#( idk if it's that i just don't observe the lyrics )

[clochanamarc]

do u ever listen to a song and absolutely love the sound and the music and the melody and the sound of their voice, but the lyrics are just ??? not that they're bad, but they're not matching the vibe you have in ur head, like you listen to the song and you're like "oh man imagine these two characters running into each other at a crowded party and the entire room seems to stand still as they stare at each other and THIS SONG is on as they stare??" but then u read the lyrics and it's like. no. u don't match the vibe.

[kaddyssammlung]

Im the stc lore anon. Im very aware of the old interviews. In fact thats exactly part of why i get so frustrated with the fan interpretations of lore. Because its one of the things in my view that debunks the romance about sleep theories. Its just very frustrating feeling so strongly about my theory the fan lore is not canon while seemingly most of the fandom assumes the fan lore is absolutely 100 percent canon and just needs some more puzzle pieces to unluck the True Story. I used to believe the fanmade lore, but i no longer can do so especially when ive seen various bits of concerning behavior in the fandom where i think people take it wayyy too far. I think the only "canon" interpretation of the lyrics is the real person behind the masks life story, otherwise theres no "canon" and we are supposed to do whatever we want. But i think things have just gotten wayyy out of control with the its about a romance with sleep theory. What makes me actually hate it is how much people insist the people on stage are "characters" (i regularly see disclaimers saying "dont worry im just talking about the characters not the real people" when i really dont think they are "characters" in the way people think... this is not an anti fanfic/shipping/headcanon about real people stance btw i dont care about that as long as you dont go too far, i just dont like the insistence theyre "characters" because that feels so dehumanizing) and how rude people are if you dont agree with the fanlore (the vitriol aimed at alternate interpretations is really disgusting, especially the "why are sexualizing the lyrics, youre a bad person" crowds vitriol and insistence theyre the Good Fans while if you dont agree you deserve awful things). Otherwise, i just get *personally* annoyed with how often i come across the "its totally canon that its about sleep theories" when i dont want to *personally* hear those theories at all. I hope im making sense, and maybe im being an asshole in how im expressing my views idk. I just really feel like an outsider in this fandom and get so happy when i come across people who actually agree with me because it makes me feel less alone and like im not stupid or whatever. Just have fun, let the music mean something special to you, and remember the band (and their fans for that matter, going back to the vitriol thing) are human beings, thats what ultimately matters. I just think the lore as the fans see it has gotten into concerning territory. Wont leave any more anons about this for now because i dont want to drag this out more, i just saw your replies/post and wanted to respond in hopes what im trying to say will finally come out right (im not always the best with words, im very blunt, im very opinionated, etc)

Good Morning or Guten Morgen or Happy Timezone

I get your point and I don't think that you're an asshole.

I think you are struggling with something that many struggle and the fans that you call out also struggle with that: it's acceptance. Or accepting what is; in that case it's fan's who act a certain way or have different opinions or see things in a different way.

Acceptance is a mastery. It's something that is very hard to achieve.

Your situation reminds me of something that I could not accept for a long time in that fandom. So I'm going to talk about that.

This will probably be a long post so I'm hiding this and also mental health topics will come up.

I always had this assumption that everyone could see what I see when I look at Vessel. I'm talking concerts photos and “peeled Vessel” and the things that get revealed when the paint comes down. To me his scars are one of the few things that I can observe and so can everyone else, right?! There are so many even the ones from a certain attempt on both his right and his left forearm.

Well...right?! They are right in your face....

No! They are right in my face. I got into weird arguments about this topic. Which is a weird thing to argue about because this topic is a very painful one and also a strange one. There is a giant stigma around it. There are even “mental health professionals” on YouTube who refuse to talk about that topic and pretend that it does not exist because YouTube does not like these topics. It's a weird topic.

But it was exactly that what got me into the lyrics so much. I wanted to figure out the story behind what I could see.

All I found was myself and the parts of me that I denied that even existed. I stopped searching for the story and started to face myself instead.

I found a great new spiritual teacher because of that. She teaches acceptance and also sacred neutrality.

It's been almost a year now with her teachings and me finally accepting that not everyone can see what I see when I look at Vessel.

There will always be humans out there who call all of this an assumption. To them he did not self-harm and does not have scars from a certain attempt. To them that's an assumption while for me it's a fact.

Those fans are not worse then me and I'm not better then them. I can accept that they just have a different view on everything.

It's the same with lore interpretations or the way that some treat them in a (your words) dehumanizing way.

I can accept all that I just don't read it or interact with them. I let them have their view on things and I have my weird view on things.

I argued with fans that said things like: I don't even like their music or listen to their music but....

They are a thing, too btw.

When it comes to Sleep btw. To me it's an entity. They are very real btw. I learned how to deal with them, too. But I can totally understand that many humans out there just don't get topics like entities or idk...I mean I saw fairy-like beings right in front of me one day. 99% of humans would probably just say that I just made this up. I can understand that or rather I learned how to accept that.

When I first heard about Sleep I thought about that day and the fairies. I just thought...maybe that guy is a bit weird like me?!

We all had different experiences that shaped us. And also some fans really are just 14.

One of the reasons why I left the big Discord for example was because they allow all ages. I had an argument with a nine year old! That's when my alarm bells came online and I thought to myself: no...not okay! Some fans act a certain way because they are actual kids.

Like I said....I found a place within me to accept all that.

But it took a lot of facing myself to find that acceptance. And it's a process that is on-going.

Maybe this helps you...maybe not....maybe it clarifies something...maybe not.

I'm learning everything from her btw. It's energy work....energy work means you work with your soul, your higher self, higher dimensional beings....all theses things.

One thing that I forgot....accepting something and agreeing with it is not the same thing. I can totally disagree but still accept that something.

[beautifulpersonpeach]

Idk how I feel about armys saying Hobi's streams are lower because of the fandom hating the rapline and others saying it's because of boycotters. Something about both narratives rub me the wrong way, as if both sides are trying to push narratives that don't truly really stand up.

You've said you don't focus on streams I think but you're still a rapline bias BPP. You still bias Hobi so you know about his streams. How do you reconcile how these narratives are?

***

I don't think this is complicated. Hobi's numbers were lower because some ARMYs didn't stream his album. That's it. It's the same case for RM.

It doesn't mean the fandom "hates" the rapline or that boycotters are to blame (given they so far appear to be a small minority). It just confirms that the fandom has imploded and so there is less cohesion around music goals, and so ARMYs who just aren't the audience for that kind of music aren't going to stream it.

What I've observed is that the core fandom that also started with BTS, are hiphop-heads. They are fans who actually enjoy the grit, the experimentation, and the crudeness of hip hop, which is the bread and butter of the BTS rapline.

When we used to be a proper country, it was the fandom that worked to make much of that music more palatable for other parts of the fandom, by translating and spreading interesting nuances in their lyricism, by making cool edits and fan mixes, by hosting stream parties with fun playlists, etc. It gave the members a headstart in building an audience. It took cohesive initiative from the fandom, and now much of that cohesive initiative is either hibernating or gone. If BigHit actually knew what they were doing (which is dubious given what MHJ has shown about BigHit and HYBE), they'd take the headstart the fandom gave them and work to establish a more solid market/audience for the members as they matured.

But for that to happen, BigHit has to know how to actually market the members beyond k-pop, beyond mindless radio pop, to more specific audiences. And lol, well, I'm still waiting to see that happen. Just look at the difference in quality between the kind of collaborators the members themselves seek out to work with (Little Sims and Ryuichi Sakamoto) vs. what HYBE arranges for them (Kodak Black and Central Cee).

I'm not worried for RM though. I've never been the sort of fan to take personal stake in his accolades, rankings, or perceived success, but even then I can see he's still doing more than fine, all things considered. Could be have a better performance if more of the fandom was engaged or if BigHit marketed him more to an audience that would better appreciate his solo work? Of course, but I don't ascribe the reasons for that not happening to "hate" or whatever ARMYs think boycotters are doing.

If anything, I find the blame-shifting from ARMYs to boycotters a bit cringe. The fandom is split, people are distracted and most of the people here are more focused on fighting a war on Bang Sihyuk's behalf than actually focusing on BTS and taking time to appreciate their work. It's a bit pathetic, but not malicious and frankly, it's expected.

Stream Neuron and Right People Wrong Place.

[stellas-starry-sillies13]

YAYAYAYAYAYAYA MATCHUPSSS

I'm a girl and I'm looking for a pjsk matchup!

my personality?? um, god I'm an annoying motherfucker. when I find someone who's willing to listen, I will yap for hours about my interests. I have hpd, bpd(?), and adhd which is super duper fun totally 😐 but I think I'm funny maybe idk? I'm really insecure and I like actually can't find anything good about myself 😓 maybe I'm a fast learner? I'm sort of a nerd like, I'm in accelerated math 🤓

things I'm most sensitive to? idk what this means but ig I hate bugs and clowns and vomit and that shit. also when my s/o isn't giving me attention I would literally start screaming crying shaking.

my number one talent is simping. 💀 I have a shrine for 2 different people and when I have a crush on someone they're all I talk about 😭

my hobbies are drawing, writing, playing pjsk, and screaming lyrics of songs I like really loudly. I've also been getting back into dance lately that's pretty sigma. age range is 13-15 and there are no characters i don't want to be matched up with

what i want in an s/o? think of seo changbin from skz 🤩 jkjk (only slightly) i want a s/o thats nice to me, is at least slightly taller than me, (5'4), is funny, has decent fashion sense, and a real nice voice (but I suppose that's all the pjsk boys..)

what i don't want in an s/o is as I stated earlier, someone who doesn't give me attention, someone who puts me down, someone who brushes off my interests, and someone with a bad hairstyle /hj

yeah ty!! if this ask gets sent into the void I WILL cry!!!

' . < Project sekai matchup No. 1~! > . '

A/N: omg you do good in math??? You sound like a good s/o already. Girl if you like think think im sure you can find good stuff abt you. Liiiike you have a nice humor you made me crack a smile several times while reading this. Also idk youre just a fun person. ADHD? I xan relate. Its not confirmed but i probably do have it. Liek seriously whenever im doing my my math i just randomly start daydreaming and my mom always has to snap me back to reality. Thankfully she finds it funny lol and doesnt scold me for it. Also we're the same height so yay. Also same age range. We kin eachother fr.

Anyway! For the grand reveal, I match you up with....

` . < Rui~! > . '

A/N: Im sorry when you said you want someone who shows you attention i immediately thought of rui.

He will listen to every single detail of your rambles about your interests

Honestly finds it adorable

As someone who also rambles a lot about his own interests, he can relate

He understands that you have hpd and will give you all the attention in the world if you so desire

I like to think he will be very physically affectionate. With this mam, how could you NOT get all the attention in the world??

Finds your 'annoying' personality endearing

Sometimes just watches you draw over your shoulder without saying a word and then you just turn around and see him there and be like 'wth did you come from??'

Asks you to draw him

Loves to just watch you and observe you dance. Might even ask for you to teach him on of your dances. (Idr if it its canon that wxs dances but they prolly do, so)

Def teaches you one of the dances he performs

Im not sure if he has a decent fashion sense.. Idk depends ony our perspective

His voice though? Its the definition of nice. Like out of all the boys his is gentle and smooth. Sounds nice to me

[wings-of-ink]

Hello! I got a semi spicy? Ask?

Idk if you got this ask before but I had a thought- Dancer MC, like how would the RO’s react? Because although Shakira doesn’t exist in this world I like to believe that she somehow lives through my MC. I just imagine a scenario where the team needs a distraction and MC steps up and just has everyone mesmerized. (Part of me thinks Oswin may or may not implode idk)

For a fluffier twist how would the ROs react to a Tangled scenario? Like at a rest stop MC somehow gets people to start dancing until the whole town is just dancing and happy together. Maybe the ROs get pulled in👀

Have a lovely day!

Sincerely,

-#Oswinshusband

You know, I think the spirit of Shakira exists everywhere, maybe she's floating around somewhere in this fantasy world, lol. Maybe she's inhabiting the spirit of your MC, maybe she's the goddess of honest hips, who knows? My spouse and I frequently (more than anyone should) belt out the lyrics to She Wolf, it's our jam - the silly little howls included.

Anyway, a dancing MC will be very distracting to a crowd and to the ROs! These aren't spicy, really, they may need to have privacy and minimal pressing things going on for the spice to kick in - not that they don't really enjoy the view.

Oswin:  Knows he is supposed to be concentrating on his mission, but it is almost impossible. MC's hips are just…so…

–in a Tangled scenario, he's going to be very stiff and resistant to this impromptu flashmob.

Zahn:  That looks like so much fun, MC makes it look so good too. Could they look like that for MC? Maybe they'd teach Zahn how to move like that…

–in a Tangled scenario, they are diving right in. They're pretty observant and learn fast enough, doesn't matter if they can't get the steps right.

Duri:  Jealous of the crowd, they're going to ask for a private dance later. 

–in a Tangled scenario, NOPE, waaaay too many people around - they are overstimulated.

Rune:  Carries about their business, but their eyes betray them. They keep bungling the job because they can't keep focused for more than a few seconds.

–in a Tangled scenario, "No…no…I said no, don't give me the sad eyes….fine."

???:  Why should he stay back when there's 4 other idiots here to do the job for him while he dances with MC? Just means double the distraction, right?

–in a Tangled scenario, he's already leading a group of dancing villagers.

Thank you for the ask, my dear! ^_^

[astorythatwritesitself]

Notebook November (Notevember) 📓

Looking for a new challenge, in light of the dumpster fire that was once the NaNo organization? Not a huge fan of the 50k goal because of time, motivation, lack of a solid enough concept, or generally don't vibe with it? Do you desire or hoard new stationery the way a dragon desires and hoards sparkly rocks? Notevember just might be up your alley!

What is Notevember?

Some bullshit I made up like a month ago & I absolutely doubt I'm the only one with such a concept, either 😂 A variant of the NaNoWriMo challenge; for those who find specific word goals daunting, who prefer to work longhand, and/or who get more satisfaction seeing... tangible results, as it were? Like, you can absolutely do this digitally if you really want, but this is very much aimed towards folks who find writing longhand just hits a little differently.

Rather than aim for a given number of words, you're aiming to fill up a notebook!

Supplies?

You will need:

- An empty notebook. My personal preference is a 70-100 page spiral or classic composition notebook, but use one that's however large or small you want! This is also an excuse to finally crack open any empty notebooks you might have lying around, yeah?

- Writing implements of choice

And... that's it! Throw in stickers or whatever else you might want, but all you'll really need is a bundle of paper & something to mark it up with.

How to play?

Start filling the pages.

It can be a single story! It could be character or general writing exercises. It could be research notes, timelines, observations of people around you, overheard conversations, a collection of passages, quotes, poetry, or lyrics that speak to you. It could be a little of everything!

The only goal is that, by the end of November, you've filled up each page - and it's your call, if that only means the front of a page, or front and back.

Notevember is meant to be flexible & relatively forgiving, especially if you tend to have a lot going on. The notebook could be one small enough to keep with you throughout the day so you can jot down lines on a lunch break, in a waiting room, on the bus - or it could be something you do at home, after waking up or just before bed or whenever you've got the time.

Other Thoughts?

I have found that I get more satisfaction and more motivation to continue when I can like... see a result. Number Going Up just doesn't quite work for me like it does for other folks, but seeing empty pages fill up, seeing the distortion and wear of the notebook as it gets used? That gets me to feel, 'Ah! Something Is Happening!' There's also (a little) less tendency to try and edit as I go; working longhand with a pen does better for me to get that zero draft/concept on the page, rather than agonizing over creating a polished product from the start.

I've also found I get more into that... 'no one will ever have to see this, it can be as messy & misspelled & senseless as it needs to be' mindset easier, than writing on a tablet or laptop? -shrug- idk It Just Hits Different and that's all there is to it.

Share snippets, characters, whatever you're doing, if you want! But this is a little more aimed at those who just need to get things down, who want to have An End Product, but maybe don't have fully coherent plots or polished pieces, and don't usually have much to share - it's just between you and your notebook. You don't have to share or invite anyone else in, if you don't want to.

So! That's about the long and short of it. If you think you like this idea, feel free to join in; and whatever you are or aren't doing for November Writing Time - good luck, and take care!

[mrs-monaghan]

Hey, since you often catch details and seem like an open-minded person, I want to share what I observed in the last few days. So, I definitely believe in Jikook but that was not always the case. My bias is Jimin and I always mostly focused on him, but once I observed Jungkook more carefully, the truth revealed itself step by step. Now something similar happened since I focused on Taehyung. And it seems crazy, to me as well, but please give it a chance! Watch "Nippon TV BUZZ RHYTHM 02 - BTS Cut" timestamp: 13:55, and watch (and listen to) all of their expressions closely, especially Jikook and Taehyung. Keep an eye on Namjoon, too. Then please look at the lyrics of Sweet Night and really reflect on them. Just as a reminder, there is Taehyung calling Jimin his "one and only best friend" in "Let's BTS" and similarly in Festa 2019, for example. I also am stuck on Jin calling Taehyung very generous and big-hearted in "Special Movie BTS MUSIC JOURNEY" (after the release of Sweet Night) and the others agreeing, their expressions speaking once again. Then finally those compilations where Taekook is apparently jealous of each other. Or Vmin. And now you just have to connect the dots but I did not see any other person who has done so. All those moments, all those compilations make so much more sense to me. All in all, it seems that Taehyung has or had feelings for Jimin. Sounds crazy! Of course we should not assume too much but the connections are there and in hindsight, they seem obvious. You just have to put the puzzle pieces together. I really hope that Taehyung is over it, because unrequited love hurts badly. Taehyung as a person makes so much more sense to me. His actions, his depression, his pain... Well, I guess Jimin did not call himself "Tailor of Chaos" without reason. That situation must have been difficult for him, too. Maybe (just maybe) that is an indicator regarding his state in 2020... And of course on Jungkook. But maybe that is the actual reason why Jungkook and Taehyung seem to be closer now, maybe mending their friendship! Especially, since Taehyung found a partner. And maybe Jikook feel some kind of guilt for causing Taehyung pain... who knows. There is much to think about and honestly, it sounds like pure fanfiction but if I learned something in life, it is that nothing is impossible. Hope you give it a chance, I really would like your opinion on all that. I certainly am feeling very surprised. Have a nice day :)

Yes anon, it takes very little for me to judge people seeing as I'm a lunatic myself 🤭🤭 if I had a shilling for everytime someone called me crazy I would have attended all of Suga's concerts and then some 😂 so u get no judgement from me my lovely 🙌🏽

Except insecure Jikookers, of course. Fuck you! I judge you everyday! 🤨🤨🤨

So! Umm yes. I've seen this theory being thrown around. I have friends who think this might be the case. And one of them is actually really good at analysing and picking up cues and she believes V may have had feelings for Jimin at some point and her arguments make sense.

But for me... idk. Idk anon. 🤔 I have a hard time picturing this. I will share a clip that will be hard for some of you to watch. So brace yourselves

Oh boy. Glad I have my anons off because u guys are already kinda mad at V atm 😂😂

Things to note about the first clip: (I know... I know. It's bad. I recently just discovered it and it doesn't look good, I agree)

a) Point to note number one is that, that is how most people in SK feel about homosexuality. As u can hear V is basically telling Jimin something is wrong with him mentally for liking men. And when u grow up with everyone around u telling u this, of course u will believe it. It also explains why he would keep the company he keeps. (Go Google Bogum and his cult scandal) People in SK don't believe men can be with other men. And those who have seen it happen, think its a mental illness. This was obviously embedded in V for him to have done this not once, but twice. And this is only what we saw on camera.

b) 2nd point to note; Taekook just cannot be real. It's just, impossible. Yes, V has changed, obviously. Hanging out with Jimin will do that to you. He obviously doesn't feel as strongly about homosexuality like he used to. And he loves Jimin and JK which means he has adjusted his mentality. But, this is a guy who used to say basically homophobic stuff to his friend. And as u can see, that clip is from around May 2015 So at what point would V have started dating JK as early as 2013 when this is how he felt about his friend a boy, liking boys?

c) 3rd point to note; Jimin doesn't deny it. I hate how he's just defending himself there repeating over and over; I don't like you that way, so what's your issue? I dont behave that way towards you, why you mad? Anyway, Jimin doesn't once say "no i don't like men." Or "stop lying" he just says "I don't feel that way about you."

d) Last point to note, Jikook is real. Why? Because what triggered V, was Jimin telling JK to sit next to him. And immediately V goes off about how something is wrong with Jimin in the head because these days he likes men. Likes JK.

Now anon, let's go back to point number 2. I know internalised homophobia is a thing. (Thank you Shameless! You taught me sm!) But it stems from someone hating that they like someone of the same sex and they don't want to be that way, but they are. So saying V used to have a crush on Jimin insinuates he would have had to get over his homophobia and start seeing Jimin in a new light. I mean, it's Jimin and the Jimin effect is a thing that exists. But, still. Idk. I just don't know. Watching that clip tells me that his parents are like this. Him being so close with the WS, tells me he wouldn't have kept them as friends if at any one point he started liking someone of the same sex. Knowing how they feel about it.

V is more accepting now, of course. But Jikook are in the closet and only close knit people know about it. And V definitely isn't divulging that to the WS. Again, knowing how they feel about this topic.

What am I saying anon? I think those V jealous Vmin moments that exist are because he "lost" his bestfiend when Jikook became a thing. He had to share Jimin with JK. And I imagine Jimin tried to be there for both of them but sometimes JK took priority and maybe V didn't like that. They used to be bestfriends. Super close. V even looked after Jimin in school. Asked some people he knew to look after the new kid because that was his friend. They were close. Really close. Then satellite Jeon comes and changes everything.

Now to the assignment you gave me. The question was who's the most romantic

Suga (what?) And RM say JK. Guess they've seen it first hand. 🤭 Also Jikook both point at Jin

V on the other hand says Jikook but then changes it to just Jimin

I also looked at the lyrics of sweet night (he sounds so good) and I'm guessing you're talking about this part;

Anon, if you ship Vmin, or are suspicious of Vmin, it would be easy to conclude this song is about Jimin. Easy. But if you're like me who believes V is as straight as a ruler, then the first thing I think of when I hear that, is some girl he liked at the time that he was really close to. Someone he dated in the past, maybe. To me V is as straight as they come and I could try, but I cannot see where you're coming from.

But if you listen to sweet night and then watch V jealous compilations, you're gonna be influenced. Because you're going in already thinking the best friend he's talking about is Jimin! But, remember, you don't have to have romantic feelings for someone to be jealous. You can be jealous that your sister is spending too much time with someone else. You can be jealous your bestfriend doesn't make time for you anymore ever since they started dating. You know what I mean?

That's what I think you saw. In my opinion, of course. I could be wrong and way off base but...yeah.

In Conclusion: Vmin isn't real and there was never potential for it to be so.

I appreciate u trusting me with this ask, anon 😘

[nerves-nebula]

You know how you like Aroura Borealis for giving "abused person who doesn't know how to interact with others because of the abuse" vibes? I think you'd like Perfect Case in Point by Drive45 for similar reasons.

Also, at the end, the mc(? The character singing. I don't know what it's called in songs.) just goes "None of you will EVER be good enough for me. Nevermind about me desperately wanting connection, you keep MESSING UP. I'll just die in my house alone instead!"

You also might like Winter by Yabadum. This might be me, but I interpret it in an abuse way. Like, person B makes person A feel vulnerable when A's around them. So in response, A says how B is Killing Them, insults them*, and threatens to hurt B and their friends if they don't stop making a feel vulnerable. Idk, it's just funny to interpret A as a pissy little piss-baby <3 (and B as Some Guy who is an unfortunate target of A's. Like, they didn't really do anything. It's not like they Made A feel that way.)

*Well, these are not necessarily insults. For example "You make it, you break it, even when you fake it all" could legitimately be an objective observation to A. However, I like interpreting it as having malice/bitterness, whether A is aware of it or not.

Also, I like the intensity of some of the lyrics (eg. [Your stare] peels me, over and over 'till I'm skinned to the core).

These sound interesting so I’ll definitely listen to them but this ask came soooo outta left field for me because I do not remember ever talking about aurora borealis outside of the short animatic I made with the song so now I truly do feel like I’m in the panopticon like…. How did you know about my very specific interpretation of this song… what else do I not remember sharing…

[dotster001]

A Real Fairytale

Summary: Yan! Rook x gn!reader. Fairytales have a grain of truth in them.

MDNI 18+ for violence and dark depictions normally I'm a 16+ blog but this one got dark so just skip it

CW: Major character death, like, lots of it, Yan! Themes, unhealthy mindsets, injury, beheading, depictions of bodies, blood, supernatural allusions, survivors guilt, ptsd, probably more but idk what else

A/N:I was thinking about old fashioned fairytales, and started writing one in my head, and thus this fic was born. this is a dark one, but I really like how it came out, so even if this has a smaller audience, I don't mind

"Just one more story, mama!"

"Okay, but it has to be a short one."

"I want the one where the hunter falls in love and becomes king!"

"Alright then, Once upon a time…"

In the kingdom of Pomefiore there lived a fair and just king. Beloved by all his subjects, he was blessed with three children. The third born was strong and smart, so he was destined to lead the king's armies. The second born was blessed with empathy and wisdom, and was destined to be the king's adviser. But the firstborn was gifted with all these things, as well as fairness and beauty, and thus was called "the Fairest treasure of the king's court", throughout the land.They were destined to rule the kingdom in a peaceful prosperous reign.

"Well fuck that."

"Epel! Language!"

"Geeze, Neige, you're starting to sound like father," Epel rolled his eyes as you snickered.

"Epel, you've been spending too much time with the stable boy," you said.

"It's not my fault Deuce is more interesting than you two," Epel said, pinching you and Neige in the side for good measure.

"If I swore like you father would have my hyde," you said, attempting to pinch Epel back.

"Well I'm not the court's greatest treasure," Epel mocked in a fancy voice. Before you could smack the back of his head, a large shadow flew overhead.

"Run," Epel said.

One day, a terrifying creature invaded their lands, and filled the people with terror. The king made a proclamation that anyone who slew the creature could choose from any of his treasures. Many a knight tried and failed to slay the monster.

Everyday the same argument. While you and Neige helped settle and feed the displaced villagers, Epel would argue with your father.

"Just let me take a group and try to kill it! You've said yourself, my strategy is better than anyone's!"

"I've lost too many lives, I can't lose you too. Not now when our people need the three of you so they have hope in the future," your father said sternly.

"This shit would be over if-"

"Language, Epel."

One day, a young hunter approached the king.

"Your majesty, I will slay the monster for you."

"So it shall be done. And what shall be your prize if you succeed?"

"I have been told your firstborn is the fairest treasure of your court. I will receive their hand in marriage."

Now the king did not wish to relinquish his firstborn to a peasant, but considering his most powerful knights had been vanquished, he had no fear the hunter would fall as well.

"Pardon?" A lyrical voice said behind you.

You stood up from the woman you were bandaging up to greet the newcomer. He was clearly a hunter, his bow slung across his back, his vivid green eyes observing you intently.

"A new batch already?" You asked tiredly.

It was your duty to look out for your people who sought safety in the castle, but taking care of all these people, many injured beyond saving, was taking its toll on your spirits.

"Non, non, I am here to speak with your father."

You looked at him for a minute, then nodded.

"Alright, Neige, can you finish bandaging her up?"

Neige quickly took your place as you lead the way to your father. Unsurprisingly, he was having another fight with your brother. But the both of them ceased fighting when the hunter cleared his throat.

"My most fair King Vil, my name is Rook Hunt. I am a simple hunter who seeks to take up your challenge."

Epel groaned, and flopped into the seat next to his father.

Vil raised a single eyebrow.

"I mean no offense, especially since hunters are a vital part of our economy, but how do you intend to slay a beast that armies of my most trained men have failed to best?"

"I am a very good hunter."

Epel snorted, but Vil sent him a nasty glare.

"And should you succeed, what would be your chosen prize?"

Rook's green eyes flicked to you, and he smiled sweetly.

"Their royal Highness, Y/N, firstborn to his Majesty Vil Schoenheit, and greatest jewel in Pomefiore's crown."

Your jaw dropped, and Epel bolted upright.

"Absolutely not!"

"Epel-"

"He's crazy! Y/N's not a prize! I won't stand for him speaking about my sibling this way!"

"Epel!" Vil snapped, shutting him up. "Should he be as good a Hunter as he says, then it would be a fair prize."

Your father was angry. He wanted this man to die. And you couldn't say you blamed him. The hunter was asking for a kingdom.

"Then we are agreed. I shall see you in the morning to claim my prize," Rook gracefully took your hand, and pressed a kiss to your knuckles, making eye contact the entire time, before leaving with a bow.

"I hope he dies slowly," Epel muttered under his breath, before hugging you tightly.

Your father, a diplomat as ever, simply nodded before hugging you tightly.

What the king did not know was that the hunter had been abandoned in the forest as a babe, and raised by the goddess of the hunt herself. Her final gift to him was a bow that always struck it's mark.

With a single shot, the hunter slayed the monster, and the people rejoiced. He returned to the king to claim his prize.

"Your majesty! You should have seen it!"

A crowd had come to the castle, surrounding the hunter as he nonchalantly carried the head of the beast.

"He slew the monster with a single shot!"

"Our kingdom is saved!"

Whilst the people were singing his praise, Rook dropped the head and made a beeline towards you, face giving away nothing.

Your father stepped directly in front of him, halting his progress.

"You have my thanks, dear hunter. Please, join us for a celebratory dinner."

The hunter looked over at you and smiled, before nodding to your father.

"Gladly. I am quite hungry."

"Please wait outside, so a father can bid a final farewell to his child."

The hunter obeyed. The second born turned to his father and said,

"Father, I look very much like my sibling. Allow me to go in their stead so as to spare you the heartbreak."

Your father kept the hunter away from you the entire banquet. It clearly wasn't easy but you managed to reach nighttime without speaking to him once. You watched Neige talking Rook's ear off, probably trying to persuade him out of it, and your father came and whispered in your ear. 

"Go up to bed. Do not leave your room until I tell you."

You nodded, before turning to leave the room. You felt his eyes on your back the entire way. 

An hour later, Vil spoke to Rook. 

"I have sent Y/N to pack their things, if you are willing to wait here, we wish to say a private goodbye."

"I'm not a cruel man. I wouldn't be so horrible as to deprive your family of a beautiful heartbreaking farewell."

Vil left the room with his sons. Once out of earshot, Neige pulled them to the side.

"Father, I think I can convince him how terrible this is, I just need more time."

"I don't know if we have more time, something's wrong in his eyes. And I think he's out of patience," Epel muttered.

"Give me a glamor potion. Make me look like Y/N. I've trained to reason and advise people my entire life. If I can get one day with him, I'm certain I can change his mind."

Vil stared into Neige's eyes, before slowly nodding.

"I believe you."

With the glamour potion taken, and Neige taking on the guise of Y/N, the hunter bade farewell to Epel and Vil.

The king gave the secondborn a heavy cloak, and escorted him to the gate. But the hunter was not easily fooled.

"Your eyes do not shine as brightly as the firstborn. You are not the true betrothed."

He returned the second born, and promised to return in the morning to retrieve his prize.

You felt eyes on you in your sleep. You must have been imagining it. But you still pretended you were unconscious. Just in case.

Your father picked you up as promised, and told you the plan. The three of you took your breakfast, when a guard entered, his face deathly pale.

"Your highnesses, I bring terrible tidings."

Epel, who had been on edge since the night before shouted, "Spit it out."

The knight shivered, then nodded, before gesturing to the guards who had remained by the door.

You couldn't help the scream that was wrenched from your soul.

For there was your brother, an arrow through his chest, his skin a sickly, chalky, green.

"My god!" Vil stood up and rushed to his son.

"We found him face down in the moat this morning," the knight said, now sobbing.

You were shaking, sobbing, screaming, and everything in between as you tried to rush to your brother.

"Y/N, no," Epel cried, holding you back from the corpse.

"Take Y/N to their room," the king said through sobs, and Epel dragged you out, and away from your beloved brother.

When he arrived, the king spoke again.

"Please wait outside, so a father can bid a final farewell to his child."

The hunter obeyed. The third born turned to his father, saying,

"Father, I look very much like my sibling. Allow me to go in their stead so as to spare you the heartbreak."

After locking you in your room, and placing guards outside your door and window, Epel found his father and slumped into the seat next to him.

"I'm gonna fucking kill him."

"Language, Epel," Vil muttered half heartedly.

"Fuck language! I'm not giving Y/N to that psycho! You know he'll be back. Give me a glamor potion, and I'll finish him off."

"Epel…" 

"You've trained me for this! My job is to protect this kingdom and its future. That future is Y/N. And if that monster gets them, he gets the kingdom."

The king continued staring into the distance.

"You know I'm right," Epel said breathlessly. "I swore an oath to protect Pomefiore, with my life if it came to it. I'm a failure if I don't at least try. Besides…"

He pulled something out of his pocket, and closed his father's hand around it.

"Neige gave this to me before he left. He said you'd know how to use it. If I fail…it'll be time to make a deal."

The king slowly nodded.

The king gave the third born a heavy cloak, and escorted him to the gate. But the hunter was not easily fooled.

"Your laugh does not sing as lightly as the firstborn. You are not the true betrothed."

He returned the third born, and promised to return in the morning to retrieve his prize.

You awoke to what felt like a featherlight kiss to your forehead, so light you could mistake it for the wind. It was still pitch black in your room, but you searched anyway to make sure no one was there. Satisfied that you were truly alone, you fell back into fitful sleep.

The king awoke the next morning to your scream. 

He ran to your room, hearing more screams and shouts on his way. He shoved through the crowd around your door, and saw you staring and screaming at Epel's severed head, sitting on your vanity.

The king, knowing he could not fool the hunter, and being unable to part with his beloved firstborn, lost his mind in grief, and poisoned his child. Not wishing for their beauty to ever fade, he laid them in a coffin of ice.

You and the king stood in the throne room, staring at the item he held in his hand.

"Remember three years ago, when Niege was invited to the Octavinelle King's banquet?"

You nodded.

"The king gave him this. He told him should we have a moment of great need, to blow into it, and help will arrive. But it will come at a cost." His eyes flickered up to you, hollow and broken. "I'm willing to pay it."

He blew into the conch shell, and two shimmering golden shadows slowly solidified in front of you.

"Your majesty. This is a surprise…"

"We were expecting little angelfish," the other blue haired twin finished.

The king filled them in up to this point.

"I have already found a caravan traveling to the Heartslaybul border. I want you to take Y/N with you to the Octavinelle kingdom. You can blend in with the caravan until you reach Heartslaybul, but from there I pray you won't need to stay as hidden."

"Wait," you interrupted, "I thought the Octavinelle kingdom was frozen over this time of year-"

"Yes, but we have a portal that we can use in case of emergencies. We get three uses out of it, and luckily we have one use left for the season," the calmer of the twins explained.

"And for extra protection, I have this," your father handed you a shimmering silver potion. "Drink this and you will be unrecognizable to even your own father."

You looked at him in alarm, and he offered a sad smile.

"It is only for a little while. By the time the ice thaws the Octavinelle King and I will have hopefully come to a way to end this, and I can retrieve you and remove the potion."

Your eyes watered at the thought of leaving your only remaining relative, but you were quickly interrupted by the one you were referring to as "the wild twin" in your head.

"And as to price, Betta Fish…"

"When the time comes I'll pay anything."

The twins nodded in seeming satisfaction, and you downed the silver potion.

When the hunter heard this, he wept with despair. The goddess of love heard his cries, and took pity on him, giving him her blessing.

You stood at the edge of the forest staring at the frozen ocean ahead of you.

"Floyd…"

"I hear him," Floyd whispered in response to his twin. "Go ahead, I'll catch up." 

Floyd turned towards the trees, materializing a staff from the air. You'd learned that combat under the ocean consisted mainly of magic. And Floyd was one of the best.

Jade gave your shoulder a gentle nudge and you both began running across the frozen ocean. The cold air nipped at your skin bitterly, your eyes wanted to freeze shut. But Jade was by your side.

Then he tripped, clutching his chest.

"Floyd," he groaned breathlessly.

He looked up at you, eye's filled with pain.

"Jade," you whispered, your voice choking up.

Jade removed his necklace, and placed it around your neck, before cupping your face.

"When you go through the portal, show that to Azul."

"No, Jade, no," you whimpered.

He turned your face towards a rock formation, before turning it back to him.

"The portal is in the cave by those rocks. Run straight there, and go through, don't look back."

"Jade, the portal will close."

He brushed a tear from your cheek before softly kissing you.

"I'll see you when the ice melts, my love," he gave you a soft smile, summoning his staff.

"Run."

And with a final gentle nudge, you ran.

The hunter kissed the lips of the frozen firstborn, and their eyes fluttered open. 

The cave was freezing, but too quiet. At least compared to the blistering winds outside. You ran through the cave, desperately looking for the portal, when you caught a soft blue glow.

You approached the portal. Your hesitation was just for a moment. And in that moment, you heard a single footstep echo through the cave.

"Jade?" You whispered.

It was a prayer. A plea. A lament.

You were whipped around, and held tightly against a body. Lips were pressed to yours, a knife pressed to your back. Your eyes widened in shock, and you tried to squirm away, only for Rook to press the blade further into your back.

A liquid tasting of apples filled your mouth, and with no other choice you swallowed it down, hoping he would allow you to breathe.

But he didn't. He kissed you harder. Held you tighter. Until a wave of pain shuddered through your body, and you cried out against his mouth.

He released you and you collapsed, writhing on the ground as something was changed inside you. Something wrong…

"There's my Y/N," he hummed, a sweet smile on his face that didn't match the moment.

He yanked the necklace from your throat, and you sobbed as he threw it through the portal, closing it.

"While I do enjoy the chase, it was very naughty of you to try and run from your intended. Thus, I have to punish you, Mon Trickster. Immortality is a fitting burden for your crimes, is it not?"

You cried out as another wave of pain rushed through your bones, your fingertips beginning to go numb with pain.

Meeting his gaze, they fell in love with him instantly.

"You're a monster," you cried through gritted teeth. "Do you truly want to be a king so badly that you had to stoop to murdering everyone Iove?"

His eyes widened, and he gasped, reaching out to stroke your feverish cheek with his pleasantly cool hand.

"That is what you think? Perhaps I've been too hard on you…I do not wish to rule. I would be a poor king in comparison to your highness. Non, non, Mon Trickster! J'taime…"

"What?" You groaned, choking on your own breath, your body now unable to move on its own, no matter how hard you tried.

"I love you. From the moment I laid eyes on the jewel of the court, I knew we were destined by the goddess of love herself to be together."

He pressed another kiss to your lips, this one much softer, much more tender, than the one prior. Once he parted from you, he intertwined his fingers with yours and gave you a lovesick smile.

"And now you're all mine."

The hunter exclaimed, "At last! The true first born! Come my beloved, let us return to your kingdom and be wed!"

He scooped you up in his arms, and all you could do was whimper. 

He walked you out of the cave, and back onto the ice. Now the wind felt good as your flesh burned with the immortality potion he had given you. He walked halfway across the ice, before stopping. You shut your eyes, knowing what you'd see, but refusing to look.

"It's a shame. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to study such magnificent creatures. Mers are so difficult to come by, even in the ocean."

Your eyes burned with tears, but you refused to open them.

"Don't you want to see what you did to him?" Rook hissed in your ear, and you screwed your eyes even tighter.

He gave a disappointed hum, and set you down on the ice. You heard a crack, and rushing water, and by the time you opened your eyes, all you could see was Jade's chalky hand slipping below the surface as the ice refroze over his body.

Rook picked you back up, and nuzzled his cheek against yours, seemingly pleased again. 

"We've wasted enough time here, let's go home."

The world vaporized around you, and before you knew it, Rook was holding you in your father's throne room.

The firstborn joyously agreed, and the people, seeing how happy they both were, punished the wicked king for his crimes. 

"Call for him."

"Huh?"

"Call for him."

After a moment, you knew what he meant. The throne room was currently empty, but if you called for your father…

"No."

He gave you a disappointed look, before standing you up, ensuring he had a firm grip on you, and pulling his knife out. He pulled one of your arms up, pressed a soft kiss to it, then cut a deep wound into your arm.

You released a choked scream, and he pressed another kiss to the wound, laying you down.

The door slammed open as your father ran towards you.

His eyes met Rook's, rage filling his violet gaze.

"You get away from my child!" He shouted, drawing a sword from his robe.

Rook simply held a hand up, and your father rose a foot above the ground. He curled his hand into a fist, and you heard a series of sickening cracks, before your father collapsed to the ground in a lifeless unnatural heap.

The hunter and the first born ruled side by side until the end of their days.

You swore you saw them sometimes.

You swore you could see a flash of lilac hair as the guards passed in the halls.

Or hear a lyrical laugh when his favorite birds started to chirp come springtime. 

You'd see your father standing by the door every time an apple pie was served, and you'd see Floyd in the faces of your younger citizens, who would come and seek your advice on how to ease their burdens.

You'd see Jade everywhere. In the mirror as Rook brushed your hair in the mornings, and whispered how much he loved you. Standing next to you as you sat in your throne and Rook knelt adoringly at your feet.  In the shadows when Rook held you at night.  

Rook saw your phantoms too. And he would simply smile at you and press another kiss along your neck.

and they both lived happily ever after.

Immortality is a fitting burden for your crimes, is it not?

[koolades-world]

Spellbound Secrets

playlist

current length: 32 minutes long

current amount of tracks: 8

hello! i assume you're here from a chapter of spellbound secrets, but if not, here's the prologue to get you started :)

the playlist is a youtube/youtube music playlist since that's just what i use but if you guys ask for it, i can make a spotify one too! i think there are a couple songs i wouldn't be able to add but i could see what i could do. before you go listen, i highly recommend reading more about the explanation for each song since i thought a lot about it before adding each song. my taste in music is very vocaloid leaning just so you know haha (also please let me know if those links are working!!!)

as time goes on and i release more chapters, i'll be adding more songs since some of them have to do with later plot points. i'll also just be adding songs in general if and when i find more i want to add. if you have any suggestions, i may add them so fire away if you think something might, don't be afraid to let me know <3

now, let's begin!!

Our Destiny by Solomon (VA: Kazuki Kawata): does this song even need an explanation? it's on this playlist because it's a solomon fic, it's gotta be haha

Hole Dwelling by Kikuo: this is the song that inspired me to start the playlist. the lyrics themselves could apply, but what got me to add this more than anything was the deep feeling of dread and hopelessness from the the song. if you'd like to listen to an english version to get a better grasp on the lyrics, i recommend this one over any other cover. this person did an amazing job!!

Language of the Lost by Riproducer: i adore riproducer. they're great for stepping into the vocaloid community since almost all of their songs are in english. i could go on and on about them. the lyrics in this one i feel like could be applied to mc after the events of the prologue and how solomon is going to be the one to help them and help them dig their way out of what feels like their grave

Love Again by Dua Lipa: i absolutely loved dua's album future nostalgia so i combed it trying to pick at least one song to add and settled on this one. this isn't necessarily exclusive to spellbound secrets, but the lyrics could read as solomon's feelings towards mc ahhh it's too cute

Float Planner by More More Jump!: i'm a HUGE project sekai fan which you'll see. this song and the next go hand in hand. this song is all about 'soaring' into the future together. there's one line about having difficulties overcoming but holding hands would give them the strength to continue it's so cute man. i won't yap about song and the characters who sing it but just know, i could. here's a version with an english translation

Jumpin' Over by More More Jump!: this song was released after the previous song so the messages line up. the lyrics are about looking back over past obstacles and observing growth. it feels better as an end of the fic song, but this could be for any obstacles solomon and mc have overcome together. here's a great english translation

Ultra C by Vivid Bad Squad: love this song too! at first i tried really hard to justify why this was here and i came up with a feeble reason before realizing it was my playlist and i could put a song on it because i wanted too lol. but the reason was the lyrics are about overcoming obstacles and the instrumentals are wicked. idk i'm just a huge vbs fan. eyestrain warning for the mv so here's an english translation

Hope is the Thing With Feathers by Robin: another one that i kinda struggled to justify but i just felt like the vibes matched? if i come up with a stronger reason i will list it lol

[bitterrobin]

ooh for the song character ask- dick grayson and roy harper please 😽

I don't have dedicated playlists for them (yet)! But there are a few songs I like to associate them with.

Carousel by Siouxsie and the Banshees --- for Dick, this is purely based on vibes. The song has a very light and eerie carnival sound, and the lyrics don't evoke anything specific other than being a child at a carnival and getting scared and mesmerized by all the sights and sounds. I'm sticking the whole song lyrics here because I think they're just that good.

You clamber up And look behind Their watchful eyes The helping hands A hen that's fierce And painted blue With red eyes Wants to swallow you A dragon dives and soars on tracks The hands that strap you to its back You turn around and look behind Their smiling eyes Won't help you down Their tiny hands Their tiny feet Such little hearts To miss a beat Grotesque dwarves in mirrored rooms Pulled and taut -- a thousand yous Staring back through stinging tears Remembering those funhouse thrills The paintbox tunes and wild balloons Their watchful eyes -- you start to swoon Oh painted vile in lurid hue The snarling horse that waits for you Its motor whirrs and colours curl Inside your head the monsters whirl Its motor whirrs and colours curl Inside your head the monsters whirl In sucked out Time stood still Roundabout back Carousel Time stood still And you remember it well Carousel

Connections can probably be made here about the funhouse mirrors and how people perceive Dick, the disembodied implied parents (?) or observers, the roundaboutness of a carousel and the very cyclical turn of events that Dick follows of leaving Bruce and coming back, that Haly's Circus technically re-visits Gotham every once in a while, etc. Bigger Dick Grayson fans could pull a ton more of this song than I do lol, I really recommend listening to it to get the full jist.

Fire by Kimya Dawson -- for Roy, based mostly on the lyrics. I'll admit I'm not huge Roy expert (I really gotta read more Green Arrow) but a song relates to fire and immediately I think of him.

It seemed like everyone I knew was dying I looked in the mirror and I was on fire Somebody yelled out "hey, stop, drop, and roll!" I said "that might save my skin, but it won't save my soul. That might save my skin, but it won't save my soul"  You swallow hard and you bottle it up Try to pretend you're a half full cup Believe what they're feeding, you're eating it up While I'm reading books about how they're corrupt I'm reading books about how they're corrupt  He says he protecting us but he's a liar I know deep down that it's down to the wire My heart will stop if I put out the fire As long as I'm burning I'll keep on yearning To save the world Not sure how but I'm learning 

Idk this song is very Roy-coded to me. I think its just that Roy's father's death stuck with me really hard since its one of the first things I learned about his character, and his relationship with Ollie is pretty defining for him too.

(Bonus song for dickroy! - Spit it Out by IAMX. Lyrics are good.)

[kaddyssammlung]

I read something again that I wish I had not.

Those stupid subreddits and what not. It was not okay in my opinion but the comment was deleted. But it got me thinking and it's been haunting me the whole day.

I will hide this....

TW: attempted “unalving” (it was about Vessel and I will talk about something that I observed on Vessel)

There is not much that gets to me when it comes to Vessel but some things do. And it makes me want to defend him or speak up for him.

The comment questioned kind of everything. His pain, his tears and also the sad things that he writes. "It's all made up...it's all just an act". I get that you can interpret lyrics however you like. It's what I do. But I am convinced that he did experience great emotional pain. And something pushed him over the edge one day. I don't know what lead to this decision. I can barley reconstruct how sh*t went down back then for myself. It was a long time ago and also I don't want to talk about me right now.

The reason why I'm sure that there was at least one attempt is because it left a scar. It's one scar that he has on the inner side of his left wrist. I don't know what that artery is called. Radial artery?! (me typing in the German word and looking for a translation and the first thing they show is a hotline. Yes please, call them if you have to. I did that a few times. It really helped in that moment. I should talk about that someday). Anyway.

I don't even know what else to say. That scar looks like from an attempt. It's just the shape and size.

I was shocked when I saw this in a photo. I totally get the black paint.

Idk...someone not acknowledging his pain almost feels like a kick in the none existing b*lls for me.

Idk if that post is too much?! I'm not totally chocking up on the inside and tearing up.

Fighting my way back and making my life worth living again was a struggle and exhausting but it was worth it. Some days are hard but I know that it does not last forver.

This too shall pass.

[dearweirdme]

Sorry for the rant coming.

It's just that the double standards these days are so frustrating. If you ship Jungkook or Tae with a woman, the most you'll get is backlash from fans who think they have a shot with them, or people who just don't think it's true. But if you ship/support Tae and Jungkook together? It's always "Ew, that's gross." "Ew, they're not gay" "You don't know their sexuality", etc etc etc. You don't hear people say, "Ew, they're not straight!" or "You don't know their sexuality" when people are shipping them with women. Because apparently STRAIGHT is okay, but gay is unnatural. People act like questioning if someone is gay is some sort of insult to their character and that straight is the norm or default, which is super homophobic.

I know that Tae and Jungkook's attempts at looking more "straight" in their content has convinced so many fans that they like women only. And I understand that it's almost a safety blanket for them to be perceived as straight. It protects them. I totally get it. But for some reason the fan response annoys me, when maybe it shouldn't. People instantly believe that JK and Tae are straight because there's a woman in their music videos/lyrics. And people will RUN with this idea because they assume it to be true.

But from someone who once closeted themselves, I can't help but see more signs that they aren't straight. But me and people who think similarly to me, always get judged and called weird for thinking that maybe Tae and Jungkook could be bi/gay. Just because we see in between the lines and have observed taekook's relationship differently. It's just hard because I'm on Tae and Jungkook's team. I support them. And yet the people who think they are straight because they believe the fake relationships or fake MV love interests get the benefit of the doubt because it's the society standard. It also seems to be the image that Tae and Jungkook want to give off? Idk Heteronormativity and all that. I guess it's just hard being a supporter sometimes, due to all the hate. I wish the world was different and viewed being gay, bi or anything but straight as just as normal.

Hi anon!

A rant very much needed! I agree. I think fandom discourse around their mv’s and music very often tend to imply that they themselves made the choice to have a female character.. when in reality that is a choice that has been made for them. Even if they themselves agreed to it and even if they came up with the character themselves.. if they really are closeted it will still have been a choice they had to make because there is not really any other option for them.

Tae and Jk (and other idols) aren’t able to choose freely what they put into their art. As long as it’s inbetween the boundaries that are set for them they can probably do a lot.. but boundaries are still there.

The double standards bother me a lot too anon. It is so unfair. We are all just people and who we love shouldn’t have to be a factor into whether we are accepted or not.

[girlvinland]

if you didn't get the same asks already, chia and ivy!

Hi Ru! I don't think I got either of them yet, so thank you!! I put this one under a read more for the length.

chia ⇢ what’s an inside joke you have with someone else?

The very first thing I thought of was an inside joke with my mom where, when I was a kid, we'd go on walks and she'd be like "okayyy, we're going to sing a song about...." and then she'd point to something random and we had to improv lyrics/melody about whatever it was. My mom and I have our differences now, but sometimes we still do that when I see her and it always makes us laugh until we're tearing up because it just ends up being so stupid.

-

ivy ⇢ what are your ‘tells’ for your emotions and moods? how can someone tell you’re happy, annoyed, upset or tired?

People have been very up front with me that I show my moods pretty openly, so I'm just going with what they've told me they've observed lol. Apparently when I'm happy, I speak a lot faster, skip to get places, use my hands to talk a lot more, and accidentally tend to interject a lot in conversation. When I'm upset/sad, I go extremely quiet and isolate myself, whether it's physically staying at home or not talking online or finding solitary places to be if I'm at work or something. And for being annoyed/tired, I unfortunately have been told I have RBF. There was one time someone told me I looked totally pissed off, but it was really just bc I was exhausted rip. Think it just gets harder to wear a mask in those two states. Sometimes I also awkwardly smile or fidget when I'm annoyed.

Idk, I wish I could be one of those people who are more stoic, but I think I've always naturally been more expressive. - Ask Meme

[clownsalot]

ok so anyway double first impressions and observations!! idk if ill be repeating any points other people have already brought up since im typing this without having looked through the milgram tag. and this probably won't be all that organized despite my attempt of neatening it up but ah well. i tried grouping my observations by point at least, but they're not in an order that follows the sequence of the mv.

also id like to preface this that firstly a) i don't have any personal experience with DID whether it be in myself or with people i know so please be patient with me if i say something wrong and b) for now please assume im going with the 2koto theory? not because i dont believe in the trikoto theory but because i haven't really dug that deep into it and so id be bad at spotting evidence of it myself

also im mostly going off of what i see visually in the mv since i haven't gotten to analyzing the lyrics yet

for now im referring to host mikoto and alter mikoto as bokuto and orekoto respectively.

the rest of the post under the cut!!

1. magazine/print(?) texture

the first thing i took note of was the magazine/print(?)(there's definitely a better term for this because just saying 'paper' doesn't fit. someone please help) texture that shows up when the mv kind of fragments. there's a lot of text that shows up like printed letters on a newspaper/print(?) that floats around.

how i find this interesting is actually in contra:st to the magazine texture on cat and the magazine/scrapbook format of this is how to be in love with you:

whereas kazui and mahiru center more on the clean perfect 'advertising' feel of magazines, mikoto's texturing in double feels more like the kind of crinkled old magazines you rip and mess up for collages in primary school.

it's kind of interesting, actually: with kazui and mahiru, it's their portrayals of the idealized romanticized forms of love and romance they're being sold. so with mikoto, is it the shreds of the idealized 9-5 grind he's been sold? since it seems to be implied in double and also one of the shots in undercover that mikoto is pushing himself too far for the sake of his work, and it's well known that the work grind in japan is crushingly brutal and overtime is not only expected but actively encouraged (i may be reaching with this one though? i dunno man).

2. the eye imagery

the next thing i noticed was that double has a lot of eye imagery. it's really interesting because it's like it's carrying over the feeling of surveillance from MeMe by replacing the camera povs that feel like spying on mikoto with more straightforward eyes on him.

what else is interesting to me though is the way the eyes watching mikoto in double contrast with the eyes watching fuuta in backdraft. as far as i can tell mikoto and fuuta are the only ones in milgram with eye imagery? but there's a difference in that while fuuta's eyes are disturbing partly because of the fact that they're semirealistic, mikoto's in contrast are a lot more abstracted in comparison. i wonder what exactly the eyes in double are supposed ro represent, since fuuta's are meant to represent judgement. given the stylistic differences between them im really curious as to what the similarities and differences would be between how they both view being watched? i can't come up with anything concrete at the moment though.

3. across the train carriage

i think throughout double there's a kind of shot composition/framing that shows up a few times, and it's that orekoto and bokuto seem to be across the train carriage from each other.

in the first image, it looks like bokuto is being reflected in the window behind orekoto, meaning he'd have to be sitting across from him in the train carriage. in the second, an identical pair of hands are overlapping orekoto's image, and since i doubt there'd be a mirror cutting right through the middle of the carriage in front of the doors, it'd have to mean that they're mirroring each other's actions from across the train carriage.

(you'll have to forgive me for it being in still images, i wish i could get it in motion but i am. not a gif maker. it's at roughly 2:16 though for anyone who needs it)

it also shows up in this scene which i like a lot!!! where the camera starts from a mikoto leaning haggardly against the train door looking at something behind the camera, who im assuming to be bokuto, before it pans up towards the ceiling and down again to the mikoto holding onto the bloody bat, who im assuming to be orekoto.

the Across the Train Carriage framing is really really really cool in and of itself and i love it!! but that panning shot has me rolling it's so good and i love it so much. the way it pans back down to orekoto so he's upside down makes it so disorienting and difficult to process especially with the scribbly effects over it. this could be reflective of how bokuto feels about this whole thing himself, but i donthave much of an analysis for this point, i just wanted to point it out because i think the directing of it is really really really damn cool

4. phone call home

yea i don't have an analysis for this part either, i also just find this sequence of events really really cool. just—the calmness of the phone call over the flashes of orekoto violently 'taking care of' the things troubling them!!!! it's the juxtaposition of the mikoto who calmly tells his mom that everything is alright and he's fine vs the mikoto that takes care of things for him that allows that kind of calmness to exist in the first place. it tickles my brain

although there is the thing of: if people are right that the mv visually distinguishes between bokuto and orekoto through the presence of eyebags, it is a little odd that the mikoto on the phone also has eyebags, implying that the him on the phone is also not bokuto. and i don't know what that's supposed to signify, but it's a little interesting to think about.

5. glitching Next Station screens

it's interesting to note that as the mv progresses the screens that show the train route and what the next station is get glitchier and glitchier. do any of the train station names correspond with actual train stations on the japanese train system? do they mean something else? im really curious, but my japanese isn't great and consists of only the 2 duolingo units i did like years ago, so could anyone please give me a hand with translating or point me to someone who has already translated it?

the constant appearances of trains in both MeMe and double is really interesting to me and i wonder what exactly it could be representing or what the significance of it is, especially since mikoto apparently bikes to work and doesn't commute on public transport

anyways, that's about it for all the things i took note of upon watching double the first two times, and i haven't done any especially deep analysis or anything. i haven't touched on all the mannequins either, mostly because im not reslly sure what they're supposed to represent and so don't really have much to say about them.

also hanae natsuki delivers a banger vocal performance once again!! ive never heard him miss in any of the roles ive seen him in, but he once again knocks it out of the park with mikoto. i haven't listened to mikoto's t2 voice drama neoplasma yet, but im sure hanae natsuki did amazing work on that once again, so im really excited to give it a listen!!

as for now though, i think ill have to look at everyone else's analyses of double to understand mikoto better, since even though i love him as a character and i like doing analysis im not as great at theorizing

[tenebrius-excellium]

YOU WATCHED TRIGUN STAMPEDEEEEE??? HOWD U FIND IT WHATRE YOUR THOUGHTS !!

I CONFESS I WAS THE ANON ON YOUR BLOG YOU STUPID (affectionate) FRIEND; I GOT IT FROM YOU!!!

I LOVED IT!!!

Thanks for the accidental recommendation! :P

Ok I know NOTHING about anime, okay? Anything I say was great or not so great might refer to Trigun Stampede specifically, or it might just be an anime thing in general because That's What An Anime Is. I can't tell the difference.

LOVED the intro song (Tombi by Kvi Baba). Constantly listening to it right now. It's hauntingly beautiful yet so easy-going and chill. I looked up the lyrics and they're about being a light in the darkness, I dig that theme!

LOVED Meryl from the start. A level-headed young lady who craves the truth, justice, and knowledge beyond herself because it's the right thing to do. She cares so much. She doesn't steal any spotlight by interfering or by being dramatic. She simply observes, listens to instructions that will save her life, and draws her own conclusions. I'm glad we got to experience the plot through her perspective first! A "journalist investigating a story" may seem like such a dumb start - could be Hallmark. But in this Space Western setting, it's perfect.

VASH MY BELOVED. I hated his intro because it made him seem so dumb and silly. There's a difference between making a character seem naive so that he gets underestimated (bringing in the - surprise! - big guns later), and making him outright ooc to create a false first impression. Idk I knew that his FIRST scene where he needed a bullet was not how his character would remain.

HIS CHARACTER DESIGN IS SO COOOOL!!! Idk from the outfit down to his martial arts skills matched with radical forgiveness and pacifism - DUDE. He's very complex. Idk yeah he lets himself get shot in total surrender but there is the part where one bullet won't immediately kill him and he knows it. There's also the part where Wolfwood challenges him on his beliefs, saying that for all his "peace and love on planet earth" talk he sure does not clean up after the messes he creates. The thing is - it's not so much about taking responsibility for the bounty on his head or something, but rather for the fact that his behavior evokes confused, angry and frightened reactions because it comes unexpected to a human society that is drilled on survival. As much as he CHOOSES not to use violence time and time again, I think he needs to cultivate some awareness that this is unusual behavior and that it triggers people to do crazy things (based on insecurity) around him. On the positive side, he confronts each and everyone with their personal tolerance for violence and tests their hearts that way. Beautiful.

The team is so well balanced! Vash, Wolf, Meryl, and Roberto - Dream Team!

The actions scenes take my breath away. They are so so so so good. I am noticing the attention to detail and the accuracy to skill that everyone is describing. I am also highly enjoying the ingenuity of new moves and awesome use of weapons, physical strength and surroundings. I'm sorry, I can't explain the brilliance of these moves well - but you already know what I mean.

I didn't quite get the in-depth explanation of the conflict I think??? Like, I'm still not quite sure what a Plant is, why Vash and Nai are more intelligent than the rest of them, why they were in space to begin with and what exactly Knives was trying to achieve by traveling to a higher dimension? I really didn't get the angel theme and why Vash suddenly developed a wing and became dark (I like his darker look tho). I also don't quite understand Nai as a character. To ensure the survival of Plant seems like an understandable cause for his actions, but why be so cruel and uncaring about it? It doesn't explain his maniac barbarity. Explanations are more than welcome!

What is your obsession with Livio about?? I mean I know, he was epic in that one scene he appeared in, and his bond with Wolfwood was genuine and deep. But he literally took himself out like a light, so... where's all that additional Livio content coming from? It's also really sad. Like... he never even gave himself one minute after waking up. That was a bit morbid.

Oh my gosh Vashmeryl is the og canon? I'm happy there wasn't any forced romance between anyone in this season. Only platonic connections for once. Amazing. Whatever Vash and Meryl end up as, I'll support both.

If there comes a Season 2, I will watch it!!! I don't know how far I'll take Trigun Stampede in fandom, but believe me, watching this has positively altered me forever. It's so FRESH.

Again, thank you for the unintentional recommendation!

Cheers

Reddie