#overuse of cliched trope? 100%

[cosmic-rin]

Eyelids Heavy, and Hearts Even Heavier

I sat by the cliff, feet dangling off the edge. A cool breeze pierced my face, snapping me back to reality. My thoughts felt muddled as if no rational idea could link itself in my mind. Eyelids heavy and heart even heavier, I stood up shakily by my place.

And then I jumped.

At first, it felt like nothing. I felt weightless in the air, almost as if I was flying. A morbid thought to check for wings flashed through my mind before I quickly subdued it. Seven seconds. Silvery pearls escaped the corners of my eyes as I plummeted head-first to my eternal damnation. Five seconds. How odd it felt, to feel nothing but a crushing sense of relief. How odd it was, to fall to my own doom and feel thankful for it. Three seconds. How odd indeed, to savour the fall and not the last breaths that came with it.

Even when my back hit the rocks below I did not scream. Or perhaps I did, though it could not have come out as more than a few strangled breaths of air. I did not clutch my chest in fear of death, nor did I see a light at the end of the tunnel. I only saw red spots dancing at the corner of my eyes and felt a gaping void in the place of my heart. I think I smelt blood.

And then there was darkness.

Complete. Eternal. Damning.

I could hear something- someone calling out. She was calling a name and her voice carried such agony, such despair that deep down I felt a selfish ache wishing she was calling for me instead. Then, all of a sudden, she was in front of me.

Hand outstretched and eyes glimmering with unshed tears.

"Grab on," she said, and I did.

My feet were moving, I realized. Once more my thoughts were racing, unable to connect in reasonable notions. My gaze flitted back to the girl beside me. She was no more than ten years old, guiding me through seemingly endless darkness. Her hair was a lovely shade of auburn, and at a closer glance, I noticed her skin was a smooth olive. Yet her eyes carried a sadness as unfathomable as the sea.

Then she stopped dead in her tracks. I blinked and in an instant, two rocks appeared ahead of us. She let go of my hand, and sat down on one of them, patting the one next to hers. I sat down. When she looked up at me, I sensed a sickening familiarity in her face but couldn't place it in my memory.

She peered at my face curiously, "Where did we go wrong?"

I could only stare at her. "I beg your pardon?" Amber eyes stared dead at me. "You promised. What happened to us? Why did you give up so easily?" A sense of urgency gnawed at my sides though I couldn't tell what it was for. Something was definitely wrong. She started sobbing. "You killed me. You KILLED me! You killed me!"

I didn't say anything- couldn't say anything. A sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach told me she was right. I blinked and suddenly the rock I was sitting on, washed away into a cliff in the middle of a raging sea. "Who are you?" I yelled into the insatiable and angry waves. "Don't you know?" No. I wanted to screech, but I couldn't conform my tongue to saying the words.

I swatted at the moisture coating the apples of my cheeks. My eyes sting and yet I don't know what I'm crying for. Isn't this what I wanted? A voice spoke in the back of my mind. The ocean and your tears taste the same, do they not? The tides and your sorrow share a taste! And your sadness comes in waves just like how the ocean reaches for the shore it never holds on long enough for it to matter. She takes in a deep breath. Do you understand me? I look up at the clouds. It might rain soon. I might drown if it does. No, I don't think that I understand yet, but I think I might all the same.

Maybe your sadness is like this ocean, she continues in her bellowing voice. Maybe you are the one holding on to it and it needs to be let go. Perhaps, like the waves, it shall recede in its own time.

The water level was rising. Fast.

In a minute it was already at my knees. One gasp and suddenly I was struggling to keep afloat. I must've been flailing around for at least an hour, trying to find something, anything to hold onto. As my limbs gave way to exhaustion and water started to clog my airways, I looked one final time at the darkening sky above and thought about the little girl I had seen earlier. Nothing made sense. Nothing was rational but in my last conscious efforts, I wondered what I wouldn't give for just one chance to tell her it was going to be alright. That everything wasn't as scary as it seemed right now. That I hadn't given up as easily.

But that would be lying, wouldn't it?

A story isn't a tragedy because of how it ends. A story is a tragedy because it is always supposed to end this way. But do I really have to end it now?

Had enough? Or do you still not get it? called a faraway voice again. My head was underwater. Familiar spots were dancing in front of my eyes. I exhaled, "Yes," but only bubbles came out. A choked sob died in my throat as my eyes rolled back and I succumbed to the water pressure.

I know now. Can I try again? Please?

pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepl

Gasping for air, I sat up by my place at the edge of the cliff near the sea, feet dangling off the edge. The cool gust of wind pierced my face, clearing my thoughts and focusing my vision. A dull throb at the back of my head makes me realise that I must've dozed off and grabbed a few winks of sleep. Eyelids heavy, and heart even heavier, I stood up straighter, firmer by the boundary.

I took in heavy breaths full of sea salt. Swiping away at moistened eyes, I heard my trembling but determined voice whisper to myself against the sound of crashing waves below. "It's alright. You're going to be alright," I don't dare look down. "I'm not giving up on us."

My story may not be thrilling, or interesting. My story may not even be believable. But in the end, my story matters because it reminds me of the chance at life I had, that once it's over, I can never come back; at least, not that I know of. A chance at life- I took in a deep breath again.

I turned on my heel and took a step forward. Then another, and another. Once more, and then I stopped counting.

I never looked back.

[ceilidho]

Sorry to dump this here, but no one in my immediate and/or accessible circle reads as much as I do and this conversation came up at the right time.

I don't read a lot of romance and I started reading some popular ones last year to ease my way into it. I feel like such a snob to say this, but the plot and writing are never fully fleshed out nor are the characters. None of the romantic actions I see people swoon over are ever explained well enough for me to understand the hype. A scene in which there should be an emotional inner monologue is shorted to a paragraph and if the character is toxic (I understand a lot of people enjoy toxic/dark men, but romance books never write them well enough) and destroys the other character's life/says a relationship-ending lie/any other cliche, there is never enough explanation, justification, groveling, or any thought process behind the reconciliation.

It's always just one half-written and half-baked trope after the other.

Again, apologies for dumping it here, but I think there are such damning consequences for women (the main demographic of romance readers) who read things like this and don't give constructive criticism or thought when facing these problems.

no but you're 100% right. i mean, this is one annoying bitch's opinion (mine LMAO) but trad publishing is in the absolute pits right now. that's not to say that there aren't still some good books coming out because of course, every now and then you're going to get a gem. but i think the environment has become outwardly hostile to good writing.

i mean, i know this has been discussed a ton, but the "fast fashionization" of books has become a huge problem. every time there's a new microtrend or whatever, every author rushes to push out a book to meet the demand (see: the hockey romance trend). this, obviously, means that the editing time is severely compressed and you get books published by like harper collins and penguin with typos, grammar issues, and more.

i got some flack for this when i posted about it on twitter ahah but i honestly do not understand why the sequel to "fourth wing" came out so soon (not even getting into the messy qualities of the first book). sequels used to take a year or more to come out to allow for the book to go through several rounds of editing and fine tuning! what happened??!!

i think authors now feel compelled to get their books out as soon as possible out of fear that booktok/readers will simply move on after the initial hype and they'll lose their reader base. there's like an anxiety about being left behind in the current publishing world.

this is kind of in line with what i was talking about the other day with Bo actually - writing romance and smut is actually way harder than people think. you can't just use the same 5 recycled porn dialogue lines and call it a day. you have to care a little about the story you're trying to tell, not just churning it out to make a buck or to make people pay attention to you. i'm not saying belabour every single action and decision made by your main character or go crazy on description (i still think the sweet spot for a published book is between 250-300 pages, and maybe more if you're writing a genre specific book that involves a lot of worldbuilding), but as a writer you need to want to be writing that book in the first place.

no one who's legitimately excited about what they're writing is going to resort to cliches and overused tropes - they might lean on tropes they like, but there's inevitably going to be something original and exciting there.

also my lil controversial opinion about the state of trad publishing lately is that i think it's 100% influenced by this weird pervasive strain of purity culture that's on booktok where people feel like any enjoyment they get from reading a particular thing has a direct reflection on them as a person and their values. rather than it just being a book.

(by the way i actually completely agree with you that even dark romances are as bad as everything else we've been talking about - that's another conversation lol. i also kind of agree with the idea of more romance books coming with content warnings on the front page - this hasn't really caught on yet except with some dark romance authors but i think it's a really good idea)

i don't think there's anything wrong about people getting excited about books on tiktok and instagram and youtube btw. i think it's a fun way to share recommendations, commentary, and interests. what i think is the big problem is that the publishing industry has almost become beholden to trends and online perception because they've seen how much profit they can generate by catering to it, and i think that's why books now just feel bland and soulless. they're tapping into a FOMO on both the authors' and writers' side, of either being left behind and not being able to make a living, or missing out on what everyone else is reading and talking about.

[quiiscnt]

@sinshckled said :

What controversies/drama would Rayne incite in fandom?

meme // accepting

༄ ❚❙❘ Rayne Lockser is a marysue

Is it drama or is a debate? Her introduction overshadowed the fandom tag that chapter release. Her character was received in two different ways. First, a group of Juvia fans who were excited to finally get a more in depth look at her backstory via Rayne. And second, the group who thought the long lost sister trope was a cliche.

  When the backstory between the two sisters was released, it split remained. Many people rolled there eyes at another sibling pair split due to the tower of heaven supporter raids. ( Angel and Yukino, Simon and Kagura, Richard and Wally ) . However Mashima is know for being repetitive at this point. To his credit, as overused as the framework was, the detailed still differed enough that many people enjoyed it.

  Up until then, Rayne was a plot device. The fans were happy she was doing her own thing in the guild, not sticking to Juvia, and the fact that she was purposefully weak to further explain her sister's strength was celebrated. In reality, that fact was meant to allude to her own growth, as some tried to theorize, but it was mostly ignored.

  Until 100 Year Quest came out and suddenly, Rayne had changed. She was still a side character, but now one with second generation dragon slaying sea magic. Once again, the fandom was at an uproar. The idea that she was becoming " her sister copy, but stronger now " floated around. She was accused of lacking originality and her own growth. It was an oversimplification of her character, viewing her to be motivated by imitation rather than admiration.

  Mary Sue, a common term given to any female in fiction deemed overpowered or sometimes just annoying. Most fans point out Rayne is shown to be struggling with her new powers, and no where near the level of the others she now shares this magic with. But to others, the fact that she went through such an upgrade is enough to give her the label. Only one thing is for sure when it comes to her, if Rayne Lockser is featured in a chapter it is used as ammunition for both sides of the debate. 

[vak0]

Ok, I really have to make a post and say something cuz what the fuck, I just saw the Rise of the titans movie, I haven’t been following the fandom and being 100% honest I started watching trollhunters like a year ago just because I liked a girl (she started dating someone else lmao)

However I did fell in love with the series and had a bunch of problems with it, like tobias being almost useless during the three series, steve and pepperjack just being there not doing anything useful, and sometimes even feeling a little of queerbaiting with them two but tbh I was just reading too much into that

I knew everybody was weirded out by the movie and had problems with the ending, I started watching it and fell in love, but quickly saw the classic overused tropes that the whole series has been using and I was like “alright, this movie is gonna be like a 7 or 8″ when the whole mpreg subplot came I was baffled, I had read of that but I thought it was just a meme, like what the fuck, they just made steve just useless again, and not only that they gave pepperjack a fucking glow up to not even use him and make him a midwife

Nomuras death was stupid she was my favourite, strickler death after everything that has happen in the whole series and in the movie being confirmed that he was already engaged with barbara is just cruel, nari killing skrael and dying in the process just to have a “actually only one titan is needed” twist was horrible, like, that could have been shown since the start and there would have been 0 problems

EVEN THE DEAD OF TOBIAS COULD HAVE BEEN ALRIGHT, I laugh at it cuz it was so fucking stupid but like, yeah sure, be emotional idk who cares, I accept it, then blinky came with the thingy in his hands I remembered it hadn’t been used, oh no I said, they’re gonna re do the whole movie just to save the people, alright this series is been rided with cliches who cares I thought, then jimmy woke up in his house, I really thought it was the start of the movie “shouldn’t he been on camelot at least? that’s weird” then he goes out and sees the trash, why, why why why, tobias comes why why why whyyyyy and THEN TOBIAS GETS THE AMULET WHYYYY, at the end it wasn’t just “oh yeah, the whole movie didn’t happen” they just went “THE WHOLE SHOW DOESN’T MATTER ANYMORE”

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH I really don’t know how to feel about this movie and the whole series now, idk if I’ll ever recommend it again to anyone

[phdmama]

1, 8, 19 please!

Thank you darling!! xox

1. Tell us about your current project(s)  – what’s it about, how’s progress, what do you love most about it?

Oooo which one?? I have SO MANY things in flight! I'm finishing up my Larry Reverse Bang with @beckydoesthings who gave me such an amazing prompt! Covid sort of delayed me a bit but I'm back on track and I will have it finished!! It's a fun strangers to enemies to lovers to exes to.... thing. @julcheninred just did an amazing alpha/beta read for me on my Sudsfest which ALSO will be submitted soon! I've got a Larry thing in my head involving a widower dad Louis and contractor Harry that's got a LOT OF FEELINGS. So. Many. Feelings. I've got a bunch of Drarry. I also signed up for Owlpost and I am SO STOKED with my giftees and I will not let them down so that needs to happen! I'm also IRL running an interesing analysis on some April 2021 data focused on Biden' first 100 days in office, particularly looking at the question of whether or not people accept the victory as legit and who those people are by various demographics. I spent a LOT OF TIME getting my plot right and it's very very pretty, let me tell you.

8. Is what you like to write the same as what you like to read?

There is absolutely an overlap. I was just thinking about this, because I do read so widely acros so many fandoms but the progression of what I look for in fic is the same (which is annoying because I get more and more picky). I really love to read 1) excellent writing that 2) is logically consistant and 3) resonates for me with what I believe to be real about the world and how people function in it. I don't have a lot of leisure time so in my leisure time I want to spend time with characters portrayed in a way that really works for me. I very very VERY MUCH aspire to providing that in my own writing!

19. Is there something you always find yourself repeating in your writing? (favourite verb, something you describe ‘too often’, trope you can’t get enough of?)

Oh for sure. I joke that healthy communication is my kink and it's so true. I love so many tropes and I really like writing them, it's fun. In terms of my own actual writing, I literally have a list of phrases and words that I overuse and then I do a literal search and try to edit most of them out !! When I'm editing, I try to edit out all the things that hit me as clunky or cliched or just. You know. Not good.

[eventyrstuff]

So I started reading Manhwas after Kdramas, and I wanted to make a list as well.

I absolutely love Isekai themed Manhwas - specially historical, time travel and villainess themed. Most of them are based on a web novel but I could not find the novels per se so I read them as Manhwa at Manganelo Site

So here goes the list, I will input few at a time as I am rereading them again.

Warning: Unedited. I’m sorry if I mispell or has grammar lapses. Unabashed fangirling at times.  ALSO SPOILERS. IMMA GIVE OUT A FEW.

Inso's Law - Ongoing (Chapters: 81)

What made me read it: I found the earphone scene in Instagram and I instantly fell in love with Chunyoung. I mean I have this weakness with Black Haired characters. When I read the plot, I knew my tween heart will absolutely love this. The Main Character (Dan-I) woke up to a romance novel/parallel world where in she was friends with these very popular kids (I still can't believe they were 14 at the start). She did not want to be center of attention or to have any relations with the Female Lead and her reverse harem, but come on no one can resist those guys and their pretty faces and weird colored hair. The storyline may be a bit overused but my teenage self is very happy. 10/10

Is it visually pretty: YES. Everyone is pretty. This manhwa is also memeworthy. May not be as aesthetically pleasing as WMMAP but still 10/10

How much do I love the characters: I love Dan-I's internal monologue but hate how she sees herself as just the minor character, everyone adores her! Yeoryoung is the best friend you'll absolutely adore. Ju-In is adorbs. Chunyoung is LOVE. I love Jiho and Eunhyung too but Chunyoung is my ML. Ruda and Yeodan though *swoon* Other side characters are awesome too, but too much characters makes me forget a lot of em. Haha 10/10

Favorite part of the story: I LOVE their friendship so eveytime they show how much Dan-I is important too, all those text messages (especially Ju-In's HAHAHAHA text), Chunyoung is my fave so everytime he is in it I mean damn him and his beautiful hair, enchanting eyes and that smile *faints*, everytime Dan-I state one of every web novel laws, everytime Dan-I breaks the fourth wall and say how bullshit the story is hahahaha

Am I going to reread it again: Yes will do again and again

How do I describe thee: This was my first Manhwa! I'm a sucker for high school setting kind of stories. I really like it, makes me nostalgic of times I spent reading stories back in high school. I admit I was one of those teenagers who fell for the trope of being normal then every guy suddenly likes you *reverse harem for the win* but seriously this manhwa is one of my personal fave for being close to my tween heart. I really thought Dan-I was on a parallel world rather than a web novel as she did not got isekai'd to another person, she's still herself and it's still her family - it was like fanfiction of her own life. I like all characters eventhough, yes it's bullshit to have those kinds of friends (come on! A chaebol, a model in one group of friends in a normal highschool?) It's typical, it' cliche I know but their friendship is really #goals. When I first read this I was really cheering on Chunyoung to be ML, but when I read spoilers that Jiho will be the ML I thought whaaaat I shipped Jiho with Yeoryeoung. Then when I reread it I did saw how subtle his love was and it's really cute. I was really focused on Chunyoung since he has a lot of screen time showing off his affections but Jiho did too on the littlest of things you will see. Well, I'll wait for his time to shine. I just hope Dan-I finally notice them. And I want to know how she will be explaining to them her situation and how everything will be resolved - will she be going back to reality? *that's gonna suck* Also can I have Yeodan instead? Thanks. 10/10

Who Made Me A Princess - Ongoing (Chapters: 81)

What made me read it: I keep seeing screenshots of Athy's various expressions on the comments in manhwas so I searched for it. The plot is interesting, and as mentioned I absolutely love Isekai theme. But this is not romance (mostly), the story focuses on the dynamics of a father and daughter relationship. The main character was reborn as a character on a novel she was reading, Athanasia - the princess who was executed by her father. Knowing what will happen to her when she turns 18, she plans on saving herself. She changes the course of the story in order to survive. 10/10

Is it visually pretty: YES. JESUS CHRIST HAVE YOU SEEN DADDY CLAUDE. INSANE VISUALS. I mean the way the artist drew everything is pleasing to my eye. BUT ALL CHARACTERS ARE HOT. 100/10

How much do I love the characters: ONE MUST PROTECT ATHY FOREVER. Daddy Claude breaks my heart. LILY AND FELIX ARE THE CAPTAINS OF MY SHIP. Lucas is love. Can't help falling in love with Ijekiel/Ezekiel. I adore Jennette. DIANA AND LP'S ATHANASIA ARE DEAD BUT THEY DESERVE BETTER. Anastacius you evil motherfucker, I like you too. 100/10

Favorite part of the story: Every Athy expression. Tea time with Daddy Claude and Felix. When Lily is overprotective. Athy's debutante ball. All the boat scenes are gold. Everytime Claude shows how much he adores Athy even when he's supposed to hate her. When he picks her up and when he shows emotions. When Claude and Felix bickers. When Lucas teases Athy. Best boi Ijekiel/Ezekiel when he shows how much he likes Athy. Adorable Jennette and how she yearns for family.

Am I going to reread it again: Yes and No. Probably up to Chapter 45, I don't think my heart can take after that. Maybe when the manhwa is finished.

How do I describe thee: I AM EMOTIONALLY EXHAUSTED. When I first read this I stopped at Chapter 38,  I read another Manhwa and actually forgot about it but decided to reread again after. I thought this will be a funny, heartwarming story of how a daughter earns her father's love. OH BOY GET READY FOR FEELINGS. I love Athy so much, she just wanted to survive the story, but she was loved, she was finally happy. Claude was like fuck feelings but can't help but adore Athy. I love their relationship so much. It physically pained me after Claude loses his memory - BRING BACK THE FUNNY CHAPTERS. I cannot read that scene in Claude's birthday ever again without bawling. I like Jennette, I really do, but I hate how everytime Claude has headaches (especially when with Athy) he calls for Jennette. It hurts me the way it hurts Athy like I was the one being betrayed. I hate how what's happened to LP Athanasia might still happen ro present Athanasia and it will def break me. I hate Anastacius for being an evil bastard that he is but I hope his growing love for Jennette will be his redemption. This was the first time I did not care for the romance or love triangles (Lucas and Ezekiel/Ijekiel are still precious bbys). Still 1000/10 will recommend even if it's not yet finished. I just want everyone to have a happy ending. Also for my LilyxFelix ship to sail. Thanks. If you have spoilers, gimme.

The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke's Mansion - Ongoing (Chapters: 133)

What made me read it: It was on one of the recommended list and it caught my eye due to the title like pfft how very specific. It's Isekai so I know I'll love it. The Main Character got pushed (literally) into a novel wherein she got the role of Raeliana - a minor character whose death is the catalyst for the story to start. And of course our MC will not follow through the storyline and make her own destiny and survive. She ended up asking for the duke's (Noah, my love) help and became his fiancee, thus starting a butterfly effect for this manhwa's awesome story and twists. 100/10

Is it visually pretty: Definitely, everyone is absolutely pretty and the art is great. Not as insane as WMMAP but I got a lot of meme material. 10/10

How much do I love the characters: Raeliana is def one of top female lead for me, she's bad ass and not as dense as others. Noah, my love, is perfect. Even his brother that I could not remember his name because it's hard to spell. Naomi though is hilarious. Raeliana's family especially her mother. JUSTIN. GRANDPAAAA. SIR ADAM - NUFF SAID. No to Beabitch though but that says something for being villain. 100/10

Favorite part of the story: Chapter 130 hehehehe. Everytime Raeliana is BAMF who saves herself, everytime Noah flirts with her, Sir Adam and his aloofness and chibi self, the emperor's 40% playing pranks, Naomi and the emperor's bickering - which by the way ship it, when Noah confessed, when Raeliana confessed my heart could not take it, ALL THE TWISTS

Am I going to reread it again: YESSSS 100%

How do I describe thee: One of the God-Tier level Manhwa, I read because of Isekai I stayed because of the twist of that Isekai which is freaking mindblowing. Raeliana sets the standard for Female Leads, damn girl needs no man to save her shit. I LOVE HER. I LOVE THIS MANHWA SO MUCH. Noah is just perfect for her like it was really *winks* destined for them to be together. I JUST LOVE EVERYTHING. I love everyone, except that bitch. Also this was a first for me to have the MC admitting they were isekai'd to a novel and realizing her feelings and his feelings and accepting it and I just asdfghjkldfdfse 10000/10 READ THIS AND FALL IN LOVE WITH SIR ADAM WITH ME.

Living As The Tyrant's Older Sister - Ongoing (Chapters: 73)

What made me read it: The meme (you know the one - K.O), if you haven't noticed yet I am a collector of Isekai Manhwa. But this one def made me laugh at all chapters. We have your Main Character being thrown into a web novel (a novel her sister wrote btw) where she play as the Emperor's older sister - Alicia. She knows how the story goes (same old same old where she will eventually die) because she was her sister's consultant regarding the storyline and now regretting how she suggested to change the male lead. As always she devised a plan to stay as a minor character and survive but ended up sleeping with the main lead - Ares. 10/10

Is it visually pretty: Not a masterpiece but definitely meme material, all the screenshots I have stored are all memes from this manhwa 8/10

How much do I love the characters: Alicia is hilarious badmouthing bamf, very pretty very memeworthy. Ares could work on his personality a bit more but when they are together they're comical. Her brother is a typical tsundere and a fanboy. Lancelot is your typical nice guy. THAT BUTLER THOUGH BEST WINGMAN. 9/10

Favorite part of the story: Every meme hahahaha just read it this manhwa is the embodiment of a meme

Am I going to reread it again: Yes whenever I need a laugh ahhahaha

How do I describe thee: I AM WHEEZING. This truly is a comedic manhwa. You can't take it seriously because of the way it was drawn. If you really want a laugh this one's perfect. At times it is cringy when it exag a bit of their reactions but still 100% you will laugh. Not perfect but story is good, I like how it's still given a thought. But read it for the memes you won't regret it. 9/10

Survive as the Hero's Wife - Ongoing (Chapters: 79)

What made me read it: It's on the recommended list and someone mentioned that the art is *immaculate* and it is. IT REALLY IS. Well here comes another Isekai manhwa where the MC is pulled inside a novel where her character will be killed. But this time she was a minor villain character and the Male Lead's wife! 10/10 who are we kidding, I love em all.

Is it visually pretty: this manhwa is a work of art, it is *chefs kiss* visual explosion. Everyone is insanely hot, even the villains. The background, the characters - their hair and wardrobe is truly 1000000/10

How much do I love the characters: I really did fell in love with Canaria and Cesar. Best soft couple. Their luscious hair though so pretty. Noah best boi. Best team of suspicious knights - Miller, Raya, Jax and Ethan are loves. Best friend Ricardo. Even best butler Oscar. 100/10

Favorite part of the story: The visual explosion. Chos. When Canaria is being supportive waifu and Cesar is being an innocent best boy, they are just very soft and loving and I love their scenes so much, that popularity vote in the consort's palace ahhahaha, Jax and his misunderstanding, Ethan everytime he eats (all the time), Cesar's blushing face, everytime we are introduced to a new character because we know they are going to be gorgeous as hell.

Am I going to reread it again: MOST DEF ITS VERY PLEASING TO THE EYE

How do I describe thee: BEAUTIFUL. GORGEOUS. ENCHANTING. Boy, the visual is absolute masterpiece, Canaria's hair alone (love all her hairstyles) and her clothes, I want all of em. Cesar is the embodiment of a perfect male lead - soft boi. Best boi. Pretty boi. I love how he loves Canaria and how they truly support each other since being married at freaking 12 years old. This type of love please.  1000/10 Also, I am a lot curious about that Oscar,I think he is related to the emperor and the lady ghost in Noah's story - a lovechild? *gasps*. Also-Also if you will be reading this at Manganelo, translation at Chapter 76+ is a bit off but still grateful for the translators for what they give

Up next: It’s villain themed time (The villainess lives twice, beware of the villainess the villainess reverses the hour etc)

[makethiscanon]

Hi! I'm a newbie at writing fanfiction and I wanted to ask if you have any tips for newbies. I'm sorry if this is bothering you any. Have a good rest of your day and thank you!

You are not bothering me! I’m honoured you’ve asked me for advice.

As for advice... hmm... I guess the main things I’d say are:

Write what makes you happy. If it’s something you would enjoy reading, there will always be others who agree.

The best fanfics are those that understand the characters. OOC characters can be fun if used for comedic effect, but otherwise figure out two important personality traits and one realistic hobby for each character before you get writing.

Set reasonable word-count goals for each day/week. My personal daily goal is 100 words. It’s not a lot but it’s better than nothing and it’s achievable so I don’t get demotivated. And if you write more than that, then it’s a bonus!

Dialogue is great, but make sure to use more description/action to balance things out.

While you’re still new at this, make sure you read back over what you’ve written once you’re done to find where you can add description or edit errors.

Watch your tenses! I know a lot of people who swap between present and past tense, and it can be really jarring for the readers.

Please don’t axe off or traumatise characters just for the shock factor. It can be super tempting but it needs to be relevant to the plot if you’re going to axe a character everyone loves.

Cliches and tropes are a good thing when it comes to fanfics. People love overused romantic gestures if they get to see it come from their favourite characters from TV shows, etc.

That being said, don’t write a story with the goal of it being popular, e.g. using Bakugou and Todoroki purely because they get high search quantities. If you genuinely love writing for them, then great! But a story will lose its sparkle if you’re not writing what you genuinely have interest in.

I hope this helped a little bit. If you want any advice on specific parts of writing fanfics then feel free to drop me another inbox. I’m always happy to help!

Bonus: MORE IN-DEPTH ADVICE! 

Alternate Universe (AU) fics are a great way to create any story you want with the characters you love. If you’re writing in the canon universe, make sure you know your stuff about the show/fandom.

If people try to tell you that your headcanons are wrong, ignore them. Unless you’re writing in the canon universe and it’s a confirmed fact about a character, you can do whatever you like, even if it goes against the most popular headcanon. E.g. people say Bakugou smells like burnt sugar/caramel because of his Quirk. It’s not a confirmed fact, and even if it is, he might still wear whatever cologne he wants so make him smell however you want!

Depending on where you post your fanfics once you’re done, use the tagging features to your advantage! AO3 has the most comprehensive tagging system, so make sure to tag your fics with (relevant) popular tags, as well as some tags more specific to your story (perhaps “pool party” or “amusement park” if that’s where it’s set).

You never have to write what you are uncomfortable writing, even if someone absolutely begs you or bullies you to write it, and this is not limited to N S F W or taboo topics, but literally anything you don’t want to write. If it’s a ship you don’t support, it’s your prerogative to turn it down. Just stay polite and professional and you should be fine.

If someone else’s fanfiction inspires one of your stories, make sure you acknowledge them in an author’s note and let them know personally. It’s respectful, and honestly it can save you a lot of grief down the line.

Always remember you don’t owe anyone anything when it comes to writing. You are free to stop when you like and start when you like, write about who you like and whatever topics you like. You’re putting in time and effort to create free stories for others to read, so make sure they are always done on your terms. 💖💖

[izupie]

2, 3, 5, and 8.

thanks for these questions!!!! Oh man none of these have doubled up yet this is so fun

2. what fandoms were apart of that you aren’t any longer?

My biggest one is of course My Hero Academia. I was in a bad spiral of not thinking my content was good enough any more, not ever really being happy with it, comparing myself to other writers, feeling left out, needing to create more to try and get myself included and noticed and liked, feeling guilty for thinking that, feeling like my self worth was tied to my content output, so I had to keep creating, but now my heart isn’t in it the quality feels down- you get the idea. and so it went on.

spirals like that are yikes

Also the general attitude of the fandom was very negative at the time - every single official release was met with negativity. 

I had fun while I was writing, but that’s just because I find the act of writing fun in itself. All the baggage attached to it was the bit that was making me pretty miserable.

I can tell how bad I got because it was really hard to leave the fandom but I was so much happier and lighter after I did and got into something else. I was like, oh yeah, this is what enjoying fandom feels like,,

3. characters you would marry in an instant?

Eddie Kaspbrak as played by James Ransone

next!

okay no really, I love Eddie’s subtle and understated kind of bravery, his dumb sense of humour, how feral he is and I love James Ransone. Will Turner from POTC - I adore his dedication to love, pirates are cool and I love Orlando Bloom. Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead (before he goes crazy) - also adore his dedication to love, his badassery and I love Andrew Lincoln. Clarke Griffin from The 100 - I can’t get over how she never gives up, she’s so cool and I love Eliza Taylor. Ben Hanscom from IT - DRINKS HIS RESPECT WOMEN JUICE and I love Jay Ryan.

5. what is your favorite overused trope?

I love the ‘there’s no way we’re going there/doing that. no way.’ and then smash cut to the characters doing the thing or going to the place. I HAVE SO MUCH LOVE FOR THAT.

I also enjoy the ‘starts off bickering but you know will get together by the end’ couple.

Oh! or when a character says they’re done with love or whatever and you know by the end they’ll have a brand new found family and a partner

I love when a situation seems hopeless and then the character that everyone thought was dead comes back just in time to save everyone! I gasp like it’s the first time I’ve seen that trope every single time.

8. do you prefer happy, bittersweet, or sad endings?

H A P P Y

omg happy every time.

sometimes a bittersweet one makes me emotional and that tricks me into thinking I like them, but then I think about it and I’m like, no I really just want everyone to be happy. I just wanted everything to be okay in the end. 

Sad endings usually just drive me to write fanfiction. I go too deep into denial like, jokes on you writers, I’ll just write my own ending.

call me cliche but I love a happy ending

[monkey-network]

My Problems with Mr. Enter

This one’s gonna be a first for the channel. As much as I’m not the type to be talking about other people in detail, permit me if you will, to go on a rant about one of the most infamous youtubers in the cartoon analytical community.

To preface this, yes, I was a fan of Mr. Enter. Even after this post, I’ll say that I at least still have some respect for Enter regardless of his personal viewpoints. Honestly if it weren’t for him, probably wouldn’t have become an analyst myself. Then again, even as a fan, I can say that Enter wasn’t the greatest of youtuber both production wise and his critiques. Also, I understand that most of what I point out is that of his opinions, I’m just pointing out patterns from him that I’ve noticed from him and people’s ire towards him. Less to say, this has been a longtime coming, so let’s not beat around the bush

Negative to Nothing New

I think my biggest gripe with Enter’s philosophy of reviews is that he fell into this annoying well of believing that almost everything in a cartoon needs to be unique, having typical writing cliches and typical writing conventions down-trots the show’s quality for him. And I don’t have a problem with this in theory, I’m not a fan of conventional shows like family sitcoms and I’m only interested if they’re able to put a clever spin on the dynamic like with Bob’s Burgers. But the problem arises when he conveys what a majority can consider an average show as not great over simple tropes. His reviews nowadays feel more like Cinemasins and Lily Orchard where going to twitter and TV tropes is all you need to break down why a show or episode isn’t great.

Again, there’s nothing wrong with this on paper, but it gives off a “You’ve seen one, you’ve seen ‘em all” mentality that many are no doubt not gonna vibe with because yeah, 100% originality isn’t gonna happen with every show you watch but even then, it always feels like any overused cliches/tropes are a bane to his experience, regardless of context, and has to accentuate that these shows aren’t great because they’re cliched. Like the Mighty B! is annoyingly bad because Bessie is the zany, clumsy goof like Spongebob and many like him or that it’s flash animated. Or the Rise of the TMNT ain’t great because Splinter’s the pathetic slob of a dad like FamGuy. Or 12 Oz. Mouse is bad because of it’s “lazy” style. Of course people aren’t gonna like that you bog ideas down to basics if they’ve seen that there’s more to them. 

If there’s one thought I had since his Hey Arnold review, it’s that Enter basically wants every cartoon to be like Hey Arnold or shows he finds on par with it. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, I say he shouldn’t be so hard on his tastes to expect every show to not be any derivative of others. I’ve had my doubts on the Owl House and Victor & Valentino, thinking they’re Gravity Falls wannabes, but I’ve come to see them individually and judge them as they are, and I’ve come to like them as they are after a few episodes because reviews should be about seeing where a show finds its own footing. Not everything can live up to the best shows and that’s fine. 

Negative to Nothing Admirable

I say he needs to produce more Admirable Animations. Not because I’m sick of him shitting on shows, but I feel he needs to give people more of what he wants from the animation industry. People are slowly turning on him because his negativity outweighs the positivity. Not saying he needs to force it, but I think people have gotten tired of him being spiteful towards things they like while not giving a better perspective on what he likes. Dude only has around 60 videos sharing what he thinks are truly great in his eyes, the 58th and the 57th Admirable video he made are almost a whole year apart. It’s clear he can see the good in some things, his review on ‘The Shell’ from Gumball is one of my favorites from him, but he does it so rarely that people will often overlook it in favor of only seeing him as the pissy cartoon critic. 

And yeah, this is coming from a critical nobody that’s mostly tries to review things positively but it’s because I want to see the good of what I’m seeing while acknowledging personal or objective setbacks. When I created ‘The Best’ series, I did it because while I mostly review stuff I enjoyed, I try to share with people what I consider to be universally valuable to me. 

Enter needs to take a break from diving into the Atrocities and if it’s difficult exploring the truly good stuff, that is the point. Finding the greatest works imaginable can take plenty of time, especially if you’re not ankle-beez levels of impressionable, but if he’s genuinely serious about being a critic while making his own show as a creator, he needs to make time.

Negative to Nothing Special

I’m not a fan of the idea of a “cartoon community” because I’m alone and evil, but I can see where things have changed since the cartoon community has grown past dogpiling on Teen Titans GO! and thinking The Emoji Movie is worst than the Emu war. In this era, I’d say the community wants to celebrate the good things that are coming out while giving people some insight on obscure media. Enter does the latter, but at the same time you get the feeling unless it’s something he wants to do, he won’t be as into it as we’d believe. I’d say if there’s anything about his whole Nick-O-Ramen marathon it’s that you could see him getting burnt out with it in the latter half during the 2010s era, especially when some of his takes on certain cartoons were not up to code and people were calling him out on it.

Said this before at the time, but he shouldn’t just treat a show as bad because everything about it didn’t click with him, especially when it seems he was making these reviews up as he gone on. He’s entitled to his opinions, but when his takes don’t add up they can either rile up viewers that saw more than what he did or fool people into believing his word. I don’t think all of his reviews were terrible, I honestly found his reviews on Catdog, MvA, and Mr. Meaty to be alright even if the 7 people that like Catdog might disagree. But with his takes on El Tigre, Rise of the TMNT, Tuff Puppy, and Welcome to the Wayne, it mostly sums to trying to blame the show for not being to his liking. Either that or condescendingly trying to say the show was alright, but doesn’t hold up as well. It doesn’t help that he essentially deflected the criticisms down to pure apathy. So when all is said and done, what were we to take away from all those reviews? Basically gave us pencils with no point beyond their existence. Compare this to his critique on Extra Credits, where it honestly felt like he was passionate in those videos. Or again, his Admirable Animation videos where he actually puts effort into sharing why he liked that stuff in particular.

As many I’ve seen said, stuff like his Nick marathon was a little more than he could chew and exposed how much he himself will insincerely generalize for the viewer base, all in bad faith. As a result, it’s tiring. He’s kinda the textbook example of “your face will stick if you frown too long.” You see one angry review from Enter, you practically have seen them all soon enough. Back then, it was alright. Now it’s cliched.

Conclusion

To put this into perspective, I don’t think Mr. Enter is the worst of Youtube; I’ve seen Moviebob and The Unknown Otaku. I don’t agree with some of his views both with fiction and reality, but I’m a big boy that can tolerate other people who aren’t actively terrible. When I get down to it, I feel Mr. Enter is shrouded in negativity and bitterness. Not just from his detractors or the shows he watches, but from a perceived outlook. Maybe it’s because while I’m evil and tired, I’m more optimistic, but I feel Enter needs a change in his critique game. He should put his grounding more into what he enjoys and less of what he needs to dislike because the hate he tries to preach has gotten tired and old at this point. I looked at his vid on Thundercats Roar and I just clicked off after a few minutes. Not because it was terrible, but it honestly was just parroting what other people have said on twitter as it came out. John has put more than enough time into screaming about how bad cartoons and society can be, I just believe showcasing more positive things can not only balance things out, but show people that there’s more to him than his bitching.

I know he won’t see this, but I just wanted to get this off the chest after seeing a 2 hour video on why he sucked a few months ago. And I felt rather than just calling him an erectile atrocity, I’d share my thoughts on Enter as a whole because I feel like he can do better with his content. Again, it’s not that he’s the worst out here, but he needs to stop retreading his old ruts. Dude needs to get out of his shadows.

[alatismeni-theitsa]

Why throwing so much hatred on LO and clapping punderworld? Same overused trope where Persephone’s only trait is being horny for Hades and portraying Demeter as a shitty mom. Both comics are lame and pretty non Greek. Hades looks anything but Greek. There are better tumblr artists around who go unknown, better advertise them instead of those boring cliches?

I support criticizing art when things go wrong but it doesn’t help to criticize so much you cannot enjoy anything. People always will write different stories for HxP, changing the storyline here and there. It’s creative freedom, there is nothing we can do. Ι never disagreed with people writing their own stories. I have even said that Smythe could write a good story with the setting she has.

Punderworld doesn’t have to put modern Greek things in because it’s not in a modern setting. If Linda does her research on ancient Greek stuff, we will see more of them in the future. 

I think the two works cannot be compared. Punderworld doesn’t even have 10 episodes out while LO is going on for 2 years with 100 episodes. The first has the gods close to canon, while the second has made them into cringey ocs who are used for the drama. The art in Punderworld is so much better than LO.

Plus, I find Punderworld Persephone to have tons of personality and she is not helpless or stupid. Moreover, only 7 episodes are out. Maybe we will see more in the future. If after 100 episodes we haven’t seen more personality or growth it will probably get criticized.

Having the hots for Hades is not a negative trait in Persephone for me. If my memory serves me, I never said LO Persephone was problematic for just liking Hades. The problematic aspect was that the dynamic between the two, how she is like Anastasia Steele and how he is like Gray with the corporation, the money and the experience. 

Hades can easily pass for a Greek. I don’t understand why he does not look Greek.. We have plenty of pale, slim guys with long black hair ya know :P (We have the best black metal community after Sweden!)

True, Demeter is overprotective there, too, and I don’t like that. But beyond that nothing in the comic annoys me in the characterization. So I let it slip.

Ι also criticized Punderworld for genderbending Charon and keeping the name male “because foreigners wouldn’t recognize the deity”. I even send an ask about it to Linda. 

I don’t “advertise” Punderworld. I haven’t posted anything from Punderworld, I did one post about it at best. Ι merely say I enjoy it when asked.

If you have found better works and want me to share them you can send a link here (with words in between so Tumblr doesnt understand it’s a link) or send me a DM. 

[likeawildthing]

was tagged by @fetchalgernon and  @downbythebayy for the get to know you meme, thanks babes!

Top 3 friendships:

books: golden trio!

tv: derry girls

movies: the march sisters in the recent l.m. adaptation

Lipstick or chapstick? burt’s bees chapstick, every single day of my life

Last song: work song by hozier

Last movie: Treasure Planet

Reading: Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft

3 random things that make me happy:

peppermint tea

the sunrise waking me up in the mornings

the little chaos piles throughout the house that represent different interests we have (art, writing, music, board games). there’s always Something going on and my house will never be 100% neat and tidy and i wouldn’t want it to be!

tagging @women-inthe-sequel @solstilla and @petals-to-fish

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was tagged by @gxldentrio for the book tag!

A character’s appearance that you misread and imagined differently

calpurnia from to kill a mockingbird and it was a class lesson i never forgot! 

A character name that you’ve been pronouncing wrong

um not a character name but i didn’t know how to pronounce velociraptors until adulthood.

An overused trope that is your guilty pleasure

i mean NO GUILD but friends to enemies to lovers, fake dating, bed sharing, unrequited love, MUTUAL unrequited love. slow burn. all of them. give me ALL OF THEM.

A cliche character type that you like better onscreen than reading about

god i’m not sure i have any! the villian, maybe. i usually skip over any kind of battle scene on any book reread because it JUST doesn’t interest me, and i do the same for television watches, but i always watch The Monologue

A word/phrase that you learnt because of its use in a book

so many? all of them? all of them

Have you ever not read or completed a required reading book for school?

lmao no i was the suck up who did extra credit! literature is MY JAM

Have you ever skipped a chapter from the POV of a character you weren’t interested in?

not a chapter but i might skim!

Have you ever canceled social plans to read?

you can’t cancel plans you don’t make!

tag @natfee @museelo @philtstone @despazito @siriuslychessi 

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LAST LINE TAG by @siriuslychessi and @solstilla thanks <3 <3

“Not that a lack of permission has stopped you so far, but now would be the appropriate time to snog your wife.”

@gxldentrio @elanev91 @thejilyship xand @alrightsnaps

..............................................

was tagged by @siriuslychessi <3 <3

honey and lemon or milk and sugar // musicals or plays // lemonade or iced tea // winter or summer // beaches or forests // diners or cafes // unicorns or dragons // gemstones or crystals // hummingbirds or owls // fireworks or sparkles // brunch or happy hour // sweet or sour // rome or amsterdam // classic or modern art // sushi or ramen // sun or moon // polka dots or stripes  // macarons or croissants // glitter or matte // aquariums or planetariums // road trip or camping trip camping road trip // colouring books or watercolour // fairy lights or candles

tagging @legalronin  @rissa-explains-it-all @alrightginger

..............................................

and last and lovely, tagged by @thejilyship for 5 OTPS 5 fandoms and 5 friends 

James and Lily - Harry Potter

Darcy and Lizzie - P&P

Lucy and Josh - The Hating Game

Inej and Kaz - SOC

Jo and her art - Little Women

@thearcherballet @kneelb4kesha​ @bigbrotherlouis @elizzabethdarcy @hiddenpolkadots

[bisexualalienblast]

Because apparently this ridiculousness won’t die (pun intended), the finale of Animal Kingdom was not the “bury your gays” trope. “Bury your gays” is 100%, and completely, an overused cliche in media and literature where the queer characters are at a higher chance to be killed off for the plot (there’s more detail to it, but that’s the crux, folks). Animal Kingdom did NOT pull the same stunt as The Magicians. “Bury your gays” is not what happens when your fave character is sad or when they don’t get the ending that you wanted for them. There are other queer cliches in media that you're thinking of. AK didn’t kill Adrian or Deran, it isn’t “bury your gays.”

Link here

and here

and here

aaaaand here

[dangermousie]

@burritosoricecream​ asked me: “ What's the oldest kdrama you enjoyed that you think would hold up to a rewatch? “

Easy answer: 2002′s Beautiful Days!

Made in 2002, Beautiful Days is a classic melodrama, one of those quintessential Hallyu hits of back then, starring Choi Ji Woo and Lee Byung Hun. She is a strong, feminine artist brought up at an orphanage. He is an icy, competent workaholic from a completely messed-up family. They meet, fall in love, and face obstacles together, while being completely grown-up and hot about it.

While some of the styling did not age wonderfully (why they made Lee Byung Hun blond, I will never know), and the family/childhood backstory is also probably best watched on fast forward (but I am not objective, I’ve never met a background/childhood portion in any drama I ever liked and this has nothing to do with the year of production) the story itself is a classic melodrama that imo stands the test of time and has a wonderful, passionate, angsty relationship between its fascinating protagonists at its core that has aged well. (I am very fond of e.g., 2001 Winter Sonata, but some of its tropes like amnesia and evil secondaries, have been so overused since and acted in such broad strokes, it might feel pretty dated. I still like it and would enjoy a rewatch, but someone coming to it cold might not find it as good unless they really do love melo. FWIW, my favorite seasons drama is 2006′s Spring Waltz.) Beautiful Days, however, has aged like fine wine.

Why do I love it? 1. It's a drama where the OTP gets together early and then faces the world. I love that set up, with no viable love rivals or any of that nonsense, especially rare since evil secondaries were thicker than grass on the ground in the early 00s. In fact, this drama has no Other Girl. There are various other female characters but no OTP interlopers. Because he'd never even look at another woman. 2. It bucks two biggest kdrama cliches - heroine with leukemia recovers (apparently because the station received a mountain of letters begging it to let the OTP have a happy ending) and childhood crush does not = OTP. Her childhood 'destined' love is his stepbrother (a character I loathe as he is whiny immature brat though I think we were supposed to like him.) 3. Lee Byung Hun and Choi Ji Woo burn up the screen. It helps that they are allowed to be physical with each other, but also, they are both really good actors and their chemistry is on fire. 4. I adore LBH's character - he is a difficult person and the drama makes no bones about it (it helps to make him real and not just some Prince Charming fantasy) and being in that family permanently affected him but he is rock-steady and grown-up and the way he looks at her! I am a sucker for competent, love-starved guys. I also love that being with her makes him happier and mellows him out a bit but he will always be a reserved, driven person - his basic character did not change. 5. Choi Ji Woo is so good at a somewhat traditional role a lesser actress would have made a cliche - she is elegant and ladylike and relatively quiet but she is no pushover in any way - when she thinks he goes out of bounds, she has no problem bringing him to heel asap without raising her voice. It's like she's 'training' him for a relationship as he's had no practice before. She is awesome. Together they are so mature, which I love. 6. One of the most delicious angsty shippy scenes ever (in my cap). 

Runner up would be Damo, which was made a year later so doesn’t qualify for your question, but it’s the perfect tight, smart, devastating fusion sageuk that holds up 100% and then some.

Though if we are talking SRS BSNS, there are two 1990s dramas that I would recommend - 1992′s Eyes of Dawn and 1995′s Sandglass (which reached 65% ratings). Both have production values that are dated, but the stories are smart and epic and acting is top notch. If you want to try 1990s melos, there is an Ahn Jae Wook twofer of A Star In My Heart (You’re Beautiful ripped off its ending) and Goodbye My Love. I am a bit biased because I used to drool over Ahn Jae Wook though so take it for what it’s worth.

Sandglass MV:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiYpZQwHwYI

OK, now I want to rewatch Beautiful Days!

[whitherliliesbloom]

Illya’s Never-Ending Survey

Rules: Repost, do not reblog

Tagging: I’m sure most people have already done this so I’ll just tag those I know haven’t yet @ofthesilverlining​ , @windup-dragoon​ , @theadventuresofshuri​ and anyone else who hasn’t done this but wants to.

BASICS.

FULL NAME: Illya Skawi

NICKNAME: Magus of the white (by another OC of mine)

AGE: 19

BIRTHDAY: 31st Sun of the 6th Umbral Moon (31st December)

ETHNIC GROUP: Lalafell / Dunesfolk (Has a hint of hyur from her father)

NATIONALITY: Unknown. She comes from a rural countryside outside Eorzea

LANGUAGE/S: English

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Bisexual

ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: Biromantic

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Taken by Alphinaud in the main canon, supposedly single in other AUs.

HOME TOWN / AREA: Black Shroud

CURRENT HOME: Lavender Beds.

PROFESSION: Glorified errand girl, Adventurer, Medic

PHYSICAL.

HAIR: Pure white, usually straight with bangs

EYES: Round and Violet

FACE: Soft, slightly rounded

LIPS: Pale, thin

COMPLEXION: Fair skinned, smooth

BLEMISHES: None

SCARS: Scars littering a good portion of her torso

TATTOOS: None

HEIGHT: 2′9′’

WEIGHT: 43 ponze

BUILD: Short, neither chubby nor very slender by lala standards, average

FEATURES: Glossy eyes, button nose, white hair that almost reflects the sun

ALLERGIES: None

USUAL HAIR STYLE: Usually loose with minimal styling, bangs just above her eyes and a white hair band

USUAL FACE LOOK: No make up

USUAL CLOTHING: Robes, Warm clothing, Armor suitable for whatever class she is, occasionally wears glasses. She’s not picky with her fashion at all.

VOICE CLAIM: Japanese voice: Hanazawa Kana. Something similar to her voice for Nadeko, Kanade and Shiori. English voice: Not a fixed voice actor but her in-game voice is this, which I think is pretty accurate to how she’d sound in English.

PSYCHOLOGY.

FEAR/S: Failure, Being abandoned, Polar Bears

ASPIRATION/S: Acquisition of all the knowledge and skills she can, To finally be someone who is of use to others

POSITIVE TRAITS: Kind, open-minded, intelligent, curious, hard-working, loyal,  cooperative, empathetic, observant, patient

NEGATIVE TRAITS: Pessimistic, shy, anxious, cowardly, emotionally fragile, envious, weak, passive, dependent, insecure

TEMPERAMENT: Melancholic MBTI: INFJ / ISFJ (she kind of tip-toes between both)

SOUL TYPE/S: The Scholar / Server

ANIMALS: Dwarf rabbit 

VICE HABIT/S: Hiding her face when she gets emotional, Twiddling her fingers together, Avoiding eye contact

FAITH: None

GHOSTS?: Debatable. She wonders if they are that different from voidsents

AFTERLIFE?: Probably

REINCARNATION?: Possible, but unsure ALIENS?: No

POLITICAL ALIGNMENT: None

EDUCATION LEVEL:  Basic education

FAMILY.

FATHER : Lachlan Skawi, Midlander Adventurer, alive and active. A friendly, witty and adventurous man who can never stay in one place for too long. His sense of humor and persistence eventually causes a reclusive lalafellin farmer to open up her heart to him.

MOTHERS : Cocona Coruna, Half Dunesfolk Half Plainsfolk, alive and active. A stern, sharp-tongued but dedicated farmer who provides the strange adventurer shelter in her home after his journey by ship gets interrupted by a band of pirates wrecking the boat.

SIBLINGS : None

EXTENDED FAMILY:  None

NAME MEANING/S: None

HISTORICAL CONNECTION?: None

FAVORITES.

BOOK: I have no idea but she loves reading a lot

DEITY: Nophica

HOLIDAY: Little Ladies’ Day

MONTH:  Second Umbral Moon. Usually when spring starts

SEASON: Spring

PLACE: Anywhere with lots of flowers. She’s understandably starstruck when she first visit Il Mheg

WEATHER: Clear skies

SOUND / S: Leaves rustling, Gentle breeze, Insects chirping, windchimes

SCENT / S: Anything floral, Freshly baked bread, Herbs

TASTE / S: SPICY, Fruits

FEEL / S: Texture of cotton or wool, warm blankets

ANIMAL / S: No real preference but probably birds

NUMBER: None

COLORS: Blue, purple

EXTRA.

TALENTS: Magic, cooking and baking, gardening, domestic chores

BAD AT:  Physically strenuous labor, Speaking, awful fashion sense

TURN ONS: Courage, Kindness, Altruism, Confidence (because she lacks it herself hah), Loyalty, Independence

TURN OFFS: Manipulation, Bad tempers, Sadism, Selfishness, Too domineering, Perversion or openly lustful behavior, Unnecessary violence

HOBBIES: Cooking or baking, gardening or farming, reading, writing, crochet, sightseeing. magic

TROPES: See this post

QUOTES : “It’s impossible... I’m just... I’m just too weak.”

MUN QUESTIONS.

Q1: If you could write your character your way in their own movie, what would it be called, what style would it be filmed in, and what would it be about?       A1: She’s 100% not going to be the star of some action movie. I don’t know what title I’d give it, but probably a slow-paced melancholic movie focusing on character development driven narrative.

Q2: What would their soundtrack/score sound like?           A2: Pianos. Lots of piano tracks. Q3:  Why did you start writing this character?         A3: She just kind of happened. Getting into ffxiv, I wasn’t really expecting to come out of it with a new OC I’d be obsessing over. But as I grew more attached to the story and also came up with headcanons for the player character, Illya just sort of developed into her own character in my eyes.

Q4: What first attracted you to this character?         A4: Not sure if it counts but I was surprised just how much they made the player character so involved in the story, especially for an MMO. Her pro-activeness and continuously being willing to help and save others when I myself would have been too cynical to care made her endearing to me. 

Q5: Describe the biggest thing you dislike about your muse. A5: I’d like to think she’s a complex character, given how I spend more time thinking about her flaws than actual strengths.. but I do sometimes wonder if she’s too ideal or mary sue-ish. Her aesthetic of flowers, magic and purple has got to be the most overused and cliche combination of aesthetics imaginable. Also she stutters a lot, which makes writing dialogue in her POV slightly annoying. Q6: What do you have in common with your muse?           A6: We’re both introverted and have self-esteem issues. We’re also both rather pessimistic, though for her she’s pessimistic in her beliefs of whether she’ll be able to live up to the expectations of others, while I’m pessimistic about everyone in general. Other than that I think we’re actually rather different. 

Q7: How does your muse feel about you?         A7: Dunno. She’d probably be really scared of me, I think. Q8: What characters does your muse have interesting interactions with?       A8: If I had to go into detail about every interesting interaction she has I’d take another six hours to write but in a nutshell:  Meets her best friend and fellow WOL Laurelis near the start of ARR and grows more and more attached and comfortable around her as time goes on despite starting off rather wary and weirded out by her. Meets Alphinaud at the very beginning of ARR but doesn’t really bond personally with him until the very start of HW. They confess some time mid-Stormblood. She has interesting dynamics with other WOL OCs I have too, but they’re a topic for another day. Q9: What gives you inspiration to write your muse?     A9: Just my sheer love for her. I’ve grown to love her like I would any favourite character to the point she sometimes doesn’t feel like an OC anymore. Q10 : How long did this take you to complete?   A10 : Too long. Granted I tabbed in and out, doing different things all at once but I really shouldn’t have taken close to three hours to finish this.

[writeinmysoul]

Okay, so what are some of your favorite and least favorite tropes, what books remind you of your childhood, and what character(s) did you want to be or befriend when growing up? Hope this isn't too many questions lol 💙

Mmm. I don’t know. I can’t think of many off the top of my head for a favorite trope. But I love angst with happy endings. So I love the miscommunication trope where either one or both are in love with each and believes the other doesn’t love them or something. Either doesn’t love them or has some other kind of miscommunication where they think they’re being broken up with and so on. And I love the mandatory cliche hospital scene. Where person A gets severely injured and person B doesn’t leave the hospital for days until person A wakes up. And then person A  wakes up to see them sitting there, surprised because they didn’t know person B loved them. Something like that. I love those. I don’t like most overused or cliche tropes, but that one gets me every time.

My least favorite trope is the bully turned lover. I absolutely despise those. Whether the main c has been secretly in love with the bully despite the bullying or even the bully being in love with the person they’re bullying. I don’t care if the bully feels like they’ve changed or if the main c feels like the bully has changed and falls for them. NOOO! Especially when it’s more than just like teasing words that the bully did. When the bully has physically harmed the main character, I hate it 100 times more. I cannot stand that trope. And whenever I go to Wattpad because I’m bored enough, that’s what I see sooo often. Especially when it comes to lgbt stories. And it irritates my soul. I don’t care if 10 years has passed, I will not date an ex bully. Especially if you fucking hit me during your bullying. Like. So I hate the ship Deku and Bakugo because Bakugo bullies Deku for years!!!! Anyway. Yea, I don’t like a lot of tropes, but right now, this takes the cake. Like, rivals to friends to lovers or even just rivals to lovers is one thing. When it’s like mutual dislike/competitor thing and usually doesn’t involve actual abuse, sometimes that’s not so bad. But literal bully turned lover pisses me off.

Books that remind me about my childhood? I don’t know. Does this mean like important books from my childhood that reminds me of that time? or books that I’ve read since then that makes me think of my childhood because of whatever happens in the story? I don’t really have either. I read so much, especially in middle school, and I remember most of everything I read then, but I mean, I guess from Elementary school, The Magic School Bus, Harry Potter, and Edgar Allen Poe’s poem book The Raven. These are the biggest things that I read from 2nd-5th grade and loved. 

Character I wanted to be or befriend growing up? I don’t even know. I wanted to befriend pretty much any friend from Harry Potter, Eeyore, Stitch, Peter Pan, Mr. Rogers, Bastian (from Neverending Story), and soo many more people. It’s rare that I read or watch something that has decent people in that I don’t want to be friend. Partly because I’ve felt lonely and been alone my whole life, and I desperately wanted those types of friendships I read about and to have decent people like that in my life. I used to keep lists of the guy characters I wanted to date and the characters I wanted to be super close with. 

In terms of people I wanted to be, I really wanted to be any character that was a good person or pretty. Almost any character that wasn’t me. Anyone that was funny and kind or was good at putting their thoughts out there, who was able to stand up for themselves and other people. I wanted to be smart and outgoing and friendly and witty. I wanted to be anyone I read about who wasn’t me. Usually white. Which i’ve realized recently, growing up, after I more understood what race was cause I did not as a little kid. I knew we all looked different, but I didn’t understand what race was, and I liked that we all looked different,  and if anyone called anyone white or african american, which I got called both a lot in elementary school since that’s what I am, I would cry. Full tears cause I thought they were insults and I didn’t know what race was. By middle school, I wanted to be fully white. I wanted the long nice hair that wasn’t nappy and didn’t need a perm or weave or wasn’t difficult to comb through. I saw white people in almost every tv show and movie, and most book characters. And it wasn’t til junior year of high school did I realize that any character in a book was white to me by default. I realized that by read ME and Earl and the Dying Girl because Earl is black, but I was reading him as a white character, and it wasn’t til halfway through the book that I realized he was black when he says something about it. So I wanted to be any white character that was better than me in literally anything. Half the time I even wanted to be a guy character because being a girl felt so fucking difficult and it always seemed like guys had it easier, so I remembered going around when I was younger saying, “I want to be a white gay dude.” God. That was so problematic. I really hated every single thing about me. I think media and the lack of representation, and when there was representation, the suckiness of it, really made me hate being mostly black and being a girl. And being both just sucked.

Anyway, somehow this got super long. Sorry for that. Sorry for making this unnecessarily long, and for answering late. Sorry if this is shit at answering the questions and doing more than just basic answering. 

[be-more-heidi-hansen]

The Cliché Gods of Overused Teen Movie Tropes (Jeremy Heere X Reader)

Word count: 6k I’m so annoyed at myself

Warnings: not really any....cursing?? overuse of the word “incredulously”, I’m sure...is bad writing a warning?

(A/N): It’s finally here! I got really carried away so this one is really long, I’ll put the rest under the cut. Enjoy! Maybe like/reblog? I’d appreciate it a lot!

~

Jeremy was avoiding you, that much you were sure of. This morning he had walked right past you, not even acknowledging your wave. Then, in class with him, he didn't even glance your way when you whispered his name. What the hell was wrong with him? Why was he acting so weird? It hurt your feelings. You had been friends with Jeremy for years, Michael too, and had been harboring a crush on him for most of them. You asked Michael if he knew, but he was in the same boat. He had been ignored just as you had, and he was equally pissed. He hadn't even so much as spared either of you a glance all day long. That is, until lunch.

You and Michael had been walking to his car to head to 7/11 when Jeremy suddenly appeared next to you, looking overwhelmed. "Michael? (Y/N)?" you both looked up in surprise at finally being acknowledged, but were quick to turn around, ready to leave. "Oh my god, I'm so glad to see you!" You stopped, turning around incredulously. "Really? So you haven't been avoiding us all day?" Jeremy seemed confused. "What are you talking about? I haven't even seen you since-" he froze suddenly, looking deep in thought. There were a few moments of silence, and you looked to Michael confusedly before turning back to Jeremy, waving a hand in front of his face, but he just ignored it.

You would have been a little worried, had you not been so annoyed at him. It seemed like he was just looking past you, through you, and you had to double check that there was nobody behind you. Michael finally spoke up. "Jeremy? Why are you standing there all creepy and stuff?" he asked, and you nodded in agreement, wondering the same thing. You were totally, 100% ready to call Jeremy out on his shit. "Seriously, what's up with you? You've been shady ever since...since...." you trailed, off, realizing something. You had thought about it before, but saying it out loud made you finally piece it together. His squip.  "It worked, didn't it?" Michael realized just as you had. "Jeremy! That's amazing!" You exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of your feet. "We gotta test it, we gotta celebrate! We gotta- get stoned in my basement!" Michael exclaimed, and you nodded excitedly, looking from him to Jeremy.

The one reaction you hadn't expected was for Jeremy to stay stock still, frozen like a statue, and remain silent. It was like you weren't even there, hadn't even said anything. Your eyebrows drew together in confusion and slight worry. It remained silent, and you were about to ask him what the actual fuck his deal was, when Michael spoke. "Jeremy? Are you coming?" Michael asked, looking at Jeremy expectantly. Suddenly, Jeremy jolted, turning around and walking the other direction. He just left the two of you standing there, staring after him.

There was shocked silence between you and Michael. You were the one who broke it. "What the hell?" you asked, staring after him. Michael put his hand on your shoulder sympathetically, and you turned to him, sighing. You readjusted your bag before clearing your throat and trudging in the direction of the school, Michael's hand sliding from your shoulder. "I'm gonna.. go work on some homework." You excused lamely, and Michael sighed, nodding, before turning and walking back to his car.

~

It had been days since then, and you had hardly spoken to anyone except Michael, but even with him you had been unusually quiet. You hadn't raised your hand in class, hadn't told your mom about your day even once, and you hadn't even tried approaching Jeremy again. You decided to spend every waking moment outside of school in your room, playing video games into the early hours of the morning. It was unhealthy, but it kept your mind off of Jeremy and that stupid squip. You were becoming a shell of your former self, and as much as you hated it, there wasn't much you could do.

One night, you were playing Apocalypse of the Damned for the fourth time that week when Michael called you. "Hello?” you answered, placing the phone between your shoulder and ear. "Hey, I think we should talk." you sighed. "About what, Micah?" His response was immediate. "You know what. You've barely been talking to anyone, you've been shut in your room, whenever you're not at school, and your mom told me you haven't eaten much." your jaw dropped as you scoffed disbelievingly. "Dude, you talked to my mom? Low blow, Micah." you could hear him huff into the receiver. "I was worried about you!" He defended. "There's nothing to worry about! I'm fine!" you exclaimed. It was silent until Michael spoke again with a tone of finality. "I'm coming over." then he hung up.

So you waited. Five minutes had passed when you heard something tap against your window. You opened it to see Michael waving at you from your front lawn. You sighed before sneaking downstairs and opening the door quietly. Michael quickly and silently walked up to your room, and he arrived there before you did. When you reached your door and walked inside, Michael was sat on your bed, arms open and inviting. "Get over here, dork." he muttered, and you sniffled, a wave of emotion coming over you as you crawled into his arms. He wrapped them around you, one hand running up and down your back as he shushed your sobs.

"What's wrong with us? Aren't we enough for him?" you croaked, and Michael only squeezed you tighter, knowing you were talking about Jeremy. "I know. Shh, I know. It'll be okay, we'll fix this." he soothed, and you realized suddenly just how tired you were. So that's how you fell asleep. Crying in the arms of your best friend over your other best friend and crush. What a night.

~

It was Halloween eve, and you were going to Jake Dillinger's Halloween party. Michael had insisted you come with him to confront Jeremy. Not that it had taken much persuasion on his end. You wanted to slap some sense into the guy, personally, but telling him what you and Michael had found out was just as good. As a last-minute costume, you had decided to dress up as a witch, pulling on a black dress that went below your knees and a witch hat you had in the attic. You had come inside, uninvited, and were thankful that nobody noticed. Most of them were either drunk or high or something else, and you almost gagged at the strong smell of liquor with an underlying scent of sweat. Michael suggested you both hang out on the sidelines and look for Jeremy. You just nodded, it being too loud to speak, and grabbed a slice of pizza, pulling him to the corner.

It was thirty minutes later and neither you or Michael had spotted Jeremy. You had long since finished your pizza, and were starting to get bored. The party around you was raging, people screaming and dancing to the music. A girl puked not ten feet away from you, and you cringed at the smell that clashed with the thick stench of weed. Suddenly, Michael yelled your name over the loud music. "I'm gonna go to the bathroom, I'll be right back." You just nodded, watching him walk through the crowd of loud, sweaty teenagers.

It was ten minutes later when you realized Michael had been in the bathroom for a while. You started walking towards the stairs, bumping into people here and there. When you reached the bathroom, it was slightly open. You walked in and saw Michael wasn't there, and you started to worry. Had he been caught by Jake? Neither of you were even supposed to be there. You began to panic as you plopped yourself on the edge of the tub. A hand landed on your shoulder and you screamed, whipping around to find Michael sitting in the tub. "Michael? Oh my god, you dick! You scared me!" you exclaimed. He just laughed and shrugged. "It's really loud out there."

You rolled your eyes before nodding in agreement. "You have a point," you muttered. "Now, scooch." he chuckled before scooting over, giving you what very little space was left to sit in. You squeezed yourself into the tub, sighing when you finally got situated. You both sat there in comfortable silence when the door opened. You couldn't see who it was, your sight of the door obscured by the shower curtain. When they sat down on the edge of the tub, you realized it was Jeremy. He hadn't noticed either of you yet, and was taking deep breaths. You looked at Michael, as if to ask, 'should I?' and he nodded excitedly, grinning wide.

You reached up and latched your hand on Jeremy's shoulder just as Michael had done to you. He screamed and jumped from the edge of the tub, watching as you and Michael pulled yourselves out of the tub. "Sup." "Hey," You and Michael greeted. Jeremy looked surprised. "Michael? (Y/N)? I didn't know you were invited to this party." You scoffed. "We weren't. Which is why we're wearing...." You paused for dramatic effect. "These clever disguises!" Jeremy just stared at the both of you, and Michael piped up. "You're speechless. Squip got your tongue?" Jeremy looked awkward. "It's....off." He muttered. "That would explain why you're talking to us." A beat. "I've been thinking about this moment. What would I say to you? I had this really pissed off monologue, an epic journey through twelve years of friendship...." he trailed off. Jeremy was just looking at the two of you, relieved. "What?" Michael asked. "It's really good to see you two." Jeremy said.

Apparently, the fuckin' cliche gods of overused teen movie tropes decided to look down upon you, and your stomach fluttered with butterflies. You scoffed. "It won't be. Once you hear what we found out." you said. Jeremy looked at you. "Found out?" he asked, looking between you and Michael. Michael nodded. "About..." he trailed off, tapping his head. Jeremy's face becomes one of understanding. "How? There's nothing on the internet-" Which is weird, right?" Michael interrupts. "I mean, what's not on the internet? So I started asking around. Finally, this guy I play Warcraft with... Told me how his brother went from a straight D student to a freshman at Harvard. You know where he is now?" Michael asked. "Really happy and successful?" Jeremy said hopefully. You shook your head. "He's in a mental hospital. Totally lost it." You said, and Jeremy frowned.

"I don't see what this has to do with..." he trailed off, and Michael huffed disbelievingly. "Think, man! We're talking an insanely powerful super-computer. You really think it's primary function is to get you laid?" Michael asked, looking incredulous. "Who made them? How did they end up in a high school? In New Jersey? Of all possible applications for such a mind-blowingly advanced technology, you ever wonder what it's doing inside you?" He finished. Jeremy stood in stunned silence for a moment.

"And I thought Chloe was jealous..." he muttered. You huffed incredulously. "You absolute dick! We're honestly asking!" Jeremy scoffed. "Really? Because I think you're pissed I have one and you don't!" you grit your teeth. Michael spoke before you could. "Come on-" "Maybe I got lucky, is that so weird? With my history, I'd say the universe owed me one. And I don't know about your friend's brother's whatever, but if you're telling me his SQUIP made him crazy-" "His SQUIP didn't make him crazy." Michael interrupted. Jeremy paused. "Oh. Well... There you go." Finally, you got a word in. "He went crazy trying to get it out."

A beat of silence. Then Jeremy spoke. "Then I've got nothing to worry about. Why would I want that?" He asked, heading for the door. But you and Michael stand in his way. "Move it." he orders, and you narrow your eyes. "Or you'll what?" Jeremy scoffs. "Get out of my way. Losers." Michael steps aside, pulling you with him. Your stomach churns at the venom in his tone, but instead of grief, you just feel angry. You rip your arm from Michael's, blinded by rage as you storm out of the bathroom, slamming the door behind you. You bumped into Jenna Rolan as you passed. "Fucking asshole..." you mutter, walking out. You don't even realize you've walked home until you almost walk head-first into your front door. You went to your room and fell asleep almost as soon as your head hit the pillow, drained emotionally from the night's events.

The next day you slept incredibly late. You decided not to think about the party, putting that emotional shit off until later. It was hours later, after your parents had already gone to bed, that you feel a pit of horrible guilt in your stomach when you remember that you left Michael alone, in a bathroom at a party he wasn't even invited to. You were such a bad friend. He probably hated you, and you couldn't blame him. He was even closer to Jeremy than you were, but you left him to grieve by himself. Quickly, you pulled out your phone from your pocket, going to Michael's contact and texting frantically, trying to make amends.

(y/n): shit Michael i'm so sorry

(y/n): i just got really mad and i wasn't even thinking

(y/n): i shouldn't have left u alone. i'm an asshole.

(y/n): wanna come over and watch hercules?

All the messages were written and sent in the span of 2 minutes, and you waited anxiously for a response. If Michael was stayed upset at you, which he was definitely justified in, then you would be alone. Jeremy and Michael were your only real friends. Sure, you talked to Christine on occasion, but that was about it. You sat staring at your phone, hoping for an answer. You pounced on it when it vibrated.

Michael Smell: you got popcorn?

You smiled.

(y/n): you know it

Michael Smell: i'll be there in 5

And so with that, you snuck downstairs to select Hercules on Netflix, putting some popcorn in the microwave. While it popped, you got a twitter notification from Jenna Rolan and Brooke. You clicked on it, almost dropping your phone in shock as you read it.

Jenna's on a Rolan tweeted:

OMG! Rich set a fire and he burned down Jake's house!

"Holy shit," you muttered.

Brooke Lohst tweeted:

Rich is flecked!

Your brows furrowed in confusion before reading Brooke's reply to her own tweet.

Brooke Lohst tweeted:

No, i meant 'fucked'. Did i say 'flecked'? Sorry, guys, it's just my auto correct.

A small huff of amusement escaped you, and you were about to read the replies to Jenna's tweet when the popcorn dinged and there was a knock at the door. You pulled the popcorn out first, then ran to open the door. Before Michael could get a word in, you started talking. "I'm really sorry. Have you been crying? Fuck, I'm really sorry. Come in, we have to be quiet, though, because my mom's asleep-" Michael cut you off with a small huff of laughter. "(Y/N), it's okay. I'm okay. I guess. I kind of had a panic attack, but that's more on Jeremy than you." you smiled. Michael held up a small baggie. "I brought weed." you laughed quietly. "Let's get stoned in my basement." you suggested, pulling Michael inside and grabbing Hercules, the popcorn, and your phone before heading down to the basement.

You remembered to stuff a damp dowel under the door so the smell wouldn't spread as much. Your mom never came down here anyway, so as long as the rest of the house didn't smell like weed, it was likely she would never find out. You put the disc in the DVD player and turned to Michael. "Hey, did you hear about Rich? He burned down Jake's house. They're both in the hospital, 'cause Jake broke his legs trying to escape." you showed him your phone. "Holy shit." He muttered, brows furrowed. "I know, right? Anyways, let's get high and watch Disney movies?" He nodded, and you pressed play.

~

The next time you saw Jeremy in person was at school, but you avoided him like the plague. Whatever that SQUIP did to him, you didn't like it. Or him, really, at the moment. But could anyone blame you? He had abandoned his only real friends. You had gone to visit Rich in the hospital once since the fire. He was in a fully body cast, and you could see a few burn scars starting to form on the exposed skin of his neck. He was kind of awkward about seeing you, considering you never really talked, but you felt bad. You had an inkling things weren't all sunshine and rainbows back home.

"You're (Y/N), right? I see you around with Jeremy, or at least I used to. And that antisocial headphones kid. Is he your boyfriend? 'Cause..." He asked, with a slight lisp you had never heard from him before. You laughed. "Michael Mell? My boyfriend? God, no way. He's just a good friend. We've been friends since we were, like, four." Rich looked almost relieved. "If you're into him, though, go for it. He's definitely not straight." he nodded, and the silence got awkward quickly. "I think I'm gonna go." You said, pointing towards the door. "Uh, get well soon?" you said, before walking out.

The next time you actually talked to Jeremy was the night of the school play. You had gone with Michael, who informed you quickly of his plan. He had somehow found out how to deactivate the squip, and you were relieved. He showed you the big bottle of Mountain Dew Red, and you made sure to keep it close to you. You both settled into your seats, waiting for the show to start.

Christine came out first to introduce the show. "Welcome, everybody. Thank you so much for coming to our production of 'A Midsummer Nightmare About Zombies'. It's been a rough week for all of us at Middleborough. That's why this play is so important - to bring this school together! To show you something special! I know that if Rich were here, instead of at the intensive care unit at Beth Israel, he'd say: 'Go out and show everyone the relevant power of live theatre!'" there was a quiet cough from offstage, and a voice spoke quietly, as if reminding Christine. "Costumes." Mr. Reyes said. "Oh... And thanks to Hobby Lobby for the costumes."

You and Michael watched the play. It's not so bad at first, you suppose. At least, for a high school production. Then the play gets oddly good. Like, really good. Everyone onstage is suddenly perfectly in character. Chloe actually seemed to know her lines. Something isn't right. You turn to Michael, whispering to him. "Isn't this, like, way too good for a high school play?" he nods. "I was about to say the same thing." he muttered, clutching tighter.

From backstage you could hear a faint shout. "Michael! Call: Michael!" and a scream. You looked at Michael to ask him if he had heard it, but he was already standing, pulling you backstage with him. Once you had successfully snuck backstage, Jeremy was flung at your feet by an invisible force. "Michael makes an entrance!" Michael sings, and you laugh. "I'm here too!" you say, doing jazz hands. Jeremy looks up at the both of you like he's never been more relieved. "Michael! (Y/N)!"

"We were in the audience, thinking, 'this is really good for a school play'. Then we're like, 'this is way too good for a school play'. They've all been squipped, right?" you asked. Jeremy seemed more surprised than anything. "You came to see me in the play?" you smiled. "Even brought our own refreshments." you said, gesturing to Michael, who held up the 2-liter bottle of Mountain Dew Red. Jeremy's eyes widen. "Is that-" "Mountain Dew Red. Told you I did my research." Michael said smugly.

"That's amazing! Give it to me!" Jeremy demanded, hands outreached and grabby like a toddler. "Okay. Wait. No." Michael said, holding up a finger. "But I need it!" Jeremy said incredulously. "And we need an apology. I think that's in order." you nodded in agreement. "I mean, you treat us like we don't exist for months, blow us off when we try to help you-" "Fine! I'm-" Jeremy seemed to choke on his words, hands clasped over his throat as he looks at an empty spot on the floor in indignant shock.

Jeremy tries again. "Saaaa- Srrr-" "Seriously, Jer? Is it that hard to say sorry?"  you ask, and Jeremy seems to struggle saying his response. "Yyyyyyes! C'mon, guys, this is important!" "Well, this is important to us!" Michael exclaims, and you nod. "It's a word!" Jeremy exclaims, annoyed. "It's a gesture! Gestures matter!" you exclaims. Jeremy jolts and suddenly looks angry, fists raising. You step back as he lunges towards Michael and begins to....kung-fu fight him? They begin to argue, and you stay frozen in the corner.

"This is so you! You love to feel superior, just because you listen to music on vinyl and eat eel in your sushi and don't care about being popular!" Michael dodges him. "Of course I care! I just know it's never gonna happen!" Jeremy swings for Michael again. "So you resent me because I wouldn't give up like you did?" "No, I don't resent you! I'm jealous you try!" Jeremy seems to get angrier as Michael dodges him again. "Well I'm jealous you don't!" Jeremy pins Michael to the wall, and they both scream. "Then why are you hitting me?" Michael asks, and Jeremy grunts. "I'm not- trying to!" "Well, don't try harder!" Michael exclaims, and Jeremy seems like he's in pain. "It's - not - me! It's - my - SQUIP!" he screams, managing to throw himself off of Michael. "It's taking over my body! I need your help! I'm sorry!"

Finally you feel as if you can move again, lunging towards Jeremy to help Michael hold him down and drink the Mountain Dew Red, but the scrawny boy you know (and love maybe shut up) somehow puts up one hell of a fight, flailing like a boy possessed. You look around for help when you see Jake Dillinger walk in on crutches. Michael addresses him quickly. "Jake! This is gonna sound weird, but if we hold down Jeremy, can you make him drink this Mountain Dew Red?" you tossed him the 2-liter. Surprisingly, Jake didn't ask any questions. "Actually, that doesn't sound weird at all." your eyebrows rose in surprise. You had kind of expected more of a reaction than that. Jake jolted suddenly, and you watched in horror as he turned the bottle over, draining it onto the floor. Then he started to....sing?? This isn't The Sound of Music, Jake.

"I was already pretty boss before. Now I'm totally boss and then some more! I'm livin' the upgrade, hey, hey! Livin' the upgrade, hey, hey!" You just looked at him in confusion for a moment before he started speaking again, y'know, like a normal person. "Plus, check this out." He throws his crutches down, still smiling. "It healed your legs?" Jeremy asked, surprised. "No. But I can't feel the pain. It's awesome." You just stare at him in horror. "Holy shit," you mutter. Then Jake starts to sing again. "Livin' the upgrade, hey, hey! God, I love me!" well, at least he had self-confidence while standing on two broken fucking legs.

Brooke and Chloe enter, holding hands and singing creepily, like a sinister lullaby. "La la la la la, la la la la la, la la la la la." Brooke addressed Jeremy. "I just want you to know, I'm not mad you broke my heart and slept with my best friend." now Chloe turned to Jeremy, too. "And I'm not mad you dated my best friend and wouldn't sleep with me." Brooke turned to Chloe, surprised. "He didn't sleep with you?" she asked. "No!" Chloe exclaimed. "He didn't sleep with me!" Brooke said. "No!" said Chloe incredulously, and you almost rolled your eyes. This is a matter of life and death, probably, so they shouldn't be acting like valley girls. Even when squipped, they were annoying.

The two spoke in tandem. "Oh my god, why was I so jealous of you? You were jealous of me? That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me! Sisters forever! JINX!" you really wanted to slap these girls. Jeremy interrupted your thoughts by whispering. "Guys...The bottle. There's a few drops left." Michael looked at you, then to Jeremy incredulously. "How are we supposed to get past them?" Jeremy smiled slightly. "Apocalypse of the Damned. Level Nine-" "The Cafetorium." You, Jeremy, and Michael spoke at once. You all had been playing that game together ever since Jeremy had bought it. He had called you, exclaiming, "I got it! I got it!" and you both knew what he meant, rushing over immediately. "Got it." you and Michael spoke together.

You both began to perform video game-style stealth moves to navigate past the squip-zombies and to the bottle. You briefly caught a glimpse of Michael ducking underneath Jakes legs and crawling through. You spoke with Michael and Jeremy in unison. "Find the bad guy, push 'em aside, then move on forward with your friend at your side. It's a three-player game, so when they make an attack, you know you'll have each other, gonna have your back. Than you stay on track, and-" Brooke lunged for you. 'AH! - Remain on course! And if they give you a smack, you-" You quickly dodged Chloe who moved to grab you. "GAH! -You use your force! And if you leave each other behind, it's lame, 'cause it's an effed up world, but it's a three-player game, hey!"

Michael grabbed the bottle with an exclamation of, "Got it!" and you ran to join him when Jenna Rolan appeared. The final boss. "I know what you're doing. I know what everyone's doing! ALL THE TIME!!!" you watched in horror as all the squip-zombies spoke together. "I just feel so connected to you guys right now!" Michael seemed to make a last-second decision. "Jeremy! Catch!" and he threw the bottle to Jeremy, just as the zombies descended upon you both. You could hear Jeremy's shout of your names as they covered you. Suddenly, the cast parts to reveal Christine. She looks, admittedly, great, radiant, even. And you understand with a pang of sadness why Jeremy likes her so much. She's talented and beautiful, charismatic and goofy.

"Jeremy?" She says, and Jeremy seems surprised. "...Christine?" he asks, and Christine smiles brightly, looking exhilarated. "Did you see me out there? The audience loves me!" Jeremy seems to hesitate. "I....That's great! I mean, of course they did." "I'm so glad I found you here. I wanted to apologize." Jeremy frowns a little, confused. "You.....Why?" Christine scoffs a little. "Because, silly. You were right. About how it feels. I...feel....amazing." Jeremy looks at her in disbelief. "No..."

Christine starts to sing, which you're starting to get a little tired of. We get it, you're theater kids. "I hate play rehearsal, so says my voice that comes from within. I am perfect sans rehearsal, because I don't need to practice to win." You glance at Jeremy through the squip-zombies and see he looks horrified. "I feel so....brave. And...safe. And, Jeremy, I was so scared to say this before, but...I love you, Jeremy." Your heart clenches. "Don't you have something to say to me?" Christine asks expectantly. Jeremy seems to have a conversation in his head before looking at Christine. He holds out the bottle of Mountain Dew Red. "Drink this." Christine drinks the last few drops and Jeremy looks at her expectantly. "How do you feel?" He asks.

Christine's head snaps down like a computer shutting off. You look at her in confusion while Jeremy calls her name once more. Suddenly, her head snaps back up and she, along with the rest of the squip-zombies, emits an ear-splitting screech, before they all - including Jeremy - collapse.

~

After that fiasco, you and Michael head to the hospital to visit Jeremy again. It was a silent drive until Michael turned to glance at you, then back to the road before speaking. "What are you going to say to him?" he asks, and you glance back at him before shrugging. "I dunno. Why do you ask?" Michael shakes his head. "(Y/N), I think you should tell him how you feel. He deserves to know." He said, and you went pink. "He likes Christine. I don't see the point in telling him if it's just gonna make things weird." you replied, turning to face the window. Michael was silent for a moment. "I still think you should get if off your chest. It'll make you feel better." you don't reply as he parks in the lot of Beth Israel.

You let Michael do the talking when you reach the receptionists desk, and stay silent during the walk to Jeremy's room. You can hear Rich talking. "Ask your buddies. Anti-social headphones kid and that other geek kid? They've been by like, a ton, by the way. What, are you dating them? No judgement. Just curious. Totally bi now." You chuckle as you and Michael walk in. "I'm sure someone will be lucky to have you, Rich." you say, and Rich looks surprised. "You think?" he asks, and before you can answer, Michael pulls the hospital curtain separating Rich and Jeremy shut.

"What happened? All I remember is that noise, and..." Jeremy trails off, looking between you and Michael. "Oh, man, it was genius!" Michael exclaims. "They were communicating with each other - they were linked! Which means... when you consider the kind of high-frequency sonic disturbance needed to wipe a system that powerful-" "Michael. My head still hurts." Jeremy interrupts, and you laugh a little. Jeremy looks at you and smiles. "Right, ah... Turns out you didn't have to destroy every squip. Just one. And the rest..." Michael mimes an explosion. "Boom boom boom." Jeremy takes a moment to absorb all this information. "I don't get it. After everything I did... You guys were still there for me. Why?"

Michael smiles. "We can't take all the credit. Your dad can be shockingly persuasive." you and Jeremy both have confused looks on your faces. What did Jeremy's dad have to do with anything? "My dad?" Jeremy asks, and, speak of the devil, he walks right in through the door. For the first time in a long time, you see him wearing real pants, and your eyebrows raise in surprise. "Jeremy, are you okay?" his dad asks. "Actually, I'm great-" "I'm glad. Because you're grounded. You're going to see some serious changes, young man, starting-" Jeremy's dad notices the grin on his son's face. "What?"

"Dad.....you're...wearing...." he trails off. "Don't look so surprised. I'm your father. And I wear the pants around here! Now let's get down to business: Who's this person you like, and why did I have to hear about them from him?" Jeremy's dad motions to Michael, and you feel a twist in your gut as you realize they must be talking about Christine. "I'm gonna go, um, get a snack." Jeremy looks at your slightly pale face with concern as you hurry out of the room and down the hall to the vending machine. After a minute you see Jenna, Chloe, Brooke, and Jake enter the room, and decide you'll stay out for a bit longer, taking a seat on one of the chairs in the hall.

Christine walks in next, and you decide this is gonna take a while. You pull out your phone and start playing pointless games until they all exit, including Michael and Jeremy's dad. "You coming?" Michael asks, and you shake your head. "Nah. I'm gonna talk to him." Michael smiles at you and says, "I'll wait in the car for you." You nod and walk into the room. Jeremy smiles widely at you. "Hey, (Y/N)." he greets, and you smile back. "Hey, Jer." you take a seat next to his hospital bed. It's silent for a moment.

"Hey, I just wanna say I'm really sorry for being an asshole to you guys." Jeremy says, and you smile. "You were definitely an asshole," you chuckled. Jeremy winces, guilt apparent on his face. "But I get it. I guess." Jeremy looks back at you surprised, like he was expecting you to say you never wanted to see him again. "I really do, Jer. You just wanted to be popular, and I understand. This just really wasn't the way to do it." Jeremy nods. "I know."

There's a moment of silence and you decide to change the subject entirely. "Anyway, I think Rich likes Michael? I told him he should totally go for it." "Wait, you and Michael aren't, like, secretly dating?" Jeremy asks, shocked. You groan. "Oh my god, no! Why does everyone keep asking that! I like you, dumbass!" you slap your hand over your mouth as Jeremy's eyes widen, and you curse those shitty fuckin' cliche gods of overused teen movie tropes again for letting you say that dumb shit out loud. "Fuck," you mutter, grabbing your phone. "I'll- uh, I'll just go-" "Wait, no!" Jeremy grabs your arm as you pass his hospital bed.

"You mean it?" he asks, with what looked like hope in his eyes. "I... yeah. I'm sorry, I know you like Christine, I just-" "(Y/N), shut up for a second." Jeremy interrupts, and you freeze. He was gonna tell you that you're weird, wasn't he? How it was gross to even think he'd like a loser like you? Then you mentally kicked yourself for thinking that. This is Jeremy, not whoever he became when he had that shitty squip. Jeremy looked deep in your eyes, searching for something. "You really mean it?" now you just scoff at him, starting to get annoyed. "Yeah, Jer. Shit, do you want me to fuckin' spell it out for you? I L-I-K-E Y-O-" Jeremy doesn't let you continue your sarcastic remark, pulling you close. He squeezed his eyes shut tight and kissed you. Holy shit, he kissed you. And it was good. Jeremy kissed like he meant it, slotting his lips downward to take your lower lip between his own. Maybe those cliche gods weren't so bad if they were gonna use their powers for stuff like this. It only took you a second to get with the program and kiss back.

You were interrupted by a voice. "Uh, hi?" you pulled back and spun around, and were faced with Michael. Your cheeks burned. "Hi, Micah." You said awkwardly. It was silent for a moment while Michael looked back and forth between you two. "I just came in here to say hurry up, but now I'm just gonna say this: if you guys do gross couple shit, I'm gonna jump off a building, or something." He jokingly warned. You all laughed as Michael turned and left. An awkward silence fell over the two of you. "So.....do you want to... go out, maybe? I think it's pretty obvious I like you too." Jeremy said, and you laughed. "I'd love to." you laughed, leaning down to hug him.

Then something occurred to you, and you pulled back. "Wait, what about Christine? I thought you were, like, crazy about her?" Jeremy shrugged sheepishly before speaking. "I dunno, I guess I thought you could never like me, so I wanted to get over you. I thought if I dated Christine then I would stop thinking of you that way, and I kind of needed a squip to do that, 'cause I'm not exactly the ideal guy." you scoffed. "Whatever, Jeremiah Heere. You're nice, a good listener, you're really cute, and you're a nerd! I think you're pretty great how you are." Jeremy smiled wide, face a soft pink, and pulled you into another kiss.

Once you two broke apart to breathe, Jeremy rested his forehead against yours. "Thank you, (Y/N). I love you." you smiled wide, overcome with joy as you took Jeremy's hand. "I love you too, dork."