#・・・ 「 ✿ come to full flower。」

[mimimar]

page 7 of my ivy comic ✿

<previous page completed full comic> first page (prints)

[poisonousquinzel]

if y'all ever want a bit of modern harlivy angst that ends happy and doesn't feel laced with ooc toxicity in the like "oh the writer's apparent reference for ivy's characteristics in their relationship is plant ivy and that's it wow..." I'd recommend their little story from DC's Harley Quinn Romances cause <33333 it's very special to me

they make me unreasonably emotional

Ivy after reading Harley's au fic where she gets to punch Joker with her at prom:

[stop-breaking-my-heart-telltale]

I think for all the discussions we have of "everyone hears the jokes and the piano; after that, they stop listening" surrounding Louis, we tend to still simplify his connection to the piano.

Yes, it's very cute that he sings Clementine a little song when they first meet, and it's very cute that he plays a little prank on her while "tuning" the piano. It's super cute that they carve their initials into the piano and Clementine carves a heart around them. It's mega cute that he names his song he wrote after her when she confesses her feelings. Louis playing Don't Be Afraid at the party is, in my opinion, one of the best moments in all of TFS.

But here's the thing: That piano is Louis' heart.

I don't mean to go all metaphorical on you, but I'm dead serious—the piano is Louis' heart, and when you think about his arc and his romance route with that in mind...?

That piano is his one comfort in a world where the dead walk. It's been with him from the beginning of the outbreak. We know from his backstory that Louis wanted to take singing lessons so he could be a real musician, and his father denying him of that was what set him off to be a "vindictive fuckhead." Louis never got those singing lessons, and it's a very real possibility that Louis taught himself how to play.

Sure, others could've taught him; we know Minerva was musically talented, perhaps she showed him a thing or two. But learning piano, or any instrument, is brutal even with professional guidance. It takes hours of practice until numbness wears fingertips raw; dedication to memorize every key and finger placement to make music pleasing to the ear; self-discipline to keep going through every fumble, every failure, every single cruel thought of self-doubt; intelligence and a creative ear to write his own songs.

And yet, it's severely under-appreciated by everyone. It's annoying. It's distracting. It's unimportant. It's an excuse for Louis to mess around and not do any real work. He doesn't have any actual talent. The music and the piano are brushed off, unheard.

Yet, Louis keeps playing. He keeps singing. He keeps making jokes.

Creating music, the one thing he wanted so badly as a kid that he destroyed his parents marriage, was possibly the greatest comfort he had... a welcome distraction to disassociate from the horror and death happening around him.

It's bittersweet, like a purpling bruise that you can't stop pressing on; it hurts, but there's something else below the pain. The piano is out of tune and it's something that brings him joy... but will always act as a constant reminder of who he was and what he did, why he's at Ericson to begin with.

We first meet him while he's playing; Louis' heart is exposed, but is it really? Is he playing to his true potential? Louis hides behind the mask of a charming, charismatic goof. It's what is expected of him, so he plays a silly song intended to poke and prod at Clementine, to gauge a reaction. That's something we see him do at multiple points in episode one. In fact, we can consider a majority of episode one to be like the song he's playing when we meet him; it's mostly cheery or fast-paced.

Louis is able to soothe AJ with his "alluring" music after the kid bit Ruby is an indication that the two of them will share a bond. Louis is a natural at communicating and bonding with the younger kids [another talent that's overlooked] so it's interesting that he praises AJ for being a natural at piano, as well.

But the song stutters just a bit when Louis and Clementine are in the woods together, though; "There's only one guarantee: this moment. That's the only you got, only thing any of us got. Might as well enjoy it." ...Only for Louis to compose himself and send her away.

It's only when Clementine has a gun in her face, held by Marlon, that the music isn't fun anymore; it's rainfall and thunder and the words "I thought you were more than that" sung through the wind in a melody only Louis can hear.

Then Marlon's dead. The song is over, and reality has arrived.

I've talked at length about Louis in ep2 and his vote in the past. It's one of the most compelling things about Louis' arc and romantic route. It's a tragic mistake driven by trauma and guilt. It's people simultaneously telling him to shut up and telling him to be angrier than he is. Telling him to stop burying his head in the sand when he's never been more aware of everything happening. It's AJ peering up at him with pleading eyes that Louis can't stand to look at. It's Clementine wrapping his heartstrings around her fingers and tugging just enough to hurt, but not break.

Louis missed Clementine. He says as much when Clementine admits she missed him first. I don't even know where to begin with that! I can think of no other way to describe it other than they are half agony, half hope over this... and if you get that reference, you get a gold star. I just- the ache, the tension, the conflicting feelings of finally having a quiet moment to talk but Louis not being ready yet.

Y'know how someone carved "you suck at playing" in the side of the piano? It's something you might not initially notice while playing the game, just as Louis' insecurities aren't apparent at first.. but they're carved in him; never fully healed, still scabbed and bleeding... Until Clementine offers him a bandage.

She won't clean the wound for him, but she'll be there. She'll help him figure out how to do it himself so he can heal. She'll listen to him, not belittle his feelings or pain. She'll make an effort to know his keys and notes and practice playing his song until she understands.

When Clementine chooses him to spend time with him, it's a mirror of their first time meeting... but this time, Louis plays something real: a song he wrote, one that I believe he crafted during the two week time skip... a song he wrote with Clementine on his mind, for better or worse.

If the piano is Louis' heart, he literally asks her to sit there and try to tune it, which ends up being a joke but I say she's already tuned your heart, my guy. It's there before them, changed in the warm candlelight. He plays for her and opens up about how no one actually listens, but Clementine did.

And remember, this is the night of the raid. They don't know it's coming, but they know it'll be soon. Louis understands that he could very well die, so what does he do? He carves his initial into the one thing he's always had, and he asks Clementine to do the same.

I'm sorry, how are we NOT more feral about this? Prior to this scene, the only thing we see carved into the piano, into Louis' heart, is an insult. This thing that Louis cares so deeply about, this instrument that's become so intertwined with who he is... he wants to leave his mark on it just in case he dies. A reminder that it was his and he belonged to it just as much. Something so important, and he asks Clementine to carve herself into his heart where no matter what, they will be immortalized together in this moment.

And when Clementine carves a heart around their initials? Yes, his reaction is very cute and that's great... but she's not ashamed of him, or her feelings for him. She wants everyone who looks upon his heart to know that. She tells him how she feels and Louis is so giddy, and warm, and he names the song after her and I am going to start biting anything that moves, I can't-

Oh, and let's discuss the party scene in episode three, shall we? Y'know, where the heart covered initials are on full display? Where Louis tells the story of why he was sent to Ericson to everyone?

Louis is so... vulnerable. Sincere. Ashamed of what he did. This is the exposed nerve, the one he was so afraid of showing Clementine but there it is... and she doesn't reject him. Sure, she can say it's fucked up if you choose to, but she doesn't break up with him over it.

Also the fact that everyone sitting around him finally listens when he's at his most unshielded only for Tenn to ask him to play Don't Be Afraid for them after...? How do you not see the connection? Are you trying to make me cry? In that moment, Louis' heart was heard and appreciated and beautiful and strong and-

Listen. I am fine. I'm so normal about this. And fine. I'm fine.

But I also have to add that during the walk in episode four, if you let Louis choose what to add to the imaginary house, he picks a brand new piano because he wants a new heart to reflect the confidence and growth Clementine helped him achieve and because he loves her and AJ so much that wants the new heart to not just be his but also theirs and I am so fine with this, okay.

[starlightsugar]

TOMORROW IS THE FUCKING FLOWER MOON WHICH IS THE NAME FOR THE FULL MOON IN MAY AND MY HELLUVA BOSS LOVING ASS IS PREPARING FOR WAR

[front-facing-pokemon]

[suaimhneas-gairid]

me and the girlies getting ready for a kää gig

[the-busy-ghost]

Me normally: Let people love what they love

Me, after a Test Match Special commentator expresses their belief that the new All Creatures Great and Small is somehow "better" than the 1978 version: This is pure insanity and TMS can no longer be trusted on anything, how can they even be trusted to know about cricket, do they have no TASTE

[qrevo]

is anyone else feeling this sense of extreme dread caused by the inevitability of time or is it just me

[kaidabakugou]

the new girl at one of my favorite bakeries called me pretty this morning and it literally melted all my stress away 🥺

[tiny-cloud-of-flowers]

Despite her attempts to collect herself, it took Aria a long time of letting tears fall and letting herself purr before she could finally speak again. When she did so, her voice sounded somewhat hoarse, but it was still unmistakeable as hers.

"You.. would really love something like me.." she was mumbling.

"Of *course* I would! And do..!" Clio said back, keeping her own voice light in return. "I'm always gonna be here for you, Ari. And I'm just.. so so glad that you're okay.."

She trailed off and started crying again, this time fully with joy and relief.

(Anyone is welcome to comment on and/or reblog my work if they want to, as long as my DNI is respected)

Tag list: @starlit-selfships | @edencantstopfallininlove | @yoomtahsgf | @sunlight-ships | @dragonsmooch | @thatslikesometaldude | @kuroiikamen | @artificervaldi | @keyblade-ships | @seahydra | @dmclr | @neuvilline

(If you would like to be tagged in any of my future work, please use this form!)

Thank you kindly to anyone who has taken the time to look at this ^-^

[wri0thesley]

I’m having so many thoughts about corruption/teaching with Welt I cannot cope. I just know he’d be so agonisingly slow and patient and unflappable while showing you how it’s done, while in his own head marvelling at how soft and warm and shy you are and how determined he is to make you scream his name-

I’m fine. (Is not fine)

you are so right, anon. just something about a patient man willing to wait, to guide you slowly through everything, to make sure that what he teaches you is nothing but pleasure . . . until you can’t think straight, until all you know is his voice and gentle murmurs and praise of how well you’re doing, that’s right - and to think he is doing it out of the goodness of his heart, indulging you in your little crush - when the truth is that welt has been imagining what you’d look like at his mercy from the moment you stepped foot on the express.

[icewindandboringhorror]

If you became super rich and could design your own house, but could only add THREE unnecessary/random/expensive home additions (like how people will have bowling alleys, movie theatres, closets with museums of shoes, car display rooms, spa rooms, wine cellars, etc. in their mansions) - what three would you choose?

[pardonmydelays]

thinking about alexander longing for something to be a part of hamilton & and nina you are gonna change the world someday rosario, but also about my past & my future & i feel like i can finally see... the light?

[ceiling-karasu]

Update for The Rod That Blocks the Lightning: I will be posting the first few chapters Sunday or Monday evening

Summary: With the destruction of the main forces of the invading Weasel Army, the surviving enemy factions feud against each other for control. Geumsaegi’s assumptions on easily continuing his mission is dashed by the competence of the new-coming leaders, as well as the continued survival of his nemesis, Mulmangcho. However, between the ineptitude of the general ranks and the infighting, Geumsaegi can still see a slim chance at success. With a new order of espionage and scout hunters coming into play, will the disguised squirrel be able to protect his beloved Flower Hill without sacrifice?

[ameliadamen]

𓏲 ₊˚๑ ꒰𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚꒱ ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ

˚ ༘ ‎ ‎﹫𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓪𝓲𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓮 ೀ

⤹ ⊹ 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐲 ୨୧ 🌱 ₊˚๑

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽ 𝓟𝓱𝓸𝓮𝓫𝓮 ☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

(っ’-’)╮=͟͟͞͞💌 @jeremiahofphilo

[bucephaly]

Oh my g-d okay your tags on the Cherokee 'great grandma was a princess' post. 'Spirit wolf' whatever names? According to the BIA, that's literally a sign that a tribe is full of shit. A lot of times, the folks running admin for these groups have names like 'Big Standing Bear Jones'. My personal favorite was 'Buffalo Sister'. It's connected to 'naming ceremonies' they give themselves, which is also a common thing the BIA has noticed with all of these groups. Whatever you do don't go on Tiktok it's terrible there

YEA I think I've seen you talk abt that before, or I've seen it somewhere. It does feel like I see bogus state tribe people talk about getting Naming Ceremonies soooo often and then actual connected people ive seen are like. 'Yea my grandma just called me worm' or smth lmao.

It's so funny cuz the 'cherokee names' in the fake tribes are always in English... or at least mostly. I've even heard someone say 'I was named [such and such in english] and we just don't know what it would be in cherokee yet' like. A cherokee name..... get this... a cherokee name is by definition... in cherokee.