The server for 2026's Team Fortress 2 Big Bang is officially open!
A fandom Big Bang is when creators get together to make pieces inspired by each others’ work; a writer creates a fic, then an artist makes a piece inspired by that fic. Big Bangs are generally split into four distinct time periods: signups, claims, creation, and posting. This event will take place over a period of 2 months, and is open to writers and artists of all mediums.
(Hosted by @hanktalkin)
Q: How long will I have to create my entry?
A: 1 month.
Q: Will this interfere with Artfight?
A: Nope! Artists are not expected to start contributing until August 11th.
Q: Is a portfolio required to enter?
A: No. Anyone who wishes to participate is welcome.
Q: What is the minimum word count for fics?
A: 1000 words
Q: Will there be 18+ content?
A: No.
Q: How does writing signup work? Do I have to have something already written?
A: Initial writer signup only requires that you 1) confirm that you will be participating 2) let us know if you are signing up with a partner or not. It'll be better if you have an idea already in mind, but if not you can use the writer's chat to get help with brainstorming.
Q: How does artist signup work? Do I have to make art for a story idea I don’t like?
A: By the time artist signup rolls around, writers will need to have written at least some portion of their fic, and will submit a summary and relevant ships/content warnings to the mod team. Mods will anonymously organize those summaries into a slide show, and artists will let us know if there are any that they would not be comfortable making art for.
Q: Can I write/draw my OCs?
A: If your OC is the focus of the fic, you will need to find a partner ahead of time. This is due to the difficulty of writing for the original characters of people you're not close friends with. (Populating your fics with minor original characters is fine. For instance, writing about Scout's brothers and giving them names is within reason.)
Hey!
Do you mean Deathglare? The pairing of Hater x Peepers?
If so, I love the pairing to this day and I am sure in the future I will draw them again, but I do not have as much time nowadays to draw sadly
Still, I wanted to do a fun lil thing for myself where I draw a lot of older fandom otps of mine and that would be 100 % one of them.
Thank you for your interest.
I may or may have not written something. It isn't very good but I wrote this in a couple of hours with tired eyes. Might I come back to it, expand it, write a 100k slowburn on this topic? Probably, who knows.
---------
The red swallows the room once more.
Lyle gets to work.
In truth, calling this work is a disservice. It's difficult to call it a hobby even, with the present subject of the photographs. It is a calling, the sole purpose to wake up every day. Lyle stares, eyes wide and enamored and focused on every facet of Sam's many secretly taken profiles and portraits. The fresh batch of photographs is, realistically, not that much different from the batches he made before. Yet each time, the process of seeing Sam's face swims to the surface of a photo feels like uncovering another treasure, like something new and exciting and loving and entirely, entirely his.
Once it's done and he leaves the darkroom and its dark secrets behind, only then, when he cleans up, works on his campaign some more, has dinner, and goes to sleep, moments before dreams take him, does the question he never found an answer to appear, same question that he buries deep, deep down every day and unearths during the night.
How did I become this?
The mirror in his bathroom always returns the same reflection of a normal man, yet the more and more he stares at it daily, the more he wonders if it's a monster he's been looking at every day.
And maybe he would have realized the error and oddity of his ways, his undying obsession, in time
had the Visitor not come at the most vulnerable and strange time of his life,
and twisted his secret obsession into a terrifying, nightmarish lifestyle
burying the only question that could save him.
---
He'd been in Sam's apartment before.
Did he know?
Anxiety ate away at him. Sam's done so much for him, but how could he even begin to repay his kindness with honesty? If he knew anything, anything at all, he would-
Lyle tried to shake the thoughts away like he always did, but in this apartment, so close to him, the guilt is impossible to avoid, his own misdeeds haunting him like an ever-present ghost. He will have to learn to live with it, one way or another.
It didn't help when days turned into a week, and then more. Being so close to Sam all the time and helping him, both with his everyday chores as well as getting the mystery of the Visitor solved, was everything he could ask for; yet the ever present nagging in the back of his head did not subdue. When the mysterious Spider made himself comfortable in the corner of Sam's room and directly called him out for what he was, he got even more agitated. Suddenly, it became difficult to sleep. In such a state of being, Lyle grew anxious, easily distressed and ultimately, vulnerable to every single display of kindness had Sam in store - and Sam, unlike anyone he's ever known, had plenty of it, even for someone like him.
Ultimately, even after the Visitor was gone, even after the had the opportunity to do whatever he wanted, to live his dark life the way he had begun it two weeks ago - it broke him.
It was morning, one of the few sunny ones since the threat of the Visitor had passed, apartment bathed in shadow and sunlight, so sick was Sam of any lamps. The gang that made itself comfortable in Sam's home - those who haven't made a decision to leave yet or had nowhere to go - were having their routine chore-time after breakfast. With so many people in one place, it took but ten minutes for the whole place to shine; in spite of the Roaches, miraculously. Granted, it also took less than ten minutes for the whole place to start looking like a circus again, but Sam didn't seem to mind - never seem to mind much of anything as long as no one was actively causing trouble. Even on that morning, he took it upon himself to make the bed Xaria and Monty took turns in - his own bed - without seemingly caring that they took advantage of his hospitality. Lyle was there with him putting away the freshly dried towels and sheets and rags, when he caught sight of Sam - looking at him. It startled him, but Sam merely gave a polite smile and got back to work. Lyle shyly smiled, wondering what that was all about, and returned to folding the towels.
But then he caught Sam's eye again and this time it became impossible to ignore the fact he was being watched; at least about watching, he knew plenty. This time Sam in fact opened his mouth, but seemed to think better of it, so he closed it again, went back to supplying the bed with another pillow - probably so that the two rowdy young people could share the small space better. Lyle wouldn't have thought much of it all if it was anyone else. He got used to being silently judged and profiled for plenty of reasons even before he became what he had; he knew he always gave an odd vibe, before the Visitor, before he first took up camera for less innocent means - but with Sam looking at him, knowing how much he didn't deserve even that, let along being smiled at so kindly, it induced a feeling so similar to an anxiety attack that he could hardly keep his demeanor calm.
"W-what?" He finally dared to ask.
"Don't worry, it's nothing." Sam said, and kept tucking in the sheet. He covered the bed, and stood back to admire his effort. It was only as Lyle handed over the towels, upon noticing the panicked confusion on his face and eyes that seemed to verve dangerously close to tearing up, that Same gave in.
"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable! If you really want to know, I was just curious, and it got me thinking."
"What about?"
Sam gestured to the vast black robe, and Lyle went rigid.
"Sorry. Forget it ever happened."
"I- I could-" Lyle began before he even knew what it was that he 'could'. Sam, knowing better, immediately tried to stop him, saying hurriedly:
"You don't have to show me-"
"Icouldshowyou!" Lyle heard himself ramble, and briefly wondered if it was a good idea. Still, his mouth went on. "I don't mind, it's just, just a bit emb-embarrasing!"
"You don't sound like you don't mind." Sam carefully said.
"It's fine! I want to!"
"Really?"
"Well, it's just-" Lyle's eyes darted towards the bedroom door. Sam wordlessly walked over and locked it, then came back.
"You truly do not have to do this."
"It's completely alright! Here-" He fidgeted, feeling warm in his own skin and he beckoned. "Take a look."
He must've not expected to be invited to do so himself, for they both stood there in silence for a moment. "Well, okay..."
Sam cleared his throat and approached. Meanwhile, approximately several hundred thoughts and inquiries fought for domination in Lyle's head, many of which loudly wondered: why is this happening? Lyle watched with detached terror and excitement, neither of which felt particularly great nor bad, as Sam came closer and wondered why he was doing this. He didn't want this to happen, he figured. Sure, it would make Sam... well, not happy, but perhaps glad to have seen something interesting, but was it really worth the humiliation? No, not humiliation - Sam would never make him feel that way. The many thoughts started to peter out, suddenly casting light on the actual source of his anxiety and this so-called attempt at being nice. He didn't try doing this because he wanted to - but because he wanted Sam to know.
Somewhere beyond the superficial fear of him finding out, beyond the anxiety of being known as a terrible person and a liar and many, many terrible things, a simple, terrifying desire burned: to let it all out. To let Sam know what he was dealing with. A burden that brought out the tears.
His horror and anxiety reached their peak as Sam slowly pushed the robe aside, as first of Lyle's many lensed eyes caught sight of him, as the large mouth did its best to hold its breath and Lyle realized, firmly, terrifyingly, that he could not let Sam see him. Not now, not ever - definitely not before he knew that before him was someone as terrible and terrifying on the inside as he was on outside. His hands jumped out from the inside of the robe, firmly pulling it back over the now terrified, crying gazes on his chest. Tears already trickled down his cheeks. "Wait, no, sorry, I-I changed my mind you can't look! Sorry. Sorry."
"O-okay."
"Sorry. I messed it up."
"There was nothing to mess up, don't worry-"
"I messed it all-all up." There was no stopping the tears. "I'm s-sorry S-Sam. I'm sorry about the k-key."
"About what?"
"The key! And the photos, and your missing jacket, and the room and-and all the t-terrible things I- I-" He covered his face, legs giving way underneath him as his massive body slammed against the floor. "I'm so sorry- to all of them, I messed them up, I couldn't- I can't stop, I- I-"
"Hey-" Sam stood next to him, a solitary, comforting hand on Lyle's shoulder. "It- it's okay. Well, I mean... It's okay." He repeated, voice barely above a whisper, because they both knew it wasn't okay.
And yet...
"It's going to be okay."
Such a simple promise of a better future. Lyle barked out a mirthless laughter, and gave Sam a crooked, tear-stained grin. It was never going to be okay again, but he dared to ask: "Y-you sure?"
"Of course." He sat down and put his hand over Lyle's, still clutching at the robe. "Can't get much worse than now, can it?"
"Uugh..."
Sam took a deep breath. "Do you... want to tell me more?"
Lyle shivered, but didn't refuse. Didn't move. Just stared at the floor of Sam's bedroom, eyes big, wet and full of fear.
"It's up to you." Sam said.
"How can you be so nice to me when I-" Lyle hiccupped. "I'm such a- Uugh."
"Because," Sam slowly started, sighed deeply, that world shattering sigh that encompassed an unseen burden, something Lyle never heard nor saw him do, "I know how it feels when people are not nice to you. And, more importantly, I know how it feels when they are in a moment of need. That's... well, that's all, really." He laughed, as if embarrassed about the simplicity of his decision. Lyle couldn't handle that such a decision extended to someone as repulsive as himself.
"Sam. I-uh," Lyle swallowed, breathed, "I did... some... some things. Is it okay...?"
"Yeah, of course, talk to me." Sam paused, then made an effort to smile. "Remember... just like during breaks?"
Lyle gasped. "Y-you do remember!"
"What do you mean, of course I do."
"I thought you just- that you told me that, so-"
"Seems... cruel, to lie to your face like that."
For the first time, a genuine smile appeared on Lyle's face. Though it lasted only so long, as he remembered what he decided to do.
"Do you want to have a break?" Sam suddenly asked.
"Huh?"
"You know - 'like during breaks.' I could make some coffee, we could, uh, go to the rooftop - no backyard here - and we could just... shoot the breeze, I guess."
"It's... it's a good- I would like that." Lyle nodded.
"Come on, then. Before the break is over."
It would be one of the first of many 'breaks' the two would have.
I’M GOING TO VOMIT THIS IS SO GOOD OUUU IM TEARING AT THE PAINT ON THE WALLS I LOVE THIS. YOU GOT THE FEELING DOWN WONDERFULLY WITH THE REVEAL AND SUBSEQUENT WITHDRAWAL AWAY AWWWHUUF IM GIDDY IM SO HAPPY
Do you love Giratina? Wish there was more fan content featuring them? Specifically the kind that lets them get smooches? Well, good news! Starting April 19th I'm going to be hosting the first-ever Renegade Ship Week, a whole week dedicated to creating fanworks where Giratina gets some loving!
►Wait, Giratina? As in, Giratina from pokémon?
Yep! That Giratina! Let's be honest they're criminally underexplored in fanworks, especially when it comes to ship content. There's so much potential wrapped up in the pokémon universe's literal god of chaos and entropy, and I want to encourage more people to explore it!
►Does this need to be for a specific Giratina ship?
Nope! All ships are welcome! Obviously I'm a Giravolo/Girakari shipper, but there's tons of other characters to ship Giratina with. Rei, Dawn, Lucas, Cynthia, Cyrus, other legendary pokémon... you could even ship them with characters from other franchises, or your own OCs! Go wild!
►Are the prompts required? And do I need to use every prompt on the list?
Prompts are encouraged but not required! You're also not expected to use every prompt, it's totally alright if you only pick one per day. Or just pick a couple days that appeal to you. Or ignore the prompts entirely! The entire point of this week is create Giratina ship content, so if you have your own idea for that go right ahead. I just thought it'd be fun to create some prompt lists for anyone who might want extra inspiration.
►Is this only for fanfics, or can I also create fanart/comics?
All types of fanworks are encouraged! Does not have to be limited to art or fics. You can use any medium you want so long as the end result involves Giratina getting some love.
►Is there a way to share the works I create for Ship Week?
You can share your creations with the tag #Renegade Ship Week, or submit them to the official AO3 Collection! I'll also do my best to reblog as much Ship Week stuff on here as possible!
►Why April 19th?
I wanted to give people enough of a heads up in between the announcement and the start of ship week, just in case they wanted to prep something ahead of time. And I picked April 19th for numerically significant reasons! You see, Giratina's national dex number is 487. Not only does it start with 4, but if you add 4+8+7 you get 19 - Hence, April 19th. Which just so happens to fall on a Sunday this year, so it worked out perfectly! (Also it's the day immediately after my birthday so this is lowkey a belated birthday present to myself.)
►Why are you doing this?
Because I love Giratina and I got tired of lying in bed late at night trying to manifest ship fics through sheer force of will. Also I'm a monsterfucker.
And with that, I believe I've covered everything! Feel free to direct some asks my way if you have further questions. Looking forward to see what y'all create come April!
Engie got Pyro a new wig (see Crispy Golden Locks). The original may or may not have gotten disintegrated by fire. (It was a very sad day.)
This is some very, VERY long awaited Texas Toast (feat. BLU Spy) at the request of an ask I got [checks date] 640 days ago... @sweet-kiwi-bird this one goes out to you! Thank you for the request and very sweet ask.
draw more demoman pleeeeeaseeee please you haven't drawn him enough
I agree! Let's get demolished. He's part of my personal Scout-Chan cinematic universe.
Here's some art in the style as the 2018 deadscoutz blog where I'd answer asks like this with more frequency :P same brush and everything. War never changes.
HOW DID I NOT KNOW THAT GLAMROCK BONNIE EXISTS AND ALL OF IT IN SECURITY BREACH/RUIN I WANNA CRY RIGHT NOW!!!!
I wish I had the time to draw them holy FRONNIE IS CANON, I have so much capturing up to do
Omg I run a Blu demo rp account and his brother is named Callum, he was meant to be the original demo but he died so it's Caz now and my friend sent me your doodles of your Demo and I was both shocked and overjoyed at the name you chose!!! (/Positive) Sorry for the lore drop LOL
Ah no its super ok, I am happy to hear about it tbh, I hope regardless that you could enjoy my sketches!
I just liked the name a lot even before coming up with it for blu demo tbh, so I had to give him this name
All the best <3
areudirty
jbbartram-illu
izzy806
dailybridgerton
baratheonpilled
stormborns
