#gen + cope by my friends :]

[neishroom]

from birdie's bday

[kyomito]

i love it when my day starts with:

you have one task today. one thing to do, all day to do it. just that for today along with other normal things like eating and showering.

and then my brain is like:

funny. and what if I said we are doing none of that. matter fact, we are going to do none of that and LESS.

[kitasgloves]

"You are in love"

event masterlist

— ♬ "And you understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars. And why I've spent my whole life tryin' to put it into words"

— ♬ Kuroo x Reader, timeskip, SFW, fluff, gen reader, high school friends to lovers, no beta

One look, dark room, meant just for you. Time moved too fast, you played it back. You see buttons on a coat and remember a lighthearted joke, back then it had no proof and it was not much but you saw enough. When you were younger, you had trouble making friends. You used to believe that there was something wrong with you and that nobody was willing to stay and play, for a long time you coped with that. Being alone. Until high school went up and changed everything.

You didn't originally want to go to Nekoma High, you were aiming for Fukurodani Academy or even Itachiyama Institute. But you ended up going to Nekoma which you admit you hated at first. You had the potential to be in more prestigious schools in Tokyo but at least you ended up in one of the higher class sections during your first year. In terms of academics, there was no hassle. You went through every homework, classwork, presentation, and even group activity like a breeze. However, in terms of social life, you offer nothing but silence.

You couldn't connect with anyone in your class, they were kind people but there was no one who you see willing to open up to you and vice versa. It felt like your childhood and middle school all over again, you always ended up alone. But you were fortunately wrong. It was a fateful day during lunch and you were eating alone when you spotted a shadow over your head. And you saw him, feline-like eyes and bedhead hair. He offers you an eager smile.

"Mind if I sit here with you?"

He asks and you nod. He sits across from you and pulls out his lunch. He looked taller and older than you. The way he behaved around you told you how he was comfortable with approaching strangers, and you stopped eating.

"You're Kenma's seatmate, right?"

"Oh, you mean Kozume-san?"

"Yep! He didn't go to school today, he got sick"

"You know him?"

"We're childhood best friends, we sorta tell each other everything. I'm Kuroo Tetsuro, by the way"

"[Name], [Name] [Surname]"

Kuroo seems so eager to get to know you. Your first lunch shared with Kuroo left you perplexed, you're convinced it was only a one-time occurrence. But it repeated, again, and again. For months until the entirety of your first year. You and Kuroo became friends, something you never anticipated. You two became so close that it felt natural. By the time you reached your second year, you and Kuroo were inseparable.

He convinced you to join the boys' volleyball club as manager. Kenma became the witness to all your shenanigans with his childhood best friend. Because of Kuroo, you changed. You've learned to open up to people, you've become the person you are today thanks to him. Your friendship with Kuroo got you through the hardships in high school up until graduation. The two of you remained close after he left for college and the beginning of your third year. You and Kuroo consistently kept in touch until it was your turn to leave Nekoma for college.

You haven't heard from each other ever since and you've made a new life while in college. You gained new experiences, new friends, and new challenges to overcome. Even if you and Kuroo drifted apart, there wasn't a day that you don't wonder where he is right now. By your last year in college, you began to miss him. To miss the memories you had with him in high school. Watching movies, playing video games with Kenma, volleyball practice, and having sleepovers. You had a major case of nostalgia when you went through your photos back at high school, there were polaroids of you and him on his graduation that never fail to make you tear up.

College ended as your career started. You found a good job that paid enough to sustain yourself, that's when you began trying to reconnect with Kuroo. You also found out that Kenma became a YouTuber, rising in popularity. All it took was a quick DM to his Instagram account and you got Kuroo's contact number. Apparently, he works at the Japan Volleyball Association within the Sports Promotion division. Something you knew he would definitely pursue. 

It was close to midnight when you contemplated calling up his number, a million scenarios flooded your head. He could be already asleep, he probably doesn't know your number, or maybe he has already forgotten you. Your chest goes tight at the last thought. But you suck in a deep breath and dialed Kuroo's number. You held your phone against your ear and stared down at your Polaroid picture with him in your hand.

"Hello?"

You hear his voice in the line and your throat goes dry. It felt like your heart stopped beating but began racing after realizing the weight of the situation. You let out a shaky breath.

"Hi, Tetsu"

"...[Name]? Holy shit [Name] is that you?!"

He sounds so excited and it causes tears to well up in your vision. You let out a relieved chuckle knowing Kuroo hasn't forgotten about you. Immediately, you and him began talking and catching up on each other's lives. There was a brief exchange of apologies for letting the years go by without keeping in touch, but there were no grudges held and all was forgiven. 

"Where is your place? I'll pick you up, let's get coffee"

"Sure"

It began snowing outside as you wrapped yourself in your warmest clothes. You waited in front of your apartment complex and saw a car pull up minutes later. The windows roll down and your heart leaps out of your chest. It was Kuroo Tetsuro, your high school best friend. He was grinning at you like he always did back then. He kept his signature bedhead hair and the only difference was he seemed to look more charming than he was during high school. You smile as he opens the door for you.

You sat in the passenger seat in quietness while smiling at each other, it truly felt like nothing had changed. Small talk and he drives. You two grab coffee at midnight. You and Kuroo stood against each other under the snow, sipping on coffee and laughing. The lampost light reflects the chain on your neck, Kuroo's eyebrows raised.

"Look up"

He says, and your shoulders brushed. It was no mistaking it. You were still wearing the necklace he gave you on your eighteenth birthday. You couldn't tell if the cold made his ears red or something else. No proof, one touch. But seeing Kuroo slide closer to you made you feel enough.

Something has changed, you couldn't point out what it was but something wasn't the same with you and Kuroo. The two of you spent a whole month making up for lost time. If it was possible, it seemed like the two of you became even closer. Perhaps closer than him and Kenma but felt way more different. You began noticing the shift in your and Kuroo's relationship one morning when you woke up at his place after spending the night before drinking. You smell burnt toast in the kitchen and it was a Sunday. You keep his shirt, and he keeps his word. And for once, you let go, of your fears and your ghosts. One step, not much. But it said enough.

You feel the change transform you and Kuroo uncontrollably. This felt nothing like high school anymore. Kuroo was getting closer and closer each time and you always let him. You've never felt so comfortable with anyone in your life. This is proved when Kuroo and you began kissing on sidewalks. You knew you'd never find someone like Kuroo in your life, so whenever you two would fight, you two would always talk.

However, everything comes into full circle one night when Kuroo wakes. He spent the night at your apartment and slept beside you. You stirred awake and you see the strange look on his face. He looks at you deep into your eyes, you gaze back with bated breath. He pauses.

"[Name], you're my best friend"

He says. And you knew what it was, he was in love. He's in love with you. So you instantly leaned against him and shared a long gentle kiss. For a long time, you felt like you two were dancing in a snow globe 'round and 'round. And now he keeps a picture of you in his office downtown. And understand why you spent your whole life trying to put it in two words. But you can hear it in the silence. You can feel it on the way home. You can see it with the lights out. You didn't see it back then but now it becomes crystal clear; you're in love, true love. You're in love with Kuroo Tetsuro.

"I think I fell in love with you the moment you gave me this necklace for my eighteenth birthday"

"Oh, really? Well, I think I fell in love with you when I sat with you for lunch back at high school for the first time"

"You're lying"

"No! Ask Kenma! I just didn't know it back then. But now, when you called me up after what felt like ages, I knew I didn't want to be in love with somebody else"

"Ew, cheeseball"

"Look at you, being so in love with me"

"As if you aren't more terribly in love with me, Tetsu"

"I wouldn't want it any other way, darling"

©kitasgloves (do not steal or copy)

[mlbigbang]

2023 Ladynoir Fic Rec List

It’s the end of the year which means it’s finally time for the ML Big Bang’s yearly fic rec lists! We’re really excited to bring you our contributors’ favourite fics started this year to supply you with plenty of reading material while you’re waiting for the Big Bang fics’ publication in January.

all of your flaws and all of my flaws (are laid out one by one) by @coffeebanana

Ladybug and Marinette have both been acting strangely since Monarch's defeat, and Chat Noir would give anything to know why—to be able to help them. He just…didn't expect his answers to come when Ladybug drags him to his father's statue in the middle of the night along with a bag full of spray paint.

This fic explores the aftermath of the season 5 finale and provides some badly needed hurt/comfort, lovesquare communication, and vandalism ; )

with this ring by @thelibraryloser

She thought “you and me against the world” had sounded like lopsided odds before, when she hadn’t even dreamed “you against me” was a possibility. Or maybe she had dreamed it, but at least in those dreams he’d had cold blue eyes and a stark white mask. The villain she’d fought today had looked at her through her partner’s own bright green eyes. It wasn’t meant to be this way.

It tore at my heartstrings! It deals with a unique Ladynoir 'enemies' premise in a beautiful way

Let Me Count the Ways (aka Chat Noir's List of Ladybug's New Habits) by @sariahsue

Chat Noir thought it might be a good idea to start keeping a list of all the strange things Ladybug had been doing lately. It might help him to figure out what it all meant. There was the stumbling, the stuttering, the blushing. It had appeared out of nowhere. No, that wasn't quite right. It had all started when they were dancing at the gala, when she'd been so nervous that she tripped over the perfectly flat marble floor and smashed her face into his chest.

Like Smoke from a Furnace by @wackus-bonkus-maximus

Marinette and Adrien give up their Miraculous. Ladybug and Chat Noir never meet again.

It's hard to categorize this. Is this a ship or is it gen? It's strictly Adrienette because they're married. But pre-reveal. It forks after Kwami's Choice and asks the question: How would LB cope with LB and CN never getting their miraculous back after Kwami's Choice? But the story's title seems to indicate that this is kind of a "forbidden Ladynoir" fic because it's an allusion to the potentially devastating effects of "looking back" when you shouldn't. I've read this fic like a dozen times and am completely obsessed.

telepathy by @thelibraryloser

There’s a certain amount of telepathy created after several years fighting beside someone. It’s a mix of chemistry, history, and probably a bit of actual magic, and it comes down to this: Chat Noir usually knows exactly what his Lady is thinking. So, when a bike messenger hands him a three digit number written on a piece of hospital stationary, he knows exactly what Ladybug is asking him to do. He just can’t believe it. 

soft and sweet and much ladynoir! <3

A 'Super' Guide to 'Super' Dating by @mysticraven20

When Ladybug just scrapes into the top 10 of Paris’ favourite heroes list, she asks her partner and her best friend for help. After they decide she’s not personable enough, which in result, makes her unapproachable, Marinette goes out to try and become one with the public by writing her very own dating blog. As the blog turns into an overwhelming hit, Marinette finds herself in an awkward position, once again falling for the guy she’s always longed for; a guy who has started his own search for love following her ‘Super’ guide to ‘Super’ Dating.

I just love the idea of Ladybug writing a dating column as she tries to find love in the city.

[ingcap]

Nightmare In My Head

CatNap spent three years trying to cope with their trauma, ever since the day they died to their God, The Prototype. They've only gotten worse, unable to control their thoughts that lead them to accidentally emit red smoke from their system. DogDay was more than willing to always help them, but this was the first time CatNap had been knocked out for years, leaving him to worry about their friend even worse.

(Gen hope these all made sense HAHA theyre pretty rushed but i wanted a way to express my thoughts and what do i remember.... i like to draw... THEREFORE...

Tons of people have au's about catnap remembering or getting better so im not exactly that special for making another au with my take on interpreting characters differently after their traumas,,, hope this was a possibly silly read though apologies in advance my comic making skills sorta suck major bum 🙏)

Part Two

[rottenpumpkin13]

The 1sts + Zack go to Shinra’s mandatory group therapy program and chaos ensues

Therapist: So, would anyone like to start?

*Genesis raises his hand*

Therapist: Genesis, go ahead.

Genesis: I just want to know, can Zack and I leave? We're the only ones who don't need to be here.

Zack: Hey speak for yourself! I'm here to talk about my feelings and offer Sephiroth emotional support.

Angeal: Oh because screw me, right?

Zack: That's not what I meant! You know Sephiroth really needs this.

Angeal: And I don't!?

Genesis: Oh you do, my friend. I, on the other hand don't.

Sephiroth: Genesis didn't know he was adopted until he was twelve.

*Everyone gasps including the therapist*

Genesis: THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A SECRET.

Angeal: You know what's not a secret, Gen? That you're jealous of Sephiroth and your self confidence issues run so deep, you think that unless you're not good at everything, people won't love you!

Genesis: You wanna talk about issues, Angeal? Okay, how about we start with how ever since your father passed away, your coping mechanism has involved playing father to everyone else?

Zack: Woah, is that true Angeal?

Angeal: No it's not!

Sephiroth: Angeal has confessed to me that it is indeed true.

Angeal: YOU WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO TELL THEM THAT!

Genesis: HAHA HOW I LOVE BEING RIGHT!

Zack: Back up! Gen, Angeal, you've been friends since you were kids and didn't know that about each other!?

Sephiroth: Genesis said he's ashamed of what Angeal would think of him and Angeal doesn't trust Genesis enough to air out his frustrations.

Genesis & Angeal: WHAT!?

Zack: Guys! This is seriously something you need to sit down and talk about!

Sephiroth: Zack struggles with feeling constantly homesick and sees Angeal and Genesis as stand-ins for his parents back home.

Zack: I TOLD YOU TO KEEP IT A SECRET!

Angeal: Buddy, is that how you've been feeling all along?

Genesis: Why didn't you tell us sooner?

Zack: But—But I—But—I—*his eyes well with tears and he runs off crying*

Genesis: Zack wait!

Angeal: You don't need to feel embarrassed!

*They run after him*

Sephiroth:

Therapist:

Sephiroth: Good. Now that we're alone, it all started when I started inquiring about my mother...

[seeminglydark]

Idk if this means anything to you but I'm a comic artist who's had a hard time doing art for a few years. The first four was because of life hardship and lack of time/chronic pain, but now lately I've had time but a mental block. I'm creeping up on 30 and felt bad about myself for "missing out" on my opportunity to be a comic artist. It was really validating to see you post about being 41 (correct me if I'm wrong) especially since you have such wonderful comics that I've been following for a while now. It makes me feel less like I'm wasting my time putting my things in order when I "should" be drawing.

Hopefully this doesn't come across as offensive or anything. It was just comforting and validating. Anyway, big fan! Love your characters a whole lot and hope you have a good day!

Dear Anon

I am 41 years old. I have wanted to make comics my entire life. before my dad got sick, and my childhood kinda fell apart, all i did was draw. after that, i used the stories in my head to cope. life moved on. i was convinced not to accept a partial scholarship to an art school in California. life got hard. i worked at a hotel, and after i escaped an abusive relationship at 22 i hitchhiked/bused far far away to start over. i tried to make comics again, but i had to survive, and so i got another job doing the only thing i knew how to do, hotels. and i worked. and worked. and life got harder and times got heavier and i didn't get time to draw and i worked double hours, 15 to 17 hours a day. and i went four years without drawing a single thing.

i kept working myself into the ground. i was 29 now. i picked up a pen again and drew a red haired boy. he had a hard life and no love and no friends. his problems were on the outside, for everyone to see. he ran away but his problems went with him.

i was 32. surely i was too old now. my time to be an artist was gone. i had no school. no hope. i was so far behind the younger gen i saw online. i cried. all the time. i wrote stories in my email drafts while i worked shifts. i stayed up late trying to learn how to draw again. i cried some more. the boy grew. i called him Fiach. worthy. a raven. later i renamed him Avery. he was like a bird, he had wings, he was my hope. i started writing some friends for him. the people i wished i had around me.

i started finding time and space. i got a new job, something where i was lucky enough to set my own hours. for the first time i had a partner who believed in me. things were hard. but i was drawing now. and that helped.

i went on a road trip and i started drawing pages of an unnamed story on 6 by 8 paper in a sketchbook. i drew 20 of them. 'what could i call this?' i thought. Nothing Seems as Dark...no says my partner. Seemingly Dark. he made me a logo. i was 35. i bought an ipad, i cant do this on paper, its too much story i have too much to say. so i learned how to draw digitally by tracing my own trad art pages.

I spoke to my dad for the last time on June 17th, fathers day that year. he said 'you're good. i'm proud. and you're gonna do amazing things. none of this is your fault. and we will speak again soon.' i didn't know id never hear his voice again. he died a week later.

i turned 36. i kept trying. i'm old, i don't understand the internet. how can i share this?

i stumbled across Lore Olympus. i was introduced to webcomics. id read comics online before but the thought never occurred to me. i opened an account on Tapas. and then i stared at it. what if no one likes it. what if its bad. my art isn't good. i should wait til i'm better. but will i ever really be better? or will i always believe that tomorrow is better? do it now. if even one person gets something out of this story, this story about a boy who is you, a boy who looking for hope, a boy who might make it, then that is enough isn't it.

June 17th 2018 i launched Seemingly Dark.

SD's five year anniversary is in a week. 0ver 700 pages. leaps and bounds in progress with my skills. a printed comic under my belt as of monday. i was always a storyteller. but i was always an artist too.

I am 41 years old, dear anon. I did not truly embark on this journey til i was 35. life got in the way. even now, chronic illness gets in the way. but its worth it. its never ever too late. i believe in you the way my dad believed in me. i reset my life again and again. but I was always an artist. and if thats who you are, and who you want to be, even if things dont go the way you wished they could, you're an artist too.

im 41 years old. i speak about my age, even though i often feel too old to belong in spaces, cuz really, in this case age is just a number. take care of yourself. do what you need to do. and little by little, when your able, carve out your space until it becomes more of a habit. sometimes i think about all the years i lost not drawing or creating. but there's a lot of factors that make me believe had i made my story then, it wouldn't be the story it is now, i needed to live a bit. i needed to find myself. i know this was long, but i just wanted you to see i also had to put my life in order, and getting notes like this reminds me it wasnt at all a waste. im glad i could offer you some comfort. thats honestly the best compliment i could ever receive.

TL;dR I was 35 when i sat down and seriously started making comics, because life always got in the way and so did my confidence. i always feared being too old. im 41 now, still going strong.

[kiruyeen]

listen if you go into g3 thinking it will be just like more episodes of g1 youre gonna be very disappointed. like yeah if I had to choose between them Id choose g1 as it cant be beat, but g3 has its own unique charm and is really good if you accept that the g3 cast isnt gonna be a carbon copy of the g1 cast. they arent meant to be! theyre new takes on their character, by definition, a new generation. yes I still have criticisms for it but also it did a lot of stuff better!

first off, a trans character IN a queer relationship. Ive always related to frankie but gen 3 especially does them so well and no matter what you say them and cleo's relationship is adorable. also I see a lot of you treat them like just a girl who uses they/them pronouns (or ignore that theyre non-binary at all) just because they dress femininely, and I am judging you. their relationship is trixic, not sapphic, and frankie is unlabeled and cleo is bi so theyre not lesbians either. frankie is not your theythem girl or theyfab or whatever. grow up. deuce is also theorized to be trans or intersex and is also canonically aromantic and I fucking love that as well. "b-but my nostalgia abt cleo and deuce" Im still nostalgic about them too and it was nice seeing the "mean girl" and her boyfriend have a healthy relationship but again this is a different take on their character, and I can happily say I could see their g1 versions identify this way as well if mattel wasnt such a coward back then.

next, lagoona. Ill be honest I was one of the biggest haters of g3 lagoona at first, pink skin, vsco girl ass fashion, "this aint my lagoona, she's way less edgier than the others AND g1" Id say, but she really grew on me, and as someone who frequently rewatches g1 as well, I notice she is a LOT more well developed than her g1 counterpart. g3 is fierce and is afraid of no longer being seen as such due to also having "cutesy" interests, and loves graphic novels and sometimes sees them as more true than real life. she also has anxiety and copes with them in an unappealing fashion (chewing). she makes up for her lack of edgy looks with her edgy personality. meanwhile g1 is just.... aussie and loves her boyfriend. g3 is still very sporty and cares for her friends (and crush) a lot, but now has personality past that, she can even find fault in her crush while still loving him, while g1 lagoona just saw gill as the perfect incarnate. g3 just overall, has more fleshed out monsters than g1.

more about deuce, I see a lot of people headcanon him as trans and I love that, but I personally believe he may be intersex. "but both of his parents and his sisters are female, there is no y chromosome in their heritage so how could he develop a y chromosome or testosterone" you may ask, but worry not for I have a biology special interest and am more than willing to explain! deuce's parents are a harpy (bird monster) and a gorgon(snake monster), and both birds and snakes are known to have NOT X and Y chromosomes to determine sex, but Z and W, and it works the other way around! meaning the offspring with zw chromosomes will be female while the offspring with zz chromosomes will be male! and due to deuce being out of the sex norms of both harpies and gorgons (having no males), he is considered intersex! again, I have nothing about his trans headcanons, but him being intersex makes more sense to me. and I LOVE it if thats the intention.

either way, even if I have my criticisms, I love g3, yes its not comparable to g1 but theyre different series!

[woefulrest]

Haii ！ It's me、 Lolita。 

Firstly、 I'd like to address the allegation of the hate anons。 None of those are me、 I do not feel most negative emotions besides sadness && things alike to that。 I feel no hate to anyone、 I care for everyone I meet and don't。 You all are special to me in your own ways。 

But there are people who follow and stalk my new friends && people I know and then decide to use my name as a cover。 This has happened for months and I wish they'd leave me and people I once knew alone。 They aren't my protectors、 I don't condone their behavior and I never will。 I want nothing but the best for everyone。 ／gen

Now、 onto the rest。 I'm being honest when I say I completely forgot most、 if not all the triggering content of my source。 I haven't reread my source in a long time so I geniunely forgot。 I consume a lot of media with such topics to cope with my own experiences so I personally am not affected by them at all。 I apologize for making you feel uncomfortable from that。 

We met at a bad time、 I was still a mess from losing 4 of my closest beings and was trying to cope。 I needed some sort of escape to distract myself from it all and you were it。 For a short short time you were my FP but that quickly snapped。 I was attached to you and became indifferent to how my actions could affect you。 I apologize for that。 

I thank you for calling out how I acted and I wish that you forgive me、 but I won't force it。 Forgive me if you want、 it is up to you completely and I'm content with whatever decision you make。 

I'm sorry for how my actions have affected you、 I was neck deep in a delusion that I didn't even realize。 I thought I was in the right、 that I could do no wrong、 that I was someone who was so holy and correct I deserved worship and adoration。 I know now that isn't the case。 I fucked up horribly and I'm so sorry Micah。 

I'm happy this has finally happened、 my delusion would've just continued getting worse && I would've become much worse。 I needed this and I'm so happy it happened、 I'm free and can own up to the fact I'm a bad person。 I'm working on myself now && I'm becoming better slowly。 I apologize again、 I fucked up royally and now will suffer the consequences of my actions。 

— Yours truly、 Lovelet。

The fact that you can even drop a fucking typing quirk to make a shitty apology! Even if the hate anon’s aren’t you it’s 100% connected to you. You have basically admitted to using ME, a living , breathing person as a coping mechanism is fucking insane! You should not be on the internet if you believe you can do no wrong and deserve to be worshipped and adored ?? You need to talk about this to someone and I mean that. This ‘apology’ REEKS of manipulative language. Please do not try to contact me ever again after this , I do not want to hear what you have to say and I simply do not care.

[spookberry]

One of the most salvagable things from G2 was Frankie's sister; Alivia Stein.

Change my mind.

I mean I agree. I think Alivia's being into photography and potentially being more artistically oriented rather than science-y like the rest of her family is really interesting. Also Frankie making themself a sibling just cuz all their closest friends seemed to have at least one is SO funny and in character. I could see any generation Frankie do this. I mean, they made hoodude afterall lol

Not quite a counter but a followup argument to yours though is that a Lot of those gen 2 exclusive characters had a lot of potential!! Personally I really like Raythe and hope he gets brought back for g3 cuz ge'd fit in SO well. But Moanica's human hating "monsters should stay hidden and i hate your dumb school" outlook on unlife could be brought back too. Its an outlook more characters would share with her in g3. But compared to g1/2 it made her fairly unique. (plus her army of undead boyfriends is real funny to me)

Ari having a secret ghostly identity despite being a "human" popstar is such a cool piece of lore in g2. How many other monsters chose to cope via pretending to be human rather than isolating themselves for eternity?? How does that affect the wider culture arouns them after the reveal??

Also draculaura and clawdeen being stepsisters couldve been SO cool like!! It was only hinted at but its canon(in g2) to me

[garnette-gal]

Off-Limits - A Diamond in the Rough Series - Part 1

Hangman x Fem! Reader

Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin knows you’re supposed to be off-limits, yet he just can’t help himself. Unfortunately for him, you’re determined to not be distracted by the handsome hot-shot fighter pilot. Good thing Hangman’s never been a quitter. Reader’s callsign: Diamond.

Warnings: Cursing

Word count: 2,227

Note: I am SO obsessed with Top Gun Maverick right now. So how else do I cope with an obsession? Write a fic of course :) Hope y’all enjoy! 

Part 2 is now up! Series Masterlist.

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

It was an unspoken rule of self-preservation amongst the next-gen military community that you never fucked with a close relative of an Admiral.

The potential fallout from a disastrous one-night stand or relationship could be enough to ruin a career before it even began. Most were wise enough to not take the risk.

Most.

Then again, Lieutenant Jake “Hangman” Seresin had never been one to back down from a challenge. 

To be fair, he would argue later, technically you weren’t blood-related to the Admiral.

“Who is that?” Jake had asked the moment he set his gaze on you. He’d watched you from the very instant you’d slid up to the bar, greeting Penny in a way that indicated the two of you were friends.  

He lined himself up along the pool table, glancing away when Penny looked in his direction.

Coyote scanned the area that Hangman nodded towards, and when he spotted you at the bar, Coyote did a double-take. A concerned look crossed his face. “Hangman, no. That one is off-limits.” Coyote warned, his voice low.

“Off-limits is not in my vocabulary, Coyote.” 

“I’m not joking, man.” Coyote glanced at you to make sure you weren’t listening, and he leaned in closer to Hangman to whisper conspiratorially, “She’s Admiral Kazansky’s goddaughter. Her father died during a dogfight while flying as Iceman’s wingman. She may not be a Kazansky, but the Admiral definitely sees her as one. Don’t even think about it.”

Jake contemplated this. It explained the occasional somber look that passed through your eyes, but he had a feeling the last thing you wanted was his pity. 

“Why not?” He pushed, unwilling to give the topic up.

“Beyond it being career suicide?” Coyote rolled his eyes, typical Hangman. Always chasing women. “She’s a fellow fighter pilot.”

“Is that right?” Jake’s curiosity was getting the better of him, and he knew it. He really knew better, but he couldn’t resist when such a pretty thing sat at the bar.

“She graduated from Top Gun last year. Her teammates claim she does exceptionally well in high-pressure scenarios, thus, the callsign Diamond.” 

Jake rose a brow as he turned to watch you accept a drink from Penny. He thought that your callsign was appropriate when it came to your appearance. Like a diamond, your rare beauty seemed to sparkle brightly despite the low lights of the bar.

As for you doing well under pressure, Hangman would have to judge that for himself.

Right at that moment, you released a laugh, tilting your head back in a fit of giggles at something Penny said. It did something funny to his chest, a twinge of some sort. Just like that, the dejected look from earlier disappeared. 

Good. The thought of you being in a sorrowful state affected him more than he was willing to admit.

The sound of your laugh was tooth-achingly sweet, reminding him of his mother’s homemade pecan pie. One slice was never enough, and he always wanted more.  

You would totally be worth the potential peril, he finally decided. Besides, Jake always considered himself a bit of a trailblazer in his own right. 

The temptation of having you was simply too much to ignore. Then again, who else would be fit for the challenge other than himself? He was the best there was.

There was simply no way you’d turn down the best pilot of your generation. After all, who could resist Jake Seresin? 

Despite his buddies trying to talk him out of it, he stepped away from the pool table towards where you sat at the bar. 

“Shit,” Coyote muttered from behind him because he already knew how this would go. You would see right through Hangman.

Jake couldn’t figure out what it was about you that drew his focus to you. Maybe it was the dazzling smile you gave Penny as the two of you talked, or perhaps it was the soft curves of your body that he was already picturing pressed against him, or it could be the self-confidence you exuded that seemed to attract the attention of other males within your vicinity.

But none dared to make their move on you yet, preferring to sit and admire your beauty from afar. They all liked to play it safe, to avoid the risk, but Hangman knew from experience that method was guaranteed to fail nearly every time.

None of them had the guts to approach you, but he did. And he would.

He’d make them all regret it. 

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

Penny’s knowing look she shot you just before a male presence shifted into the open seat on your right should have been a flashing red “WARNING” sign.

Leave it to Penny to not give you an escape route. The brunette bar-owner was always up to some sort of trouble. Her dark green eyes glittered with mischief.

“Lieutenant Seresin.” Penny greeted with a polite smile, “The usual?”

Seresin. You thought to yourself, the last name vaguely familiar for some reason. 

“That would be great, thanks, Penny.” The man’s voice had the slightest southern accent that softened his words. A muscular tan arm propped against the counter; judging by the beige you could see out of your peripheral, he was still in uniform. The guy had exceptionally good-looking arms, and you knew he had picked the seat next to you on purpose.

A subtle whiff of his cologne invaded your senses, hinting at a warm, woodsy, clean scent.

Your eyes locked with Penny’s and sent her a message through your expression alone. Don’t you dare leave me here with this guy. 

Penny’s lips twitched into a delighted look that she didn’t bother hiding before abandoning you to go pour his drink. Traitor.

All you wanted was to have a drink in peace. Was that asking for too much?

Probably, you mused while playing with the condensation accumulating on your cold pilsner glass. Returning to Miramar had brought back old memories you had desperately tried to repress. Memories of your late father, of what your family had been.

Your father had been gone for 10 years. Killed by a hostile enemy fighter over the Baltic Sea while protecting the now Admiral “Iceman” Kazansky. The traumatic experience left you fatherless at 16 years old. Kazansky attempted to fill in the gap as your official godfather, but not even Iceman could patch that hole.

You knew he still felt guilty to this day. It was why he eventually conceded to become your tutor when you insisted you would become a naval aviator, with or without his help. 

Your mother wasn’t exactly thrilled at your career choice. But it was your choice regardless. After graduating from Top Gun at the top of your class, one thing was clear, you were born to fly.

Diamond, you’d earned your callsign. You were forged under intense pressure and thrived despite it.

The golden gleam of a naval aviator pin on the male next to you reminded you of why you were back here. A new assignment. You had better things to focus on than deal with flirty aviators.

You were mentally rehearsing your usual line to shut him down when he beat you to the punch.

The sound of your name and your callsign in that smooth voice had you glancing over in surprise.

Your heart skipped; why did he have to be so good-looking?

He was handsome with his square-shaped face and perfectly combed blonde hair. His good looks directly contributed to the confidence he carried himself with. 

He was smiling at you, a full grin with dimples and all. The charm and sexual appeal oozed off him in waves.

Studying those sharp green eyes that shimmered with intelligence, you sensed there wasn’t much that escaped his notice. 

The corner of his lips turned upward in a smirk as if reading your mind.

He knew your name and guessing by his smug look, he probably knew your relation to Admiral Kazansky and was feeling lucky. Everyone on the base these days seemed to know your late father had been Iceman's wingman back in the day.

“I am.” You tilted your head, “And you are?”

“Apologies for my bad manners.” The man said, not seeming apologetic at all as he extended his hand to you, “I’m Lieutenant Jake Seresin.” The man flashed a smile with perfect white teeth at you. “They call me Hangman.”

You reached out, doing your best to be polite, as you tentatively placed your hand in his for a handshake. The instant your palm touched his, the contact felt like electricity, sizzling up your spine. The heat that followed afterward rushed to your belly.

He squeezed your hand firmly, his eyes darkening as you pulled your hand away a second too soon.

Penny brought by his drink, but you were too focused on putting the puzzle pieces together in your mind to notice Penny venture off once more.

Hangman, it finally clicked. You had examined the plaque that listed the names of all of the 1st place graduates of Top Gun while you attended last year. And Seresin was one of them. 

Needless to say, his reputation preceded him. Not in a good way.

Hangman was his callsign, and it seemed appropriate for someone who left his wingman to do whatever he desired. For someone like Seresin, winning was everything regardless of collateral.

Your eyes narrowed at him; you figured he was probably up to another competition this time. Trying to win over the pretty female aviator at the bar, who was, in many ways, off-limits due to your association with Admiral Kazansky.

You decided you’d ask him directly. If there was anything Hangman was known for beyond his arrogance, it was that he could also be straightforward. “What do you want, Seresin?”

“I want a lot of things that involve you, sweetheart.” He winked, and you did your best to squelch the way your heart fluttered at his attention, “How about we start with your number?”

...Was he flirting with you? With a garbage pick-up line? Jesus Christ.

Your earlier guess was confirmed. Seresin saw you as another opportunity to boost his precious ego.

Just another notch in the infamous Seresin bedpost.

You weren’t here to play stupid games. “Do you have brain damage, Lieutenant?” You bit back at him.

Hangman didn't seem intimidated by your insult. If anything, he was enjoying this.

“Not that I’m aware. Perhaps you ought to give me a full examination at my place? Just to be safe.”

Besides the fact that you were only qualified for CPR, that had to be the lamest line from him so far. 

You stared at him in disbelief as he watched you smugly. Verbally sparring with Hangman was not something you had prepared for. You despised the fact he was a step ahead of you in the conversation.

“Hard pass.” You rolled your eyes, deciding to return your attention to your drink instead. 

"Aww, darlin', you're breaking my heart." Seresin clutched at his chest dramatically as if you had wounded him. "C'mon, just one little number?" 

He hovered closer into your personal space, and you considered him for a moment before an idea came to mind.

Alright. Game on, Hangman. 

“Fine.” You exhaled an exaggerated sigh and found yourself smiling back when he grinned victoriously at you in a way that lit up his face.

He had an attractive smile. 

After scribbling a number on a napkin and you handed it off to the blonde fighter pilot, “Here. Now go bother someone else, Hangman.”

“Talk to you later, sweetheart.” He gave you one last charming wink and then swaggered off towards his friends. Immediately he was greeted with high fives over his accomplishment.

Hook, line, and sinker.

After paying for your tab, you made a quick exit. On your way out, you texted an old friend.

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

Watching you leave, Hangman grinned and pulled out his phone to call the number you'd given him.

He was surprised by how quickly you picked up but quickly recovered. “So, how about a date? I was thinking tonight at your place would be good.” 

There was a pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a snort and a familiar voice "I'm flattered, Hangman, but no thanks."

Hangman froze in his spot, eyes widening in disbelief at the voice he heard over the phone. 

Was that...Rooster? 

Hangman’s confident tone faltered, “Bradshaw?” Jake’s blood started to thrum with fury as he tried to recollect himself.

“The one and only,” loud music blared in the background, “Diamond gave you my number since you can’t take no for an answer. Guess you can’t have every woman you want, can you, Hangman?”

What the fuck? 

Hangman scowled in irritation and a tinge of embarrassment, quickly hanging up on Rooster. 

He’d bet his money that you had Rooster’s number memorized since you hadn’t hesitated while writing down the number on the napkin. 

Jake had underestimated your quick wit and wouldn't make that mistake again. Next time, Seresin decided. There would definitely be a next time. There was no way he was letting you get away so easily.

The very idea of someone else, like Rooster, making you laugh or smile squeezed him with jealousy. Hangman refused to give up, not when he had finally met a woman that truly captivated him. 

Fine then, he gripped his phone tighter. He always enjoyed a good chase.

You had a head start.

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

Notes:

Goddaughter - “A goddaughter is a girl who’s the godchild of one or more godparents—people who have pledged to help with her upbringing....A godparent can still refer to their godchild with that term even after the child becomes an adult.” (Dictionary.com)

[bakedbakermom]

Nugget, the Shifting Cast of Extras, and the Unreliable Narrator

One of the biggest twists of season 2 that I completely did not see coming, is that Nugget was dead all along (a rare miss for me, as I'm usually a great plot guesser). All of the scenes with Nugget were seen through Akliah's eyes; we saw only what she saw/believed, and that was a whole, living mousey friend. The minute Taissa, an outside perspective, came to notice Nugget, we all saw the truth: that he was dead, and had always been dead, and his life with Akliah was nothing but a coping mechanism, a dream that allowed her to keep sane as death slowly closed its claws around all of them.

Akilah was not a reliable narrator of her own story. None of them are.

In this context, the constantly rotating, growing, and shrinking cast of extra JV Jackets makes much more sense. Much of the teen storyline is told through the perspectives and memories of the adult survivors, and through the journals that Shauna kept in the wilderness (more reliable having been written in the moment, but still shaped by her limited perspective as well as trauma and hunger).

It makes sense that their memories focus only on those who are important to what is happening at the time, and the others fade into the background or disappear entirely as their relevance diminishes.

They remember what one background extra wore to the Doomcoming, but forget where she was during the Jackie Snackie. They remember who stood at the gravesite by the plane, but not who drew cards during the first hunt.

Gen and Melissa only got screen time this season because one of the survivors remembers their conversations and interactions. Crystal shows up because of her friendship with Misty. Akilah has a bigger part in s2 due to the Nugget plot and her role in Shauna's labor. Mari has a bigger presence in s2 because she's increasingly annoying and antagonistic to the other survivors, as well as chief acolyte of the Cult of Lottie.

Memory is a tricky thing, and memories made during trauma and starvation are trickier still. They simply don't have the brain power right now to accurately encode memories (adult Lottie mentions this, though she neglects to say that a brain that normally consumes A THIRD of the calories you take in understandably doesn't work very well under starvation conditions).

My prediction is that background YJs will come and go based on their relevance to the events happening on screen. It's not a mistake by the show runners or poor planning or an accident; it's all by design.

Not only does this work in-universe as an explanation for backgrounders coming and going, it gives the writers flexibility to bring in edible characters without having to explain why we haven't seen them before; they've always been there, they just didn't matter until now.

(It also serves to explain why, despite being on the brink of death from starvation, the girls still look pretty normal weight. The out-of-universe explanation is that it's morally reprehensible to ask the young cast to drop to a starvation weight and maintain it for the entire run of the show [or yoyo between seasons, which is even more dangerous]. The in-universe explanation is they remember themselves looking normal, so that's what we see. Just like we saw a healthy, living Nugget. Until we didn't. I wonder if we're going to see a "true" view of them through the eyes of the rescue crew that eventually saves them. Much easier to present one good vfx shot of them looking as haggard as they would actually be rather than multiple seasons.)

[jayteacups]

✍️ Fic authors self rec!

When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to other writers you know. Let's spread some self-love! 💛

Thank you Val @youre-ackermine and Kat @humanitys-strongest-bamf for sending these! (I’m only reccing 5 today, sorry to disappoint you Kat 😂) Here's my five favourite pieces of work! Tbh I haven't been writing as much lately so this list probably won't have anything new to anyone, but hey.

It's A Wrap! (Tumblr | AO3)

A one-shot featuring Actor Levi and Makeup Artist Reader, friends to lovers and mutual pining 👀

I've written multiple Actor AU pieces (I love reimagining the AOT characters as actors, 10/10 would recommend as a way to cope with the pain of canon 😂😭), but this is in its own separate universe and I'm planning on writing a couple more fics set in this specific universe!

I had so much fun writing it (I hope it showed haha), and that's why it's on this list as one of my favourites!

The Absence of Warmth (Tumblr | AO3)

Gen one-shot centred around the No Regrets trio (with Levifar crumbs because I love them)

I also had a lot of fun exploring the trio's dynamic here, I'd like to go more in depth again with these three someday

My most underrated fic for sure haha

My piece for Levi Week 2023 - Day 3 (Tumblr | AO3)

All the fluff and softness you could ever want. Will never stop writing sweet and soft fics for Levi because he deserves it 😌😌

This was partially based on a dream I had, actually, which makes this more personal, and therefore, one of my favourites.

Me remembering what I dream about is a very very rare occurrence, and rarely do those dreams include fictional characters, funnily enough 😂 so it was an extra special occasion when I woke up and actually remembered the dream I had of walking on a beach with a blushy Levi whilst the sun was setting and it was all sickeningly cutesy and romantic. I wrote it down, fully intending on writing it, and never got around to it, until I saw the prompt for Levi Week Day 3, and was like... hang on, this could work 👀

Gentle Touches (Tumblr | AO3)

Levi experiencing affection for the first time is a trope I can't get enough of, and it seems the two anons who sent me the request are the same hehehe

Fluff and softness, emotional hurt/comfort towards the end! Also this was a fic that made me realise how touch starved I myself am 🥲 I've been told that this made people quite emotional too, which is reassuring, as I was aiming for that! So yeah I'm quite proud of this one ☺️

At Ease (Tumblr | AO3)

Definitely one of my more creative premises! I genuinely don't remember how I came up with this though, but yes this role-reversal AU was very fun to write and I'm so pleased with the outcome :3

Some emotional hurt/comfort, pining, all round softness (are you beginning to see a trend here)

This was really fun to look back on my fics and pick out favourites! Will be sending asks to people tomorrow because I'm quite sleepy rn and will be heading off to bed now. Hope everyone has a lovely day/night!

[wolfstargazer]

My brand

Quiet. Full of love and sadness. Slowest of slow burns. Lingering glances. Misunderstandings. Missed opportunities. Sexual tension. Era-accurate. Canon considerate. Friendship. Romance. Angst. Drama. Bittersweet. Nostalgia. Flashbacks. Dreams. Some OCs. Teen Marauders. Adult Wolfstar. First Wizarding War focus. Mostly T & M rating. A safe, still place full of tenderness.

Master list

Wolfstargazer Microfics (31/? | 9,739 | Ongoing) Wolfstar-centric microfics created in response to Wolfstar Microfic and other prompts on Tumblr.

Patient Potions Master (15/15 | 28,915 words | Complete) It is the beginning of another week during Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts and tempers are once again tested during Double Potions. How will Harry cope with a week's worth of detentions? And will what is revealed during these detentions help him to accept Sirius' death? Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered (1/1 | 2,584 words | Complete | Remus Lupin Fest 2024) It is the Marauders final year at Hogwarts and the Graduation Ball is fast approaching. But Remus doesn't know how to dance. Luckily, he has just the friend to show him.

More about me below the cut

About me

30+, first Gen Wolfstar shipper and Maraudra-era fanfic writer from England. I work full time, study part time, and have three cats. My pronouns are she/her. I'm a neurospicy, ENFJ, triple Scorpio.

Why am I back?

I'm returning to the fandom after a long hiatus to edit and re-post my ancient fics. I will also be creating new work with the Marauders and the First Wizarding War at their heart.

I am currently dusting off the cobwebs by editing some ancient fics and dabbling in microfic writing.

What not to expect from my work?

All out smut. AU. Crossover. Wild canon divergence. Modern-day Marauders. Reader insertion. RPF. All out fluff. Muggle Marauders. Omegaverse.

What pairings can you expect?

My content focuses on the characters of Remus and Sirius. Their relationship, as friends, enemies and more is at the heart of what I write. Other pairings, romantic or otherwise, may be depicted.

Some final things -

My personal perspective of the characters and my headcanon has been formed over 20+ years in the fandom. As such, my perspectives are shaped by my experiences. These may sometimes differ to others, and those of new gen fans. I respect all fans to interpret characters any way they chose, and hope others will treat my content the same.

I do not endorse the views of J.K. Rowling in anyway. Her views are very painful to me and for a long time I had to step back from the fandom as a result. I want my blog and content to be a safe space, for myself and for others. This is my escape from the world.

I have not read All The Young Dudes. I had stepped back from the fandom for sometime when the fic exploded. I am grateful that so many people have found a route into the Marauder-era fandom through this work. I support all fellow creators of content who shape the world and characters in ways that speak to them.

Finally - if you want to know what it was like in the HP, Marauder-era, Wolfstar fandom trenches in the 2000s this article is a great starting point. Alternatively, ask me anything.

[jasontoddssuper]

Fandoms have really worped peoples idea of what punk is.Obviously the misconceptions and straight up lies about us didn't start with them but they were definitely a huge help in spreading them due to media and the lack of comprehension of it therefore.Like i said in the caption of my recent meme that blew up,being punk is not an aesthetic but a subculture and a policitical movement with the requirements to be one of us being fighting against corruption and helping and generally being kind to minorities and if a character is just edgy without doing that,then they don't deserve to be grouped in with us when they haven't earned it

In real life,when someone goes punk,it's almost always because they're a minority and faced so much discrimation and abuse because of it that they decided to do something about it and that's how they made their decision.I'm not gonna give out details because that would be traumadumping but the reason i went from regular pastel to pastel punk is that i'm a biracial afrolatina who was raised by the white side of their family,mentally disabled because of having a bunch of disorders including autism,mspec and aspec and a former tomboy kid turned femme genderfluid and bigender transmasc.That probably gives you an idea of all i've experienced and those experiences are the reason i decided to start going punk,not because i wanted to be 'cool'.Not that that's inherently a bad reason to but it is a rather ignorant one

Like,look at the characters i used in that meme-Hobie Brown,a black teenager who was forced to grow up too fast or he wouldn't survive,Ichigo Kurosaki,an autistic boy who saw his mom die when he was only a child and was never given therapy and resorted to repressing his emotions to cope and had deal with everyone assuming he was a delinquent based off nothing but his hair color so they treated them badly because of it as far back as middle school,Katara,an indigineous girl born during a 100 year long war who saw her mom get murdered when she was only 4 and adultified and parentified for the next 10 years straight afterwards even though she has an older brother,Luz Noceda,a second gen afro-dominican inmigrant who's bi and gender nonconforming AND neurodivergent and had no friends until her series began because of it,Stephanie Brown,a girl who was emotionally and physically abused by her dad and nearly got csa'd by one of said dad's friend's which traumatized her so much she remembered all the details years later and had to take care of her mom who was a drug addict and then had to deal with a man twice her age constantly degrading her for not being his adoptive son yet calling himself her mentor

Percy Jackson,an adhd and autistic person who's abusive stepdad used their insecurities over their intellegence as insult fuel and grew up poor and getting bullied nonstop and with their teachers not only never helping them but AGREEING with their bullies that they were a bad kid and punishing them for nothing and then spending all five books of the original series having to deal with an older man who'd gaslit them into trusting them so he could kill them when they were only 12 AND literally almost every authority figure(the gods)treating them like shit including the one who's their dad that abandoned them at birth and never made up for it,Dabi Todoroki,a physically disabled man who's disabilities were caused by him trying please his dad who'd started abusing his entire family the second he didn't get what he wanted from them and has been having to deal with everyone praising him as just an anti-hero for almost a decade

They're all punks,some intentionally,some not,but the REASON they are is that they have the punk mentality and show it in their actions,not because some of them are edgy and some of them not being edgy dosen't mean they 'don't count as/can't be' punk and that was caused by their experiences as minorities,not anything else and that's not subtext,it's just text.You don't HAVE to be a minority to be punk but the characters i've seen labeled as part of us more often than not are the ones actively hurting the ones who are and that inherently means they can't be because the whole reason punk was created was to be anti-bigotry and protecting and loving opressed people

Someone who dresses in dark colors and alt accesories and goes out of their way to mistreat people who don't deserve it and are already thought of as subhuman by society isn't a punk,they're a bully and an abuser in the making and if they're an adult,then they already are one and no,them being abused dosen't justify any of that because MANY irl actual punks went through and are even still going through it but didn't have the privilige to turn into a tormenter with no consequences over it.And sorry to tell you this but if you think they are or should be instead of getting justice served on them,then you're not punk either

[doctorwhozzat]

if it's not much of a problem, could my dw!sona interact with/meet yours?

Brook looks and acts different depending on their age (chatacter development, trauma, hair dye as a coping mechanism), so you can choose any age! (from 14 to 26. yes their lore is quite extensive lol)

anyway I just wanted to ask this because i love the concept of your sona. ana is so precious oml <3

Ofc! This gober here will be honoured to make another friend. She'd be collecting them like pokemon -/hj/lh

Pros of friendship with Ana-

cookies

Hugs

Random info dumps

Cons-

...? Are there any?/gen

Wait possible angst-