#we deserve women being bamf

[bingoboingobongo]

hi there! i love your work! i have a request for a cod fic💕💕

so i actually just learned there is ONE(1) all-female spec ops team in the world, and it's norway's jegertroppen("hunter troop"), so maybe how the 141(plus alejandro, rudy and könig) would react to meeting the leader of (or being in a relationship with) jegertroppen who is a no-nonsense, absolute bamf who can, in no uncertain terms, take care of herself

again, love your work and thank you for reading my random 2 am thoughts💕💕💕

task force 141 + bamf!reader

Characters: Simon "Ghost" Riley, John "Soap" MacTavish, Kyle "Gaz" Garrick, John Price, Alejandro Vargas, Rodolfo "Rudy" Parra, König, Valeria Garza

Warnings: explicit language, reader is referred to as a woman/girl

A/N: yes i realize like half of these ppl aren't part of tf141 hush. also this is why i love u guys bc i would've never learned about this w/o u anon. also srry these are short we have a lot of characters and not a lot of time

simon "ghost" riley:

alright so when ghost first met you he's pretty impressed ngl

like he knows how hard it is to be in special ops and he can only imagine how hard it is when you're a girl

like task force 141 is all men and most, if not all, of the people he works with on a daily basis are men

so yeah he has a lot of respect for you for making it to your position

he also has a lot of respect for your entire crew and he honestly really supports the idea of an all female special ops group

off topic but in the comics we see simon go through an attempted brainwashing (really pared down explanation sorry) where roba essentially tries to make him like a misogynist/rapist which obviously simon is disgusted by so yes simon is canonically a feminist

he's also in love with your strict no-nonsense style of work because it aligns really well with his

together you're pretty much unstoppable

literally the definition of a power couple

john "soap" mactavish:

alright so soap is honestly wowed the first time he meets you (and a little lovestruck too)

what can i say women in charge do things to him

he's definitely sorta intimidated by you at first though

idk it's like imagine ghostsoap but ghost is you

like he's always trying to fool around with you which maybe you tend to shut down

but honestly he doesn't mind and sometimes he'll keep going just to get a rise out of you/hear you talk

idk man he honestly just has so much respect for you

like if he could he would stop in the middle of an active warzone just to watch you work

also if you guys are dating he takes every chance possible to brag about you to anyone who'll listen

he just thinks you deserve a lot more recognition than you get

kyle "gaz" garrick:

alright so the first time gaz meets you he's honestly a little shocked

it sucks but women are a pretty rare sight to see especially in his level/field of work so an all female special ops team is like finding a needle in a haystack

that being said he has nothing but respect for you and what you do

he knows how bigoted people in the military can be and so he's glad to see that you've found a space for yourself where you're relatively unbothered by it

also it makes him happy to see more gender representation because it reminds him of his younger siblings and it makes him happy that they can have someone to look up to

like soap he also really likes watching you work

and when he's not fighting or falling out of helicopters he likes to just spend his time with you or watching you train or do menial tasks

maybe he's just too in love with you but you can make doing the dishes seem badass

john price:

alright so like pretty much everyone else here when price first met you the only thing in his mind was respect

he's read up on you and he knows a lot about your work and honestly he just really admires you

he's a leader and so he knows how tough it can be to have that job

plus to do that while being a woman in a male dominated space

yeah that earns you major points in his book

honestly he's hesitant to make a move because he doesn't want to feel like he's disrespecting you by initiating something romantic

but like you're literally such a badass motherfucker he really can't help but catch feelings

plus you're literally stunning so that's not helping the growing crush he has either

he loves to work alongside you whenever he can because you're literally inspiring on the field

plus he knows he doesn't have to worry about you or your forces which takes a lot of stress off his shoulders

alejandro vargas:

okie so like price alejandro really really respects you

again he's also a leader and he knows how taxing that can be which is why he respects you so much for it

i mean alejandro has a history with bamf women (valeria) so it's no surprise he falls for you too

idk man seeing a woman who can take care of herself just gets alejandro going

honestly you kind of remind alejandro of valeria but like in a good way

like not a "he can't get over his ex" kind of way but like a "damn he definitely has a type and his type is hot, badass women who really don't need a man but hopefully will date him despite it" kind of way

he'll also make sure that all of his forces treat you and your troops with the respect you deserve because he's not about to let you guys deal with that on his watch

that being said whenever someone is being a hassle he knows you can handle it yourself

rodolfo "rudy" parra:

alright so when rudy first meets you it's sorta like a mix between awe and also nervousness

like on one hand he's like "omg this woman is literally like the definition of badass motherfucker"

and on the other hand he's like "omg this woman is so pretty i hope she picks me omg can she tell im nervous gahdhshs"

you make his heart flutter what can i say

he's definitely a lot more shy asking you out than he might be with someone else

but that's because he really respects you and he doesn't want to come off as rude or disrespectful if he's too assertive

that being said when you do let him know you reciprocate his feelings he is over the fucking moon

he just can't believe that someone as independent and no-nonsense as you would choose to be in a relationship with him

like soap he will always find an opportunity to brag about you

and honestly he'll compliment you like there's no tomorrow

idk man he's just crazy about you like he respects you so much and so it's mind-blowing to him that you actually picked him

könig:

okay quick disclaimer but i've never written for könig so umm yeah

anyways könig is definitely really really impressed when he first meets you

you definitely make him nervous just because you're really good looking but he'll still talk/engage with you

even though it can be pretty nerve-wracking for him because of his social anxiety he'll suck it up because ultimately the anxiety of wrongly being perceived as a misogynist/sexist who won't talk to women is worse

but he's definitely a lot shyer and less inclined to talk to you outside of work

even though he really wants to

that being said if he's given enough time he will open up eventually

and even though you're no-nonsense you're more than happy to take things slow with him to make him feel comfortable

which honestly just makes him fall in love with you more

i mean i feel like this is obvious but you're definitely the "he asked for no pickles" couple

with you being the one saying it ofc and him being the one asking for no pickles

valeria garza:

ughh valeria is sooo hyped to see you oml

um don't ask how it works out with her being el sin nombre and you technically being in the military

love finds a way okay

anyways as a woman in a male dominated space herself it is so refreshing to not only see you, but to see your whole troop

honestly valeria definitely wishes she could have been a part of it

and tbh if she wasn't el sin nombre i could definitely see her considering joining

like in a way it kind of makes her sad because she knows how different her life would be if she had a group like this in mexico

also im just know realizing the connection to artemis' huntresses (is that what it's called?)

anyways valeria is not shy about flirting with you

like you tick all of her boxes

you're hot, you're a natural leader, you're more than capable of taking care of yourself

win win win

and if you let her she will treat you like a god damn queen

and also she absolutely loves seeing you work if she could she would just perch on some treetop with a pair of binoculars and watch you while you work

i realize that sounds creepy but um it's not

[gildeddlily]

side characters ONly can be gay!!11!1! yep

I could write an essay about the way Marvel is just the reflection of how mass media deals with the queer representation "problem" nowadays

(I should study for my exam but fuck it I have time)

first of all, how many queer characters actually are part of mcu's big ass cast?

Searching on the internet they'll tell you about twenty- but it's enough to read who is queer to understand that they only care about seeming all woke and you know, kind and allies and all that good shit, but the truth is that if you're queer you'll get no more than five minutes of screen time

Loki is a bisexual genderfluid god, it's canon in the comics and in the shows/film, but does he actually acts on it? like, does he ever talk about the men he had a thing with? does he talk about his gender identity? no. and you know what, I don't want a long speech about feeling accepted and finding your place in the world and understanding yourself, I'd be ok with him being like "yk what, i feel like cunt today" and poof tom hiddleston is no more man.

we have a two second shot were he's labeled as genderfluid. that's it. he has a love story arc with his female alternative version.

like saying the bar can't get lower- all the time there's a man at his side, and they're so queer coded guys. they are so fucking queer coded. they'd have all the potential to be a good couple, and they prob could since Loki is canonically attracted to males too! but no.

let's choose the female you over the dilf grabbing your waist and telling you that you're more, that you matter and have a chance to be good.

can Loki count as representation? maybe.

it's shitty representation, tho.

then there's America.

America's a lesbian, daughter of two lesbian women, and they were proud of it probably- if it weren't for the fact that America's there, she live the adventure, and she has a lgbtqia pin. a pin. all her identity is expressed in a pin.

one could say, but the film is not ab America and her non-male partner, is about the story yk?

then why does every fucking marvel film features a man and a woman being in a relationship?

i guess that when it's about man Tony Stark and woman Pepper Potts everything's ok, you can give all the minutes you want to their sweet relationship- but if they're queer I'm sorry, the best thing you'll have is a pin.

then a few gays out there.

random man in endgame missing his bf. random girl in hawkeye mentioning her wife (slay). that one sexy dora milaje who has a sexier gf. slay you too ig. that Eternals guy who kissed his bf on screen (first time ever, and they feel revolutionary. fucking 2021).

the only thing that can be saved is Thor 3/4 because of Taika Waititi. the queerness is something Taika did because he wanted to.

Ragnarok's about this dude, his bi brother, this guy who flirts with both of them and has orgies with all kind of beings, a lesbian valkyrie and a gay rock. Love and Thunder is about this guy, his bamf ill girlfriend, a lesbian valkyrie who's trying to find some girl to eat out, a gay rock that ends up having strange sex with his bf, and greek people fainting after seeing said guy's naked body. (and that weird moment between Thor and Peter? that was made to be gay guys)

while it's not perfect, it's one step above everything else.

Taika Waititi's film's queerness is not there for looking more inclusive, it's there because gay people are there, we actually exist dude, and they deserve their space, and they should have it.

and like Taika Waititi's said, the world will be healed when people will stop saying "oh you know that new marvel series? yes, there's a gay gal in there", when people will treat queer people like the people they actually are.

it's like walking around in a forest and being like "oh look, a tree!". we aren't a different species ffs

representation is good, and of course gay characters sometimes are gonna be just there on the side cheering on the main character- because that's how life goes. I'm the cheering-from-the-side girl queer friend to my straight friend, and mcu stories are told by straight people, so it's kinda natural that we're kinda useless.

the thing that really, really makes me want to cry our is how they're able to destroy any queer "lead" they put here for us, for me, and I'm starting to believe behind those scripts there are some seriously repressed gay dude who can only express themselves by writing those things.

like Steve and Bucky? the classic we're best friends and we totally didn't have sex?

or Bucky and Sam?

why was the chair scene necessary? If i see something like that happening to a woman and a man my first thought is "they're a thing", and it was the first thing I thought with Sam and Bucky too- but ofc people will tell us "y are you making everyone gay?" it's not my fault princess it's the writers'

or, again, Loki and Mobius?

"you can be good, just in case no one ever told you" WHAT THE HELL DUDE

and you know, those things can be said between two friends too, but people gets disperate. I get disperate, after watching hours upon hours of two guys eye-fucking each other and ending up being all "yeah bro i love you this is my girlfriend amy". so I wrote, I draw, I think about them being "hey dude, d'you want to be the amy to my myself?" because the alternity is writing a fic about a random man who says he misses his husband on a three second scene.

(in a fandom like good omens I don't have to worry about it. I have my queer besties, my fav lesbian couple, and a lot of representation.)

so.

mcu's representation is bad representation.

every time they write a queer characters they're all "you see that? we did that!" like they did something special- but they didn't.

they write gays for the straight, in order to feel better about themselves and make straight racist sexist homophobic ppl (the "I'm inclusive guys!!!" kind of person) watching it feel better ab themselves.

(I'm not gonna start talking about the fact that this entire post talks more than anything else about the way the mcu treats women, bc it's a rabbit hole I'm not ready to talk ab cause I've been jumping in it for too many years.)

(sorry anon ily)

10/20 edit: valkyrie is bi my bad🧎‍♀️

[the-mad-prince-of-denmark]

This is the closest that either the book or the film gets to really diving into Meg’s inner life, and I think that’s both very interesting and a real shame.

Unfortunately, as much as the character is iconic and Barbara Crampton gives an amazing performance, Megan Halsey was conceptualized and very much written to be the girlfriend character. She does not have a massive impact on the plot, and she’s primarily there to provide boobs. Nice boobs, but still.

And there’s something really sad about that, especially combined with the general implications we get from the film of what her life is like. She’s clearly super intelligent and very driven, and she loves her boyfriend a lot. But she’s stuck in this situation where her dad is over-controlling, clearly still views her like a kid, and seems to be enacting some of his latent hurt feelings about the absence of her mother onto her. Which in fairness, it’s very Mary Shelley, so it works. But still!

She lives a privileged but structured and emotionally complicated life. And then this nasty little rat boy bamfs in, fully steals her man, and instigates a chain of events that leads to her father dying and then being resurrected as a brainless zombie. Plus, literally everything with Carl Hill.

I don’t know, I feel like if there’s a lot of potential there for her to be this character who is like, half deconstruction of housewives and/or women who are brought up to be housewives (think Marge Simpson Anime), and half Ash Williams-style horror-action protagonist. But the story just feels so emotionally uninvested in her. 

I am at least glad that how underwritten this character was made Stewart Gordon feel bad enough to write the character of Dr. Katherine McMichaels in From Beyond for Barbara Crampton. She deserves it! 

[jules-and-company]

starting a long post on tas so that that shit is wrapped

episode 4 : only the men being affected by the sirens ? (also everyone seeing women but bones only sees magnolias in blossom ?) then why the fuck do you send an all-male away mission party you absolute MORONS. and bones’s accent is definitely stronger when something’s messing up with his head (taking personal note of that for fic reasons). uhura and christine in charge ? YES. UHURA TAKING COMMAND ??? YASS GIRL. scotty is that you singing. in gaelic ??? 🥵 jesus.

episode 5 : it’s the tribble episode, so of course it’s a good episode. scotty’s absolutely haunted voice when he discovers the tribbles you know that man spent hours in engineering trying to get them off the engines. « tribbles in the ship, quadrotricitale in the corridors, klingons in the sector….it can ruin your day, sir ! » oh scotty my bud. i love that you’ve grown enough to take it one crazy-ass day at a time. they can’t really have the face expressions down but the voices are enough « we could still throw tribbles at them, sir. » « i thought vulcans didn’t have a sense of humour, mr spock » in That™️ voice. OH MY GOD THEY SENT THE TRIBBLES TO THE KLINGON SHIP AGAIN. koloth, in a really pained voice : « kirk…tribbles ? » jim, very grave, as if he just launched a nuclear bomb : « tribbles. ».

episode 6 : not another shapeshifter. i’m fucking tired of shapeshifters. ´hold on bones hasn’t been a bitch to you spock. there’s a big fucking problem then’. « you say i’m a man of curious habits, spock ? jim’s talking to a table. ». cat lady ? okay, i don’t know why i’m surprised. scotty gets attacked. « can you love this [tentacle alien], anne ? » clearly they haven’t heard about monsterfuckers. « will someone tell me what’s going on ? » me too scotty me too. « what manner of a beastie is that ? » ME TOO SCOTTY ME TOO. « if he had turned into a second spock, that would’ve been too much to take. » « but two mccoy, just might bring the level of medical efficiency on this ship up to acceptable levels » UNPROVOKED, SPOCK. UNCALLED FOR THAT LEVEL OF BITCHINESS.

episode 7 : sulu almost dying ???? thistle aliens ??? pterodactyls ??????? oh look, it’s an another self-proclaimed god fan of eugenics. FIVE METERS HIGH SPOCK ??? uhura, dear, scotty knows that he’s emptying the ship’s energy, he just doesn’t care anymore about what he’s gotta do to save these idiots. bamf sulu, we love to see it. what the fuck was that episode.

episode 8 : center of all creation ??? bones saying « jim ! what in the name of sanity is that ? » is on point. we outside time and space. omg life support is dead they're all dying. SATAN ??? spock turned into a child satyr and bones into a golden whirligig ??? THE ENTERPRISE EXPLODES ???? salem trial ??? ASMODEUS ??? aaand having a beer with satan. what the fuck was that

episode 9 : it the shore leave planet again ! and it's just bones uhura and sulu this time, and by god do they deserve a break. oh alice in wonderland again. and uhura singing, that's nice. oh- oh god. BONES PURSUED BY THE QUEEN OF HEARTS ??? the rotation bridge crew working their asses off to get them all back on board (hello cat lady). sentient computer causing mayhem again, how original. aw, bones worried for uhura.

SOMEBODY GET ME OUT OF HERE

NOT FUCKING PTERODACTYLS AGAIN PLEASE GOD LET ME GO. and a giant cat. what the fuck i'm so tired PLEASE. and a two-headed dragon, 'cause why the fuck not at this point. bones and sulu are gonna throw up from having to run for too long (i know the feeling). i think uhura just looked into the camera because she's just as tired of this bullshit as i am. also, the whole thing was just a misunderstanding with the sentient robot.

me : I’M TIRED OF THIS, GRANDPA

TAS : THAT’S TOO DAMN BAD ! *shows this*

episode 10 : the more i go into the series the more i wonder when will my suffering end. oh my god, mudd again ??? CHRISTINE DON’T LISTEN TO THAT PIECE OF SHIT. damn. dick really makes you do things huh. oh my god LEAVE SPOCK ALONE. HE’S GAY. nobody's believing their eyes and ears whenever spock talks about loving women it's fucking hilarious. scotty is getting pussy (literal) (the cat lady is all over him). and two rock godzillas ???

jesus christ spock

oh that’s the « now let’s talk about your heart my dear » by stoned-with-love-potion bones episode.

then it must be a fucking massive one scotty

when will i be free of follow-up episodes.

episode 11 : they all shrunk ??? because of some light ray ??? and then it’s just the lilliputians plot.

episode 12 : space bermudas triangle, okay. and klingons. scotty ready to fight them. then sulu passes out on bridge. ship taken in the weird ass triangle. no i don’t bother making sentences anymore, they don’t deserve it. i love how they don’t even seem surprised they’re in an alternate universe. spock being so excited about collaborating with klingons to punch their way out of the time-space continuum that he shows emotion it became weird. bones starting a brawl with the klingons because he just asked a klingon lady for a dance. they managed to punch their way through the continuum.

episode 13 : a kraken ???? SPOCK AND JIM KIDNAPPED BY THE KRAKEN ??? and now they’re sirens ??? and they meet the other merpeople. they almost die taking the antidote for the mutation. end of story.

episode 14 : special lgbt detachment (mission with just spock, uhura and sulu). that and they took warrior cats a bit too literally. there’s also a small reenactment of oppenheimer. they’re not even phased by that.

episode 15 : they beam down on planet and get attacked 0.7 seconds after. and bones gets crushed under a dinosaur’s ass. « spock, do you ever say anything straight out ? » YOU OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW HE CAN’T, BONES. and stop bringing pterodactyls in, for the love of god.

only acceptable reaction :

episode 16 : super dangerous mission to retrieve a soul (???) and who do you send ? the senior commanding officers of course. NOT JIM SAYING "FASCINATING" WHEN THAT LADY - WHO JUST SAID SPOCK WAS UGLY - ASKED HOW HE FINDS HER. little moment of "i'm not leaving you and that's end of discussion" between jim and spock.

AND STOP IT WITH THE FUCKING PTERODACTYLS.

[kurtty-drabbles]

Ocean au

N/A: Based on the movie Ocean 8 but with the ladies. Set on the Almagverse.

@djinmer4 @dannybagpipesarecalling @bamfoftheundead

"You´re nuts" Gwen offers a cigarette as well her criticism to the latest plot but her mirth and shinning ring make any attempt to chided Columbina becomes null now. "Completely nuts and I love it, but, how can you hope to do such wacko feature? This time my good name won´t be enough"

Columbina stops drinking her smoochie and is unphased by the comment. "Your good name also gave me quite the headache" and her eyes follow the ends of commercial as Peter Ross is speaking much to Columbina´s dismay.

Gwen offers an apologetic smile that does little to resolve the matter, but, flicking the channel to cartoons seems to help much more. "But, seriously, how can you achieve such a thing? Isn´t better just the two of us?"

Columbina sighs and lets her head rest on the couch for a moment letting her worries play on her mind one last time as she´s pondering for the solution. "Everyone thinks that being a thief is easier, but, you would be surprised by how much of Math and logic I need in all my heists" she comments matter of fact. "that being said, I know the probability of me getting success is less than 15%...but hey, I have done heist with zero chance of success...what´s life without risks?"

"A longer one, dumbass" Gwen counterattack throwing a pillow at her. "And remember, your calculus was wrong before...and it usually leads to me cleaning your wounds and green goo" she concludes offering a winning smile as if this proves her case.

"One, the green goo things was an accident, and two, if you have an alternative option to deal with the cursed diamonds I all hear" Kitty then open her eyes and raise her head waiting and as Gwen is frowning and thinking really hard until she shakes her head in defeat. "then...we´ll try my plan"

"Your stupid and suicidal plan"

"No, my brilliant plan"

______________________________________________________________________

Everyone can see the White Witch in the Romanian cafe drinking her favourite beverage. At this very moment, Wanda is explaining to her new students the prospects of the multi-verse and her students have questions as she knows they would.

"So...is there a version of me where I´m the bad guy?" the student asked impressed as the others are a bit dubious as they can´t see themselves as ...themselves.

Wanda imagined this and has the answers ready. "Yes, the multiverse is more like a chance to express your different personalities, after all, we´re not only the shy girl, flirt girl or angry girl...so the Multiverse gives a plethora of choices and opportunities to be different persons while we´re still ourselves" Wanda explained and the minds of the others are reeling with such explanation and possibility.

"Have you meet a different version of yourself?" the student asked and Wanda is ready for this question when her eyes noticed a woman with a suit and sunglasses waving at her behind the glass window. And Wanda stops her elegant speech to gaze at the personas the waves continues.

"Mrs Maximoff?" The students are confused as to why the Wanda is acting like that and when turning back to see the window there´s no one there.

"I saw many versions of myself, some are good, some are bad...some make me question my own sanity" Wanda replies and the students change the subject. The students then leave the cafe with more insight into the world.

Wanda is not surprised to see the woman in a suit sitting in front of her with that smile of hers. She does not need any introduction. "Columbina, came to venture in the magical world?"

"No, thank you, I have my Harry Potter fanfiction for that. I came here to ask you something" Wanda asked taking a sip of her tea, her eyes are trained on Columbina who has a light heart attitude about everything.

(The Eye of Eternity does not see malicious intent on her, however, she does not want to be robbed)

"Harry Potter is a weak and pathetic version of real magic, Lord of rings is better, but, I know you´re not here to star fandom wars. What do you want?"

"Straight to the point, cool, it saves us from the chitty chat, Wanda, how many cursed diamonds exist?" Columbina asked and Wanda is carefully considering her answer, but, Kitty already beat her on that by pulling her smartphone to show a video.

"There are 100 cursed diamonds registers so far, but, the number is getting bigger and bigger, right?" Columbina asked and Wanda nods not getting her point.

"You know me, I love diamonds, I really do, but, I don´t like those cursed diamonds and the fact they can tangle with the real ones is troublesome to my job and I can see that is also troublesome for your personal life"

"What do you mean?"

"The last cursed diamond activated and you were forced to deal with the problem and lose your sons` birthday" she shows her cellphone again to see an article of a very crestfallen and pissed Wanda who is holding the diamond and confessed to the press she missed her sons` birthday for this. And the reporter did show some thoughtful for the heroine.

Wanda nods once again. "What you want me to do? those diamonds only enter in action when people touch and I don´t want to scan every diamond for the rest of my life"

"Well, I want the cursed diamonds out, and I have a way, but...I need your help" and adds "no, you won´t be a scan. White Witch. I need you to help me to steal cursed diamonds"

Columbina is doing a marvellous job pretending to not be afraid. Wanda can kill her in one blow and they both know this. Phasing and quick thinking go so far against someone like her.

Wanda is thinking and letting her hands support her face as she closes her eyes. Suddenly, her eyes open and she replies. "Tell me, what you usually do with the normal diamonds?"

"I can only tell if you´re in"

"Well, better your plan to be good, cause I don´t want to miss another moment with my family"

_________________________________________________________________________

"Lorna, I need your help" Columbina speaks to the green-haired woman who is furiously typing on her laptop and while acknowledging Kitty´s presence, she still is focused on the laptop.

"What? I´m hacking an asshole right here"

"Do you want to steal cursed diamonds?" Kitty asked in a sing-song voice similar to ''do you want to build a snowman" from Frozen which is Lorna´s favourite movie judging by the merchandising she has on her room.

"Yes"

"That´s easy..."

"I like to meddle with magic"

"Ok then"

__________________________________________________________________________

Meggan Braddock is silently pondering the words she just heard from the aerialist who is, in her own words, just hang around, as she does not like gruesome crimes like Meggan.

(Meggan can sense she´s being genuine in every word she spoke and is surprised that a thief can be so honest)

"Is your plan good to take care of those cursed diamonds?"

"We have the White Witch!"

"Ok, count me in"

__________________________________________________________________________

Gwen Stacy is talking with Peter Ross who is still trying to win her heart, which is still funny for the blonde, but, as soon Kitty Pryde arrives with her gym outfit and showing her muscles.

She made a remark about how she needs to lose some steamy. "Thank god, for the Kickbox and MMA" and Gwen stops giving attention to Peter who is not taking kindly to this.

"Gwen, who is this?" Peter asked rather rudely as he knows this woman (pretty as she is, there´s no denial on his part about this aspect) is not someone who belongs in the same social circle of Gwen, right?

"My name is Kitty Pryde and you are..." she asked knowing who he is and relish on his dumbfound expression.

"I´m Peter Ross, the famous reporter of New Gotham"

"I thought Kurt Ryder was the bam bam of New Gotham" And Gwen chuckles at this scene. Peter is really not fond of Kitty, but, to icing the cake, Kitty asks Gwen to follow her as they have to talk about something.

"Gwen?" Peter asked surprised that Gwen is doing so. The Blonde just waves at him and follow Kitty sharing secrets only to the two women. Peter really, really hates Kitty Pryde and Columbina.

_______________________________________________________________________

"Kurt, why are you smiling like that?"

"Rogue, my dear sister, I've got the feeling something wonderful happened"

"...Why I think Peter Ross will be a bitch to work tomorrow?"

[mixelation]

One of the Fandom takes that make me genuinely angry is the Sakura is weak and useless take that's literally everywhere.

Hinata barely fights yet no one argues that she's weak becuase we all know she's strong. She's a capable ninja.

But Sakura? Break mountains and throw trees Sakura? Sakura who can heal even the most deadly of wounds and cure impossibly complex poisons Sakura? Sakura who has shown time and time again that she's strong and capable, that Sakura? No, she's weak. She's trash. She's worst girl 0/10.

It makes me so angry becuase she's genuinely a great character once you push kishimotos sexist bullshit out of the way. "Why didn't Sakura have any more good fights?" I don't know why don't you ask 'I dont know how to write women' Kishimoto over there. Ask him why Tenten or Hinata or Ino didn't get more fights either.

To me the take that Sakura is weak and the worst is a vile take and it will never not fill me with visceral rage.

God, YES, it's fine to not really like Sakura for whatever reason (including "well, the things that make me like characters usually involve cool fights"), but these arguments trying to PROVE why she's useless to the story are like 90% misogyny. 7/10 for rancid (EDIT: lowered this because some people do act like this to justify Sakura being sexually assaulted or murdered in fics which uhh 10/10 rancid, don't do that, but most people are just writing her as a screechy child who needs to be taught to not be so girly, which is gross but not AS gross).

First, I will admit that I think it's fine to hold Sakura to different standards than the other female characters, because she's the Main Girl. She should be getting cool fights while side characters don't really need them. She should have wider audience appeal (just from a writing perspective) than the other girls because we spend more time with her. These are fine things to point out when discussing Sakura's writing.

But some people genuinely spend time and energy writing up lists of reasons why Sakura is objectively not just a bad character, but a bad person who didn't deserve to be on Team 7. These usually either don't put things in context or make wild leaps of logic to justify why fic writers should abuse her, humiliate her, have horrible things happen to her, etc, because she "deserves" it. Even fans of Sakura will do this, writing her being shown how she's a stupid horrible person for being a normal young girl and having to learn to be better and become "BAMF."

Like, for example, people will come after her about that horrible line where she's like "Naruto misbehaves because he doesn't have parents" and argue she was consistently "awful to him." They do not mention Naruto trying to trick her into kissing him immediately before, or that we do see Naruto acting obnoxious to/around her, because no way could a TWLEVE YEAR OLD GIRL be justified in being annoyed by the class clown!! They also do not mention that after Sasuke tells her off, Sakura does treat Naruto much better, and most of the times she yells at him are when he is being genuinely obnoxious (and yes, she does hit him a few times, but those are all slapstick moments we're not suppose to take seriously, which is why Naruto is always 100% fine afterwards). No, instead they attack her for saying "Well, I'm on a diet anyway!" when she gives Naruto her food when he's hungry because "she's not a serious ninja is she's dieting." There is no way for Sakura to win, because anything she does is just proof she's horrible.

Not to mention the twisted sort of logic these fans go through to deny Sakura any of her on-screen accomplishments. Healing isn't a useful combat skill, duh. Her enhanced strength doesn't count because she's just a Tsunade knock off. She's stupid because she's not as smart as Shikamaru. What?? Like I said, it's fine to not like her, and it's fine to think her character went in a boring direction because you don't want her to just be a Tsunade #2. But the frequency with which people act like these things make her objectively a bad person is baffling. If you applied this logic to like 90% of the cast, you'd see people being like "well Hinata watched Naruto be lonely and never talked to him, so she obviously doesn't care about him and doesn't deserve his love" but you DON'T because Hinata has big tits because these arguments only make sense if you want to go out of your way to bash a character.

Just say you don't like her and move on. If you try to argue no one should like her, you just end up being like "Well, things girls do are STUPID AND BAD" and that's not a good look.

[mohluskiepedard]

Rating ATLA Characters literally only from what I’ve seen in fandom

or: posts that probably shouldn’t be on my writeblr except I don’t have a sideblog

the context here is it’s half midnight and I have never seen ATLA except I have opinions now apparently so here we go whoop de do- 

I’m also not actually rating them like numerically that’s too much work i’m just stating opinions I know I’m a fraud

AANG

- A child?  - A son?  - he is Baby. but also. he has had It Rough  - would make the updog joke - has unspeakable power or smth and everyone says he’s better than the Korra girl who comes after him but honestly tastes like sexism to me - doesn’t kill people because he’s like twelve, right? he’s like twelve so he refuses to kill people - I stan honestly - less twelve year olds should kill people - Some people say his name WRONG and they are BAD but i don’t actually know what the right way or the wrong way is so. have fun w that yall - lived in peace unTIL THE FIRE NATION ATTACKED 

KATARA

- She is also like twelve???  - Is everyone here twelve - Cortana?? Katana?? Catbug??  - She has good hair, - Her mother is dead??? her mother is dead n she has a brother but she cares about her mother being dead WAY more than him (or apparently the entire fandom??) - Badass - She seems soft. good. sweet - she’s a water breather or whatever??? her brother is NOT but he is a meme - I love her 

SOKKA

- NGL looks like a fuckboy  - The meme brother! does not do the water things, but he has an aXe???  - dates BAMF lady - ngl until I talked to my ATLA watching friend I thought he canonically dated Zuko  - kinda mad he doesn’t - I haven’t actually seen anything about him except like. in zuko ship posts and also Suki appreciation posts - joined the white lotus not-a-cult by accident???  - dark ATLA tumblr show me more Sokka posts - is his name prounounced the same way as Soccer or isn’t it I need to know - HIS FIRST GIRLFRIEND TURNED INTO THE MOON - (AND THAT’S ROUGH, BUDDY) - He and Suki are a good ship, but also, Sokka Has Two Hands

SUKI

- the BAMF herself - she says STOP in that photo but also to sexism - Rlly all I see of her in fanon is abt her teaching Sokka to drink his respect women juice and I appreciate her doing that but also it’s sad she never gets talked about outside of what she did for a man - I hope she has other badass moments w/o him it would suck if she didn’t - she is NOT the girlfriend who turned into the moon, she is the one who didn’t - I don’t know much else about her ATLA Fandom y’all should appreciate her more

ZUKO

- Look at him... my son... - He has a good redemption arc - he and his sister are evil lesbian and redeemed gay guy??? - has a straight canon ship but should’ve been with Sokka this boy is gay - I Want To Protect Him - That’s literally it - he has a cool uncle and his dad sucks  - people ship him with Katara and I Do Not Get It that’s his sister in law except not really - “We don’t trust Zuko’s change of heart” [the next day] “so Zuko is my closest friend now,”  - His dad was like “fuck up the avatar to prove your worth to me” and Aang was like “counter argument you already have worth and we should fuck up your dad” and I think that’s beautiful - he becomes the fire man and he’s very good at it - Zuko for President 2020 - in the words of myself, half an hour ago: “ I was like "that kid with the burn on his face seems like a sad but then happy mlm who needs found family" and I was RIGHT” - took too long to find a happy picture of him :( Zuko rights NOW please - His mother’s story got compared to an OC of mine and all I can say is oh no and they deserve better based on that alone - I have had Zuko for five minutes but if anything else happens to him I will kill everyone in this throne room and then myself

TOPH

- She is badass but like also will murder you while laughing maniacally? - for some reason reminds me of Nott from Critical Role, another show I Have Not Seen - Is blind but gets more out of making jokes abt being blind than she would from being able to see - “Sight is just a cheap tactic to make weak benders stronger!!!” - Literally the opposite of Aang and has killed many people?? - She Can Tell When You’re Lying. But I do not know how and Am simply mildly threatened by this - Therapist: Toph’s ability to know if you’re lying isn’t real and can’t hurt you. Toph’s ability to know if I’m lying:  - She and Zuko.... buddies???  - if not they should be - tiny sad boy needs friends like toph

AZULA

- Evil Lesbian Culture - [BDG Voice] You committed a war crime! Oopsie! - took be gay do crime too literally - her and Zuko have accurate sibling writin except instead of “you ever want to murder your sibling for breathing in the same space as you,” being a Joke Azula took it seriously - okay but with a name like azula she should be the blue bender this ANNOYS me she should NOT be red bender - AZULa  - AZUL - IT MEANS BLUE - She was half of y’alls gay awakenings and it SHOWS - Should have maybe been redeemed too??? Jury is out no one knows - Was she gay for Ty Lee or wasn’t she I can’t tell how much of that Audio is a joke - IS SHE ALSO TWELVE??? IS EVERYONE HERE TWELVE?? IS THIS TWELVE YEAR OLD COMITTING ATROCITIES? 

UNCLE IROH

- A Good Man - Finally, Some Good Fucking [Adult Figures]  - he has the tea. literally and figuratively - Ozai is like “and I will permanently disfigure my son and throw him out” and Iroh is like “What The Fuck, Ozai,” thus voicing the entire audience’s thoughts - Literally the only adult in this that I trust - I? I love him. this is all I have to say. my love for him is unending. Some1 protect this man from all harm   - he’s Zuko’s uncle (and also Azula ig) but he does not seem related to Ozai. is it just a theme in this family that one sibling is chill and one sibling commits horrendous atrocities against your fellow human beings or  - something happened to his son???? :((((( I Don’t Want Him To Have Suffered Like This

OZAI

- A BAD MAN - Uh Oh (stinky)  - THE WORST OF THE MEN  - I do not like him - Bastard man. nasty. committed war crimes and then went “but what if - get this - i also abused my son,”  - I would like him to Not Be Like This - by Like This I mean present and alive  - :/ 

TY LEE

- She’s NOT the There Is No War In Ba Sing Se lady and I don’t know why i thought she WAS but until I looked up her photo I thought that was her  - She looks like a sweetheart tho - I hope nothing bad happens to her????  - talks about auras??? or smth??? let her vibe - She would talk animatedly to me about warrior cats if she was in my year seven class and I was sat alone and I would understand none of it but appreciate her anyway - if azula bullies her I’ll be :( at Azula and Azula will not care because she has Mommy Issues and therefore is slightly unhinged - She seems like that one kid with no trauma vibing at the edge of [every other kid having trauma] and not really getting it but trying her best - Is she also twelve?????? She maybe looks twelve

CABBAGE MAN 

- HIS CABBAGES - fulfills my favourite trope: ordinary person repeatedly has life disrupted by the inconveniences of relying on actual children to save the world - probably has a campaign post canon for letting trained adults fix the worlds’ problems in the future - or sets up the Very First Cabbage Insurance Company - look at him. he loves his cabbages so much. you go you funky lil cabbage man

ALSO THE MOST IMPORTANT ONES MOMO

- LOOK AT HIM HE’S SO GOOD - small. fluffy. big ears - Lord Momo of the Momo Dynasty: his Momoness - a Good Boy...

APPA

- he looks so soft... - he can fly but he just does it by??? vibing through the air?? motionless??? iconic - I saw that one post about mishearing it as Abba and thinking he was Aang’s dad and he looks like he would be a good stand in dad ngl - he’s so LORGE - a chonky boy - love him

that is everyone I have heard of it and if I left someone out it’s a sign that y’all should talk about em more bc I have no clue they exist put more ATLA On my Dash ig I’ll do Legend of Korra ig maybe apparently that one has canon wlw and i love me some canon wlw

[x--daughters-of-darkness--x]

BUTCHER BABIES' HEIDI SHEPHERD Defends Return To 'Nipple Tape' For 'Freak On A Leash' Music Video

Los Angeles-based rock band GINA AND THE EASTERN BLOCK has teamed up with the "provocative rock 'n' roll dance troupe" Little Miss Nasty and BUTCHER BABIES co-vocalist Heidi Shepherd to record a cover of the KORN classic "Freak On A Leash". The NSFW music video for the track, directed by GINA AND THE EASTERN BLOCK vocalist Gina Katon and Jonathan Covert, can be seen below.

Shepherd has since taken to her Instagram to explain her decision to return to the "nipple tape" look for the clip, having previously performed topless with tape over her nipples in the BUTCHER BABIES' early days.

Heidi wrote: "Let's talk.. Over the past 14 years of my career, Ive grown into a woman in front of the whole world. Over those 14 years, Ive also seen the industry change. In metal, we've been told that its 'not metal' to embrace your feminine qualities but, Ive also seen the same women called ugly & gross when we dont. We've seen 'them' say that we women should tone down the bold but, then say that we need to be extra bold to play w the boys. THEY tell us (we all are) to be unique, then immediately pin us against & compare us to each other. We've seen them say that, 'people dont want to see women scream, we should sing & be pretty', then say that 'we're all clones' after THEY are the ones that shoved us in that corner to begin w.

"Ive felt the whiplash over the past decade of 'do this'.. Actually, 'do that'. And I have to be honest, I lost myself in all of that. Ive always been a girl to push boundaries and give [the middle finger] to the box that people have tried to put me in. As time has gone on, I feel like I steered away from the things that made me unique. Ive realized, that subsequently ended up in some pretty, little box with a bow that would make others feel comfortable.

"When approached to dive back into [nipple] tape for this music video, I admit, I was apprehensive cause 'OMG what would THEY think?' Then @henryflury reminded me of how hard Ive worked. He reminded me that I came into this industry as a BAMF & I still am. He reminded me that I'm here to FUCKSHITUP! He reminded me that the female body is a goddamn piece of art & I should feel comfortable in the body that Ive worked so hard for. From surviving gastroschisis, to overcoming a debilitating eating disorder, to breaking my back, to NOW crushing the gym; I should feel grateful & proud of the body I have. We all should! I deserve to embrace my feminine qualities in any form I want, whether its nipple tape or turtlenecks. Cause we all have those moments of feeling like a badass, sexy woman, then also where we wanna rock our sweats and a baggy-ass tshirt. We should be empowered by both!

"So thank you @ginaandtheeasternblock for the reminder & the opportunity to rewind & reflect! So stoked about the video. THIS BITCH IS BACK! -SMD"

Regarding the music video, Katon commented: "Our version of 'Freak On A Leash' has so many of my favorite musical elements in it — it's dark, trippy, beautiful, weird, massive, and of course, nasty. When Marc (the producer) first played me the track, my mind was immediately flooded with ideas for the video. So the video is honestly the perfect reflection of the music. And it was such an honor to be able to work with Heidi on the song and the video. She's a true pro, an all-around great human being, and immensely talented. Heidi embodies the fierce darkness, power, and beautiful eroticism of this track perfectly. We also brought in some of the badass women from Little Miss Nasty to sing additional vocals on the song and to be the unbelievably gorgeous and powerful co-stars of this truly timeless video."

Shepherd stated about the clip: "Diving back to my roots with Gina and the talented ladies of Little Miss Nasty was the perfect reminder that we women are fierce as fuck and should be celebrated for how unique and beautiful we ALL are! Embracing our feminine qualities while attacking a classically sexy song felt like the perfect mix of confidence and empowerment that I needed to be reminded of. I'm honored to be a part of Gina's vision that touches on all senses."

Four years ago, Heidi said that she has no regrets about the period in BUTCHER BABIES' history when she and co-vocalist Carla Harvey used to perform topless with tape over their nipples, explaining that it was meant as an ode to PLASMATICS frontwoman Wendy O. Williams, who had a song called "Butcher Baby".

While Shepherd and Harvey's look earned them plenty of attention, they were labeled a gimmick by some metal fans, with purists accusing the women of oversexualizing themselves in order to gain popularity.

Asked in an interview with the "Talk Toomey" podcast if she looked back on the nipple-tape look as a good idea or a bad idea, Heidi responded: "I think it was a good idea. It was something that people were, like, 'What?' We did in our band previous to BUTCHER BABIES too, so it wasn't something new to us."

She continued: "It's an interesting question, because I think that, in a lot of ways, it definitely hurt how we've grown, but I also think that it was a message that we stood for. The people who didn't get it and it got lost in translation, well, now they know. But in Europe, it seems like more people understood, which kind of makes sense. But it seems like in the U.S., I'm, like, did people forget about [Wendy]? [Laughs] Does the metal community not understand this? But I don't think that it was a bad idea. I think it was something that I did and I'm proud of. I don't really hold any regrets. I think that in life in general, these situations build to the bigger picture, and I think that having had that past and where we are now, it's kind of a cool evolution of the band too. It's unique. We went from being these young girls, bouncing around in nipple tape, screaming hateful things into microphones, to women, almost a decade later, grown up in the industry, helped with this women's movement, if you will. And I think that that sort of thing helped me become the woman I am today."

Heidi said that the changes in BUTCHER BABIES' visual appearance in recent years happened naturally as the band toured around the world playing to thousands of impressionable fans.

"It's really interesting, because when we realized that young girls were looking up to us and we had a responsibility of being a positive role model, it really changed my life for the better too; I started living my life more positively," she said. "And I think you can see that in the evolution of our look; you can hear it in the evolution of our music. So, in that sense, I'm fucking proud of it."

Heidi also reiterated that BUTCHER BABIES' early image wasn't meant as a clever marketing ploy designed to ensure maximum exposure. "That was not ever anything that ever went through my mind: 'Oh, this will help us get attention.' Because I was in a band for a year prior to that, that I did that," she explained. "I didn't think that it would ever end up here. I didn't think that it would ever amount to anything. I just thought we were gonna have some fun playing some original music with our friends along the Sunset Strip, 'cause that's what we did before. The only difference was, before, it was five girls and [we were playing] covers. And that's the reason we created BUTCHER BABIES — to do original stuff."

Heidi's comments echoed those made by Carla, who told Metal Underground in a 2016 interview that the band's nipple-tape look "was completely blown out of proportion. When we first started this band, we didn't do it to go out there and strut around on stage like Playboy models; we did it as kind of a 'fuck you' to the cookie-cutter music industry," she explained. "We were paying tribute to a woman in metal that we respected, Wendy O. Williams. And that was it. And the show has never been sexual — ever."

[magnus-the-maqnificent]

i kind of don't like the idea of magnus going feral

it's just so close to the whole "downworlders are part demons thus they're slaves to their impulses" shit shadowhunters believe

and also i don't think magnus can ever be merciless to be honest

also ,whenever there is a mention of dark magnus it automatically goes to the asian guy being the dark feral dominant and the white guy being the innocent pure submissive bullshit i always see kjkjkjkjkjjjj sorry yeah i stop talking now

I agree - Magnus can never be merciless. 😌

But like… if it was a hoard of demons? 👀 Remember when Magnus almost went off at Sammael in lbotw? Imagine if we had more of that skskks. We need more of bamf and feral Magnus is all I’m saying. (Also, after all that shit he’s been through, he deserves to have one murder. You know, as a treat. 😜)

I get what you mean, but those stereotypes and shit are always gonna be there, ya know. Like, women are sometimes stereotyped as overemotional and stuff but GODDAMN isn’t it satisfying to see a woman go feral and let all her anger loose? Yeah.

Aksksksk funnily enough I’ve seen that argument in the opposite direction 🤣🤣🤣 like, I once saw someone say that they didn’t like bottom Magnus because of the submissive (east) Asian trope. Like I said, stereotypes are always gonna be there. Sometimes these things just boil down to a matter of personal preference. I like dark Magnus. You don’t like dark Magnus. That’s all. 🤷‍♀️ (I’m not trying to sound aggressive here so sorry if I am. But yeah. No hard feelings, anon. We just like different things and that’s okay. You don’t have to fish for reasons about why you don’t like a thing. 🤗)

[inevitably-johnlocked]

You've probably seen me and my asks/reposts/reblogs a few times and if not I mean- Anyways! I'm craving some BAMF! John content bc who wouldn't want that in their life? Also- I really love all that you do for the fandom and your followers. (I was an old Nonny who spoke about being asexual. I was wrong and I mean it happens-) But yeah you are super duper amazing and I hope one day I can do the same for others

Hey Lovely! <3

Aww, it’s okay to change your labels when figure out who you are (I certainly have)! I have a lot of asks from ace nonnies, so I’m not sure which one is yours, hahah. That said, don’t feel bad for identifying as one thing until recently... it’s normal. <3

Ah, yes, we all love a badass mother-fuckin’ John!! I’ve only done one list related to it, so I’ll link to it below :) As always, I encourage everyone to add their own fics to the list below!

Thank you for your kind words, and I hope you enjoy what I’ve got for you! <3

BAMF and/or SOLDIER JOHN

See also: BAMF! But Insecure John

Idiot by Anesthesiologist (T, 1,229 w., 1 Ch. || Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, TGG AU, BAMF John, Sherlock Whump, Inner Monologue, John Saves Sherlock, POV Sherlock) – What the heck happened? He remembered the pool and Moriarty, but then what? Had he been dying?

Shooter by Amputation (K+, 1,406 w. || Post-TRF, Suspense, BAMF!John) – The men were trying to rile the other into acting first, it seemed. How boringly predictable and dull this was!

The 3x John Carried Sherlock, and Once ViceVersa by ShinkonoKokoro (K+, 1,673 w., 1 Ch. || Fluff, Friendship, Three and One, BAMF John, Sherlock Whump, Worried Sherlock, John Gets Shot) – It happens more than he suspects.

In Which John is a BAMFy MoFo, OMG! by Kantayra (T, 1,835 w., 1 Ch. || Humour) – John's BAMFness and Sherlock's damsel-in-distress act are caught forever on camera. So Scotland Yard can mock. A lot.

Coming Full Circle by KCS (K+, 2,358 w., 1 Ch. || Alternate TGG, Friendship, Drama, Violence/Death References, Drugging/Poisoning, Kidnapping, BAMF John, Moriarty POV, Introspection) – Moriarty had John for almost six hours between his abduction and the showdown at the pool - more than enough time to implement a Plan B for his escape should Sherlock call his bluff with the fake bomb vest.

Butterfly, Pinned Under Glass by billiethepoet (E, 4,648 w., 1 Ch. || Possessive Sherlock, Jealousy, Barebacking, BAMF!John) – It started as a desire to keep John safe and whole, and ended up as just desire.

Stranded by BeautifulFiction (T, 5,798 w., 1 Ch. || First Kiss, Communication / Relationship Discussion, Pining Sherlock, Sherlock POV, BAMF John, Doctor John, Case Fic, Drinking, Huddling For Warmth, Friends to More) –  When stranded on a derelict barge at high tide, John and Sherlock reconsider their friendship.

The Death of Doubt by Gingerhermit (E, 6,584 w., 1 Ch. || Alternate Canon, BAMF John, POV Sherlock, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Hurt/Comfort, Angst/Drama, Meddling Mycroft) – Mycroft asks for John’s help in rescuing Sherlock from his Serbian captors.

High and Tight, Soft and Loose by cwb (E, 7,429 w., 1 Ch. || Jealous John, Miscommunications / Misunderstandings, First Kiss / Time, BAMF John, Insecure Sherlock, Clueless Sherlock, POV John, Embarrassed John, Adorable Sherlock, Junk Size, UST / RST) – John pressed the knuckle of his index finger against his mouth and sighed. “So, you're coiled like a spring and ready to be ... sprung?” “If you want to be pedestrian about it, yes.” “Like I said, you should do something about that.” “And like I said, pedestrian. What would you have me do? Take up jogging? Yoga? Oh! Unless you mean –” “I don't mean anything. Let’s drop it.”

I'm Pretty Sure This Changes Shit by cwb (E, 7,672 w., 1 Ch. || Fluff, Cudding, Doctor/Patient, Accidents, Pining Sherlock, Blow Jobs, Oral / Anal, BAMF John, Minor Injuries, Dev. Rel.) – Sherlock finds increasingly ridiculous ways to get John to patch him up after hurting himself.

Every Night I Look for You by destinationtoast (E, 8,377 w., 1 Ch. || POV John, Post-TRF, Angst, Mystery, Unsafe Sex, BAMF John) – Every night, John looks for familiar hints of Sherlock in the men he meets in bars, and he does with them all the things he wishes he’d done before. Eventually, he stumbles into a situation that Sherlock would know how to handle, and John must decide whether he can handle it without him.

Made for You by Raxicoricofallapatorious (K, 8,440 w., 1 Ch. || Friendship, Sci-Fi, Androids) – When John was shot in the shoulder he was decommissioned and his memory and personality was wiped. Sherlock was given the blank droid and he quickly learns that this droid is more than it seems. John just so happened to come back and no one can fathom how or why. Johnlock if you squint.

Matters of National Security by mistyzeo (E, 8,465 w., 1 Ch. || BAMF John, Doctor John, Jealous Sherlock, Dating, Bisexuality, Arguing, Stupidity, Teasing, First Kiss/Time, Hand Jobs, Frottage, RST, Idiots in Love) – John starts dating a male client of Sherlock's, and Sherlock can't figure out why he's so incensed about it.

Stay Awake by pandoras_chaos (E, 9,325 w., 1 Ch. || BAMF!John, First Time, Angst, Pining Sherlock, Rimming, Oral/Anal) – Sherlock can feel the tenuous threads of this conversation shuddering under the strain of all the unspoken words. His eyes narrow as he gazes up at John, noting the residual tension in his shoulders, the dark circles under his lower lids, and the way he is avoiding Sherlock’s eyes like a bi-polarized magnet. He knows John Watson inside and out, like the perfectly balanced coils and gears of a beautifully balanced grandfather clock, and yet John keeps surprising him. It’s uncanny, the way he keeps on being so utterly and wonderfully unpredictable.

John Watson’s Moon by patternofdefiance (E, 11,314 w., 1 Ch. || Werewolf John, First Time, BAMF John, First Time, Anal, Fleeting Depictions of Violence) – Sherlock finds out John is a werewolf and wants to see the transformation. It, uh, gets really kinky.

The Red Dianthus by kinklock (T, 11,382 w., 3 Ch. || Supernatural Elements, BAMF!John, Misunderstandings, Fluff, Romance, Halloween, Dev. Rel., Case Fic) – The boys investigate a mysterious disappearance in a supposedly haunted house, and get much more than they bargained for.

The Hand You're Dealt by Lady Sam Mallory (T, 12,092 w., 1 Ch. || Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Light Violence, BAMF John, Doctor John, Injury, Friendship) – Sherlock, John and several others are trapped in a building when an explosion disrupts the crime scene they are working.

Fear Itself by KCS (K+, 12,289 w., 3 Ch. || Suspense, Friendship) – John is accustomed to being kidnapped by now, but he never expected a criminal to adopt Mycroft's method of doing so, to ensure he comes along without a fight.

To be loved by Strange_johnlock (E, 12,436 w., 8 Ch. || Post S3, Established Relationship, First Person POV Sherlock, Pet Names, Soft Sherlock, Mild ADHD, Protective John, Captain Watson, Body Appreciation, Bottomlock, Rough Sex, Travelling for Holidays, Introspection, Sherlock Loves John So Much It Hurts) – John is so deeply integrated into the work, both as my conductor of light, and as a great shot with a vicious right hook who tackles men -and women- no matter their size all in my defense. He protects me with all he can without question, and this loyalty is surely more than I deserve. Or: Sherlock is counting his blessings.

On The Fence by BeautifulFiction (T, 13,770 w., 1 Ch. || Fencing, Case Fic, First Kiss, Insecure John, Pining John, Hug, Greg Finds Out) – The murder of the King's College fencing champion leads to revelations about Sherlock's past. Will it be the point that tips them from friends to lovers, or will they remain on the fence?

The Acronym by DancingGrimm (T, 15,057 w. || Humour) – "'Bee Ay Em Eff'. Hm, that's a new one on me. Do you know what it means, Sherlock?" John might not know what it means, but there are many little ways in which he proves the acronym suits him.

I Will Take Care Of You by SailorChibi (T, 16,664 w., 15 Ch. || Hurt/Comfort, Sick Sherlock, BAMF John, BAMF Lestrade, Reunion Fic) – Two years after Sherlock's death, John comes to find him on the sofa. Wounded and ill, Sherlock is convinced he's hallucinating and refuses to share any details about Moran or the fact that Mycroft has been compromised. That doesn't stop John from stepping up and taking care of the last of Moriarty's web, BAMF-style.

Hope for Heroes by Richefic (K+, 16,887 w., 5 Ch. || Post-TGG Fic, Introspection / Flashbacks, Friendship/Epic Bromance, Hurt/Comfort, Worried/Anxious Sherlock, Sherlock Admires John, BAMF John, John Deduces, Fancy Party, John’s Self Esteem, Domestics) – In the final moments of "The Great Game" Holmes hopes he will have the chance to tell his flatmate that he was wrong. Heroes do exist after all and the one in front of him is called Dr John Watson.

Traitor's Gate by roane (E, 17,714 w., 6 Ch. || Post-TRF, Case Fic, Mystery, Bets and Wagers, Undercover for a Case, BAMF John, Scientist Sherlock, Teasing, Established Relationship, Military Base, Sexting/Texting, Military/Uniform Kink, Frottage, Dirty Sex, Anal, Bottomlock) – John and Sherlock go undercover at a top secret government lab to find out who is selling research. John is back in uniform and Sherlock is back in a laboratory, but they have to pose as strangers. Sherlock thinks he'll have an easy time of it, but John has his doubts. It's up to them to find out who is responsible for putting a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands, and try to keep their hands off each other at the same time.

5 Times John Got the Girl (and lost her) and 1 Time John Got the Guy (and kept him) by LiviKate (M, 21,695 w., 6 Ch. || 5 and Ones, Kissing, Oblivious / Awkward Sherlock, BAMF / Sexy / Stud John, Embarrassed John, John’s Scar, Hurt/Comfort, Jealous Sherlock) – John has always had good luck with the ladies. He's charming, friendly and funny, not to mention great in bed. However, his usual skill with the opposite sex is constantly being thwarted by Sherlock and his outbursts. How will John ever get a leg over when Sherlock is always cockblocking him?

Knotted by naughtyspirit (E, 23,166 w., 4 Ch. || UST/URT, Cuddling, Sharing Body Heat, Confessions, Kissing, Mastrubation, Frustration, BAMF!John) – John has to cancel a date because of Sherlock's case, which leads them to be tied up in a basement from which they have to escape. They get wet, get tied up close and John has to step up and save them. Because he's pretty. And hot. And just a little bit of a BAMF.

Maintaining A Personal Life by Gingerhermit (E, 24,284 w., 6 Ch. || Alternating POV’s, Bisexuality, BAMF!John, Jealous Sherlock, Romance / Drama, Sort-of Case Fic, Peril & Angst, Love Confessions, Toplock, Soft Idiots in Love, Post S3) – Sherlock and John discover some interesting revelations about each other’s sexuality, which lead them both to question the assumptions they've made about one another for years. In the midst of their mutual discoveries, a dangerous psychopath looms on the side-lines who threatens to destroy their new beginning.

Invisible by chappysmom (K+, 25,947 w., 11 Ch. || No Slash, semi-canon compliant) – John had had the knack for as long as he could remember. It wasn’t that he could become invisible, exactly. The laws of physics worked quite well in his vicinity, thank you very much. It was just that people tended … not to see him. {{This was one of the first AU’s I read, and I still love it to this day}}. SEQUELS: Still Invisible (ASiB) || Too Visible (THoB) || Invisible Once More (TRF)

And A Doctor by StillWaters1 (T, 27,393 w., 6 Ch. || Friendship, Doctor John, Whump, Soldier / Doctor Dichotomy, Five and One) – It was only when people actually saw John working as a physician that they began to understand: that it wasn't just about bullets and IEDs and trauma care under fire. That "doctor" actually covered a pretty wide field. And that John was bloody good at covering ground. 5 times Dr. Watson treated others and 1 time he treated himself.

26 Pieces by Lanning (E, 28,236 w., 1 Ch. || H/C, Torture, First Time, Happy Ending, Schmoop, Past Abuse) – Mycroft gives Sherlock the apparently simple task of solving a puzzle box containing a stolen microchip. It isn't simple.

Hellfire by testosterone_tea (E, 28,596 w., 9 Ch. || Fantasy / Magic / Mages / Elementals AU || Mage Sherlock, Elemental John, Developing Relationship, Torture, Powerful / BAMF John, POV Alternating, Dark / Blood Magic, UST, First Kiss) – Sherlock is a Mage that gets involved with a case involving Dark Summoning rituals, leading him to John Watson, a man with Berserker blood. The only thing is, Berserkers have been extinct for centuries. And of course, nothing involving Mycroft and his interfering ways is ever simple. This time, even Sherlock may have bitten off more than he can chew.

To Mend Icarus by AlessNox (T, 29,186 w., 14 Ch. || Post-TRF, Friendship, Drama, BAMF!John, Emotional Turmoil, Introspection, Harry is in this Fic, Angry John, Happy Ending, Queerplatonic Relationship) – After a case lands John Watson in court, he tells Sherlock that he is leaving. Not understanding why, Sherlock decides that the only way to learn the truth is to investigate his flatmate, Dr. John Watson. A revision of the story Mending Icarus.

A Study In Auto-Signatures, Sniper Dolphins, and Sex Holidays by cwb (E, 32,689 w., 8 Ch. || Case Fic, Post S3, Evil Mary, Dev. Rel., Beach Holidays, Confused Sherlock, Friends to Lovers, Honeymoon, Epistolary, Bottomlock, First Kiss / Time, Fluff, Secret Agents, BAMF!John) – John and Mary go on their sex holiday, and Sherlock is grumpy and pining about it. Part 1 of HOT DOLPHIN SEX

The Wrong Wagon by DancingGrimm (E, 35,663 w., 20 Ch. || Alternating POV, Molly/  John [Molly pines for John], Public Sex, Casual Sex, Obliviousness, BAMF!John, Awkwardness, Angst & Humour, First Time, Virgin Sherlock, Jealous Sherlock) – Molly sees John in a new light and realises that she may have hitched her horse to the wrong wagon...or something like that. John pines for Sherlock and worries what he will think if he ever finds out. And Sherlock doesn't know what Molly's up to...but he knows he doesn't like it.

we have never seen a greater day than this by Lediona (T, 36,420 w., 7 Ch. || A Royal Night Out AU || WWII / VE Day, Prince Sherlock, Soldier John, Alternating POV, First Kiss, Bittersweet Ending, Homophobia, Dancing) – Peace. At long last. It’s VE Day and Prince William desires to join the celebrations. It is a night of excitement, danger and the first flutters of romance.

A Week is Just Seven Days Isn't It? by scifigrl47 (T, 39,906 w., 4 Ch. || Humour, Friendship/Bromance, Stroppy/Bored Sherlock, Undercover/Army John, Texting, Pining-ish Sherlock, John Whump) – When John heads overseas for a week, Sherlock's forced to fend for himself. It goes about as well as anyone could have anticipated. Which is to say, very, very poorly. Don't worry, things'll be fine in just seven days.

Right Hand Man by SilentAuror (E, 42,031 w., 4 Ch. ||  H/C, Injury, Slow Burn) – When John's left arm becomes paralysed after a car accident, Mary asks Sherlock to take him back to Baker Street to recuperate, as she's about to give birth. Despite the fact that the search for Moriarty is ongoing, Sherlock takes John in and takes responsibility for overseeing his rehabilitation as he adjusts to the loss of his arm.

Guidelines by WithLoweredVoices (M, 43,018 w., 15 Ch. || Winglock || Angels, Fantasy, Angst, BAMF! John, War, Jealous Sherlock, Possessive Sherlock, Jealous John, Falling in Various Ways, Needy Sherlock, Wings) – The Good Soldier, one of the oldest and strongest of the fallen, is offered a bargain: to live as John Watson and to Guide a fledgling archangel so that he will stay on the path of good. Of course, Sherlock Holmes has different ideas about his destiny. Fantasy AU. Warnings for violence, occasional gore, and a whole load of hurt and angst.

Left by lifeonmars (M, 45,153 w., 9 Ch. || Magical Realism, BAMF!John, Slow Burn) – John Watson is left-handed. He’s tried not to let it affect his life, but as any Lefty knows, that’s almost impossible.

Impossible to Feign by achray (M, 49,204 w., 12 Ch. || TRF Rewrite / Reverse Reichenbach, Suicidal Ideations / Discussions, Drug Use/Abuse, Mutual Pining, Friends With Benefits, John Accepts his Sexuality, Anxious Sherlock, Meddling Mycroft, Depression, Hallucinations, Secret Agent John, BAMF John, Reunion, Make-Up Sex, Ambiguous Ending) – Sherlock leant forward, his long fingers curving round to grip John’s.“I won’t let him win,” he said, eyes hard. “I will do whatever it takes to get you out.”

Coventry by standbygo (E, 52,020 w., 26 Ch. || Dollhouse AU || Case Fic, Slow Burn, Sci-Fi / Fantasy, First Kiss / Time, Attempted Rape/Non-Con, BAMF John, Falling in Love) – “Let me get this straight,” John said, wondering when his life had become a science fiction film. “Some guy orders up a personality, a person, to his specifications, and they program this into a real live person, who has consented to do this, and she goes to this person and acts as his wife, or lawyer, or Royal Marine, or Navy Seal or what have you, and she has all the skills, all the knowledge, everything? Then you say the magic words, and she follows you back to The House, and they erase it all until her next appointment?”

Albion and the Woodsman by Glenmore (NR [E], 54,437 w., 50 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post S3, Parentlock, Pining Sherlock, Angst, Family, Drug Use, Depression, Sherlock POV, Light Humour, Reconnecting, Declarations of Love) – Sherlock and John are devastated after Mary Morstan makes her final moves. Sherlock relapses at the crack house, John walks around the world … and a lot happens in between. Parentlock, in the good way.

Wars We Fought, Things We're Not by blueink3 (M, 55,204 w., 10 Ch. || Post S3 / Post TAB, Parentlock, Fluff & Angst, Kidnapping, Whump, Post-TAB, UST/URT, 3G, Mild Peril, Slow Burn, Couple for a Case, Protective Mycroft, Infant Death Pre-Story, Friends to Lovers) –  Five months after John's world has fallen apart, Mycroft sends the consulting detective and his doctor on a case that neither is prepared for.

A Hundred Crimson Sols by elldotsee (E, 55,536 w., 16 Ch. || Astronauts AU || Mars Exploration / Space Travel, Slow Burn, Shy Sherlock, Scientist Sherlock / Biomed Engineer John, Alternating POV, Mutual Pining, UST, Angst with Happy Ending, Domestic Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Injuries, Suicidal Ideation, Zero-G Sex) – Will Holmes is a chemical researcher recognized widely for his contributions to the new Mars exploration program. Thanks to his ground-breaking developments, the IMMC (International Mars Mission Corporation) is one step closer to Martian colonization. Will and his team of scientists are headed out on the first of three manned missions before the first group of settlers arrive. Three days before launch, one of the crew has to be replaced. Will panics because...new people. The replacement is of course one John Watson, biomedical engineer and space hottie who was pretty sure he had retired from actual space exploration and was now content to work in the nice, quiet research lab. Can the crew survive this TOTALLY ROUTINE trip? Will they be able to endure each other for the looooooong trip in close quarters? Gonna be a wild ride... prepare for blast off. Part 1 of SpaceBois go to Space

The Thing Is by TSylvestris (E, 56,743 w., 21 Ch. || Case Fic, Dev. Rel., Anal/Oral, Blow Jobs, Meddling Mycroft, Drama, Romance, Humour, Casual Encounters, Pining Idiots, Possessive Sherlock, Orgasm Delay, Rough / Alley Sex, Public Sex, John Whump, Drugged John, Emotional Love Making, Awkward Relationship, Marriage of Convenience, Switchlock, BAMF John) – The problem with living with Sherlock, John thought, was that you never, never, ever knew the significance of anything. Like your flatmate's nose buried in your hair. Whilst you're in bed. Part 1 of Nitroglycerine

The Burning by SrebrnaFH (M, 60,658 w., 24 Ch. || Reverse Reichenbach, Suicide, Depression, Hurt Sherlock / John, Separation, BAMF John, Good Big Brother Mycroft, Angst, Implied/Referenced Torture, Fake Character Death, Rescue Mission, Reconciliation / Reunion, Hospitalization, Marriage Proposal, Illnesses, Physical Therapy, Happily Ever After) – Something went very, very wrong. John had seemed, if not happy, then reasonably content with his life. Sherlock had never predicted something like THIS might have happened. Not in his worst nightmares. He was the lousiest friend ever, apparently. At least Mycroft found him something to occupy his mind with, so that he didn't have to go back to 221B and stare at the walls and the chair, where John Watson would never sit again.

Perdition's Flames by i_ship_an_armada (E, 63,435 w., 21 Ch. || Treklock AU, Est. Rel, Genetic Engineering, Angst & Fluff, BAMF!John) – Sherlock would do anything to save him. Risk anything. Give anything. His money, his life. His soul. What he does, though, is change both of their destinies forever. Genetic re-engineering is the only option left. It turns out researchers underestimated the life expectancy and potential abilities of genetically re-engineered subjects. The British government and what would eventually become the United Federation of Planets, however, had not. Part 1 of PF Universe

Hell Sent, Heaven Bound by ConsultingHound (M, 64,381 w, 16 Ch. || Angels / Demons AU ||  Fallen Angel Sherlock / Angel Cop John, Alternate First Meeting, Slow Burn, Case Fic, John & Lestrade are Friends Before Sherlock, BAMF John, Mind Palace John, Friends to Lovers, John in Denial, Sherlock Picks Out John’s Clothing, Clubbing / Dancing, Mildly Jealous John, Awkwardness, Kidnapping, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Sacrifice, Worried / Anxious Sherlock, Angst with Happy Ending, Immortal to Mortal) – Ex-War healer and current angelic guard John Watson is not having the best day. He overslept, he’s underpaid, and now there’s someone tagging the Council’s building walls. However things may be about to get interesting: there’s an unusual stranger hanging around (the definition of tall, dark, and handsome), a literal underground cult is brewing, and rumblings are coming from hell. Can he keep his neighbourhood safe, how and why is he being connected to all this, and who the hell is Sherlock Holmes?

Watches 'Verse by bendingsignpost (E, 66,905 w. across 2 works || Magical Realism, Reality Distortion, Angst, Partial MCD, BAMF John) – First, he is shot in Afghanistan. Second, he wakes to a phone call in Chelmsford, Essex. Third is pain, fourth is normalcy, fifth is agony and sixth is confusion. By the eighth, he's lost track. (John-centric AU) Part 1 of Watches 'Verse

Being John Watson-ish by elwinglyre (E, 69,902 w., 17 Ch. || Bodysnatcher AU || Author John, Cranky Sherlock, Angst, Sexual Tension, First Kiss / Time, Falling in Love, BAMF John, Past Soldier John, Feelings, Inside Someone’s Brain, Shy Sherlock, Sherlock Loves John, POV Sherlock, Switchlock, Slow Burn, Internal Dialogue, Mental Turmoil) – When consulting detective Sherlock Holmes steps on one toe too many at a crime scene, he's consigned to a desk job in an archaic office on the seventh-and-a-half floor of the New Scotland Yard. It’s in this bleak office that Sherlock discovers a portal into the mind of renowned author John Watson. Grander than his mind palace, this new wonderland affords Sherlock new vistas of experimentation. To learn more about the mystery behind the portal, Sherlock seeks out and befriends Watson. But then it all goes wrong when others find the secret portal door—including the man whose brain he visits.

The Green Blade by verityburns (T, 72,929 w., 15 Ch. || Casefic, Bromance) – As a serial killer hits the headlines, the police are out of their depth and the next victim is out of time. With faith in Sherlock Holmes at an all time low, this is a case which will push loyalties to the limit...

Darkling, I Listen by You_Light_The_Sky (T, 73,254 w., 8 Ch. || Fairy Tale AU || Loosely Based on Beauty and the Beast, Magical Realism, Suicidal Themes, Romance, Creepiness, Adventure) – No one who enters old London ever comes out. They say that the beast devours them. When his sister disappears, John ventures into the dead zone beyond the wall, and finds a brilliant madman under a terrible curse... Part 1 of Darkling I Listen + Extras, Deleted Scenes

Summit Fever by J_Baillier (M, 78,802 w., 18 Ch. || Mountain Climber AU || POV John, Angst, Tragedy, Suicidal Ideation, The Himalayas, Mountain Guide / Doctor John, Mount Climber Sherlock, Loneliness, Drama, Suspense, Slow Burn, Injured Sherlock / Sherlock Whump, Pining John) – After graduating from medical school, John Watson followed his heart to the Himalayas. Ten years later, he's a haunted cynic working for his ex-lover's trekking and mountaineering company. Will leading an expedition to Annapurna I—the most lethal of all the world's highest mountains—shake John out of his reverie, and who is the mystery client added to the group at the last minute?

The Monument of Memory by J_Baillier (M, 79,663 w., 14 Ch. || Post S4 Fix It Fic / S4 is Canon, Angst, Family Drama, Guilt, Case Fic, John Loves Sherlock, Complicated Feelings, Mentalism / Hypnosis, Murder, Grieving John, Sherlock is a Bit Not Good, Team Work, Trust Issues, BAMF John, Psychological Trauma, Protective John, Autistic-Spectrum Sherlock, Parentlock, John POV) –  A genius traumatised by a past he's only beginning to recall. The psychopath sister that time forgot. A missing woman and a mentalist who may or may not be a murderer. And, in the middle of it all, stands John Watson.

Secrets and Revelations by Hisstah (E, 83,535 w., 9 Ch. || Sentinel / Guides Omegaverse AU || Adventure, Violence, Anal / Oral, Omega!John / Alpha!Sherlock, Case Fic, Politics, Mild DubCon) – Dr John Watson has some major secrets that he's kept from his flatmate, Alpha Sentinel Sherlock Holmes. Now the Sentinel Tower is after him. Can John stay out of their hands until he can reveal his secrets to Sherlock? Part 1 of Secrets and Revelations

Thermocline by J_Baillier (M, 83,557 w., 14 Ch. || Scuba Diving AU || Adventure, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Marine Archaeology, Asexual Sherlock, Horny John, Relationship Drama, Technical/Scuba/Wreck Diving, Slow Burn, Underwater /  Medical Peril, Doctor John, Hurt Sherlock, Anxious Sherlock, John POV, Protective John, Body Appreciation) – John "Five Oceans" Watson — technical dive instructor, dive accident analyst and weapon of mass seduction — meets recluse professor of maritime archaeology Holmes. As they head out to a remote archipelago off the coast of Guatemala to study and film its shipwrecks for a documentary, will sparks fly or fizzle out?

Northwest Passage by Kryptaria (E, 95,157 w., 27 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Canadian AU ||  BAMF!John, Canadian John, PTSD, Anal / Oral Sex, Rimming, Emotional Hurt / Comfort, Drug Rehab, Falling in Love, Pining Sherlock, Love Confessions, Sherlock’s Violin, Panic Attacks, Switching, Anxious / Protective Sherlock, Hugs for Comfort, Suicide Mentions, Healing Each Other) – Seven years ago, Captain John Watson of the Canadian Forces Medical Service withdrew from society, seeking a simple, isolated life in the distant northern wilderness of Canada. Though he survives from one day to the next, he doesn't truly live until someone from his dark past calls in a favor and turns his world upside-down with the introduction of Sherlock Holmes." Part 1 of Tales from the Northwest

Given In Evidence by verityburns (M, 97,884 w., 19 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post-TRF, Angst, Drama, Case Fic, Romance, BAMF!John, Submissive Sherlock, First Kiss, Humour) – Coming back from the dead can be a complicated business. With a new case on the horizon, rebuilding a life is one thing... rebuilding a friendship quite another. For Sherlock and John, things may never be just the same...

Maintenance and Repair by patternofdefiance (E, 106,650 w., 71 Ch. || Future AU, Augmentation || Augmented John, Depression, Body Modification, Slow Burn, Worldbuilding, Sci-Fi, Self-Care, Body Dysmorphia) – John wants to explain the rush of sensation and data, which is just another form of sensation (or is it the other way around?). John wants to say: Augmentation circuits report temperature, pressure, various forms of quantitative input. Sudden changes are reported as pain, since sudden changes are dangerous, and pain is the quickest way to encourage reflexive extraction. But all John can manage is, “Nng.” Because this sudden touch is not reporting as pain. Part 2 of STATIC

Shatter the Darkness (Let the Light In) by MojoFlower (E, 109,683 w., 23 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Genie/Djinn AU || Magical Realism, Kidnapping, Genie Sherlock, First Kiss / Time, Case Fic, H/C, Angst, Clubs, John Whump, Mild DubCon, Hand / Blow Jobs, Torture) – Fairy tales are for those who remember how to dream; not John Watson, broken and hiding from his bleak future in a beige bedsit. But then he discovers a lamp and finds himself in the dangerous riptide of an enigmatic man whose very existence is unbelievable, murder charges against his sister, and the growing pains of feeling alive once more.

Two Two One Bravo Baker by abundantlyqueer (E, 114,574 w., 27 Ch. || Military AU || Afghanistan, War Story, Thriller, Switchlock, Rimming, Emotional Lovemaking, Lots of Sex, HJ/BJ’s) – Captain John Watson of 40 Commando, the Royal Marines, is assigned to protect and assist Sherlock Holmes as he investigates what appears to be a simple war atrocity in Afghanistan. An intense attraction ignites between the two men as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens everything they’ve ever known, but Sherlock is as much hunted as hunter, and everyone close to him is in deadly danger. Can he solve the case in time to save himself and John? Part 1 of Two Two One Bravo Baker Universe

Breakable by MissDavis (E, 117,627 w., 34 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE, WiP || Established Relationship, Major Character Injury, Fluff/Angst, Depression, Paralysis/Disabilities, Hurt/Comfort, POV Sherlock, Mental Health Issues, Drug Use, Happy-ish Ending) – After John is seriously injured, Sherlock struggles to figure out how to help him, keep himself sane, and maybe, just maybe, get their life back to the way it's supposed to be. Part 1 of Breakable Not Broken

The Burning Heart by May_Shepard (M, 119,150 w., 21 Ch. || Canon Divergence, Post-TRF, John’s Sexuality, S3 Rewrite, Pining, Angst with a Happy Ending, POV John Watson, John’s Gay) – When Sherlock dies, John Watson feels like his life is over too. He’s completely shut down, until Mark Morstan, a new nurse at John’s medical clinic, catches his attention, and helps him uncover the long buried truth of his attraction to men. Although he’s certain he’ll never get over Sherlock, John plans to move on, and build a new life with Mark, unaware that Sherlock is not quite as dead as he appears, and that Mark is hiding secrets of his own.

Against the Rest of the World by SilentAuror (E, 151,714 w., 20 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post-TRF, Hiatus Fic, POV First Person Sherlock, Present Tense, First Kiss/Time, Big Brother Mycroft, Escaping from Capture, Soft Sherlock, Toplock, Insecurity, Infidelity, Travelling, Introspection, Pining Sherlock, Depression, Fantasies, Yearning for the Past, PTSD Sherlock, Suicidal Ideation) – Sherlock has been away from London for nine hundred and twelve days and counting, and has no idea what sort of reception to expect when he finally returns.

[tsukihimeyfan]

Things in AtLA that I wish had gotten resolved/addressed better

So we all know AtLA is the Greatest Cartoon Show Of All Time (TM) but I always felt like there were several loose ends that would’ve REALLY benefited from a Book 4: Air, and I wanted to rant about them for a second, so here they are:

1) Azula’s mental health and (possible) redemption: I really wish we had gotten to see Azula come out of the pit she dug herself into. Because of the evil acts we see her commit, we often forget that Azula was just a 14 YEAR OLD GIRL, who had spent all of her life trying to live up to the expectations of her abusive father and who was betrayed by literally everyone close to her in the end. Of course there still should’ve been consequences to her actions, but I don’t believe she was an irredeemable hopeless case. I feel like this line: 

was REALLY telling as to why she did what she did. I often wonder if maybe she’d started out just doing her best to act in a way where she would NOT be punished or hated like she’d SEEN her brother be, and then it just became so ingrained into her that it changed her. Especially since her mother and uncle, the only other adult presences in her life, kept themselves mostly removed from her and ultimately failed her (I understand that Ursa was probably trying her best to help the child she believed was most in danger from Ozai, but if your 9 YEAR OLD daughter comes out of your relationship believing “my own mother thought I was a monster” then you’ve failed as a parent. Sorry)

Aaron Ehasz said this about a year ago:

and honestly I would have LOVED THAT. “At the deepest moment in her own abyss she would have found: Zuko”. Like, what?!?! Zuko getting to be Azula’s Iroh, to help her crawl of the dark place she was in through compassion and kindness?? YES PLEASE!!! Also, imagine what Azula could’ve been if she’d ever decided to use her razor-sharp intellect for Good? This girl conquered Ba Sing Se with only 2 people on her side initially, little to no bloodshed, and no civilian casualties! She could’ve accomplished SO MUCH as Zuko’s advisor/right hand woman or something!

2) Aang dealing with his grief regarding the Air Nomad Genocide: truth be told, we never see Aang truly take the time to cry and mourn over the loss of literally everyone he ever knew and loved aside from those brief moments during the Southern Air Temple and The Guru, and even then he never got to dwell on it for long because the world needed him and he had to focus on that.

I’m quite sad that he never got to have that catharsis, to truly come to terms with his feelings on the matter (besides seemingly focusing all his love on Katara, as we’re told during The Guru). He should have gotten the chance to rebuild his home and find his new place in the world in the appropriately-named Book 4: Air. For example, I’ve seen theories that Ty Lee was a descendant of the remaining Air Nomads, and it would’ve been so great for it to be true and for Aang to go around the world searching for others like her and teaching them Air Nomad philosophy. Also wish we could’ve seen Aang finding and protecting the last Sky Bisons, collecting Air Nomad scriptures with Zuko’s help and spreading them across the world, or restoring the Air Temples to their former glory (maybe Teo and the Mechanist could’ve helped in that endeavor to make up for wrecking the Northern Air Temple. I never liked that at the end of that episode we’re told to think Aang was in the wrong, when literally the last remaining vestiges of his culture had been changed and almost destroyed and he had every right to be angry about it).

3) Toph’s Life Changing Field Trip with Zuko: I really dislike Zuko dismissing Toph’s talk about her parents during The Phoenix King. I feel like it’s quite a bit out of character, since he would of course be able to understand better than anyone in the Gaang how being forced to change yourself to fit in with your rich&powerful parents’ expectations of you feels. You’re telling me that the guy who immediately empathized with Katara when she mentions how the Fire Nation took her mother from her in the Crystal Catacombs (while they were still “enemies” might I add), who encouraged Aang when he felt uneasy about his firebending, who stuck with Sokka when he was feeling down about his plans failing and inspired him to keep trying, who helped Katara find closure on her mother’s death and praised her sacrifice saying “[she] was a brave woman”, and who was comforted by Toph herself just a few days before when he was feeling down about Iroh, wouldn’t take a second to empathize with her? I don’t buy it. 

Also can you imagine the kind of shenanigans two badass rule breakers like them could’ve gotten into??? 

They could’ve saved or toppled a city in one night. It would’ve been EPIC. WE WERE ROBBED. 

4) Aang and Katara’s relationship: just... so much about it. I’m not even going to get into how much I wish Zutara (or the beginnings of it) had been made canon, but if they were going to make Kataang canon I wish they had showed us MUCH MORE of the development of Katara’s feelings. I mean, on the Ember Island Players we leave them with Aang having screwed up by disregarding her boundaries and forcing a kiss (and then never apologizing for it smh), 

and then we get NOTHING until somehow during the very last 10min of the series she all of a sudden reciprocates his feelings in full???? Without anything getting resolved????

Like what?!?! How did she go from A to B???? At least show me how she debated the matter! Show me how she talked about it with someone, or mulled it over on her own! Show me what exactly she found that she loved ROMANTICALLY about Aang! Show me him apologizing for overstepping and her forgiving him! Show me Katara stop babying Aang gradually! Show me Katara having cute blushing moments like she does for her other crushes (namely Jet and Haru) SPRINKLED ALL THROUGHOUT THE STORY WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY INSTEAD OF ONLY ON 2-3 ISOLATED INSTANCES IN THE WHOLE SHOW, WHILE OTHERWISE SHE ACTS LIKE HIS MOM OR OLDER SISTER!!!! Arrrggh we should’ve gotten a Book 4 if only so we could end on that kiss on a balcony properly. They both deserved better than we got.

5) Katara’s role in the world Post-War: from what little I’ve heard of the comics, it seemed as if Katara was relegated to the role of “Aang’s girlfriend”, which was reinforced by what we saw in LoK where she mostly stays in the South Pole while all her other friends are helping save the world. She doesn’t even seem to have her own statue! I find this highly disrespectful of her character, since the Katara we know would’ve “never turned her back on people who need her” and would’ve fought tooth and nail to make the world a better place. She never would’ve been content as a stay-at-home wife. She ends up “in the healing huts” just like Pakku thought she should and that’s so sad😔 I wish we could’ve seen her become a political activist protesting for women’s right to learn combat waterbending at the North Pole, an environmentalist/ecoterrorist, a medical volunteer, an ambassador for Aang’s new Air Nation or for the Water Tribes, a warrior putting the Fear of God(TM) into anyone who tried to assassinate Zuko or Aang, or even all of the above. Katara is a BAMF with strong opinions and we should’ve seen her do something with them goddammit.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk

[niallloverontheloose]

Scott/Posey Fans’ Ableism, Racism, Misogyny And Canon Erasure

https://princeescaluswords.tumblr.com/post/639572179698302976/yelling-at-asshole-anon-saying-smugly-he-just#notes

https://princeescaluswords.tumblr.com/post/639659163802370048/whenever-fandom-racists-claim-braeden-is#notes

“I wrote a story called Not Quite Back Where I Started in which I had Scott claim that Peter wouldn’t put up with Stiles’s neurodivergence, which got a lot of people very upset”

Actually, user @princeescaluswords (Escalus on ao3) wrote an untagged anti Derek, Stiles, Sterek story in which he had Scott claim that Derek is an actual rapist and that no one will like Stiles when his Adderall wears off just because Stiles dared to choose the Hales over him. And people have every right to call him out on his ableism and for putting his ableist garbage in the Sterek tags on purpose. Here’s a few receipts regarding Escalus’ ableist fic by the way:

[https://myinfinitevariety.tumblr.com/post/627254594778660864/scott-mccall-is-a-toxic-friend]

[https://myinfinitevariety.tumblr.com/post/627471476682063872/httpsarchiveofourownorgworks26055196-the]

[https://myinfinitevariety.tumblr.com/post/627471509426978816/can-we-talk-about-how-princeescaluswords-had-scott]

https://myinfinitevariety.tumblr.com/post/627254743529635840/user-princeescaluswords-doesnt-only-target

“They think that BAMF!Stiles would do everything that Braeden would do, only better, since they can’t imagine a black woman being better than an uncoordinated white teenager, or he would do everything that Deaton or Morrell would do, only better, since they can’t imagine black people possessing more discipline and perception to be proper Emissaries above a white teenager who wrote an essay on circumcision for his economics final”

@princeescauswords You realize that Stiles is canonically an academically and intellectually gifted neurodivergent student with perfect grades and that him writing an essay on the history of male circumcision for an economy class once due to his ADHD isn’t an example of him being dumb or “lacking discipline”, right?

It’s not a secret that Scott stans’ obsessive hate boner for Stiles and Derek is as creepy as Tyler Posey’s unhealthy obsession for Stiles and Dylan O’Brien; but bashing a neurodivergent character for his ADHD and claiming that Stiles is “inferior” and “lacks discipline” because he has a mental disorder is just ableist and disgusting.

I also find it funny how middle aged troll Escalus claims that Stiles won’t extend mercy on Jackson even though Stiles is the one who told a jealous Scott – who wanted to kill Jackson just because he’s friends with Allison – that they had to SAVE Jackson, not kill him. Almost as funny as Scott stans omitting that Scott kept getting into petty jealous fits and dick measuring contests with Jackson and bullied Jackson into inviting Allison (the girl Scott has a creepy stalker crush on) to the ball on his behalf, while Stiles is the one who stayed with and kept an eye on Jackson when Scott was too busy whining about lacrosse and making out with Allison.

Also: since when do the Scott McCall defense squad bunch care about Braeden – or about women of color in general – exactly???? They don’t give a fuck about POC Braeden, Deaton or Morrell outside of Scott McCall and unless they can turn them into Scott McCall’s slaves/inferiors in their self insert Scott supremacist fics. And this user in particular (@princeescaluswords) said that Scott is the most powerful and important being in Beacon Hills, adding that WOC Kira Yukimura is inferior to true alpha Scott and should be grateful true alpha Scott dated her and regarded her as his equal, even though it’s literally the other way around: Kira Yukimura is the most powerful and important supernatural being in Beacon Hills, and irrelevant scumbag Scott should be grateful she even bothered to give him the time of the day instead of beating him into a bloody pulp like he deserved

I honestly don’t really have anything to add here anon. You made your argument clear, and you’re right. Scott McCall is a horrible, shitty, repugnant character, who happens to just attract shitty people. @princeescaluswords is one of the firsts in line to being at the bottom of the barrel. 

[cblgblog]

I know Sharon did what she thought was right, but wouldn't you be grateful for that person? Wouldn't you care about her? The films made Steve dirty in relation to Sharon. We just needed a dialogue to know that he cares about her, he was grateful and things didn't work, it could be him having a convo with Nat and Sam. I disagree thing may have happened off-screen because there is no mention of it. Give me something so I can build. Steve is a fictional character, he is what he is because Part 1

of the writers, they failed him in relation to Sharon. That's why I don't want to see her say I'm happy for him to validate what he did, and no film has shown the opposite of him in relation to her. The movies even made people think he only cared about her because of Peggy. I'm tired of seeing female characters being friendly to men without seeing the opposite. She's a character who was removed because of jealous fans, and misogyny. Part 2

I agree that there should’ve been something after CW  to deal with Steve and Sharon. How you can say he didn’t show gratitude for her and what she did confuses me since he literally said “thank you Sharon” during their final conversation. But the writers left the thread dangling and it was lazy.

No idea where you’re getting Staron not happening because of misogyny so there’s no way I can respond. And she wasn’t removed because of “jealous fans.” She got screwed over because the writers didn’t know what they wanted to do with that relationship, so they never committed to it. It was a half-assed, dangling plot thread, like they felt they needed to go the comic route, but their hearts weren’t in it. Blame the writers, not the fans of Peggy or Steggy.

I can see you not wanting her to be happy for him, I guess, if you’re going on the assumption that they were in some kind of relationship that was more than a little flirting and one kiss. I disagree with that because A, he didn’t even know where she was stationed, he had to confirm what it was she was doing with the CIA, and where she was, and B, he didn’t know Sharon was related to Peggy until she told the entire church that at Peggy’s funeral. If they were in any sort of deep relationship, she would have told him that in the 2 years between movies. Or at the least, she would’ve found him before the eulogy and told him privately, before telling the whole room and surprising him.  And before anyone comes at me, no, I do not care that she didn’t tell him before she did. It was her business, she didn’t owe him that. But if they were in a relationship that was in any way serious, she would have told him that, or he would have found out. When he spots a photo somewhere of Peggy at Sharon’s graduation, or happens to be there at one of the times Peggy the insomniac calls to talk to Sharon (as shown in WS) he would have found out. 

All of that being why I don’t believe there was some offscreen romance going on. Not to mention Steve and Sharon calling their kiss “late,” which implies that it should have happened already, which implies that it hasn’t before. So no, I don’t believe they were in a relationship. I think they were flirting, there was an attraction, there was a “maybe” there. And then the Accords happened, and Sharon helped Steve knowing the risks, and that it meant both of them being fugitives. He didn’t force her to help him and then toss her aside. She helped him, he thanked her, they kissed, both knowing they were officially fugitives at this point and may not see each other for awhile.

Side note. If you’re willing to believe Staron happened in a 2 year offscreen period, is it not then possible that they could have broken up and had that conversation you’re talking about in the 2 years between CW and IW? Why is it okay that their relationship take place offscreen, but then not okay that it could have ended offscreen?

But say they were in a relationship, and Steve treated Sharon badly. So fine, she doesn’t have to like him or respect him. What about Peggy? Can she not be happy that her aunt is happy, at least? She would’ve grown up hearing about how much Steve mattered to Peggy. Wouldn’t her aunt’s happiness be more important to her then holding a grudge over a bad breakup? Sorry, but Sharon Carter isn’t that petty.

You say you’re sick of women being friendly to men who don’t deserve it? Fine, I get that. I’m sick of Sharon and Peggy being presented as nothing more than rivals for Steve’s affections (which was literally never the case in canon) and not two BAMF, amazing women who loved and respected each other, which is what they were.  

[d0cthunder]

I can't sleep.

I am hurt.

I am angry.

I am anxious because rather than chose to have a constructive conversation about why you weren't invited to my grandfather's burial during the pandemic you chose to make accusations, speak ill of my immediate family, and take the extremely difficult decision of keeping exposure down by limiting the amount of pple at the burial to the maximum allowed by the cemetery, as a personal insult.

First and Foremost, Tia, My mom, and I planned and held a viewing to give you the chance to say good bye to Grandpa(despite the pandemic). We made the tough decisions. We made sure everything was paid for. We made sure you all received a personal posession of his to remember him by. We hand made rosarys, decorated prayer candles, and my sister lovingly hand painted your names on the gift bags you received. We did these things out of love, out of empathy, and kindness. The only thing expected in return was your empathy. We are not the type of pple who demand nor expect gratitude. I am not the kind of person who has ever demanded nor expected anything from you, but to be treated with the kindness and respect with which I treat all of you. That said, Where is the kindness? Where is the respect? When will we arrive at the part where you look back on the years you have known me personally and recognize that I don't play mind games. I don't manipulate. I don't go around starting drama. I don't spread rumors. I don't go out of my way to cause you pain nor to hurt you. I haven't done anything to you to deserve your suspicion, your accusations, your disrespect, your mistrust. I shouldn't have to list every act of love I did for you over the years. I shouldn't have to list my grievances with the unkind words, the humiliations, and betrayals I have bared and forgave in silence not once arguing nor asking for the apologies I absolutely had the right to ask for.

I took care of your dad and it was the hardest thing I have ever done. It was exhausting. It caused me physical pain, anxiety, worsening of my depression. It cost me freedom. It cost me very dearly. Was that not enough work not enough sacrifice to prove my love to you? Do I have to serve you hand and foot and treat you like princess everytime I see you in order to attain a measure of empathy, decency, and respect? You have made disparaging remarks about me. You think I didn't hear it from the person you told it to but They told me. You look down on me for humbling myself to help others. You have made that very clear. I'm not here to have you opinionate on my life or my choices. It doesn't effect you what I do with my life except for one giant thing, I took care of Grandpa. Frankly, that means I owe you nothing. Not even an explanation but you have no shame so here I am telling you You should be ashamed of your behavior. Grief or not. I'm Grieving too. As to the burial, 5 person limit. Aciel took care of him, Tia took care of him, My mom took care of him, I took care of him. Marie and Aurora pitched in regularly helping to take care of him Even Gabriel took care of him and he's not a relative! True bamf Unfortunately, Aciel had to work. As was communicated to you, The cemetary gave us short notice of when the burial could take place hence Aciel's not being able to attend. The remaining 5 of us finally got a chance to properly say good bye and mourn for a mere 20 minutes. Como puedes reclamar nuestro derecho de tener nuestro tiempo para despedirnos? Eso es lo que no esta bien. Nosotros tenemos igual de derecho a el que ustedes hasta mas derecho por haber le cuidado todo este tiempo. Que dios les perdone por sus caprichos immaduros y por maltratarnos tanto.

My mother may be well known for her sharp tongue and quick temper, but she repeatedly goes out of her way to be there for you when you need her most. She took in each of you when you had nowhere to stay. I mean literally each one of you. When Tia was drowning taking care of grandpa at his previously most declined state, No one but Aciel was there to help her. Aciel who was a teenage kid in High school had to call in to help Tia take care of grandpa. He couldn't be in after school activities because he had to watch Grandpa. When Grandpa had to get another stint 4 years ago and declined badly, Who stepped in to take care of him when no one else would? My mom.

Who threw the majority of holiday get togethers for all the nieces and nephews when we were growing up? Who gives and gives financially and as a shoulder to cry on when you have been really going through it? My. Mom.

Y nunca se los a reclamado.

Who had to step in to take charge again when grandma had breast cancer? My mom and Tia.

And the thing is, They knew damn well that you wouldn't recognize the acts of love they repeatedly show you. You have insulted these women to their faces all 3 of you on more than one occasion. Straight up Name calling.

You know, I haven't heard anyone call you out on any of these many inconsiderate, unkind and malicious actions you choose to take? Not a once.

Yet still we are accused of being cruel. Yet still you make unfounded accusations against us.

People have limits. The R-H and L-H families through their actions have shown how much they love you.

You choose to reject that love and abuse that love time and time again.

Too long Didn't Read; For Years We took on the responsibility of caring for someone you loved very much without your help and support and You somehow have the audacity to speak ill and accuse us of being unfeeling assholes? No P*nche Mamen. Ya estubo suave. Don't let the door hit ya on the way out.

[kurtty-drabbles]

Blue Kitty au (part 4?)

N/A: Ok, here we go. I´ll see what I can do here. Finally, they´ll go to Excalibur. Fuck canon.

@dannybagpipesarecalling @djinmer4 @bamfoftheundead @muninandhugin

If one dares to ask Logan, and no one would regarding certain topics, Jean Grey meant a lot for him and her death was the pivoted moment to make Logan´s disdain for Scott Summers grown-The whole ordeal of Pheonix flies through his ears. He´s not a religious person, per se, but pretty sure God isn´t a flaming bird who makes women go insane- and soon, an insidious campaign against Scott Summers starts. Baby Blue Kitty is the one to watch in the sidelines when Logan denies Scott´s suggestions and even logic itself.

Kitty´s eyes would always land on Kurt when Logan begins the tirade against Scott Summers- Kurt prefers to be neutral on this debate- and well, Kitty can say "this is being stuck between a rock and a sword" and ignores the fact she´s not taking a side either.

(So judgmental...Kitty!)

One day, Ororo is the one who gots fed up with Logan´s ideas and finally snaps- Scott was never one to bait to Logan´s provocations, even less now, as Jean sacrifice herself to save her team and to atone to her errors- although, Ororo certainly cares. "Logan, stop! Jean never loved you and she picking someone over you just means she has good taste" Ororo speak.

Baby Blue is ever thankful for her to be the one speaking. Kitty never shows and never will, as she has too much bravado and pride, but, she is a bit scared of Logan. ("But...you have lasers" "Yeah, Logan can still be scary even if you have lasers")

"I loved her...I´m mourning her too" Logan speaks in a grumpy tone, as usual, yet there´re his puffy eyes indicating how deep he feels for Jean´s death.

Ororo is not impressed. "How dare!" her blue eyes are now white. "You think we don´t miss her? You think she would want you to try to undermine the man she loves?" and comes the fight or flight instinct. Do you fight Storm or not?

Logan is not dumb.

"Logan, are you leaving?" Kurt asked looking Logan already on his motorcycle.

"Elf, I can´t stay ...what I feel for Jean is too strong and I can´t think straight" is all he can say for himself. "I´m going back to Canada...and since you´re my best friend and my moral compass...I want to give you a piece of advice to you"

Kurt was never called as such before.

"I don´t like Blue...but, I think she´s a good woman...and after all the shit happened it thanks to Amanda, no, don´t look at me like that...at least, not about this topic" Logan states calmly and winced at this. "I´m a man with a bloody past and I did sexually harassed Jean even if I loved her...if a woman says no ...a good man should listen...I´m not a good man...you're...please, Kurt, pick a good woman this time. You deserve better" and Logan didn´t wait for Kurt to reply as the Motor is on and Logan is already out of the mansion.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Longshot is an alien. Longshot is a refugee from Mojo-Verse and he knows how Mojo can be cruel in his pursuit for viewers and sales. Yet, Longshot is not well-versed on Human´s costumes.

"Alisson, are you and Rogue hating each other?" he asks once Alisson gives the reports to the mission. The strawberry woman looks at him puzzled and shakes her head amused.

"I don´t hate her..."

"Lying..."

"She likes you because you can touch her without putting you in a coma" Longshot now has a clear image on his mind- yes, he´s aware of her powers and wonders why her powers can´t affect him- and speaks in a serious tone.

"But I like you...Only you, no one can change"

"I know...I know, I´m just feeling jealous...do you feel something like that?"

"Yes, I´m jealous when Nightcrawler makes you laugh with his jokes while I´m still the alien of the team"

This took her by surprise. Longshot jealous?!

"I´m here, Longshot...let´s talk"

"I want to help my planet to get rid of mojo once and for all"

"Ok...we need a plan"

"Luckily...I have you" is a light tone and yet is followed by the truth. Dazzler is the thinker among them and Longshot is the "lucky" ones and together they can do anything.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Rogue watches as Longshot and Dazzler seems to be even more united than ever-mixed feelings as is cute to see a happy couple among the X-men after Scott and Jean are no more, though, it does bother to see any couple kissing and touching while she can´t do anything- a loud bamf can be heard and Rogue looks to see her brother waving at her in a goofy way.

"Longshot really loves Dazzler...and I can´t do anything nor I should as she just saved me" Rogue wonders if she would do the same if the roles were reversed- a nasty voice too similar like Raven says no and well, Rogue loves to go against her mother in any way possible...or does she?-now facing the elf who is no longer with his goofy smile.

"I´m sorry, Schwester. You´ll find the one and be able to touch him" Kurt promised with all the sincerity one can hold. Rogue smiles at this but shake her head.

"No...maybe is time for me to try to understand my powers" she mutters angrily because wasn´t that what Raven promised to her? -Raven never fulfill any promise- and changes the topic of this conversation. "And why are you here? Wanna tips for Blue Kitty?" she asked joking and Kurt chuckles at that- while his heartbeat too fast at this- and mentions how she´s too young for him.

"Me and Katzchen are going to a new team in England" this caught Rogue by surprise.

"Jokes aside, why leave now?"

"I feel it will be good for me and Katzchen...The X-men are changing and we´re changing too...it will be good to us and she agrees"

"You´re lucky, you´ll be leaving with your best friend...try to not fall in love with her, elf" Rogue jokes again and both brother-sister promised to keep in touch with each other.

Kurt leaves the room already feeling the familiar warm Blue Kitty usually gives to him.

She´s too young...I shouldn´t feel this way for her...Right?

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Blue Kitty hugs Kurt- even crying a little- as she reveals to him, asking for his secrecy in return, that the new girl of the team. Rachel Grey. It is actually the alternative daughter of Jean and Scott and she comes from a future that was not so nice.

"I console her all night" Kitty states and Kurt hates how his mind goes to something naught here as if Kitty would be like that- this idea is enraging more than a possible 3 way between Jean, Scott, and Logan.- "and now I´m scared for our future Kurt...are we destined to die and lose?"

Kurt can ignore his feelings and confusion for a moment and do what a good man should. He consoles Kitty who is crying in his arms. "I can´t promise to know the future...I can promise whatever it happens...I´ll be here on your side, Katzchen" and he kissed the top of her head.

"Thank you" is all she says.

(She´s a good woman and you deserve something better)

[sshbpodcast]

Uhura Says Black Lives Matter

By Ames

Nichelle Nichols's autobiography Beyond Uhura was published in 1994, and sure, a lot of strides have been made for artists of color since Star Trek: The Original Series aired and even since the book came out, but it's so weirdly sublime to read it today in light of the racial tension boiling over in America. If you get the chance, read it. We get to know so much more about Uhura's character through Nichols's story than the series even grazed the surface of, and it's really a damn shame, but hopefully something that people can learn from, whether that be in television writing, in shooting for the stars, or just in treating your fellow humans like the sentient beings they are. Keep the comms open; this one gets serious.

[images © CBS]

During our first year here on A Star to Steer Her By, we gave Star Trek: The Original Series a lot of guff about how peripheral Nyota Uhura's role was (along with the rest of the bridge crew to various extents, but it extra sucked how far the only female bridge officer and only Black main character was pushed into the margins). At its best moments, the show let her be a prop, and at its worst, it cut scene after scene after scene given to Nichelle Nichols so that a majority of the screen time would be for Captain James T. Kirk. It comes as absolutely no surprise that Roddenberry promised her so much more, only for her role to be cut down by producers, studios, and frequently Bill Shatner.

I mean, the same thing happened to Grace Lee Whitney, as I touched upon in my earlier book review "The Best Yeoman in the Fleet." Both women were supposed to be much more fleshed out as characters, have story arcs integral to the overall plot, be given more places on the away teams, and have more lines in an episode than an innocuous "Channel open, sir," that could have been given to the computer. But this was the 60s and studios were used to shows with ONE main character and ONE lesser sidekick (if that!), and Star Trek was already pushing that limit by having both Spock and Bones in huge roles, lovely though they were. It wasn't the time of the kinds of ensemble casts we see in later series, so the diverse, equitable crew that Roddenberry envisioned ended up just feeling like a matte painting in the background: super pretty, but with no depth.

The behind-the-scenes stories in the book are, in a word, infuriating: from the studio almost getting her nixed from the show before it even started, to the executives utterly refusing to allow Nichols's fan mail be delivered until the mailroom staff clued her in, to the pages of Uhura dialog that fell to the cutting room floor. We've all heard the story of how Nichols nearly quit the show, but if you haven't, here it is in a sentence: Martin Luther King Jr. (yes, that one) convinced her to stay because representation of Black women on screen was too important to bail on, even if she just sat there most of the time. To borrow from my favorite Trek: “She had one job on this lousy ship: It was stupid, but she was going to do it, okay?!”

Alright, have we had enough systemic racism for today? Good, let's move on to sexism, which (as usual) there's plenty of as well! How unfortunate it is that it seems the biographies from our female stars all involve sexual assault. Unfortunate, and yet not even a little bit surprising. Nichols tells a truly horrifying story of sexual assault early in her singing career, but she's such a BAMF that she took down her assaulter in court afterwards. Later, a studio exec tried to make it an unwritten part of her contract that she had to sleep with him and she refused and walked out. She's a powerhouse. Star Trek barely deserved her.

Nichelle Nichols did so much more for Star Trek than the show itself gave her the chance to do. She worked tirelessly to recruit a more diverse crew of NASA astronauts. She influenced countless artists of color to pursue careers in acting after seeing that a Black female character didn't have to be relegated to playing the maid, but could work alongside the crew on the bridge of Starfleet's most adventure-filled starship. Imagine how much further we'd have reached by now as a society if Uhura had even a few more lines of damn dialog and Kirk had shut up for a change.

Of course, a lot of Nichols's book consists of name dropping celebrities she's worked with, which is probably pretty typical for an autobiography; and obviously, there're quite a few stories that feel like she's writing too defensively and painting herself in too glowing a light; and yeah, she does a lot of disparaging anyone who's ever said a bad word against Gene Roddenberry even if their word was true (apparently the two were a romantic item at the same time he was married and also seeing Majel, which I didn't realize until now – oh Gene, you old dog). But fuck it, read it anyway because it tells the Uhura story we should have gotten: an ambitious, intelligent Black woman with so much agency that no one could hold her back if they tried. Representation matters. Black lives matter.

Sadly, I've been very lax in getting through more Trek literature, so I'll try to get my hands on some more to keep the book reviews coming. In the meantime, open a hailing frequency for more A Star to Steer Her By on SoundCloud, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and keep your Klingon dictionary handy!