#the outcome of a shippy relationship is not

[dangermousie]

This was genuinely hilarious but also moving.

Look at that insane height difference, even when he's barefoot and she's in sneakers. I looked it up - it's 11 inches (!!! 5'3 v 6'2. OMG this is heaven for my shippy tall x smol fixation.)

He has NO idea who she is ahahahah or what she is specifically talking about.

I think what I love about both of them is that, as I mentioned earlier, they are just both such nice people. I mean, this random girl he doesn't know just acted super odd and yet when he comes across her again, he is just genuinely nice:

Too bad she she went from thinking this a dream to this being some sort of purgatory so all he sees is weird girl being even WEIRDER!

Bwahhaahha poor kid!

He literally runs away.

And yet when he sees her in the morning getting soaked, he comes over with an umbrella. AWWW. They are both just so damn NICE! But not in a boring way at all.

The little call-back!

This is a third drama in less than a year where FL gets to travel into her own past armed with the knowledge of the future to correct outcomes but what's so interesting to me is that unlike in MMH and PMR, FL is not driven by the need of revenge and desire to fix her own life - this time she's driven by the need to save someone else. And I love that so much!!!

PS The relationship between the three generations of women in her fam makes me sniffle. She's back in time when Sun Jae is alive and sunny, but also she's back to the time when she can walk and her grandmother does not have dementia, and she treasures this entirely.

[dragontamerno3]

DS9 S2 E5 - Cardassians

I am going to gush about Garak and Bashir for most of this post, and just about every episode those two are together, but first I want to actually talk about the serious stuff.

I hadn't considered the possibility of Cardassians being left behind on Bajor but I def didn't consider the possibility that they left kids behind. It hurt to see the poor little girl later on when Bashir and Garak go down to the surface. As much as I want to softer Trek show at times, I really appreciate how much this show is touching on the dirty and tragic outcomes of war and how even if one side is truly the "evil" side that doesn't mean that all the people from that side are.

Keiko is badass and I don't understand why people dislike her. The relationship she has with Miles feels so real and the way she confronted him in this episode was well done. She pointed out how racist he was being, to a child no less, and that changed his tone real quick. Enough that Miles was offering the kid a way back in he ever wanted it.

What I don't agree with is Sisko's decision to let him go back to Cardassia rather than stay with his Bajorian parents. The kid clearly wanted nothing to do with it. The idea of him being forced to go to a home he never knew and wanted nothing to do with? Not the way to go imo.

But on to the shippy squees that I did squee.

Again, how is it possible for people to look at Bashir and Garak interacting together and not scream "GAAAYYYYY!!!"?!?!?

The fact that Bashir knows that Garak talks in code at all means that they're spending more time together than what we see, but the scene where he walks in on a comms to interrupt Siskos call with Dukat? And he just trusts Garak's weird shady cryptic talk? There is no heterosexual reason for that level of subtext.

Garak was super close to Bashir the entire time, almost always in some kind of contact with him, especially in the scene on Bajor. Where I def headcanon them adopting the little Cardassian girl.

Speaking of Bajor, though, the fact that Garak can walk into Bashirs quarters and then Bashir just rolls with it? Enough that he's willing to risk his own job to ask Sisko for a shuttle without any reason besides Garak needs it? This man is wrapped around Garaks finger and it's so wonderfully gay. I love it.

And then the look on Garaks face when Bashir confronts Dukat at the end in the makeshift trial was just a look of pride that his boyfriend had done good with the spy stuff. Inject that shit right into my veins.

7/10, would be an 8 but I really disagree with Sisko's decision

[iamprchung]

Wild Horses (The In-Betweens)

Comp Mints: The In-betweens

All those plot bunnies that proliferated in between ‘The Spider and the FBI’ and ‘Incognito’. In that original series, no sooner were Skinner and Scully an item and then, wham, they’re on the rocks.

There were other stories of course, full of romance and angst, but nothing that flowed through this series, the wild and wacky fun series, where Mulder was totally okay with his partner and boss having an illicit romance that put all of his serious work on the X-Files at risk… Yeah, there was that entire part of it that I glossed over. However, let us continue to suspend reality and just have some good wholesome shippy fun.

Post Episode: Tithonus

Haunted by Scully's hospitalization, Assistant Director Skinner travels to New York.  As he watches over her from afar, the memory of his own past vulnerability surfaces.  A stolen moment of connection reveals the depth of their relationship and the weight of their secret.  Despite unspoken anxieties, Scully reassures Skinner, offering a promise of a future together.

Wild Horses

By PR Chung

Walter Skinner stood outside the ICU bay, looking through the blinds in the window, watching Scully sleep, her shape cast in the indigo glow of monitors. It was far past visiting hours. It had taken what seemed like an eternity to get from D.C. to New York. Mulder had kept him apprised of her condition, assuring him she was stabilizing as he stepped onto the Amtrak in DC. It was a commuter express, but stops were frequent despite its moniker.

NYU Medical Center

11:15 pm

Mulder was in the waiting area, dozing on an uncomfortable bench seat laughably padded with warn thin cushions. Skinner would coax him to go back to his hotel room soon. They both needed rest, the same as she did.

He reached out, touching his fingertips to the glass, placing them over her figure on the other side. He closed his eyes. This wasn’t supposed to be her. This should never be her burden. He would change places with her, he would make that deal with heaven or hell.

Skinner waited, hovering outside Scully’s room, giving her and Mulder time to visit. He was on the phone, barely listening to voice mails, his mind elsewhere. Her doctor said she was recovering quickly. She could be back home in DC in a few days even.

NYU Medical Center

One Week Later

9:30 am

He glanced toward the room, seeing her and Mulder clasping hands, talking. He was grateful for Mulder being there for her. Skinner didn’t want to consider her having been by herself during this. It was difficult enough when he’d heard the news that she’d been shot. The circumstances, mistakenly shot by a fellow agent, were overwhelming for everyone to comprehend. The severity of her injuries, her condition in post-op and then ICU. Skinner took the phone from his ear and terminated the connection to his voice mail.

If he’d been there, could he have changed the outcome? Could have he prevented it? Could he have blocked--?

He turned to see Mulder stepping toward him, “everything all right?” 

“Yeah,” Skinner answered, pocketing his phone with a glance toward Scully's room. Through the window he saw her looking back at him, her face winsome and pale. “Just catching up on voice mails. How’s she doing?”

“Considering,” Mulder said, “she’s doing great.” He offered Skinner a thin smile, encouraging him, “go see for yourself.”

 Without hesitation, Skinner nodded and headed toward the door of her room.

"Hey, you," he greeted her, settling on the bed next to her carefully.

"Hey, you," she smiled, taking his hand.  "Don't you have a job anymore?"

"Seems like hospitals are becoming our new vacation spots, huh?"  The memory of his own time spent by her bedside, the worry a constant weight in his chest, tightened his throat for a moment.

Scully shook her head, “We both need to stop doing this.”

Skinner offered a thin knowing smile.

“So, you and Mulder have been shacking up again?”

He chuckled. “He told you.”

“Oh yeah,” she smiled.

“It’s not so bad this time. The room has two beds.”

Scully laughed, then grimaced. “Oh, ouch.”

“Sorry,” Skinner apologized realizing the joke had caused her to hurt herself laughing.

“It’s okay, it was funny.”

He glanced toward the window in her room that faced the hall, checking the hall. Mulder had gone, and no one else was in sight, offering him an opportunity.

He leaned over her, kissing her earnestly, inhaling her scent he had missed so dearly, relishing the tender touch of her mouth. Straightening, watching her open her eyes, a pleased smile across her mouth, he was never more thankful. “When you come home— to DC, when you’re better,” he began, searching for what he was trying to express.”

Scully nodded, patiently listening to him uncharacteristically stammer. She couldn’t imagine what this had been like for him. Keeping so much hidden, the stress and worry. She didn’t want to do that to him, it wasn’t fair to do to anyone. He didn’t deserve that.

“…I’ll clear up my calendar.” He continued, making plans for them. He seemed penitent and it hurt her to hear that in his voice.

She squeezed his hand, drawing his eye to meet her gaze. She smiled. “There’s time.” She told him.

“Slow down.”

He looked at her, trying to understand.

“I’m here.” She assured him. “I’m not going anywhere.”

He reacted, dipping his head to turn away from her, something affecting him that he had to control. Gathering himself he lifted his head, looking at her, nodding in agreement with what she’d conveyed.

“I’ll hold you to that.”

---------------------------------------xXXx----------------------------------

End 'Wild Horses'

More to come. 

[dollsome-does-tumblr]

something i’m pondering during this, the canonical ends of ted/rebecca and roman/gerri season: how often have you been part of a shippy fandom for multiple years, participating in fic/fanworks/meta/obsessing/etc., and found the actual outcome of the relationship on the show satisfying?

[goetiiaprince]

🚢 + Stella from @gynaiko

do i ship our characters together?: yes | no | not yet but maybe soon

would i like to ship with you?: yes | maybe, i'm willing to try | no

type of relationship i could see: childhood or high school sweethearts | exes | engaged | married | long-term relationship | crushes | unrequited love | fling | long distance | online relationship | just dating | new relationship | toxic lovers | friends with benefits

tropes i'd enjoy writing for them: RELUCTANT friends to lovers | enemies to lovers | exes to lovers | fake relationship / dating | forbidden love | grumpy and sunshine | star-crossed lovers | surprise pregnancy | second chance | soulmates | amnesia / mistaken identity | forced proximity | secret relationship | slow burn relationship

would i rather plot first or jump right in and see where it goes?: develop their relationship first | jump right in | something in between ( what specifically? ) All of the above and everything in between.

what now?: let's plot something | send me shippy memes | i'll send you shippy memes | write me a random starter | i'll write you a random starter

anything else i want you to know about me / my character / my shipping habits: The small and continuous interactions I have had with you and your Stella have had a sort of sway on my perspective and willingness to explore the possibilities of various dynamics and outcomes. If you are equally interested / willing, I would absolutely LOVE to do so! The way you write Stella is incredible and gives me chills! ♡ Prior to our interactions, I was very limited with what I was willing to indulge in with them. But uh, anyyywaayyy, if you say yes, /slides a ring on her finger and a pretty dagger under her pillow. uvu

If we decide to establish things, I'll write up brief overview(s) of our verses, and I'd like to specifically tag your blog once I add more to my connections page. I am also likely to tag you in things + send you songs. Ye.

[belovedcorvid]

🚢 puts smol unicorn lady in your hands

❣︎ | Memes :: From Here | Shipping Sheet :: Rabbit Loves Forms

* gently holds *

do i ship our characters together?: yes | no | not yet but maybe soon

would i like to ship with you?: yes | maybe, i'm willing to try | no

type of relationship i could see: childhood or high school sweethearts / friends | exes | engaged | married | long-term relationship | crushes | unrequited love | fling | long distance | online relationship | just dating | new relationship | toxic lovers | friends with benefits

tropes i'd enjoy writing for them: friends to lovers | enemies to lovers | exes to lovers | fake relationship / dating | forbidden love | grumpy and sunshine | star-crossed lovers | surprise pregnancy | second chance | soulmates | amnesia / mistaken identity | forced proximity | secret relationship | slow burn relationship

C.ora and Thea have a very similar sort of soft, internalised sadness that I think would make them resonate well - they take turns being the grumpy / quiet / sad. I also think they're both sort of inherently risky people to be connected to due to other connections and they're both hiding from a lot, so all sorts of 'keeping you secret to keep you safe' tropes would probably crop up fairly naturally.

would i rather plot first or jump right in and see where it goes?: develop their relationship first | jump right in | something in between ( what specifically? )

what now?: let's plot something | send me shippy memes | i'll send you shippy memes | write me a random starter | i'll write you a random starter | all the things are good let's just keep writing and planning

anything else i want you to know about me / my character / my shipping habits: ( put whatever you want here )

Asdfjfklal thank you for your patience. OTL I like writing with you a lot, I'm just slow. The build up / new / not yet comfy part of a ship is my favourite part so I like to linger there, but I think their dynamic would be fun and they both deserve a more positive outcome together, even if fleeting / ephemeral. The kid will come around - especially if maybe he and Thea work together to fix the bird back up post Minion.

[meeko-mar]

There are the arguments that one of IZuku's close friends will be the one to snap him out of this dangerous sense of self sacrifice, and there are of course multiple people it could be, most notably, Ochako, and Katsuki.

But I really don't think it'll be Ochako on this one.

This boy just walked away from ALL MIGHT HIMSELF(and his lovingly crafted Bento boxes). which for Izuku? so symbolic, it hurts.

Izuku is FAR DOWN. He's going to struggle against anyone's effort to convince him that he needs to open back up to his friends, the people who love him the most.

I don't think Ochako's the person to break that wall. I totally think she can stand up and put her foot down when she wants to, but I don't think it'll be enough.

But Katsuki, won't pull any punches. literally, or figuratively. He's the only one of the students that is brazen and STUBBORN enough to go after Izuku ferociously, and tell him like it is. he's the one who now understands what Izuku's thinking so intimately because of their history and how he has rewritten his entire context/understanding on Izuku in his mind based on what he got wrong in the past, that can truly know how deep in the shit that Izuku is. He knows it's going to be a battle bringing Izuku back, but he is uniquely equipped for the task, and now, he's willing to reach his hand out to help Izuku.

The fact that we have such build up and tension hanging over their relationship, as well, tells me it's Katsuki's job to bring Deku back.

There might be some other way that OChako helps Deku, but for this, I think the hurdles in Izuku's mind, the walls he's built up, all are too much for that singular relationship.

But Katsuki's probably willing to blow those walls back down and he has the firepower to fight Izuku on it and really give him a confrontation about it. And honestly, that's probably what Izuku needs, someone to pursue him and keep telling him "No, you need to stop, you need to come home, you need to stop trying to win on your own, you need to let your friends HELP YOU" and Katsuki's just the stubborn Jerk to do it.

[demoiselledefortune]

Fics in which Jin Guangyao survives the ending (or is reborn, or timetravel shenanigans happen)

Where JGY is kept at Gusu by Lan Xichen

The Deep Dominion by Madrana 14234 words, Explicit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/31988605

After the clan leaders finally turn against Jin Guangyao, he is saved from his execution by Lan Xichen asking for him to be instead imprisoned in a house near the Cloud Recesses. Here, his freedom and all his power taken from him, with not much to do but remember all he once had and wait for Lan Xichen to visit him, A-Yao tries to figure out whether love alone is enough when everything else has crumbled into dust.

After Cruelty by Yen 1385 words, Not Rated

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25970539

Lan Xichen swallowed hard. Just the thought of the inevitable outcome made his blood run cold. The mental image of Jin Guangyao, forced to his knees before the baying mob, neck bared and waiting for the executioner's blade to fall… he could not even bear to think of it. 

Really, there was only one way out.

Epistle from Gentian by zebaoth 5552 words, Mature (check the tags this one is pretty dark)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23330995

Jin Guangyao survived the confrontation at the Guanyin temple. Now he lives in exile, under house arrest, at the Gentian House in the cloud recesses. Lan Xichen resides with him, ensuring that he does not leave his gilded prison.

This is the story of how their shared past and their shared present forces Lan Xichen to unravel.

Give no Quarter by thefaceofno 1500 words, Teen and up

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20910713

When you die, how long does it take for people to forget you?

If they forget you before you die, is that the same as dying?

Confinement by clockwork_spider 2668 words, Mature (also pretty dark)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17533835/chapters/41312477

After the events of the GuanYin temple, Lan XiChen took Jin GuangYao back to Cloud Recess and hid him away. Isolated with only Lan XiChen for the occasional company, Jin GuangYao slowly loses his mind. 

Content warning: solitary confinement, Stockholm syndrome, suicide ideation, self-harm, cat murder

In the smoke and dying ember, I’ll find you by Aria_Chu 3641 words, General Audience

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20041918

Lan Xichen and Jin Guangyao live happily away from the cultivation world following the events of Guanyin Temple...

(ACTUALLY THEY DONT)

Timeloop/Time travel

Defying Your Fate by Fortune Maiden 6219 words, Teen and Up (Xiyao)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32674597

After the clan leaders finally turn against Jin Guangyao, he is saved from his execution by Lan Xichen asking for him to be instead imprisoned in a house near the Cloud Recesses. Here, his freedom and all his power taken from him, with not much to do but remember all he once had and wait for Lan Xichen to visit him, A-Yao tries to figure out whether love alone is enough when everything else has crumbled into dust.

RoundTwo by theRecorder 9,853 words, Mature (Sangyao)

https://archiveofourown.org/series/1828003

Before the temple

Before the siege

Before the campaign

Nie HuaiSang and Meng Yao suddenly wake up in the time and bodies before all of it

And now they meet for round two after three different previous lifetimes

Contemplate the darkness, crawl your way out by Gotcocomilk 7323 words, Teen and Up (Xiyao)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20216506/chapters/47907925

It began, as it always did, above the stairs.

It would end at the bottom, where he pulled himself up and the beast in his skin roared. It would end standing above the stairs again, with gentle fingers gripping his.

But it began where he made every one of the most fateful decisions in his life.

Empathy by clockwork_spider 30062 words, Mature (Gen but centered on Nie Mingjue and JGY’s relationship)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16571534/chapters/38830160

Stuck in the same coffin, Nie MingJue and Jin GuangYao’s souls were pulled together in an extended Empathy. Having experienced Jin GuangYao’s entire life from his perspective, Nie MingJue finds himself back in his younger body.

Before the Sunshot Campaign. Before Meng Yao was kicked down from the Koi Tower.

Where did the Stygian Tiger Amulet Go? By WangYue 24704 words, Teen and Up (Xiyao)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16342619/chapters/38236091

Inspired by the movie "Source Code"

This is the story of Jin Guangyao's repeated deaths in the goal of changing history, getting out of the coffin after his (first) death, and getting together with Lan Xichen, not in that exact order.

Reevaluation by Nirejski 2734 words, General Audience

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28653915

First order of business: don’t underestimate Nie Huaisang, Jin Guangyao decided when he figured out that the bizarre talisman he’d found that promised to abrogate his greatest regrets had actually somehow implausibly worked and he was back in the past.

As for the rest of it, though - for Nie Mingjue, for Lan Xichen...

It was time to reevaluate.

(not really shippy)

Rebirth/Reincarnation

Grief Negotiation by Nomette 17513 words, Teen and Up (Xiyao)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20016826/chapters/47395921

Five years after the events of Guanyin Temple, Lan Xichen is gifted a folio of songs written by Jin Guangyao. But the music he plays is more than just a song, and soon Lan Xichen's life and happiness hang on the brink as he struggles to unravel the mysteries surrounding him and save Jin Guangyao before it's too late.

Written for XiYao week 2019, for the prompt of "Alternative Ending."

A Troublesome Charge by Moonsheen 14208 words, Teen and Up (Xiyao)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23301232

Sixteen years after the collapse of the Guanyin Temple in Yunping, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji must investigate a new mystery: the curious case of Nie Huaisang's entirely too knowledgeable young cousin, who has arrived at the Cloud Recesses with a peculiar set of skills, a shady past, and smile that's just a touch too familiar...

Spirits come back, after all.

Further than I ever had by SetsuntaMew 6279 words, Teen and Up (Xiyao)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21256811

One day, when the skies are blue and the sun is shining brightly, things will feel small and less inconceivably impossible. When fields are green, when they’ve shed the skins and scars of the past, perhaps it will be better.

Life is a never-ending flow, a place for second or third or sixth chances, until one of them is right.

The sun shines overhead, time marches onward, and the many threads of fate weave together to bring two broken and repaired souls towards each other once again.

The Fox and the Deer by mercyandmagic 59308 words, Mature (Xiyao)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/19975780/chapters/47289019

When Jin Guangyao finds himself resurrected through another body-sacrificing ritual, he plans to fulfill the caster’s wish and flee as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it seems the previous owner of his body had business with Lan Sect. Post-canon. Written for XiYao Week 2019, with each chapter loosely corresponding to the day's prompts.

Return to the Canva of Life by Shiome 5799 words, Teen and Up (Xiyao)

https://archiveofourown.org/series/2275868

 Lan Xichen has spent so long becoming one with this house, this mountainside, this green. He knows immediately that someone new has set foot among the gentians.

 The man standing among blue flowers is young, svelte and elegant in his movements as he steps towards the Gentian House with purpose. He walks with such grace the flowers barely bend beneath his feet.

(120 years after the temple, someone sneaks into the Cloud Recesses looking for Zewu-jun.)

[morgue-xiiv]

List of Disco Elysium Fanfics that are less shippy

This isn’t about fics not having shipping, and nor is it about fics where the romance hasn’t happened, or doesn’t work out. it’s about fics that are about something else. So if you’re thinking of re-blogging and adding to the list, ask yourself for each fic, if it’s NOT about shipping, what IS it about? Do I secretly wanna put down my Roommates fic? Sure, I worked hard on that thing... But, it is, at its heart, still basically a will-they?? domestic fluff. I can’t in good faith say it’s about something other than romance regardless of outcome or framing. Also sorry this list is fulla my own work, I am bad at reading and worse at remembering, so my stuff is what I remember. I’d apologise for how much of what’s left is my friends but my friend are just good writers, so, I will not.

1) Kim/Harry/(Jean) is a thing, but it’s not the plot

Lepak’s 10,000 Things According to Will [Kim & Harry are already together and their relationship conflicts and development feature, but it’s secondary, even tertiary, to the point of the story which is to be the best comfort fanfic]

Lepak’s Nothing to Lose But Our Chains [ development of Kim and Harry’s relationship is a side plot, but secondary to the main plot which is to be the best upsetting fanfic ]

Syb’s Osterlie’s Derealisation Claim [ AU where they’re mathematicians. Any canoodling is secondary to the maths they do. Old favourite.]

Mine: Interisoliary [ short, but it does fit the criteria I guess? they hold hands? I wrote it so I can say it’s not SUPPOSED to be about romance. ]

Supposed to be Writing’s Catacombs Killer [ Fic’s not finished and I’m not up to date on it, but if there’s shipping happening, I haven’t noticed it yet, placing it here based on tags heuristics.]

Leoandsnake’s You’re So Juvie [ More about an AU where JKH are investigating something in very different circumstances from when they usually meet, than wether they also kiss. ]

2) Kim/Harry ambiguous, potential or irrelevant

Mine: Trant’s Tritris Trauma Therapy [ This was my first fic! It’s mid-canon so no romance. Harry’s not even conscious for barely any of it. It’s short but it’s probably my favourite thing I wrote. ]

Orionali’s I, Elis Kortanaer I’m still mid reading this but uh, from my memory and tags, it’s not shippy.

Limey’s One More Door [Short but sweet and shipless. ]

Mine: I Do Not See It [ Mostly about Kim and his previous partner... currently unfinished, to my great shame... BUT I wrote it so i can promise even in unreleased chapter 5, Kim and Harry are not at all in love ]

Lepak and Lumi’s The Wing [ Like an Office parody of precinct 41. Unfinished, but not shippy. Actually, worth checking out Lumi’s work in general cos I think she’s done a few fics where relationships are more background, but my memory is bad so I can’t remember which ones ]

Positively Vexed’s All the Way Down [ Maybe this is a bit shippy, but the focus is more on Kim getting severely injured, so I highly recommend it anyway ]

Pointyshade’s Great Unnatural Territory [ This is extremely extremely not to my taste, but it’s sure not romantic! Focus is on Harry/recovery/mental health ]

4) Focus is on specific character / children

Omnishamble’s Les Yeux  Kim and Eyes fic.

Shade of Wrong’s Yours is No Disgrace Kim and Eyes again.

Stonekey’s The Dog Untrained Cuno-focused: I haven’t read all of this one but people were raving over it and what I read was great. I am bad at reading.

Dr Disco Broski’s Funky Findings Also Cuno. It’s short but it’s great.

Doggo’s Fifteenth Indotribe fic

Syb’s Bloodletting Blue [On the unromantic topic of police brutality]

the skills event in general produced a fair few short fics that have no shipping elements at all! But some fics... well, say someone got given Logic with 2 days to the deadline, how do you write a logic fic without it turning out romantic?

[ben-the-hyena]

Toby Fox managed to make me feel more guilty with Deltarune than with Undertale

Because sure in Undertale you feel guilty for Sans whenever you reset, for not being able to save Asriel and for everyone if you do the Genocide Run. But I never resetted (IT'S STUPID I KNOW BUUUT...) nor did the Genocide Run, and as sad as it is for Asriel it is in-scenario, it's nothing you could or could not do, plus there is a tad bit of hope about him

In Deltarune however ? Unlike in Undertale where you ARE Frisk and whenever you do something good the scenario has it be Frisk's decision unlike Chara's bad decisions (the mirror scene near the end, Pacifist Route "Despite everything it's still you", Genocide run "It's me", "me" being Chara who was the "narrator" all along and successfully possessed you if you killed everyone), in Deltarune you POSSESS Kris. Whether you do the Pacifist Route, Neutral Route or Snowgrave Route, you still possess that kid. Whatever they do, it is almost never their decision but yours. And they suffer from it, it is a major plot point of the chapters so far. It is implied they don't act like people knew them to, which is normal since you are puppetering them. Frisk is meant to be an insert, Kris is a normal character FORCED to be an insert

YOU have them walk. YOU have them talk. YOU have them Act. YOU have them Fight. YOU have them manipulate Noelle (and if so she will be frightened that their voice is no longer the same). YOU have them establish relationships. YOU have them collect items, sell, buy etc.

They don't necessarily want that big adventure. They may not even like Ralsei, Noelle or Lancer but you have them be friends anyway, you have not eaten the big pie bevause YOU find it too big. You choose their life as if their pre-possession life (since it is implied it is all because he did occult with Catti) was not bad enough for them, with "adoptive child who is too different" syndrome parents divorcing and golden child brother away they both miss and are jealous of. And now that's the cherry on top of their problem. They "accept" it because they know thay without you, they would DIE since after all a video game character has purpose only if played. They don't want to be a video game character but they also know that now that they are on they also need you to survive even if they hate you for having them do things they do not want because you want to. Whenever they rip off their soul to gain a big of freedom, like eating that pie they wanted YOU did not want, you see they suffer, shuffling painfully and breathing hoarsely, looking zombie-like. And the end of the Spamton NEO fight is a good parralel since when finally he is free from his strings it is just what "kills" him, making him inanimate since a doll can't move without strings. And Kris knows that since whatever you have them reply to Susie's and Ralsei's questions right after they are worried and note that Kris is yelling in fear. Kris knows that if they want to be free from you they will also doe and can't be free too long

I even was tempted during my gameplay to ship them with Ralsei, I found it absolutely adorable how Ralsei seemed to crush on them so the big shipper I am had Kris reply his questions with shippy stuff like "I feel the same", "hug him" and "Ralsei" when Susie asks you who you would want a ferri wheel tour with, like any of you would do during classical RPGs where you decide the outcome. Except even THERE the game had me guilty since apparently, Kris does NOT want that since when you reply Ralsei or Noelle they hesitate as if they didn't want to say it but you forced them to, wheras if you select Susie they reply with assurance (Susie is a harem anime protagonist lmao). So even for that cute, innocent moment you are actually forcing them into a relationship they don't want vut they are forced to obey you and that's awfullt guilt-tripping when you realize afterward

The only way for them to be free is when they rip off their soul which is painful or when you coincidently have them do something they do (they are so happy to find the moss because they weirdly love moss as much as pie), or when Susie, who is the only character bossing them around whether you agree or not instead of asking them things you reply to instead (probably why they really like her) have you do something (when you both eat the moss together). They also have a tad say in your decision after all since the motto of Deltarune is the contrary of Undertale : "Your choices don't matter". Even if you have Kris try the Massacre Route and "kill" Darkners, unlike Undertale they DON'T die because Kris doesn't want to and resists the best they can. However in the 2nd chapter, when you realize that Noelle's choices do matter and have her manipulated until she becomes a killing machine instead of Kris, it is visibly you talking through Kris' mouth with your own voice whispering her to proceed. According to her Kris' real voice at this moment will utter "help". You found a way to have them even more miserable because you WANT your gameplay the way you want, all because to Kris' POV you got petty "ah so you resist me ? My choices don't matter ? Alright then what about her ?~" and they can't do anything and now Noelle fears you and Berdly is dead and they all think it's because of Kris

With Deltarune, Toby Fox has you torment a middle schooler and guilt trips you whatever you do because whatever you do you are using them like an unwilling puppet, and the only way for you to leave them alone would be not playing the game, yet of course we do because this is what games are for so because "games are for that" they will forever be tormented

And that's sicko genius

[chainofclovers]

on linear canon and non-linear fandom :)

Been thinking a lot about how shipping and other fannish activities are non-linear and/or do not rely on a linear experience external to the fan. (Last September, I published femslash about a movie that came out in 1980.) Also thinking a lot about how the act of watching canon unfold is inherently linear. (New episodes drop Friday at 12:01 a.m.! Binge the new season on Netflix in October! Coming to a theater near you this Christmas!) There's no getting around the collisions. The suspense of your linear story-viewing experience includes suspense about ship outcomes or other fannish commitments to the story. (Suspense as in "what is going to happen?" as opposed to suspense as in "something scary lurks around the corner." Or suspense as in both!) Lots of fannishness is anticipatory and reliant on the progression of time. BUT. Inevitable collisions notwithstanding, I think people would be a lot happier with all the parts of the experience of being invested in a story if we could be more comfortable with the fact that our brains are engaged in linear and non-linear activities simultaneously, which is kind of a wild thing to do?! When a canon closes, there's a bittersweetness because it becomes rooted (or even stuck) in the time it aired and the memory of watching it unfold in that time, but the closure of canon also releases it from linear constraints and to me that has always felt more purely sweet. Even before the close of canon, though, I believe it is possible to lessen the stress associated with the suspense by considering the ways fandom doesn't have to abide by the same linear milestones that creators on a production schedule do. Anyway, I think that sometimes people get so absorbed in either the linear parts or the non-linear parts that the wires get crossed. Like, when characters on a show get together in some capacity, that's not a new ship sailing (non-linear) or an old ship dying (non-linear); it's a group of writers and directors and actors and editors making an addition to the storytelling (linear). And then people are free to apply that new information to their relationship to the fandom. Or not. I saw someone post online (peering at Twitter with one eye open? or maybe a tumblr comment somewhere? or maybe this is just a squishing together of shippy posts I've seen?) about the latest storylines in Ted Lasso, and how someone had been a Rebecca/Ted shipper but now that Rebecca/Sam is happening in canon, the joy is gone because the show creators had clearly sunk the Ted/Rebecca ship to sail the Sam/Rebecca one. But it sounds so exhausting to stuff non-linear shipping and fannishness into the constraints of a linear story! Not to mention the fact that we're in the middle of a messy story that doesn't feel even a fraction as definite as a ship sailing or sinking.

Experiencing media that way ("I guess I was wrong to ship this, but I hate the thing I'm supposed to ship, goodbye to this show!") makes both the unfolding linear story and the fannish experience feel worse, I think. You miss out on some of the interesting things about the story someone else controls and you lose the joy of participating in the story you control. You end up potentially assuming a writer endorses or supports a certain set of character decisions (like they are marketing a ship) instead of taking in the bigger picture of what they are doing (telling a complicated story that includes romantic and sexual connections). And it doesn't even seem possible to find out you were "right" or "wrong" to ship something, whereas it is possible to find out you were right or wrong or not-yet-right about the plot of a linearly unfolding story. And of course a lot of fandom is dependent on outcomes in canon. My experience certainly is. The disappointments, hopes, excitement, etc. can be intense, and it's natural that we feel the impact of the stories being told and the impact of how they are told. And since it definitely does not feel possible or even like a good thing (for me at least) to divorce my experience of canon from my experience of doing fan activities like writing fic and meta and talking about media with people, the thing that helps me the most is remembering which parts are linear and which aren't. (Also! To my Ted Lasso + Hacks + shipping anon, if you are reading this...! Your ask is part of what got me thinking about all this stuff. I will answer your ask as soon as I can! I just needed to get these more general thoughts out first.)

[other-cullen-ficrecs]

MLM!Cullen Fic Rec List

Inspired by this post. Here is my fic rec list of some of my favorite fics with queer Cullen. Happy Pride :)  🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍🌈

Cullen/Dorian

Only True in Fairy Tales by Dragonflies_and_Katydids

Summary:  In which Dorian is a special forces operative, Bull is his partner, and Cullen is the guy they're sent to rescue. Hijinks ensue. // Words: 110150

Modern AU. Dragonflies_and_Katydids makes me read the weirdest stuff. But their work is always captivating. The more ridiculous set up the better outcome, I promise. This one is both ridiculous and absolutely perfect. And somehow one of the very few modern au fics in which Cullen's lyrium addiction is well transfered without making it literal.

Fashionably Late by tsurai

For the tumblr prompt: Cullen/Dorian Soulmates AU? <3 "Maker’s breath, this is absolutely the worst timing, he thinks distantly." // Words: 1038

This is but a tiny thing but I'm a sucker for a soulmate AU. Would I love it more if it was 150,000 words? Yes. But I'm just greedy.

COLD HANDS, WARM HEART by spicyshimmy, stonelions

Summary: Cullen and Dorian's friendship deepens. Cullen is a romantic. Dorian is literally cold. Cullen is no longer certain what he would consider surprising. Mages and Templars working in perfect cooperation, perhaps. Evil and corruption disappearing into the ground along with the blight, blood magic falling so far out of favor it ceased to be. A united Thedas: that would be a surprise. // Words: 25369

I think this is most recced Cullrian fic and for a good reason. Slow burn, drama, all the delights. 

Light In This Darken'd Time Breaks by RamonaDecember

Summary: Cullen wouldn't say he hates mages, not anymore, but he can't see himself ever trusting one again. Dorian is no exception. The mage is off-color, self-important, and all together too much for Cullen to deal with. So why is it that every time Cullen is at his lowest, Dorian seems to be the only person by his side? // Words: 121289

Slow burn with 121289 words, what more do you want?

Cullen/Bull

Jump In by Dragonflies_and_Katydids

Summary: In which Cullen is almost terminally awkward, Bull and Dorian are literally brothers (because why not?), and Bull tries really hard to be good. Or: In which Dorian tries to set up his brother and his roommate, if he can avoid killing them for being so clueless. (You might get cavities from reading it. Don't say I didn't warn you.) // Words: 33700

What did I say about Dragonflies_and_Katydids and ridiculous premises? But if you're as delighted with awkward Cullen as am I - enjoy.

Dragons from Stars in an Empty Sky by Midna_Ronoa

Summary: The one in which Bull takes Cullen dragon-hunting. // Words: 10423

Fluff and smut and dragons!

Stuck on the Puzzle by thespectaclesofthor

Summary: Once, back in Kirkwall, Cullen had an arrangement with a member of the city guard that satisfied his needs. But time changed all things, and he despaired of ever finding a similar arrangement again - that was, until he met The Iron Bull. Problem being that Bull seemed to care far more about sorting out the nitty-gritty of such an arrangement than Cullen ever has. // Words: 235586

No fic rec lists that can involve Bullen canot do without Stuck on the Puzzle. If you haven't read it - please give it a try. As far as I'm concerned - the best fic in the fandom. And definately one of the best fics in general. <3

Cullen/Dorian/Bull

Exit Light by Dragonflies_and_Katydids

Summary: In which Cullen is suicidally depressed, Dorian is a high-functioning alcoholic, and Bull just wants them both to be happy, except when he wants to crack their heads together for being emotionally stunted idiots. // Words: 77427

This premise is actually very close to canon, compared to some other stories by the same author recced here. The angst? Delightful. The smut? Delicious. The exploration of issues? Delectable! Cheff kisses all around.

to burn cool and collected by toomanyhometowns

Summary: Dorian hums. "Here is the function of the spell: Upon invocationne, ye caster's spyryt shal sterte to ye form of whomsoever mofte recently achieved releafe by hys hande." He taps the page in punctuation and looks back up. "And then there's a lot of text about the vast joys we may experience together, et cetera, et cetera." // Words: 16121

Ok, this list shows more than anything that my main delight is issues and angst wrapped in with porn. Anyway - cracky premise (body swap!), and angsty, sexy outcome.

Hold by queeniegalore

Summary: Everyone knows Cullen doesn't trust magic. But he trusts Dorian and Bull, so maybe they can make this work. // Words: 6654

Issues? Trauma? Kink? I'm a one trick pony when it comes to recs.

Cullen/Cole

Okay now that we’ve gotten the obvious out, let’s enjoy the trully unexpected enjoyment.

Into The Light (Cole/Cullen Ficlets) by Sinister_Kid

Summary: A series of what I hope are tasteful Cole/Cullen fics that don't exploit or overly sexualize Cole's developing character. Based on a prompt I filled out of boredom in which I imagined the spirit actually hearing someone's pain like a physical noise in his ears that caused discomfort. Explores the option of making Cole more human, with my own original take on how that affects him as a character, and depicts Cole developing romantic feelings for the Commander as he discovers what it means to be human. // Words: 20454

I admit I don't often read Cole shippy fics but this one stays true to the info in the summary and it is careful and tasteful. Also Cullen learning to speak with Cole properly - <333

Cullen/Varric

Verse & Volley Triptych by boycoffin

Summary: POSSIBLE TITLES: This Shit Was Even Weirder: A Surprisingly Not-Doomed Romance In The Shadow of the Apocalypse The Commander and the Rogue already taken, Antivan maritime smut with an elf girl in it How The Hell I Ended Up With That Guy: A Tale for The People Who Keep Asking Me About It In Bars The Short and Curlies that's just terrible Love Among the tropey garbage A Tale of Two Names pretentious and unclear The Penman's Paramour Memoirs of a Moron (That He's Going to Regret Publishing and Will Never Hear The End Of for As Long As He Lives) // Words: 133354

One of the very few fics in which I can not only accept but love 1st person POV. Crack. Slow-burn. Pennames. Lovable OCs. DELICIOUS. Also a fic that made me start this blog, so love all around.

Cullen/Krem

Last but not least, my delightful fave (maybe, possibly, probably) and involving a shameless self-plug because it’s the month of pride.

Swordplay by orphan_account

Summary: The Bull's Chargers are undisciplined, untested, and unprofessional; but Cullen can't stop thinking about their lieutenant. // Words: 3910

I have a soft spot for whoever Krem being shipped with not knowing he's trans at first. But also oblivious, pining Cullen <3

If you have been starving, a creature of bone by missivesfromghosts

Summary: Cullen is content with where he is. He has a life and a purpose. He’s doing the Maker’s work and he’s cut the Chantry’s leash on him. He barely thinks about the fact that he’s trans anymore. The last person who knew he was born anything different, barring his sister Mia, died during the Blight. This works for him. That is, until he starts falling for Krem. // Words: 769

A tiny thing but I have a soft spot for the idea. Also what's better than a ship with trans character? A ship with two trans characters. Keep that in mind for further recs actually.

Sweet, Merciful Andraste by Tainaron

Summary: PWP. Honestly, Cullen should invest in walls and a ceiling that don't have holes if he's going to keep having such loud sex. Pure, unapologetic smut between trans men who love each other. // Words: 4187

¯\_(ツ)_/¯  What more do you want from me? Sometimes porn is just porn. Enjoy.

Champions of the Just by Tainaron

Summary: En route to Griffin Wing Keep before the battle of Adamant, Cullen falls prey to an injury that reveals a shameful secret about his trauma with magic. As Cullen struggles with his past, his duty to the Inquisition, and his love life, he becomes increasingly uncertain if he’s the target of an assassination attempt or just his own personal demons. // Words: 67885

Well, I also have some plottier and angstier fics in my rec disposal. This one actually explores the problems Krem and Cullen could encounter in their relationship and all within the canon plot line. Plus bonus points of Cullen actually interacting with other Chargers.

cabbage: a love story by psikeval

Summary: Krem’s grin fades into a quiet smirk, his eyes warm and amused, and Cullen does not forget how to move his legs because he is a grown man, a leader of soldiers, commander of the Inquisition’s army. He breaks the silence by coughing loudly, because he is also an imbecile. // Words: 18932

Creme de la creme of Krem/Cullen fics <3 Fluff, crack, porn <3 This delightful series has it all! 

[laeorinel]

FFXIV Write 2022 - Day 12

Prompt - Miss the boat.

Shadowbringers MSQ spoilers. Itty bit of ThancredxWol in there because I've been in a shippy mood as of late but honestly I think it's vague enough it can be ignored.

The last few days had passed in a blur, the panicked retreat from Mount Gulg having him revert to pure instinct. While Thancred typically made a point of staying entirely aware of his surroundings, he didn't know if he was coming or going right now. "Keep moving. Need to save her. Cannot fail again." This mantra was repeated over and over in his head until they eventually crossed over into the Crystarium. 

As he waited alongside Ryne in Samara's room at the pedants, he knew there was likely something else he could be doing, should be doing, but at this moment, he just felt lost. 

Samara lay on the bed before him, her breathing worryingly shallow. Her skin was now a few shades paler than it should be, her normally black scales and horns taking on a golden hue and her black hair turning pure white at the roots. Ryne was doing what she could to keep the Light raging inside her in check, but they all knew it was a stopgap measure at best. Something to delay the inevitable. 

She was dying. The Light would soon overwhelm her, Samara Kha would cease to be, and a new Light Warden would be born wearing her face. 

And it was because of them. Because of him. 

He should have said or done something. He had figured from the start that Samara being the solution to all of the First's problems was too convenient. That there had to be a catch. Instead, he just went along with the Exarch's and Urianger's schemes, trusting the men had a plan. The Exarch had not led him astray in all the years he had been in the First; why would he betray them at the end? And while Urianger kept his own counsel and had his moments of duplicity, it was ultimately for the greater good.  

And he would be lying if he said a part of him had not believed them. That she would be the saviour they needed. After all, she had been so many times before. What was one more miracle added to the list?

The leather of his gloves creaked as he clenched his fists. He was guilty of the very thing he had wanted to admonish Ser Aymeric for back in Ishgard in more ways than one. 

He had fallen into the trap so many others before him had, believing that the Warrior of Light was unstoppable. That she could conquer any hardship through sheer stubbornness and force of will alone. That she could shoulder any burden placed on her and did so willingly. And that somehow despite the odds against her, she would win. That she would always come back to them. To him. 

As the sailors back in Limsa Lominsa would say, he had missed the boat on this one. Both to stop this outcome and the chance to say what needed to be said. Whatever their nebulous relationship could be defined as now, he did not want this to be the end, yet he could feel what time was left slipping through his fingers like fine sand.  

He unclenches his fists as he watches the flow of Ryne's aether into Samara slow and ebbs away. "Is she stable?" 

"For now." Ryne sighed, frowning as she saw what looked like cracks forming on Samara's skin, as though it was porcelain instead of flesh. 

Thancred nods once, uncrossing his arms and holding a hand for Ryne. "Come on. Let's meet with the others, see if they have made some progress in finding a treatment." 

He knew there would be none, but he had to keep hoping they would find something that would help—both for his and Ryne's sakes. The alternative was unthinkable. 

Ryne looks at Samara before taking Thancreds hand and pulling herself to her feet. "Should she be left alone?"

He lowers his head, watching Samara's almost serene expression as she rests. Were it not for her breathing; he would think she was already gone. "Were time on our side, I would have one or both of us stay, but the best thing we can do for her now is to try and find something that will help. Whether it be a treatment or a plan if- when she deteriorates further." He bites out those last few words. 

Thancred takes one last look towards the bed before turning towards the door, Ryne close on his heels. His heart aches in a way it hasn't since he lost Minfillia, and he finds himself repeating the same old prayers to the Twelve he did then, but this time two more deities are added to the mix. 

If the Twelve would not protect her, perhaps her Elder Gods would. 

[13eyond13]

Any thoughts on L's ghost in the end of the anime? Why was he added? Was it just Light's hallucination or was it a real ghost? Is he standing and watching Light because he's won? Or gloating? Or just waiting for Light?

Hmmmmm... I think the anime sort of decided that L was meant to be seen as the "hero" of the story, and possibly assumed that the audience was going to view him this way as well. So they wanted to bring him back for one quiet little hurrah in the finale, perhaps to show that this battle that he started with Light years ago was finally being brought to a close. Even if he was no longer there to do the final confrontation himself. I think that the anime was also deliberately trying to push a shippy subtext between L and Light sometimes as well... and it often favoured focusing on this over other things, like fully developing the characters who appear in the successor arc, or allowing them to have some of their own most important manga scenes.

I'm personally not the hugest fan of this choice to show L hovering like a ghost over Light as he dies, because in my eyes it makes the story a little more nonsensical and confusing overall. I love L as a character immensely too, and I love his weird unresolved relationship with Light. But to me if you bring him back as a ghost at the end it's almost like saying that the whole Kira saga was only about the egotistical battle between L and Light over the notebook and nothing more. Like they're implying that L should be seen as the "truly just" character in the series, and that the main important outcome of Light being killed is only that L's shocking death has finally been avenged. The anime also left out a lot of the more interesting deeper conversations in the finale between Light, Near, Mikami, and the task force, and the flashback to Light and Ryuk talking about Mu, all of which I found very important for the story making more sense and holding a deeper meaning beyond the egotistical mind games between Team Kira and Team L. I don't find that the anime does a lot of justice to the successor arc characters, nor is it very fair to the fans of the successor arc who were rooting for those later characters in the manga the most. I don't think it was odd or misguided of the anime to place a lot of emphasis on the Lawlight dynamic as a strong emotional core and intriguing aspect of the series. but I do think the anime focused so heavily on L and on Lawlight that it sometimes ended up ignoring or diminishing other equally important characters and aspects of the series in favour of just creating something a little more hollow and cliche and typically fanservicey between rivals.

I personally would interpret L's appearance there as Light's thoughts turning to L during some of his final moments. And I think that L would both be glad that Light was finally defeated, but also maybe sorry for him or understanding of him or waiting for him in some way as well. Ghosts don't vibe very well with the whole "everyone going to Mu and never being able to come back no matter what" bit of worldbuilding that's so important to the premise of the series, so my interpretation leans away from thinking it was literally L's ghost making an appearance. But I'm not claiming to know what the true intentions were behind that choice when the anime was being made. And I think it was left ambiguous and up for interpretation on purpose, as many things in this series always are.

[idanit]

Yuletide 2021 recs

Here are my favourite stories I happened to read in this year's collection. As always, they're loosely grouped by canons or themes. Nothing too long this time: the shortest one is a drabble, and the longest ones are 5-7K. A lot of tasty worldbuilding, and a few shippy fics sprinkled in.

Check out my previous Yuletide rec posts here.

Historical setting

The Smart Girl’s Guide to Keeping Your Crown Crusader Kings 3, 11th Century RPF | T (F/M, F/F, multi) I really liked the strong voice of the first-person narration as well as the background characters in this story about a ruthless queen who knows what she wants and how to get it.

The Book of a Few Hours 14th Century English Nobility RPF | T (M/M) Two boys flirt by writing on the (probably quite wide) margins of a book of hours in a very sweet, teenage sort of way.

Old legends and tales, reimagined

Once upon a moonless night Bisclavret | not rated A masterfully done character study of the man, with very tight and high-quality writing.

he shall have of me the same The Green Knight | M (M/M) Alternative outcomes of the game, all with their own internal logic, which is satisfying and compelling.

Spread the Song Above Us Like a Rainbow Syrenka warszawska | T An interesting look at the origin story of the Warsaw Mermaid done in a loose style of a storyteller.

wolf in girl's clothing Little Red Riding Hood | T A gloriously visceral and poetic retelling of the fairytale which inverts the roles of the wolf and the girl in a way that feels interesting and fresh.

Fantastical settings, flights of fancy, and magical realism

Nāmagraha The Burning Kingdoms | G A mentor talks to a child who has just received their secret name-prophecy; I found the oral-like style of the fic very compelling, and there is something very kind about the story.

in the shadow of the glacier The Left Hand of Darkness | G Excerpts from the reports of the Investigators—a lovely pre-canon fic which does some interesting worldbuilding and expands on the relationship between the three people who first explored Gethen.

Go Falling One by One Cannibal Ants in a Polish Bunker | not rated A disturbing and satisfyingly circular story about ants who fall into an abyss but aren't ready to give up on the only social structure and set of values they know.

What you would call a simple soul Anne of Green Gables | G A very sweet scene in which Anne talks to Matthew about the wonders of imagination, and Matthew really listens to her.

A Part of the Sky Tekkon Kinkreet | not rated Perfectly characterised fic which expands on the ending and the themes of the film while providing the reader with a small new adventure and a vividly-painted setting.

Invisible cities

Masked Cities G An absolutely amazing piece of interactive fiction in which you're a traveller exploring a city in which everyone wears masks; there are some very clever game mechanics, the writing is great, certain scenes inspire awe and reflection, and all of it is very worth your time.

Three Watery Cities G Three very different cities and their connection to water; the language is evocative and the style fits the canon very well.

The Bazaar at Euphemia T A city where people trade memories; I enjoyed following the main character through the different stages of their life and their evolving relationship to stories.

Dust and ashes G A poetic exploration of a city which is half-dead and half-alive.

Women with women

Love Is Not a Cinch Hot Goth Lady and Himbo Witch and Fair Maiden | G (F/F) A nice drabble in which no one pressures or rushes anyone, which makes different kinds of relationships pleasant.

Reconstruction Ammonite | G (F/F) A beautiful, delicate exploration of the relationship between two women, with paleonthology used both as its context, and a symbol.

to know even in the deepest sleep that it is you Grace and Frankie | T (F/F) A classic Grace and Frankie get-together fic, well-written, with fun character voices.

Humour, fun, and crack

The Devil Went Down to Surrey Cracking the Cryptic | G A cracky take on the sudoku devil—it comes with three original, hand-created, and not too easy sudokus for the reader to solve within one hour, if they can.

The Bottle Game Three Colours | G A very funny fic about a few people who invent a drinking game based on recycling bottles; very little canon knowledge is needed to enjoy it.

The Battle of Tastings Winnie the Pooh | G A fun little story based on a serious history lesson that gets quickly derailed, complete with original illustrations and lots of puns.

[dollsome-does-tumblr]

we just finished rewatching s1 of community in my house (did we breeze through it in like two days? MAYBE SO!) and i am all up in my feelings anew about how much i love jeff/annie and how this relationship kinda just sneaks up on them and on us. like, the obvious outcome for jeff and the one he probably expects is that he’ll eventually be with britta, and annie will pine after troy and then move on from troy and then maybe troy will eventually notice annie once she’s pulled a bit of a ginny weasley and then that might happen. like, those are the typical sitcom romantic arcs that you feel on the horizon.

but there are just these little jeff/annie moments peppered throughout the first season of “wow, i really click with this person and get this person and i like how they see me and how they challenge me,” which i love because i don’t think it’s exclusively romantic, but it’s a great substantial foundation for romance. and i also just love how it gradually grows throughout the series to the point where in the series finale they’re finally in a place where they can say “there is something profound here that we’ve never really stared in the face before, but let’s just take this moment to acknowledge and appreciate that it exists and that we both really feel it.” like, that is a slowwww burn, so poignantly wrought upon all our hearts and their hearts too!

there are definitely a lot of bumps in the road (oh, the drawn-out agony of watching this whole series in real time!), but the way the bond between them emerges as these two people who are just inherently really well suited for each other and good at seeing each other despite seeming totally different on the surface? and the fact that they are both just exactly and completely what the other didn’t expect or see coming? an eternity of *chef’s kiss* shippy feelings!