#But having this dynamic before either of them are even born is even more hilarious to me

[azol-otl]

List of random headcanons I made because I genuinely love how Doug and Elaine Thomas were tied to Bruce’s early years as Batman and think that more supporting cast should be tangentially connected to one another:

Thomas Wayne, despite being a surgeon and therefore NOT in charge of delivering babies, has delivered exactly one child. A miss Crystal Brown who decided she didn’t give a damn if he was a surgeon, she was coming out now.

The reason Willis had Shiva in his contacts is because they’re actually half-siblings. There is no real angst behind it, their dad was just a ho. They were pretty sure they had dozens of siblings out there but never got around to searching for them before their lives fell apart.

Just like her son Tim imprinted on Dick Grayson, Janet Drake had a massive crush on Jim Gordon.

Talia met William Cobb once. His decision to steal his son and send him to the Haly’s to create a lineage of talons specifically to spite the Crownes helped Talia decide to pretend to have a miscarriage to avoid a similar situation happening with Damian and the al Ghuls. The irony of what happens later is not lost on her.

Catherine used to live in the border between Burnley and Park Row and had babysat for the Montoyas a few times.

[greensaplinggrace]

4 for the ship question meme! darklina, malina, malarkling, and malarklina :)

Ahhh thanks for the ask!! I'm putting it all under the cut lol.

Darklina

When I started shipping it if I did: As much as I love the ship now, I actually didn't start really shipping them until I joined the fandom and saw all the hate lol (I'm a Malina girlie at heart 😔). It was kind of a spite ship lol.

My thoughts: It's one of the most intriguing ships in SaB when it comes to potential and complexity. For all that I love the Darkling, that doesn't necessarily mean I would like him with Alina (he has harmed her and those she loves quite a bit after all), but I've really fallen in love with the ways their relationship could have gone, especially in regards to Alina and her own development in terms of reclaiming agency, self actualization, and a progressive character arc instead of the canonical regressive one. Even canonically, there is something so compelling in the books about the moments they have together and the dynamic they possess. I like that Alina has so many conflicting thoughts on him and I like that the Darkling clearly cares for her but his idea of love is so skewed. Mostly, I just love the push and pull power exchange of their dynamic a lot.

What makes me happy about them: They're adorable in the show and compelling in the books. Not to mention there is a mutual obsession between them that is absolutely hilarious lol. And I love the mind bond a lot I think it's really interesting and allows them to have so many fascinating scenes together in the books. I also really love how they can understand each other on a fundamental level others cannot.

What makes me sad about them: The tragedy of it all, not just in the nature of their dynamic, but also in what Aleksander's death means for Alina. Alina's character arc makes me so incredibly sad, and it's saddening to think about everything she loses at the end of the books. Not just in terms of innocence, but also in the fact that she loses her powers and loses what is essentially the only person on the planet who can understand her. Also, what makes me sad, but that I love, is the haunting aspect of their relationship. I've said it before but the way he haunts her in the second book is very 'she is haunted by the ghost of his inevitable death at her hands' 'she is haunted by his memory'. the darkling always exists first and foremost as a memory to Alina. all of his actions have more of an impact on her after the fact, which I think is interesting.

Things done in fanfic that annoys me: Lots of things lol. I'm not too fond of Aleksander being the Super Dominant Man while Alina is like this poor wilting sub, although there are some fics that actually strike a decent balance. I don't like it when Aleksander is british or christian or catholic or something instead of russian and jewish, the same going for Alina. Most fics that have Alina too innocent or stupid aren't appealing because she's not. Most fics that treat Aleksander as if he's nicer or meaner than he is aren't appealing either. If it's a fic that indicates this is sort of a study on if things were different, I don't mind it. But if it's a fic that goes 'this is how they canonically are and that's why I'm writing it this way'. Then I just nope out of there lol. Anything that says Aleksander is being redeemed is something I am peaking into with one eye closed hoping for the best like a skittish animal ready to bolt at the slightest provocation. Also anything where Aleksander is born into power and wealth instead of having to claw his way to the top or Alina is super sheltered instead of someone who has experienced the worst of the world. Basically I struggle a lot with Darklina fics.

Things I look for in fanfic: Alina is a solid human being. She is powerful, and even when she isn't dominant she holds a level of control. Alternatively, she starts out with no power or control and reclaims it, forcing a better and more equal dynamic between her and Aleksander. One of the best Darklina fics I've ever read is Absolute by TwilightToMidnight, and it is probably one of the only fics like it that I will ever read. I usually do not like unhappy endings or heavy power imbalance fics, but I came to love this one and I came to really like the ending a lot. In fics, I also look for power struggles where it is a back and forth push pull between them, and one of them is always struggling to get on top, succeeding, and then falling again. The best kind of this fic is one where they do it because it is in their nature, but come to hold a level of deep respect and love for each other regardless, or maybe because of this and because it is also in their nature, which is why The Empress, Robed in Sun is one of my all time favorite fics. And then of course my favorite favorite, because it feels as if it was written specifically to appeal to me and is my ideal fic in every way, is Power Corrupts by sweetlittlethirst.

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: For Aleksander, I suppose Nikolai or Mal? For Alina, literally everybody lol. I love her with Genya and with Mal and with Zoya. She deserves to get all the love she can.

My happily ever after for them: One where Alina has more power and control in the relationship, even if it is a fluctuating and always changing thing. There are so many potential avenues this could happen, and I think any of them would be great.

Who is the big spoon/little spoon: Alina is the big spoon and Sasha is the little spoon obviously 😔

Malina

When I started shipping it if I did: Immediately!! I love Malina and I actually really liked their meadow scenes. Every scene they had together was sweet and adorable. I think I really started liking the ship when she was at the little palace on her bed and they were reaching for each other even when they were apart.

My thoughts: This ship has such a real feel to it. I love the physicality of it and I love the way it brings the reader as well as Alina down to earth. It isn't a relationship without it's faults obviously, but a lot of that is miscommunication and the fact they are both struggling to reconcile their reality with what they want for each other and their futures. And a lot of it is also how Mal struggles to understand this part of Alina that he can't really know, but that he wants to support anyway.

What makes me happy about them: Every scene they have is so adorable?? Especially in the show?! I love it when they snuggle and kiss and touch and hold handsss. I love it when Alina goes to sleep on Nikolai's ship and Mal is sitting there watching over her just reading. They're so domestic and sweet. And I love how they always come back to each other and consider each other home.

What makes me sad about them: The divide between them that I think can never really be crossed or reconciled, even after Alina loses her powers. I think there is something within her that is just so far beyond Mal's reach and it's kind of painful to think about because everything else about her can know and touch and understand. And I think it's sad too that Alina always feels as if she's dragging Mal along with her and as if he doesn't want to be with her. And it makes me sad too that he thinks all he can offer is a service and his loyalty, as if he's not more than that to her. And aldjsflksd they need to communicate moreee. GOD!!

Things done in fanfic that annoys me: OOF. Fics that say Alina liked losing her powers or that it was good for her. Fics that don't acknowledge Alina's lost powers as basically a disability that was forced on her. It was a moment where she was stripped of agency and harmed irreparably. And instead of fics capitalizing on this and having Mal help her through her grief and the adjustment into a new life they just... don't? Anyways, fics where Mal is too mean or too understanding. Fics where Alina is too mean or too nice. Fics where Mal's trauma isn't really touched on or where Alina's isn't either (excluding what if things were different studies of course). And of course fics where grisha persecution is pushed under the rug or where Alina is shamed for her desires like she is in canon. Also fics where it feels like they're putting up with each other instead of actually in love. I honestly just have a hard time finding fics I like for any of my ships in this fandom lol.

Things I look for in fanfic: Alina and Mal helping each other through their trials and their grief! Mal actually acknowledging and supporting the parts of Alina that he doesn't understand. Alina being a complicated and complex person who is not wholly perfect or bad. Them finding better ways to communicate and open up to each other as time passes. Fics where Alina is super protective of Mal, sometimes fics where she's even allowed to be possessive, because I kind of love that about her and I don't see it nearly enough. Fics where Alina's darkness isn't brushed under the rug and Mal is allowed to be a bit of a bitch.

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: Mal probably with Nikolai or Zoya or Aleksander. Alina with everybody XD. Aleksander or Genya or Zoya.

My happily ever after for them: Honestly? If Alina had kept her powers and still retired to live with Mal. Like that's it for me. (also perhaps immortal mal too 👀)

Who is the big spoon/little spoon: aldjlfks Alina is mostly big spoon but occasionally Mal is.

Malarkling

When I started shipping it if I did: "My summoner" and "My tracker." The war room scene in the show where Aleksander and Mal have insane boatloads of sexual tension.

My thoughts: They have two brainells between them but it only works when they're apart because when they're together their braincells cancel each other out.

What makes me happy about them: They both suck at killing each other. There's so much sexual tension between them. They will take any opportunity to insult each other for literally no reason. Aleksander fucking keeps Mal alive despite logic and everybody else saying he should kill him.

What makes me sad about them: I think Aleksander sees Luda in Mal, which is sad but also so interesting. I think he sees Alina and Mal's relationship and knows what's going to happen, and I think his way of viewing Mal largely comes from that. Aleksander's connection to anybody that isn't immortal is eventually going to end in their death and his grief, which is just tragic.

Things done in fanfic that annoys me: Not much really? When it comes to this ship there's so few that it's hard to gauge. I suppose fics where Mal or Aleksander act too out of character in terms of being mean and cruel or hating each other is kind of annoying. But that's about it.

Things I look for in fanfic: Mal being a bit of dom and Aleksander being a bit of a brat. But also Aleksander being antagonistic like a smug cat and Mal suffering for it lmfao. They're just fun.

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: Alina 💕. And of course the people stated before lol.

My happily ever after for them: 😭😭 I don't know I don't really think about them having a happily ever after. Mal is immortal and doesn't die would be nice tho ngl

Who is the big spoon/little spoon: MAL IS THE BIG SPOON. but sometimes Aleksander will be the big spoon just to make sure Mal is alive.

Malarklina

When I started shipping it if I did: HHHH IMMEDIATELY. But also after the war room scene in the show lets be reallll. Also again "my summoner" and "my tracker". Like why are you so obsessed with them.

My thoughts: This is the ideal dynamic because they all balance each other and both Mal and Aleksander fulfill parts of Alina's emotional needs that the other can't. I'm not even lying when I fully say that Alina's character would be at it's most fulfilled and have the chance for it's best progression if she was allowed a relationship with both Mal and Aleksander simultaneously. I think they are both Alina's soulmates in different ways. I think they both represent the different and most crucial aspects of Alina's soul.

What makes me happy about them: How Mal and Alina are both clearly attracted to Aleksander and subconsciously appreciate many of the same things about him. Never forget their conversation about being comforted by Aleksander's confidence and praise in them lmfao. Also how Aleksander clearly has an attraction to them both. Also how they both clearly bring out his competence kink ngl. He visits them both in their dreams which is freaking wild. Also Alina has such fluffy and amazing moments with the both of them. I just love all of their interactions. Also of course Aleksander fondly remembering being penetrated by Mal and Alina. It never gets old.

What makes me sad about them: The fact that Alina has to end up with only one of them canonically. The ways they all hurt each other. The fact that Mal is mortal and will eventually die.

Things done in fanfic that annoys me: Not much? I usually like all Malarklina fics. This fandom rules 💕. Probably just the same stuff I stated earlier, where any of them act too ooc in terms of being cruel or nice. Or any form of redemption for Aleksander and especially any attempt at redeeming him the eyes of the law and royal family that persecuted his people for centuries. But I haven't really seen any of that in the Malarklina fandom because it's amazing so 🤷🏽‍♀️

Things I look for in fanfic: Mal and Alina being more dominant than Aleksander. Them all caring about each other instead of some of them caring for each other more. I really like fics where Mal and Alina get invested in helping the grisha, and I also really like fics where Aleksander tries to support Mal and Alina in their more down to earth endeavors. Also I love fics about them where all of the differences in their relationships with each other are acknowledged. Like how Alina and Aleksander would probably act more possessive with each other. They'd be tossing around "you're mine" like it's the word of law. Whereas Alina and Mal would be more fond of the "I'm home when I'm with you" statements. Aleksander would actually be pretty fond of poetry, though, and waxing poetic, which I think Mal would appreciate more than Alina. but Alina would love having vicious morally opposed arguments with Aleksander that Mal wouldn't. Mal would probably like having arguments with Aleksander about other things, though, and he would actually probably love physically sparring with him. And Mal would love taking Alina places that Aleksander would hate, and vice versa. Like idk I just love the unique ties developed within polyamorous relationships, especially the potential between all of them.

Who I’d be comfortable them ending up with, if not each other: As stated above. Basically everybody lol.

My happily ever after for them: Immortal cottage life until they reach the modern world, and then immortal city chaos.

Who is the big spoon/little spoon: Alina and Mal are the big spoons and Aleksander is (the knife) in the middle. But sometimes they switch things up.

send me a ship (x)

[sapphire-weapon]

Your sidenote about Krauser and his picture of Leon in the last ask made me giggle! So I want to know: what are your thoughts on Metaltango and their dynamic in the remake? Is this a ship you like, and if so, what are your thoughts/headcanons/meta about what they were like before RE4R?

To be 100% transparent, I struggle to think of a Leon ship I don't enjoy, at least on some level. I even like the idea of Leon/Ada in concept -- I've just never seen it done well in fandom, and canon uses it to strangle Ada's character instead of enhancing it, so I just stay away from it. The fandom being batshit doesn't help, either. But I really just enjoy whoring Leon out lmao

I was surprised by Krauser in RE4make. I feel like they aged him down from OG (I would've put him around 42-46 in OG, but I feel like he's about ten years younger in RE4make), and I feel like they did that specifically to make his relationship with Leon both more equal and more intense. It was an interesting choice that was probably born from the desire to keep Wesker more of a mystery in Remake -- so, Krauser couldn't be so doggedly loyal to him this time around. And without Krauser's loyalty to Wesker, he needed a new character motivation.

So they turned him into Vergil.

LIKE

LMAO

HE LITERALLY GIVES VERGIL'S DMC3 MONOLOGUE ABOUT HOW THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS IS POWER AND YOU CAN'T PROTECT ANYTHING OR ANYONE WITHOUT IT

RE4make Krauser answers the question nobody asked of "what if Vergil Devil May Cry was an injured US Army vet?"

Like

Okay, RE4make. Okay.

What the fuck was I even talking about

Oh yeah. Metaltango. Sorry.

So basically what I'm saying is, every time Leon lands a hit on Krauser, it only makes him harder. And I don't even think that's a headcanon, at this point. I think it might just be canon.

There's a non-zero chance that Leon was Krauser's gay awakening, and he's really fucking pissed about it. (As though he's the only one this has happened to lmao)

So, like. I can't help but shitpost about this ship every time I talk about it, because it's so fucking funny to me. Like, I genuinely find it hilarious. Any chance I get to make fun of Krauser's weird boner, I'm gonna take it. Because he's so angry and pathetic about it.

That having been said, under all of the hilarity, I do enjoy the power dynamic between them -- but I should clarify that I enjoy metaltango for purely shallow reasons.

I like metaltango for the same reason I like American football. Football is just a bunch of fit, hot guys with great asses in tight pants tackling each other to the ground. I enjoy such things. LMAO

While I could sit here and posit about the changes to Operation Javier and Krauser's feelings towards leadership and responsibility and all that shit, I think I'm going to pass the ball instead of run it. If you want sincere meta and headcanons about their dynamic, @theggning is your girl. I'm just here for the porn.

[hiveswap]

Ok sorry to do this again despite admitting I don't know shit the first time (I'm the "isn't it both" anon) but I had some more thoughts.

So, even tho being ex eastern bloc is defo relevant for certain analyses of current situations, I don't think it should play too hard into tryna determine whether a country you aren't from can be considered eastern Europe (tho i think it's valid to bring into it if it's about your own country probably? I am not a politically versed person) and one of the reasons I say this is that my mum is from Saxony which was part of the GDR.

The family had been preparing to leave for years and eventually did so a few months before reunification (kinda hilarious tbh) and I myself grew up in (former) western germany (tho i was born years after reuni anyway) so I never lived in the GDR or even in any former GDR states myself but my mother has always shared a lot of stories but that's besides the point.

And like... nobody is calling the ex GDR states (let alone germany as a whole) eastern Europe. There's even ppl who consider us western Europe (I think we're pretty firmly central but tbh western vs central as a distinction isn't as important (bc I do know central vs eastern carries a lot more weight n stuff) so I don't really care) despite part of our country having been eastern bloc. So when people (specifically non ex eastern bloc folks, you're obviously fine) use it as an argument it feels hypocritical.

And obviously ex GDR states had the support of other german states so it was much easier for them to recover but imo the modern day economics are way closer to helping determine whether a country is eastern Europe? Not geographically obvs but in my mind (feel free to correct me) eastern european is kinda like asian in that it shouldn't be an important distinction going by geography but in terms of politics and dynamics and stuff it very much is and it matters.

Like, eastern europeans, at least within Europe, dunno how true it is elsewhere, are kinda oppressed? Like, if I meet a western european (esp an english person) they're prolly not gonna be xenophobic to me when I tell them where I'm from but if I was like Belarusian or something, they might. And then there's the economic stuff and also like social progression.

I've heard a lot about eg LGBT rights in Hungary and stuff like that and no shade or anything ofc, especially to the LGBT ppl living there such as (i think?) yourself and the other Hungarians I follow, but it does feel a lot less progressive.

Things aren't perfect here either or anything but they're getting better, we've had marriage equality for same sex couples (not (all) nb or intersex ppl tho) for over half a decade, forced trans sterilisation was declared unconstitutional 12 years ago and we're finally getting that self-determination bill put into place next year and then I can get that d. D stands for diverse in this case, it's our third legal gender (tho we also have "none", none gender can't get married)

Meanwhile transitioning in Hungary was outlawed three years ago and there's plenty of other countries where it's still a struggle and all in all it just feels kinda... distinct? Like how scandinavian (or nordic in general) countries feel like they're on a different economic and societal level from us(excl), the latter especially in regards to sexism, education and incarceration but also other stuff.

Obvs there's always so many factors but it's always felt to me like they were, forgive me for simplifying, the "higher" tier of europeans in at least those areas compared to my life in central Europe. Grass is always greener somewhere I guess. But I'm gonna get back on track.

So even tho geographically it's hard to argue that Hungary isn't central Europe, I think it might be politically. And it's not the only country that feels like this to me, like eg Romania is geographically southeast but politically I personally view it as firmly eastern tho obvs I'm no authority.

Anyway, sorry this got so long lmao I have not been awake for long yet and my brain's a little squished lol. Hope this wasn't a completely useless read, sorry if it was. Keep on keeping on 👍

Oh hi i got scared for a sec when i saw that i got a whole block of text. I'm not really up to politics talk rn, but what you're saying makes a lot of sense to me!! Though i havent seen anyone consider romania central before, i've always thought of the border between us as the edge of central europe. Probably because of the timezone difference ngl

[barry-j-blupjeans]

Ise I would luv 2 see prompt 2 "It's you, it's always been you" + blups if it hasn't already been done! :0 -Hali

2. “It’s you, it's always been you.”

--

Finding your soulmate is supposed to be magical and fantastical and perfect. It's supposed to be brushing up against their skin and just knowing. The world in color is beautiful compared to the shades of gray that had coated life before. It's breathtaking and awe-inspiring and, on top of it all, you have finally found your person. The one person who will finally make you feel complete, whether than be through romance or friendship, or any number of family dynamics.

It's supposed to be like that. Instead, Barry had stumbled home, head pounding and eyes burning from the sudden onslaught of color, with no idea who in the world his soulmate was. They work at the Institute, maybe, but what department? Engineering, like him? Arcane science? Maybe they're a custodian? Maybe they had been a reporter that Barry had accidentally bumped into or someone visiting from out of town to see the press conference. Barry didn't know. All he knew is that his apartment looked a lot more awful now that he could the clashing colors.

There's no time to figure it out, either. The Institute was on the brink of an important discovery and Barry had been assigned to work on the yet-unnamed ship. And after that, he had been assigned to work on the freshly (and hilariously) named Starblaster. And then, of course, the apocalypse and the Hunger and the, y'know, whole world ending kinda put a stop to ever figuring out who his soulmate was.

There are other people on the crew with soulmates. Davenport's had been his sister, who died when she was five years old and Davenport himself was eight. Barry had worked up the nerve to ask once, late in the first cycle, what the colors looked like to him now. He was a little more reassured when what Davenport described (dull, seeping back towards gray, but not quite) wasn't at all what he saw. The world, however dark Barry's outlook may now be, was bright as ever.

Merle claimed to have been born with his colors, which wasn't too unusual. Barry had asked him, much later on in the cycles, what it was like to not have a soulmate but to have colors. Merle waved the question away with "life itself is my soulmate, man, I don't need anyone to complete that!"

Magnus and Lucretia were still colorless, though their stories were a whole different kind of weird. They started getting colors around cycle fifteen and gradually began to see the whole spectrum. Barry was glad they could. The Hunger was awful, but in a horrible sort of way, it was beautiful, too.

And Taako and Lup. Born with colors. Born as soulmates. Barry didn't need them to confirm that. If anyone even looked twice at them, they would know. It was always Taako and Lup, or Lup and Taako. Nothing was going to change that for them.

And then Lup died.

Barry had been there- he liked to say he wished he wasn't, but to be honest, he was glad he had been there. Lup had never died before- Barry did, once, in cycle six, and it had been awful. The world seemed to quiet around them as it happened. It wasn't as painful as Barry's own death had been, he hoped, but it still wasn't pretty. There was blood, a lot of blood, all over her clothes and the ground.

Taako held onto her until she died. And then he stood up, his front covered in Lup's blood, and told Barry "don't fucking move". Barry's mind had gone too blank to remember how Taako had gotten them out of that situation, but he did. The only thing Barry did know is that the color around him was slowly seeping out, the vibrance fading.

He might have been a smart guy, but grief tended to cloud the mind. So what if he didn't notice the colors right then? Lup was dead. Of course, he didn't notice. The world just reflected how he felt. And when the colors came flooding back in the next cycle, could he be blamed for not putting the pieces together when all that really mattered was the fact that Lup was here again?

The endless loop of life and death they were in never stopped. And finally, Barry started to piece things together. The colors weren't the first clue, but once he knew, once he realized? They seemed a little bit brighter. And every time that Lup died, every time he saw her get killed, or they came back with her body, or they had to leave her somewhere because it wasn't safe, the colors rolled back. They weren't gone, but they were like Davenport had said. Dull, seeping back towards gray, visible enough to tell the difference, but not enough to have an impact on anything.

"Barry?" Lup asked. They were on the Starblaster's roof after everyone else had gone to bed. The skies above The Legato Conservatory were vivid but incredibly different than the skies back home. Lup was laying on her back and trying to find the constellations that Barry described.

"Hm?"

"Do you ever..." Lup took a deep breath, looking toward him. "Do you ever miss your soulmate? Back home?"

Barry's heart did a funny little lurch in his chest.

"Uhm," Barry said. "That's a... complicated question, Lup."

"You don't have to answer it," Lup said. "I was just, y'know, wondering. Because you've said before that your pretty sure it was romantic love and I just- I was curious. You don't really talk about it. And, again, you don't have to."

"I don't talk about it because I didn't know her when we were home," Barry said. "We never really, uh, met. As soulmates, at least. And she's already got her soulmate, so I don't really think she ever knew."

"Ah," Lup said. "Right."

There was a silence between them. Barry cleared his throat and shut the book of constellations, setting it aside.

"There's probably, uh, probably something I need to tell you about her, though," Barry said before he could make himself too anxious about it. Lup glanced back at him.

"Yeah?" she asked.

"Yeah," he said. "You know when like... when Taako dies, sometimes, and the colors kinda fade."

"Oh, Barry," Lup said. She pushed herself up into a sitting position, frowning. "Did she-?"

"Not- not exactly," Barry said. "It's a lot more like the Taako situation, actually. Where she keeps dying sometimes and then coming back and then the- the cycles keep going and- fuck. What- what I'm trying to say is- geez, okay, I'm messing it up."

"I think I got it," Lup said quietly. She leaned over to him, placing her hand on his arm. Barry swallowed, his throat feeling tight. Lup was beautiful and he was an entire mess. She looked up at him and squeezed his arm. "Is it who I think it is?"

"It's you, Lup," Barry whispered. "It's always been you."

A smile grew over Lup's face, slowly, but going so wide that she got lines around her cheeks. Barry couldn't help it, he smiled too. There was a giddy feeling rising in his chest, unsteady, but real.

"I was hoping that," Lup said, bringing a hand up to his face. She wiped away a tear Barry hadn't even realized was going down his face. "We've got a lot to talk about, babe."

"Yeah," Barry said, a little laugh in his voice. "I think we do."

[cyraniadebergerac]

Another random Sonic Movie Thought

Of course, it could only be an utter coincidence. Still, it seems that there has to be something intentional about giving the Polish last name of Wachowski when Dr. Ivo (meant to be backwards Ovi for egg, but could also could be seen as a variation of Ivan, the nearby Russian version of John) Robotnik's last name already has it's origins from Poland, since the name is literally the polish word for worker while also having 'Robot' within it (similar to how mechanicals use to be the term for common workmen as in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream).

At the very least, it helps contrast them more. Whoever were Robotnik's birth parents, they would seem to have wanted to maintain a tight grip on their heritage while Tom Wachowski's family has either been around long enough that they don't consider themselves different from other Americans, they don't struggle too hard with holding onto the past, or his parents were newly immigrated and didn't want Tom to stand out anymore than he did with the last name (how many would bet that no one ever would bully Ton over a last name like Wachowski?). In the end, definitely helps the Robetnik's uniqueness vs. Tom's 'mediocrity' dynamic.

But what if it was also a subtle hint to some other connection? We know that if Shadow's being brought back, most likely that'll also mean Dr. Gerald Robotnik and his granddaughter Maria will be back in the picture. Gerald's connection with Ivo is direct, also being his grandfather. But the connection with Maria has more wiggle room. Usually, he's her cousin. In this universe though, he grew up an orphan, a lot like is simplied with Tails. It could also potentially be the case in other Eggman versions, but it's not been explicitly there in the cases I know, so we'll say that the orphan origin is unique here. Meaning there's a reason for him being an orphan, potentially related to how the status quo has changed.

Other fans on reddit estimated that he's probably around 48-50 years old at least. If that's the case, there's a good chance for him to be Maria's little brother this time around, born shortly before or right after her death, which was then followed shortly afterwards by his parents' deaths and his grandfather's death so that he only knew himself as an orphan. That in and of itself would be an interesting connection for Robotnik to find out about and seems highly likely. But what if we took this idea a step further?

Gerald and Maria basically spent their last years on the ARK in the games. If the same holds true in the movies, then that leaves baby Eggman in an interesting position. Maria's parents don't seem to figure into things at all, meaning they're likely out of the picture for one reason or another. An infant also typically is not supposed to be out in space. Gerald would already be pushing things to have Maria up there, even if Commander Walters ends up also to have been up there during that time. Eggman though would need someone to actually raise him. And who better than an older sibling, for the sake of the theory, a sister between 14-16 when everything goes down. Who then gets separated from Ivo in the aftermath as part of the coverup in case the two siblings work together to expose everything. She tries to find her brother, likely after aging out of the system. Ends up meeting Mr. Wachowski, potentially bonding over a shared heritage, falling in love, marrying, then having Tom Wachowski. Who then may or may not have traces of Maria in how he looks that could cause Shadow pause when confronting him.

Too crazy a theory? Or potentially possible? At the very least, it could be hilarious for Robotnik turn out to be Tom's biological uncle and/or for Shadow to start inexplicably doing all he can to make sure Tom in particular doesn't die while still trying to destroy the rest of the world. Perhaps Tom or his mother would be the one's helping Shadow gain back what he really promised Maria instead of vengeance.

At the very least, it'd tie into the theme of family.

(Then there could also be the utterly tragic scene of Tom's mother being ecstatic to finally see her little brother again, only for Eggman to push her back, yelling about if she'd wanted him she should have been there. He didn't need any family. Especially not family like her.)

[thereaderstea]

G´day tor-mon, how are you<3? Recommend me your favourite bts!jungkook x reader fics! so I guess its not an au?(no smut✋🚫)

Merry meet, nonnie! I am well, busy and a little stressed because I had a power outage yesterday, but well nonetheless ☺️ I hope you are merry in the holidays (if you celebrate) and are happy and healthy 😄🖤💜

asdfghjkl, my favorite JJK x Reader fics? I have to choose? 😰 *has an existential crisis*

Alright, after some deep reflection, an existential crisis, and fighting the urge to devour these fics again (you have a mission, tor-mon!), I present to you my current favorite JJK fics (this list is only bound to grow). These fics have made me feel so intensely and I think about these fics a lot (an unhealthy amount, probably). I sorted them by genre: fluff to angst to yandere.

tor-mon’s Favorite JJK x Reader Fics

Sugar and Coffee by @jimlingss​  ➵Fluff, Angst, Slice of Life | slice of life au |  pâtisserie school au | enemies to friends to lovers au | Slice of Life series | 23 ch series | 100.5k ➵You are quite the pâtisserie chef, or at least on your way to becoming one, but there’s that one person who always has to complain, Jeon Jungkook.  ➵A masterpiece, honestly. I remember cracking up so hard over their competitions, the banter, and dynamics, but nothing beats that one day after the dream... I don’t want to spoil! but I do want to warn that there is a wet dream (not too graphic and it’s not a lot, I promise) somewhere in there, but honestly, it’s so hilarious.

Chess of Ice by Jimlingss​ | The Reader’s Tea Reviews 1 | 2 | 3 ➵Fluff, a lil bit of Angst | sports au | curling au | trilogy | 42.8k ➵Jeon Jungkook is a rising star, that is, until he falls. Now he’s picking up another sport, curling. ➵I love a good team dynamic and the characters in this are everything 🙌🏻

Date in a Box by Jimlingss​  ➵Fluff | Service Series | oneshot | 9.7k (Jimlingss’s summary: ) ➵If you’re in a hurry then we’re here to help you! Everything you need in a box. Delivery less than five minutes. Upgrade and we can personalize your date even more! Guaranteed 100%! Don’t fret, we’re here.  ➵I love the entire Service Series because the concepts are so much fun and they’re hilarious and I love the service descriptions, aka the commercials XD

I Will Not Lose! by Jimlingss​ ➵Fluff | magic au | oneshot | 6.2k (Jimlingss’s summary: ) ➵A single bet - use every means to make Jeon Jungkook fall in love with you. ➵It’s fluffy and cute, and it’s got that hint of enemies to lovers, especially with how competitive the mc gets over this bet. And the ending! asdfghjkl ^.^ 

midas by @gukyi​  ➵Fluff, (light) Angst, Comedy | enemies to lovers au | ceo au| magical realism au | oneshot | 32k (gukyi’s summary: ) ➵jeon jungkook was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and the power to turn whatever he wants into pure gold. you were born with healing and invisibility powers but without a cent to your name. so when you’re plucked off of the streets for pickpocketing and assigned to be his minder as punishment, you realize you’re going to have to overcome a lot more than class differences if either of you are going to get what you want. (or,) ➵you become Jungkook’s magical babysitter ➵I really love this concept! This fic is what got me looking into magical realism as an entire genre. But also, who doesn’t love a good enemies to lovers? and from the master of enemies to lovers 🙌🏻

ice prince by gukyi | The Reader’s Tea Review   ➵Fluff, (very light) Angst | figure skating au | enemies to lovers au | oneshot | 22k ➵Your ice skating partner just had to break his leg right before a big competition and “of all people on this godforsaken Earth, you’ve been re-paired up with Jeon Jungkook, Ice Prince.” ➵an axel-lent enemies to lovers :D I love it so much! And I really love Tae and mc’s friendship and all those icebreaker questions ☺️

if i told you by gukyi​  ➵Fluff, (light) Angst, Comedy | friends to lovers au | college au | oneshot | 22k ➵Jeon Jungkook is a broke college student, so to pay off his debt, he sells himself as the perfect boyfriend. If only you weren’t a broke college student either, then maybe you could buy yourself a date with Jungkook. ➵The mc is so not what I expected, (no spoilers!) all I will say is that I really love how supportive she is. I also love how close they are and this Jungkook is too fluffy and cute! ^.^

a moonlight melody by gukyi​ | The Reader’s Tea Reviews 1 | 2 ➵Fluff, Soft Angst | fake dating au | orchestra au | vacation au | duology | 50k ➵Your best friend has pranked you too many times and you’ve done nothing about it, because you, quite frankly, suck at pranking. As such, Jungkook ➵This is so soft and magical and sweet and soft ☺️ and did I mention soft? but also all those memes! There is so much good and wholesome and hilarious dynamics in here! This is the kind of fic that makes me wish I had a big friend group to do crazy stuff like this (but I hear you have to leave your house and, like, socialize??)

Down With The Ship by @tatastaetae | The Reader’s Tea Reviews 1 | 2 | 3 ➵Fluff, Angst | pirate au | trilogy | 25.4k ➵ You board a ship to escape forced love; but you join a pirate crew to fall into the arms of your only true and constant love: the sea. (or, tatastaetae’s summary: ) ➵Captain Jeon Jungkook; a beautiful mess of blood and gold. His greatest treasure, may also be his greatest downfall. ➵Very very fluffy! I love the adventure and the antics and I still want to know what’s in that soup, Jin! But that ending, holy heck, I didn’t see it coming and I just malfunctioned and stared at my wall in shock for who knows how long, and I just love tatastaetae’s fluffy writing which always somehow wrecks my soul! ^.^

His Name by @jimlingss ➵Angst | multiple personality au | 8 part series | 52.4k ➵Jeon Jungkook has multiple personalities and gaps in his memory. It’s your job to treat him and perhaps help him remember his past... ➵This is the first bts fic I ever read (a special thanks to Nani for reccing it ☺️) and so it holds a special place in my black heart, especially because I sobbed so hard at 3 in the morning and my mind was stuck on this for days

Gravity by @donewithjeon | The Reader’s Tea Review ➵Angst, Fluff | ‘90s au | oneshot | 29k ➵Time can bring you together, but Time can also push you apart; will you and Jungkook be able to fight the distance and Time to stay together, or were you always meant to only share this descent to earth for just a moment, always meant to eventually drift apart? ➵I am a wimp when it comes to Time, but does that stop me from reading fics that exploit that weakness? nope! That last train scene destroyed my heart and that entire ending, the acceptance, stabbed me in the heart, for good measure.

written on the sky by @inktae​ | The Reader’s Tea Review ➵Angst, Fluff | apocalyptic au? | end of the world au | ‘seeking a friend at the end of the world’ au | oneshot | 22k ➵The 60-mile-wide asteroid was supposed to slip by Earth, but it’s a little late to change its course or do anything about it except to prepare for the end. So while you’re waiting for the end, find a friend, someone to hold a hand with at the end of the world. ➵I was sobbing before the fic even finished. The odd thing is that you know the end, but knowing doesn’t prepare you for the feels. 

below thunder showers by inktae | The Reader’s Tea Review ➵ Angst, lil bits of Fluff | sci-fi au | oneshot | 30k ➵ Yoongi leads Earth, while you lead a withered space station. You go to Earth to settle the tensions that have been brewing between Earth and the space station, and Jeon Jungkook, a broken soldier who holds a deep love for the rain, is there to deliver you. ➵we stan a fellow pluviophile ✊🏻 I am so conflicted over this Min Yoongi >.< but Jungkook is so soft and he really didn’t deserve to live this way :(

first light by inktae | The Reader’s Tea Review ➵Angst, Fluff | hotarubi no mori e au | 24.8k (inktae’s synopsis: ) ➵“Have you ever felt like the world is too loud sometimes?” “No. For me it’s always quiet.” ➵This fic wrecked me and made me so conflicted >.< I can never forget this fluffy, masked boy who lives in the woods and silence...

the swirling way of stars by inktae | The Reader’s Tea Review ➵Angst, Fluff | fantasy au | oneshot | 19k ➵You’re tasked with showing Jeon Jungkook what it’s like to live a completely normal life. ➵It’s just falling in love with life itself, the simple things, and it’s written so magically...how can you not fall in love?

the train of lost souls by inktae | The Reader’s Tea Review ➵Angst, lil bits of Fluff | fantasy au | oneshot | 13.6k ➵You have two options when you step on the train: you can live but forget your life, and everyone in your life will forget you, or you can move on and keep your memories for the rest of time. But, how can you choose when part of your soul rests on this train, and the other part longs for someone just out of reach... ➵Once again, I’m a wimp with Time, and the choices really get me thinking...

Pen Pal by @chinkbihh​  ➵Part 1 | Part 1.5 | Part 2 | Final 1/2 | Final 2/2 ➵Angst, Horror? | yandere au | murder and crime au | pen pal au | trilogy | 127.3k ➵Warnings: mental disorders (agoraphobia?), yandere, murder (stabbing)  ➵You sign up to receive a pen pal and are paired up with an inmate, jungkook. You just wanted to talk to someone who could understand what it’s like to be removed from society, but you just may be getting more than you asked for... ➵I love a good yandere fic, there’s something about a yandere’s demented psychology that calls to me, and it’s always so interesting to see how one yandere differs from another, especially in different scenarios. But please please please read and be mindful of the warnings in case it just doesn’t vibe with you.

Quarter Quell by chinkbihh ➵Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | +more  ➵Angst, Horror? | yandere au | hunger games au | ongoing ➵You have resigned to your fate as a tribute in the next hunger games when someone from District Two takes an interest in you...a bit too much of an interest, you’d say. ➵I am a little hesitant to rec this because it isn’t finished, but the premise is exciting and I am really amped for the next chapter in this fic, heck yeah! I mean, heck, a yandere hunger games au? let’s go! But please please please read the warnings in case it just doesn’t vibe with you

~*~

Bonus rec!

I haven’t read this fic, but my friend, Nani, rec’d it to me the other day, and it sounds so exciting :D so I’ll let her tell you about it:

Fan Identity by @tteokggukk​  ➵Fluff, Crack, Angst | enemies to lovers au | social media au | 37 ch series   ➵Influencer!JK is whipped for influencer!reader. Both don’t know they’re interacting with each other on their secret fan accounts. You’re rooting for the two long before they properly meet. But the best part? You’re rooting for their pseudos, Blair Witch and Seagull, as well. ➵I laugh, I pause, I gasp. The conflict between the two mc’s hurt. Honestly, it made the story worth the read.

~*~

Can I also...🥺...may I suggest:

10 Series by @deepdarkdelights | The Reader’s Tea Reviews 1 | 2 | 3 | The Reader’s Tea Analysis ➵10 Seconds | 10 Days | 10 Years ➵Horror? | yandere au | Bouquet Series | 10 Series | trilogy | 29.2k ➵You’re just a college student returning home from a late night out trying to finish up your ungodly college work...but “All it took was ten seconds” and well, now, you’re his. ➵How can I not include my favorite yandere writer, the master of yandere, herself? 🥺 I’m only hesitant because you requested no smut and I respect that, but if you are alright with a small smut scene (I promise there’s not too much) or even just skimming/skipping over it, I would highly recommend this series 🙌🏻 The smut scene is in the final installment (10 Years). It’s an all-time favorite from an all-time favorite writer. But please please please read the warnings in case it just doesn’t vibe with you.

~*~

Happy reading, carissima! I hope at least one of these fics will become your favorite, too ☺️ Let me know what you think as well after you’ve given the authors some love ☺️

Well met!

your fellow reading monster,

tor-mon 🖤

[poodlejoonas]

Dad!BC AU - the moms

So wow-ihateithere and I (because for some reason Tumblr won’t let me directly @ you) have been tossing out so many amazing ideas for the BC dad AU lately that we’ve thought of pretty much every scenario under the sun. One idea I’d like to throw in here is the group that is the moms who make up their own personal wolfpack. Since they’ll be brought in as stand-alone characters soon, it would be better to have a basic introduction for each and how they know/interact with each other.

(Under the read-more for length)

Joel - Emilia (”Millie”) Hokka - The absolute baddest bitch you will meet on this planet. She's a 5′1″ sweetheart, but if you lay a single finger on her kid, her husband, her BC brothers and sisters, or any of her nieces and nephews, she will become the human embodiment of that one line from “Wolfpack.” You know the one. She’s gone viral before for Joel needing to hold her back from fighting the mom of a kid who’s bullying Enkka at school, and literally watching this tiny woman become a human hurricane at the drop of a hat was enough for this kid to immediately leave him alone. From then on, kids at school know not to come after Viktor Hokka because his mom doesn’t play around. Why would she? After all, she dedicated 18 months of her life to trying to become a mom, and anyone who dares to come after her baby needs a running start to get away from her.

Sometimes even Joel has to hold her back from doing something she probably should regret but wouldn’t if it involved her family. He knows better than to cross a line with her. Then there are other times when they work together to be the shadiest power couple on earth, like when Aleksi’s ex-girlfriend Laila slanders him in the media for talking about taking custody of their son from her. If Joel comes home pissed about something, she’s the first one to jump on board with whatever plan he has to get his point across. She would totally have a stan account on Instagram dedicated to her called “milliehokkasupremacy”. And Joel loves his wife so much that he would eat every bit of this shit up. When she tells someone off, he writes down what she says and turns it into the lyrics of Blind Channel’s next single.

In short, Millie Hokka is 100 percent That Bitch™.

Bonus bit because this idea made me laugh: (in the comments section of a post slandering BC) @milliehokka: Bitch you better take this shit down before I puncture your fucking tires @joelhokka: She's my better half ❤️

Joonas - Kirsten Porko - Kirsten’s one of the quiet BC moms, and a hell of a lot more tame than Millie. But she has her shining moments every now and then, like when she was wondering why Millie took Joel with her knowing that she could’ve easily beaten that bully’s mom’s ass without him. She has the patience of a saint, being married to Joonas and raising two (soon to be three) kids with him. But she adores every minute of their chaotic little family. Since Sohvi was the first of the BC kids, the guys were quick to show up in support of her and Joonas. She was also pretty lonely until the others started dating their wives, and she was more than happy to have more friends to bond with.

She does the most to mother the rest of the kids when they need it. They love to come to their house because Kirsten will have a fresh pan of cookies ready for them. They also like hanging out with Joonas, but Kirsten is a fun aunt on her own. She’s typically the first to show up when one of the other moms tosses out a cry for help in taking care of their kids, especially when they’re newborns and the guys are away on tour. Kirsten’s total aesthetic is the absolute opposite of Joonas’s: she’s bubbly and wears nothing but pastel dresses and soft fabrics. A lot of people wonder what a “nice girl” like her is doing with a punk rocker like Joonas, until you see them interact and know that they’re crazy in love with each other and their kids. She’s the unassuming type, but she loves pranks as much as her husband and kids; she’ll play along whenever there’s a really good one and sometimes she can totally outdo them.

Niko - Jenna Moilanen - Jenna is Millie’s co-conspirator and partner-in-crime. If Millie needs someone to back her up and Joel’s trying to talk her out of whatever she’s thinking about doing, Jenna is the first to show up on the scene. She’s very much Niko’s type - she has just as many tattoos as him, several piercings, and hair that changes color depending on her mood. She’s naturally a blonde but you almost never see her as one. A lot of people tend to pass judgement on her abilities as a mom based on her appearance, but both of her and Niko’s kids adore her (especially their daughter Lahja) and they grow up happy with their loving parents. She’s a fantastic cook and works as a head chef at a five-star steakhouse, and she’s always willing to come home and cook for her family as well. She and Millie are the two shortest of the group, and it’s hilarious because they are both absolute spitfires.

Jenna has the best intuition when it comes to deciding who is trustworthy and who isn’t. There’s no “leader” in the group, but most of the others trust Jenna when someone gives her a bad feeling. She would be the one to raise the alarm on Laila years before she and Aleksi ever break up, and Laila would find the absolute worst way to end up on Jenna’s shit list. In her time with the group, Laila does nothing to help take care of the rest of the kids or try to fit in with the group. One day, when Leevi cries because he needs something, Jenna spots an annoyed expression out of the corner of her eye coming from Laila. It takes an intervention from God to stop Jenna from ripping her apart on the scene. The most important thing to note about Jenna: she calls her closest friends “bitch” affectionately. The moment it stops being affectionate, there’s no turning back.

Olli - Kaarina Matela - The quietest and calmest of the BC moms. She perfectly matches her husband’s energies, which is why they parent their daughters so well. She was definitely more calm than him on the day they learned they were having twins, and still is to this day. When he was panicking about their pregnancy scare, she was still managing to stay collected somehow (but just as relieved as he was). She’s very much like a suburban soccer mom type, but far from being a Karen because she’s aggressively kind to everyone around her, including hardworking people. And Olli just adores her so much, sometimes he doubts if he even deserves her. She’s always the first to remind him that there’s no one else she would rather be with.

Kaarina is the arts and crafts kind of aunt. During the summer, she likes to have the kids come over for day camp style hangout sessions where they mix in time outside with craft activities. She’s the reason why Olli’s stage outfits have been so cool lately, because she’s got a perfect eye for colors and is super skilled at hand-stitching patches. If the kids need anything repaired, they’ll know to go to Aunt Rina first because she’ll either make it as good as new, or turn it into some sick artwork. All the moms get along but she and Kirsten vibe together the best. They get together and plan the summer activities for the kids, which involve Rina planning the crafts and Kirsten baking for, and with, them.

Tommi - Marja Lalli - Marja is unique in her position as a BC mom because she joined the group when her son Miikka from a previous relationship was already almost 4. For a brief time, she was worried about herself and Miikka feeling left out of the group dynamic that was already there, but they were so quick to invite her in as one of them. A lot of it had to do with her being friends with Jenna since elementary school, and Jenna knew that the sisterhood would be more than happy to accept her. She and Niko help set her up with Tommi because they both know he would love her and accept Miikka as his own. She’s chill and reserved, but she’s still a ton of fun to be around. Along with Kaarina and Kirsten, she’s one of the level-headed moms and is typically the voice of reason for a lot of things (especially when it comes to trying to contain Millie and Jenna’s tempers).

The rest of the moms were thrilled when she told them she was pregnant with Anna, but constantly concerned and fretting over her when she was on occasional bed rest. If Tommi couldn’t be with her, it was one of them coming over to help take care of her and Miikka. Marja’s health showed the caring side of the sisterhood of the BC moms, how they are willing to take care of each other in sickness as well as celebrating the good times and defending each other from drama. Even months after Anna is born, they still come over from time to time to see if there’s any way they can help.

Aleksi - Laila Pekkanen (later on, marries Hanna Kaunisvesi) - So this one is a bit complicated. For about three years, Aleksi was in a high-profile relationship with Laila Pekkanen, a producer who worked with him on a solo single before joining BC. They meet again a couple years later and begin a relationship that last for about three years. But it was far from loving, as they were just in general not good for each other. A few weeks after their break-up, Laila calls Aleksi while he’s in the studio to break the news to him that she’s pregnant, which sends Aleksi into total emotional turmoil because he thought they were being careful. Of all the guys, he’s the most careful with avoiding this kind of thing, but it was her who missed one too many days of her birth control. They’re barely on speaking terms, but they agree to try to stay cordial until Aleksi can take full custody of the child himself. She admits to having no maternal instinct and wants nothing to do with the baby.

Here’s where it gets messy. Aleksi finally decides to break his silence on the matter and announces via Instagram that he will be a father and raise his son on his own. He does his best to tell his side of the story without dragging Laila down. But she takes it personally and goes on the radio to try to attack Aleksi, feeling like she’s being treated like a villain and a bad person for giving up her child. She feels like she’s being “exposed” in thinking that Aleksi publicly acknowledging their son’s existence would ruin her career, because she’d been trying everything possible to cover it up. It becomes a major feud between her and her team, and Aleksi and the BC team, but more industry people can back him up as a stand-up guy than they can come to her defense. She nearly ends up having Noah prematurely, and yet Aleksi still shows up in support, more so for their son than for her. When Noah is born months later, she refuses to hold him and immediately cuts off all contact with Aleksi. 

Aleksi raises Noah alone and learns to support his son when he’s later diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Noah is semi-verbal and partially communicates with sign language. He uses sign in situations when he meets a stranger, and Aleksi respects his intuition when someone makes him uncomfortable. Noah has separation anxiety from losing his mom at a young age, so Aleksi refuses to date for years because he doesn’t want to bring a revolving door of strangers around him. But then he meets Hanna, who makes an almost instant connection with him. He’s hesitant to make a decision about a long-term relationship with her until he sees how well she works with Noah. She’s one of the first people he opens up to - mostly because of her experience as a child psychologist - but the moment that seals the deal is when Noah calls her “mom” for the first time (in sign to his cousins). Fans and people he works with can’t help but notice that Aleksi is so much happier with Hanna than Laila. And as much as he would like to have a baby with her, he’s happy having Noah and wants to invest his energy into ensuring his happiness. But Hanna understands, because she’s an angel and only wants the best for her family.

[the-al-chemist]

hello!!!!!!! 3, 8, and 17 for the ask game if u’d like!!!!!!!!!! thank u!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hiiiiiii!!! Thank you for asking! 🧡

3. What was Jacob’s friendship with Duncan and Olivia like? What was their dynamic before and during working for R?

Jacob and Olivia were both sorted into Ravenclaw when they got to Hogwarts, and they quickly became friends. Jacob didn’t become friends with Duncan until later, when they both became interested in finding the Cursed Vaults. As Duncan and Jacob became more and more interested, the two of them grew closer, and in their sixth year Olivia started to become more distant.

Duncan died as the result of his involvement with R at the end of his sixth year. At the start of his final year, Jacob sought out his ghost to apologise, having a guilty conscious regarding his demise. Jacob was expelled shortly after.

Following Duncan’s death, Jacob and Olivia only ever had 3 more conversations in their lifetimes, none of them particularly friendly.

8. Would MC/Jacob use legilimency on anyone, anytime, or only when absolutely necessary? Does this change over time? Do they ever become as powerful as Snape/Dumbledore/Queenie? (wandless and nonverbal)

Artemis and Jacob are natural born legilimens, which means they have both used the skill instinctively since childhood.

In Artemis’ case at least, her legilimency usually takes the form of being able to pick up on people’s emotions easily, especially when they are trying to hide strong emotions. When confronted with others’ completely overwhelming emotions, her legilimency verges on empathy, with her actually starting to feel their emotions herself.

As a rule, they both are able to tell what someone is thinking wandlessly and non-verbally in a one-on-one setting, where they are making eye contact with their “subject”, and both they and their “subject” are concentrating hard on what they are doing, for example, when playing tactical games or when duelling.

Tapping into someone’s subconscious or memories is a lot harder. Jacob, with practice, became able to do this wandlessly and non-verbally. Artemis can do so using the “Legilimens” spell that she was taught at the age of fifteen.

As an adult, Artemis could perform the “Legilimens” spell if needed to non-verbally, but wouldn’t do so unless she really needed to. She doesn’t really savour the thought of invading the privacy of other people’s minds, and so she has had a lot less practice at legilimency than Jacob, who finds the minds of others fascinating from an anthropological viewpoint as much as anything else.

17. How does your MC feel about Merula? Will they ever be friends? Is Merula a playful rival with undeniable chemistry or is she just a huge pain in the ass?

Artemis’ relationship with Merula is complicated. The two girls don’t get on, but they are more similar than either of them would like to admit. As they grow up and mature, they reach a sort of truce. By the time they are training to be Curse-Breakers together, they aren’t exactly friends, but they aren’t enemies or even rivals anymore. Merula still enjoys pressing Artemis’ buttons, though!

I still have not completely decided what Artemis will do after the war, but one of the options is for her to set up an independent Curse-Breaking business with Merula, simply because they would make a hilarious Sherlock and Watson type duo.

Ask about Jacob and Artemis!

[hellonoblesky]

School got me worn out so here's my team dynamic HCs

It's Kaeya, Xingqiu, Diluc, and Ayaka atm hngjfhgdjfg

Kaeya

This man is so tired, Archons please let him rest

Has to pick up his week's paperwork from Jean every Monday when we go to Mondstadt to buy food supplies and stuff before fighting Andrius, gets to work on it while Diluc and the Andrius team go at it

Actually is the person who keeps the whole party safe, has pulled Xingqiu away from ledges while he's reading more times than he can count, makes sure everyone has food at all times, and keeps the schedule in line

Has a flask of Death After Noon that he keeps on him, has to actively keep it away from Xingqiu because the kid's curious

He is so tired he is the reason the party only gets up to leave at like noon because he sleeps in

Thinks he's good enough at hiding his anxiety that no one else has noticed

He is not, they've all noticed him shaking visibly at high speeds in 90-degree weather and the kids will do their best to avoid fraying his nerves on a bad day

Very kind to Xingqiu and Ayaka, kinda like a cool uncle? Buys them things even though they can afford it

Kinda lets the kids do what they want and chat while he keeps them safe and the whole party on their way

Absolute tank, balances his skillset out so he can manage most threats alone, no one has to get hurt, they can just travel, it's fine it's fine

Pretends to casually bring up stuff the kids want to do (after meticulously making sure the party would be in the right place at the right time)

"Xingqiu, we have time to kill, care to show us to the Wanwen Bookhouse? We can see if they have the next issue in that book series you're always reading! :)"

"Ayaka, you wanted to try some Liyuen cuisine, didn't you? We have a dear friend who just so happens to be a chef at Wanmin Restaurant! And since we're in Liyue anyway, we should swing by, shouldn't we?"

He tries his best to find something Diluc wouldn't mind doing too! Usually, Diluc turns him down but Kaeya has scored on occasion!

"C'mon Diluc, you can't have lost all your taste for reading, right? I hear Inazuma has some interesting books nowadays, what with all the isolation..."

Basically, he just tries his best and is so tired please let him rest

Diluc

This man is angry all the time but he doesn't mean to be. He's just unnerved because he's basically back to hunting Fatui in other nations. He just isn't alone this time and the Fatui aren't the focus

He's so annoyed that they don't leave until Kaeya wakes up, actively in denial about the fact that he himself wakes up only an hour earlier and everyone else is waiting for much longer

Runs right into danger all the time please someone tell this man to calm down he is the reason they need so much food

Does and takes a whole lot of damage at the same time and it stresses Kaeya out so much

Was not Pleased to find out he'd be stuck traveling with Kaeya, puts up with it because he can't bring himself to turn down the Traveler's request. Because in his eyes they're just a kid trying to find their family and he really can't turn down their plea for help in

Gets along surprisingly well with Xingqiu, they both enjoy reading, and often recommend books to each other! Diluc has no idea Xingqiu wrote Legend of a Sword, but the only reason for that is that he literally forgot the book name

"Hmm... in Mondstadt we have this book, The Fox and the Dandelion Sea? For a traditional Mondstadt fairytale, it does remind me of Inazuma, funnily enough. There are versions of the book that are watered down for younger children, but if you have the time I'd recommend the full novelization."

"Tales From the Waves? No, I haven't read that. Is it good?" ... "A novelization of an old ship captain's life? That does sound interesting... I'll pick up a copy when I can"

Gets along well with Ayaka as well, they both appreciate the arts and such so they talk about that

"In Mondstadt we don't have nearly as many festivals as they do in Inazuma... but when we do they're quite the occasion, and very dear to people's hearts. There would be rioting in the streets if the Windblume Festival was postponed..."

"Oh Mond has its fair share of dance traditions, but they fell to be a staple of the Lawrence rule, so not many traditional dances remain... although if you wish to learn more about them you could ask Kaeya to introduce you to the Knight's Recconacance Captain. She doesn't like me very much"

Is the one person who actually doesn't realize that Kaeya is anxious All The Time, literally could watch him shake uncontrollably as Venti walks by and think it was his Vision acting up, he has all the pieces to put the puzzle together but has lost interest in it

Xingqiu

Top ten reasons the party gets sidetracked, number one: Xingqiu finding a book and getting so into it that he doesn't notice people

Actually besties with Ayaka he thinks she's really cool!

Top ten reasons why Kaeya actually gets to sleep as long as he does, number one: Xingqiu jumping up and yanking Diluc's hair when he tries to wake him up

"You're 22 you can go get breakfast by yourself, my leige"

Infodumps about his books to the whole party while they're eating dinner regardless of if they're listening or not (they are, they always are)

Pulls out relevant trivia out of nowhere?? Like they'll be stuck in some ruins and Xingqiu just

"Hey, you know this specific style of ruins are known to be built with metal hatches that always lead to escape routes :)"

Or like

"Oh yeah, the coloration in the animals is different here because the plants in Inazuma so often have purple and blue pigmentation, and Inazuma is so naturally isolated, that the animals adapted to get their pigments partially from the foliage!"

And no one knows how or why he knows this much but he Does??

Also, knows everyone's favorite bird for some reason and talks about them, why? Idk I think he'd like birds!!

"A peacock? Oh, I've never even seen one of those! I hear they're lovely, but a little noisy. Sometimes we get feathers imported for design reference at the Feyun Commerce Guild though!"

"Umbertail Falcon, right? Ohh I hear they can be very loyal, right? Ahh, so that's why yours flys down to check in on you? That's lovely! Owls? Oh yeah, those are cool birds, you know their feathers are fanned out just right so they're entirely silent while flying!"

"Herons? Oh yeah, that's what your title is, right? Graceful... I think they're more stealthy, very good at waiting to strike. That's how they hunt, you know? Just being patient and stealthy, then striking. That's also why they're so graceful standing there all the time!"

Bummed that he's the only person in the party without a bird as his constellation tbh, but he's alright with it because he's got books!!

Mentioned Albedo and Kaeya almost choked on his food, Xingqiu thought this was hilarious

Routinely plays pranks on Diluc and occasionally manages to pull a deez joke on Kaeya, leaves Ayaka alone with the pranks though because he knows she's new to all of this

Ayaka

Oh this poor girl, Lumine just dropped her off with Mondstadt's most dysfunctional siblings and a kid who reads at the speed of light and said have fun

Really gets along well with Xingqiu!! Having someone with a somewhat similar background is definitely a relief, especially because Kaeya and Diluc intimidate her, what with them arguing most of the time they interact

She recognizes the anxiety in Kaeya (because she also has it) so she's a little more comfortable approaching him because of that

She's happy to talk about Inazuma's ruins and is fascinated by Kaeya bringing up similar ruins in Mondstadt and Liyue

She really appreciates him remembering what she's interested in and making time in the day for it!

Diluc on the other hand?? She has... some idea how to talk to him? But?? He is either aggressive or glaring off into the distance at all times, and she's been around long enough to know that he doesn't mean to be like that but it's still unnerving to her

However, she Can talk to him! She is still a little confused because he constantly sounds so grumpy, but she's realized that he's actually really good at listening, and is absolutely willing to talk about Mondstadt traditions! Because she does really like to learn about other nations

Plus, she can go to Xingqiu to answer most of her questions!

"Xingqiu, I- I hope this isn't an odd question, but ah... how exactly do you get used to Kaeya and Diluc? I don't think I've quite figured it out yet..?"

"So in Liyue... the Merchant stalls are on the docks? Like Ritou but it's all on the docks? Interesting..."

"You're the second born of the Feyun Commerce Guild? Oh! Forgive me, I thought you were the eldest, my brother handles most international relations..."

It was really hard for her to adjust to the team, just because of how ragtag it is most of the time, but she's got it by now!

She actually kind of likes the scrappy chaos! She hasn't completely gotten used to it all but she finds it like kind of a break from having to uphold her image at all times

Top five Ayaka quotes and who she said them to:

"They fight a wolf ghost every week...?? Are they ok??" (To Kaeya, about the Andrius team)

"So this is Morax's old... dragon friend...??" (To Xingqiu)

"Wait, you do this every week?" (To Diluc, about the domains)

"Oh!! Oh it is spicy!!!" (To Xingqiu, about Xiangling's cooking)

"Ah... OH! Yes um I uh- *gay hand flip* ?? Is that right??" (Xingqiu was talking about Chongyun)

Also the party went to Dragonspine and Ayaka was actually really interested in Durin because she didn't know that other nations also had odd giant dragon skeletons

[colorseeingchick]

Oh Baby! A series (Sugawara x Fem!Reader)

Summary: Sugawara loves to play-hide-and-seek with your nieces and nephews, almost as much as he loves them. But this usually light game has real stakes when you, your brother, and your sister-in-law decide to get involved. What does Suga win in this special game? 

Warnings: Fluffy fluff, mentions of pregnancy 

Word Count: 4k

A/N: I have severe baby fever and time is a construct. This is on the longer end but I think its worth it :) Hope y’all enjoy! <3

Tired. That was the only possible way you could describe the way your husband looked as he stepped through the door of your brother’s home. His tie loose and shirt half untucked- he radiated exhaustion. But right here and right now, there’s something important that’s about to occur. And Sugawara Koushi would be at its forefront. 

“This is for you, Koushi-ojisan.” Your eldest niece, Tsubaki, bowed as she offered a folded piece of paper to your husband, who froze in the process of sluggishly sliding on his house slippers.

Suga shot you and your sister-in-law a questioning glance as he hesitantly received the piece of paper. Your sister-in-law feigned an innocent look, and you just shrugged your shoulders, pushing yourself to hold back your mischievous smirk. 

“Ne, what is this Tsubaki-chan?” The initial tiredness that had weighed down on his face had receded, being replaced with a burning curiosity and loving smile. 

“It’s to make our game of hide-and-seek more fun. You’ll play with us today, right Ojisan?” Tsubaki shyly smiled at her uncle, a plea subtly being communicated through her gaze. 

Of course he would play with his nieces and nephews. Even if he wanted to say no (which, obviously, he would never do), how could he ever reject those eyes? 

You and Suga had been married for quite a few years now, but you had been together for a long time before that. Soon after you two started dating, Suga had become best friends with your older brother. Moreover, you were very close with your brother’s girlfriend as well. So the four of you were inseparable. 

That continued into your married lives. You and Suga would invite over your brother and his wife once a week on Friday, spending the time to go out to restaurants, do game nights, or just watch movies. However, as time went on, the family dynamic shifted as your brother had his first child. And then the next one. They were now up to 4 kids, the oldest being 7 years old, the youngest at 2. Double dates became Ghibli Studio binges and babysitting time. 

Not that either of you minded, though. Your nieces and nephews were all angels, and you and Suga both loved caring for children. You and Suga had been trying for kids of your own for a while, but for the longest time, things didn’t seem to be in your favor. Suga knew that you felt responsible and that it weighed down on you, so he always kept his spirits high for you both. But you knew your beloved husband too well- he wanted a baby as badly as you, if not more. 

“Of course I’ll play with you guys,” Suga ruffled her hair, tightly holding the paper in his other hand. 

“I’m assuming Sumire-chan, Fumio-chan, and Mizu-chan are already hiding then?” He asked, glancing around the room to see if he could see any poorly hidden heads or tiny movements. 

“Y-yes...When you find them make sure you ask them for their papers, okay?” Before Suga could answer, she quickly turned around and scurried to the kitchen and grabbed her father’s leg, tugging on the fabric. “Did I do okay Otou-san?” She whispers quietly. 

Her father gives her a big smile and nods, patting her head. A hint of a smile pulls up at your lips as well. Tsubaki was the oldest of the group, and such a good older sister to her siblings, but she was yours and Suga’s lil princess. When you asked the kids to help you out when you arrived at the house that day, she was the most enthusiastic about making her Ojisan happy. 

Suga opened the folded piece of paper in his hands, very curious as to what this was all about. On the white piece of paper, in his niece’s bubbly and straight handwriting, was written:

 “for giving us another.”

His eyebrows scrunched up in confusion, and his head instinctively tilted. That told him absolutely nothing. But he could conclude that there was some bigger message. They were all too small to come up with something like a scavenger hunt/hide-and-seek game, so he knew it was the doing of the three suspicious-looking adults watching him intently. 

What are you all planning? Suga asked with his eyes, eye contact jumping between all three of you. Hide and seek was the kids’ tradition with Suga. Without fail, they would beg him to play EVERY Friday when you guys came over. And without fail, he would always agree. It was his game with the kids. But it seems like the adults had a hand in the game this time around. It was a competition with them, too. Alright then, game on.

Now, there are some things you have to know about this household’s version of hide and seek. The kids have numbered them as rules and made a nice little poster to go along with them, that way everyone would know them. 

Rule 1! Suga Oji-san will always be the first one to seek. 

Because, for some reason, Suga Oji-san was also a master hide-and-seeker, there was an extra rule when he was seeking. 

Rule 2! When Suga Oji-san is seeking, he has to do it in 15 minutes, or else we win!!

“Tsubaki-chan!~ when does my time start?” He calls out to the little girl, but his eyes are trained on you. 

Tsubaki looks up to her father because she forgot to keep track (oops). 

“You’re down a minute, Koushi,” your brother responds, leaning against the table in the kitchen. 

“You know, if you don’t find all the kids in that time, you may not get all the pieces of paper,” your sister-in-law chimed in, teasingly, at which you chuckled. 

Suga quirked an eyebrow, his competitive spirit really getting riled up now. “Tsubaki-chan, are you gonna come help me find the others?” He put his bag down by the door itself and started to quickly move towards the stairs. 

Rule 3! Once found, you have to help the seeker find the other hiders. 

Tsubaki scurried back to her Oji-san, happily (but quietly) saying, “Let’s go find Sumire-chan and Fumio-chan,” as she pulled his hand, leading him up the stairs. 

Suga knew that he genuinely couldn’t lose this time around. Sure, he could usually find the kids easily because they rotated through the same spots, but he always made a spectacle of trying to find them, loudly expressing how lost he was. Sometimes he would even lose on purpose. But not today, knowing that the adults would hold to their word of not letting him see the last piece of paper if he wasn’t in time. Sumire, first on the list of kids to find, had also gotten better at hiding now that she was older, and Suga wouldn’t be surprised if her father helped her find a new hiding space.

“Ne, Tsubaki-chan, do you know if Sumire-chan is hiding in the spare guest bedroom?” 

“Oh uh, I-I don’t know…” she pushed up her glasses and tugged on her sweater. 

He’s taking that as a yes. “Let’s go check.” 

Usually, she hid under the bed or burrowed beneath a pile of pillows that sat by the headboard, but she was in neither location. Suga pursed his lips, hands falling to his hips. “Sumire-chan is almost always in this room! But I can’t find her anywhere. She must be a master hider, I swear,” he proclaims, leaning against the wall. The closet door that was mostly closed didn’t mask the muffled giggle that carried in the air. 

“Tsubaki-chan, is that a… monster in the closet?” He gasps dramatically, as he pushes the door open slightly, just in case Sumire was behind the door. The giggling from the closet mixed with Tsubaki’s as they found Suga Oji-chan’s commentary hilarious. 

There, hiding in the corner of the closet with spare pillows and stuffed animals covering everything but her face, Sumire was now giggling uncontrollably. 

“I’m not a monster, Oji-san~~~!” 

“You’re right,” Suga responds as he pulls the pillows and stuffed toys off her body, pulling her arms lightly to help her stand up, “you’re Sumire-chan!” he cheers, pulling her into a hug, which she joyously returns. 

“Sumire!” Tsubaki whisper shouts. “The paper!” 

“Oh! Oji-san take this~!” she pulls the piece of paper out from her overall’s front pocket and holds it up to him. 

Suga takes the paper and opens it to read- 

“Thank you” 

-written in neat cursive, resembling his sister-in-law’s writing. 

“For giving us another” and “thank you.” Yeah, I still have no idea what this means. He just has to find the other two pieces, then. No point in overthinking. 

“Tsubaki-chan, did Otou-san give you the timer to carry?” 

Yes, there is an official stopwatch they carry for this game. That’s how seriously they take hide and seek. 

“Mmhm! You have 8 minutes left, Oji-san.” 

“No time to waste, huh? Ok, let’s go find Fumio-chan then.” He slides the pieces of paper into his pocket and offered his hands for the little girls to hold, although Sumire opted to just hold his two fingers instead- it was easier for her smol hands (I love when children do that 🥺💖). 

As you put your mug into the sink while carrying out conversations with your brother, you watch Suga and the two little girls descend from the stairs, their tiny hands gently clasped in Suga’s. As they reach the bottom they dash to your brother, leaning against his legs. Suga makes eye contact with you and smirks lightly, his competitive spirit shining through. 

“Found Sumire, hmm?” You taunt, knowing that he took a little longer than usual. This game that usually had no stakes had insanely high stakes, which Suga had no cognizance of, so you try to be as unassuming as possible. 

“I did!” He taunts back, but his eyes drop to her and his voice softens. “She did a good job hiding, though.” You turn just in time to see her whole face light up. Your heart bursts at the sight. You both would die for these kids. From when Tsubaki was born to Mizu’s first steps, you and Suga had been there to see a lot of it and raise them in part.

“The next target is Fumio. But I have no idea where he is!!” Raising his voice at the last part, he looks around dramatically, eliciting a giggle from the two little girls. 

Fumio is almost always in the kitchen- during hide and seek and even outside the bounds of the game (baby loves food). Suga monologues, opening the pantry and turning on the lights. 

Would he go somewhere entirely different to throw me off? 

Well, no. The point of the game IS for Suga to win (this time around). 

So where is he? 

The girls let out another round of giggles when Suga opens the fridge to look for Fumio, and you and your brother can’t help but chuckle as well. 

“Ne, Ni-san,” Suga calls to your brother. “Can you give me a hint to where Fumio-chan might be?” 

“I don’t know,” he pulls his mug away from his face. “Do you think I should help Oji-san?” He looks down at his girls.

Little Sumire nods her head aggressively and Tsubaki quietly responds, “Yes!” 

“Koushi-kun. You remember when Fumio was like, 2 and would crawl everywhere?” your brother starts.

How could any of you forget? The kid ended up hiding unintentionally in all the worst places. Underneath desks, behind the couch, inside the dishwasher- it was endless. But there was one place above all he loved to hide…

Suga’s eyes met your brother’s, lighting up with understanding. 

“Fumio loves helping put away the dishes, right Tsubaki-chan?” Suga walks around to the other side of the kitchen, where you were now standing next to all the cupboards filled with cooking pots. 

“But sometimes he puts himself away, with the pots, too.” He was right. Fumio would put a pot away and push it all the way to the back of the cabinet, only to crawl in after it. How he found the spot comfy, none of you understood. But it made for some very cute photos. 

“Fumio thinks he’s a pot!” Sumire chimes in. 

“So I should check where all the pots are, shouldn’t I?” With that, Suga opens the (already slightly open) cabinet, to reveal a little boy with his hands over his mouth (concealing giggles) and a pot on his head. Suga smiles and lifts the 3-year-old out of the cabinet, pot sliding down and covering the child’s eyes. 

“Look! Fumio-chan is a pothead!!” Sumire cries out. 

All three of you burst out laughing, your brother almost spitting out his hot chocolate. 

“Su-Sumire-chan don’t say that okay? It means something different,” you try and talk without dissolving into giggles again.

“Hmm? But he has a pot on his head. What else could it mean?” She looked extremely confused and you couldn’t even fault her for it. 

“You’ll find out when you’re older,” your brother’s classic way of shutting down unwanted topics (for now). 

Fumio, on the other hand, was just glad to be in his uncle’s arms, surrounded by his favorite pots. 

“Oji-san, here!” Fumio giggled as he held the piece of paper up above his head with both hands. Suga pulled the boy against his body, opting to hold him with his left arm, while receiving and reading the piece of paper with his right. 

“To play with”

-was all that was written on the small piece, this time clearly in your brother’s handwriting. 

“Thank you for giving us another… to play with.” Suga’s hand goes slack as his eyebrows furrow in thought. What did I give them to play with? Did I buy them a toy recently? Was I supposed to buy them something!? 

The little boy in Suga’s hand notes the pensive look his Oji-san had-- leading to the boy’s decision to poke his Oji-san’s face, right on his beauty mark. “You have to find Mizu-chan!!” He cries, his smol finger gently pressing into Suga’s cheek. 

Your brother gently tilts the watch in Tsubaki’s hands. “2 minutes, Koushi.” 

“2 minutes!” A lot more time actually elapsed than he expected. “Let’s go find Mizu-chan then! Come on, Tsubaki-chan, Sumire-chan!” 

Suga hands Fumio over to you, taking the pot off his head and placing it on the table. He reaches his hands out to the girls again, both of whom accept gladly. And with that, he bounds back into the living room where your sister-in-law still waits. 

“One minute, Oji-san!” Sumire calls out this time, genuinely concerned her uncle won’t make it in time. 

But there’s another unspoken rule that’s been accepted by all the participants that ensures Suga’s success. 

Rule 4! The baby gets to be found last. 

Mizu was just 2 years old. He didn’t understand the concept of winning or losing. He just liked it when other people played with him. But the older kids did understand winning. And just like Suga, they were quite competitive. This rule was made to teach them that being nice to those who can’t play as much (like a baby) is more important than winning. 

With this stipulation, Mizu consistently hid in the same spot for every single game. Without fail, in the small woven basket used to house all the family blankets, the baby boy would sit in silence, his mom right next to him on the couch it lays adjacent to. 

Suga was gonna draw it out, though. If it's not a show for the kids, then was there really a point? 

You and your brother (who now had his turn at holding Fumio) watched as Suga ran behind the TV, searched beneath the table, and moved pillows on the couch searching for the baby of the family. 

“30 seconds!” 

“I have no idea where Mizu is! What should I do?” 

Sumire’s face is flushed with worry and excitement as she runs up to him and grabs his hand with both of her own, pulling him towards the blankie basket. “Oji-san! He hides here usually! Hurry before time runs out!” 

You sit down onto the arm of the couch as Suga stares at the woven basket. 

“10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2…” 

“Found you!!!” Suga pulls the cover of the basket away, triggering an endless stream of baby giggles from little 2-year-old Mizu. Suga picks up Mizu and his stuffed bear that he had been clinging onto. 

“Oji-san wins!!” Sumire jumps up and down, hopping onto her mother’s lap. Tsubaki opts to sit on the floor, ready to watch what was to come. At this point, you and your brother are also sitting on the couch, your anxiousness raising in your belly. 

“So where’s that last piece of paper….” Suga scans the baby for any pockets when he realizes it's tucked into the ribbon around the neck of the bear in his hands. 

“I’ll take him,” your sister in law says as she gently puts Sumire on the side, grabbing Mizu from Suga before sitting down again. 

Suga slides the slip of paper out from the bear’s ribbon and sits onto his knees, retrieving the other pieces of paper from his pockets. 

“Ready for the big reveal?” He asked the kids in tone of voice, but the adults through eye contact. Although he had no doubts all the adults already knew the message. 

Tsubaki nodded in agreement while Fumio’s eyes were trained on his Oji-san. Sumire was fidgety. 

“Alright! So it says, ‘Thank you...’ ‘for giving us…’” he places the little slips onto the floor, leaving a gap for the 3rd piece. “...Something ‘to play with.’ Let’s see what I gave you guys to play with.” The final piece was now being flipped over in his fingers. He was killing himself with the suspense. “Thank you for giving us another-” he drops the last piece into line with the others, “-FRIEND… to play with…”  

Though the words came out of Suga’s mouth, he didn’t process what they had meant right away. For once, the fun and playful Koushi oji-san had dropped his usual playful demeanor for one of complete shock. 

A...a friend? 

Your nerves were now skyrocketing as you felt your brother squeeze your arm in a calm and reassuring manner. You get up, arms hugging yourself as you slowly approach Suga, who was dumb struck on the floor. 

But before you could speak, Tsubaki spoke up, scooching towards Suga, tugging on his arm sleeve.

“Oji-san, remember when I asked you if you and Y/N Oba-san had any babies I could be friends with, and you told me we would have to wait a while?” Suga’s eyes moved to the little girl, wide in surprise. In honesty, her words caught you and your brother off guard as well. 

She remembered that? It was a conversation from around when Fumio was a few months old, and you and Suga had been trying so hard for a child then. She asked Suga if she could play with your kids, somehow convinced that you guys were hiding your own children from meeting her. It crushed you both internally, but you had smiled as Suga told her “Oba-san and I don’t have any friends for you now. But I promise we will give you another friend to play with as soon as we can! You might have to wait for a while though.” He had ruffled her hair and smiled, but it was pained. Though she was young and didn’t understand why, she knew that what she had said had hurt Koushi oji-san, one of her favorite people. You assumed your sister-in-law had told her to just not ask you or Suga about it again, but you never assumed she actually held onto the memory. 

Suga just looked at Tsubaki, waiting for her to continue. 

“... well… Oba-san said that she has a baby in her tummy… and that when it comes out we can be friends… so we wanted to say thank you for keeping your promise, Oji-san.” 

Everything goes still. Even the small children sitting in the room, Mizu now sleeping on his mother’s shoulder while Fumio and Sumire hugged each other, aware of the frozen air... 

...until Suga lets out a shuttered breath. You look at him, watching tears stream down his eyes, and you exhale a breath you didn’t know you had been holding. 

“Yes, Tsubaki-chan, I told you we would keep our promise,” he jumps up, pulling her into a hug and spinning her around. She starts laughing and he laughs too. Before you know it your body starts shaking from giggles and tears that can’t help but escape you. You can hear your sister-in-law crying as well, and feel your brother’s arm pull you into a hug, a bright smile plastered across his face. 

Your sister-in-law had come with you to your doctor’s appointment 3 weeks prior to confirm the pregnancy. However, you wanted to hold off on telling Suga just to increase the chances of the pregnancy carrying through. You couldn’t bear the thought of telling him only to lose the baby mid pregnancy- that would absolutely crush him. So while waiting, you decided to come up with a fun way to tell him, getting your nieces and nephews in on the plan in the process. Although your brother and sister had known, neither had really processed the information. And neither had you. Not until this moment. 

Suga put Tsubaki down and approached you, face completely tear-stained and smile bright as the sun. You always somehow got lost in his beautiful features, and now you felt lost in the happiness radiating off of him. You let him engulf you in his arms, kissing your forehead while his tears rolled onto your face. 

“We finally did it, love.” He whispers. 

You push your face into his button-up shirt, inhaling his cologne and the reminiscent smell of detergent.

“We did,” you murmur against him. 

“Wait, Oji-san and Oba-san are gonna have a baby?!” You hear a surprised Sumire ask loudly. Evidently, she had been a bit out of the loop and Tsubaki one-san had to fill her in a bit. 

“Yes, Sumi, we are having a baby,” you respond, turning your head to look at her but not letting go of Suga. 

You watch the realization dawn on her, turning to Fumio. “Fumio there’s another baby coming!” She jumps up and down once more, spreading her excitement to the little boy who starts clapping and jumping with her. 

“Ba-by! Ba-by! Ba-by!” the two cheer while Tsubaki tries to shush them, Mizu still fast asleep. 

“Alright you two, shhh! Time for dinner. You can cheer more after dinner,” your sister-in-law chides as she heads to the kitchen. 

“Who’s ready for some ramen?” 

“Ra-men! Ra-men!”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once dinner was over, a movie was watched, the children were put to bed, and dishes put away, you and Suga say bye to your brother and sister-in-law. 

“Goodnight Ni-chan!” you say as you watch him close the door. 

“Night Y/N-chan, Koushi-kun.” He waves a final goodbye. 

As you approach the passenger side of the car, you feel a hand lightly tug your wrist. You turn around to have Suga wrap his one arm around you while guiding your face to his as he gives you a slow and loving kiss. As you pull away, Suga buries his face into the crook of your neck, his smile pressed against your skin. 

“We’ve waited for so long, Y/N… and now it’s finally happened.” 

You pet his hair and snuggle against his head. “I know, Koushi. And it will be wonderful. You’re going to be the best dad out there.” 

“And you’re gonna be a wonderful mom.”

You both stand there for a minute, bodies warm in each other’s embrace and hearts warm in the realization of your shared dream. 

“But you know, our baby’s gonna be really lucky,” you giggle. 

Suga pulls away to look at your face. “Why is that?” 

You put a hand on your stomach.

 “Baby is going to have a lot of wonderful friends to play with, always.”

[sokkastyles]

Azula and the Mirror

In film, mirrors are used for moments of reflection, obviously, both the physical and emotional kind, but they are also used for moments of deceit, deception, dejection, juxtaposition, contrast and comparison, distortion, delusion, breaking down and breaking through. A persona is never more vulnerable, nor stronger, than when it is staring at itself, and the visual power of these moments have been used in cinematic narratives beginning at the dawn of the medium and continuing to the present day. (source)

It might seem obvious, but mirrors used in film and television have a wealth of meaning, and present a visually striking way to get that meaning across. Mirrors show us who we really are, but they also show us what we want to see. Therefore a mirror can be a symbol of both truth and lies.

This scene in “Sozin’s Comet” is one of the most memorable Azula scenes because of the use of the visual imagery to tell us the story of who Azula is, and it’s one of the most clear pictures we get of her in the entire series. Perhaps Azula is also seeing herself for the first time, but it’s also a moment when she’s at her most self-deluded. Confronted with both the reality of herself and the lie that she desperately clings to.

I think that, more than anything, Azula craves authenticity. Her brother Zuko does, too, and I’ll make a separate post as a follow up to this one because I want to avoid going off on a tangent. I’ll keep this post focused on Azula, although since Azula is an essential part of Zuko’s narrative, it’s hard to talk about them entirely separately. So I am going to cheat a little bit here and talk about what Zuko says about Azula, since it’s one of our biggest introductions to her before we actually meet her.

Zuko (to Aang): There's always something. Not that you would understand. You're like my sister. Everything always came easy to her. She's a firebending prodigy, and everyone adores her. My father says she was born lucky. He says I was lucky to be born.

Zuko puts Azula up on a pedestal here, although it’s one that also comes with a lot of resentment. Zuko defines Azula as everything that he is not, successful where he is not, and adored where he is not. The latter is particularly interesting because although we do get a sense that Azula is “adored,” it is most likely in a shallow way. I think Azula would absolutely be the popular girl in school but she wouldn’t have very many real friends. What she would have is power and status, like many bullies do, and that might be enough to gain her a following, as it does in canon, but it’s clear that this is not enough, and I think that she’s beginning to realize it.

Azula believes in the image of herself as the perfect princess, and several other people in her life reinforce this. Ozai, Zuko, Mai and Ty Lee, Li and Lo. By the end she loses them all, though, and is left with the one person who did see her for who she was. Ironically, this is the one person she does not want to see, because this is the reflection of herself that she does not want to see.

There are several different parts of Azula at play here. The image she presents to others, the image she wishes she could present, and the image of herself that she denies.

The image she presents to others is the one Zuko talks about in “The Siege of the North.” The powerful princess who can’t even have just one hair out of place.

The person Azula wishes she coulbe, the part of herself that craves authenticity but doesn’t know how to get it, is on full display in “The Beach.”

Azula demanding to be invited to a party that Ty Lee and Mai get asked to tells us a lot about how Azula sees her friendship with the latter two. It shows Azula’s jealousy of their social skills but also her need for control in her relationships. Even before the rift between the three really starts, we get a sense that Ty Lee and Mai aren’t as fully in Azula’s corner as she thinks they are. Azula thinks that fear and control are enough to gain her friends and allies. Deep down, she knows that this is not true, however she does not know another way to be. But the party provides an opportunity to try and embrace this authentic self that she craves.

Zuko: Why didn't you tell those guys who we were?

Azula: I guess I was intrigued. I'm so used to people worshiping us.

Ty Lee: They should.

Azula: Yes, I know, and I love it. But, for once, I just wanted to see how people would treat us if they didn't know who we were.

Zuko’s question to Azula is really interesting, too, and I’ll talk about that and Zuko’s perspective in another post, because I want to keep the focus on Azula here. Azula masks her desire for authenticity in haughtiness, saying that she’s “used to” being worshipped and reinforcing Ty Lee’s comment that they should worship her them, and that she loves it, but it’s clear that what she really wants is to be liked for who she is, or rather, who she might be if she were not Ozai’s daughter, princess of the Fire Nation.

This is also shown in Azula’s jealousy of Ty Lee during the party.

Ty Lee: What? You're jealous of me? But you're the most beautiful, smartest, perfect girl in the world.

Azula: Well, you're right about all those things. But, for some reason, when I meet boys, they act as if I'm going to do something horrible to them.

I’ve seen a lot of discussion of this conversation in the context of Azula’s relationship with Ty Lee, and a lot of people cite this as a sympathetic moment for Azula or an indication that she really does care for Ty Lee, although I tend to be less charitable in that regard, since Azula just told Ty Lee that boys only liked her because she was “easy” and made her cry. For me, this scene really highlights the toxic nature of the relationship between Azula and Ty Lee, where Azula boosts her self esteem by bringing Ty Lee down. Azula does admit her jealousy of Ty Lee, and some people read this as Azula comforting Ty Lee, but 1) Azula is the one who made Ty Lee cry in the first place, and 2) Ty Lee is then put in the position of comforting Azula and assuaging Azula’s jealousy, even though Azula is the one who made Ty Lee cry. This is reminiscent of a lot of abusive relationships in which the abuser will harm their victim and then twist the narrative so that the victim has to be responsible for comforting the abuser. Ty Lee knows what is expected of her in this dynamic, and responds by reaffirming Azula’s need to be seen as perfect, Azula agrees, and all is restored in the world again.

Except Azula still craves that authenticity. When she tries it, though, she gets Ty Lee’s advice hilariously wrong, and resorts back to what she knows. Conqueror Azula. Princess of the Fire Nation. Perfect weapon.

There are a lot of moments that people point to in “The Beach” when they analyze Azula, but here’s the moment which I think is really Azula at her most authentic.

Azula: Well, those were wonderful performances, everyone.

Zuko: I guess you wouldn't understand, would you, Azula? Because you're just so perfect.

Azula: Well, yes, I guess you're right. I don't have sob stories like all of you. I could sit here and complain how our mom liked Zuko more than me, but I don't really care. My own mother thought I was a monster. She was right, of course, but it still hurt.

I’m going to take a slightly different approach than what I usually see when people talk about this scene because I do think this is when we are finally seeing a glimpse of Azula’s authentic self, but not in the way a lot of people who discuss her think.

I’ve talked about how Azula presents a mask to others. Here, she calls Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee’s emotional confessions about their deepest trauma “performances.” She uses Zuko’s confession to reinforce her place as the golden sibling, calling him “pathetic.” Zuko expresses resentment and anger at “perfect” Azula. And then Azula reveals a sob story of her own.

Azula in this scene shows deep-seated anger towards her mother, which she tries to play off flippantly, but her words reveal how deep this trauma actually is. She says her own mother thought she was a monster. Do I think that this is a reflection of what Ursa thought about Azula? Absolutely not, and I think what has to be remembered about this scene is that it comes from Azula herself. This scene, plus the mirror scene in “Sozin’s Comet” involving Azula and her mother, both originate from Azula’s thoughts and feelings about her mother. We will never know what Ursa herself really, truly thought about Azula, because all we get from her is either from Zuko or Azula’s perspective. These statements and thoughts and visions from Azula are meant to tell us about Azula, not Ursa. This is not, as the “Ursa is a bad mother” crowd insists, proof that Ursa hated Azula. This is what Azula thinks about herself.

We know that Ursa did scold Azula and try to steer her on a correct path, but that’s because Azula was acting in increasingly worrying ways in the flashbacks. The young Azula we see in “Zuko Alone” had already begun to build her Perfect Princess image, modelled after what Ozai expected her to be, and what Ozai expected her to be was both infallible and monstrous.

And a part of Azula knows that what Ozai expected of her was monstrous. But since she had no choice but to internalize it, she could not reconcile that part of herself with the part of herself that was taught right and wrong by her mother. That part of herself she locked away tightly. But comes out here, because Azula in “the Beach” is trying to achieve an authentic self, which is, in fact, what Lo and Li say at the beginning of the episode that the beach is supposed to do, and Ty Lee bookends that sentiment. Just like in the previous scenes, though, Azula still can’t quite get there. Her feelings about her mother are still couched in condescending language, she belittles the others, and she dismisses her mother in the same paragraph. She embraces the monster because that is who she was taught to be, and monsters cannot be hurt.

And that, that’s it. Azula can’t admit that she was hurt by her mother’s absence. I’ve said before that Azula translated her mother’s abandonment as “she loves Zuko more than me” because Ursa left for Azula and in the world where Azula is perfect and Zuko is nothing, that does not compute. This creates some huge cognitive dissonance which cannot be reconciled.

Azula’s confession here about her mother also is a way for her to reinforce to the group that she’s still the most powerful. She casually dismisses Mai, Zuko, and Ty Lee when they talk about their trauma so that she can talk about herself, in language that blames her mother for the person she is. It’s not that Azula is at fault, it’s not that Azula cannot reconcile her fractured sense of self, it’s that everyone else is pathetic and Ursa is a bad mother who made her feel this way, although really, she was right, so what does it matter?

One of the main reasons that most Azula redemption speculation falls flat is that they don’t acknowledge that in order for Azula to get redemption, she has to take responsibility for the ways in which she has hurt others. This would also be incredibly difficult for her, and in some ways that isn’t her fault, because she was very much a victim of Ozai’s abuse, and one way that she was a victim is because by instilling the need that she had to be perfect, Ozai made it nearly impossible for Azula to acknowledge when she was wrong. She gets perilously close here, but then retreats into blaming her mother, her brother, her friends, and anyone else, then denies that she even wants to change, which is the other thing she has to accept in order to get redemption.

Fast forward to Azula confronting her mother’s image in the mirror, which of course is really herself. This is why I hate where the comics took this particular subplot, because I do not think we were meant to interpret it as Azula actually hallucinating. What Azula is seeing in the mirror is really herself, the part of herself that understands right from wrong, but is too afraid to admit that she’s done so many things wrong. That little girl who can’t even properly mourn the loss of her own mother because she was never allowed to, because her father never let her. Right before Ursa appears, Azula attacks her own image in the mirror, viciously cutting her hair, a symbol of “perfect” Azula and an obvious symbol of Azula’s self-hatred. Just as before, though, she can’t really direct this anger and blame and pain at herself, so she conjurs up the image of her mother, who tells her all the truths she wants to deny about herself, that her mother always loved her, that she has embraced fear and control and that this has left her lonely in the end. This is the closest that Azula has ever come to realizing her authentic self, the little girl who misses her mother. But she rejects it again.

So mirrors represent self-reflection, right? The fractured mirror, then, is a clear symbol for the fractured self. These are all the sides of Azula that she cannot reconcile as one. Whereas Zuko’s narrative deals with the restructuring of the fractured self, Azula’s narrative deals with what happens when the fractured self never becomes whole.

[umbry2000]

// crestoria chapter 10 spoilers

Thought I'd just put stuff under the cut since I can. This ain't an analysis, it's just *cue unfiltered stream of thoughts*

Probably unintelligible too :P

Also minor Lloyd side story spoilers. (And Milla's I guess? Not really though.)

TREES???!!! (This is all I am going to talk about it is all that has been on my mind Ahhhhhh)

I was not expecting crestoria to go this direction! Like I thought this chapter would be finding out more about kasque and then I just got lore dropped on my head. Which I love thank you I love lore.

I did think it was strange that Lloyd's side story was so disconnected from the main plot despite being, you know, a side story. All previous side stories either involved characters who had played some kind of role in the main story already, or dealt with vision orbs. Lloyd's side story did neither, but I just thought they wanted to do something a little more self-contained. DIDN'T EXPECT THEM TO BRING IT BACK LIKE THIS.

TREES.

RIP Earhart tree. I'm wondering if the version of Crestoria Colette I wrote would be able to feel that happen. Oh no she'd be sad ;-; and also in pain. Ahhhh (Pls spare pasca me and marsh will cry)

Speaking of Lloyd and co weren't they near the grassvalley tree? They were, right? Or was I mixing it up with the Earhart/unnamed tree? I think it's the grassvalley tree so I expect Lloyd and co will get involved at some point. Either way they should get involved because trees???!!! Which means voice acting no????

Also I find it funny that I got the thing about the fog and humans not knowing about the trees and their location correct (unless that was mentioned in the side story and I forgot) but got everything else wrong (I think). So everything I wrote is effectively an AU now esp if Lloyd and co get involved with the main story. Ah, well, that's the problem of writing stuff that deals with future things when the story's not complete. Will be fun to look back on haha and see how much I got right. But maybe I can write new stuff now...

Also! Colette is able to traverse the fog around the Great Trees so does that mean she's made from the opposite mana that the fog is made of? Like Milla infusing Kanata and co with that opposite mana made them stop seeing the fog right? So I really think it's possible!

Ah I really liked the glimpse at Kasque and Milla's past and their dynamic as close friends who really care about each other. Also thinking about what could have possibly happened 90 years ago... and now, even, cos I don't think kasque was hellbent on ending the world a few chapters ago. Also noting that Kasque and Milla are once again artificial creations this game really loves those. And they were even born for a singular purpose! And without that purpose, I assume Milla was lost for a bit, only to find a new purpose of killing incarnations and sank herself full on into that goal. Making the same mistake as before, but she didn't know any better. I hope her side story has helped her out :)

Really loved the new characters too :) Orwin's brother is hilarious lol. And I think I know where the ending of part 1 is going so oof :) Oof aegis. Hope it doesn't come to that.

I think that's all for now! Thanks for reading my inane wordspam. Just wanted to ramble about trees. And trees. And even more about trees -

[screenchart]

Every number 1 Channel (2014-2021) on Screenchart.com HOT 200 Channels.

Being a No. 1 channel is one of the biggest accomplishments in today's online video landscape. Since 2014, Screenchart has been publishing a weekly YouTube chart called the HOT 200 YouTube Channels. Channel views are totaled each week to determine the most popular channel in the United States. So far (August 2021), 27 different channels have claimed the top chart position (most of them nonconsecutive), but few of them have been able to hold on to the top until they reached their maximum number of weeks. Channels are retired from the HOT 200 after 52 weeks and relisted on the 100 Must Watch Channels chart. Below is a list of all the channels that reached No.1 in chronological order.   

1. ERB (formerly Epic Rap Battles of History) (2014) - No.1 for 6 weeks

'Screenchart' began shortly after the Youtube Renaissance. YouTube had already been acquired by Google (Alphabet) through a huge acquisition, which brought in a new website design, the YouTube Partner Program, and the Channel Initiative. On the countdown, 'ERB' was the first No.1.  Two characters in history, either fictional or real, would battle over lyrics, beats, and insults on the musical comedy channel. As a result of no videos being uploaded, the channel was delisted from the chart.

Watch this: Goku vs Superman. Epic Rap Battles of History

2. Smosh (2014) - No.1 for 35 weeks

Prior to 2012, every high school and college student watched the stapled channel of YouTube website, ' Smosh'. It was created by Ian and Anthony and became a astronomical on YouTube, also becoming one of the first to reach 10 million subscribers. 'Smosh' is one of the oldest channels on the platform (15+ years) and spent weeks at No.1 on the countdown and even was one of the first to be added to the '100 Must Watch' chart, where it still stands today. 'Smosh' featured creative video series like the annual 'Food Battle,' hilarious parodies, and fully invested music videos.

Watch this: FLAPPY BIRD RUINED MY LIFE - YouTube

3. React (formerly The Fine Bros) (2014) - No.1 for 35 weeks

'React' is another well-known key YouTube channel that most people are familiar with. The reaction genre was born on this channel. While most channels copied their format once they became popular, 'React' provided real opinions from many different personalities and ages, including teenagers, adults, and even elders. Nevertheless, 'React' did more than just react. There were series like "Emo Dad" and "Fine Time". The 'Must Watch' 100 Channels chart currently lists 'React'.

Watch this video: KIDS REACT TO OLD COMPUTERS - YouTube

4. FouseyTube (2014) - No.1 for 2 weeks

In the early 2010s, pranks started taking off. It seemed like every other day a new prank channel popped up or an existing channel was converted into a prank channel. While 'FouseTube' wasn't an original prank channel when it was created a few years earlier, it saw a massive explosion once it did become one. His videos had a lighter side of pranking the unexpected as well as a more serious tone when it came to social experiments because of Yousef Erakat's charismatic personality. There is debate over whether these pranks are real. As a result of no videos being uploaded, the channel was delisted from the chart.

Watch this: MORTAL KOMBAT ELEVATOR PRANK! - YouTube

5. VitalyzdTv (2014) - No.1 for 4 weeks

Vitaly is a very controversial Russian-American YouTuber who is known for his popular channel 'VitalyzdTv'. Along with his many arrests and streaking across football matches, he is also known for his darker side in prank videos. A number of Vitaly's pranks caused his victims to come close to blows. Vitaly's fearless antics manage to pull him massive views, despite it all. Similar to 'FouseyTube,' pranks are accused of being fake. When the 'prank' genre died off, VitalyzdTv followed suit. As a result of no videos being uploaded, the channel was delisted from the chart.

Watch this : Gold Digger Prank! - YouTube

6. Bart Baker (2014) - No.1 for 2 weeks

'Bart Baker' is one of the pioneers of YouTube, having launched the channel in 2006. In his music video parodies, he drew inspiration from Weird Al Yankovic, a popular American singer. His spot-on impression of Justin Bieber was a staple of his channel. Unfortunately, the YouTube copyright system and unamused record labels began cracking down on Baker's right to parody their music.  As a result of no videos being uploaded, the channel was delisted from the chart.

Watch this: Nicki Minaj - "Anaconda" PARODY - YouTube

7. Roman Atwood Pranks (2014) - No.1 for 5 weeks

Pranks channels were already huge on YouTube by this time, and ‘Roman Atwood Pranks’ was no exception. The same as 'FouseyTube' and 'VitalyzdTv' before him, Roman had a daring personality to go along with his extreme pranks. Unlike the other two, his channels do seem to give off a more realistic reaction from his victims, some becoming physically aggressive, at least in early videos.  As a result of no videos being uploaded, the channel was delisted from the chart.

Watch this: Stealing Peoples Gas Prank!! - YouTube

8. Good Mythical Morning (2014) - No.1 for 41 weeks

Link and Rhett have known each other since childhood. The two started a YouTube channel together, which eventually became a global phenomenon. With their banter, these men have proved to be a formidable challenge to late-night talk show hosts.  The comedy duo has featured many celebrities and Internet personalities over the years, including Daniel Radcliffe, PewDiePie, Hank Green, Kobe Bryant, Joseph Garrett, Gus Johnson, Megan Fox, and Zach King. The 'Must Watch' 100 Channels chart has relisted 'Good Mythical Morning'.

Watch this: The Mythical Show Ep 12 (Key & Peele, Vsauce, KassemG, ChesterSee) - YouTube

9. Jen Smith (BFvsGF) (2015) - No.1 for 4 weeks

'BFVsGF' - Boyfriend versus Girlfriend was the last prank channel to reach No.1 on the HOT 200 Channels list. Jen and Jessie were not pranking strangers on their original channel, instead, they pulled practical jokes on one another. Their prank channel accompanied this channel. The 'Dope Fresh Nation' enjoys their daily uploads, their relationship, and their ability to make fun of each other. It was one of the first attempts to combine vlogs and mini pranks and it worked. The dynamics never took each other too seriously and they built an army of 'Peeps'.  It has been long since Jessie and Jen split up, and they each took over their own social media channels. The HOT 200 still lists 'Jen Smith' today.

Watch this: DRESS UP CHALLENGE!!! - YouTube

10. AsapScience (2015) - No.1 for 1 week

It's not unusual for a gem to take the top spot on the countdown and the biggest upset this year came from an educational channel, 'AsapScience.' 'AsapScience' is a YouTube channel run by Canadian YouTubers Mitch and Greg. So what pushed the channel to be the number one most watched channel that week? 'The Dress' it was. As a result of an international phenomenon, there was a debate as to which color a different dress design was, and what better way to resolve the controversy than to apply science.  'AsapScience' made a video about the dress, which went viral. It was the first and only time the channel has been number one and so far, it is the only educational channel to have done so.   'AsapScience' is still listed on the HOT 200 today.

Watch this: What Colour Is This Dress? (SOLVED with SCIENCE) - YouTube

11. Mystic Got Jokes (2015) - No.1 for 1 week

'Mystic Got Jokes' is another gem to make it to No.1 on the countdown. The content on his channel tends to be sexual in nature, which pushes the boundary of YouTube censorship. It was a stripped prank video featuring loaded dice that catapulted the Channel to the top in September 2015. This 2-minute video would not be made today if people found it distasteful. Before the prank victim could take any more clothes off, the young lady was informed of the prank.  To this day, 'Mystic Got Jokes' remains on the HOT 200.

Watch this: Strip Challenge Prank - YouTube

12. Rclbeauty101 (2016) - No.1 for 20 weeks

Rachel Levin was one of the first female channels to reach the top of the countdown.  Before she was even listed on the countdown, she already had a large following of young girls. Despite the sea of YouTube Channels, the lifestyle and beauty channel was discovered. Dress-up videos of Disney princesses helped her maintain the No.1 spot for many weeks. RCLbeauty101 remains on the HOT 200 to this day.

Watch this: Disney Princess Pool Party - YouTube

13. Wassabi (formerly Wassabi Productions) (2016) - No.1 for 5 weeks

Alex Wassabi has been a YouTube veteran for many years. 'Guava Juice' was the other half of the duo. Alex continued the channel on his own after the duo split in early 2016. The sudden influx of new subscribers satisfies their curiosity about how Alex would perform without his friend. Everything went well for him. In addition to dating 'LaurDIY', Alex assisted in changing the channel from being based primarily on sketches to being a vlog channel. Other friends such as 'FouseyTube' and 'Guava Juice' appeared to help keep the channel flowing. To this day, 'Wassabi' is listed on the HOT 200.

Watch this: NO THUMBS CHALLENGE! ft Caspar Lee, LaurDIY - YouTube

14. Lilly Singh (formerly Superwoman) (2016) - No.1 for 3 weeks

Lilly Singh has always been a great YouTube personality. She's charming, funny, and charismatic. Having worked with big names and even bigger companies, the Canadian formed her very own production company based in Los Angeles, Unicorn Island Productions.  Her signature series is her impression of her parents. She is always focused on the next step in her career and has a drive like no other. Till this day, 'Lilly Singh' is still listed on the HOT 200.

Watch this: Types of Commercials - YouTube

15. Casey Neistat (2016) - No.1 for 15 weeks

When it comes to quality content on YouTube, he is one of the most respected filmmakers. Casey Neistat introduced the art of not just shooting videos, but creating art that has never been seen before. With his insane editing, he has inspired a new generation of visual storytelling. For years, Neistat has been the model of a vlog channel. Casey Neistat is still listed on the HOT 200 today.

Watch this:  INCREDIBLE First Class BAR AND SHOWER!!! - YouTube

16. Unbox Therapy (2016) - No.1 for 3 weeks

'Unbox Therapy' breathed new life into opening new products for the first time. Lewis Hilsenteger's multi-videos-a-week reviews of new technology products were different from his peers. With his genuine first impression, he captivated our attention with a cool setup and a lovely personality. To this day, 'Unbox Therapy' is still on the HOT 200.

Watch this: The Secret Android Button - YouTube

17. Ray William Johnson (2016) - No.1 for 2 weeks

With competition from 'Smosh' and 'The Fine Bros (React),' Ray William Johnson should have been No.1 a long time ago. Johnson had already been on the Youtube platform for almost 10 years by the time 2016 rolled around. In the channel's heyday, a major controversy involving 'Makers Studio' resulted in a minor setback. The first type of content he created was reviewing viral videos or funny videos in a series called "Equals Three." Think 'America's Funniest Home Videos'. In 2014, Ray stepped down as host of the series, and a rotation of different hosts began. The Channel gained some traction after Carlos Santos hosted until the end, however, many fans disliked many of the hosts. As a result of no videos being uploaded, the channel was delisted from the chart.

Watch this: BEST OF YOUTUBE // week 4 - February 2016 - YouTube

18. Logan Paul (formerly Logan Paul Vlogs)  (2017) - No.1 for 11 weeks

Logan Paul dominated most of 2017. He had been popular on Vine a year earlier and like many former Viners searching for a home, he had found one on YouTube. It was he and his brother Jake Paul who made 'dis songs' about each other and pulled antics to claim the 10 million subscribers mark first.  Every video seemed more like a television reality show episode, and the 'Logang' was hooked. All came crashing down in January 2018 when Logan Paul made a controversial video while filming in Japan. The YouTube star apologized, but the damage had already been done. After taking a few weeks off from uploading, he lost most of his audience and dropped out of the top spot. Logan Paul is back in full swing with new content and a new format to a new audience. 'Logan Paul' is still listed on the HOT 200 to this day.

19. Roman Atwood Vlogs (2017) - No.1 for 21 weeks

Roman Atwood is the first and only YouTube star with two No.1 channels. In 2014, he had a No.1  Prank channel and he did it again in 2017 with this family vlog channel. The channel offered an inside look at life outside of pranks. He encourages his viewers to smile more every day of his adventure. There has never been a family channel that has pulled in such a large amount of viewers since the 'Shaytards'. In the next two years, the family felt burnt out and started to cut back on daily uploads. In 2019, tragedy struck the Roman family when Roman mom suddenly passed away.  As a result of no videos being uploaded, the channel was delisted from the chart.

Watch this: GREATEST IDEA EVER!! - YouTube

20. David Dobrik (2017) - No.1 for 52 weeks

YouTube star David Dobrik became one of the first people to spend all 52 weeks at No.1 in the new chart format. In recent years, it was decided by Screenchart that a channel can stay at number one for 52 weeks (or one year) consecutively or non-consecutively. Dobrik and his fans claimed the spot for weeks on end until the channel was relisted on the '100 Must Watch Channels'. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus pandemic also claimed the channel of David Dobrik, and the vlogger ceased uploading for much of 2020. As a result of no video uploads, the channel was delisted from the '100 Must Watch Channels' list.

Watch this: CAUGHT HIM FLIRTING WITH MY GIRLFRIEND!! - YouTube

21. Lucas and Marcus (2017) - No.1 for 25 weeks 

No matter what you think about the Dobre Twins, they have a dedicated following.  Dancing gymnasts' duo rose to prominence on the now-defunct video application Vine. Throughout the year, 'Lucas and Marcus' have stayed focused on their simple craft, which includes pranks and challenges, as well as a music video now and then.  Even today, 'Lucas and Marcus' is still on the HOT 200.

Watch this: Dobre Brothers - You Know You Lit (Official Music Video) - YouTube

22. RiceGum (2017) - No.1 for 7 weeks

'RiceGum' is one of many controversial YouTube stars. His rap disses have reached platinum status, as has his beef with other YouTube personalities. Among others, the rapper and Jake Paul had a very public feud in 2017. Until he released a diss track with Paul's ex-girlfriend, he wasn't known to the mainstream. Today, the channel is a shell of what it once was.  As a result of no videos being uploaded, the channel was delisted from the chart.

Watch this: RiceGum - Its EveryNight Sis feat. Alissa Violet (Official Music Video) - YouTube

23. KSI (2017) - No.1 for 4 weeks

"KSI" is known for his FIFA gameplay, but by the time he joined the "HOT 200 Channels", his video game content was reduced and he became more of a reaction channel, and his music career was in its early stages.  In the latter half of the year, KSI was promoting his upcoming first boxing match with fellow Youtuber Joe Weller, which he won. His 'KSI' channel now serves as his music platform outlet to upload new music videos. KSI is still listed on the HOT 200 today.

Watch this: I'M SORRY MUM - YouTube

24. The Bee Family (formerly Eh Bee Family) (2018) - No.1 for 4 weeks

The Bee Family became the first family channel to reach No.1 since the Roman Atwood Vlogs. Although not traditionally a family channel, 'The Bee Family' focuses mostly on challenges and skits. Due to their 'Fortnite' dance-inspired videos, the former 'Vine' family enjoyed a few weeks as the most-watched channel on the 'HOT 200 Countdown'.  To this day, 'The Bee Family' is still listed on the HOT 200.

Watch this: FORTNITE DANCE CHALLENGE! - (In Real Life) - YouTube

25. Mr Beast (2019) - No.1 for 52 weeks

No surprises here! 

Having maxed out his stay at No.1 on the 'Hot 200 Channels,' 'Mr. Beast' was relisted on the '100 Must Watch Channels' where he was also ranked No.1 many times. Each week, this channel receives over 100 million views.  'MrBeast' is currently listed on the 'Must Watch' 100 Channels list.

Watch this: Surviving 24 Hours Straight In A Desert - YouTube

26. AzzyLand (2019) - No.1 for 8 weeks

There aren't many female channels that make it to the top of the 'Hot 200' channels, but we're glad when they do. The YouTuber 'Azzyland' is best known for her video game-centric content, which includes gaming videos and cosplaying. Right now, her channel is a reaction channel of today's viral videos from around the world, including Tiktok.  To this day, 'AzzyLand' is still listed on the Hot 200.

Watch this: Try Not To Say WOW Challenge ... (IMPOSSIBLE) - YouTube

27. Snipperwolf (2020) - No.1 for 40 weeks and counting...

YouTube's reigning queen is 'Snipperworlf'. A gaming channel originally, 'Snipperworlf' made the jump to mainstream reactions and attracted such a large following that it rivals 'Mr.Beast'. As with 'Azzyland,' she uploads multiple times a week, and no one has yet dethroned her. If she survives 52 weeks, it appears she will retire at the top. This seems very likely.

Watch this: Amazing Things You Have NEVER Seen Before - YouTube

[ashley-ghuleh]

Chapter 1: A Friend

(Little note, this is waaaay longer then I thought it would be. But I’m pretty happy with it, here’s to just writing to have fun~<3)

In which a Phoenix befriends a Crow. And the roaring Fire is to meet the Icy Sea.

High school for the rich, some think it would be nicer than a middle class school. Nice kids from prestigious families with good standing reputations. Those people are wrong, rich schools are just as bad if not worse than those of anything lower than them.

Rude kids who were living either spoiled lives with parents who gave them everything they’ve ever wanted.

Or kids coming from homes where they feel smothered by the ‘charitable acts’ their family was known for, or how controlling their parents could be.

And then the kids who didn’t have it so rough who rebelled no matter, just wanting to cause trouble for fun, showing up for school properly dressed and disheveling themselves once in the building without a care if a teacher scolded them, though most teachers have given up on this type of student and their stubborness.

But not all students who acted or dressed this way came from a household that was normal or standard for a rich family. Some who did this came from a place like, The Kohle family.

When it came to higher power in a society of nothing but fake suits and dresses.

The Kohle’

A house made of a mother and father like most were, Elizabeth Grace Kohle Heiress to the original bloodline of Kohle, and James Kohle, formally James McKnight though when he married into the family he had taken the Kohle name in place for his given name as to gain further power from the title. This family on the outside looks picture perfect. Seven kids, six boys and one girl, blessed with many children to continue on the family name. Two loving parents to care for the kids and bring their family to greatness. But under the picture of a ‘perfect’ family portrait lies the full unedited truth. Seven kids, six boys and one girl, six prodigal children and one black sheep. It wasn’t easy being the disappointment, but it was a dirty job and somebody had to do it, and that somebody was Marcus Kohle, born fourth before the twins, his father’s only hated child and his mother’s favorite. 

Being babied and spoiled by his mother and disregarded or shunned by his father and other siblings his father has turned against him, happened to be what shaped this tiny rebel.

Marcus looked like any normal teenager going into school, but these students wouldn’t know this was his fifth transfer for fighting and being an all around troublemaker. 

He walked through the halls remembering the short tour, his school uniform tidy and neat, his hair nicely styled as his mother had done for him before he left that morning, everything in its place. 

Until he stepped through the doors, heading right to the locker rooms. Changing into black beat up combat boots and then ruffling up his hair so it hung perfectly a mess, while undoing the buttons on his uniform dress shirt and loosening his tie to hang lazily around his neck. Walking out he strolled with his bag to his locker ready to cause some chaos.

Those feeling suffocated by the bosom of their parent’s cloaked public affection were like Ashley Carter.

The Carter’

This home was built on a steady arranged marriage of two high school sweethearts, David Carter and Adela Guilani now Adela Guilani-Carter. She kept her maiden name so if things got ugly she could easily drop the hyphenated last name of her husband. Two ‘loving’ parents of course, who were blessed with a single gifted daughter. 

Being born with birth defects that stunned the two parents had been such a reputation concern, that they announced the birth of their daughter without showing her face. The doctor had said Ocular Albinism didn’t run in the family lineage as far as they could find, it just happened to be a rare occurrence.

Rare she was, Ashley Carter was an oddity in a world of normalcy that her parents tried to force upon her. Once she had hit 14 she didn’t care much anymore.

She was the family disappointment, a disgrace to the family name and she would never be what her parents wanted for an heir or a child.

This torn family dynamic wasn’t lost on most other families, some of them were sympathetic, giving the pale eyed girl a safe place to decompress and feel as though nothing or no one could do anything to her, they couldn’t touch her in these safe havens.

Walking into school, she was in her school uniform of course. Hair tied up in high ponytail and her uniform skirt pulled up some to show off her knees as well as her top two blouse buttons undone and her cherry red converse squeaked softly as she trudged to her locker, another day of torture was all she could think.

But she didn’t know that she was about to make the friend that would fight for her till the end.

Some of her friends met up with her to walk to the lockers, chatting softly as she would adjust her sunglasses, the indoor/outdoor lenses for these ones taking a little longer than usual to switch over.

Ashley looked the same as she did the year prior, but with this new year and being a year older, she had changed her looks a bit, having decided she was done hiding she no longer wore her colored contacts to hide her eyes and the most outrageous part of her new look was her new hair color.

Kids from other classes and her own watched her walk by, chest length hair that was now a bold fiery red, Ashley was tired of hiding, wanting to be seen for the girl she could and would be. This new color caused her ‘poor’ mother to faint and her father to demand her to “Wash it out! Now!” Only for the recently rebellious teen to reply with, “ It’s permanent. And no~”

The colors resembled the many hidden within a burning flame, reds, oranges and even some soft pinks, yellowy oranges, all laid out with the best strategies to make her unnatural hair color look.. Well natural. It made her skin seem paler but brought out the color of her freckles, her eyes though always milky crystal seemed to be brighter in a sense.

Closing in on their destination, Ashley and her friends slowed to see a new student being cornered by the lockers, the red haired girl’s happened to be the one this boy’s back was pressed to. “ Hey! I said to say something funny, you're the new foreign kid right? I bet you got a fucking hilarious voice and accent! Go on skinny, say something!” This teasing voice, that was oh so grating on Ashley’s ears made her groan, it belonged to a boy she hasn’t been able to stand since they met at the age of 10, “ Tommy. Fucking. Wilson.” She grumbled now standing before said boy, a born jock through and through. It was like in the dna for that family or something. He would’ve been handsome if he didn’t act so ugly.

“Ashley Carter~ Finally ready to submit to me and become my girlfriend.” The new student against the locker, snorted with a sharp inhale before snickering. “ She’s way out of your league.” His voice was soft, masculine for a 14 year old boy and oddly feminine in an angelic satisfying way. 

The two girls that had been walking with Ashley giggled at the remark and not so much the strange European accent he had and tried to fight around.

Tommy and his two friends looked confused and then shrugged it off. “ I changed my mind, totally thought that you would sound funny but you don’t and honestly..” He narrowed his eyes at the new boy. “ The sound of your voice makes me wanna punch you.” He brought his fist up and Ashley stepped in, smacking Tommy on the back of the head, while he reacted she spoke, glaring down at him. “ If you lay a finger on him, I’ll remind you of what I did when you messed with Cecilia’s lunch and fed her meat. Knowing full well she went vegetarian.” The young jock’s eyes widened at the idea and he straightened himself out and dusted his shirt off. “ Well.. I guess-” “ You're just going to let a girl scare you?” Came the squeaky voice of another boy in Tommy’s little friend group.

Ashley stepped forward putting more heat into her gaze while taking her sunglasses off to show fully the anger in her murky eyes. “ Test your luck punk.” She hissed before the small gaggle of boys and Tommy became legitimately scared and ran off down the hall pushing passed students as they went.

The new boy stood up and sighed, running his hand through his messy hair, “ They didn’t hurt you did they?” Came a sweet soft voice belonging to a beautiful girl only describable as looking like a picture of a blond bombshell girl, the little accessories she wore and her vintage looking makeup were perfect replicas of most early war propaganda posters from the 50s. “ I’m fine thanks..” He said softly trying to not talk too loud, any louder than he was his accent would slip.

“I’m Cecilia, you can call me Cici~” She held out her hand, cocking a brow. He took it and shook it weirdly, clearly uncomfortable.

A tall raven haired girl on Ashley’s other side grinned and gave a tiny two finger wave. “ I’m Lilith. Call me Lili or Li'l.” He nodded at her before looking at Ashley whole nodded at him. “ I’m Ashley. Also the girl who just saved your little tush. What’s your name, new kid?” She asked while getting into her locker and arranging her things and grabbing what she’d need for her class.

He grumbled something under his breath and then sighed through his nose. “ Marcus.. Kohle..” Cecilia jumped and gasped. “ Holy shit! Like the Kohle family from Germany that owns and operates a huge oil rig branch?!?” Groaning the new kid, Marcus, nodded and rubbed his forehead.

“Don’t remind me please.” He sighed, Lilith and Ashley both nudged Cici who shrugged and flailed a bit, “ S-sorry sugar.. Didn’t mean to upset you. So! You guys just moved here right? You're gonna need some friends!” She giggled, smiling brightly. Ashley nodded, “ Yea, and it might as well be us if you're gonna survive in this jungle. Especially if you want to avoid conflict with Tommy.” Marcus grinned and laughed coldly. “ I was doing my best.. Not to hit him.” Lilith nodded.

“Steer clear of him if you can kid, he packs a punch..” Ashley snorted and shut her locker, “ When he can land one. My depth perception is clinically off by birth and can aim a hit better. Tommy couldn’t hit the broad side of a cow with a banjo.” She quipped while looking down slightly at Marcus. “ What class do you have first?” The german boy looked at his curriculum list. “ English li-....” He frowned at the word he was obviously having a hard time with. Cecilia peeked over his shoulder and saw it, “ English literature.. Not to be rude, hun, but I’m guessing your English reading is..” She raised a worried brow and Marcus frowned deeper and flapped his hand back and forth, the three girls looked at each other and nodded. “ It's okay, we’re all in that class with you, so we’ll help you. We’re friends now! So we’re gonna do what friends do best and help each other~” Cecilia giggled, her giggles were infectious and Marcus smiled softly, Ashley looked down at him taking him in for a moment, small and thin as a whip. His hair was messy and was a rich, dark black, it was so dark it had a soft tint of an iridescent shine like crow feathers. His face was sharp, feminine. His skin was almost sickly pale, but his eyes were what stood out to her.

Deep, blue oceanic eyes. They looked tired, obvious by the deep set circles under them, but she found herself feeling like she was falling into a dark blue void, swirling through an angry whirlpool in the temperamental sea. Even with how emotionally exhausted he looked, his eyes held this intense energy to them.

Ripped from her thoughts by her friends, she looked to see if they noticed she had spaced out, Marcus didn’t notice, neither did the girls, Lilith was running her fingers through Marcus’ messy tresses. “ Your hair is so cool.. It reminds me of a crow~” She grinned, the foreign boy nodded his thanks softly. “Oh! Oh! Our little friend group is complete! We’ve got the sassy Italian’s,” She giggled, waving at herself and Lilith, “ I’m Italian too..” Ashley pouted, “ Yes, but now we also have.” She sang that ‘a’ to draw it out while shoving Marcus and Ashley shoulder to shoulder, “ The phoenix and the crow~” The blond bubbled and grinned brightly.

The two looked at each other and then shrugged, “ Works for me. Just don’t be calling me that around others.” He grumbled though wasn’t actually grumpy about it, Ashley nodded, “ I mean I like it but it's a little… Stage name-y? How about something more subtle for general use?”

Marcus looked up at her and immediately spoke before anyone else could. “ Ash.” He stated plainly. “ Phoenix's rise from ashes, reborn into the world. Becoming greater with every rebirth.” He said with a bored tone almost like it was so obvious before adding on, “ Plus it's her name but shortened.. I am foreign but not dumb.”

The girls all laughed and smiled at the boy’s antics, he was going to be a lot of fun to get to know and hang out with. Already each girl held special places in their hearts for this precious kid and wouldn’t let anything happen to him.

“Well gang.. We better get to class before Professor Davidson comes searching for us.” Groaning at the idea they made sure they all had everything including Marcus and went onto class.

Walking down the hallway were four new best friends, and two who would stand up for the other no matter the scenario. Beautiful bonds were made between the Phoenix, and the Crow. 

But the two thought, how would the intense Fire handle meeting the Freezing Sea, that’s been raging for centuries?

That’s something they’ll find out together. As they would do so, with many things to come.

[freykitten]

Frey’s fic recs list!

I realised there’s a dry spell happening in my fic reccommendations tag (”can i interest you in this masterpiece”, perhaps with a question mark at the end idk anymore), and we’re off season, so appreciating the writers creating content now is very important, so here’s a very incomplete list of season 12 (with a smidge of CDR) fics I’m obsessed with. 

It’s absolutely not all the fics I would happily rant about to everyone who listened - it’s very on top of my head - but almost all authors I mentioned have more RPDR works, so check that out and browse the tags of ships you’re interested in (that’s how I found a big part of those gems). Oh, and comment, even if it’s just keysmash or screaming. It means the world, trust me on that.

“we didn’t start the fire” by @pink-grapefruit-cafe - lesbian AU, multichap, in progress (Jankie, Ninex, Trixya + I’m hoping for Kamasia)

When I think of this story, I start smiling and bounce with excitement, because it’s just that freaking fantastic. I’m still in awe with how well Charl is executing this concept, and I stopped expecting anything less than splendind from her even before I got to know her. How does she know so much about firefighters? I’m guessing a lot of detailed research came into outlining this story and I have the most respect for that. But the plot! Okay, so it’s a firefighter AU. I can’t tell you too much not to spoil anything important, but it starts with a bang to your own head, and then it doesn’t slow down. We get to explore characters one by one, but through the lense of relationships and dynamic, and it’s done in such a smart way. I promise you’ll be hooked one paragraph in, and by the end of the first chapter- you’ll be addicted.

“A Goode Idea“ by @goodemornting​ - lesbian AU, one shot (Crygi)

I had and incredible pleasure of betaing it, but I’m not biased at all what I say this fic is hilarious. It’s fantastically written and had me surprised at every turn. I had the most fun reading it each time. The idea is, well, absurd. Like, literally. Crystal gets her hand stuck in a vending machine on her way to a blind date. But our girl is not a quitter, oh no, but the machine is runway commentary on Drag Race and Crystal’s hand is jokes about Michelle’s breasts. Just... can’t let it go. Thankfully, there comes salvation in a form of Gigi Goode, who’s been stood up on a blind date. Are you, like, connecting the dots here? Because they’re not. At all. This fic is prime entertainment, give it a read.

“I Remember“ by @imposterzoe - one shot (Jiji)

MY HEART WAS RIPPED OUT, SET ON FIRE, AND STEPPED ON, BUT NOT IN ATTEMPT TO PUT OUT THE FLAME. I thought about this fic and, jesus, it still hurts. It’s a great angst, truly a great one. It’s all loneliness and heartbreak and yearning that makes the lungs burn. “dear god he needed a hug. But the one person he would accept it from was in another man's arms, on the other side of the country.” - I can’t get this line out of my head and I don’t regret it - it’s a very good one, but it just hurts a lot. Incredible, incredible work. 

One Direction (to your heart) by @opalescent-cheetah​ - lesbian AU, multichap, in progress (Jaida/Crystal)

Back to the fun stuff! IT’S A SOULMATES AU. I’M WEAK FOR SOULMATES AUs. And you might not understand my love for that trope (it’s legit my favourite one ever), but you will understand my love for that story as soon as you start it. It’s a fun spin on the soulmate tottoos trope - you’re not born with it, but once you get your first tattoo, it’s mirrored on your soulmate’s skin. And Jaida really doesn’t get the appeal of having the universe decide for you about who you’re going to love - she prefers to make that decision for herself, so when arabic letters spelling “One Direction” appear on her chest, it’s less than ideal. But she doesn’t think too much about it. That, or the fact her new coworker insists of blasting 1D songs all day long. She might not enjoy Crystal’s taste in music, but she sure enjoys her company. A lot. A whole lot.

I almost forgot to mention it, but the fact each chapter has a seperate illustration drawn for it? And they’re all so pretty? Wonderful.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered by @missjanjie - lesbian AU, multichap, in progress (Sportsdoll, Crygi)

I promised myself one rec for one author and with Joley it was the most difficult to stick to that rule (and we’ve had Charlotte on this list, and I’m whipped with everything she writes, so visualise the struggle here). But I chose this one, because it’s just!!! so good!!! Jan is a simple collage student with typical collage student problems. You know, exams, boring readings, pining for your French pen pal, morning lectures, handing in assignments on time. Crystal is her roommate, and has typical roommate problems: sharing chores, remembering which sweets are whose, and telling your secret crush you have to pretend to be in love, because your roommate decided to invite her French pen pal to your wedding, so now you have to stage everything. That’s a normal Tuesday evening for them. And an awesome story for you to follow.

“small wonder“ by wildewoman_22 - lesbian AU, one shot (Jankie)

This list is supposed to be fics that live rent-free in my head, so this one should have been put as the first one. It made me sob. It’s so unimaginably beautiful (I’m already getting tears in my eyes and I’m not even talking about the plot, oh my god). Jackie and Jan decide to have a baby, and it’s the most raw, magnificent, but also heartwarming portrayal of pregnancy and different ways to understand motherhood I’ve read. So absolutely beautiful and filled with love. Just, a masterpiece. So mindblowing.

“Some Things Are Bound To Be” by @dollalpaca​ - lesbian AU, multichap, in progress (Kyara)

In Polish we have that saying, “to approach something like dog would a hedgehog”, and to say that was me with that fic is like not saying anything. I love Zyanny and I’m always going to be proud of the things she creates - be it a fic, a moodboard, or a bullet journal - but I didn’t really watch CDR, and the bit I have seen didn’t convince me. So it took me a while to get to that fic. But when I did. Jesus, the only advantage of catching up on it late was the fact I didn’t have to wait for updates, because it’s so good I’d go crazy, like I am now. Kyne is an accountant in a big company, all she wants is to do her job and mind her own business. Really. Give her her papers and peace. That’s all she’s asking for. So of course she’ll get something else - a rumour she’s dating the daughter of the company’s boss. But Kiara is hot and nice and seeing her laugh makes Kyne’s heart do stupid things, so what the hell. One thing she doesn’t know is Kiara’s past, and that might complicate a few things. I don’t know Kiara’s past either and Zyan won’t tell me and I’m going crazy here. Come join me in my misery - the way her characters are written makes it all worth it.

“countless chances” by @essenceofhall - lesbian AU, one shot (Crygi)

IT’S A HARLEY QUINN/POISON IVY AU, PEOPLE. And it’s blowing my mind. The characterisation in that fic is immaculate - it’s like original personalities of Ivy and Harley were mixed with something very, very original, and it’s owned - done so surely and with so much craftmanship - they feel organic as Crystal and Gigi. This fic is the best way of creating an AU based on existing characters I’ve read, and with a lot of certainty I can say that it will remain as the best one. It’s pure brilliance. I am blown away. Impressed beyond the point of expression. 

“Blue Neighborhood” by @imalwaysaslutfordrag - lesbian AU, a series of astounding one shots, in progress

I won’t write too much about this, because I probably could whip out a separate post about BN and it would be just as long. It’s one of the best stories I’ve read in my entire life, and I don’t mean just fics, I mean all literature. Every aspect I could talk about is entrancing. Phenomenal work that deserves all the praise.