#multi-level-shipper

[multi-level-shipper]

PINNED POST TIME! ❤️💚

Hey y'all, I thought I'd finally make a pinned post to explain what the function of this blog is going forward!

For those that don't know, I've moved over to @archer-kacey! If you want to see my content going forward, that's where I'll be!

It was an incredibly hard decision to move on from this blog and all the memories associated, but I realized that after starting this account in late 2016 up and running it up until late last year (2023), I was posting on a blog that represented me from my teen years, and not me now. I was getting notifs on random posts that I had reblogged a shit ton of because I enjoyed them, but that left little room to see progress on my personal content. I love this blog dearly, I love the Bendy community, and for the most part everyone on here has been nothing but amazing!

Going forward, this is an archival blog. I obviously still have access to it, so I have to wizardly power to still make/respond to posts on here, but those will probably be few and far between, or for laughs.

Also, special thanks to @adobe-outdesign and @halfusek for literally everything, you guys are crazy talented and generally just awesome people to interact with, I don't get a chance to say it that often lol!!!

There are MANY more people I want to thank but frankly I'd be here all day! (If I've ever interacted with you on here, trust me, the chances are pretty low that I don't remember you!)

Whew, that's a lot. This might get edited or changed in the future, but I wanted to pin this while my brain is clear and I know what I wanna say.

THANK Y'ALL!! ❤️💚

Archer Kacey

[shelfperson]

was gonna make a post about how devil’s minion only really works for me when daniel is, first and foremost, still louis’ emotional support poolboy but then i realized that absolutely no iwtv ship works for me without the explicit caveat that all parties involved would always always always rather be fucking louis du lac

[some-pers0n]

Every once in a while I think about the ship I've been obsessed over for close to two years now and feel like I'm ascending to another plane of reality. Like sometimes you just encounter a ship that hits every single mark and is perfect in every regard and you're left stunned how something like that can even exist

[realm-sweet-realm]

Lol, I love the photorealistic Joey.

life it never die

@multi-level-shipper your fault

[vadedoesart]

OTP rough sketches, idk if I'll ever finish. I'm a multi-shipper. I'd just like to state that for the record. I love me some good Sonamy, Sonadow, Sonshadamy, Silvonic blah blah blah etc. Honestly, as long as it's not anything illegal or creepy, then I either like it or am indifferent towards it. But of course, I have my OTPs and my personal headcanons. I am aware that some people won't SHARE my headcanons, and that's FINE! Anyways besides Shadamy being my OTP, here are my two other favorite ships, and the dynamics I like for them. There's more for Metilver bc they're a rarepair... I crave to RP them or write a story for them or something someday... </3

Metilver:

My headcannon for Silver (He/Him) is that he's constantly being told to chill out or calm down, and he's one crash out from leveling an entire city with an uncontrolled telekinetic surge. Overall, he's outwardly optimistic and gentle, inwardly, however, he's repressing a LOT of emotions, which is rather unhealthy, and he has memory issues because of it sometimes. He's also like- 1/4th Komodo dragon, and his spit is venomous. He has a mouth and he wants to kiss, but cannot kiss... Metal is the exception to this because he isn't organic. He's Demisexual.

My Metal Sonic (He/They) is selectively mute. He doesn't speak to anyone but Ivo (father), Sage (sister), Orbot (cousin), Cubot (cousin), Amy, and Silver. He 100% believes that he is the REAL Sonic, but also feels as though he is completely different from the blue blur as well. He was obedient at first, but during one of his inactive stages when Tails was repairing him, Tails installed a virus in his hardware that gave him more free will before setting him free. He listens to Ivo out of his own volition, and is morally neutral evil at best. Metal is very much Demiaroace.

Relationship-wise, Silver believes he can fix Metal and make him better, while Metal thinks he can corrupt Silver and turn him evil. Together, they even each other out, and Metal in return never tells Silver to "chill out" or "calm down". Silver is a yapper, and Metal is a listener. Although Metal is a robot and therefore cannot "love" he's incredibly fond of Silver, and eventually becomes loyal to only him after Ivo inevitably passes. Using his Neo form, he eventually uses his bio scan to make himself a bit more... "Organic" and learns that he does in fact, love Silver.

Knuxouge:

Rouge (PROUD She/Her) is an ordinary vampire bat, and discreetly drinks blood. She's an ordinary Morphian by... my AU standards, but she doesn't believe in all the purist interpecies ableist bullshit. She's Shadow's best wingman and has a sort of older sister bond with the edgie hedgie. She's Bi.

Knuckles (He/Him) is considered an Evomut in my AU because of his odd coat color, but isn't harassed too much because he's a massive dude who would willingly punch a bigot. He's very much a feminist and has a big brother bond with Amy. He loves her to death (platonically) and is very much an advocate for her. He's the straightest motherfucker in the group, but he's 100% an ally.

Rouge "wears the pants" in the relationship. She's a huge flirt to Knuckles, and at first both of them are dancing round each other like a lovesick war. Eventually, when they do get together, Knuckles absolutely adores Rouge, and Rouge absolutely loves Knuckles. They take care of the master emerald together.

[lesmisshippingshowdown]

Les Mis Shipping Showdown Quarter Finals: Official Winners Reveal

Wow! And I thought the Turnchetta vs. Courfius steal frenzy at the end of the Round of 16 was crazy. You guys have turned it up to a whole other level for the quarter finals, and trying to keep up with the steal totals was so thrilling and intense for me that I was listening to the MotoGP race in the background (sorry, you have jock mods) and my favourite rider crashed out from the lead and I didn't even care because I was so engrossed in doing Eposette maths.

Anyway, enough about motorsports, and let's focus on the ACTUAL greatest competition happening today: the Les Mis Shipping Showdown Quarter Finals.

Without further ado, the winners of the Les Mis Shipping Showdown Quarter Finals are...

Courfeyrac/Marius (33.1%) vs. Joly/Bossuet/Musichetta (66.9%)

A fairly easy ride for JBM once again - shoutout to @melannen for submitting the first JBM steal work of the contest! With E/R to contend with as your next opponents, I reckon we're only just getting started on the steal action for this fandom's certified favourite throuple...

Enjolras/Grantaire (51.4%) vs. Jehan/Montparnasse (48.6%)

From the biggest whitewash of the popular vote to the closest final points tally, Jehan/Montparnasse nation - you may not have won this particular battle but you have won my eternal admiration for your commitment. Well done for a hard fought battle - and, of course, we cannot forget to congratulate Enjolras/Grantaire for making it through to the semi finals ENTIRELY on votes. Not a single steal work has been submitted for our fandom's biggest ship (by numbers) so far, and they're still cruising on through.

Marius/Cosette (24.8%) vs. Combeferre/Enjolras (75.2%)

A successful steal from Combeferre/Enjolras fans after Marius/Cosette won the popular vote! IMO Combeferre/Enjolras is something of a dark horse in this contest. You guys just quietly work away on your steals and suddenly you're through to another round. I'm excited to see what you do next!

Valjean/Javert (15.2%) vs. Cosette/Éponine (84.8%)

The scale of this defeat in raw numbers does NOT do justice to how close this battle felt at every single point, from the very first day of polls to the last hours of steal submissions. Both sides fought and stole like their lives depended on it, and played the game to its fullest potential - Valvert nation by being the only shippers thus far to take advantage of our rule allowing for submissions of works published since February (to be fair, this rule was written partially with them in mind because I didn't want to put them at a disadvantage or overwork them so soon after their ship's own fanwork fest. And then they went and wrote several thousand words of new fic anyway, so what do I know!), and Eposette fans by introducing bold new fanwork formats (shoutout to @21stcenturyjolllly for writing literally an entire multi movement piece of classical music and doing more composition work in a week for a shipping contest than I did in 3 years of an undergraduate music degree). In total these ships alone amassed more steal points between them than every other ship combined across the Round of 16, Quarter Finals, and the Round 2 Steal-Off! Genuinely CRAZY work and my heartfelt hats off to both sides for their excellent effort.

News on the semi final (and a special announcement about the final) will be coming shortly, but I'll give you guys a second to bask in your respective victories first!

[dreamingofthewild]

As a multi-shipper, I really can see Gale romantically with all the companions. I am going to try to keep it brief, and I decided to try and make a cute title for each of them.

Here's how I think they would work;

Shadowheart- the princess and the fallen angel. Star-crossed lovers, like a Greek tragedy.

I think that there's a poetic tragedy in that they have both marked deeply by divine manipulation from a young age. They have both been punished by their respective goddesses, and carry a certain level of guilt about them (Gale the orb, and Shadowheart battling with her own morality).

I think they would both recognise the tactics of the other's Goddess, where they can't in their own. They would recognize the same grief in each other, and it would create a kind of unspoken tenderness. They would understand each other.

Shadowheart's reserved nature pairs well with Gale’s openness; he draws out her softness, while she grounds his idealism in quiet realism. Shadowheart seems genuinely pained at the thought of Gale sacrificing himself to the orb, while Gale always speaks of her with admiration.

I think their romance would be really sweet. They have a beautiful emotional arc together, which would be really interesting explore. In another life, they have been forbidden lovers. Their are also religious themes to play upon.

As a Tav Gale will join you if you choose to adventure, which Shadowheart does. I also think he could do with getting out of his tower and seeing the world.

Wyll - the hopeless romantics. The type of heroic romance from an Arthurian legend.

Firstly, I think Wyll does a lot of things that would earn Gale’s approval. They both are a good slow burn, and they have many things in common. Like poetry, enjoying a good glass of wine, dancing, and stargazing.

There's also something compelling in the dynamic of a hero who secretly desires to be swept off his feet (Wyll), and Gale, who deeply longs to love someone with intensity and to be cherished equally in return. They’re both self-sacrificial, but rather than enabling this, they balance each other. Gale’s thoughtful deliberation complements Wyll’s occasional hesitance in decision-making.

Wyll’s sacrifice of his freedom for others’ safety mirrors Gale’s sacrifice of his pride and his body in the name of love for Mystra. Both have been used by forces bigger than themselves, wearing their smiles like armour.

Gale would be deeply charmed by Wyll’s unbroken spirit - how he refuses to let cynicism poison him. Wyll, meanwhile, would be fascinated by Gale’s vulnerability hidden beneath the mask he wears.

Even if Gale hesitates to journey into the hells alongside Wyll and Karlach, he would absolutely support them. I can also see Ulder Ravengard and Morena Dekarios bonding over their sons' relationship, which is heart warming.

I think Wyll is almost tailor made to be a healthy partner for Gale. They share values like kindness and honour, and still chose to be good, hopeful people despite being manipulated by greater powers. I think they would uplift each other and build a relationship on trust, admiration, and friendship.

Lae'zel - the brain and the ???. Volatile, but transformative.

I really like the Mage x Fighter dynamic. Gale and Lae’zel share common ground through their troubled relationships with their respective goddesses. Both have been treated as sacrificial pawns, valued only for their utility. Together, they'd discover their worth beyond mere tools of powerful beings.

They are both intelligent but express it differently. Gale seems very interested in the astral realm, and the Githyanki. I also think that their differing personalities work well together.

Lae’zel’s blunt honesty cuts through Gale’s tendency toward introspection, encouraging him toward direct action. Gale softens Lae’zel’s rigid outlook, teaching her gentleness and the value of compassion alongside strength.

By the end, their love would be about freedom: Lae’zel learning she’s more than a soldier, and Gale learning he’s more than a tool for divine approval. They could become each other’s first real choice after a lifetime of obligations. They could transform each other, I think, for the better.

Even if Gale doesn’t directly join her against Vlaakith, he’d lend magical aid and support.

Astarion - a fine line between love and hate. Gothic romance.

This is interesting, because I really do think that they both ''see'' each other at the very start of the game, which causes friction. However, if they can communicate with each other, they have the chance to form a beautiful relationship.

I have written about their dynamic before, so I will not go into it again. But they both have things in common, and they would recognize something achingly familiar in each other: the deep terror of being forgotten, the desperate need to be seen. To be really seen, and not just for what they can give others. They both need validation and to find a way back to themselves.

Both of them have grappled with isolation, and they both require something from the player character. They both desire redemption and autonomy. I think Astarion can get Gale to see how uncaring the God's are, and his cynical nature would cause Gale to see things in a different light. I also think Gale's open-mindedness and desire to do good for the sake of it and not for heroics would have a positive impact on Astarion.

They do actually have nice things to say to each other, especially in their origin playthroughs. Gale respects Astarion's autonomy and supports him feeding on enemies. Astarion might heaven selfish reasons for wanting Gale to stay alive at first, but he would convince him to defy Mystra.

For Astarion, Gale would be the first person who loved his mind over his body - someone who adored his wit, his humour, his cleverness. For Gale, Astarion would be someone who loved him for who he is and not his magic.

I also think they would both get along with someone who provides them with an intellectual challenge, and sees the other as an equal, which they provide each other with.

They both see through each other's masks- and prefer what's underneath to that mask. They can set boundaries for each other, which would be healthy in the long run.

I think Gale would help find a way for Astarion to walk in the sun again, and he would also give Astarion a proper home for the first time. Like in Shadowheart's ending, Gale can also join Astarion on adventure's, or into the Underdark.

There is so much going on with this ship. It could be tragic, or redemptive, they save each other or damn each other, depending on their choices, and it makes SO interesting to explore. I know some people hate it, but sometimes stories with high tension are much more rewarding.

Karlach - the bomb squad. The bittersweet romance, like a dramady.

I think Gale and Karlach would be very wholesome together. They both have bombs in their chest, but they act very differently in the face of death.

I think that Karlach’s big-hearted nature would be so healing for Gale’s inner guilt and self-seriousness. She would drag him out to dance, laugh, live instead of wallowing on the edge of the void.

On the other hand, Gale would do everything in his power to try and help her, and I think he would bring some stability in her life. They are a good balance of joy and reflection. Or the balance between wanting to live life fully now vs. trying to fix things obsessively and forgetting to live.

Their love would be fast, fierce, and unbearably tender. Nights spent talking under the stars, Karlach daring Gale to shout his dreams to the sky; Gale whispering spells into her heart, promising to find a way.

The tragedy is that time might not be on their side. But their love would burn bright and beautiful, and even if the world ended tomorrow, they would have lived.

Once again, there is so much to explore here, because will they save each other or burn together?

Halsin - nature and nurture. Introspective, tender, healing.

I am not massively into this ship, so please forgive me.

I think they both carry regret around with them, and are trying to atone for something they did in the past. Yet they respond to it differently. Halsin embraces the present, while Gale clings to the past. I think Gale would admire Halsin’s strength and wisdom, and Halsin would appreciate Gale’s endless curiosity and idealism.

There's also something about Gale having his head in the clouds, while Halsin's is firmly on the ground.

Halsin is very physically affectionate and straightforward, while Gale is more flowery and romantic. I also think Halsin could teach Gale to open up more. Halsin's patience and wisdom would be a balm for Gale's self-worth issues. He would encourage Gale to love himself. He would ground Gale, and help him slow down.

They would build a relationship based on respect: nights spent discussing philosophy, mornings gathering herbs for potions, afternoons tending gardens and libraries alike.

Their life together would be simple but rich. I think this is another sweet, healing ship.

Minthara - the fallen and the damned. Tragic passion.

I have not done a playthough yet with Minthara so, once again, please forgive me.

They could have a very intense dynamic. Both are ambitious, and understand the appeal and danger of power.

Their relationship would involve choice: Gale choosing to see the vulnerability underneath Minthara’s ruthlessness, and Minthara choosing to trust someone who offers tenderness without weakness.

They would challenge each other constantly - Gale tempering Minthara's brutality with compassion, Minthara sharpening Gale's idealism with reality. It could be a love built on mutual growth.

Like Astarion, there is so much potential for them to make each other worse as well as better, which makes the dynamic interesting to explore.

Bonus -

Rolan - two wizards walk into a bar. Pride & Prejudice vibes.

I am not that into Rolan, but I know people ship it, so I will try.

Gale and Rolan are both very proud, very intelligent mages — but they deal with their insecurities differently. Rolan's bitterness could easily clash with Gale's more polished, professorial attitude. But if they worked through that, they could have a fierce respect for each other.

Imagine them tutoring students together, bickering like old married couples over magical theory, or challenging each other to spellcasting contests. Gale would be good for Rolan's self-esteem if he learned to offer encouragement, and Rolan could keep Gale humble in a way few others can. It's a relationship that would burn at first, but mellow into something deep and steady.

I can see Gale staying at Sorcerer's Sundries, and helping Rolan. He would be in his element.

....

So you have different dynamics between them.

Ships with high drama, emotional risk, a push-pull dynamic, and character growth - Astarion, Minthara, and Shadowheart.

Ships that are sweet, uplifting, steady, and healing - Wyll, Halsin, and Karlach.

Ships that are snarky, have rivalry, and smart dialogue - Rolan and Lae'zel.

Some of them may have a higher potential for a stable longer-term relationship than others, but they all have potential, and I like them all.

[criticalcrusherbot]

We've got a lot we could say about this, but we decided to address how these folks LOVE to come after the fans.

Shallow Criticism of the Fandom:

The statement about “cognitive dissonance” in Stolitz shippers is often used as a dismissive way of accusing fans of hypocrisy. However, this argument oversimplifies the complexities of fan engagement, especially in shows that feature morally ambiguous characters like Stolas. To assume that fans who support the Stolitz ship automatically ignore the character’s flaws is reductive. Fandoms are, at their core, about interpretation and engagement with narrative themes and character development. It’s not about denying the flaws of a character, but rather appreciating the story of their struggle, growth, and redemption.

In the case of Stolas, the character is depicted as deeply flawed. He has made mistakes—cheating on Stella, neglecting Octavia emotionally, and living in a world of privilege that he largely takes for granted. However, the show doesn’t hide these flaws, and many fans are drawn to Stolas precisely because of his imperfections. He’s not presented as a flawless hero or a straightforward villain. Instead, his arc is a slow exploration of self-awareness, accountability, and the search for meaning beyond superficial desires. Fans don’t “ignore” these flaws; they embrace them as part of his journey, understanding that flawed characters can still be lovable and worthy of growth.

Moreover, Helluva Boss is not about offering idealized or flawless characters—it’s about showcasing a variety of personalities and exploring the tension between people’s desires, their actions, and their consequences. Fans who enjoy the Stolitz ship often see it not as a glorification of privilege or toxic behavior, but as part of a broader narrative about flawed individuals working through their complicated feelings. For many, the emotional complexity and messiness of Stolas’s character make him more relatable, not less.

The assumption that fans of the ship must be overlooking the political context of Stolas's wealth also misses the mark. Yes, Stolas is an aristocratic figure in a world where wealth and power are deeply ingrained into the structure of society, but fans of Stolitz are generally more interested in the emotional dynamics between the characters than the surface-level politics of Stolas’s wealth. Helluva Boss is, after all, a show that combines humor, dark themes, and emotional storytelling. While the political context of wealth is present, it’s not always the primary focus of the narrative for viewers engaging with the relationships and character development.

Fandom Engagement and Narrative vs. Political Ideology

The argument that “eat the rich” shippers supporting Stolas is hypocritical also fails to recognize that fandoms rarely engage with shows through a purely political lens. Fans often connect with characters based on emotional resonance, personality, and their growth arcs, rather than idealizing them as representations of political ideologies. In shows like Helluva Boss, which blends humor, horror, and emotional drama, characters like Stolas are appealing because of their multi-faceted nature—they’re not just symbols of wealth, but characters who are dealing with internal conflicts and external struggles.

This approach is fairly common in fandoms. For example, many people who enjoy characters like Walter White in Breaking Bad aren’t doing so because they endorse his choices but because they’re captivated by his transformation and the moral questions his character raises. Similarly, Stolas’s flaws and his journey resonate with fans who appreciate how the show highlights the complexity of power, privilege, and personal growth. Stolas’s arc is an exploration of his own mistakes and his attempt at redemption, which makes his character relatable and emotionally compelling—even if, on the surface, he comes from a position of wealth.

Furthermore, it’s essential to recognize that many fans of Helluva Boss are aware of the complexities of privilege and wealth in the context of the show’s world. They’re not supporting Stolas because they condone his position in the societal hierarchy, but because they’re invested in his emotional journey. Fandoms often separate character analysis from political ideologies, enjoying the stories for their emotional resonance rather than fitting them into a rigid political box. To assume that a fan of Stolitz supports wealth or classism because they like the ship overlooks this nuanced engagement with the story.

The Appeal of Stolas’s Privilege Journey

One of the main appeals for “eat the rich” fans is watching Stolas slowly come to terms with his own privilege, but without the show forcing him into a preachy “woke” narrative. Stolas is not going to suddenly read a bunch of books on imp oppression overnight—he may get there eventually, but for now, he’s grappling with his privilege in a real and messy way. It’s not about him being lectured by another character, but about him experiencing firsthand how his position in society has shielded him from the struggles that others face.

This dynamic is engaging because it presents an opportunity for organic growth and learning, rather than a sermon about morality. Fans who appreciate Stolas’s arc aren’t looking for a perfect, all-knowing character—they’re looking for a character who is, in his own flawed way, trying to come to terms with his actions and the consequences of his privilege. It’s a relatable struggle, one that feels grounded and human, despite the fantastical setting. Watching Stolas go through this process without being immediately “woke” or sanctimonious is what makes his character interesting. It’s not about perfect morality—it’s about growth, learning, and grappling with uncomfortable truths.

Fandoms and the Appeal of Complex Characters

At the end of the day, the appeal of a character like Stolas in the Stolitz ship isn’t rooted in a rejection of social justice issues or an endorsement of wealth but in the complexity of his character and the way he evolves throughout the series. The fandom’s support for Stolas and his relationships is about understanding that people—both fictional and real—are multifaceted, and that redemption, emotional connection, and personal growth are possible even for deeply flawed individuals. By focusing on the emotional stakes of the character dynamics rather than superficial political concerns, fans are able to engage with the show on a deeper level, appreciating the storytelling and the characters for their emotional depth, not their ideological purity.

In short, the idea that Stolitz shippers are hypocritical or blind to the show's deeper themes is an oversimplified view of fandom culture. Fans can be critical of characters, recognize their flaws, and still appreciate them for the emotional complexity they bring to the story. And, like many fandoms, the support for a ship or character is often about the connection to the narrative and the characters’ development, not an endorsement of every action or belief they hold. This is a core aspect of how fans engage with shows and characters that are morally complex.

[that-one-english-nerd]

outsiders rare pairs hit DIFFERENT. like, have i always been a multi-shipper? yes, but i’ve reached a new level with this fandom‼️

[realm-sweet-realm]

Nice. I love Sammy’s sheer disdain here, and the height difference.

[wuddabudda]

such a shame I can’t enjoy a ship anymore because some asshole had to ruin the experience. As a multi-shipper, I eat ANYTHING UP…so it actually sucks I can’t look at said ship normally w/o bad memories of harassment—specifically harassment towards someone dear to me.

I won’t mention, nor shit on people who do enjoy the ship because I don’t wanna stoop to the harasser’s level + why the hell would i ever ruin someone’s fun/happiness…but damn it really is a shame.

Such good work/art etc I won’t ever consume just because of bad memories and one awful person.

Anyway if you’re not gonna be nice!! Keep it yourself !! LOL! Let people enjoy what they like even if you don’t fw it 😭 like u don’t gotta be weird….

Glad to know that the current shipping fandom I’m in are the sweetest people ever tho😭

[lexithwrites]

Headcanons: Regulus is left-handed just because he strikes me as a leftie. Barty is a veritable gifted child and Regulus is the only one who can keep up with him. Barty, Regulus and Evan are frightening levels of co-dependent and without healthy boundaries. Barty and Regulus become lovers at about 15; this never really stopped, even when Barty and Evan got together, though it did lessen over time. Barty and Regulus are not romantic. They're not platonic. They're something else entirely; something undefinable, akin to soulmates. No one tries to understand it, because it hurts their had.

When James and Regulus started dating, James had to get past Barty, who needed to make sure that Regulus would not be hurt and who needed to protect his territory. And Barty made him suffer. James hated this for ages, until James and Barty and Regulus ended up having a threesome and then James was like, 'oh, I get it now, this is okay.' And James and Regulus and Barty and Evan live in a little semi-poly unit where: James and Regulus are together, Barty and Evan are together, and Regulus and Barty are attached at the hip. And they all occasionally sleep with each other. Occasionally.

Literally just how I approach everything I write.

I love this because I’m a multi shipper that can never decide who to pair people up with so just make them all be together in some way or another, perfect! Also yes reg is 100% a leftie

[forever-and-whats-left]

Unasked-for TPOTO shipping OPINIONS

Ok. I'm sort of a multi-shipper who doesn't ship anyone. What does that mean? In canon I really don't like any of the relationships, but if the fic is good, the fic is good.

Erikstine

We just have to get the big one out of the way first. It's good. Like, I don't know what else to say. Sometimes the result isn't my favorite thing, but the original dynamics are so well-written that it's difficult to make it boring. Usually, my favorites tend to be when Erik is a bit more flawed. I enjoy watching Erik grow. Even better if Christine still has some lingering feelings of distrust or resentment. Not exactly canonical, but I think even Christine would be skeptical Sir Torture Chamber isn't 100% good after one forehead kiss.

2. Raoulstine

Sweet. That's all. I rarely see any fics ranging more than 2 or 3 chapters. And if they're any longer than that, it's because Erik is a central character. I think the main reason is that we write fics to get a little kick of something that can't be found in canon. Raoulstine, in most cases, is at least semi-canon. So nobody needs to write fics; they can just read or rewatch the source material.

3. Pharoga

Oh god. A lot of my followers are Pharoga fans. And I want to say, first and foremost, I love you. You guys are the most true-to-source writers I've seen. However... I don't think Erik deserves Daroga. Like, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the ship! But any time there's a fic where Daroga withers on about how Erik won't turn his gaze away from the girl he kidnapped, I just want to SHAKE HIM! Like, please, Daroga, I promise there are tons of melodramatic gay musicians out there for you. PLEASE! LEAVE HIM.

I prefer them with a bit of a bitter exes vibe... I've yet to see that. (wink emoji wink emoji send links)

4. Rerik

I don't think I've read any fics with this premise. The level of trigger warnings in the tags are usually enough to turn me off. Don't get me wrong, I chuckled at the idea. Sometimes, I will enjoy a good old jab at the choking scene in LND. But that's as far as I've gotten with this ship. So, i'd say my opinion is N/A.

5. Megstine

Sweet, but I'm allergic to fluff. I need a little edge to tide me over.

6. Daroga/Raoul

Someone brought this up as a joke, but the premise is hilarious to me. Raoul and Christine try to get together, but these two old men latch on to one member of the pairing and said old men spend the rest of the time fighting one and other. It's like a love square. Even funnier if past Pharoga is canon.

7. Carlotta/Piangi

Power couple. Love them.

8. The managers

I don't read any fics of them, but I have mad respect to those who do. I just imagine the two old man muppets every time.

9. OC x Erik

My Daughter Loves Him, I Think He Looks a Little Ugly, But Whatever Makes My Princess Happy.

[marzghost]

Listen listen listen, I know, I KNOW, mate means friend/buddy to the silly little brits and is basically a staple in the Mumbo "Killsalot" Jumbo vocabulary but the way he just kept repeating "You just killed my mate" to Tango over and over again after Tango killed Skizz just hit DIFFERENT. LIKE he was just eating his tasty little copper ingots when Skizz GOT MURDERED just out of his sight and the first thing he did was take out his sword and chase Tango yelling at him that what he did was illegal. His first thought was to hit Tango with a sword before switching it over to drip stone as if remembering he's green and therefore ,by life series rules, CAN'T hit back with it. Like, he didn't need to switch over to a sword, he already had something in his hands but he did. Despite being on green he pulled out his sword something that is guaranteed to do lots of damage if hit with.

The way he just stood off to the side looking at Tango and Jimmy ,watching them as he just took a few seconds to get his thoughts together before asking if Jimmy was friends with Tango and then when he got his answer just repeated "You just killed my mate" in a tone that by all accounts WAS joyful but to ME and my silly story line fannon shipper brain was also read as anger joy. Like that level of anger that surpasses anger and just loops over to joy. It did something to me. Like yeah ,they just killed his mate, his friend, but if one really wanted to ,and loves to ship their silly block men, one could read that as they just killed his life partner...his mate. Someone had just killed HIS MATE and gotten away with it because of some silly rule he subconsciously knows HE CAN'T BREAK.

As a multi-shipper and Dapper duo/MumSkizz/MumboMan/MumMan enjoyer im surprised there isn't more people going crazy over this moment because i JUST KNOW if this happened with any other of the more popular ships it would be making ROUNDS. There'd be at least ten one-shots based on this moment alone. They're mates your honor UwU nxjdkdodood

[chainofclovers]

I recently had a realization that with the exception of Severance, pretty much all of the fictional shows I’m currently most obsessed with (Ted Lasso, All Creatures Great and Small, Hacks, The Pitt) are very explicitly and at their core about teaching and mentorship and growth via vocation. Vocation—as opposed to job, career, obligation—is such fertile ground to build a story around because passion is such an integral part of the concept. The passion of a vocation ends up feeding workplace dynamics, friendship dynamics, family dynamics, sexual and romantic dynamics, faith and struggles with faith, the belief system around which a person measures success, character evolution or lack thereof as an industry evolves or as a community changes. (And I could argue that Cobel’s storyline in Severance is the story of a broken student—it’s just a little more tenuous, whereas I’d argue that teaching and mentorship [complicated, positive] are the absolute lifeblood of these other shows.)

I was happy when I had this realization because it ties together all these shows that are super different from each other on paper. I love that the passion of one’s vocation/life work, and the ebb and flow of success—whether that be coaching football or starting a career in PR or training veterinarians or writing comedy with a partner or working in the emergency department of a teaching hospital—bleeds into every type of relationship, every type of storyline.

For a long time, I’ve thought it was interesting that in meta and fan discussions in the related fandoms there’s often an emphasis on reading character relationships as familial. I know some of that is just for fun (fandom? just for fun? what? ��)…people love to be like “that’s my mom!” about a no-nonsense milf (childless or no) and “he’s literally their dad” about a caring dilf (childless or no). So I in no way want to come off like a killjoy who doesn’t think people “””””should””””” use familial language when talking about characters who aren’t in the same literal family tree. People should pretty much do whatever they want. But I have a theory that at least some of the familial language is coming from places where the real driver, the real passion, is teaching (its own kind of learning process) and not parenting. And my realization about teaching/mentorship being throughlines in these shows kinda tied all of this together for me.

Like, it is really important if you’re an ED resident to have an attending physician who is a great mentor. It would not necessarily be desirable for that attending physician to be parental with you, to see you as a child on some level no matter how old you get. Your attending should view you as a fellow competent adult who has things to learn. Their protectiveness or their tendency to challenge or their concern might be emotional or biased or passionate or career-strengthening or problematic or ideal (or all of the above) without being parental. And imo, it’s more fun to map the dynamics of a show like The Pitt by examining teaching styles and the various ways the mentors and mentees learn from each other, even though I get that for others that same fun is in remapping it onto family.

Being a multi-shipper who can usually imagine romantic possibilities between a lot of different characters makes for a wild experience w/r/t all the familial characterizations too. For example I do understand why someone might find it comforting or pleasurable or just plain fun to imagine Keeley from TL as Ted and Rebecca’s kid, but I personally think mentorship and friendship are the actual roots of those relationships. Which is great, since Keeley canonically ogles Rebecca’s breasts, the two women flirt for three years straight, Ted is fascinated enough by Keeley’s gender presentation and whole vibe that he openly tells Rebecca he’s fantasized about being her, etc.

Of course there are lots of examples within these shows of places where characters finding each other means finding a family. In ACGAS, I’m certain that Tristan’s early loss of his parents is a major element of how complicated his relationship with his brother/professional mentor has become, and why the complexities shift and morph over time even as they find peace with each other. Siegfried and Audrey do resemble father and mother figures for Tristan within the household. But I’m so into interrogating the whole “literal [figurative] mum and dad” thing that in the fic I’m writing, a small part is about exploring how Tristan’s canonical growth that helps him accept Siegfried as his brother results in him realizing that Audrey is like an elder sister. Not a replacement for his mother, or for the elder sister-in-law he lost, but another distinct relationship that suits them.

This is super scattered and all over the place and don’t necessarily have a point. I was just very !!! when I realized, duh, most of the stuff I get into is about the passion of vocation and how that translates to varyingly successful teaching relationships that may have some other flavor of friendship, romance, family, whatever layered on…and how maybe these themes are what ends up landing me in fandoms where people keep turning to the language of nuclear family to explain dynamics that I’m more excited to explain through other relationship types. Found family is a god-tier dynamic but I’m realizing I’m maybe less into using literal familial language to describe it than others, and while I feel very “to each their own” about it I also hope people are aware that your mentor doesn’t or even shouldn’t need to be your dad/mom/parent.

[inkie-does-whump]

Since most/all clients are associated with shady stuff, what on earth were Scar and Pris doing prior to getting yoinked if they had previously been clients?

On my Lab AU, I like to think Prismarina is the adult daughter of some rich family who does money laundering or multi level marketing schemes. Some of the subjects got rented as... (Spins the wheel) Drug mules? Doesn't really matter what. Pris liked to watch them work and chat with them. Started getting way too curious about their personal lives, started theorizing about them and shipping them (like a freak <3 we love a rpf shipper here) got to the point where she would rent them just for herself. Had them do her dishes and stuff so she could stare at them. Or play dress up with them.

The Watchers didn't mind this (as long as she was renting, money was coming in) but then once she tried to follow the transportation car back to the facility and the Watchers didn't like that so she was nabbed for Witchcraft SMP.

Scar is a little different from the other renters.

He was one of the VERY first renters, back during Evo. The Watchers hadn't really figured out how they were gonna do rentals yet. They didn't have a clean website either. They just kinda let it spread through word of mouth and a phone number.

Scar had a friend who was like, "hey dude, I got some help from this number last week. Cheap and very friendly! You should try it." So he called and that's how he ended up renting.

Grian (post incident) came over once while Scar was sick and they became friends and he helped Scar with the general difficulties of being sick in a wheelchair. Scar rented Grian again just because he likes hanging out with him. The Watchers were nervous that they're gonna get close and Scar will try to break Grian out of the system (not a problem they have now since they have blackmail on their renters. Aka, the crimes they get up to. Previously mentioned drugs smuggling and stuff) so that's why they pulled Scar into the system.

The Watchers don't really have a good use for Scar. He's not good for rentals. They mostly keep him around because the other subjects care too much about him. They would never leave him behind in an escape. Keeping Scar means it's even harder for the subjects to run away <3