exactly exhausted and prestige and praise.

'Knowing a lot about a subject' is not the same as academic rigor. This isn't a criticism or insult to people who know a lot of things, despite your weird, self-centered hang-ups. Let me be clear here, actually: I am not an academic. I am a lawyer. I know a lot about the law in the areas I practice in. I do not practice the law "with academic rigor" because that's not really meaningful. I also like to constantly learn more about the law, including in many areas I don't practice in. I am not an expert in those areas. Just as an academic who studies the law and legal practice would not necessarily be good at actually practicing the law, my enthusiasm does not mean I have academic expertise (and my academic training is rather rusty, this many years out). This is normal? My ego is not threatened by acknowledging different kinds of expertise and knowledge exist?

And perhaps most to the point - "seems to know absolutely everything that has ever been known about WWII planes." "Seems to." An important part of academia - part of what makes it rigorous, if you will - is that you actually have to prove your expertise to other experts. They are then "recognized" as experts because there is a process the public can usually trust that they don't just "seem to" know what they are talking about. If you are talking to an amateur enthusiast - how do you know you they actually have the expertise they claim to have? Because I know of some guys who are really enthusiastic about the, claim to be experts, and have a lot of strong opinions about how they have reclaimed their Sovereign Identity by not capitalizing the letters in their name.

I agree with the poster's final paragraph. I love learning. But I can't see this as anything other than a manipulative postscript, a rhetorical trick of ending on a point of agreement and mutual enthusiasm. By a person - and I can't emphasize this enough - who refused assistance in learning and threw an enormous tantrum because someone suggested hey, maybe its a good idea to get a basic foundation of knowledge before cold-emailing experts.

[mattslilies]

Reflection - M.S.

"no, baby, that's not true." or... the one where you begin to hate what you see in the mirror each morning, and despite trying to hide it from matt, he makes it his mission to comfort and reassure you. warnings: insecurity, mentions of weight, social stigma. word count: 942 a/n: requested by anon! dividers from @kodaswrld! disclaimer: beauty standards are not real!!!! you are all gorgeous <3

you told matt absolutely everything. well, almost. you hadn't told him this.

you didn't know what had changed. it was like someone was slowly turning a dial, one that caused self-hatred to flow into your brain like water. progressively, every time you looked into the mirror, you found flaw after flaw after flaw.

your nose wasn't the right shape, or your eyes were too uneven, or your stomach showed just a little bit too much in the outfit you were wearing. you weren't tall enough, your ribcage too wide, or something completely out of left field. you always managed to find something that was wrong.

logically, you knew that this wasn't rational. there hadn't been anything specific that had triggered it, but the online discourse surrounding your relationship with matt definitely did not help at all. it only furthered your belief that there were things about you that needed to change, in order to be considered worthy of being his girlfriend.

you knew he would discourage that idea,. you knew he would sit and list all the reasons why you were wrong to think that, how it didn't matter what anyone said online. and that was the exact reason you hadn't told him, because you always felt like a burden expecting him to take time out of his day to comfort you.

you'd been independent for a long time before meeting matt, and even after you two were official, you stayed that way. you would never use him for his money, although it was nice not having to worry about bills anymore. but you still had the deep rooted urge to do everything by yourself, and if it was gonna get done right, you had to do it.

though matt appreciated your independence, he also gently encouraged you to allow yourself to depend on him sometimes, instead of always arguing over paying for yourself. he often knew that was an argument he wouldn't win, so he made up for it with spontaneous gifts that you couldn't possibly refuse to take from him.

you stood in front of the mirror, picking apart every piece of your body, so deep into your own mind that you didn't hear the front door opening. nor did you hear him walking into the bedroom. as he saw the bathroom light on and your shadow encompassing the floor, he walked towards it, face etched full of concern when he processed the sight.

you had a look of disgust on your face, looking down at yourself. your eyes were red-rimmed, from the long minutes of crying you'd spent today. he stepped forward, placing a hand on your shoulder, accidentally startling you as you jumped. you quickly wiped your eyes, shoving him backwards slightly.

"matt! you can't sneak up on people like that!"

he threw his hands up in surrender, apologies leaving his mouth.

"i'm sorry, baby, i didn't mean to scare you. are you okay?"

you nodded, quickly. too quickly.

"yeah, i'm fine."

you walked past him, going straight back into the bedroom and changing into a loose hoodie that encapsulated your frame.

it was almost like you didn't want him to see you.

he sat down on the edge of the bed, opening his arms.

"something's up, baby, i know you too well. cmere."

he was right, after over a year of dating, matt knew very well when something was wrong. you sighed, not wanting to talk about it but desperately wanting a comforting hug, so you sat down next to him. he wrapped his arms around you, letting you lean against his side.

"what's goin' on, sweetheart?"

you shrugged, not feeling like responding. he waited for a few minutes before speaking again.

"you had a look on your face, baby. like you were grossed out or somethin'."

he felt wet droplets hit his bare arm and his shirt, and he immediately tilted your head up, his heart breaking when he saw your tears flowing. he had a feeling he knew what was going on, but he had never wanted to be right.

"hey. who said something about you? i'll handle it, you know that."

you shook your head, sniffling and wiping away the water pouring down your face.

"it's not that, i just-"

you sighed. he didn't speak, knowing you weren't finished with what you wanted to say.

"i just don't like what i see in my reflection anymore."

matt tightened his arms around you, as if should he squeeze hard enough, all of your insecurities would flood out like a sponge.

"i feel like every time i see myself, there's something new that's wrong, or doesn't look right, or some new flaw."

matt shook his head, insistently.

"no, baby, that's not true."

you knew he would immediately rush to comfort you, and the tears only poured faster.

"there's nothing about you that's wrong. every part of you is perfect. i think you're absolutely beautiful, and anyone who says different is wrong, even when that includes yourself."

his tone was soft, but his words hit deep.

"i just wish i could see what you see in me."

he sighed, but not one of annoyance, one of deep thought, concern, and sadness.

"and you will. you don't ever have to deal with this stuff alone, sweetheart. i'm here. we're going to work on it, okay? whatever you need."

you couldn't stifle the tears, full blown sobs leaving you, yet comfort radiated over your entire body.

"it's okay, baby. cry it out. you're going to be alright. i love you, pretty girl."

you couldn't make out the words, so instead squeezed his body.

he knew you loved him too.

[mona-risms]

Ok I was thinking about making a whole ass fic about this myself, but seeing your taking Hunter/x requests I thought I’d pitch this to see how you’d imagine it.

I imagined Amab Reader (I was thinking a guy best friend thing for Rumi) but knowing u don’t write men I’ll pitch this as Masc GN.

They grew up with Rumi, trained to be hunters with Rumi and eventually became Hunter/x dance/choreographer, that’s been in love with Rumi since the day they met, but they’ve never told her.

Mira and Zoey know but never outed them to Rumi, they go through the movie helping the girls and watching Rumi fall in love with Jinu, and they take it pretty well, it hurts like hell but all that matters is Rumi's happiness.

Eventually we reach the events where the girls find out Rumis a demon and Mira raises her weapon to her and Reader steps in between them and they all argue, basically the conclusion of the argument outing readers feelings for Rumi.

Mira is like “You’re in love with a demon!”

And readers like “No im in love with Rumi” cause it doesn’t matter to them what she is.

And I just imagine them and Rumi leaving, she’s still in love with Jinu so that confession doesn’t magically have them together or even kiss now. But Rumi knows, over everything she’s ever wanted.

She has one person that for sure loves all of her. Even the parts she thought were unlovable because even her aunt and pseudo mother couldn’t love them.

But reader is there no matter what, and just holds her as she breaks down, because of all the awful stuff she’s had to endure with her self image, and knowing now that she doesn’t have to feel the shame her aunt instilled in her

Sincerely the Tsaritsa/Pyro Archon Anon

◆ MAIN COURSE: Rumi x gn!choreographer!Reader

◆ TYPE: SFW, romantic

◆ ALLERGEN WARNINGS: None. Maybe like one single mention in regards to how these events would be with a fem!reader but otherwise this is strictly gender neutral.

◆ NOTES: HELLO I DID SEE YOUR OTHER REQUEST AND I WAS GONNA WORK ON IT BEFORE KDH TOOK OVER MY BRAIN 😭😭😭 YES YOU CAN BE ☀️🌙 ANON FIRST OF ALL I' SO SORRY I HAVEN'T DONE THE OTHERS YET AND SECOND OF ALL THANK YOU FOR THE CONSIDERATION ☹️. Anyway read this for? The continuation? Not the right word but alas

It feels like sacrilege to write something about this because holy fuck this is already DEVASTATING as is 😭😭😭😭😭 WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS but god okay here we go

I'm just going to say to get it out of the way bc this is genuinely a thought I have—if this was a fem!reader thing, it'd be another form of devastation. Gonna state the obvious here but K-Pop idols being gay, while they definitely lean into the queer fanservice and it isn't illegal to be gay in South Korea, still isn't widely socially accepted (there are some exceptions that came out but it is VERY MINIMAL). I don't even think it'd ever register to Rumi that you'd ever be interested unless she had some sort of bi awakening or you flat-out spit it out. And even then considering how she was most likely raised by Celine to be a WEAPON in both demon slaying and idol stuff, along with being taught to hide herself, I don't even know if it'd be an easy thing to swallow. But that's just me okay ANYWAY moving on frfr

You two growing up together as childhood besties and Celine training the both of you since you were young gives you a sort of special bond that not even Zoey or Mira have bc I THINK iicr they had their own lives when they grew up before they got scouted by Celine (how tf would we know when they never go into it right 😓). The two of you have the most experience, and the rapport comes the easiest. But as much as Rumi wanted to tell you about her demonic heritage, Celine has it drilled even deeper than you that she NEEDS to hide it—conceal don't feel Elsa type shit

I think Celine would also entrust watching over Rumi (and the whole of HUNTR/X) to you. Since, yk, there's only three people allowed every generation. This opens up the choreographer role, being able to guide them and their movements while keeping an eye on them when Celine can't. Unfortunately this also does kinda put pressure on you NOT confessing to Rumi bc 1) it'd probably end up as a distraction and 2) you don't wanna bother her about it. So at the VERY LEAST you'd be planning to say something AFTER they get the Golden Honmoon and all the demons are banished. Surely that'd be fine right? WRONG

Ever since the Saja Boys appeared, Rumi's been distant. Not just from Zoey and Mira, but you as well, which is diabolical since the two of you are guaranteed attached to the hip. Said two would be the only people that are well aware of your feelings for Rumi, and by GOD they feel bad for you. They're saying that Rumi's just!! Distracted over the upcoming Idol Awards and the Golden Honmoon!!!!!! But you've been seeing Rumi less and less, she's gradually kinda withdrawn and stopped talking to you about her problems, and she gets all sketchy and weird when you knock on her door or anything

The words slip out of your mouth before you could keep it down, "Did I do something wrong?"

Rumi looked up from her lap, her hands lightly pinching at the edges of her hoodie—your hoodie, you notice, the one you gave her one day but never bothered to ask for back because she said it was comfortable and gave good coverage of her whole body. "No?" Her eyebrows furrowed ever so slightly, and she looked genuinely taken off-guard by your question, "I don't.. think so? Why do you ask? Did something happen?"

You shook your head, "No, just.. you've just been avoiding me recently, so I thought I made you upset somehow."

"You know if I was upset, I'd tell you, right? Been doing that since we were kids," Rumi smiled lightly, "even when it was just me tripping over a rock and wanting those cute little bandaids you had."

At one point, you would've said 'yes' without a single doubt in your mind, but recently you've had doubts. Growing up with her meant you basically knew her better than she even knew herself, after all.

You wanted to say 'no' or 'I don't know'. You wanted to be honest.

"Yeah. I do." That's all that came tumbling out. "But I just..."

Miss you.

You shrugged before sitting down beside her on the bed, bumping your shoulders together as you reassured her, though you didn't know of what, "Don't forget you can come to me anything, yeah? I'm not gonna judge."

She doesn't verbally answer, but she does nod and lean on your side. Though you don't dare to look down at her expression—the nagging feeling of paranoia, mixed with the respect you had for Rumi, was pushing you away from prying—if you did you would've seen regret written all over her face.

It only all makes sense at the Idol Awards, when her identity is revealed and you lot all realise she was trying to work with Jinu (clearly it kinda failed since 🤷‍♀️). It clicks to you Really Easily, why Rumi's been secretive and distant this whole time, and even when it came to other stuff like why she doesn't go to the bathhouse or why she favours things with full coverage and long sleeves even if it was the MIDDLE OF FUCKING JULY!!!! You saw it on the screen, right beside Bobby, and by the time you get to where the girls are, Mira and Zoey have their weapons pointed at Rumi and Rumi is glowing, devastated, inhuman

Do you care though? No duh. So you step in between the two parties with your own weapon. But even you could tell that Mira and Zoey weren't into it at all—they didn't wanna fight Rumi at all

Mira's grip tightened on her glaive, "[Y/N]. Step away."

"No," you raised your own weapon higher, "not before the two of you lower your weapons. What the hell are you doing?"

"What we, as Hunters, are supposed to be doing!" Mira's voice raised, tinged with a mix of disbelief and mournful desperation, "We've been trained under the code of killing all demons for years, and yet she's been working with them the whole time?"

You hear Rumi's voice from behind you, broken, layered with something else, "No, I--"

"Oh, cut the crap! You kept this a secret the entire time and never thought to tell us when we-- when we--" Mira's voice broke off with a strangled rasp, her blade lowering slightly, before she blinked her unshed tears away and held firm with her stance, "If you're not going to help us, then step away."

You didn't move, "No."

"Stop being so stubborn and turn around! Look at her!"

And you did.

You saw her eyes, half a normal brown and half a slitted amber that glowed just like the purple markings that stretched all across her skin. You saw the claws on one of her hands, the way her skin now sported a grey-violet tinge that gradiented into her normal skin colour.

You saw the shame.

Zoey, the quietest you've ever seen her, dematerialised one hand of her knives to tug at Mira's jacket, "Mira, maybe we can just.. leave--"

"You're defending a demon that lied to us--"

"I'm defending someone I love!"

Silence followed, save for the echoes of your raised proclamation that bounced off the walls—

"It doesn't matter what she is, she's still my Rumi. If you really want to kill her, if you really believe that she's nothing but a demon? You'll have to kill me first."

—and the sharp intake of breath from behind you.

If Rumi were to look at the others' faces, she wouldn't see shock—they knew, after all. Instead, their expressions had crumpled. Zoey's hold on her knives had trembled slightly, and Mira had stared at you in a mix of rage and devastation.. before the both of them lowered their arms.

"..Go," you spoke softly, keeping your eyes pinned onto the duo as you spoke to the woman behind you, despite the heartache, "find him. See what went wrong."

Her clawed hand had shakily reached out behind you, but she retracts it in a near-instant with a tiny whimper before running off.

And that's when you slumped to your knees.

"Fuck."

And then the whole thing kinda goes the same way it did until the end of the movie. Rumi's mourning for someone that, by Hunter code, she shouldn't have mourned and yet it's not as if feelings are easy to erase. Not just her feelings for Jinu, but yes her fears, her insecurities, her shame (no thanks to Celine, you find out from her later 😒)

It'd definitely take a while for her to get accustomed to walking around with her markings freely out in the open. This girl's been raised to think she should be ASHAMED of herself for even basically existing, and she has to hide whatever taint her demonic ancestry's given her instead of embracing it. Add onto the fact that she's realised the entire time there was one person who's loved her and WILL love her unconditionally, even when sometimes she still thinks she looks like a monster when her internal doubts get to her? Oh she's crying. And who does she realise holds her every time? You.

"I'm sorry."

You shook your head, "Don't ever be sorry. I.. kinda figured it was best to keep it a secret until it faded away."

"Don't say that," she smacked your arm lightly.

"Okay, yeah, I guess it does sound kind of sad."

"'Kind of'?" Rumi scoffed lightly, though her tone held no heat to it, "Mira and Zoey told me that you've been having this crush for years!"

"Since I first saw you, actually."

"That makes it worse! ..For that long?"

"..yeah." You laughed, mostly at yourself as you looked out at the city from her room balcony, "I don't think it'll go away."

Rumi just watched you, watched how the city lights and the iridescent Honmoon twinkled in your eyes. And she tore her eyes away after a while, resulting in the both of you simply.. city-watching amidst the silence.

But she breaks it after a while, her voice a fragile thing, "..Could you.. wait for me?"

"Hm?"

"I think.. I want to recover. Or, well, unlearn Celine's.. way of the Honmoon." She leans her head on your shoulder, her now-iridescent markings casting a soft glow on your skin and her hair loose from her usual braid, "I want to learn how to stop hiding first. Then.. I'll see. Is that.. okay?"

You looped your arm around Rumi to hug her by the side without any hesitation, "Take as much time as you want. I'll be here."

"..Thank you."

"Mm. ..Besides, who else would choreograph your dances? Mira could, sure, but not as good as me."

"Pfft. Ruin the moment, why don't you?"

[hope-for-the-planet]

I would like to know your thoughts on the increasing frequency that what is happening to our planet is being described as "climate breakdown" or "climate collapse". I find those descriptions to be far more fear inducing than just saying climate change and I assume that's deliberate for many campaigns who want to show the urgency needed in taking action. However I worry about the accuracy of those words, is it really breakdown and collapse? If so we really should be worried. But it is change, and change that we are learning to mitigate and adapt to, right? So why must they say it is collapse and breakdown. There is also the fact the scariness of those phrases will more likely scare people into inaction rather than action. Just interested to hear your thoughts on this

Hi Anon!

This has been a somewhat controversial issue lately, which I’ll briefly get into the reasons for. I personally prefer to use "climate change" for clarity. I'll warn you in advance that this is going to be another long one.

It’s not inaccurate to call the looming crisis a breakdown or collapse. We are taking action--more than a lot of people think and the speed of change is picking up--but if we did nothing the changes would eventually be beyond our ability to adapt. Climate change will wear away at the systems that maintain consistent and predictable weather, that our housing and agricultural systems are built around, and that preserve vital ecosystems.

We need to avert as much climate change as we possibly can to minimize the human suffering and damage to our world. It is also something we are already adapting to and will continue to adapt to since some warming has already happened. We have solutions for adaptation and more are in the works, but communities that don’t have as many resources to devote to adaptation are already and will continue to be hardest hit by climate impacts.

That being said, there is a lot of argument about whether changing the term to something more urgent actually increases the likelihood of action. A recent study showed that using terms like “environmental breakdown” or “climate crisis” increased emotional responses compared to "climate change", but in some demographic subgroups this increased emotion actually produced a negative backlash reaction. A similar study in Taiwan found that overall the terms "climate crisis" and "climate change" had similar reactions but for some demographic subgroups "climate crisis" negatively impacted perception and action.

Another more recent study found that there was less perception of urgency or importance when using terms other than “climate change” that participants weren't as familiar with. Most people more or less understand what climate change is and what the stakes are—changing the term can just confuse them.

There’s also the issue of crisis fatigue—humans can only spend so long in emergency mode before they will burn out on it. Climate change is something everyone living on earth now will need to deal with for the rest of their life—we need to act urgently but hitting people with “this is an emergency if we don’t act now everyone will die” can actually hurt credibility and buy-in as time passes and the crisis worsens but does not deteriorate into everyone dying. We need sustainable support and action, not surges of panic followed by apathy when the apocalypse doesn’t immediately materialize.

I'm personally a big fan of finding ways to talk about climate change and environmental damage without using politicized buzzwords like "climate" or "environment" since that can sidestep the knee-jerk reaction some people have to those topics--either of identity threat or of fearful shutdown.

So that is my two cents. Climate change is scary enough on its own and turning up the emotional volume of the alarm doesn't necessarily actually translate to more action--like you said it can just make people so fearful that they shut down.

This article does a really good job of covering the many different perspectives in this space:

[jackdaw-sprite]

Thank you for your perspective! And yeah, that's one of the things I'm not sure anyone's mentioned yet -- tags are for personal organization as well as for discoverability.

Something I've been confronted by again and again over the years, in fandom and out, is that people will use a system they're presented with in the way that's easiest and least annoying for them.

You can explain how a system should be used until you're blue in the face, but unless they themselves find the system easier and more intuitive to use in the way you want, you're never going to get them to stick with it:

People are people, first and foremost.

Everyone here reading this has a life, worries, things they want to do off of tumblr. They don't want to think about what tags to include or not when they're just trying to share what they made, and go about their day. Talk with friends, have dinner. Trying to get people to remember a specific rule about not using a tag when it makes intuitive sense to them that they should? When they just want to move on with their day, because tags are the least exciting part of posting things on Tumblr Dot Com?

I don't think we can expect people to take that time, especially when the people still doing it don't see any downside.

The reason I'm suggesting adding -- that's right, adding this tag, not replacing the old tag, is because it's intuitive, and it's simple. It works with human nature instead of against it.

The people who benefit most from it are also the people who will need to go to the effort -- typing dponly into the tags after danny phantom -- and in return, we'll get a space with no crossovers.

I can't argue anyone out of being angry. After years of this argument, I think most of us are. But I think this will give everyone breathing room.

This would be used in addition to the danny phantom tag, turning it into a true umbrella tag for everything related to Danny Phantom, while having a few major sub-tags for people to find exactly what they want.

---

After some more discussion with members of the fandom in the notes of my poll asking about a community and elsewhere, it seems like the better option for everyone might actually be a new tag, so I'm making a new poll here!

Some answers to questions I think people might have are below the readmore:

Q: Why are all of these only one word?

A: For the same reason the dpxdc tag is only one word! Tumblr's tagging implementation is Not Good. Tags with spaces don't play well with it, and especially don't play well with blocked tags. If someone wants to block non-crossover Danny Phantom content, we want to make it as painless as possible for them.

Q: What issues were raised around communities?

A: A few! To name some of them:

Limited interactions with posts: Communities only let you react with emoji and leave comments on posts reblogged into them. Not great, if we want to have long reblog chains riffing on one another

Original Posters aren't notified if someone else reblogs their post into a community, even if it's public. So if someone reblogged your post into the community for you, you wouldn't know about it -- or know to look for people interacting with it.

Communities have mods, and therefore would need trustworthy, engaged mods to make it work. Over a short time frame, we could probably manage it! But over a longer one, a community for an entire fandom would probably have moderator drama. That could lead to fracturing, or people leaving specifically because they don't like the mods, etc. A tag is a lot less active maintenance.

A few people also expressed a general dislike for the feature, even if they were willing to move to one. This seems like a much smaller change that will let those people stay away from a feature they don't like, while interacting with the content they do.

Q: What about less-common crossovers? Won't those get excluded from this tag?

A: They will. I'm asking about this poll first because I figured getting the community to make a decision about the other crossovers would be easier if we'd already decided on the non-crossovers.

The current idea is to move those to their own tag as well, so they can get dedicated attention from the crossover enthusiasts who love them. One of the people I talked to about this runs the niche-dp-crossovers blog, so it's on the radar. If you have concerns or suggestions about that, the notes on this post is as good a place as any to suggest them!

[kirain]

@lkblackham I wanted to write a little follow up for the fic I wrote here.

I hope you enjoy it! TwT

The Fade bled.

Emmrich ran through the twisted, ever-changing landscape, his breath ragged, heart drumming in his ears. The air shimmered, warped by fear and magic, and the sky above pulsed like a dying star. In the distance, he saw her—Atash.

She was weeping.

He shouted her name, legs burning as he sprinted across the ground, which shifted like sand beneath his boots. Shadows tore at her from all sides—monstrous things with no faces, only claws, teeth, and endless, echoing laughter. One by one, the creatures latched on, rending her spirit, until her body flickered like a broken mirror—shattered, pulled apart by the Fade itself.

"No—no, Atash!" he cried, reaching out.

But his fingers met only smoke.

She was gone.

-----

Emmrich jolted awake with a gasp, nearly choking on it. His chest heaved, and sweat matted his hair to his brow. Eyes wide, wild, he barely registered the hands that landed on his shoulders.

"Emmrich," came a soft voice. "It's all right."

He screamed.

Thrashing in panic, he tried to throw off whoever was touching him—but the hands held firm, patient.

"Emmrich, it's Neve," she whispered. "You're safe. You're with us."

"Atash!" he cried. "She—she isn't safe!"

"She's not here, but she's not in danger. We're going to find her. Remember?"

His breath stuttered. Slowly, as if he'd nearly drowned, he blinked and focused. Neve's face came into view—calm, steady, eyes brimming with compassion.

Behind her, a tall, solemn silhouette leaned against the wall: Taash. They hadn't left after laying him down. Arms crossed, jaw tight with worry, they stood vigil.

"You're in your room," Neve murmured, carefully guiding him back against the pillows. "You collapsed."

Emmrich winced. "Collapsed?" His voice rasped like scraped stone.

Taash scowled. "Because you're stupid. And pushing yourself too hard."

He tried to sit up, guilt rising with him. "I'm sorr—"

"Don't," Taash snapped, stepping closer. "If you're sorry, you'll stay in this damn bed."

Emmrich shook his head, glancing at his desk. "I have to get back to my research. If we're going to save Atash—"

He pushed himself up, arms shaking with the effort—but Taash caught his shoulder.

"Lie down," they growled.

His body gave out immediately. With a groan, he slumped back, eyes squeezing shut as pain lanced through every limb and muscle.

Taash reeled back, horrified. "Shit—did I hurt you?"

"N-no..." Emmrich whimpered. "I can't. Not now..."

"What?" Taash barked, confused. "What's going on—what's wrong?"

Neve leaned in, her hand gliding to Emmrich's forehead.

She frowned.

"He's burning up."

Taash's eyes widened. "He's sick?"

"Not with illness. Stress, more like."

Neve closed her eyes briefly, mumbled something in Tevene, and when she touched him again, her hand was cold as ice. Emmrich sighed in relief, the tension melting as her palm came to rest against his brow.

Then the room fell quiet—save for his slow, laboured breathing.

A long moment passed.

"...I'm sorry," Taash muttered. Their arms folded again, but their posture was less daunting. "I didn't mean to start that argument downstairs. I just—"

"It's all right..." Emmrich said hoarsely. He didn't open his eyes. "I also behaved poorly. I shouldn't have. I'm just... so damn scared for her."

"We all are," Neve said, her voice like flowing water. "But if you don't rest, you'll be no use to her—or to anyone."

Emmrich swallowed, his next words slurred. "I drew up... plans. Ugh... to pierce the Veil. Neve, would you... take a look?"

"I did." Her lips quirked in a small, proud smile. "They're brilliant. I've already asked Davrin to start smithing the dagger. Once you're better, you and I can try infusing it with magic."

"Thank you. We'll need... lyrium, and—"

He didn't finish, breath soft and shallow as sleep claimed him once more.

Neve didn't move, her hand still gently pressed to his forehead, her eyes heavy.

"We have to get Rook back," Taash warned, turning away. "Before he kills himself looking for her."

Neve didn't hesitate.

"We have to," she repeated. "And we will."

-----

Warmth.

That was the first thing Emmrich noticed when he stirred hours later—a real, solid warmth pressed against his side. Not the feverish kind that had wracked his body earlier, but something natural and soothing. He cracked his eyes open, his vision hazy, and was greeted by a sea of feathers.

Assan.

The baby griffin lay sprawled across the bed beside him, his downy chest rising and falling in deep, contented sleep. One clawed foot twitched occasionally, and his beak parted slightly with a snore, but his wing hugged Emmrich like a blanket. The older man flushed, stunned by the comfort of it.

Then he sensed another presence.

Manfred stood by the bed like a silent sentinel, one skeletal hand outstretched, holding a cup of water. His bones had been polished recently—Neve's doing, no doubt—and the wisp that bound him glowed faintly at the joints.

"He's been fussing over you for hours," a voice said.

"...Neve?" Emmrich rasped.

She nodded, seated at the desk on the far side of the room with a half-dozen ink-stained diagrams spread across its surface. After a moment, she stood and walked to the bed, then helped him sit upright. His muscles protested—weak and sore, though no longer searing.

"Thank you..." he panted. "And I'm so very sorry, Manfred. I've... neglected you these past few days."

"Drink," the skeleton squeaked, as though he understood.

Emmrich managed a small smile and accepted the cup. The water hit his throat like a balm—cool, clean, and so vitally needed that he drained the cup in one go.

"I... didn't realise how thirsty I was," he admitted, voice still strained but no longer fraying.

"That's a signal from your body—that you're overdoing it."

The door creaked open.

Taash strode in first, followed by Lucanis. Both of them halted mid-step when they saw the older man awake and sitting against the headboard.

"Oh, about time," Taash huffed, striding over. "How're you feeling?"

He hesitated. Atash was still gone, but—

"...Better."

Neve leaned in and pressed the back of her hand to his forehead. "Fever's broken," she confirmed, relieved.

"Good," Taash said, gesturing to Lucanis. He stepped forward and eased a bowl into Emmrich's lap. "Because you need to eat."

Emmrich's pupils dilated. Roasted sweet potato salad—golden chunks tossed with herbs, goat's cheese, leeks, spinach, pomegranate arils, pecans, and pumpkin seeds. Steam curled off the top, teasing his nose and tickling his taste buds.

"I... can't remember the last time I ate."

Lucanis gave a wry shrug. "We figured as much."

Before Emmrich could take a bite, the door slid open once more. Davrin entered, cradling something swaddled in cloth as gently as a newborn babe.

"Ah! You're up," he beamed, stepping closer and unwrapping the bundle to reveal a lyrium-threaded dagger—rough, but unmistakably shaped to match Emmrich's sketches.

"Your designs are incredible," he said excitedly. "This is a prototype. It'll still take a few days to perfect, and I don't want to use full lyrium until you're there to monitor it, but I swear on my honour as a Warden—I won't stop until it's an exact replica."

Emmrich opened his mouth to speak, but Taash raised a hand.

"No. No talking about daggers. Or gods. Or the Fade. Not until he eats."

Davrin paused. "Right. Sorry."

Chastened silence settled over the room as Taash glared at him like a scolding parent.

Slowly, Emmrich picked up a fork and took a bite. It was delicious—sweet and tangy, with hints of sage and garlic. It felt like bliss in his belly, like coming back to himself one bite at a time.

He looked down at Assan, still snoozing against his leg, then to Manfred, his emerald gems gleaming. Neve was seated again but watching closely. Taash stood with arms crossed but no longer scowling. Lucanis encouraged him to eat more. And Davrin clutched the prototype with an air of confidence.

Tears welled in Emmrich's eyes.

"Thank you..." he sobbed. "Thank you."

They all smiled.

"We'll get her back, Emmrich. For now, just rest."

[lilyw0lf]

I think I'm missing some context, but I've been seeing a bit of controversy about the LU and LoZ fandom this past couple of days and I'm pretty sure that this issue comes from way back.

And I just want to say that most of the people that I've met in this fandom are so sweet and welcoming. Maybe I was just fortunate to interact with the right people, but I know for sure that those little interactions have been what makes me love this fandom so much. I think a healthy community is even more important than the source material when it comes to shape one's vision of a fandom, at least for me.

I must confess that I've been a lurker for most of the time that I've been here, mostly because my own fear of giving my opinion or asking questions that could seem dumb and not wanting to go out of my confort zone. That said, I couldn't have been more wrong.

If you are new to a fandom, and not just LU or LoZ, any fandom, or even if you've been here for a while and you are just a fellow lurker I want to tell you:

Don't be afraid of interacting with other people

Don't be afraid of giving your opinion

Don't be afraid to create

Don't be afraid to share

And don't be afraid of asking questions

I can't promise you that you won't encounter a jerk sometimes, but mostly you will find great people willing to share their own opinions and knowledge with you. Who knows, you might meet some of your greatest friends that way.

The interactions between people are what define the hearth of a comunity. And that's why I want you to always try to be polite and treat everyone with kindness first.

Don't impose your own headcanons to anyone, hell don't even impose canon, people love to create and go wild with their own imagination and if that makes them happy let them be happy.

You can always share your knowledge about the games, LU or whatever you want, but please do it politely. The other person might not realise that their take on a character or story is not canon or they might know and just want to ignore it. And that's alright too, at the end of the day we are here to have fun. You can share your own headcanons if you want.

If you don't like something or a person is just being straight rude, then you can always block them, you have all the right to do it. But please try to make sure you don't become the one that's rude with others without reason.

Also about the games, you don't have to have played to every game to interact with the fandom, you don't have to have played to any of them if you want. You can just have read the comic and that's totally fine, like I said earlier if you want to know about something just ask politely, really don't be afraid to ask. And to the people that answers please don't be rude about it. Most people don't have the money or the time to play every game, but that doesn't mean that they can't learn about them if they are interested.

Don't assume anything about anyone, for all you know you could be talking with a literal child that just found something that seems cool and is so excited to learn more about it or to share their own stuff with others. And how would they feel if the first reaction they got to their question or opinion was a negative one? And not just children, anyone who wanted to interact with a fandom and just got rude reactions would probably just want to go away and not even want to keep learning about the thing that had them so excited. So please, please always try to be mindful with others, you don't know their circunstances, kindness shoud always be tried first.

And mostly to new users but this goes to everyone, about taging no LU stuff as LU, please if you are not sure try to check the original tags before reblogging. It takes just a few seconds and is the best way to avoid confussion and innecesary arguments. On the other side, if you see someone misstaging let them know, but please do it politely, they might be new and not understand how the tagging works.

What I want to say with all of this is please always try to be kind, everyone has their own circunstances. Don't let issues like these that can be easily avoided rot the core of a beautiful comunity. You'll find some people that are just jerks, is unavoidable on any group of people, but don't let them make you become one of them, just block and keep living your life. Most people are sweet and great and it's a pity if you miss out on everything good just because a few idiots.

[theycallmecholemiri]

FINALLY REACTING TO MY TOP 10 POST (WHEN AM I GETTING MY HUNTRIX MERCH AND VIP TICKETS???)

Before I start, I do want to say that 1. No, I did not have access to the movie before it dropped, and that uhh *looks at notes* I TOLD YALL I WAS RIGHT I KNEW IT

1. "Rumi will have a mental breakdown somewhere in the movie. "

Not only was I right about this, but Rumi ended up having numerous breakdowns in the movie. Girlie was going through it, and let's be honest...so was I.

2. "The Saja boys end up winning Idol of the year OR They win something that jepardises the girls' fame."

✅️ I WAS RIGHTTTT

They also stole our hearts during the "MY Idol" song. I've seen way too many edits of this performance on my fyp.

3." The main Trio has a really bad argument that may make them go their separate ways for a while".

I got this one both right and wrong. The girls did have a bad argument, but they did not disband(which is good. We need the next Huntrix album NOW).

4." A lot of fans end up switching sides from Huntrix to Saja Boys."

✅️ Unfortunately, I was right about this one. The Saja boys ended up taking half of Huntrix fans. I blame Soda Pop.

5. "During the Saja Boys' performance, the fans will be used to take their souls away as some part of ritual."

✅️NOW I DONT WANNA SAY I TOLD YOU SO BUT LIKE I called it first, and that's that!!! (Also, we all were in a trance when watching the"My Idol" performance, right)

6. "The Grandma's play a bigger role than expected"

❌️ Okay, you got me for this one, BUT they did make numerous appearances throughout the movie, but ate every time they were on the screen!!! Shout-out to the MVPs of the movie!!!

7. "Rumi getting injured in the film happens way earlier than we think it does".

✅️Oh, it happened wayyyy earlier. All right, maybe because cause she was chasing a certain someone😏😏. Jinu babes, u can RUN but can't HIDE from someone like Rumi. Only in your wildest dreams.

8."Mira and Rumi will clash at some point in the film"

✅️BOYYY DID THEY CLASHHH and also said some maybe hurtful things(looking right at you rumi) but their good now I know cause they told me themselves.

9. "The public turns on Huntrix after some major incident between Huntrix and The Saja Boys."

✅️ I wouldn't even call it that; I would more call it Gui-ma-was-trying-to-steal-your-souls-but-what-do-i-know. I'm just a simple girl who watched the movie trailer 15+ times.

10. "The movie will end with girls choosing each other and being more truthful to their fans."

This one meant the most to me, and it ended up happening. I'm not sure about them telling the truth to their fans, but I'm 100% sure that there was a sob-filled group hug backstage. My source??? Divine Intuition.

Make sure you stream the movie AND the soundtrack, which is on YouTube and Spotify. Continue writing the fanfics(54 to 165 in a matter of hours, A03 writers, you never sleep, do you?) Show Netflix and Sony Animation that you want a sequel!!!

HUNTRIX DONT MISS🩷💜💛

[lets-date-everything]

Oh gosh hi!! Would I be able to humbly request (if you're willing/comfortable doing so) ANYTHING involving Freddy? 😭🙏 Maybe something with cuddles, kisses even??? I'll even take angst, there's next to nothing for him and I'm DESPERATE 😭😭😭 Thank you so much!!! I hope you have an amazing day!!!

(Also I follow your sideblog and I love your writing, I'm so excited to see what you write here!!!)

Yesss, Freddy my beloved! I adore him so much it's unreal. I hope you enjoy!

Freddy Yeti x female MC

Freddy learns there’s more than one way to start the day right

Waking up and putting on the Dateviators had become the best part of her day.

When she slipped them over her eyes, the colours deepened, light sharp as cut glass on chrome. The kitchen brightened at the corners, but none of it mattered, not with Freddy standing by the island, leaning over a mixing bowl, the soft blue of his hair tumbling around his face.

His smile could light a room, and it did, spreading wide when he saw her at the kitchen doorway.

“Morning, Cool Kid,” Freddy called, grinning. “You want breakfast? I’ve got croissants proving, or I can fry up something proper: eggy bread, mushrooms, the works. You need something in you before you start your day.”

She shook her head, a soft laugh caught behind her teeth. “No, thank you. Maybe later.”

Freddy’s brows shot up. “No breakfast? Nah, you’re not getting away with that. Breakfast is important. Skipping it’s basically a crime in this house, you know.”

He stepped towards her, wiping floury hands on a tea towel, that familiar warmth radiating off him in waves. “Come on, sit yourself down. I’ll—”

She reached for him before he could finish, tugging gently at the fluffy neckline of his coat. Freddy froze, mid-ramble, eyes going wide. She pressed up on tiptoe—he was so much taller like this—then kissed him, slow and certain. It was meant to be chaste, a gentle shush, but Freddy made a soft sound, surprise melting into something else entirely.

His hands stilled, but his mouth softened, returning the kiss before he even realised he was doing it. His lips were plush, tasting faintly of coffee and vanilla. The tea towel slipped from his fingers, fluttering to the floor.

“Mm,” Freddy murmured when she drew back, his cheeks tinged an electric blue, just beneath the skin. “That’s… one way to make me forget my argument.”

She smiled, breathing just a little faster. “You were getting a bit bossy.”

Freddy huffed, but there was no heat to it. “That’s because I care. I want you fed, happy—” He caught himself, and something flickered behind his eyes. Vulnerable. “—all right, I’ll shut up, but you do know I’m going to spend all morning thinking about that, now, right? Not fair, coming in here looking like that.”

She only laughed, stepping in close again. “Looking like what?”

“Absolutely beautiful.” Freddy’s voice was lower now, quiet, almost shy. “Even in your pajamas.”

She ran her fingers down his arm, feeling the soft press of muscle beneath, the warmth radiating through his coat. “Maybe you should worry less about me, and more about what you want.”

He blinked, a slow, lazy smile curling his mouth. “Careful. Say something like that and I’ll forget about baking altogether. I’ll be absolutely useless the rest of the morning. You want to be responsible for that?”

She shrugged, helplessly fond. “I’ll risk it.”

For a moment, nothing moved. Then Freddy’s hands slid to her waist, large and careful, as if she were something breakable. He dipped his head, brushing his nose along her jaw, warm breath ghosting her cheek. “All right,” he whispered, “but you’ll let me make you breakfast after, yeah?”

Her laughter was lost against his lips, his tusks bumping against her teeth, all the warmth of home pressed close between them.

[hollow-lime-green]

hello oh great fanfiction community !

i saw a stsg big bang event acc today and before that event gets rolling, i would like to say some words about fan events and specifically big bangs in general - without targeting any specific event, and maybe as some food for thought for the community/prospective event runners.

under the cut: the argument for a reverse bang (not femdom)

this is a bit of a ramble but i'm writing this as i have my coffee so you'll have to deal with it being a bit of a braindump.

so let me first just say that i love fan events and i extra love big bangs. the concept of teaming up with someone is awesome. you get to make friends, and specifically you are making friends with someone with a different but related hobby! (art vs writing)

that being said, in all fandom spaces i have ever been in - zines, events, general interaction - there is a pretty heavy favoritism towards artists. you can see this when you look at the number of artists slots in zines, relative levels of engagement in fanart vs fic posts, and, of course, in big bangs (artists select prompts, rather than writers).

now, i am not blaming artists for this (not fully - although sometimes this becomes entrenched in the space's culture, esp with zines and zine groups). there are actual reasons for this:

Zines - art takes up less space than fic - of course you can fit more of them in a zine. also, artists can do merch (imagine writing merch... fortune cookie slips?)

Likes - art is extremely quick to see and ingest, and then smash the like button. writing requires a bit more time investment and usually clicking to a second tab. it is very logical for art posts to get more engagement. (and i think the kind of engagement fics get is often more rewarding - i would not trade my comments for any number of likes. however this, and follower count which correlates, is a good general measure of 'popularity')

Big Bang/Prompt Selection - artists go "omgggg no i can't write the pitch i suck at writing!!"... and i'm going to be so real, i think they're right lmfao. i mean the answer is 'well git gud' but in my experience this is actually true, they struggle to write out pitches.

so yeah, there are real factors that drive artist power/popularity ahead of writers in these spaces. that can also influence the culture of how they are often given priority in fandom events. while i don't blame artists for that, it kinda sucks as a writer. often, as a writer, it can really feel like you're begging for scraps - limited zine spaces, engagement on posts, etc.

which is why big bangs are so great! as a writer, you get a buddy! we love buddies! (not that firefighter ship, i don't know her.) collaboration is great. as a writer, you get to pitch your ideas, and then some artist is gonna see your idea and be like "omg i love that idea" and then they claim you and you get to be buddies, right?

right?

well, this is where the equity problem can come back - because writers are the ones pitching first, they are still in the vulnerable position here. i've been in a few big bangs, and by the nature of this system (writer pitch, artist pick), you often will end up with writers who don't get a pitch claimed, or a situation where artists are pinch hitting and doubling up to make sure everyone is matched up.

which just doesn't feel great.

now, like i said, there are valid reasons for why writers pitch first - fic is more describable (there are events, it's not just a still), writers are better at words (tough to hear but true), and it also takes an ass ton of time and motivation to write (i have even seen some events where there's a big lead time on fic creation, then artists get paired later in the process).

but, consider, it is simply less fun this way. all of these events sort of function on the assumption that an artist will get inspired by fic/prompt - without giving writers the chance to do the same. for writers, there's no spontaneity in this process. we have to be in the driver's seat.

sometimes, a writer deserves to kick back with a pina colada and say "yeah bro what's the vision" as the artist says "ummm... idk i wanna do like.. pastels? kinda like, fluffy springtime? oh and here's a new rendering technique i want to try- [pulls out tablet]"

because the thing is, i can work with that, actually. i think a lot of writers can. all i need is a handful of tags - AU and some general mood indicators - and we can find something compelling to write. you wanna put the character in some ridiculous pinterest strappy outfit? i'll write the choreography of getting into/out of the ridiculous pintrest strappy outfit. you wanna do dark colors? oh the mood of this scene is about to be so dark colors. comic? bro i'll write the dialogue. that's part of why i've been so excited to write for tropefest! it's fun!!

so, a reverse bang, for the uninitiated, is exactly this: a big bang where artists pitch, and then writers select from those prompts.

they are cool and we should do them. thank you for listening to my ted talk. (who am i kidding this is definitely tedx)

[illicitland]

thought of us

Alex Tran x Fem!Reader

Summary: Hidden feelings of two people about the oblivious other.

Request: HIII!! it’s totally fine if this isn’t possible but can i request an alex tran x reader oneshot where alex and reader are close friends and have been crushing on eachother for awhile and everyone in the office knows except them? i love alex sm and there not enough about him! thank you!! have a good day !!! <3 - Anon

Author's Note: To Anon, I'm sorry this took so long to write. Thank you for requesting this, Alex is just so majestic and every time he appears on camera I lose control of myself. Please send in more requests and ideas of what you want to see next!

Being on Smosh is one of the best things that ever happened to you. It was stable enough for you financially, and at the same time you got to pursue two of your dream jobs at a time, being a cast members and producer.

Hence, befriending Alex, who shares a similar enough job, came easy. Because other than your occupation, the two of you don't share other similarities. Like the dusk and the dawn. Making your duo unexpected to most people.

Befriending Alex is something that just happened. Instant connection and undeniable chemistry. The two of you can talk for hours nonstop without dead air.

Unbeknownst to you, your dear friend has been having a secret infatuation towards you. Everyone, from crew and cast to your actual viewers, sees it. Everyone but you.

During the Smosh Games meetings Alex would take his time explaining every single function and rule of the game. Everyone in the room would notice his lingering glances at you. How he'd blush as you listen to him intently. How he would perk up every time you had a question, like all he wanted to do was inform you.

His attentiveness to what you do even transcends to the videos. He would correct a misunderstood rule to your benefit. He would also defend you to the rest of the players. Hell, he wouldn't do that for Spencer.

The two of you would brush off the teasing and the game's producer's blatant favoritism.

For one episode of Duo You Know Your Duo, Crew vs. Cast, where you and Tommy went against Alex and Spencer. The scores are close. For one question you and Spencer were asked, “What are the names of your partner's siblings?”.

You were the one to go first, you stated that Tommy does not have any siblings, which you got wrong.

As for Spencer, he turned his paddle that has a name you are unaware of. “I know he has a sister, but I'm not sure if I got the name right.”

Alex replied with a laugh due to the name being not even remotely close.

“Coach, I actually knew that. Do I get an extra point?” You said turning your head towards Arasha.

“Mind your own partner,” was all she replied with.

“Alex, now you know who your real best friend is.” You writhe your brows at him playfully.

Spencer added "You don't know your own partners siblings." The two of you erupted into a chaotic argument of who knows Alex more.

Alex burst into a captivating giggle. It was one of those effortless quirks of his that never failed to make your heart flutter. The way his eyes crinkled at the corners—his pupils vanishing, his shoulders slightly shaking with the weight of his amusement—it was disarmingly genuine.

Just as you caught yourself fawning over him, you straightened yourself. You continued with the video-exchanging knowing glances and nods of curtseys. Right after filming the video the two of you were asked to stay behind for thumbnail.

You questioned why you two when you both are partnered with different people. The producers brushed it off by saying 'capturing both teams'.

The idea that there is mischievous intent, but you didn't press further.

‎Neither of you are oblivious to your ship. You've seen the edits and clip compilations of your interactions people made even through clip where he can't even be seen in the camera. You thought nothing of it. People would ship people to anyone even with the littlest interaction.

"They did it for the shippers." Alex leaned down to your level as he whispered.

You replied with a chuckle, "Can't wait for my velocity edits. I look especially good today, I believe.” You did not want to add to his comment about the people wanting the two of you together. Talking about topics that include feelings are something you avoid with everyone.

You are aware that your admiration towards Alex is close to surpassing the heights of being platonic. Maybe it already has.

You don't dare figure it out. Hell, you avoid even thinking about it. Your mind is already convinced that the worst case possible would happen.

He would find out about your silly little feelings, you will get rejected, he will tell you that the two of you can remain friends which is a lie—no one ever remains friends after being friend zoned. The two of you would just be stuck in an awkward situation. Your inability of expressing what you feel is keeping you from acting. In fear that what you might say will drive him away.

In addition, you don't handle rejection easily. Your immaturity forbids you to handle it like an adult. This would send your mental state into a downward spiral.

You don't even dare consider that he too might feel the same, but you would rather not find out at all. Genuinely, you treasure your friendship with Alex, something not worth loosing over unrequited feelings.

In short, you would rather not know.

Unbeknownst to you that's how he feels too. The difference is that he is more optimistic to what the two of you could be.

Alex is a man of few words. He's the type of guy who doesn't ask. He just listens, remember, and act. And when he jokes it is always a hit for you. He caught himself trying to craft more jokes as a desperate attempt of hearing you laugh. But most of the time he just tries to be there

The first time he saw you set the vegetable aside he asked for the reason. You told him that it's because you are simply not a fan of the taste. "I know it's childish to not eat the pepper I just can't get myself to eat it."

"You can give them to me." He said leaning his plate towards you. he also stated his love for the vegetable. "I love them."

"That's concerning. Are you serious?" Was what you said as you transferred them to his plate.

"I really do. Feel free to give them to me anytime."

During film week-cast get to line up for catering first. Alex usually comes few minutes late to lunch as often times he'd get too occupied by his work.

No matter how late he is everyone knew that the seat next to you is reserved for him. He'd sit next to you. Before eating he'd check your plate for capsicum and takes it himself without interrupting your conversation with Tommy who sat infront of you.

When they first saw the two of you act that way you were met with teasing. But as time passed by, along with your consistent insistence of being just friends, it died down. They learned to live with the fact that the two of you will remain being just friends with heaps of romantic tendencies.

The two of you would have been contented with the state of your relationship. Satisfied? No.

But contented, nonetheless.

No secret ever remains a secret. Even the greatest athletes slip from time to time.

When Alex was discussing with Shayne, Spencer, and Damien—his Games Pod Bros, about video ideas. They planned about making another Love Is Blind episode. Then talked about who they should cast.

Damien suggested putting you, "She's so charismatic. She'll do great with anyone."

Alex reacted what he thought he did internally. However, the intensity of his furrowed brows. His reaction caught the attention the of people in the meeting.

"I don't mean it that way, man." Damien explained that you are charismatic and currently is into reality dating shows.

The explanation caught Alex off-guard. Has he been too obvious? Did he react out of line? It was as though he just got caught doing war crimes.

He questioned why Damien felt the need to clarify what he meant. To which he replied with “You reacted with what I said, plus I've been seeing the two of you be close— Listen man, you know I have a hard time reading the room.”

This broke Alex. The meeting turned to him admitting his not so secret admiration to his friends. They encouraged him to finally tell you alongside an assurance that they believe that you too feel for him.

It didn't take him much convincing. He knows what he feels and he'll act on them.

Courage took over him. Whatever happens, it is what it is. All or nothing.

In terms of gambling, he's all in.

He saw you in one of the halls of the Smosh office. You turned slowly as he called for your name—like a scene from a movie. As he made his way towards you he wished his footsteps would go faster.

He fought the urge of just coming undone right there and then. But the remaining sanity of his body allowed him to escort you to a private enough area.

You were tripping balls, for the lack of better words. You have no idea on what's going on and what's about to happen.

This wasn't like Alex at all. He has never pulled you away to another room. Wherever you are are a good enough place to talk. He never felt the need to be secretive with the interaction between the two of you.

“Are you ok? This is so not like you.” Concern thick on your tone..

“Of course. This is not like me because you know how I am. You know me better than anyone in my life.” Alex said as he captured your eye. “I like you. I like you more than a best friend should. I could never hide anything from you. I have been living in the hope that you felt it too. I know that saying this will change us.”

The words got caught at the back of your throat. Your wildest dream unfolds right in front of you.

Words could not describe what you are feeling. Instead of saying anything you let your actions talk.

You leaned in. Your lips reached his and it felt like everything. It felt special, right, and freeing at the same time.

He reciprocated the affection you have given him. His hand caressed the lover side of your face. His hand was so gentle yet eager to never let you go.

As the two of you parted he asked, “Be my girlfriend?”

You darted him with your warmest smile. “I thought you'd never ask.”

The exclusivity of the two of you was surreal. If this was indeed a dream you wish to never wake up. Stay stuck there forever.

It was all you could ever wish for and more. It was like a bottle of finely aged wine, popped at the right time.

Your love is quiet, but it is all you could ever ask of.

[vomittedsoap]

top twelve possibly autistic characters in movies/tv. I love them.

One of these is a murderous psychopath.... the answer may surprise you... (it's Mark Corrigan)

[also Dave from Mystic River and Dr. Nathan Bronfman from Human Nature and the guy from Nothing to Lose but I can't have so many Tim Robbins ones ripppp...he just plays that kind of character too well.]

[inkskinned]

"don't make it political!" .... what proportion of death and suffering must occur before politics are involved. if this isn't political, what is even the point of any politics, ever. of democracy. the words are "by the people for the people." if i am going to be left alone by my elected representatives to "figure it out" - to undergo damage, hardship, fear. what the fuck did i elect them for. what was their job. the entire point is that they handle this shit. this is why we were supposed to be electing leaders.

poverty is political. misogyny is political. gun control is political. climate change is political. how much aid a community gets is political. what the fuck are you talking about. it's been political this whole fucking time.

[elvisqueso]

#bye felicia

Pocahontas (1995)

[necrotic-nephilim]

If you want to be bothered. Maybe this for dick and Bruce???

i ALWAYS want to be bothered these are always the highlight of my day tbh you're a delight for letting me just yap <3

Dick. For the canon isn't real square I am Specifically talking about the Tom Taylor Nightwing run. Usually I ignore bad runs but given this one is ongoing (though about to end THANK GOD and get replaced by Dan Watters who i have high hopes for since i adored his Sword of Azrael (2022) run but i digress) so I counted it. Especially since it's so debated if that run is bad or not, for some reason. I'm a 90s Nightwing truther. I love Dick so dearly and tbh recently I've been more enamored with him the more I read his Discowing era, I didn't used to be as big of a Dick stan as I am these days.

Bruce. Honestly where do you even start with Bruce. I want to fist fight him and also patch him up. He got me into comics and superheroes as a whole but I roll my eyes whenever he shows up in a story. He's a bastard and usually not a good father but also complex and should be dissected under a magnifying glass. I love him dearly. He's also just the worst. I think that's why I love him. I'm always a fan of unabashedly Complicated Asshole Bruce who's generally not always the best person, particularly not to the Batfamily and that being the driving force of his relationships with them, especially in shipping.

And for bonus points, Tim. Because know above all else, I'm a Tim Drake kinnie /deg. He's been my number one for a decade and I've yet to uproot him from my brain. He's literally the Worst half the time and I love him for it. And the canon isn't real refers to Tim Drake: Robin because... that sure was a comic. And that's about all I can say about it. Pre-Flashpoint Tim I miss you so dearly. I think it's fun that I want to put him in a blender and drink the juice but also want Nothing Ever to happen to him.

[ceiling-karasu]

Hi, just want to let you know that I’ve always enjoy reading your tags, it’s a lot of fun reading your clever insights and observations on my arts. I really appreciate them.✨

Your art improve amazingly over these past few months and I’m looking forward to the direction it will take in the future. I also admire your dedication when it comes to writing, finishing 30+ chapters series is definitely not an easy tasks and I think that’s really cool. \(^^ )

Thank you very much! I'm looking forward to completing another 30+ chapters series in the future.

I really like your art and how the color schemes seem to match the personalities of the characters. They always look so crisp with the right amount of style on character positioning.

I always thought it was really cool how you managed to have so much detailed backstories and world building, alongside managing to create pictures and comics to go along with the chapters and stories you write. It has been really inspirational!

Although, funny, enough, I have been thinking about asking you if you had any preferences on sources to start researching universal aviation codes and the differences in between civilian and military planes, jets, helicopters, and airships, and which you think might sound better when used by militaries vs civilians. I think I am going to have to do a lot of studying on IATA, ICAO, PAT, Mode-S, VFR, and transponders, as well as codes used in towered vs non towered airports. I feel like I am going to have to do a lot of study on aviation and plane/jet/drone schematics for future chapters.