Shipping Musings and Opinions

Lightbulb x Paintbrush (II)

"Boss?"

Skater is staring at a wall in a dark room. Guide stands behind them, though her features wouldn't be that clear even if Skater was facing her, because the harsh light behind her covered her face in shadow.

Feeling a little bad, Guide adds, "You did a great job taking care of Wannabe - and I know you've been busy - but-"

"Yes, I know. I've been working on it. Lots of things, actually."

"Riiiiiight. I do believe you," Guide puts her hands out placatingly, "It's just... in addition to the work you're doing on your stories, you should also put your mind to tending to Shipping Musings and Opinions-"

"Rats, I forgot that one!" Skater sighs. "What pairing's next? Not Onceler x Greedler, I hope."

"No... in fact, the next pairing is, uhm," she consults her clipboard...

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Pre-game thoughts: It has been a century, folks! This ship was initially requested in 2017, by soapitysoap1114... and since then, it's also been requested by Kitstenk, FrostedNoodle, @Frozen5110 (who has since deleted), and an additional deleted user - shoutouts to all of you guys for being so patient!

That is to say: yes, today I'll be giving my feelings about Lightbrush!

A sidenote: I do intend to clean off the requests I have here on the side while I write more stuff. Feel free to make requests here as always, but it'll probably take a while unless someone else has asked for it, or it especially catches my eye. I do genuinely forget this exists sometimes when I get excited about other projects. ^ ^;

Without further adieu... Let's dive into this!

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Rating out of 100: 93/100!

Do I ship this?: Yes!

Why do I/don't I ship this?: They're both really fun characters to write, as you can probably tell based on Bulb and Brush's roles in Uptake and Guide, respectively. Their dynamic is so fun that they could stand in line at a grocery store for a whole story, and it could be interesting. Their onscreen chemistry is to be praised as well; one of the best scenes in II is definitely their conversation at the calm-down corner in episode 12.

Is this my favorite ship for one/both of the characters?: By a long shot!

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Thoughts on the ship name: There are lots of good ship names for them (Bulbbrush comes to mind), but Lightbrush is the best. 10/10.

My favorite story involving these two: This is going to sound weird, but "yeah u got ghosts in your blood, you should do cocaine about it" by paintbrush-stanbabey is a must-read! Though the title makes you think there's drug addiction, it's a super sweet Valentine's story by a writer who does their dynamic justice.

Another favorite I can think of is Sweet Confusion by @gamesharkcartridge over on AO3. It's got a lot going on besides Lightbrush stuff, but it is good.

Things I enjoy in art/stories about them: There's a lot of it, and a pretty wide variety! The fanart for Lightbrush is excellent, too. It's a very rewarding ship to support.

Things I wish I saw more of in art/stories about them: It would be very cool to see some pre-established relationship stuff with them now and then! It's fun watching a couple get together, but seeing them deal with things as a couple is always fun too, even when they function super differently, y'know? There'd be communication issues, but also moments of greater understanding.

I also think that Lightbrush fits very well in with some other ship dynamics around. I mean, come on, just talking about good friends of either of them, they could double-date with Fantube, Marshple, or Bickel... the possibilities are endless!

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Five headcanons about them:

They'd have very different typing styles when they texted each other. Lightbulb would talk with a lot of slang and all-lowercase ("lmao thats pretty lit dawg" with some emojis after), while Paintbrush would type more properly ("Lightbulb what is that even supposed to mean!!").

Both of them are super romantic, though they don't celebrate Valentine's Day; Paintbrush is more of a candlelit-dinner kind of romantic, while Lightbulb would randomly make Paintbrush breakfast and cuddle them unexpectedly.

Their first date was aboard a hot air balloon so they can be flying buddies!

Paintbrush and Lightbulb like to take Baxter out on walks in the morning! Lightbulb has looked for a crab-park for him to make friends at, but unfortunately haven't been successful so far. Maybe if she wins the game, she can make one herself.

Paintbrush would 100% propose, probably by giving Baxter the ring and letting them bring it to her. When she sees it, Lightbulb would throw herself into Paintbrush's arms and cry happy tears.

A story I'd write about them, if I had the time/interest:

Flying Buddies Make the Greatest Wingmen, a university AU in which Apple (who can only go to university due to an athletic scholarship) is friends with Lightbulb, who starts pushing her to ask her friend Marshmallow out. Lightbulb does this by arranging a double-date, going out with Marshmallow's tall friend Paintbrush! Unbeknownst to Apple, Lightbulb really just likes Paintbrush a bunch... Ultimately, they hit it off after their bowling date. Lightbrush/Marshple double-date of the century.

Fun fact, back when I was getting my start on Wattpad, I was thinking about writing a story about them. It isn't the idea I listed above, but it is something I'd love to do at one point.

The holiday that best reflects this ship, and why: April Fool's Day comes to mind. Paintbrush just screams "was born on April 1st" energies.

Where do they end up in life?: They'd live together in an exciting city, hopefully not too far away from Fan and Test Tube. They'd keep the romance alive long into their twilight years by keeping things fresh, and I think that's nice.