#this is his level 9 bond story

[dear-mrs-otome]

Dear Mr. Jude 'They're Only Getting To You Over My Cold Corpse' Jazza...your overprotective is showing again. 💜

[strawberryrafaxzd]

⋅˚₊‧ Oikawa Headcanons ⋅˚₊‧ Gn reader enjoy ⭑.ᐟ

✮Whenever Oikawa is with you, he lets his "tough guy" mask fall off. That's why, most of the time, you two tend to have calmer dates, deviating a bit from the usual, like picnics in parks, watching movies, and other things.

✮He likes to lie on your lap while you play with his hair. He complains about how he hates geniuses like his kohai Kageyama (ahhajaja lol) and other things that annoyed him. You just laugh at the cute and funny way he imitates them and give him a peck while his cheeks turn red and he kisses you back.

✮As silly as it may seem, he has some kind of shame about feeling this inferiority complex and hates showing that he feels insecure. The only person he feels safe to talk about this with is you, so be prepared to take his late-night calls and comfort him. Believe me, it will take hours for you to convince him that you are serious when you say he's an incredible player. Even if he thinks he will never measure up to the "geniuses," that's the biggest lie because he's already superior to them just by the effort he puts in "to reach their level."

✮Oikawa often gets "mad" and throws a tantrum because you refuse to go see him play and cheer for him because you're afraid that, one day, one of his crazy fans will throw a rock at your head out of jealousy (akhajajakakakak sorry, I had to write that). But it turns out he always convinces you to go by looking at you with his puppy eyes and that pout. No matter how hard you try, you always end up losing to your sweet boyfriend. But maybe it's not so bad to lose since, in the end, he will always be there thanking you for being the best girlfriend in the world, cheering for him while he showers you with kisses on your face.

✮When his family has special events, his mom always invites you. She definitely loves you, always saying how Toru finally found someone to straighten him out. The gatherings always end with you and his nephew doing his makeup and styling his hair with ribbons and braids. In the end, Oikawa always ends up toppling both of you over, tickling you until his mom sees the three of you sleeping on the floor hugging each other (she always smiles, sighs, and covers you with a blanket, saying,( "these young ones nowadays").

✮In that same vein, when Oikawa sees you and his nephew bonding and having fun, he thinks of one of his greatest dreams. Aside from his volleyball career, it's to marry you and have a family together. He definitely can't wait for that.

✮One of the dates you love the most is when Iwa joins you two. You always die laughing at their fights. You and Iwa get along very well. To be honest, when you buy or make sweets or any kind of food for Oikawa, you always make extra for (wa to eat too ;)

✮Omg, who is that person who isn't even from Seijou that is screaming nonstop in the Aoba Josai cheering section against Karasuno? Wait, the person just called Karasuno's number 9 an idiot.

(Stories say that when Aoba Josai lost, you cried more than the players themselves. Yes, you are Aoba Josai's biggest fan.)

✮One of the cutest things ever seen was you going to his school to deliver his glasses that he left at your game night on Friday and putting them on him, giving him a kiss in front of everyone during recess. By the way, he didn't use to wear glasses because he thought they looked ugly until one day he asked what you thought, and you said he looked "super hot" with glasses hehe (Matsun and Makki still wonder why

Oikawa suddenly decided to wear glasses every day and almost die when he forgets them).

✮Oikawa always wears the sweaters you wore and the ones you drew little stars on. When Iwa notices that he always wears sweaters with stars and a perfume that doesn't belong to him and asks why, he simply says, "it's my way of showing others that I belong to my angel."

Bônus ⊹˖ :

Iwa still has nightmares about the time when Oikawa had gone to Argentina and hadn't settled in yet. Only he knows what it was like to hear you crying out of longing when you went out to bars together after your video calls with Oikawa. At least now he can sleep well knowing that Oikawa is finally okay and has managed to take you to Argentina with him. Now it's Iwa who gets the video calls from the two of you😊🥹🥹

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼 𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚

Sorry for any mistakes, English is not my native language I hope you enjoy it, it's the first time I've written headcannos so it definitely wouldn't have been that good, I hope you enjoyed it

[akirathedramaqueen]

Octavia's and Blitzø's potential relationship development

I believe that the show, despite Octavia openly hating Blitzø, gives us some hints that they have much more in common than it seems. I’ve noticed a couple of moments where Blitzø and Octavia are… pretty much in sync, if that makes sense.

Here are those moments I’ve noticed… maybe stretched in some places, but! Hear me out!

1. Here, they don’t hear each other, but both are repulsed by Stolas’s obnoxious language and express the same reaction. It’s funny that Stolas is the one calling them out.

[Blitzø]: WHAT [Octavia]: THE [Blitzø]: FUCK [Octavia]: DAD?! S1EP2, Loo Loo Land, 4:52

2. They also share a distaste for Stolas’s behavior throughout the episode, albeit in slightly different ways. In fact, this serves as a great demonstration of how deaf and blind Stolas is to obvious social cues at the beginning of the series—he doesn’t stop even when directly asked to do so on multiple occasions.

Blitzø is disgusted by Stolas’s awkward, overly sexual advances and demeaning language towards him and his work.

[Stolas]: You are so cute when you are serious! S1EP2, Loo Loo Land, 6:06

Octavia is taken aback by essentially the same. However, she blames both of them, understandably failing to recognize that Blitzø is just as uncomfortable as she is. From her perspective, Blitzø is a homewrecker who contributed to destroying her parents' marriage.

[Stolas]: You know, it's quite thrilling to see you on the job, Blitzy.[Blitzø]: Save it, bitch, I am working. [Octavia]: You both need to get a room. S1EP2, Loo Loo Land, 8:20

3. They share the hate for the same clown!

[Blitzø and Octavia]: I hate that fucking clown. S1EP2, Loo Loo Land, 8:50

4. They seem to have similar tastes in music! The song My World Is Burning Down Around Me, which Octavia plays to tune out Stella’s screaming, is also heard in Blitzø’s van when he comes to pick up Loona in the Queen Bee episode, although it’s only instrumental. Here, have a look. If, for some reason, the service with the timeframes isn’t working, I’ll also provide the timings in writing so you can check it yourself on YouTube.

Octavia turns on the song, and for a while, we can hear the lyrics before it fades into the background as the scene shifts to Stella yelling at Stolas and later to Stolas’s conversation with Octavia. S1EP2, Loo Loo Land, 2:52 - 3:50

The song’s instrumental version can be heard when Blitzø’s van arrives, and the background noise at Queen Bee’s club is different, so there’s no chance for misinterpretation. It is the music Blitzø’s was listening to. S1EP8, Queen Bee, 8:20 - 9:14

5. Haha, they freak out in the same way in the Seeing Stars episode! I know it’s probably just a stylistic choice to transition from Octavia’s initial experience with LA to Blitzø having to contact Stolas and explain what happened. However, I might be indulging in a bit of wishful thinking, suggesting that this similarity in their stress responses could have some deeper meaning.

S2EP2, Seeing Stars, 4:42

So-o... What am I trying to say with all these points I've made?

Like the kind of delulu who yells, "Ghostfuckers, save us!" (we know Viv, we know how trying to put our hopes up ends, haha), I draw a complete unhinged card and I am going to make a very bold claim:

I think that once Stolas and Blitzø finally get their shit and themselves back together, and Octavia realizes there’s much more to the story than, “Oh, it’s just horny dad cheated on my mum with a red lizard dickhead and my dad ruined my family,” Octavia could actually bond with Blitzø quite nicely, and he would make a good second dad to her! Well, don’t get me wrong. She might never want to take it to that level. Also, we don’t know how things will turn out, nor do we know her relationship with her mum, Stella.

But I do believe that their parallels were thrown in for a reason. Despite the circumstances, they can, and maybe will, be on much better terms than they currently are.

Go on, call me delusional and leave me be in my complete denial corner. <3 I admit I do tend to forget the current state of the Stolitz relationship in the series, as in my world, where I’m prioritizing my time working on that fic, they are finally together. I am bitter-sweetly excited that @tealvenetianmask and I are slowly but surely getting close to finishing it. :)

(Yes, yes, it was shameless self-promotion—sue me for the unlawful use of a speculatory-analytical post space to promote our version of Stolitz working hard to sort out their issues post Apology Tour and having some silly and horny fun along the way.)

[ash-says]

hiii ! i love your post about being audacious 🩷 do you have any tips about improving people skills/ being more charismatic? thank youuuu 🤭

Hello girlll!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the audacious post. It's one of my fav tbh I literally came up with it while I was cooking. So coming to your question let me see how I can help you out tbh I share my opinions and what has worked for me so far. So practice discernment and take everything with a pinch of salt✨✨

Tips to improve People Skills/ Being more Charismatic:

1) Find your USP:

USP means Unique Selling Proposition. What makes you unique and I mean it in a personality sense more here. You can extend it to your looks but start from a personality trait cause it will be forever and very personal to you. Even if someone copies it, it will always be a cheap one.

I will elaborate on this with an example:

One of my ex colleagues was really good at socializing. He was 27 years old but I kid you not he looked like a 20 year old or even younger at times. He had a boyish charm and he used it to his full advantage. He literally had a child's energy and would jump here and there in the office, act like a literal child when not working. He had a refreshing energy to him the type that reminds you of your childhood days. Heck after a meeting with the CEO he used to watch cartoons to destress and made us watch it too so we could also relax but when it came to work he was smart, efficient and knew how to use his easy going socializing energy to generate sales. So you get my point right?? Find what attracts people to you or what value you can offer to them.

2) Knowledge. Education.

I personally swear by this. Be as disgustingly educated as possible. Know about various topics at least the basics of current trends or what's hot and some off topics. This adds dimension to your personality and helps you to hold a conversation with anyone. Plus you never run out of topics to speak on.

3) Confidence. No elaboration needed.

4)Sense of humour.

Why bore people to death by reciting the merciless nature of Julius Caesar when you could present it as a joke when something relatable comes up??? People are more likely to find you charismatic if you can make them laugh.

5) Master the art of Storytelling

This!!! Right here is a cheat code I tell you. You don't have much knowledge to speak on for now? Fine as you gradually work on it hold conversations by sharing bits of your life in a colorful way. Engage people with your life stories. Make them fun and a little dramatic. I am not advising you to lie. There's always a way you can convey something in an entertaining manner. Master it. I personally use it a lot and it's fun to connect with people cause they too loosen up and share their stories and then you link it up with your sense of humour by adding a nice comment or comeback.

Warning : Never share details that are very personal to you. Only share funny incidents and situations that won't bring you in trouble if gossiped about. Practice with discernment.

6) Learn positive body language and develop empathy. Empathy truly helps you in connecting with people on a deeper level and creating a bond based on trust and emotions.

7) Smile. Don't grin like a fool but when you see someone you know make a note to address them. Wish them good morning ,etc . Pass a genuine smile towards them. Be polite.

8) Be genuinely interested in other people but not in a nosy way instead in a healthy way. Help them out if you can. A good deed never goes to waste.

9) Have a positive outlook on everything. No one wants a pessimistic person around them. Even on days you can't. You know the mantra ," Fake it till you make it".

10) Support people. Be kind. Soft spoken. Know your place. Don't downplay yourself in front of people who are clearly not at your level and don't overestimate yourself in front of people who are professionals in those fields. Get a grip on how to act with whom. You won't know it until and unless you won't do it. Have a strong sense of self, be opinionated, confident and be witty. It's fun that way. Push your limits and don't be afraid to network with new people and talk to strangers. Who knows what will happen??

Possibilities are endless.

I hope this helps you out✨✨

[anotheruserwithnoname]

Ten years of Whouffaldi

My word, where did 10 years ago?

Ten years ago on Aug. 23, the episode Deep Breath launched the remarkable era of Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor (or true Thirteenth if you want to annoy some people).

And it was the true launch of one of the most interesting romances in sci-fi (friendly reminder that Peter, Jenna Coleman, Steven Moffat, writers and directors have all in some way or another confirmed that this wasn't fans watching with "ship-coloured glasses" - it was canonical. Regardless how some fans and even media have tried - as recently as a few days ago - to pretend it didn't exist.)

I do think it was not intended. It cannot be denied that a lot of people consider there to be an age-gap limit in romances, real-life and fictional, even when both parties are consenting adults. So when Peter replaced Matt - and no one can deny Clara had the hots for Eleven because she flat out says so, several times - they obviously planned on a return to the First Doctor-Susan dynamic with Capaldi (or maybe more accurately Third Doctor-Jo Grant, since Three low-key held a flame for Jo, since Twelve would still remember how he felt as Eleven, plus Three was "Capaldi's Doctor"). But due to the fact Peter and Jenna had such intense chemistry (to this day some fans remain convinced they had a real-life romance, which is not something I ever subscribed to), coupled with the decision to shoot the first episodes of the season in order of broadcast, you can see Moffat and his writers pivoting in real time as they adjusted to the fact that - with no disrespect to Samuel Anderson - Danny Pink was never going to be the next Rory Williams. This is most in evidence with Listen defining a future for Clara and Danny that was definitively retconned by Danny's death in Dark Water.

I know the Capaldi era was not everyone's cup of tea. Season 10 in particular did not age well for me, mainly because it was clearly "one season too many" for Moffat and Capaldi himself seemed to "check out" after a fashion when it became known that the next producer wasn't planning on keeping Twelve around. And if we're going to harp about falling ratings for the show in recent years, Peter never attained the same viewership levels as Matt or David. But for me, Seasons 8 and 9 were - a few off points notwithstanding - the best of the modern era and easily rank alongside the Pertwee years as some of the best this show ever had. (I stopped watching after Season 10 - but having spoken to people whose judgement I trust, I don't think anything that followed is likely to have rendered that statement outdated.)

But I appreciated the more mature approach to the show. Yes, I know DW always was at its core a children's show - though upgraded to family show over time. But having the Doctor and Clara having a mature conversation at the diner, the Doctor inviting a villain to have a drink with him (the closest the Doctor ever got to being James Bond), Clara freaking out about being called a control freak (not to mention her perfect "Nothing is more important than my egomania!"), the fact the episode confirmed that the Doctor did look upon Clara as his girlfriend when he was Eleven, and the fact the episode walks up to ageism and pops it in the nose with Clara being upbraided by Vastra for being ageist because of Twelve no longer being the young man Clara fell for ... all these add up to a remarkable episode and likely the strongest debut story for a Doctor since Spearhead from Space.

Deep Breath also marks the last time we saw the Paternoster Gang on screen. Having praised Moffat for Whouffaldi, now time to aim some criticism his way - he set up a perfect spinoff series (Neve McIntosh is one of my favourite actresses not named Jenna Coleman) and yet never followed through. Say what one might about RTD, we'd have gotten 4 series of Vastra, Jenny and Strax had he been in charge. Big FInish doesn't count though I'm sure Neve and Dan Starkey appreciated the fact they didn't need to put on the makeup all the time! LOL

So happy 10th anniversary to Whouffaldi!

[felkithecreator]

Do you have revalink fic recs?

Oh do I ever. (Please don't take the numbers that I use too seriously, they're not to really judge the quality of work or anything it's just level of enjoyment for me and my particular tastes)

My favorite Revalink fic of all time is Pinesong by aperplexingpuzzle!! Honestly it's just an absolutely amazing work, and personally I think it's one of the greatest post-calamity Revalink stories written. Link and Revali bond on Vah Medoh after Revali's been freed and exists as a spirit, and while Link struggles through the rest of his adventure. Absolutely recommend, 10/10.

Finding Link by Umbreonix is another one I'd absolutely recommend. It's so silly and just - the characterization of Link and Revali is so fun. Link goes missing after the defeat of Calamity Ganon, and it's up to Revali to find him and potentially bring him back. Honestly Umbreonix's other Revalink work Beating about the bush is also phenomenal - that one's unfinished, but it's also great if you want to read something silly. It's a modernized/human version of Hyrule, which is super interesting as well. All That Glitters is hilarious as well. Recommend them all around 8.5/10.

Linger On by ICanFlyHigher is one I genuinely loved as well. It's been a while since I've read it, but I do know that the vivid descriptions of combat and fighting, and just - the immersion of it is so impressive. So I'd really really recommend this one. It's basically just Botw, but you're really put in Link shoes + that extra touch of Revalink. Again, haven't read it in a while, but 9/10 recommendation from what I remember.

I Lost Myself by self_indulgent_authorship is amazing as well. I love reading from Revali's perspective, and just - the take on Link and Revali getting to know each other after Link's lost his memory is so interesting and refreshing. I wouldn't recommend it if you don't like a bit of Zelda-bashing, but I think this fic handles it well and it didn't feel as if it were over the top or anything. 9/10 recommendation.

Snow filled days by SharkPinata is a great one if you're just down for a fun time!! The author kind of took a concept/idea and ran with it, and the plot grew later - and it shows, a bit, but honestly that's part of the fun with this fic. A great thing about it is you can also see the author's writing style improve over time as they write (I desperately hope that the same can be said about my fics too), so it's fun in that aspect of well. The concept is that Link isn't a knight, and just lives in Selkie's Spot in Hebra - where Revali regularly comes to visit him because they're each other's only friends. 7.5/10 recommendation.

Shades of Blue also by self_indulgent_authorship is just fucking amazing. It's the normal botw journey, but you get so much more intricate lore and flashbacks than the OG game - one where Link and Revali knew each other before they became champions - and it's so so so so good. I genuinely think it's one of the greatest Breath of the Wild fics out there, regardless of Revalink. 10/10 recommendation.

Come Morning Light by misscoconi is great as well!! I haven't read it in a long while but I do know it's one of my favorites. It's very sweet - and it's where Link and Revali begin a shared sleeping arrangement. (Meet Me Halfway is the sequel, also very good.) 10/10 recommendation.

The Longest Night by tirsynni is amazing. It's a relatively short fic, and it's unfinished, but it's still just - great. Trigger warning for some things, I'd definitely recommend reading the tags first, but like, I love. It's an interesting exploration of Link's psyche, and Revali's response to it. Honestly, anything by tirsynni tends to be amazing. 8/10 recommendation.

The Effect of the Illusion of Truth by GeryutheTzakandi!!! This is genuinely one of my favorite fics ever - it's so silly and funny and just an all-around good time. Small warning in that it's unfinished and hasn't updated since 2022, but like - I'd still give it a read because what is there is a fun time. It's a fic where Revali and Link decided to get married so that Link and Zelda don't have to. (And no, the two of them were not previously dating.) 10/10 recommendation.

(Another good one by GeryutheTzakandi is Deftly avoiding saying exactly what you mean - this one's hilarious, and Revali is surprisingly self-aware.)

Inertia by sincosma is a great exploration of how Link's amnesia affects the relationship between him and Revali - and what promises they made pre-Calamity. The memories are so interesting yet heart-breaking to read - but the happy ending makes it very much worth it. 9/10 recommendation.

A Seed of Song by Ginneke is adorable. I'm always a sucker for child fics/baby acquisition fics, especially if they're done well, and, well - this one is definitely done well. It's very cute - it's unfinished, but I still think it's worthwhile to read what's been written so far. The drama of Link not wanting to marry Princess Zelda is also very interesting. 7.5/10 recommendation.

Under the Stars by peterpiez is one of my favorites!! Honestly because it's one of the very few Revalink Linked Universe fics to exist. There's very little active Revalink, given most of it is just Link mourning and being retrospective in response to the lives and loves of the other Links, but I still really enjoyed. This is also unfinished, and I don't see the author ever updating it, but I still would recommend giving it a go.

The Last Song on the Wind by Inked_Jael is another incredible fic. There's so much worldbuilding, and insight to Link's thoughts, I just love this one so much. It's super interesting because it explores the politics and the different cultures of Hyrule. I know second-person style can sometimes throw people off, but I think it works really really well given the story - and also if you keep in mind that it's about Link, just... please read this. Their work needs more love. 10/10 recommendation.

a moment's respite by cottonmouthcandy is another one of my favorites. It's a bit of a sad read, because it's pre-calamity and you know what's coming for the champions in the future, but it's a story where you get to just enjoy with them their little vacation at the beach. It's just sweet, and nice. It's been a while since I've read it, though, so those are more just the vibes that I remember rather than the content of the story itself. 9/10 recommendation.

the wind through the flowers by HopeStoryteller is also just a silly, fun time. The boys go Modulga hunting. 7.5/10 recommendation.

I have more, and I would continue, but I kind of have a class in six hours and I need to sleep before then, so uh... yeah. I hope this satisfies you question!! But honestly please spread the love to these authors their works are just absolutely amazing.

[marvel-starwarsfangirl]

"The Bad Batch" S3 Review- Spoilers

Alright guys, we made it. After 3 years of this lovely show, it has finally come to an end. I definitely plan on doing a review of the entire show and see where it fits with the other big animated shows. However, that will come after my Crosshair Character Study. For now, let's focus on S3. Like Season 2, I'd definitely say it's a solid 8.5/10 for me. Although, S2 might still be my favorite. I honestly think Rebels might be the only show that has a 9/10 final season for me. Look, I loved CW and Siege of Mandalore is phenomenal, but that Ahsoka arc was not it. The final season of TBB has so much I absolutely loved and so much I wished it handled better. So, let's jump right into it!

This season felt so different for me and I definitely know why. The story is much more plot driven than the first two. In the first two seasons, the Batch were more worried about survival and kinda just went on adventures all around the galaxy. The Empire really didn't know where they were so the stakes weren't as high. Crosshair himself was stuck in the Empire meaning he didn't focus on the Batch as much until they crossed paths with him.

S3, however, sees the Batch and Omega specifically being hunted relentlessly. They need to figure out what's going on or else they will never be free. This shift from the Batch galavanting around the galaxy to a more plot driven narrative does change things up. Looking back, I think the creative team just needed more time. S3 has so much going for it and there just isn't time to flesh out the ideas to their fullest potential. That being said, I am overall satisfied with everything they pulled off, especially Crosshair. This show has solidified him as one of my top 3 favorite SW characters and fave clone. He's so well-written and I adore him.

What I loved:

The atmosphere this season was so dark and I loved it. There was a maturity to the ideas and threat level that I honestly really appreciated. Just like Andor, TBB really demonstrates just how monstrous the Empire is. There is nothing that Palpatine won't do in order to achieve total domination and subjugation of the entire galaxy for all eternity. And Hemlock is right there beside him. That man's passion for his craft knows no bounds; it doesn't matter who's strapped to his table. It's so horrifying to think how Tantiss is probably just one of the many, many inhumane and monstrous things the Empire has running. TBB, like Andor, is peak Empire imo. If there was any doubt that this monstrosity could last as long as it did, these two shows erase it.

I also really loved the character relationships, particularly Omega and Crosshair. Their bond is so beautiful and reminiscent of ones I see in my own life. There's nothing Crosshair wouldn't do for her and it fits really neatly with who he is as a person. Omega brings out the best in him, just as she does all her brothers. This season really emphasized how much Omega's brothers have influenced her. Their lessons really come into play by the end of the season. To see her grow from a naive young girl into a mature (but still childish) teenager/pre-teen was beautiful.

Crosshair this season was everything to me. I could be here for hours talking about him. I was beyond thrilled with how they handled him. He has changed so much and this season highlights that growth in every way. Crosshair remains to be the best written character and nothing about him felt OOC. I loved his dynamics with the Batch and Omega. (The hugs were perfect)! I loved how his struggle was something he worked on the entire season; it wasn't just one and done. I love how the themes of trust were woven so perfectly into his story. Crosshair was perfect (I'll touch on the hand thing later). I couldn't have asked for more (except just give me more Crosshair. I will never be tired of him. I could watch a whole show of just him doing stuff).

I don't have a burning desire to punch Hunter anymore. Yay! But in all seriousness, I have developed a soft spot for him. As much as he got on my nerves in S1, I really do appreciate him a lot more. He does care deeply and has a lot he's struggling with.

Echo showing us why he's the ARC Trooper. Seriously, those scenes of him will always live rent free in my head.

Emerie! Really great character and very interesting.

*hides in a corner* Rampart.

The music and animation were phenomenal. Honestly, both were flawless. The music in particular moved me to tears several times. Props to the animators and Kiners because this is some of their finest work yet. That one shot of Crosshair catching CX-2's knife was outstanding.

I also loved the action, seeing the boys fight together, and final shot of the Batch + the epilogue. There is so much I adored in those moments and the rush of emotions I got each time. The epilogue was so personal and I might do a separate write up on it.

The themes of family and hope were also front and center and I loved every second of it. If anyone asks why I love TBB, it's because this is show about family more than anything. The Batch are a family and seeing them learn to be one is so beautiful. It means so much that Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair got to settle down together and raise Omega. It's just beautiful.

What I didn't like:

I wanted more deep convos. Whether it was because of a preference for action or time constraints, the writers just needed to have more deep character emotions and let them sink in. It's why "The Outpost" and Tech's convo with Omega are so well loved; they let us really be with the characters. I wish S3 had more of those moments because they make this show that much better. I just wanted more. And I know this show is capable of that. It sucks knowing what it could've been. So many moments could've hit more had they been given time to breathe or worked in a bit differently.

The way Tech was handled. Hats off for actually keeping him dead. I just wish we got proper closure on that 😐. Although Tech's death looms largely over the Batch, it feels like the writers brushed it off. Why didn't we get a scene of Crosshair learning what happened? I know the time skip implies they all processed Tech's death, but it still felt like something was missing. It felt like the writers expected us to also process it like the Batch and move on. Except, we're not the Batch. We don't know what went on in their heads because they're fictional. The audience relies on the writers to show us that grieving process and we don't get it. It also didn't help that it felt like they were baiting us with CX-2 at times.

Some of the plot lines being dropped for plot/time reasons. Look, I know that it's about the Batch and their journey on becoming a family. However, it felt like more was being set up and it might go no where. One thing I love about TBB in general is how it showed us how the Empire began to change the galaxy the moment Palpatine got what he wanted: total dominance. Clones began to take a stand. Talks of rebellion were already being whispered. I just hope that these storylines revolving around Rex, Riyo, and Echo don't wither away because TBB has ended. Or the Ventress thing. I know they said she'll be back but who knows when that'll happen. I also wanted to know more about the CX Program. That’s what fanfics are for, am I right?

The pacing was brutally fast. This ties into my points about the narrative being more plot driven and lack of time to fully flesh out ideas. It felt like there was almost no room to breathe at times because we jumped from plot point to plot point as each episode progressed. Don't get me wrong, TBB handled this way better than Ahsoka, but I just needed like two more episodes of the boys and Omega running around, ok?

Overall, this season just needed time.

What I am neutral on:

Scorch. Man was done dirty, but I didn't know who he was til this season. Sorry guys. Including him and not giving him anything wasn't a good idea imo though.

Crosshair's hand. I get both sides of the argument, I really do. First off, I'm a sucker for whump. I can't help it. Also, you can say that him losing his hand connects to him severing himself from Tantiss and the pain he went through. But at the same time, Crosshair's trauma isn't going to magically vanish by just chopping off his hand. If anything, it'll just add to the trauma. I applaud the writers for dealing with such a sensitive topic, but from a certain POV the hand chop is a quick fix to a storyline that could've had more substance with another season. I'm neutral on it because again, I see both sides of the argument. I think if we got more of a reaction from Cross, the situation would've been more clear (he was doing some crazy compartmentalization during the back half of the finale, let's be honest here).

Anyways, that's my review of S3 of TBB. Despite it's flaws, this little show still went out on a high note and I am very pleased with it. I love TBB with all my heart and I will hold it cherish it forever. Until next time everyone. I will still be talking about Crosshair and this show, don't worry. No matter what, I will never tire of this beautiful family ❤️

[fountainpenguin]

Riddle watches New Wish - Post #12

Stanky Danky

Me: Huh, Mark's extended family must have stopped dropping by to eat the pollution. Mr. Guzman: There's even trash in space! Me: oh no

I like how Hazel consistently wears her hair covering at night. The first time I heard this show would have a black girl for a protagonist (like a year+ ago), I was really nervous about whether it would be handled well- I'd braced myself for "trying too hard to score diversity points."

I have to say, I've liked the hair style variety within her own family, and I feel like there have been more black background characters than I remember from the OG show (though I didn't go practically frame by frame in the OG like I'm doing for this liveblog).

I didn't say it in "Trial or Hair-or," but I enjoyed how Hazel formed a stronger bond with and love for her hair, as I feel like that would be important to her personal identity. I like how she always wears this hair covering to bed. Little details like that make me feel so much more at ease about something I was really nervous about for what feels like 15 months.

SLKDJFSLDKJF Cosmo and Wanda are still sleeping in separate beds. I mean, that's standard Fairy culture in my 'fics, so it works for me.

Trash monster is nice! Didn't see that coming.

Hazel: I wish he could speak at least a few words? /wish granted and he can speak only a few words

I knew it, Kennueth IS on a cliff in that poster. I'm surprised Hazel had to wish for him to breathe air last episode.

Uh-oh, it's Dimmadome time- WHAT DO YOU MEAN "one-time use helicopter??" Sir, you can't bring that to an event about polluting less and saving the earth! ... Is Dale in there? I have to assume so. I've been missing him.

Me: Aww, Dale looks just like his old self! Awesome, and easier to recognize when he's not panning across the- OH MY GOSH!!! Dale: When I was your age, I spent my Saturdays working in a factory underneath a lemonade stand >:/ (Pulls out photo of him from "Nectar of the Odds"

Sir. SIR!! Do not repeat the abuse cycle with your son!

-> I hate that he just carries this around. Dale, you need to let it go. And maybe sue Vicky, idk.

I'm CRYING, I love how they gave him false teeth. That's hilarious.

The boots... That's a Dimmadome, all right.

Like, on some level I'm glad Doug spoiled him after he was rescued from Vicky's lemonade horror show, but I'm gettin' a bad feeling...

I can only assume this family tells horror stories about Vicky. This is the funniest anti-hero backstory ever. I was also going to treat Dale's torment 100% seriously in 'fic, but this is way more fun.

They are not cutting any corners. They didn't even change his backstory; he literally got tormented underneath a lemonade stand for 7 years. That's the one piece of canon he was given in the OG show and by golly, are they sticking to it.

Did Vicky take over the lemon torture pit from someone else?? Did she start this gig when she was 9? Is she gettin' retconned? Hm.

They definitely do not drink lemonade in the Dimmadome house. Please let me see Hazel offering Dev his first taste. If we don't get that as an episode someday, I'm writing a 'fic.

Dev trying to get out of pollution clean-up day: But... is our company even earth-conscious?

Too funny.

Okay, I've been thinking about it ever since Episode 1, but why didn't Dale get a fairy? I was waving it off under the assumption he'd only been underground for a couple days max, but... with 7 years, now I have questions.

-> Did Vicky move her lemonade kids around? The stand wasn't always on Timmy's front lawn, but... Surely Cosmo or Wanda would've detected him if he WAS under Timmy's lawn for 7 years.

WELP, trash monster's upset there's not gonna be more trash to eat if they clean it all up. I can see the problem. Uh-oh...

Why do I get the feeling that Dale has said "Come to Daddy," to the trash monster more than he's said it to his own son?

Hazel's parents didn't come to the trash clean-up?

sldkfjsdklfj he's still got the boots... I hate him /affectionate.

There is something severely funny to me about how they've made it clear they took inspiration from Dale's canon design, but his adult design lost his fluff and cowlick and has sleeker, professional hair. Something about this feels very correct for this art style because I feel like a lot of the adults have shiny hair without little tufts and decorations. I might redo my adult designs.

Oh, Hazel doesn't even know that's Dev's dad because she didn't see his mental pictures in Episode 1. This keeps getting better. I love how she also said "That guy with the ridiculous boots" after I pointed out the boots. Yes, Hazel, we've been over this... He's a Dimmadome.

Cosmo and Wanda in their apartment again! Just chillin'.

I don't know why I didn't expect Dev's drones to be called Dimmadrones.

Dale to the trash monster: You're like a son to me! Dev in the background:

The moon is still a waxing crescent when you're in space? ... I mean, I guess.

Peace of Pizza

Ya know, I'm surprised we haven't seen the Ya Boix drinks come up more than the fact that Kev sponsors them (mentioned in 2 episodes). I guess it's nice that they were depth for a side character, but that surprises me since they're the first thing you see in the theme song.

Ooh, Dev's in the title card! Where's this going?

I like how Hazel was using Cosmo pencil to stab Wanda eraser. She may have fairies, but she's still a bored schoolkid.

I... I was going to cheer that we had a list of names for classmates, but uh...

The Kindness Chart isn't in alphabetical order. I feel like putting Dev at the bottom was a targeted move.

Or it's reverse alphabetical since she's Hazel Wells and he's Dev Dimmadome.

It's still a waning crescent?

Maybe I'm old-school, but "pea pod aliens" is setting off all my alarm bells.

... Aliens are insisting everyone loves pizza, but what if someone's lactose intolerant?

Okay, since we're just coming off the episode where Dale reminded Dev he was locked underground making lemonade for 7 years, I feel like I don't blame Dev for not trusting anyone?

Like, I get the feeling his dad is emotionally absent, but this might not entirely be his dad's doing. I'm not sure I'd trust people either if my dad got yoinked for 7 years when he was my age.

Especially since Vicky's whole thing is that she's nice until she starts bullying. Yeah... don't trust.

sdfklj, Dev slam-dunking his stuff in the trash can and backflipping away. That's so unnecessarily extra.

Does the news never have anything important to report? ... I'm glad Winn brought up the thought of getting their own pizza, since I was wondering about that myself.

SLKDFJSDF...

Hazel: Dev, I have someone here who wants to talk to you! Dev: What's she doing? The Closer: She's trying to use someone close to you to appeal to your emotions. Dev: ... ?? No one's close to me. wtf. /scene change where Cosmo is dressed as Dev's dad.

Oh, this is gonna go great.

Dev, instantly switching gears after hearing "his father"'s voice through the door: ... Dad? You took off work for this?

Ruh-roh.

-> Wanda can read him like a dog-eared book.

So... She- she's gonna report this to Jorgen, right? I feel like she's supposed to do that. She's gonna tell him this kid is ticking multiple misery boxes, right? She's not just gonna ignore this... Wanda, please.

Not sure how I feel about the running gag that so many adults look like Timmy's adult self from "The Big Problem." Throws me off every time and I wasn't a fan of that design anyway, so it feels weird.

HE'S LACTOSE INTOLERANT, I KNEW IT! ... Well, not really him specifically, but I was on the right track.

Oh, this is terrible. Am I mistaken, or aren't lactose intolerant pills like, $10? Does he know? Does he know.

Dev: I thought lactose-free pizza was just a myth?

Dale, you're a terrible father.

Also, I like how a lot of effort was put into converting their designs to 2D, right down to Dev's yellow zipper stripe:

Okay, that's enough for this post... On to "A New Dev-elopment"!

[kryptonbabe]

Superman: Earth One (2010) by J. Michael Straczynski & Shane Davis: A Review

Clark Kent is a reserved young adult, he's leaving his familiar Smallville for Metropolis, looking to find himself, build a life. With an anguished demeanor and sad eyes he navigates the big city unscathed, but never satisfied. There's a veneer of trauma to the story, Clark talks more with his dead father, Jonathan, than to anyone alive in the book. While his parents are pumped to have a superhero son, Clark just wants to give his mother a good life, after his father's passing, and to belong somewhere, anywhere.

This had so much potential bringing this different perspective to the Superman mythos, exploring all these heavier feelings we are more used to seeing in the origins of characters like Batman or Hulk. The thing is that while Batman and Hulk earn their angst, Clark's behavior feels unjustified. It's never clear how his otherness can be an obstacle, his abilities are always described as achievements, he's easily accepted everywhere he goes. He could be depressed and that would be interesting (what to expect when the most powerful being on the planet is not evil, but isn't hopeful at all?), but that is never really mentioned.

Clark's feelings are exposed in dialogues and monologues, but his wallowing seems out of place, his father's death is not traumatic, he had a healthy relationship with his parents, he's a genius, he's super strong, he can make a lot of money really fast, but hmm, I guess everybody always asks where is Superman, but no one ever asks HOW is Superman. He's just sad, and we must embrace this.

There's also a kind of mall goth / 2010s emo to this art style and dialogue, the moodiness, the angst, the aversion to primary colors, the Welcome to the Black Parade palette of the underdeveloped villain. As an emo kid myself, I'd probably have a much better time reading this in 2012, when all was new and darkness was inherently exciting. But now, as an elderly decaying millennial emo, I just feel like I need more than aesthetics to make me interested in a story, invested in a character.

The freezing cold take of "Clark Kent is the costume of Superman" was already old in 2010, this view was popularized by the Kill Bill vol. 2 movie, released in 2004, and it's an oversimplified perception of the character, one that considers certain aspects of his history while ignoring several others, lacking the nuance a character as old as Superman deserves. It's jarring to hear this coming from Clark's mother, at this point in the story he is not Superman yet, he doesn't even know if he will someday choose to wear the cape. When Martha says "the mask is what you'll have to wear the rest of the time" she's disregarding Clark's humanity, the life he lived so far, the bonds he might develop when he's not in Smallville anymore. All of this belittled in front of the bigger goal: to turn Clark into a Superman.

In the flashbacks the couple seem slightly manipulative, Jonathan and Martha's only subject with Clark is about him becoming Superman, which might explain why the boy feels so on edge, as if deep down he's trying to run away from this fate of becoming an all achieving force of nature their parents want him to become. It's his parents who give him the Superman name, the costume and the idea to become a superhero. Clark has so little agency in this story, acting resigned, his intentions vague, it's frustrating.

On a positive note, I really liked the fact that Superman destroys a giant spaceship on board his baby ship, (even though, how exactly he stops a world invasion happening in multiple locations with multiple vessels by destroying only one single ship is never explained), overall the baby ship was a nice touch, the science fiction logic of it was very interesting too.

Superman Earth One felt like a very hopeless post-9/11 Superman story, surface level deep, moody and often bleak, without any of the positive emotional impact of the character. The art is nice though and emo Clark is cute. But I need to cheer up now. Thanks for reading this!

[shortpplfedup]

Rewatched the episode to organise my thoughts and I really wanted to share my understanding of the emotional journey Pat is going through this ep. I do feel, like @lurkingshan and @ginnymoonbeam in particular have been saying to me, that Pat's journey is sliiiiiiightly harder to follow, and it hinges on the conversation on two levels that he and Jeng have near the middle of the ep (which, more on that in a moment). Like always, this ep could have used a little nip/tuck, and maybe a montage to show the passage of time, but I'd like to present to you...

PAT'S EPISODE 9 EMOTIONS: A STORY

First movement: absolute cringe, totally embarrassed. He was drunk and weeping, hanging off his boss who had to answer his MOM's phone call and get him home. Said boss is also gay which...we're not processing that right now because it adds an entirely new cringe level.

Second movement: starts to think about the fact that JENG IS GAY AND ONLY JUST TOLD HIM which feels like maybe Jeng has been laughing at him a bit and messing him about. Because he thought they were bonding somewhat all this time but Jeng didn't share this when he knows Pat is also gay. Shoves the stuffie in the drawer because he feels betrayed.

Third movement: Here is where things get wibbly because time is clearly passing between the day after the bar and the day Pat's dad shows up, but we don't really understand how much. Pat is actively avoiding Jeng. Jeng is asking Chot where he is, Pat is taking (multiple?) days off...but no idea of when this falls in the timeline so hard to follow the throughline.

Fourth movement: Pat is back at work and clearly DEEP in his feelings, he has been stewing over this for who knows how long at this point (feels more weeks than days or months). Chot is noticing (and likely misunderstanding the source of the churn as a lovers' tiff rather than a not-lovers' tiff). He thought he wouldn't have to see Jeng because Chot is standing in for him at the screening but Jeng shows up and he kind of panics. So he's feeling embarrassed, a little betrayed and like Jeng has been toying with him.

Fifth movement: This is where they have the convo on two levels. I say that because Pat was clearly saying one thing while Jeng was hearing another. Pat is saying: 'stop doing these things because I can't say no when you're sweet to me.' Jeng is hearing: 'stop doing these things because I can't say no when you are my boss.' The language is deliberately vague, and the idea of two meanings could get lost, but the show makes it clear in the two follow up scenes where Jeng and Pat have separate vents about what's happening. Jeng is crying to Jaab that Pat only sees him as a coworker, while Pat is fuming to Jen that Jeng is playing with his feelings. Pat said 'I don't want to misunderstand' and Jeng said 'you're not misunderstanding' and Pat said 'no I must be misunderstanding because it don't even make sense, so leave me alone please.'

Sixth movement: Pat exposits those feelings of being toyed with to Jen, who is like 'solidarity sister, these brothers be doing that.'

Seventh movement: Chot tells Pat Jeng is quitting and that's when Pat starts to realise that maybe the man was Not Fucking Around, but the WHY ME? is strong because Pat is aware that Jeng is An Adult and he is The Hot Mess Express. Then the man plans him a damn birthday celebration but stays away like he asked.

Eighth movement: At this point, Pat is the SpongeBob crab meme. THERE IS JUST TOO MUCH HAPPENING AND HE CANNOT PROCESS IT HE HAS SOMEHOW GOTTEN LOST IN THE SAUCE. He breaks the fuck down and cries to his mommy and daddy, because it's all too much.

Ninth movement: Pat experiences the miracle of birth up close and fucking personal and like many of us cannot believe that a human can actually do that and what the fuck is he actually caught up about. His good sis MADE A PERSON IN THE STREET and then posted it on Instagram like it was light work, and he is skressed because a gay man likes him, another gay man.

Tenth movement: And then Pat gets home and said gay man has sent him a BOX of snacks just because he said he liked them once, and then sends him a text that basically says 'I LIKE YOU DUMMY, SO MUCH, BECAUSE YOU'RE YOU.'

Look, all I'm saying is my man Pat went on a journey ok?

[urdepressedslut]

Stray ❝part eight❞

♡ Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader/The Winter Soldier x Fem!Reader

♡ Summary: An unexpected visitor comes knocking at the door, both you and Bucky freak out.

♡ Warnings: angst, fluff, paranoia, bucky being so freaking adorable im gon cry

Part 9

You had believed that you were far from a good person. That you were the monster you had been labeled as, the demon that lived on this land. Years of manipulation and torment had been tearing at your foundation, around the core of who you were. The walls crumbling, the lies sneaking through the cracks. You were confident that you had fallen onto the exact path that your parents had paved for you. You had gone from nights of sickness and denial, to swallowing the new truth. The reality hitting that you were a monster.

You had almost gotten comfortable with the idea of being an abomination. Until he showed up.

Bucky was somehow able to just appear and immediately start to change the way your brain had been training you to think. He was able to make you feel useful— feel like you could do good. His presence allowed you to prove to yourself that you were capable of being righteous.

He had you doubting even the most secure thoughts, almost sending you into a personal reset, your label erased completely. The spot blank, letting you decide who you wanted to be.

It was overwhelming to think of a single person being the cause of it all. This only had you realizing just how starved you had lived, craving the needs you never even knew existed.

Where you lacked comfort, protection and validation— Bucky provided, and for that you were unable to express fully how appreciative you were. Mostly because you didn’t understand any of it, you weren’t able to understand what you were feeling, when you had gone all your life living without it.

It was a strong attachment, in a way you depended on him for things you felt you were missing. But in the sense that it may be bad thing, you would gladly provide the needs he was missing, selfless in the act that you both needed each other.

It was always unspoken, but there was something fermenting within the bond. The lines crossing between friends to something profound.

You were terrified, but didn’t shy too far away. Meanwhile, Bucky was unsure— his ability to trust someone that deeply, scarred.

He trusted you completely in the sense that he’d let you hold a loaded gun to his head, knowing you wouldn’t dare twitch a finger on the trigger. But trusting someone that intimately was a wall he never thought he’d have to break down. Honestly, he wasn’t sure how.

You were only haunted by the idea. The dreadful clock counting down the days until Bucky switched, just as your parents did— because if your own blood could do it. What was stopping him?

There were so many invisible obstacles that stood in each others path, attempting to shield the other away, in fear of knotting the tie that had been stringing them together.

Confessing to Bucky had been a relief— yet horrifying. The weight was lifted off your chest, but with its absence came a new force. There was something so intimate about someone knowing every detail about you— every flaw. The stolen glances more intense now that he knew the real you. The air now thick with tension, in slight fear that he would ask questions.

Though you’d care if he tried to pry, you would also respect his want to dig. He deserved that.

Bucky didn’t know he could ever find someone so similar to him. It was a relief in a sense that he wasn’t alone, and someone else out there could understand him to a deeper level. But then there was the guilt, the waves of empathy knowing just what you’ve been through, the pain and suffering that you didn’t deserve.

Although he didn’t know your full story at the start, he knew you were different, and that you were alone. Maybe that’s why he felt so drawn to you— so comfortable.

All in all, you were two different leaves from the same tree.

Despite the pain— the old wounds that had been opened. He felt at ease, watching your silhouette reflect off the water. The ripples tickling your shins, blue splashing when you kicked your feet. The sun set surrounded you in a golden glow, the beams reflecting off your face in an angelic manner.

It wasn’t the first time he had thought of this, but it was the first time he welcomed the thought so willingly.

You were beautiful.

For now, he would blame it on his memories being spotty, but he just couldn’t remember the last time he saw someone so captivating.

He admired your strength. He respected the way you carried yourself, willing to stay positive through all the horrid moments. He hardly thought that you were weak, not believing any of your attempts to convince him. You were stronger than most, exposing your physical and mental scars to him. You were still here— that alone proved your solidity.

Bucky had given you space, time to let your mind drift. He felt you needed some time with a blank mind, after digging up memories.

After awhile of watching you from afar, he made his way towards you. Keeping his steps loud and clear, not wanting to spook you.

You heard his presence, the mere force of his footsteps enough to send vibrations into the ground. Before you’d try to bury your true self— masking the pain from him as he approached. Now you waited for him to come closer, continuing to carry a dull expression. It was refreshing not having to hide from him anymore.

Bucky lowered himself to the edge of the bank, positioning himself where his thigh brushed against yours. His touch already slowing your racing mind.

“You okay?” He murmured, his hand twitching— aching to hold yours.

You noticed his hand jolt. You slid your palm over your thighs, intertwining your fingers with his. Immediately he relaxed, melting from your touch.

“I’m better when you’re with me.” You admitted, watching his eyes soften.

“Then I’ll always be with you.” He countered, causing your heart to stutter.

Looking down in sudden shyness, you took a deep breath, focusing back on the water.

“Thank you for being so understanding. You shouldn’t be, but I’m so happy that you are. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you ended up leaving me.” You spoke out to the stream.

Bucky could detect your solemn tone, giving your hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance.

“I’m not going to leave you.” He told you confidently.

“You’re allowed to leave if you want, I won’t force you to stay. It’s always your choice.” You reminded him dreadfully, a knot forming in your stomach.

He smiled at your last words.

It’s always your choice.

It was quick after he opened up about HYDRA, and all the things he was forced to do— well all the things he remembers. You had reminded him for months that he was in control, you were constant in making sure he knew he had a choice in anything and everything. It was small gestures like that that made him admire you, seeing you care that deeply for him, he felt special.

“I know. I’m choosing to stay.” He told you, hoping you’d quit your convincing that he should leave you.

Your eyes met his again, holding his carefully as if you were searching for a lie within them.

“If you’re sure.”

“I am.” He whispered, gazing at you so intensely you wanted to look away but found yourself unable to.

The knot that had been forming in your stomach previously quickly switched to fluttering butterflies. Your whole body started to buzz, a hot flash covering you skin with a thin layer of sweat.

You were puzzled at your body’s reaction to him, but soon after the uncomfortable wave, came a nagging itch that needed to be scratched. A certain thirst that had never been quenched.

“Okay.” You put out, barely audible.

Despite the obvious tension that seemed to be brewing— you both felt secure.

~

At last, the sun had set completely. Both you and Bucky headed back to the house, hand in hand.

The gesture was more for their own comfort, but otherwise didn’t think too deeply into it.

He had mentioned something about food, and you couldn’t deny to yourself that you were hungry. So that’s where you found yourself, in the kitchen making waffles for dinner— with Bucky sitting at the island, waiting and watching you of course.

Soon, the two of you were digging into the soft, warm waffles. A pleasant silence filling the space as you two ate.

A particular bite had Bucky moaning in delight, unaware he let the noise escape him.

You couldn’t help the giggle that bubbled up. Your hand flew to your mouth, desperately trying to keep the waffles within your cheeks. The giggle shifted into a laugh, and you painfully swallowed your mouth full of waffles.

Bucky was snapped out of his euphoric moment when he heard the sounds of you struggling. Glancing over to you, he couldn’t control the twitch at the corners of his mouth when he saw your cheeks red, face scrunched up in joy.

Finally you let your soft laugh sound through the room, knowing you’d been caught.

“What?” He asked genuinely, a small smirk etched on his face.

“Nothing, nothing. Sorry I interrupted your little moment there.” You teased. You tried to calm yourself down before it shifted into a full blown laugh attack.

He was still confused, but found your smile to be contagious. Your face glowing with genuine happiness, his heart seemed to speed up at the sight.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

His words only spurred on another giggle, you couldn’t control yourself suddenly.

Bucky furrowed his brows at your laughs at nothing, and only smiled wider. It was only seconds later that he was joining in, your laugh also contagious. It was a rush of serotonin that had his brain clear for just a moment, and he realized.

He didn’t remember the last time he laughed.

He was addicted to the light sound of your giggles. It was becoming a tune that he wished he could hear forever.

You felt a rush of endorphins rush through your brain at the sound of his bellowing echoing through the space.

Although the sounds were completely different, you couldn’t help but let your mind wander to your brother— Tommy. Flashing images of easier times, while it was lived short, you still held onto those memories tightly.

You finally gained control of yourself, silencing your laughter. Your stomach cramped, your muscles tight from overuse. But it was worth the soreness, the lightness in which your body felt. The pleasant buzzing the filled your mind.

A knocking sounded from the front door, startling you, making you tense up. But soon, the feeling of panic began to drift.

It’s all in your head.

You began to internally chant to yourself, almost soothing the feeling completely until Bucky’s voice broke through the haze.

“Someone’s at the door.” He whispered, his body stiff. Immediately his demeanor shifted, going from playful to defensive.

Your body reacted similarly, shaking your head in disbelief— shocked that there was actually someone here. For a second you were about to dismiss the sound as a part of your imagination.

“I thought you said no one knew about this place.” He pushed, gently grabbing your arm to guide you to safety— which was by his side.

“That’s not possible…” You mumbled to yourself, heartbeat erratic with anxiety.

“(Y/n)… I heard it too. This is real.” He assured you, knowing the tricks your mind could play on you.

With a nervous swallow, you attempted to grasp onto the severity of the situation. You could wonder how later, now was the time to react.

The waffles were long forgotten.

A part of you felt relieved that Bucky was here to remind you what was real. Letting you know what was illusions and what wasn’t.

“Go upstairs.” He told you, leading you to the base of the stairwell.

Shaking your head, you tried to halt your movements.

“No— If it’s a cop at the door and he recognizes you… It could be bad. Remember how close you are to DC. You aren’t taking that risk, let me answer it.” You argued, beginning to turn to make your way to the door.

That was until Bucky pulled you back, not releasing your arm.

“No. I’ll be fine— now go upstairs.” He emphasized, his head motioning towards the second floor.

A couple knocks sounded again at the door, the air seemed to get thicker with tension. Sweat beads found their way to your skin, your body hot with panic.

“I’m not taking that risk,” You whisper shouted, “I don’t want them to take you away.”

Your confession had Bucky softening his gaze, releasing a breath he didn’t know he was holding in.

“I don’t wanna lose you.” He admitted quietly, the thought of you in danger too much for his mind to handle.

You understood how he was feeling, because you felt the exact same way. But it wasn’t up for discussion, he was the one being hunted. No one cared enough to seek you out.

Calming yourself, you grabbed ahold of both his hands, squeezing them tight in a promise.

“You’re not going to lose me Buck, I just need to answer the door. See what they want— and then they’ll leave.” You explained, holding his eyes with intensity. “I just need you to wait upstairs until they leave. Okay?”

Bucky was not okay with this at all, he was boiling up with panic, angered at whoever stood on the other side of the door. He knew you were right, and the sensible side of him fought over what he really wanted.

Staring at your interlocked hands, he reminded himself that he’d just be upstairs. Close enough in case anything were to happen to you.

Bucky nodded stiffly, watching your shoulders relax in triumph.

“Okay, now go.” You whispered, escaping from his secure grip on you.

Bucky’s breath hitched in his throat, the feeling of your hands slipping from his stinging. Without another word, he headed upstairs.

You took several deep breaths in, releasing them slowly through pursed lips— attempting to slow your racing heart. Your clammy hands smoothed down your dress, adjusting the material near your shoulders. Making it to the door, you did one more scan of the space, before you slowly opened the door.

Peeking through the crack, you locked eyes with older, cloudier ones. Relaxing only slightly, from what seemed to be an unlikely threat, you opened the door fully.

“Uh… Hi, can I… help you?” You greeted politely, failing at keeping confusion from your tone.

The gray haired woman smiled, her features lacking suspicion.

“I’m here for Mrs. (Y/L/n)— your Mother perhaps. She hasn’t been in town for awhile, was just checking in and personally I miss her dearly.” The woman expressed. “I’m Donna, old friend of hers.”

You couldn’t help the knot that formed in your stomach at the mere mention of your Mother.

Donna’s smile vanished quickly, scrunching her face up in confusion.

“This is… this is the right address I hope.” She thought out loud, tilting her head slightly to peek inside the house. “You’re (Y/n), right?”

“Yes, yes. Uh she’s not here… She’s… On a trip— vacation.” You lied, hating the way you couldn’t even convince yourself.

You wanted to ignore the fact that she knew your name, finding it odd that you had never met this woman until today. Was it possible that your Mother mentioned you to her? Why?

The gray haired woman shifted to a smirk, laughing lightly to herself.

“Oh silly me,” She paused, “Wait… they’re on vacation without you?”

You let out the breath you were holding in, thinking she was onto your lies.

“I’m fine… was upset at first but, I got over it.” You lied easier this time.

“Here all by yourself? Would you like company dear? It’s so lonely out here.” She offered, her concern genuine.

“No thank you.” You declined her offer politely.

“It’s really no trouble, I didn’t have much to do anyway.” She insisted, attempting to take a step inside the doorway.

Alarm bells started sounding inside your head, the situation becoming uncomfortable.

“Really I’m fin—”

“Don’t be so rude, invite me in!” She raised her voice, making you flinch back.

Whether it was your eyes playing bc tricks on you, but this woman looked awfully familiar to your Mother, and trust— that was a bad thing.

She looked around in embarrassment, and tried to sneak another peek at the inside of the house, but otherwise played it off by just glancing around nervously.

“Uh… Apologies. I’m never that pushy uh…” She trailed off, taking a step away from the door, “I should go.”

Her voice quieted to a whisper at the end, and without another word from either of you, she was walking down the steps. You kept your eyes trained on her until she was disappearing from your view.

A nagging feeling in your gut had you feeling nauseous, the alarm bells still ringing within your head. The so sudden and odd interaction over as soon as it had started.

How could something be so familiar, yet completely mysterious?

Finally backing into the house, you slammed the door, securing the locks. You couldn’t stop yourself from peeking out the windows, searching for her lingering figure. But found nothing.

Thundering footsteps sounded from the stairs, you stayed calm, knowing Bucky’s walking pattern by now.

Turning towards him, you were unprepared for him making his way to you in such a haste. His hands immediately hovered over you, his eyes searching your frame.

“You okay? Who was it? Did they hurt you?” Bucky rushed out in panic.

It was then you realized how stressed he looked, pupils blown in fear.

“Hey, hey! Buck, I’m alright,” You told him, “Just a friend of my Mothers.”

His eyes widened at the mention of your Mother. You could still see the fear lingering in his eyes, so you held onto his hand— in hopes it’d calm him.

“What did she want?”

“She wanted to see my Mother.” You replied, rubbing your thumb across the back of his flesh hand.

He nodded, shoulders losing their tension, gently holding onto your hand tighter.

“What did you tell her?”

“That she’s on vacation… I think she believed me.” You hoped, the last thing you needed was another visitor.

“You did good. Do you think she’ll be back?” He asked dreadfully, concerned now that she may stop by whenever.

“I’m not sure. It has been a while since she’s seen my Mother last, I wonder why she picked now to visit. Seems random… and just odd.” You admitted, the gut feeling never fully vanishing.

“Odd how?” He questioned, giving your hand a squeeze.

“I can’t really explain it but— just trust me on this okay?” You pleaded, needing to know he was on your side completely. You knew that already though.

Bucky nodded, encouraging you to continue. He wished you would quit doubting him all the time. He wished you could see how much he trusts you.

“I just got this feeling… A bad feeling,” You explained, “She just made me super uncomfortable, despite her being nice most of the visit. I mean, she seemed annoyed that I wouldn’t invite her in, but I felt uncomfortable even before that.”

Bucky nodded along as he listened, wishing he could ease all your anxieties.

“I’ve never seen her before, until today— but she seemed so familiar… it was creepy,” You thought out loud, “You probably think I’m nuts.”

Mumbling to yourself at the end, you all of a sudden felt embarrassed. Forcing yourself to believe you were just seeing things— feeling things. How much of today was real and what was in your mind?

“I don’t think that,” Bucky grunted, “I believe you and I think you’re smart to listen to what your gut is telling you.”

You nodded in agreement. Bucky grew all shy all of a sudden, staring at your locked hands.

“Thank you for protecting me… No one’s ever done that for me before.” He admitted, pulling you closer.

Your heartbeat started pounding, his hand suddenly burning your skin with intensity. You could feel blood rush into your cheeks, skin flushed with a thin layer of sweat. The closer you were pulled towards him, the more he towered over you, his bulky frame engulfing you.

You went to respond, but your voice got caught in your throat at the sight of his lips parting. His head began to lean down, his eyes jumping back and fourth from your eyes to your lips. His look held something of hunger— lust. Which to you was all unknown.

The faintest touch of your front to his was overwhelming. The heat sinking into your body, the two of you connecting.

Bucky gasped, despite him initiating the contact— he couldn’t fathom the way your body fit so perfectly against his. It was almost as though his craving for your touch has been satisfied, his itch soothed for a moment.

You watched his face with wide eyes. Your chest rising and falling, rubbing up against his muscular front. You let a rush of air escape your lips when you caught his head leaning closer to yours. You catching his gaze staring at your lips with desire.

Bucky watched as your tongue snuck out to wet your flushed lips, your breath quick and heavy— warming his face. He felt trapped in a trance, his body moving on instinct. Closer he inched, feeling your hands fist into his shirt. Your nails scraped through the material, the sensation over his pecks causing goosebumps to erupt over his skin.

You felt high off his scent, his musk intoxicating. The sight of his plump lips near yours had you shutting your eyes. You had no clue how to do this, this territory was untouched. For a second, you were scared.

A startling smack against the front window had you and Bucky jumping, both leaning away from each others faces. Without planning to, you both glanced to the window. The sight had both of you confused and at a loss for words.

The window was painted with blood, smoky feathers scattered amongst the red.

TAGLIST: @zonkie-bee @tortilla-maria1 @lizslibrary @sebastians-love @xiaosluvr @navs-bhat @ragingrainbowshipl @delicatecapnerd @buckybarnesandmarvel @viperchick47 @hunitweet @vixi-3303 @buckyb-stan @happinessinthebeing @mirtaqueen @blog-the-lilly

[crypticjackal13]

i've noticed how there's been lots of family related content going on here 👀👀 so if you don't mind me keeping the train going, may i request a (separate) mayor, SWK, macaque, syntax and nezha with an s/o who is a single parent ?? and maybe s/o has a child that was shy and a bit awkward towards them at first meeting because s/o's kid didn't know what to feel knowing that their parent is dating someone, yet overtime after they hanged out more often, they slowly warm up to the boys and even started to admire, and like them where it's gotten to the point where the child was comfortable, and happy enough to be with them that they calls them 'dad' ??? 🥺

Anon I like the way you think 🤩

Also I may or may not have gotten ahead of myself and added MK and Redson because I'm still on a roll from the parent scenarios >:00

MK, SWK, Macaque, Nezha, Mayor, and Syntax x Single Parent!Reader (moreso platonically talking Abt their kid!)

MK

The best with kids! He finds it very easy to engage with you and your child :)

Also pretty protective of you and them. Not helicopter-level but still worries a substantial amount

He understands that the child may not like him at first, but he still tries! No matter what age they are, he finds a way to entertain them!

If the child is able and willing to be picked up, he does. Holds them in his arms, on his shoulder, piggyback rides—you name it

He also tries to take some stress off of you when he can. If you’re helping the child with some homework, he’s fine with tidying up a bit around the house

When the kid starts warming up to him, he has the time of his life as they talk to each other about their interests. He definitely passes along his favorite stories about Monkey King

Cries when the kid calls him “dad”. Like omg it’s like a waterfall ;-; he’s so happy

10/10 he’s super fun to be around and always has a treat for them

SWK

He’s very good with children, but he never pictured having one himself. Now that he’s with you he’s a little more open to connecting with them

No idea what to do at first. Probably freezes up but still tries to talk

You’ll have to nudge them both to start socializing

He begins by telling them simple stories from his life—nothing about the violence or bad parts of the journey, but probably others like how he became immortal

Allows the kid to gently play with his ears and tail. He wants them to lead, to size him up, bc he’s afraid of being too rough with them

When the child starts being more open with him he starts being more open too. He acts more like a dad during this time

Loves the little family dynamic he has with you now. He looks forward to seeing your kid, he looks forward to bonding with you both

Stims SO hard when the child refers to him as their dad. Like yes!! That’s him!!!!!

9/10 just because he would probably think in the mindset of “ok this is a baby monkey”

Macaque

He can tolerate kids. But he hasn’t had to worry about being around them a whole lot ever since leaving FFM. That being said, he is terrified of messing up

He treats them like they’re made of glass. You’ll have to encourage him a lot—he reminds himself that this isn’t just some stranger, it’s your child.

The one thing he masters very quickly is bedtime. He loves telling stories and playing with the shadows to help lull the child to sleep :)

Really good at helping you and the child with a daily routine. He’s 100% there to pick them up from school, he goes to the parent-teacher conferences with you, heck, he’s not half-bad at homework.

Once the two are closer, he offers up the idea of training them to do karate or some kind of martial arts. It’s a great bonding experience.

So patient with them. If the child ever shows signs of needing space or time to figure something out, he steps back. He makes it clear he is willing to help and then lets things play out.

Really good at pretend play. The best French waiter impression in the pretend restaurant :)

When he is referred to as “dad” he realizes he’s in for the long haul and is SO okay with it.

10/10 shows up in a shadow portal at their school to drop off their lunch

Nezha

Man’s is going into this knowing very little about modern kids. But like everything else he’s done, he’s gonna put all the effort he can into it.

Probably really formal about it? The kid is so confused and actually laughs at him a little

You have to give him tips here and there. Like, no, they don’t know complex arithmetic yet, don’t bond with them over a conversation about it?

He likes being active with them. Trips to the park, simple backyard games like tag or hide and seek—it’s honestly super nice and relaxing for him and he likes seeing them energetic and ready to chase him

He’s really intelligent about many subjects, so he’s probably the best out of all of them for homework or studying.

He picks them up from school using his fire wheels and the kid LOVES it

He reads those parenting books if he feels the need to or if he needs serious guidance, but more often than not he comes to you for advice

Acts like it’s no big deal that he gets called “dad” but on the inside he’s jumping for joy

9/10 the kid has to educate him on what My Little Pony is because he has no idea about modern media

Redson

So so so afraid of messing up. His childhood was rough in every sense of the word; with his powers having to be toned down by a whole lot and then his own father being sealed beneath a mountain with his mother left to raise him alone. He wants your kid to have a good childhood.

He’s very practical. He doesn’t imagine a whole lot and this leads to a lot of dead-end conversations with your kid.

Eventually he says “screw it” and not only reads a ton of parenting books but also decides to go along with any tangent or question the child presents him with

It’s entertaining to watch them try to figure each other out

More than anything Redson likes to try and cook meals for you all. He’s got fun-shaped pancakes down to a T.

Definitely hypes the kid up at school. Drops them off and picks them up in his coolest vehicles, puts their best grades and projects on the fridge

He likes having the kid meditate with him every once in a while, just to show them how to just be.

Like Nezha, acts very casually at being called dad. But he will cry as soon as the child is out of earshot

9/10 he “accidentally” teaches the child to refer to their classmates as peasants.

Mayor

He’s a busy man by default. But he’s learning to balance everything as he spends more time with you and eventually is introduced to your child

Before anything, he reads the books and consults anyone on his staff with kids. He talks to you as well. How should he talk to them? What do they like? Is there a certain food they enjoy?

Cool, calm, collected. Waits very patiently for the child to assess him and answers any questions they have.

He involves himself in their school stuff. Very attentive to the quality of teachers, how the child is doing in their classes. Second most useful in helping them with work(first being Nezha).

Takes the kid with him to work every once in a while to show them around. The most dad-like out of all of them. In appearance, in attitude, and of course in jokes.

After a particularly dumb pun, the child laughs and says “dad that’s so bad!” And this man FREEZES

Cries about it to you, is so happy to be accepted by your child and have you both in his life

10/10 he owns a #1 Dad mug now :)

Syntax

Listen I love a scientist spider as much as the next guy but I cannot see him liking kids. It’ll take a lot of effort on your part to get both him and your child to hang out with each other

He’s hesitant, he isn’t sure what kids even like, so he makes a peace offering of sorts. He shows them his software where he can code games and what not

It’s interesting to the kid so they end up talking with him about video games and science for a while

Slowly but surely they get along really well! Syntax really does try his best because it’s for you, and in the end he can’t honestly say he doesn’t love your child too

Very engaging when it comes to schoolwork, he finds it easy to explain things in a simpler or more entertaining way than the dumb directions do!

Before long he’s actually offering to take care of the kid while you’re busy or pick them up from school. It’s the highlight of his day when they hop in his car and show him the high score they got on a science project because he helped them!

(Takes them for ice cream after because OBVIOUSLY this is a very momentous occasion)

Shocked when they call him dad. He never thought he’d be deserving of that title, or even of that position, but he’s been doing it all along and he’s proud to call them his child as well as yours.

8/10 rough patches here and there but he’s got the effort!

[unfortunately-obsessed]

Saying that I hate Nolan's Batman in a room full of man just to feel something

But here's a random list of my rating of different Batman that nobody asked because I love giving my opinion

The Dark Knight Trilogy: Solid Batman, hate the Bruce Wayne. Brucie, the public persona, is supposed to be a bimbo that cares for the city, not a rude arrogant prick that sinks the Wayne name. It completely butchered his relationship with Harvey too for... *checks notes* Rachel? Nahhh 2/10, a male fantasy movie but it gets one point for showing his training years and another for some cool one-liners

The Batman (2022) – I love the movie and that's top Batman to me, especially the last scene. Batman is a symbol of hope, compassion. I had the same problem as the Nolan's one for the larger portion of the movie: instead of using the Wayne Inc. to do good, he doesn't care about his parent's heirloom and drowns into being Batman. HOWEVER, it's pretty clear how raw and wounded he still is, and after the whole Riddler deal, I can see him turning this around and doing good as Bruce Wayne too. My fav live action movie but it gets a 8.5/10 on characterization

The Long Halloween, Comic – classic Batman, I like his personality and how he lets Batman and Bruce work together to do better to the city. A inspiration for the 2022 movie too. 9/10

The Long Halloween, Tomorrowverse – butchered the storyline and I shit you not Bruce says "I never thought I would need to do detective work to be Batman". Made him all muscle and no brain. Cool art but it doesn't even get a point for it, couldn't bring myself to watch more than 20 minutes of the part two. I kinda liked how he acts with Selina though. Yet, keeps it at -10/0

The Arkham Games – I watched the Arkham Knight gameplay like it was a movie and then watched scenes from other games on yt. That's the ideal way Batman operates to me. Thing dreams are made of. Also balanced on his public facade. 9/10

Batman The Animated Series, Timmverse – can't ask for better. Always offering rehabilitation to villains? Showing empathy for freeze and ivy and Harley!? and his friendship with Harvey? 10/10

Justice League: Unlimited – The timmverse gets him right and I love to notice how he progressed as a character. Love how they write Bruce's friendship with Clark and true partnership with other Leaguers. Also love his relationship with Diana, wonderbat forever. 10/10

Batman, Tv animation (2004) – The story is tailored to be palatable to kids so they changed some elements. It's fun to watch tho, 7/10

Batman Vs. Superman – guilt-ridden, PTSD older Batman? Pretty solid on the premise and I could see any Batman acting that way with enough groundwork. I just don't like the whole marking criminal and sending them to prison to die. Bruce wouldn't, doesn't matter how grief stricken he is. 8.8/10

Gotham (Tv Series) – Eh. Young chaotic Bruce. The focus of the series is on the villains and I didn't even pay too much attention to him tbh. I love a disaster teenager Bruce tho, 7.6/10

Young Justice – Gets points for bonding with Dick earlier in the series and for later showing him operating with a larger Batfam. Also accurate on the way Batman operates. He would leave the League because he's not about being part of a society or the status that come with it. The League had a purpose, which was facilitating saving people. Than he couldn't save people with it? He left. 9/10

Superhero Girls – exploring him being Kardashian-level celebrity?? Hilarious. But I don't like the other implications the show makes about him as Batman. 3/10

The Killing Joke, animated movie – something about how he acts throws me off. Older Batman but done badly. I think they don't work enough to drive him to murder. Should have left him kill Joker when Jason died. 2/10

Ninja Batman – The writers had LSD to write it. Insane. Hilarious. Didn't like that he was "oooh I don't have tech what will I do? :(" Batman is a survivalist so be for real. 4/10

Year Zero (comic) – hate that buzz cut. He wouldn't. Otherwise solid. Also another inspo to 2022 movie. 6/10

Year One (comic) – classic backstory, can't ask for anything else on personality matter. The fact he hallucinated a bat while he was concussed and thus made himself Batman because he thought it was rad? Peak characterization. 10/10

Harleen (comic) – He's not the focus of the story but I do love when they show how much sheer power the Wayne name carries. He has a steady hand over Gotham, a background influence constant and unwavering. Also that dialogue on the end where he's blaming himself for everything that happened even though it's not his fault? Yeah, it tracks. 9/10

Turning Points (comic) – the way he acts... He's such a theater kid. Also accurate on how Robin happened and I love he doesn't try to fight Gordon but humbly accepts Jim is going to hunt him if something happens to Robin. 9/10

There's a black and white one shot comic that Dan Mora made that I can't rember the name but?? Bruce adopting Jason, Dick and Tim in one go?? Can't go wrong for me. I am also not immune to how Mr. Mora draws Bruce. 100/10

The goal of this year is to watch more timmverse and read more comics with the batkids

[ahkylous]

Drifting Stars Masterlist

I have never made a post like this, I have no clue what I'm doing, let's go!

SO, drifting stars is one of the best Gravity Falls au's in my unprofessional opinion. But unfortunately, fanfictions are hard to come by, not to mention finished ones. But lucky for you I have way too much time on my hands and have managed to hunt down all drifting stars fanfics on Ao3 that I can find and make one masterpost of all the ones I think are worth your time.

This is gonna be in a general order of least favourite to favourite.

I’m Afraid of the Dark (But I’m Obsessed with Ideas) by TiredWriter810. - oneshot, 910 words, 1/?

So far there's only one of these oneshots and due to what I'm calling The Drifting Stars Curse, I have doubts that there will be any more. I thought it was cute, it's quick so there's not much plot but it has potential.

Ten Years by FullmetalReborn - standalone, 9 753 words, 2/?

This takes place after Mabel and Ford get back, which is one of my favourite concepts. It focuses on Dipper and Mabels relationship and is very realistic in that sense. Despite what the chapters say, this one is finished, or at least ends on a note that can be considered finished.

A Broken Star by Aceofstars16 - oneshot, 1 401 words, 1/1

This one was also set after Mabel and Ford get back and focuses on their relationship, it was just really sweet. It was a little cliché and almost too much for me in terms of comfort (that’s on me guys, in reality it’s not that much I just have issues) but still deserves to be on this list.

Stars Aren't the Only Things That Glitter by NovelistServant - oneshots, 10 465 words, 4/4

These are written really well, the first one is by far the best but the others are still worth a read. This one is finished since they are oneshots but unfortunately leave you wanting more. But again, the first one is amazing.

An Encounter While Breaking Out of Prison by  amadscientistapproaches - 2nd part of a series, 10 074 words, 2/4

This fanfic is not entirely a drifting stars one and is a crossover with Dimension Jumper AU where an oc that I have mixed feelings about is introduced. This part specifically does not mention her but if that au is your thing then read the first part before this one. I just loved the writing style and the whole prison chaos.

OSAS - Main Story, Prologues, Epilogues, and More by LesbianLucretia - series (3 parts), 24 890 words, 1/1, 1/1, 4/?

This one is different to the stereotypical drifting stars idea and I was so there for it, it's nice to see people being creative since it is the multiverse and anything can hadplen. Essentially Mabel doesn't find Ford and has to survive by herself for some amount of years before finding him. The last story got me hooked and I wanted very badly to see how Ford and Mabel's relationship developed but of course, the curse.

What Matters More by RamblesandDragons - oneshot, 3 067 words, 1/1

I loved this oneshot, it was well written and just generally had a good storyline. It's stereotypical in the sense that something bad happens to Mabel but I dont care I still liked it. I feel like the ending could have been done better but don't let that put you off of reading it.

A Shooting Star May Fall by Yatzstar - standalone, 29 479 words, 8/?

This was actually really good, and somewhat adorable. The plotline had so much potential with Bill and everything, there was a level of the story there that I haven't seen before yet alone considered when it comes to drifting stars. It does end on a cliffhanger but there are still some really good Mabel and Ford bonding scenes throughout so do check it out.

Mabel's Guide to The Multiverse by PresidentStalkeyes - oneshot, 6 545 words, 1/1

I loved this. I loved this so much. It was so awesome and written in a way that just makes it so much cooler and more interesting. I love the idea of Mabel getting her hands on a camera and Ford doing his best at being a good uncle. It was just so unexpectedly good.

Drifting Stars by the_subpar_ghost - standalone, 33 003 words, 15/?

This. This is the fic that started it all. This is the fic that I read in two nights and then cried over because it's not finished. Not only did it start it all but it's also just so good. Even if it wasn't the og I would still put it high up on this list. I owe everything to the_subpar_ghost.

Senior Season by orphan_account - standalone, 85 549 words, 18/29

I have no words for this. I would die for this fanfiction, everything about it is just *chefs kiss*. The characterisation of Mabel and Ford, the funny little quotes and comments the two make, everything they do when they travel around the multiverse just showing how long they've been out there. It even mentions things I have never heard mentioned ever in a fanfiction. It's so honest and funny and addicting and I would jump in front of a bullet to save this fanfiction. The cliffhanger does suck but I found it somewhat bearable since I can kinda see where it ends up going. But this is it, this is the fic that outshines them all.

I legally cannot have an opinion on these last ones since I haven't finished/started reading them but I'll put them here anyway.

Ad Astra by Queen_Mab - standalone, 103 406 words, 18/?

So far, I think this fic is good. The story is well developed and so are some of the characters which is more I can say for a lot of fanfictions I have read in my lifetime. I am only on chapter 9 so I still have a fair bit left but Mabel is just so adorable in this and there is a lot going on back at Gravity Falls and I'm so into it.

The Drifting Star by Booblybaba - standalone, 35 337 words, 15/?

So I have not started reading this one yet but when I came across it I checked the ending to see if it was on a cliffhanger and if I should bother reading it. Lo and behold, it ended on a cliffhanger, but I still have hopes for this since the writing style looks really good and with that many chapters there's sure to be some good Ford and Mabel content.

So yeah! Feel free to add any fanfics I might have missed. I don't mean to offend anyone, this is just what I personally thought while reading some these and if you disagree then that's fine.

Also there's a part two of this list now, whaaaat?!?!??!

[magadauthan]

Ep 9: Murder Machine

Aaaaand now for the @trigun98watchparty, we get into what makes Trigun, Trigun. Come for the dumbassery, stay for the trauma.

Cue the entrance of Nicholas D. Wolfwood, wandering priest, and his gloriously bare chest.

--Vash can dish out the whining, but he can't sure take it. Milly is the champion, as the baby of the family. "Pay for our bus fare or I'll hate you! and btw can I have ice cream?"

--oh my lord, Meryl, you are so mean to that poor man. Punch count: 3; insult count: 2 - and then you and Milly steal his water.

--WW's Kansai accent is usually coded in English as Southern. It's probably a good thing the dub didn't tackle that, because it would have been distracting, but wouldn't WW with a Boston or a Chicago accent have been amazing? Come on, the Blues Brothers are right there! (hmmmm... there are an awful lot of similarities between Elwood and Wolfwood...)

--Ah, the portable confessional. Add another notch to the "items seen once and never again" tally.

--Boob shot!

--WW's cold read regarding Vash's empty eyes and hurting on the inside is less impressive when you consider that he has more information than he lets on.

--look at his stupid dress shoes, Tristamp nailed that shit, didn't they lol

--"Why doesn't anything nice ever follow you?" F*ck around and find out, Meryl

--"Did we just become best friends?" "Yep!"

--even the kid thinks you two are a couple of dipshits, seriously

--All of this worthlessness is what Tristamp was missing. Vash and WW have to have adventures where they shoot things, get into trouble, and insult one another. This is what's called "male bonding."

--This is one of the clearer looks we get at how the Plants do their Plant Thing. Push the button and a spider robot comes out. Um, okay. Guess that one was less useful than the Tuna Fish Plant or the Canned Salmon Plant.

--Why was it left behind again? Aren't Plants irreplaceable?

--Vash has a pretty good idea that WW's full of shit and takes a risk on him anyway. He knows how to force a hand.

--they're so cute as a team, aren't they lol

--And there's the second gun. don't ask about Knives' third gun lmao

--Milly gets to be best girl again. WW does take a shine to her right away, doesn't he. That, and he probably thinks it's amusing to make Vash and Meryl sit together. It's so third grade. (it's okay, Meryl, you can admit you don't mind that much)

In light of later events, it's interesting to note what parts of WW's cover story are true and which are fabricated. WW has been handed his orders from Chapel, so his encounter with Vash was no coincidence; WW has to case the joint before making a move. The girls helpfully confirm that WW has made contact, and he has to get Vash to trust him. Not too hard, though Vash isn't quite as naive about WW as he puts on. Everyone's got their act.

WW figures out quickly that Vash is a big softy, or maybe he has info; nevertheless, his generosity towards children (which Vash shares) isn't false. The part about the orphanage and protecting the kids is true, though the circumstances of WW's departure have nothing to do with money and everything to do with a hostage situation. WW's amazement at who he's going to be dealing with is also genuine; he knows Vash is legendary, but seeing Vash wipe out all the mechanical mooks while injured is next-level.

And, at the end of it all...

WW certainly didn't expect to like Vash as much as he ends up doing. (cue the conflict, and a zillion angsty fanfics.) That's going to make everything a lot more complicated.

[sipsandfables]

Unfiltered Thoughts While Reading: Fourth Wing

⚠️⚠️⚠️BEWARE OF A BEVY OF SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️⚠️

Chapter 1

​​I really like Mira so far - not too sure about their mom yet lol

​​Is Brennan REALLY dead? Lol Could be a page pulled from Red Queen

​​Their mom might have been Manon in an alternate universe

​​“Decide, Violet. Are you going to die a scribe? Or live as a rider?’”

​​I love the relationship between the two sisters

​​“He's the most exquisite man I've ever seen.”

I mean, Xaden does sound pretty hot. I’m a sucker for dark hair and dark eyes lol

​​“Flaming hot. Scorching hot. Gets-you-into-trouble-and-you-like-it level of hot.” ​

🤣​​🤣​​🤣​

​​ Nooooo! I had a feeling Dylan wouldn’t make it ​😭​

​​Chapter 2

​​Jack Barlowe - even his name sounds like a dick

​​Chapter 3

​​So there are four wings, with 3 sections in each wing, and 3 squads in each section making it 4 wings, 12 sections, and 36 squads total

​​“I will not die today”

​​Chapter 5

​​so Violets mom opposed General Melgren about the rebel children - wonder if they have animosity

​​Lol well Violets plan of getting Ri to ask her questions didn’t work ​🤣​

​​Damn, does her mom hate her? Why would she send Violet to do this??? Lol

​​Chapter 6

​​Aw, I really hope Brennan isnt actually dead and it’s a plot twist because he seems like a character I’d love

​​Chapter 7

​​It’s so strange that the people with the most motivation for revenge (rebel children) are put in such high power by training to become riders WITH MAGIC AND DRAGONS

​​Oh and look, a bunch of them are gathering to scheme even though it’s illegal for more than three to be seen together lol

​​Violet hanging out in a tree while passing judgement on this group is hilarious

​​“‘Fascinating. You look all frail and breakable, but you're really a violent little thing, aren't you?’”

​​Alright, I admit that I love their dynamic lol

​​Chapter 8

​​I’m surprised Dain didn’t see her rendezvous with Xaden since they touched and he can see memories

​​I wonder if the decrease in the number of dragons willing to bond speaks to the fact that the dragons’ don’t align with humans like before

​​Omggggg I hope Violet gets the black one! If dragons bond with humans like them, it would make sense because she’s so smart

​​Omg was the one and only rider of the black dragon Brennan?! The last time he was seen was five years ago which is when Brennan “died” and the teacher looked at Violet when he told the story of how the rider died

​​Oh I got it wrong, Brennan was the rider that was trying to be resurrected

​​Omg i totally thought it was Jack volunteering to spar Violet. I’m glad it’s Xaden instead hahaha

​​Chapter 9

​​Violence? I love the nickname haha

​​“Beautiful. Fucking. Asshole.” ​

🤣​​🤣​​🤣​

​​Am I the only one getting hot and bothered by this death match? Lollll

​​“Defenseless women have never been my type.”

Okay sir ​👀​​🥵​

​​Man, I get Dain is her bestie but he is trying way too hard to get her out of the rider squadrant - just believe in her

​​Chapter 10

​​Theory time: the rider who died trying to save Brennan was his lover. He didn’t do it for fame, he did it because he loved Brennan. The black dragon is going to take Violet as his rider because of the special bond his rider had with her brother. BOOM

​​I already liked Ridoc before because I resonate with cracking jokes through hard times but now I like him even more and respect him

​​Violets squad: Sawyer, Pryor, Trina, Tynan, Rhiannon, Ridoc, Violet, Aurelie, and Luca

​​I hope everyone on this squad stays alive because I like them and their dynamic. I also hope Sawyer gets a dragon this year ​😭​

​​As I read the Gauntlet practice scenes, I just picture the final challenge on Wipe Out ​🤣​

​​Aurelie ​😭​​😭​​😭​

​​“Do not make me ask three times.” ​

👀​ or what Zaddy?

​​“What makes you a rider is what you do after people die.”

​​

​​Things I like about this book so far:

​​Female lead is not annoying. She’s very logical and the writer SHOWS that she’s smart instead of telling

​​The pacing is great. What a page turner! And the chapters aren’t impossibly long. The book is long but it doesn’t FEEL like it

​​The romance between the main ship is not cringe! They’re dynamic is hot. He’s hot. She’s hot. It’s all hot

​​There is more than one badass female characters! It’s giving Throne of Glass series (Aelin, Manon, Lysandra, etc)

​​

​​Chapter 11

​​Does that mean someone will be punished for not burning Brennans things? Or does it not matter because Brennan is ALIVE?!

​​okay, so there’s a lot of representation in this book and I’m loving it (people of color, gay, they/them pronouns, etc)

​​I mean if Dain REALLY cared about her survival, he’d help more! He would have watched her practices and given her ideas on how to make it - not continue to try to get her to quit!

​​Violet is a fucking badass. LETSGOOOO

​​I also love how shameless her mind is when describing how sexy Xaden is lol

​​Also, I notice that Dain isn’t mentioned AT ALL during this whole thing about her making it through the gauntlet. Shouldnt he have been there also defending her win???? Sus

​​Chapter 12

​​Ahhh there’s a Feathertail? Maybe THATS the one that she bonds with since they abhore violence and are smart (sounds like Violet)

​​OR the Feathertail will report back to the black dragon about Violet and he comes during the Threshing ​👀​

​​Damn these dragons are heartless! Poor Pryor. But also, humans are heartless - Tynan and Luca can jump off a cliff

​​I hope that the awesome conversation Violet and Rhi are having throughout this walk means they’ll get awesome dragons

​​OMG finally someone I dislike diess LOL freaking Luca. Bye Felicia

​​Chapter 13

​​Hmmm, if Violet hasn’t felt a connection with the feather one so far then I don’t think they’ll bond. Maybe she hasn’t felt a connection because the black dragon wasn’t on the walk and Tynan will bond with that gold one to teach him a lesson about strength?

​​I wish Tynan also got burned to a crisp during presentation

​​Threshing is giving me “Manon and the Thirteen must fight others for Wyverns” vibes

​​Okay, maybe the gold dragon IS her dragon lol

​​I’m proud of Violet for coming to the Gold dragons defense but I’m relieved that Xaden was there with his dragon hahaha

​​Chapter 14

​​I FUCKING KNEW IT! It’s the black dragon! Here to claim Violet!!! Fuck yes!!

​​This fucking dragon is hilarious. I love him already

​​“"My name is Tairneanach, son of Murtcuideam and Fiaclanfuil, descended from the cunning Dubhmadinn line."

​​Tairn, this dragon is so sassy hahahaha

​​SHE FALLS OFF?!

​​Chapter 15

​​“You’re making us look bad. Stop it.”

I’m ded hahahah this dragon ​🤣​ He reminds me of Venom in the Venom movie with Tom Hardy lol

​​“Was everyone’s dragon a curmudgeon? Or just mine?” ​

💀​​💀​​💀​​💀​

​​“"You are the smartest of your year. The most cunning. You defended the smallest with ferocity. And strength of courage is more important than physical strength.” ​

❤️​​❤️​​❤️​

​​SHE FUCKING BONDED WITH BOTH?!

​​What. A. Legend.

​​Chapter 16

​​Damn, even the head dragon isn’t a huge fan of this? Now I’m concerned because General Melgren is obviously a bad guy lol

​​I’m so glad Sawyer got bonded this time around! And Rhi and Ridoc are bonded!!! Yay!

​​Poor Trina

​​Tairn told you to stay with Xaden and you’re not LISTENING!

​​Oh I didn’t see the dragons bond coming!!!

​​Damn Dain, that’s cold. But I knew it - he’s no real ride or die bestie!!!

​​I really do like Violet but her undying faith in Dain is pissing me off

​​Strange how Dain kisses her after all this time only because she has TWO bonded dragons ​😒​

​​Chapter 17

​​But if you really think about it, Violet didn’t take any available dragons away from others - Tairn hasn’t been seen in five years and Goldie was unwanted and a surprise at presentation

​​“Your puny gods”

lol I love Tairn

​​Chapter 18

​​Yes! Finally Violet sticks it to Dain. I’m tired of his shit too

​​Omggggg poor Jeremiah. That was brutal

​​the golden dragon can freeze time?! What a badass power!

​​chapter 19

​​Dang, Xadens rejection to Violet had ME in my feelings - what do you mean you wouldn’t sleep with her to keep her safe?!

​​Omg Andarna is adorable - she better not die EVER

​​Ohhhhh, a Feathertail is a baby dragon?

​​I bet it was Imogen who opened the door for those people to kill Violet

​​Chapter 20

​​Based on the intro of this chapter, now I’m thinking it was Amber because she’s the only female wing leader I can recall

​​Yep, it was Amber!

​​Also, I love their squads banter and camaraderie lol

​​Fucking Dain - you’re the worst

​​I’m glad they were able to show undeniable truth since SOMEONE refused to believe her ​😒​

​​Chapter 21

​​I love that there’s even more representation in here with the hearing impaired scribe

​​Liam sounds hot lol

​​Something sus is happening with this war

​​Chapter 22

​​I’d be staring too ​👀​

​​So our boy Jack is allergic to oranges hmmm? Funny how a guy that talks so much shit can be killed by produce. Just saying

​​Okay now I’ve reached the “when will they get it on?!” Point lol

​​Xaden is just giving out hot compliments left and right ​🥵​

​​FINALLY! It only took two dragons fucking for Violet and Xaden to finally give in lol

​​Nooooooo! Damn Xaden for thinking straight lol

​​Chapter 23

​​I see what Rhiannon is hinting at - that Xaden is only the most powerful rider in their generation for NOW because it was before Violet got here lol Gotta love that bestie support!

​​Man Dain really needs to step up - he’s giving Tamlin vibes right now

​​I knew Jack was allergic to oranges! I hope he’s dead!

​​Chapter 24

​​Damn, still alive

​​A guy burned himself alive with his own power?! Man, this squadrant is insane and brutal

​​Violet’s mom is cold as ice

​​Chapter 25

​​the most valuable thing would be intel! They should think like a Scribe, like Violet

​​Liam and I are on the same page!

​​Break into the Commander’s office?! This could go horribly wrong! What if they see stuff they’re not supposed to?!

​​“‘Scribes freak me out. Quiet little know-it-alls, acting like they can make or break someone by writing something down.’” ​

🤣​​🤣​​🤣​

​​Alright, pretty badass plan

​​Chapter 26

​​Mira!!! I’m so glad they got to see each other and that Rhi got to see her family ​🥰​

​​Omg mated dragons can only be a part for three days?!

​​It’s strange that earlier in the book they made it seem like Tairn hasn’t been seen for five years but if he’s mates to the blue dragon, wouldn’t he be seen wherever Xaden is?

​​Chapter 28

​​I love how intense and dangerous Tairn is one minute and super cheeky the next haha

​​FINALLY JACK IS DEAD! Fuck that guy!

​​And yessssss, Lightening Wielder sounds badass!

​​Chapter 29

​​I swear if Andarna dies in this series, I’m going to RIOT. She’s so pure and wonderful ​🥹​

​​“Get the fuck away from her with that nonsense.”

Xaden does not mince words and I love it haha

​​Xaden and Tairn’s pep talk to Violet is way better than Dain’s

​​I mean she has a point about her powers. They’re badass but yeah, pretty destructive lol

​​Chapter 30

​​Well this escalated quickly ​👀​​🥵​

​​Pretty awesome that dudes take contraception lol

​​Xaden is responsible for all the rebel children?! Omg I bet it was her mom that gave him those scars! That’s what he meant when they ran into the commander previously

​​I’m not a fan of when the male lead says “Don’t fall for me” like bro, it’s too late - I’m invested haha

​​This training session with Carr is hilarious lol

​​I think I like professor Carr more now

​​Chapter 31

​​I’m pleasantly surprised she comes right out and says “yeah I’m probably going to fall for you if we keep this up” lollll most characters in this position stay in denial until it backfires lol

​​“He really does have an incredible body, but he doesn't get to dictate what I do with my heart.”

Preach girl

​​I’m living for all of page 393 - you go Violet!

​​Damn, I really like Violet lol

​​Chapter 32

​​​🔥​​🔥​​🔥​

​​Cheaper 33

​​Phew, thank goodness it was a fake drill!

​​Hmmmm, something tells me this fake war is about to get real

​​Omg why is Andarna so adorable?! Tairn will carry her like a human dad carrying his baby in a bjorn lol

​​Idk that “I’ll miss you, Violet.” from Dain was a little SUS. He was way too quick to make amends with her decision. Something fishy is going on

​​Xaden and the other rebel kids in the fourth wing are also acting sus. Like they know more about this scenario than they’re letting on. Why are they all so tense if it’s just a game? Why did Dain’s dad give Xaden a weird look?

​​Chapter 34

​​did the Gryphons start attacking after unification because Navarre took something from them and made it harder for the Gryphons to get it back after unifying nations?

​​Ah! I had a feeling the Gryphons and their riders weren’t so savage as the Navarre historians and leaders want people to believe!

​​Chapter 35

​​Okay, we can recover from this Violet! Sure everyone including your two bonded dragons and the love of your life lied to you over and over BUT it must have been for a good reason. I’d give them the benefit of the doubt over Dain and the others any day

​​Okay Violet really believing Dain would break rules to save people is ludicrous. I like Violet but her thinking on this is stupid

​​Theory time - Violets mom killed their dad because he was in the know about venin and ready to go public

​​Another theory - Dain and his dad have known about venin this whole time. Dain’s being used to help continue to cover it up. He’s also been lying to her technically as much as Xaden has been

​​I fucking knew it! Dain has been reading her memories this whole time! Duh girl!!!

​​The real question is if more than just Dain and his dad concocted this plan to kill Xaden

​​If Xaden dies, there’s a chance Violet would die because of their dragon bond so wouldn’t her mom know that? But would she even care? Or mayb her mom is like The Hound from the crescent city series

​​Chapter 36

​​“We’re riders. We defend the defenseless. It’s what we do.”

​​Damn, so General Melgren can’t see the fate of people with rebellion relics? Good

​​The level of stress I have reading these last 80ish pages is HIGH

​​I don’t want anyone in this riot to die! Or the Gryphons and their riders!

​​maybe her mom knew she’d survive because of what general Melgren can see? Which might explain why she was fine with making Violet become a rider

​​Whyyyy would you say “we actually might survive this”?!?! Now people will die!

​​“It’s been. My honor.”

​​I am unwell

​​​😭​​😭​​😭​ Liam

​​Chapter 37

​​So many emotions rn fucking hell

​​Chapter 38

​​Omg if they are going where I think they’re going I’m going to be shooketh ARE THEY TAKING HER TO BRENNAN?!

​​Another theory - the reason why the number of dragons willing to bond is decreasing, is because more dragons are bonding with the rebels and not the Navarre military

​​Violet is annoying me with her thoughts about Xaden right now though. Girl, you saw and fought that evil and you still mad that Xaden didn’t bring you in sooner?! Get over it and live lol

​​The person Xaden is asking to save her HAS to be Brennan - he was a mender

​​Chapter 39

​​we’re getting a Xaden chapter?! Is this the end?!

​​Something doesn’t feel right - did she lose her memories? Why is she being so nice to Xaden right away? Sus

​​Oh good her memory is back! I was about to be pissed if all of book 2 was her trying to recall book 1 lol

​​What happened to Xaden’s mom?! Sounds like another storyline ​👀​

​​Andaran became full grown?! Can wait to hear what she looks like and her special power

​​BRENNAN I FUCKING KNEW IT!!!!

​​Well if Violet didnt trust Xaden before, she definitely won’t now! Keep a dead brother secret seems pretty big lol

​​I wonder what Tairn thinks of Brennan since his rider died saving him

​​also, I’d be low key pissed at my sibling! I wonder if Mira knows about Brennan. I assume not - maybe he thinks she’s too much like their mom?

Me after finishing the final page: