#this is just a mutual love fest they're so sweet

[bartowskis]

“You’re part of a universe that somehow got me to do what I do. The weight and the richness of those films shaped me as a kid and as a teenager — and then as a young adult when yours came out. And now that I am part of this, I understand how much that story meant for me.”

“That’s so kind, man. The feeling’s so mutual. I’m such a fan of the work that you’ve done and the work that you’re continuing to do. You’re still filming the second season of ‘Andor,’ and just as a fan, I’m so excited for it and can’t wait to see what’s next.”

— DIEGO LUNA and HAYDEN CHRISTENSEN for Variety’s Actors on Actors

[zvtara-was-never-canon]

I remember there were some polling going around of individual sub fandom dynamics within the atla fandom on tumblr. The results revealed that 50% of Zutara shippers had Katara as their fave character, while the other 50% said Zuko. Kataang fandom on the other hand said it was mostly Aang as their fave character (then again, the person reporting the results never gave exact percentages for Kataang which I found weird). I just wanted your thoughts on this, as this feeds into the whole “Zutara shippers are MAINLY Katara stans, especially compared to Kataang!!” I feel like I encounter Kataang stans that love Katara more than Aang? So that’s why I was surprised with the results.

Eh, I wouldn't take that very seriously if I were you. It only takes a few seconds of reading Zutara fics and metas to realize that "Zuko" and "Katara" are just names these people attached to their OCs, and have next to nothing in common with the actual Zuko and Katara.

(Honestly, plenty of so called "Zuko fans" don't like his character and ignore all of the flaws that made him complex and instead focus solely on the "poor abuse victim" side of it - but removing things like his anger and defensiveness, leaving just the bits where he cries and feels sorry for himself, because god forbid trauma has symptoms that are hard to romanticize).

As for most Kataang fans supposedly having Aang as their favorite character, the very notion that liking him is somehow proof of sexism and "reducing Katara to his prize" as Zutarians claim is absurd, because it assumes that:

1 - Everyone who relates to/likes Aang is male (God knows Zutarians love pretending that every woman loves Zuko while the Kataang fandom is a sausage fest, regardless of how many people point out that this is not the case)

2 - Everyone who likes Aang wants to be him, instead of just liking him because he is a well-written, funny, sweet, charismatic character.

3 - If you like Aang that somehow makes it impossible for you to like any other character.

4 - People liking the canon of the show they watch and even having the protagonist as their fave is bad, instead of just what's to expected of literally any story.

5 - People liking the storylines involving their favorite character, the romantic storylines being very much included, is somehow bad because... male character? Instead of, once again, being just what's expected.

6 - Any man that likes and relates to Aang cannot possibly care for Katara as a character at all, even though she and Aang like and relate to each other, simply because they're male and she's not - but Zutarians never question women when they say they like and relate to Zuko. It's almost like gender has nothing to do with this and they are assuming these guys are sexist for no reason.

So yeah "Aang fans tend to ship him with the canon love interest that he has a cute mutual crush on and super meaningful friendship with from the very start" isn't the big "gotcha" some idiots pretend it is.

[apatheticlexicographer]

BYLER FIC REC WEEK DAY 1: POST-CANON recs

All We Need Is Time by SlytherinsAndSnitches

will-centric; some plot. one of my favourites, it’s “friends to enemies to strangers to ???” will has depression, and in the three years since S4 he’s drifted from the entire party. he and mike had a bad falling out, but when they become coworkers at the record store they’re forced to reconnect. as if that wasn’t enough, will is starting to show the signs of vecnafication. the angst is deliciously agonizing and the plot is just starting to kick in. multichapter, just came back from hiatus a few days ago

the gaps and the silence by delusionaltogether

will-centric; no plot. the supernatural events of S4 never happened, but mike’s awkward visit was basically the nail in the coffin for their friendship. will never left lenora, and he’s now busy majoring in art and avoiding people as much as physically possible. he’s taken off guard when mike, who shows up in town with the sole purpose of reconnecting with him, casually admits he used to have a crush on him. the mutual pining is stronggggg and neither of them are smooth T_T longshot, complete

Lost Without You by Julia_Skysong

alternates between mike-centric and will-centric; some plot. will and mike are 26 now and haven’t talked in years, since mike disconnected himself from the entire party. will has a career writing comics based on their experiences with the upside down. mike surprises him when he brings his 7-year-old daughter to one of will’s signings, causing them to reconnect. this fic deals with a lot of heavy topics about homophobia, trauma and addiction but it’s not a constant misery-fest. will and mike’s reblossoming friendship is very sweet and mike’s daughter is adorable. the burn is slow but it suits the story perfectly and feels a lot more healthy and organic than rushing into things. love isn’t framed as a cure-all for their issues, and i really appreciate that. multichapter, ongoing

I’m a Wreck (Without You Here) by TalkingToTheLights @talkingtothelights

mike-centric; some plot. 33 year old mike has been distancing himself from his friends and family for years, but a tragic death forces him to return home and confront everything he’s been hiding from. the angst is strong and MCD is part of the core premise, but i promise it’s not will who died. mike is a mess for real. multichapter, ongoing

the darkest hour by AmberEyedFox

mike-centric; no plot. mike finally gets his head out of his ass after he breaks up with el. some of the headcanons in this fic aren’t what i typically gravitate toward, but it’s written in such a captivating way that i don’t care. the byler is soft as hell, what more do you want from me. long AF twoshot, complete

The Crossover by nbfutureboy

will-centric; plot. the party are all grown adults now. will writes horror comics and mike is in a band. they haven't talked in years, after an explosive fight. they're both slated to attend the same convention, but will's plans to avoid mike are derailed when he mysteriously vanishes. the mystery is so cool! multichapter, ongoing

Path of the Paladin by olliecoddle

mike-centric; sorta plot. 23yo mike has a terrible fuckin time! the fic. featuring ted wheeler's funeral, mike's very messy relationship with will, his even MESSIER relationship with his sexuality, and copious amounts of D&D lore as a thematic framing device. multichapter, ongoing though it's been a minute since last update

I Didn't Run, I Was Not Done by ryoukootonashi

will (and richie)-centric; plot. when will goes to college his assigned roommate is richie, who keeps overhearing will talking about the weirdest shit to his friends. richie is still suffering from clown-induced amnesia and would really like to know what the fuck is going on. another "can't believe it's not not crack!!!" fic lmao. multichapter, ongoing

[zingaplanet]

Tagged by @surreality51! Thanks and sorry for the late reply, I was on a short holiday with no signal

Rules: answer 10 questions and tag 10 people you want to know better

Relationship status: Single and v v happy! (Stay drama free peeps ❤️)

Favourite colour: None, i love to paint so I gotta be partial to all my colours 😉

Three favourite foods: Noodles, dumplings, soups! (Who doesn't like them??? I dare you!)

Song stuck in my head: Just been to a folk music fest and this one originally from a traditional scottish band is such a banger (be careful you'll get obsessed!)

Last thing I listened to: My flatmate's excited squeals coming home from work seeing I'm back from my short trip! 🥺🥰

Last thing I googled: reserving a pub for my mini post-birthday celebration with friends!

Time: 20:25

Dream trip:

Trekking the full West Highland Way across the Scottish highlands from Glasgow to Fort William (doing it this year wish me luck mutuals!)

Also doing the full Annapurna Sanctuary trek up in Nepal and the himalayas but this one needs a lot more training and planning so hopefully i'll be able to do it one day! 🤞

Anything I really want: Oh honestly, just enough time, courage, luck and money to travel the world and meet incredible people every day. Maybe one day I can backpack full time ❤️

Currently reading: I've just finished reading High Adventure by Edmund Hillary! It's incredible go read it, it tells his story of the first ascent of Everest in 1953 with Tenzing Norgay

Last song: I love this one by Old Sea Brigade ❤️ a perfect companion when you're solo travelling or just up adventuring by yourself somewhere

Last movie: I went to watch Hanks' A Man Called Otto the other day I was so moved!

Last series: ummm... i'm rewatching House MD cause it's my comfort series hehe

Sweet, savoury, or spicy: SPICY! BRING ON THE HEAT!

Currently working on: nothing! Currently working on some job applications and planning my next ceilidh haha

Craving: MOMOS. MOMOS. MOMOS FTW. HAVE YOU TRIED THEM??????? They're my precious little buns i miss them 🥟

Tea or coffee: Coffee, i take it as strong as humanly possible without giving me a heart attack ☕️☕️☕️

Tagging @aramblingjay @tam-is-blogging @tocadoguara @bluskype @bluespring864 @thesunshinehoneyusstuff @alexturntable @ispeakmorelanguagesthanyou + everyone who wants to do it!

[nlghtshade]

♡ march 2022 favorites

eternally grateful to: @drarryficrecs, @lostdrarryfics, @sweet-s0rr0w and their collaborative drarry sex scene rec list, and @thebooktopus and their mutuals march rec lists and everyone out there spreading the drarry love <3

fests to check out: @hd-cluefest , @call-me-daddy-fic-fest (and @hptransfest has started posting !! happy trans day of visibility !!)

this month was a busy one so i didn’t read as much as i would've liked but i still found a bunch of gems to share !! enjoy !! also happy birthday to our fave twins gred and forge !! more weasley love ♡

“i’m sorry” by @upthehillart

*pansmione

Calleth you (2022, Explicit, 17.3k) by @daaromoltor

The room floods with white light. Harry is on his feet so fast that the chair topples and clatters to the floor, his wand in his hand and a spell on his lips. “They’re outside,” a voice speaks from the luminescent mist, magic barely enough to carry the sound; it’s stripped to a featureless monotone, far away like an echo. “I can’t hold them off much longer. I need help, Potter." Harry stares as the mist dissolves, its dazzling brightness leaving floating spots of colour on his retinas. Eyes watering, wand still clenched in his hand, he says: “Fuck.”

golden trio by @mehroomiyat

Leaning on walls is an indecorous behaviour unless you’re trying to inconspicuously hold your tiny boyfriend’s hand at the sunset by @snarkyships-drarryside

witching hour by @softlystarstruck (2021, General, 738)

this fic was written just because of a little thread of an idea in my mind :) content: love confessions, bed sharing, accidental bond (no emotional/physical compulsion), coworkers, friends to lovers

sucre & thé by @mightier

Two wizards, hanging out, about to squish faces cause they're actually definitely gay, yeah! by @anisaanisa

kiss kiss fall in love: Chapter 3 (2022, Teen, 1.9k) by @softlystarstruck

i had fun with this one! ~1.9k, rated T just for language. eighth year best friends and roommates!! | thank you @lou-isfake for the help 💕 | from this prompt list

Two Months, Twelve Days, Nine Hours (658 words) by @nv-md

It had been two months, twelve days, and nine hours since Draco left—walked right out of their flat without a backwards glance. Not that Harry was counting.

animation by @rosalyfart

Sometime during the 8th year, that was added on for Hogwarts students, Harry and Draco become trapped together in what seems to be a dark storage closet. Of course it’s Harry’s doing, pushing Draco in, (who was minding his own business) in attempts to hide from Filch. The closet is much smaller than Harry thought it would be

Sirius and Harry by @sanjiseo

Stormy Weather by @rockingrobin69

For anon’s prompt, 800 words. TW for panic attack.

ficlet by @hogwartsfirebolt

comic by @filthylittlepureblood

This is very inspired by that third year moment that changed my life and AVPS, I regret nothing And yes Draco signed the drawing bc he canonically signed that drawing, he’s just so…. special.

Harry and Hedwig ❤️ by @ygreczed-hp

Eighth Year by @snarkyships-drarryside

I’m lying when I’m looking away (2022, Explicit, 6.7k) by InnerLilith

Sometimes it takes a Purim party and a flapper dress for Harry to figure out what he likes. (Spoiler: He likes Malfoy.) Or: Come for the hamantaschen, stay for the sex.

Serious (1.4k) by @rockingrobin69

1.4k of Auror partner shenanigans with all the pining. CW for injury (everyone’s all right in the end). 

darling by @justthingsfromsarah

for the @hdcandyheartsfest prompt — darling

drarry by @istehlurvz

some things open at the close (7/7) by @hp-rbiim

draco’s family by @lilbeanz

weasley sweater by @vulcains

is draco wearing one of harry’s many H sweaters, did mrs. weasley knit him his own D sweater. idk for cayce who is hungover

unicorn tapestry by @mojgon

♡ january ♡ february

also this isn't drarry or hp related but i watched Turning Red this month and that movie SPOKE TO MY SOUL i love it so much. i think that movie was written for me lollll i wish i could download it into my brain. i'm getting ready to rewatch it again this weekend and i'm so effing excited. if you haven't seen it go give it a watch !! and if you've already seen it go watch it again ahahah !! okay bye see you guys next month :)

[thebooktopus]

I'm a little high rn so this is probably more poetic than I'd normally be BUT HERE WE ARE. @m0srael and I run in similar orbits, so I sort of feel like I know them by extension but we're always on a slightly different trajectory and are always missing each other.

THAT SAID: holy cow friends, have you read their work? I know I've rec'd a bunch of fics previously but I'm just going to keep doing it because their stuff is fantastic. mose totally saved my ass earlier this year, giving me an impromptu airtable tutorial out of the goodness of their heart. they're also co-modding fang fest and, well, you know about my love for vampires. 👀

random superlatives and recs:

WIP to follow along with: The Pleasure of a Fleeting Year // WIP // T // Drarry // another really creative WIP, this one is made of up microfics and will stretch the course of the year, with time elapsing in the story as it does in real life! love, love, love this concept!

feline love story: Lovingly Named // E // 11K // Minerva McGonagall/Mrs. Norris // I know I rec'd this in my rare pair post but I HAVE to mention it again because I think about it frequently. Ionia is a maledictus, but she and Minnie have a love that lasts a lifetime. so, so sweet and good, go go go!

action, adventure, suspense! The Death Zone // E // 5K // Drarry // a fic about how far you'll go for someone you love - for Harry, it's Mt. Everest.

poetry and macarons and everything nice: Written Proof // E // 34K // Drarry // I love Mose's Draco in this fic - he's a poet and he has this rich and deep backstory (that I'm so glad we got to see). now he's trying to remake himself and still find worth in who he is when he finds himself in perhaps a different life than he had originally imagined. much beauty to be found here.

a fic I'd been saving for a rainy day: show me how to be your boy // E // 13K // Drarry // ok I read this fic after writing the rec for Written Proof above and now I'm warring with myself over which Draco I love MORE. this one is so loveable, like you want to cradle him in a giant hug and hear all about his day. I want to visit the children's museum that Mose describes in SUCH INCREDIBLE DETAIL in this fic. ugh and TEDDY and Harry and Draco WITH Teddy. my heart. this fic so well thought out and you can just feel love oozing off the words. one of my favorite fics i've read in a while.

mose, here's hoping our orbits overlap sometime soon! I hope you're having a great day. 💚

for more info on mutuals march and/or to figure out why the hell I just wrote an ode to you, check out this post.

[itswildwinters]

Hi lovebug and happy December 6th! I hope you got to enjoy your day yesterday. I personally contributed to my personal hell by procrastinating–I managed not to be productive without even relaxing haha. Thank you for your support though, it means more tha you think it does and I'm unbelievably grateful. So yeah, I definitely hope it wasn't the same for you and that you got to relax in between soft sheets or enjoy the sun outside.

As for the prompts, I'm glad we agree! Do you usually take inspiration from your dreams when you write a fic? I had a weird dream the other day–I died but I wasn't scared in the slightest and I basically got to receive message from my friends in the afterlife. I could even follow them around and look at their adventures fondly. As surprising as it was, it was very relaxing and I woke up well rested haha. It makes me think that I'd love reading more reincarnation aus. I know @outropeace wrote From Chaos for the fest, and it was amazing, made me hungry for more! If you haven't read it, I'd 100% recommend it as I'm sure you'd love it.

I feel very enthusiastic about that Viking fic, by the way, and I know one of my mutuals would be too. If you ever start writing it, I'll hype the hell ouf of you! To be quite honest, I think it'd be the case if you wrote any of the prompts we talked about, I feel like they're already your own in my head as we discussed them quite extensively. A witch hunter au? I'd die for it. You're just so good with words, that even reading about what you could do with them is overwhelming. Like I know you're not writing them but... One can dream, right? (this isn't in any way meant to pressure you by the way, I'm sorry if i sound forceful!)

So yeah, I hope you'll enjoy today as much as I like reading your answers. You deserve the world, and I love you so much!

Sending frozen kisses and warm hugs your way,

Your Secret Santa

PS: each time I send you a message, I'm two seconds away from forgetting to turn on the "anonymous" thingy. I don't need this kind of adrenaline every day haha.

PPS: you make my heart melt with your sweet words! it's so cute that you finish your posts by "yours", makes it so special.

PPPS: last but not least, do you think you knew me before secret santa started?

Sorry for answering this so late 🥺

I hope you get to relax though, you deserve it :( I’m manifesting it for you!! Right now I get to relax a bit but I still have my job so meeeh. But at least I can write and read however much I want! I’m currently editing my second blff.

I LOVED From Chaos!! Absolutely stunning fic!!

Thank you for believing so much into my writing skills 🥺 that’s very sweet of you! Perhaps I will write some of those prompts in the future! I’d love to. I have a wip list to finish first though but after that I’ll be able to do write some of those perhaps!

Ahh I get you on the anon thingy!!! Gotta double check before sending! It’s definitely stressful haha.

Ahhh your question is making me excited! Tbh I thought I had an idea of who you might be but I’m really not sure… I feel like we know each other? 👀

Sending you love, happiness, and good vibes,

Yours ❤️