#the reunion scene lives in my head rent free

[the-strawberryfarmer]

and I love them for it

[priceofreedom]

I see. Then what should an angel fight for, Zack? What do angels dream of?

[somewhat-intelligent]

M A G N E T I C

Lost In Space S3 - Judy moving toward Don

[baileybeez]

My Top Ten Favorite Bumbleby Moments (My Opinion Obviously)

10. All Fight Scenes

I know I'm technically cheating on this one but whenever these two fight, I know I'm in for a good time. And all of them have been superb. These two are in sync without even communicating with each other. They know each other's abilities and know how to work together well in combat.

9. We're Protecting Each Other

This was a 'you had to be there' moment. It was insane. Even knowing these two would eventually confront Adam, the way they did it blew my mind. I loved seeing these two stand up together to confront Adam and become each other's strength's. They had each other's backs in this moment and were going to do it together.

8. We Were There For Each Other

This moment lived in my head rent free for months after the episode came out. They held hands before this to comfort each other during stressful times. Like Blake reaching out to apologize to Yang when she lost her arm and Blake reaching out when Yang's hand started to shake because of Adam. But this time, Yang reached for Blake in a moment of peace. After everything that happened, she forgave Blake and accepted her after everything they went through together. And all she wanted to do was just hold her hand again.

7. Volume 8 Reunion

The amount of gushing I and many others did during this moment was crazy. We were starved for Bumbleby interactions in Volume 8, especially after Volume 7 did so many with them both. After 24 hours of craziness, the two are at peace once again. Blake at first is worried since they did separate missions Yang might be mad that they didn't work together. But all Yang did to reassure her was smile and the two touched foreheads and later embraced each other. It was such a sweet moment.

6. Date Night

Volume 7 had so many good little bee moments that were adorable and I'm a sucker for fluff. Blake getting her new hair and Yang struggling to compliment it, the selfie, Blake falling asleep on Yang's lap with Yang holding her etc. But the two going to a club and off handedly mentioning they're gonna ignore Team FNKI just to have their own fun. You two can just call it a date, we won't judge lol. With Yang trying to teach Blake how to dance and Blake struggling to learn while laughing. I love how whenever Yang cracks a joke, she looks at Blake because she wants to make sure she see's Blake laughing. Not to mention Nora's comments later in the episode.

"Blake and Yang are off doing they're own thing again."

"Friends huh? Just friends?"

"Two people who have gone through that much? I think there's more going on."

And I will forever be mad RT didn't show us them at their date.

5. The Burning Candle

Ya'll this was the spark that ignited the ship. Not only is the Burning Candle just a great episode but it's an amazing moment for Blake and Yang. We get to see these two open up and communicate their wants and desires. With Yang telling Blake about her past and trying to help Blake so she doesn't push herself too far. And then of course at the end Yang gives her that wink and says 'I'll save you a dance'. Then we later see the two dancing. It was also the first time we saw Blake laughing and happy and it was all because of Yang. Yang who just asked for a dance in return for helping Blake and opening up about her past. I was sold on this ship when this episode came out.

4. How Disarming ~

The gay in my brain would not stop buzzing at this moment. It's amazing seeing how much Blake was the one openly flirting and initiating playful touch. There's a great post by @wixhing0nastar going over Blake's body language throughout the volumes. How a lot of the times Blake is more closed off in her posture, like how she holds herself. But here, she's leaning into to Yang's space and just playfully nudging her. She's not holding back. Also I swear I could hear Blake purr when she said 'How disarming'. Like my breath got caught in my throat. And then when Weiss said 'About time'. I knew this volume had to be the one where they finally get together.

3. Volume 9 Reunion

This is my favorite reunion of Bumbleby. Especially since we had to wait for so long for these two to be reunited. Blake was distraught last volume as she failed to save Yang and thought Yang died in front of her. Yang who had always been there to help her and fight by her side. And the first thing Blake does when she gets a free chance is to tackle hug Yang and hug her tightly. Softly whispering Yang in both disbelief and joy. And Yang simply holds her to reassure her like she did in Volume 8. Honestly, if Weiss and Ruby weren't there they would have probably stayed like that for hours lol.

2. I'm Not Gonna Break My Promise

This used to be my favorite Bumbleby moment of all time and for good reason. Blake and Yang had killed Adam. The first thing Blake does is weep and fall to her knees. She's gone through so much and much of it had to do with him. Her torment of him is over and the person she once knew was dead. And Yang wordlessly just holds her and lets Blake cry. Blake finally gets out that she won't break her promise and swears it. Earlier Adam had mockingly told Yang that Blake made a promise to him once and that she didn't follow through with it. And even earlier in the volume Blake had promised to be there if they faced him. Yang has seen Blake stood by her words with her actions. And just reassures Blake she knows Blake won't break her promise. No more words are exchanged as the two just hold each other and Blake just cries more.

The Confession and Kiss

Was anyone really surprised? I know I wasn't. I loved the number 2 moment on my list so much. But I knew as soon as we got the confession and kiss scene it would more than likely take my top spot. It was all a matter of how it was executed and it was done spectacularly. There's many essays and write ups on why this scene was so good so I apologize if I don't add much to the conversation.

But Blake and Yang are stuck in a punderstorm and are trying to figure out how to get out. With them eventually figuring out they need to say things about each other they've never said before. At this point the two have only really said cute things to each other and then Blake comes out with.

'I think....you're an extraordinary person.'

Honest to god I was already getting emotional from just that as Blake goes in some more. Talking about how Yang does what she says, she brightens others around her and is always brave even when she's scared. The looks and the song Worthy playing in the background only add to how monumental this moment was for me. With Yang talking about how she liked how Blake wasn't intimidated by her even back when they didn't get along. She also talks about how Blake doesn't give up on people even when other people hurt her and she never gives up because she knows what matters to her. Blake has tried to help others and has sometimes failed but she has tried to push through despite labeling herself as a coward. But Yang see's a person always trying to do what's best for the people she loves.

Then we get this moment.

These are my favorite expressions of the whole scene. It's so wholesome, pure and full of love in every detail. At this point the two know what needs to be said but Yang is at first hesitant and the bridge between them widens. Blake asks if Yang thought of something then didn't say it and Yang is so bashful as she is realizing she needs to say those three words. But Yang is scared, she compares it to a cliff and if she goes through with it she'll fall. I've always headcannoed that Yang's greatest fear is letting those she loves down. And that ties into how she fell at Beacon and fell in Volume 8. It can also tie to her with the aftermath of Mercury and feeling she let her team down. She's scared she won't be good enough and will lose it all. It also similarly ties into her abandonment issues.

But Blake points out, they're already falling. Their emotions aren't going to go away just because they're scared. They're already worried for each other when they're fighting to save the world and two thought they were dead last volume. With Blake thinking Yang died and she failed to save her. So Blake encourages Yang gently by telling her to say it.

And after a heavy sigh, Yang confesses with Blake jumping in before she can finish as the two say I love you. The bridge that separated them is gone and they're together. They look at each other with blushing cheeks with Worthy playing in the background. They pull into each other, Blake slowly smiling as they get closer and kiss each other. White lilies sprout from under them as the while lily symbolizes rebirth and rejuvenation of the soul. The flowers are also used at weddings and can also mean purity. It's such a perfect flower to fit this perfect this scene.

And there you have it, my top ten Bumbleby moments. There were lots of moments to choose from and so many of the ones I love unfortunately didn't make it on this list. So here are some honorable mentions down below.

[tightjeansjavi]

TLOU quite literally ripped my heart out, stomped on it, stitched it back together, ripped the stitches out, and then glued it back together by the end (this is the only way I can describe my emotions for this show because I truly have not stopped thinking about it since it aired)

Some of my favorite scenes still live rent free in my head.

Joel’s love for Sarah and the dynamics between him, Tommy and Sarah. The real domestic fluff that we all feel touched by.

Tess’s sacrifice. The moment she realizes that she’s bit and she’s never going to see Joel again? CHILLS

Bill and Franks episode (I will cry so don’t get me started, PLZ)

The silent communication between Joel and Ellie as Joel snipes out any infected that try to harm her. (How about his facial expressions when that kid clicker climbs into the back of the car?)

Ellie’s face and her cry when Henry takes his own life after killing Sam.

Tommy and Joel reunion (Joel’s face specifically in this scene kills me)

Ellie and Joel’s argument and the rawness that Pedro brought to the deliverance of Joel’s lines

Tommy and Joel’s conversation and JOELS TEARY FUCKING EYES

ELLIE AND RILEY AND HOW WE AS THE AUDIENCE SEE ELLIE FLIRTING AND CRUSHING ON RILEY AND ALL THE GIDDY FEELINGS.

“I don't know where the fսck I'm going, what the fսck I'm gonna do.” This scene in particular reminded us that Ellie is literally just a kid

The interrogation scene

Ellie obliterating David and her screams still haunt me.

baby girl.

Joel taking out the fireflies and the dead look in his eyes because he knows that no one is getting in the way of him saving Ellie. He refuses to lose another

The entire fucking show, okay? It was a masterpiece. All of it.

I know next season they’re gonna sweep, but tonight and the past award nights they have been snubbed.

[saintvainglorious]

10 Best Black Sails Fics I Read in 2023

In honor of Black Sails' 10th anniversary, here's a list of my top 10 favorite Black Sails fics I read in 2023, in order from shortest to longest. Most Black Sails fic rec posts I've seen are now around 2 or 3 years old (though not all, bless @jaynovz and your #jay's esoteric rec lists tag) so nearly half of the recs in this list spotlight newer fics. It's amazing to see fantastic fics still being written and updated years after the show ended - y'all are keeping this fandom alive!

I didn't read that much Black Sails fic this year, comparatively speaking, so I'm sure there's plenty of newer gems that I missed. All the fics in this rec list are Silverflint unless otherwise stated.

1 - Gone To Port Royal by Apetslife (G, 3k) - a delightful oneshot from Gates' POV where they all go to a pirate afterlife. every scene is perfect. endlessly re-readable and never fails to make me smile.

Definition of Valhalla 1: the great hall in Norse mythology where heroes slain in battle are received 2 : a place of honor, glory, or happiness: heaven

2 - i’ll be seeing you by youatemytailor/@annevbonny (NR, 19k) - this is THEE post-canon Silverflint reunion fic. the anguish, the rage, the quiet jokes, the tenderness, it's all devastatingly in-character. particularly the chapter 5 climactic unspooling leaves me in awe upon every reread.

Silver is out of his chair and across the room before he knows it. He has a grip on the barkeep’s shirt before he knows it, and he’s pulling him up, hauling him eye-level, only to head-butt him to the ground again. The barkeep’s mouth is thrown open in a wail, but there’s no sound, Silver thinks, no sound at all, save for the blood rushing in his ears as he looks at the other man on the ground, watches him roll to his side with a groan. Flint, Silver thinks, and nothing else. It beats around the knife in his gut like a drum. Flint. And then Flint is looking at him.

3 - The Dark Lord Proprietor by Amiril/@runawaymarbles (M, 19k, Silverflintham) - a fuckin hysterical supervillain AU. Thomas has amnesia, Flint is pining, Silver tries to get them back together. what could go wrong? could not stop cackling.

A year ago, James Flint was in a stable relationship and was within spitting distance of taking over London. Now he’s single, with a dubiously loyal henchman, a lairmate determined to learn his every weakness, and a Secret Past with the new supervillain on the scene. And thanks to a new government program, it’s all a race to the bottom.

4 - the cross dimensional nassau bar of getting izzy hands laid by FortinbrasFTW/@fortinbrasftw (E, 19k ~WIP~, Flint/OFMD Izzy Hands) - a Black Sails OFMD Flint/Izzy Hands crossover. the very best kind of smut-as-character study. funny, gripping, and endlessly re-readable.

The first thing Izzy realizes is he looks absolutely fucking furious — which yeah, alright, fair enough. He’s got shorter ginger hair. A beard like Izzy’s but kept neater. Earrings like Izzy’s but worn simpler. Bleeding like Izzy but, well, maybe a bit less. And he’s handsome. Izzy realizes it suddenly and slowly somehow all at once. Bit like a bloody painting even. The kind you saw up on walls in rich folk’s houses. Only, well, no painting had eyes like that, did it? You’d have to be mad to keep a painting with eyes like that in your home. They were bright and clear and looked — honest-to-fucking-Christ — ready to set the whole damned world on fire. Izzy's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad night takes an interesting turn thanks to a completely different sort of pirate captain.

5 - frail and fragile bars by Ajaxthegreat/@francisthegreat (E, 21k) - Silver realizes, post-shark date, that he's in love with Flint. an instant, iconic fave fic. SO many delicious scenes and quotes that live rent free in my head. just read it, you won't regret it.

“I think you fuck,” Silver says. By which he means, with great intent: I think you are human. I know you are human. I see you.

6 - the whole estate of mortal man by Amiril/@runawaymarbles (T, 43k) - Creature Silver AU where he'll grant wishes in exchange for souls. first read this fic in 2020 and cried. reread it this year and cried again. the nature of the AU intersects so cleverly with Black Sails' themes, and the end result is devastating.

Silver has a limited memory, an unlimited lifespan, and a need for human souls. He spends months trying to buy Flint’s.

7 - our feast is but beginning by x_etoile_x/@etoilesombre (E, 55k) - Flint teaches season 1 Silver how to cook. they're definitely not dating. no, really. this writer writes dialogue so in-character that it cuts like a knife. features sensual cooking, Flint being a queer mentor for Silver, fun genderfuckery, and Them Being Real Tender.

Flint should walk away. Silver can figure out how to feed the men, it isn’t his problem. But roasting a pig is so easy, and when was the last time he had a hand in creating something rather than destroying it? Anyway, what else is he doing, with Billy taking the crew in hand with such annoying competency? He absolutely does not think about why he is reluctant for this interaction with Silver to end. “Go get another pig,” he says before he can reconsider. “Do exactly as I say.”

8 - With Strange Aeons by Amiril/@runawaymarbles (M, 60k, Silverflint + Flinthamilton + Jackanne) - Came for the Silverflint, stayed for the Silverflint but also for holy fuck Jack and Anne are sent to Savannah and break out of there with Thomas to battle literal Cthulhu. How can you NOT read this. I don't typically read Flinthamilton, but by god Thomas is amazing in this.

After the disappearance and presumed death of Captain Flint and Long John Silver, Max smuggles Jack and Anne to Oglethorpe’s plantation. Thomas learns that not only do the three of them have a friend in common, but he is not the only one whose dreams are haunted by a strange city and a terrifying name. Meanwhile, Flint and Silver try to escape an island trapped in time, impossibly built and impossibly old. Along the way they’re forced question reality, each other, and themselves. And in his house in R’lyeh, dead Cthulhu waits dreaming.

9 - The Salt and the Sea by x_etoile_x/@etoilesombre (E, 60k) - a between season 2 and 3 recovery fic. i still remembered months after reading that chapter 4 in particular left me undone. a harrowing journey into the ruins of post-leg loss Silver's mind, plus exquisite hurt/comfort.

John Silver was always able to make the best of a situation. If this particular situation had started to feel complicated, well, a vast fortune ought to prove clarifying. Whatever he might have imagined he’d seen in Flint, the reality was they had used each other. And he had been set to walk away on top. Except now he couldn’t. Now he was trapped.

10 - the straight walk home by vowelinthug/@vowel-in-thug (E, 73k, Silverflint + Jackanne + Maxanne + Billy/Vane) - A western AU and one of the best long fics in the fandom. Excellent comedy, amazing AU twists on our favorite characters, found family vibes, nail-biting action, and a fucking fantastic climax. Also, I can't believe this fic got me invested in Billy/Vane.

Let me tell you a story, about a vaquero named Vasquez...

[raayllum]

Do you have any favourite underrated Rayllum moments (either in the show or in the novels, graphic novels etc) ??

Oh so many!! I was a S1 shipper as well so I've always had the goggles on, which will undoubtedly influence this list (we're talking the littlest of the little moments) - novel quotes are in quotations

Callum glancing back to look at her in 1x03 when she stays behind to battle the smoke wolves

His happy little face when she's 'faced her fears' in 1x05 after they go down the waterfall

Literally every scene between them in 1x06 (which along with 1x05 and 1x04 are the Foundational Rayllum Eps, to me) + bonus shout out to Rayla winking at him twice while she's stretching

Callum admitting to her face that he was so distracted by her / thinking about her that he forgot the food they needed to live

Rayla teasing him in 1x07 just as an excuse to get all up in his space (like seriously, she's not nearly as touchy-feely with Ezran by any means)

"Everyone else started up the mountain, but Callum lingered. 'Are you okay?'"

"And for some reason, she found she wanted to share what she'd seen with Callum, even if she didn't tell anyone else."

"Rayla was now one of the best friends Callum had ever had."

The way Callum trails off for a split second with "She's more like a..." in 2x02 cause he isn't sure what to say / is considering it for probably the first time

Rayla not only admitting that she's scared of hurting him (at all) but that she's scared of hurting him to another Moonshadow elf, even though Moonshadow elves aren't supposed to show fear, ever

Callum being like "yeah we'll walk around an Entire Sea for you" and not caring at all about how long it'd take, only for 5 minutes later when they're going with the boat plan to be like "getting somewhere faster matters!!" like you love Rayla so much it makes you look stupid

Rayla taking his bag from him in 2x04

Rayla briefly cradling the back of his head as she lays him down in 2x08

How Callum stares at her and just her as she leads him into the canyon in 2x09, only looking around at their surroundings instead of at her when she indicates for him too

Callum forgetting that Sol Regem, the giant dragon actively trying to kill them, is even there because he's so focused on trying to get to Rayla after she's caught in the rockslide in 3x01

The teasing/admiring looks they exchange over the whole fart flower thing. They're best friends <33

The little smile she gives him in 3x05 after she's helped pull him up the ambler

The tiny smile they hold and exchange in 3x07 after their mock flirting as they continue walking up the Storm Spire

Eating from the same plate and wearing matching jammies / sharing room(s) in Through the Moon

That one panel where they're walking to see Allen and Callum's eyes are closed while he happily talks about something and Rayla's smiling and listening? Lives rent fucking free in my head. Encapsulates everything I imagine for post-war/everything Rayllum. 10/10, one of the panels of All Time, to me

Callum touching his arm once she lets go during their reunion in 4x03, boy was down bad immediately

Callum leaning over in between shots (in the background) like his life fucking depends on it to see if Rayla is going to come along on their trip with Ezran or not in early 4x04

Callum's face falling in 4x05 when they're talking on the Pinnacle only when Rayla says "Last time I was here, I leapt to my certain death"

All their little glances (particularly in 4x05 and 4x06) in S4 - mad or talking or not, they're still each other's person and slip right back into their old routines

Rayla looking to him silently for reassurance in 4x06 and the way Callum nods and gives it to her automatically. It's so sweet <33

How much Rayla plays with her hair around him in 4x07 like girl please

How consistently smiley Callum is in 5x01 despite the fact nothing's really gone right for them because Rayla is back and he's fully letting himself be happy about it for the first time, it's such day-and-night to how he is in S4

Callum having drawn Stella in his sketchbook at some point before 5x02 is so cute to me

The way Callum watches her hands and gestures in 5x04 so attentively when she's starting to open up

Rayla holding and handing his staff and bag to him as they're leaving the Bookery in 5x04

All of Rayla tending to him and helping him in 5x07, her hand braced along his back and/or on his shoulder

Him being a massive fucking loser and stumbling over in 5x09 so unsteadily bc he just Has to hold her hand like sir. s i r

[honeyhoneypot]

See you reblogging a post asking people to discuss fanfic process and thought

(๑･̑◡･̑๑) 👀

You know that plant angst TikTok trends? (Jupiter was a failed star, Venus was the plant of love,) what character in curled up would fit that trend?

Also, what is your thoughts process on certain scenes or events? Do you just write them as soon as you get the idea, or plan them? (Like that bathroom scene with Alejandro and Noah hanging out together, or the Gwen and Berger being drunk and Noah watching them? (Side note that moment lives rent free in my head))

Also what made you add the icurus mythology plot line? Was it because of the vibes or because no other Greek mythology would work specifically for these dramatic nerds?

Ok byeeeeee (´∀｀)

hello!! honestly omg I had to think about the planet trend because i wasn't entirely sure if any of them would fit them completely, but I think Gwen as 'venus planet of love was destroyed by global warming' fits pretty well! i think noah would think of himself like the moon that's light is just the refection of the suns, but i'm not sure about anyone else omg, feel free to lmk if you have any opinions on this!!

when it comes to the actual writing bits, I try to plan out most of the important scenes before I write them! for example, in the dinner party chapter, i knew that I wanted Gwen and Heather to have their little romantic moment, and for that to lead into Alejandro and Noah having their moments on the balcony and in the bathroom, (as well as like an izzy and gwen reunion moment & the noah and gwen bathroom scene but they aren't that important lmao) so i planned out a those scenes before I started the chapter and kind of filled the rest of it in like a puzzle!

its probably not the most efficient way to do it, but i'm not really aiming for perfect and its pretty fun! so i enjoy it haha

i think the reason I included the Icarus myth was because I had just finished a second read of the iliad when i started writing curled up like a pill bug, and I had just bought a copy of ovids metamorphoses the day i published the first chapter lmao. I really liked the idea of including one of my interests in a fic about one of my other interests, so it was really just a matter of choosing a myth omg!

I didn't want it to be something obviously extremely tragic (like achilles and patroclus, or honestly a lot of greek myths specifically about love) because I wanted to kind of portray how much Noah was overthinking everything, and I wanted one that I could kind of mould into the story as i moved along, and i thought it fit pretty well haha (I also just thought it would be a fun thing to write about lmao)

i hope these are good answers omg!!! sorry for the late response ive been wicked sick lmao

NEW CHAPTER OUT SOON BTW and it's CRAZY omg!! :))

[bad-batch-lurker]

One of the many Tech scenes that lives rent free in my mind is from “Reunion”. They’ve made their initial escape from the artillery deck, are heading to the engine, and are at an opening that they have to jump down through.

All of them, except Tech, make this short drop to a curved surface and slide into a wall. Offscreen, you can hear Tech drop a much longer way, possibly straight to the floor, clearly forgoing the safer jump and slide everyone else is doing. Then he walks in from the right to sass us with, “I could not have been clearer.” Why, Tech? Why are you like this?

Maybe @morphofan will do a sharpen and brighten vid for me, even if it’s actually just for the sound? 😬😝😘

[spectrum-color]

Can’t decide what my favorite Fitzloved era is.

The Assassins Quest era? Brought us “what has become of me, that I did not know you though I carry you in my arms!” Starling seething with jealousy over the Fool and deciding he must be a woman because homosexuality apparently doesn’t exist! Them sharing their little yurt! The birth of the Skill bond! Nighteyes declaring the Fool pack! Some of the best dialogue between them of the series (“I think you found your manhood before I did.” “How droll!”) The Fool full on kissing Fitz on the mouth!

Early Fools Errand in the cabin where they get a chance to live peacefully for once in a way they won’t find again until their death? Beloved finally telling Fitz his real name? The middle of this trilogy is of course brutal but then you get the Fools Fate era! The highest highs (the Elderling tent! The Skill joining! “My dream was dead in my arms!” “The man I had been would not survive this loss!” THE BODY SWAP! the resurrection! “All that night, I cradled him in my arms as if he were my child or my lover!”) and lowest lows (PRILKOP!) This one has the greatest number of scenes that live rent free in my head.

The last trilogy? It had some excessive grimdark (was Fitz accidentally nearly killing him as their reunion really necessary?) but also so much more. We got the complete and total breakdown of Fitz caring about people assuming they’re a couple! “‘Would you kill for me?’ I didn’t even have to think about it!” Paragon being jealous of Fitz! Pausing the revenge tour for a family cuddle! Whatever tf happened in Kelsingra! The promises to raise their daughter (!) together! “and we will live happily ever after?” “That is my intention!” “He loved you more than he ever loved any of the rest of us!” GOING INTO THE WOLF TOGETHER TO SPEND ETERNITY IN THE SKILL STREAM.

[discordiansamba]

Top 5/10 fav moments of Voltron?

Unironically the fucking. Lotor bounce in s6. I live for that moment. It was much deserved, although I think Romelle or Allura should have also gotten to kill him.

that scene between Hunk and Keith in s7. you know the one. I am rotating it constantly.

Allura's impression of Lance lives in my head rent free for reasons I do not understand.

these are tied but Allura reviving the Balmera and her destroying the Komar. great stuff.

the Keith vs Kuron fight in s6. I mean. this shouldn't surprise anyone. I love for shit like that.

that scene in Reunion where Pidge follows Matt's transponder code and it leads her to a graveyard and makes her think her brother is dead? That is actually probably like. the single most solid scene in all of VLD.

I am at all times, rotating like. the entirety of The Last Stand parts 1 and 2. I don't care if other people in the fandom hate those episodes bc none of our main characters are in them. They're so solid (except for the part where they killed off Adam. landspeed record for burying your gays, great job).

Keith attempting to sacrifice himself to save (checks hand) uh basically the entire rebellion. It's an iconic character moment for a reason.

the Keith vs Macidus fight, the second one.

Hunk's moment when they're adrift in space and he's trying desperately to hold everyone together, and how it all comes back to everyone saving Hunk. The actual linchpin of the team.

[chubsthehamster]

20 questions for fic writers!

tagged by my loves @storybookprincess and @clood! ty for the tag friends!! <333

1. How many works do you have on ao3?

40!

2. What’s your total ao3 word count?

310,790

3. What fandoms do you write for?

A slapdash of whatever I'm most interested in atm! I kinda consider hxh fandom my home base, but I also have a number of Sandman, HQ, and Natsume Yuujinchou fics.

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

gonna take a leaf out of both liv and claudia's books and skip this one! instead, here are my top 5 personal faves instead of kudos :D these are my most recent favorites haha:

streetlights in the dark blue: gomens, ineffable husbands, 6.9k. my s2 vent fic! about healing and giving crowley a loving community, dammit.

circus freak: hxh, hisoillu, 1.8k. murder husbands! proposals! it's all here folks.

blue roses: yuri on ice, gen, yakov & victor, 2.6k. all my love for victor nikiforov through the eyes of his grumpy coach.

a city of love scenario: hxh, killugon, 5k. I had SO much fun writing this one! set during the greed island arc my beloved. hisoka is there.

Let the River Rush In: hxh, leopika, 18k. my submission for the 2023 hxhbb this year! reunions, pining, you name it. also art museums!

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

yes!! sometimes it takes me a second, but I do respond to nearly every comment (unless it's spam).

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

definitely dusk, a sandman dreamling fic! MCD isn't usually my thing, but I really wanted to explore that in this fic.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

oooh hmm. "happy ending" is super vague to me ngl, but for most traditionally "and they lived happily ever after," I'll go with my soukoku royalty AU, thy kingdom come.

8. Do you get hate on fic?

oooh I've never gotten explicit hate! I've gotten unsolicited concrit and some more bizarre comments that I've ignored before though haha.

9. Do you write smut?

nope! I've written some more suggestive scenes in some of my fics (Let the River Rush In and circus freak, for example), but for the time being at least I'm not really interested in writing it.

10. Do you write crossovers?

Yes! The Promise of the World, which is a natsuyuu/howl's moving castle crossover, and Letters from Heaven, which is a HQ/Violet Evergarden crossover. Crossovers to me are really fun thought exercises; I like to see how certain events or characters can be interpreted in another canon.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

not that I'm aware of!

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

I've gotten a request to have one translated, but now that I think about it I never got a link to it! so who knoooows haha

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

I can't believe I'm saying this, but no! I think I'd like to one day--it seems really fun :D

14. What’s your all-time favourite ship?

a cruel question! i can't choose one. well, a bit of a lie given by pfp haha, so I'll just say killugon ahdkdjf

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but probably won’t?

oooh, i have a kawoshin fic that lives rent free in my drafts and in my mind. i started it maybe 7 years ago? it is, in theory, a semi-canon compliant multiverse fic that combines manga, anime, and reboot movies canon, all centered around kaworu my beloved and his relationship with shinji. maybe one day I'll pick it up again! (I still need to see the last movie...)

16. What are your writing strengths?

ooh! hmm, I'd probably say interiority? love me some good introspection. a lot of my more recent fics especially are just excuses to dive into my faves' heads while something else happens in the background

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

PLOT lmao. most of my plot-heavy fics are crossovers bc they're based on events that are already lined out for me! which gives me more room to explore how my charas act and interact in an established story. surprise, even my plottier fics are really just character studies in disguise >:3 still, I would like to improve on this one day! just need to think of,,,an idea ajsldkfj

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I've never done it before, but like with any kind of writing tool, I think it works if you do it right. no bella, where have you been, loca? pfffft

19. First fandom you wrote for?

the first fandom I've ever posted/written for was Free! Iwatobi Swim Club! what a time ahhhsjdflks

20. Favourite fic you’ve written?

my favorite fic is almost always the latest thing I've posted LOL, so rn it's streetlights in the dark blue! lovelovelove anthony j. crowley with all my heart <333

this was so fun!! no pressure tagging uhhhh @perexcri @aboxthecolourofheartache @dodici12 @applepi00 @macavitykitsune @feralrookie @silverinerivers @runawaymarbles @three--rings @that-banhus and literally anyone who reads this and wants to do it!

[nellycanwrite]

“…his hand painting murals upon your barren back.”

Okay, I’m gonna need your “director’s” commentary on this line from Timeless Love because it has been living rent free in my head. I’m obsessed with the imagery here

UUUGHHHH YES YES YES I'D LOVE TO GIVE YOU MY THOUGHTS ON THIS SPECIFIC LINE!

So deadass I was in a very poetic mood while writing His Timeless Love, especially after I had written His Queen as a warm-up before I dove into writing again.

I'm a writer who leans more on the descriptive side of writing. It's also a goal of mine to write more unique lines other than the usual analogies.

Instead of writing "he drew circles on her back," I wanted it to be more...tied to his character, you know? I wanted it to be intimate, to be more poetic, in a sense.

Namor is canonically an artist (and a fantastic one at that), so just describing him "drawing circles" lowkey sounds like an insult to the skill he had honed for five centuries. I also wanted to establish a scene of intimacy with him and reader since it was implied that they're literally naked in bed together after a night of passion if you know what I mean.

Instead of just plain "drawing circles," I tied it to a specific part of Namor's artistry; his murals. And tie it to the fact that he draws these murals to immortalize history—it's him literally painting the murals of his time with reader and regarding it as historically significant enough to be painted on her skin, further emphasizing the point that he wanted to immortalize that little slice of heaven they had in the most mundane setting.

In other words:

"Namor painted the murals of his timeless love on your barren skin—for in the absence of his brush and his inked palette did he meticulously mark his promises in the canvas that was your hip, your back, your torso, your palms...anywhere his hands would so lay upon with great adulation to your name.

And perhaps it was a deep-rooted fear that gripped him like a vice; for you to suddenly be lost again in the hands of death and be reborn with no such spark of recognition. The pain would burrow deep into his heart, but he can take such ill-fated sorrow.

For one reunion carried far more joy than four untimely goodbyes.

At least, by then, he wished the ink that he had painted on the canvas of your skin would bleed through the seams and stick to your soul like stubborn stains—splashes of his love carried in the streams of the little paint that had not been faded by fate who so reared its ugly head for you to drown in the cracks of time."

Hope you enjoyed this Director's Cut of that line! I really really like the rapid thought process I had for that, too!

[waheelawhisperer]

Fandom ask thingy for Arknights: 3, 5, 11, 12, 15, 17.

3) Which scene I would like to erase from the universe and why.

The entirety of Chapter Fucking 9. I love it when the villains are oppressed minorities (again) and the heroes align themselves with the British military, which dirty bombed civilians. Whatever the fuck they did to Outcast should be considered a crime. If any of y'all plan on writing stories in the future, please do not introduce a cool character only to kill her off in a stupid, nonsensical, convoluted way in a fight against a bunch of literal who's.

Also, fuck Mandragora I hate her so much

5) The scene from it that lives in my head rent free.

Any of Nearl's dynamic entries, Patriot choosing to defy fate with his last breath and sparing Amiya

11) What I think of the central character(s).

I like Doc a lot and feel like they're an interesting spin on the Gacha Protagonist. I like the way they aren't obviously written as male to pander to the game's primary demographic.

Amiya has always been kind of whatever to me. She was solid in the Reunion arc, but the Victoria arc is a giant mess in general and a large part of that is the way the Sarkaz plotline has to be tied into it because she's The Main Character and has to be involved and yet doesn't really have any other decent plot hooks besides the generic "fighting for the oppressed" that Chapters 1-8 already used. Meanwhile Siege gets screwed because the writing constantly sucks the focus away from her to drop it on uninteresting characters that contribute fuck-all and she ends up feeling like a side character with minimal agency in her own storyline. Honestly I'd like to amend my answer to question 3 - I'd delete the whole Victoria plot and redo it from scratch if I could.

I'm a known Kal'tsit hater at this point but honestly I don't really dislike her anymore as long as she's not going off on one of her stupid fucking pretentious monologues or lectures. She's an interesting, well-written character who happens to possess traits I find unappealing and unfortunately reminds me of negative experiences in my past. She epitomizes some of the aspects of Arknights writing that irritate me the most, so I doubt I'll ever like her, but she's okay, I guess.

12) What attracted me into checking it out.

I was big into Fate Grand Order around the time Arknights released and one of my friends told me Siege was Saber Lion, so I gave it a shot.

15) Which character I would choose for the chopping block if I knew the writers wanted to kill someone.

Go AWAY Platinum go AWAY Mandragora go AWAY Kashchey go AWAY Wei Yenwu go AWAY Alberto Saluzzo go AWAY Mizuki go AWAY Last Knight go AWAY Theresis go AWAY stupid nothingburger Victoria arc characters who drop in and out of relevance seemingly at random

17) The world-building aspect of the story I have the greatest admiration for.

All the detail that goes into it and they way Terra feels like such a vast world with things going on outside that don't involve the main characters. It feels like the cast has internal lives that don't revolve around the plot.

[humblemooncat]

❛ your heart is beating so fast right now. ❜ for.. ki'to... the polycule lives in my heart rent free <3

D'aww, I'm glad you enjoy them as well. Thank you for the prompt, friend. uwu)/ <3

He spared no moment, as soon as his soles hit cobblestone he was off in a dead sprint.

His friends, his family, were safe and resting. All he could think of now was him.

'I will not let that tower consume you. That will not be your end'

Cobble to dirt, dirt to stone, stone to crystal; Just a bit more.

His legs did not falter until the doors to the ocular were open and his target was in sight.

"G'raha!!"

What breath he could spare left his throat in a desperate shout.

His feet carried him over to the man he thought lost to him. Hoping. Praying that the soul resonated from within the crystal in his grasp.

"Please... please..." each plea more desperate and broken than the last, until his eyes opened.

"... Mmh, hello again. 'Tis good to know we made the right call. Thank you for carrying this all the way home for me-"

Not a second after thanks was given was he wrapped up in Ki'to's arms. Held tight against him like he would fly away if given the chance.

"... Your heart is beating so fast right now..."

"I ran... all the way here. As soon as the others awoke"

"You... y-you didn't need to run. I was sleeping, you had ti-"

"I love you"

"... w-what?"

"I ran here because I love you and I needed you to know that as soon as possible"

"Ki'to..."

"I will not let love slip through my fingers again. I am so glad that you're okay..."

"Ki'to, I-" he paused, feeling the heaving of his shoulders against him and tears run down his neck.

G'raha shushed and cooed, rubbing Ki'to's back as he wept, knowing full well they had all the time in the world to speak now.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I forgot how much this scene made me tear up thinking about it, but it's what popped into my head first so I had to write it. ;v;

Enjoy these two's tearful reunion after the events of ShB. I love them sm.

[tsarisfanfiction]

I adore your cabin 7 fics, especially 'dawn rises in the east'. I love how you write Michael, it's so fun and real! I was wondering if you could possibly make a part 2 where Clarisse visits camp? Like maybe Sherman tells her to come visit but doesn't say why. Would be interesting due to their past being the way it is. Of course, I understand if you can't or don't want to, it's just a thought :)

Aah, thank you! I'm glad you like that one so much :D

I can't promise anything because my muses are fickle and I'm currently working on a massive wip (and when not that, I have another Michael lives AU also in the works because I love writing him and also we never saw a body, so that's free estate as far as I'm concerned), but I will say that the Dawn Rises universe lives in my head rent free most of the time and has done ever since I first wrote it, and I have mused upon several post-fic scenes, including various ways that the Michael&Clarisse reunion might go down.

There's an entire universe lurking within Dawn Rises, including a few things that were hinted upon in the fic but I never got to expand on because Michael didn't know about them - and also a few additional AUs spinning off of the main fic lurking in my head as well. If I ever settle something in particular that sticks, they might just get written!

But not until Eclipse is finished, and probably not until In The Depths of Despair is also finished - and after those two, I have Stitch and also You'll Be Here In My Arms to expand upon, so I don't know when it might happen.

On the plus side, three of those wips and/or half-posted fics I just listed have Michael as a prominent character, so at least there's more Michael content from me on the way? One thing I can definitely promise is that I am far from done writing for that boy!