In Praise of "Plush Hour" · 11:38pm Apr 23rd, 2015
Dear Loyal Watchers, Interested Visitors, and Confused Passersby,
Currently sitting on the Featured Box are two stories about one of the endearing elements about Spike that we've become aware of over the last few weeks. Namely, his adorable little Rarity plush.
Go ahead. Say you didn't "D'awww" when it appeared on screen. Lie to yourself.
One of those two stories was especially endearing, funny, and insightful. I'd like to recommend it for you as a read, if you have the time.
Plush Hour by Imaginary Valued
The best way to enjoy a lazy weekend afternoon is to spend quality time with your friends and family and special someplushie.
What? No, it's not weird. Sort of. You can't prove anything. Go away.
Plush Hour takes the time to send us on a little journey with Spike after the reveal and sets itself up better for the punch line. The story plays its narrative lightly and the comedy is perhaps subtle but thoughtful as well. The key here is realizing that its not necessarily Spike who is being referred to in the description. Without spoilers, I think that Plush Hour is respectful of its readers, in that the "big reveal" is not just played for laughs or for the "Wut" but that it is also used to start another small scene, one that is as enjoyable and downright silly as anything that came before it in the story.
Imaginary Valued is one of the authors who I've enjoyed watching "grow up" in their skills here in the fandom, and I feel that reading Plush Hour, or any of his other works (especially those concerning Spike) is well worth the time of the reader. I'll hope you'll consider the piece... I'm sure that it will earn a place in your heart and your upvote!
Stay Awesome,
-Desc
That one grabbed my attention the instant I saw it in the list of new stories. A masterpiece it ain't, but it's certainly a touch more insightful than I expected a story of its nature to be. Glad to see you liked it too!
3011088
It isn't perfect, I didn't mean to imply that it was, but it turned out to be something of much more value than the description implied. I'm glad you agree, Arg.
It was on my read later list for a while...
But now I've read it. It was quite nice, yes.
The end really... it does a good job portraying the rapport between Twilight and Spike. And that was the end: Spike deliberately tried to defuse the situation, and did it in an awkward and awful and childish way... but one that was nice.
I should probably actually tell the author that...
Hey, don't forget Plush Ado About Nothing.
Ever heard of a love triangle?
Well, this is a love hexagon.
I'd like to think that he made that plushie himself, using the sewing skills he developed after spending so much time assisting in Carousel Boutique.
3011273
I'm sure that Val would appreciate your thoughts and genuine praise, Rad. I enjoyed how Spike attempted to diffuse the situation as well, and it is one of the reasons why I feel that the work was worthy of my endorsement. It just gets it right, ya know?
Well, yes, I'm a little disappointed that it didn't get higher, too. Just remember: The Featured Bar only shows us what is popular, and attempting to ascribe value past that is an exercise in frustration.
3011621
I am aware of that other story too. I'm not much into "shipping" so it didn't really do much for me.
3011844
I'm sure it will meet your approval when you get the chance, Prae.
3012096
That's certainly an engaging bit of fanon about how the plush could have been made, Viz. The only thing left is for you to write the story explaining it.
3012338
I know. Especially since I can't say the story isn't of good quality either, because I haven't read it... because I don't like those kinds of stories.
I don't know if it's good or if it's awful, and the only reason why I'd complain is because I happen to not like the subject matter. In that case it's just sour grapes that more people like that subject more than a subject I prefer.
Not a great justification for criticism, all in all.
Well worth the recommend. Adorable and cheerfully twisted in all the right ways.
3012507
I can see your point of view.
3012596
Agreed!
That was already on my reading list, maybe I'll have to move it to the top
3016591
It will be worth your time whenever you get to it, I assure you.
My immediate thought upon seeing him with that plush was along the lines of "That's the closest you'll ever get to her, mark my words.
"
I will consider the fic itself for reading though.
3026751
I hope you'll enjoy it.
3027524
3177052
Well, yes. The story is Plush Hour by Imaginary Valued. Check the blog for the link.