#AND KIKI WHERE DO EVEN BEGIN

[vidding]

The Best Vidding Safe Haven?

Forgive the "read bait" meme above but if you are reading these words right now that means it worked. If you are a vidding fan then it was worth it. Vidders.net was born July 19, 2010. It is a Vidder-friendly AO3 Embed Certified Vid hosting & streaming site with over 18K vids. Its growth benefited from You Tube's increased use of content ID and the closing of Imeem. It was mentioned in the "Vidding: A History" book by Francesca Coppa. Its members (most who host some great vids there) include:

Luminosity

Lim

Laura Shapiro

Lithiumdoll

Obsessive24

Clucking Bells

Charmax

Bradcpu

thedothatgirl

kiki miserychic

Milly

Hollywoodgrrl

bop radar

Loki (secretlytodream)

Condsdmlk

newkidfan

NCISMelanie

Shoopdancer

Absolute Destiny

SD Wolfpup

Arefadedaway

camelia1986

adfproductions

Astarte

Such Heights

Mithoborien

mresundance

Just to name a few. You may not recognize these names but if you do you know these vidders literally made a name for themselves with the quality of their work during that time. At least in my opinion. The site is a time capsule of awesome vids even if some of the vidders listed are no longer active. Additionally, it hosts vids no longer available on You Tube like "Boom Boom Ba" by Charmax (a classic Xena vid). And yet it can still host new content without the issues faced on some other vid hosting options.

How much does it cost to host and stream all those vids? Well, that is one of the reasons for this post. The assumption I'm making is that if there is a Vidding "community" it's more likely than not that members of it would see a post like this and/or share it with fellow members of the community. Is it worth it to keep a site like this around? It's mostly been a solo operation for these past 13 years but now I am starting to wonder after such a long time.

I'll spare you the obligation of filling out a poll or survey. I'll make it simple. We have a Patreon account at patreon.com/vidding. If you don't feel it's worth keeping up. Nothing to do. Thank you for reading this far. If you feel there is some value based on what was mentioned earlier, then a minimum level of support at the Patreon is $1 a month. You'll not only be supporting the Vidders.net but other projects like the recent purchase of the Vidding.com domain name and more. The OTW October fundraiser drive begins in October and is on track to raise about 250k. Rasing even 1 percent of that amount would be more than adequate. After all Vids on AO3 make up less than 1 percent of the content on there anyway. I've been told by a fellow fan that I should keep it running but if it's not even supported by a community, it's a personal expense at my expense I am on the hook for. Again, there is no survey or poll to take but if you have questions that may help you determine your willingness to support just contact me. If you find value in preserving the site just visit Patreon.com/vidding or get your questions answered. This form of funding is more sustainable than occasional stop and start donation efforts we've done in the past. If you prefer another form of funding let us know.

I will check in by the end of October to see where things are. I am not going to do anything drastic. It's just that it's been 13 years and I started to wonder especially with my current financial situation but didn't want to do anything without communicating the situation. The site costs about $720 a year to run. At about $60 a month to run so it should be doable.

Boom Boom Ba by Charmax

If you liked this post you might like this:

The YouTube Vid Purge of 2021

[kingofbodyrolls]

My Heart's Home (m) | pjm | three

🐴Chapter summary: You win some and you lose some— isn’t that how the saying goes? But when you keep messing up, how long does it take for your sister to get enough of your fuck ups? 🐴Chapter title: Sometimes 🐴Pairings: jimin x reader (main), jungkook x reader (only happens once in the first chapter), jungkook x OC (jessi), namjoon x OC (jessi), yoongi x hoseok, namjoon x oc, seokjin x oc, taehyung x oc 🐴Characters: female reader (isn’t mentioned by name and no “y/n”), Jimin, Jungkook, Namjoon, Yoongi, Hoseok, Seokjin, Taehyung and four female original characters. 🐴Genre/AU: ranch!au, slice of life!au, soulmate!au, cowboy!au + smut, humor, fluff, romance, slow burn and angst 🐴Rating: mature/explicit/R18 – this is mature/explicit content, so minors, please do not interact!

🐴Disclaimer: I do not own BTS or know them personally and this work of fiction is purely fictional and for entertainment purposes only. The actions and personalities described in the story do not reflect those of BTS— it’s just fiction. Also, if you would kindly read the tags/warnings before reading, that would be lovely: and if you don’t like whatever is described in the tags, just hit return and find something else to read. Thank you 🌸 🐴Chapter warnings: some sexual tension and angst! A storm is brewing ⛈️ + a horse in pain (colic), also Jessi is a real pain in the ass in this chapter, sorry. 🐴Status: completed 🥳 🐴Word count: 11.8k 🐴Taglist: @kookswifesblog, @kiki-zb, @babejinnie, @ownthesunshine, @allie-is-a-panda, @glllhjh, @bergandysam, @13-manggaetteok, @jeonsbabygirlsworld,

*tumblr isn’t letting me tag you! There could be a lot of reasons for that, check out this lovely post about it.

🐴Now playing 💿 “Sometimes” by Rebecca Lavelle. [Wanna listen to the serie’s playlist?] 🐴Author’s note(1): I’m not a vet okay– so some of the descriptions regarding veterinary treatment of horses might not be 100% spot on, lol. 

Also, I know that you all want MC and Jimin to get together, and it is coming soon— I promise! 🫶 The next chapter is actually one of my favorites 🥰

It’s been cross posted to AO3 if you prefer to read there. Wanna see the book cover?

← previous | s.masterlist | m.masterlist |  next →

“Sometimes at the edge of sight Something moves which isn't there You turn to look but it's gone, it's gone Was it ever really there Yet it touches you Softly touches you And then it begins again” -  ‘Sometimes’ by Rebecca Lavelle

Perplexed, you question why Jessi deemed it a brilliant idea for you to single-handedly corral the sheep into the pen. You move at a measured trot, employing subtle cues with your legs on Marshmallow to orchestrate the intricate dance required to guide the sheep to their destination.

Eager to excel and make a lasting impression, you're determined to master the task your sister entrusted you with. The desire to earn Jessi's approval fuels your determination, pushing you to strive for excellence in her eyes.

With a subtle click of your tongue, you skillfully guide the reins, prompting Marshmallow to gracefully trot to the right and deftly corral a stray sheep back into the fold.

A sense of surprise washes over you as you realize just how adept you are at this task. It feels surprisingly easy, and a newfound energy surges within, allowing you to even whistle a tune as the ranch comes into view on the horizon. The girls await your successful return at the shed, a testament to your growing confidence. Almost there.

Grinning ear to ear, you reach the gate of the pen and energetically wave to Ara, Soo-ah, and Ha-rin, your sister nowhere to be seen.

Approaching the gate, you deftly lean over Marshmallow, swing it open, and expertly turn the horse around. With determination, you guide the sheep into the pen, where the girls await, poised for the upcoming shearing.

“You did such a nice job!” Soo-ah's voice echoes with admiration, her wide smile and doe-like eyes expressing genuine appreciation. You nod in gratitude, turning Marshmallow toward the barn to return him to the field, a sense of accomplishment swelling within you.

Guiding Marshmallow into the barn with deliberate ease, you orchestrate a gradual slowdown. With a practiced motion, you swing your leg over the saddle and dismount, grounding yourself with a gentle touch on the barn floor. “Such a good boy,” you murmur affectionately, your hand caressing Marshmallow's neck, eliciting a delighted response from the appreciative horse.

Effortlessly unhooking the girdle from the saddle, you carefully lift it off Marshmallow's back and return it to its designated spot on the saddle hook in the corner. He stands patiently, awaiting your return to relieve him of his bridle. A soft click of your tongue signals him to follow as you lead him gracefully to a paddock.

As you swing the gate open for Marshmallow, you marvel at the grace with which he bounds into the paddock, joining the rhythmic dance of the other horses. A peculiar warmth envelops your heart, a sense of fulfillment washing over you. The silent camaraderie among these majestic creatures stirs a deep nostalgia, making you keenly aware of how much you've yearned for the company of horses.

With a heart brimming with affection, you stride purposefully back to the shed where the girls await assistance in shearing the sheep. The prospect of shearing, an uncharted territory for you, looms uncertainly. Doubts flicker like fleeting shadows—will you navigate the shearing process with finesse, or fumble in your attempt? The anticipation lingers, but optimism threads through your thoughts as you hope for a seamless endeavor.

The girls deftly corral sheep, ushering them one by one into the bustling shearing shed. Jessi, now a commanding presence, orchestrates the operation with vocal precision, her directives ringing out amid the flurry of wooly activity.

“Go grab a sheep!” Jessi commands, her voice cutting through the wooly chaos. You heed her directive, but the task is easier said than done. The sheep evade your advances, darting away like fleeting shadows, leaving you in a comical dance of pursuit.

Balancing on the delicate line between assertiveness and consideration, you tread lightly with the sheep. Jessi's voice echoes in your mind, emphasizing the significance of stress-free herding. You avoid being too imposing, a mindful dance to ensure the flock remains undisturbed by your presence. Struggling to find the right pace, you navigate the delicate task of herding without causing distress. Yet, your caution results in a slow, deliberate progress that doesn't align with Jessi's brisk expectations.

“What's the hold up?” echoes your sister's impatient voice from within the shed, prompting an audible sigh of frustration to escape your lips.

“They run away as soon as I approach! I can't catch a single fucking one…” you lament with a deflated sigh, watching Ha-rin effortlessly wrangle a sheep into the shed for Jessi to shear. The task seems so effortless for her, and you can't help but feel a sense of frustration settling in.

“You've got to assert yourself without stressing them out!” Jessi's instructions echo from the shed. Easier said than done, you think to yourself. 

Why can't she take charge of the herding, leaving you to shear the sheep? After all, how hard can that be? You've handled clippers while cutting hair before!

“Can’t we switch places?” You groan audibly, surrendering and entering the shed. Inside, you find a visibly sweaty Jessi and Soo-ah hard at work shearing sheep. They sport tank tops, drenched in sweat, and you glance at your hoodie, realizing it's time to shed that too. Without second thoughts, you peel it off.

Jessi looks up, setting down the clippers after finishing with one sheep. As it walks off into another pen, she questions, “Do you really want to shear the sheep?”

“Yeah,” you affirm, standing in your tank top, determined to dive into the task at hand. After all, how challenging could it really be?

Jessi chuckles, clearly amused by your determination. She powers down the clippers and stretches her back, beads of sweat tracing a path from her hairline down her face. She breathes heavily, as if she's just completed a vigorous run.

She explains, wiping her face with a cloth, “Just pull this to start the clippers, and again when you're done with a sheep.” Her smile is encouraging as she heads outside into the brisk, hot sun to fetch sheep for you.

Jessi hands you a squirming sheep, and its resistance is evident as you grapple to steady it in your arms for shearing. The sound of Jessi's laughter echoes through the shed as you wrestle with the stubborn creature. You grasp the clippers, initiating their hum, and lower them toward the sheep's wool. Yet, the distressed animal resists, and your attempts to shear off even a single piece of wool are thwarted as it breaks free, darting around the shed in a state of panic.

Laughter erupts in the shed, a symphony of joy, and Jessi joins in with such enthusiasm that she clutches her stomach. Tears, mingled with sweat, streak down her face.

“You have to hold it down, gently though,” Soo-ah instructs, her hands expertly guiding the clippers through the wool of her own sheep. The ease with which she maneuvers the tool makes you realize that she's mastered the art, turning the seemingly complicated task into a graceful dance with the clippers. You watch, determined to learn, as she transforms the shearing process into a captivating display of skill.

“Okay,” you affirm, a newfound determination burning in your eyes as you prepare to make another attempt.

Jessi deftly catches the elusive sheep that had evaded you earlier, guiding it back to the pen with a gentle touch. She shares insights about the importance of letting the sheep de-stress before attempting to shear, imparting her seasoned knowledge in a blend of expertise and empathy.

Jessi strides out to fetch another sheep, its wooly resistance evident in the struggle against her hold. Passing the lively bundle of wool to you, she entrusts you with the task. Cradling the spirited creature in your arms, you activate the clippers, their hum filling the air as you carefully guide them over the sheep's body, determined to conquer the challenge of shearing.

The sheep surprisingly cooperates, holding still as you work the clippers through its wool. Just as you start feeling victorious, Jessi reenters the shed, her expert eye catching a potential mishap. 

“Not that close to the skin, or you’re gonna cut it,” she advises, and a frown creases your face. Examining your progress, you notice the sheep's skin perilously close to being nicked. Quickly shutting off the clippers, you release the half-sheared sheep, which makes a hasty escape. Fortunately, Soo-ah intercepts and expertly completes the shearing process.

Frustration bubbles within you as you groan, “Fuck. This is hard.” 

The sense of failure looms large – unable to smoothly handle the sheep, struggling with the clippers, you question your competence. What, in this unfamiliar environment, can you actually accomplish?

The stifling air in the cramped shed starts to feel suffocating, prompting an urgent need for a breath of fresh air.

“Did you expect it to be easy?” Soo-ah inquires, a knowing smile playing on her lips. Your head shakes in uncertainty. Perhaps. All you yearn for is to excel, to instill a sense of pride in your sister, to debunk the notion that you're merely an inept city dweller. However, in this moment, that's precisely how you perceive yourself.

“You know what– I'm going to take a breather and catch some fresh air,” you declare to the girls, conceding once more. This situation is not to your liking; you yearn to contribute meaningfully on the ranch. Yet, you can't shake the feeling that you're merely impeding everyone's progress.

The girls offer silent nods as you exit, no further words exchanged. Your head hangs low; pride in your performance is absent. You could have done so much better. You just feel so fucking useless.

Your feet guide you outside, greeted by the blazing sun and its intense heat. Grateful for the comfort of a tank top, you make your way to the paddock where the horses leisurely graze. As you open the gate, a mental note reminds you to turn around and ensure its secure closure this time.

Your steps lead you without a clear destination, winding through the landscape until, unexpectedly, you find yourself atop a hill. From this vantage point, the entire ranch sprawls beneath you, yet you choose to avert your gaze. Instead, you turn to face the captivating expanse of the blue sky meeting the rolling green horizon.

As you exhale, your body gives in to a slight slump, settling onto the soft grass. The weight of perceived failure rests on your shoulders. Despite the rational acknowledgment that shearing sheep for the first time comes with a learning curve, the nagging desire to impress Jessi fuels your frustration. 

Why can't you do better?

It's a question echoing in your mind, a silent plea to yourself to rise above this initial struggle.

As thoughts of obtaining Jessi's signature to sell your share of the ranch swirl in your mind, a surprising realization hits you—you're starting to embrace the charm of this vast, open land. The expansive landscapes, the crisp air, the vibrant green grass under the endless blue sky, and the twinkling stars at night, all things the city never offered. Despite labeling yourself a city girl, you're slowly discovering a newfound connection to the land you used to call home. Could this place, once abandoned, become home again? 

Now, as the landscape of the ranch paints a new picture in your mind, you question whether you could reclaim that sense of home. The uncertainty hovers, a cloud casting shadows on your future. Is this rural life meant for you? While Jessi revels in your recent misadventures, you can envision her sharing a beer or uncorking a bottle of wine with the girls the moment you depart. A smirk tugs at your lips as you ponder her probable preference for beer, and you find yourself smiling at that fact.

A yearning for deeper understanding tugs at your core as you grapple with the realization that you might not know your sister as intimately as one would expect siblings to. The echoes of your departure from this place, a mere kid back then, reverberate through the unspoken words that now hang heavily in the air between you and your sister. 

The scars of the past loom large, raising the daunting question: Can time and memories ever bridge the chasm caused by years of separation and untold pain?

As a sigh escapes your lips, a subtle uneasiness takes root in the pit of your stomach, casting a shadow over your thoughts. The gentle caress of the wind on your face seems to mock your inner turmoil, and a low groan escapes you. Despite the reluctance gnawing at your resolve, the undeniable truth lingers – you must return to the shed and confront the unfinished task that awaits.

Maybe you could do something different instead of shearing or gathering sheep. You don’t really want to do that again anytime soon. Maybe you could collect or sort the wool that the others have sheared?

As you gaze up at the vast expanse of the sky, its hues shifting subtly with the passage of unnoticed time, a realization dawns upon you. It's a silent cue to return to the shed and rejoin the collective effort. As you descend the hill, the silhouette of a black and a blue Ford Ranger gradually comes into view, parked near the paddock. A peculiar flutter dances in your chest, a subtle rhythm that you attempt to dismiss, choosing to bury it deep down.

As you approach the shed, the crescendo of voices builds a symphony of anticipation. Upon pushing open the door, a medley of scents assaults your senses—sweat, the unmistakable essence of hard labor. The scene unfolds before you: men toiling away, clad in tank tops, their bodies glistening with the evidence of their exertion, each droplet of sweat a testament to their dedication.

At first glance, your eyes lock onto Jimin, his tousled blonde locks clinging to his perspiring forehead as he skillfully shears the sheep handed to him by Ara. His muscles ripple beneath the strain, defining every inch of his biceps—a visual feast that leaves you momentarily captivated. Unconsciously, you find yourself licking your lips, entranced by the alluring spectacle of him immersed in his work.

The veins in his arms dance beneath the surface, as if daring to break free from their confines, a mesmerizing display of controlled strength as he maneuvers the clipper with precision around the sheep's body. A surge of something indefinable stirs within you, igniting a cascade of flutters in your chest. Flutters dance in your chest, and the heat intensifies, making it suddenly challenging to draw in a simple breath in the midst of the scorching atmosphere.

The beads of sweat cascade from his hairline, tracing a rivulet down his face, and the droplets rhythmically dance along his arms as he deftly pulls the lever, silencing the clipper. The sheep, now freed, scampers towards the other pen, leaving a tangible sense of accomplishment lingering in the air.

Entranced by his every move, you find yourself in a spellbound reverie. When his gaze locks onto yours, revealing that he's caught you stealing glances, a mischievous and knowing smile curves on his lips. 

In that moment, you sense the impending danger he poses to your heart.

As your gaze shifts to Jungkook, you observe beads of sweat mirroring his brother's exertion, his muscular biceps defined beneath the strain of wielding clippers on the sheep. The strands of his black hair cling to his head, forming enticing curls at the ends.

As your eyes traverse the scene, they settle on Hoseok, his luscious brown hair adhering to his face due to perspiration. In a tank top that clings uncomfortably to his sweaty body, he expertly drags sheep from the pen to join Jessi, Jimin, and Jungkook, who are engrossed in the current shearing process.

Next, your gaze descends upon Yoongi, immersed in the task of sorting the wool. With silver hair that curls at the ends from the heat, he emits a groan of frustration while scrutinizing the wool. Intrigued, you approach him, a curious lilt in your voice as you inquire about his current endeavor, genuinely captivated by his activities.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m classifying the wool,” Yoongi's fingers deftly navigate through the wool, inspecting it for imperfections as he classifies it. When he looks up at you, his gaze locks with yours, and a hint of invitation colors his voice as he asks, “Do you want to help? It's easy,” he adds, extending the offer with a subtle challenge in his eyes.

You smile warmly at him, nodding in agreement. The prospect of contributing in a meaningful way lifts your spirits. Yoongi takes the lead, guiding you through the intricate process of classifying wool. He imparts the nuances of the task, pointing out imperfections that could downgrade the wool's quality. 

Yoongi proves to be excellent company. While he remains mostly silent, the occasional grumble escapes his lips as he meticulously identifies imperfections in the wool. 

Out of the blue, you turn to Yoongi, curiosity lighting up your gaze. “Do you like horses?” His response is a subtle smile accompanied by a nod. In the quiet exchange, you sense that he might be a man of few words, his thoughts and emotions hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be unraveled.

As you glance upward, you find Jimin's eyes fixed on you, an intensity that seems to penetrate your very soul. Uncomfortably exposed, you quickly shift your gaze away, unable to withstand the weight of his stare. It's as if he possesses the ability to see through your every layer, leaving you feeling vulnerable and laid bare.

As you approach the halfway point, beads of sweat dotting everyone's exerted faces, a welcomed break arrives. Ha-rin swoops in as the savior, distributing ice-cold water bottles to the parched crew. You practically guzzle down an entire bottle, the refreshing liquid providing a much-needed respite from the relentless heat.

Cool water trickles down your collarbones, and you sense Jimin’s gaze lingering on the droplets. Sweat continues to bead on his face as he dives back into the task of shearing the remaining sheep.

Jessi reenters the shed, her sudden return catching you off guard. You didn’t even know she left. “What the hell is this?” Her eyes narrow at the sheep tags, a visible frown creasing her face—oh, she’s not happy.

Your fingers pause their work on the wool as you look up, meeting Jessi's intense gaze. The tension in the air becomes palpable, and you can't help but feel a knot forming in your stomach. “What’s wrong?” 

“These are the wrong sheep,” Silence descends like a heavy shroud as Jessi's words cut through the air, freezing every motion in the shed. Her revelation hangs in the space between the hum of the clippers and the suspended breaths of everyone present. Your hands, once deftly working with the wool, now hover in limbo, caught in the gravity of her words. All eyes converge on you, and the weight of your mistake settles like an anchor in the pit of your stomach. Unable to face the accusing gazes, you avert your eyes, well aware that you fucked up big time.

Your sister marches towards you at the wool pressing station, her voice cuts through the air like a whip, each word laced with frustration. “You gathered the wrong sheep!” 

Her accusation lands on you like a blow, and you instinctively shrink under the weight of her anger. Hovering over you, she delivers her disappointment with venom, making your body tense in response. The air thickens as she paints the picture of the setback you've caused, and the realization of your mistake casts a shadow over the shed. 

“Now we have to gather the right sheep and shear them too..” Frustration lines her face, and beads of sweat form a trail down her hairline, leaving traces on her tank top. 

In the blistering heat of her frustration, your sister's words cut through the air like a searing wind. “We are going to be behind! And it’s your fucking fault!” Her accusatory finger points directly at your retreating form, each word a sharp pang echoing in the shed. 

The weight of your mistake presses down on you, and you can't bear it any longer. Stepping back, you find yourself in the spotlight, all eyes still fixed on your figure. The suffocating tension hangs heavy in the air, leaving you with a sense of regret that matches the scorching heat around you.

As you retreat towards the door, you catch the remorse and sadness in Jimin's eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the chaos unfolding. Pushing yourself outside, you crave distance – an escape from the suffocating atmosphere, from the weight of your failures, and from the relentless series of mistakes that cling to you like a shadow.

Without warning, your feet break into a sprint, the sting of unshed tears threatening to overflow. In the midst of your rapid escape, you acknowledge the bitter truth – a familiar refrain that echoes in your mind: you should have seen it coming; after all, you have a knack for unraveling everything you touch.

Barely a few steps away, a familiar silhouette catches up – it's Jimin. As you reach the outskirts of the main house, standing in the yard, he utters words that echo with a plea, “Please come back,” his voice infused with a tenderness that tugs at your heart.

You exhale a heavy sigh, pausing before taking tentative steps toward the house. Slowly, you pivot your body, facing him with a mix of reluctance and curiosity.

“I fuck everything up Jimin,” you confess, releasing a heavy breath and exhaling deeply. “I feel utterly useless on this ranch.”

You sense your mind descending a ladder it shouldn't tread, but you can't resist. The overwhelming feeling of uselessness sends your thoughts into a tailspin.

“It’s to be expected. You’ll get better.” As he attempts to reassure you, his words only partially register, drowned out by the surging frustration within. A turbulent blend of anger and irritation courses through your veins, and you clench your fists, struggling to steady the rapid rhythm of your heart.

Out of the blue, you throw a question at him, breaking the silence. “Do you think I belong here?” The unexpected inquiry catches him off guard, evident in the momentary gape on his face.

“I do,” he starts, his words carrying a subtle plea, and you're left wondering why. What prompts this earnest assurance from him?

“I believe you just need time,” he adds, a reassuring smile gracing his face. 

“I don't think I fit in, and I feel like an imposter,” you state, the words escaping your lips with a blankness that mirrors the emptiness inside. It's as if all the fight has been drained from you. Thoughts of returning home and calling it quits start to seep in, contemplating whether this life is truly meant for you. The allure of the city beckons, a retreat from the challenges on the ranch and perhaps a way to keep a safe distance from your sister. The idea lingers, tempting you with the notion that everyone might be happier that way.

You feel the raindrops patter on your skin, a cascading rhythm that mirrors the tumult within. Jimin appears unfazed, embracing the downpour without hesitation. The deluge intensifies, nearly drowning you in its relentless flow, mirroring the suffocating feeling of your struggles on the ranch. Is this torrential downpour a sign, urging you to contemplate the idea that perhaps it's truly time to head back to the city?

“We should get back,” Jimin suggests, attempting to guide you back, but the allure of the rain refuses to release its grip. The downpour descends heavily, clinging to your hair, a weight that feels like both burden and baptism. With raindrops tracing trails down your skin, it’s almost as if you’re being cleansed. As he observes your entwined hands, Jimin releases an audible sigh. 

“You belong here,” he whispers, his voice a gentle caress, and a distant memory awakens within you— Childhood days resurface, a time of carefree laughter, a handsome boy uttering those same words when your father tore you away from this very land.

His touch crackles with an electric charge, igniting your skin in a dance with the pelting rain. It's a strange collision of fire and water, the contrasting elements creating a sensation that defies the damp surroundings. Instead of quenching the internal fire, the rain seems to stoke its flames, the intensity growing and nearly overtaking you.

His simple words act as a catalyst, reigniting the spark within you. With a heart fluttering to the rhythm of a wild stallion's gallop, you sprint back to the shed hand in hand, a small newfound determination propelling you forward in the pouring rain.

The lingering sense of uselessness persists, a relentless storm within. The weight of failure bears down on you, exacerbated when Jessi emphatically states that wet sheep can't be sheared. Her reminder echoes in the air, emphasizing the crucial task of gathering the right sheep after the sun works its magic to dry and warm their wool.

Amidst the tumultuous events, a haunting trio of emotions persists – regret, failure, and the sting of embarrassment.

As you move, the gentle yet commanding gaze of hazel eyes tracks your every step, sending a tingling sensation across your skin, creating an undercurrent of anticipation.

Frustration fueled by recent setbacks propels you to reach for your phone, fervently scouring the internet for information on handling your inheritance. Can you maneuver through the legal intricacies to sell your share of the ranch without the elusive signature of your sister?

In a moment of urgency, you delve into the unexplored territory of your inheritance, frantically searching on your phone. To your surprise, the results reveal a glimmer of hope – selling your share of the ranch without your sister's consent is not just a possibility, but a potential reality.

Despite the unsettling churn in your stomach at the thought of selling your share without your sister's knowledge, there's an undercurrent of reassurance. The knowledge that you have this option as a fallback provides a sliver of comfort, a lifeline in case Jessi refuses to grant you her signature.

Even as the warmth of this place and its people seep into your heart, the truth remains unchanged—you were never destined to stay. The allure of a potential sale, with its promise of financial security, continues to beckon, a lingering reminder of the transient nature of your stay.

As Ara flashes you a warm smile while tidying up a horse's stall in the barn, she extends an invitation, “Do you want to come into town with us?” 

You're already lending her a hand, a task you're proficient at among the few things you've mastered during your stay.

“Sure,” you respond with a nonchalant shrug, the prospect of joining them in town offering a welcome diversion. With nothing pressing on your agenda, the possibility of a change of scenery beckons.

After completing the task of clearing out the stalls, you step into the yard, heading towards the pickup truck where Ha-rin awaits. The afternoon briskness plays with the strands of her short black hair.

As you all squeeze into the car, Ara takes the driver's seat and steers towards town. The road stretches out, and a contemplative silence envelops the vehicle. Unsure of what to discuss, you resist the urge to fill the void with forced conversation, allowing the rhythmic hum of the engine to create a canvas for unspoken thoughts.

Ara, surprisingly swift behind the wheel, navigates the journey to town in under two hours, leaving you both impressed and slightly questioning the safety of the speedy drive.

Nevertheless, here you are, immersed in the charm of the small town, wandering the aisles of the local grocery store.

Your trio navigates the aisles in unison, methodically checking items off Jessi's list. The simplicity of the task doesn't escape you, and you're determined not to let this be another thing you mess up.

As your gaze sweeps across the formidable grocery list, you notice an abundance of canned goods, sacks of flour, bags of rice, heaps of pasta, and an array of frozen items. The sheer quantity raises an unspoken question in your mind – is Jessi preparing for an impending event, or is this a routine restocking?

You cast a frustrated gaze away from the overwhelming list, you can't help but voice your exasperation. “Do we seriously need every single thing on this damn list?” The question hangs in the air, met with amused chuckles from the girls, their eyes twinkling with shared understanding.

Ha-rin offers a smile, her explanation accompanied by a purposeful stride as she guides the cart through the aisles, steadily accumulating the items on the lengthy list. “It's mainly for backstock. Stocking up helps us avoid frequent trips to town,” she shares, her words carrying a practical wisdom that resonates with the challenges of ranch life.

As you navigate through the aisle, the sultry tones of a familiar voice reach your ears. “Come on. It'll be fun in my car.” 

Turning the corner, you spot the source—Jungkook, once again in the midst of his charming antics. A chuckle escapes you at the scene: his body leaning into the woman's like a predator and its prey. The pang in your chest is fleeting this time, a mere echo of the past encounter when you found yourself pressed against a wall with Jungkook.

Ara joins you, a shared chuckle escapes her lips as both of you catch sight of Jungkook's flirtatious spectacle. Deciding not to linger, you continue your journey further into the store, leaving the scene behind.

“I feel like I see Jungkook everywhere I go,” laughing, you share your observation with Ara as the cart, now laden with supplies, glides toward the cashier. The recurrent presence of Jungkook in unexpected places has become a quirky pattern in your days.

“Jungkook's reputation with the women in this town is legendary,” Ha-rin remarks, rolling her eyes with a smile. “Not that he's not sweet, but it's as if he's eternally searching, never quite satisfied,” she muses, the words more of a contemplative murmur than a deliberate statement.

As you ponder Ha-rin's remark about Jungkook, a fleeting thought crosses your mind. Could it be true that he, like everyone else, is on a quest for ‘the one’?

At the cashier, you efficiently load all your items onto the till, settle the grocery bill, and proceed to wheel the cart out to the pick-up truck. The teamwork flows seamlessly, and thankfully, the task is swiftly accomplished.

Securing the tarp over the backload of the truck, you turn to Ara and Ha-rin with a curious glint in your eyes. “Do you guys know when Jungkook moved here? I don't recall him being around when I was a kid,” you inquire, a tinge of nostalgia coloring your voice.

As you all climb back into the truck, you can't help but feel a sense of relief with Ha-rin taking the wheel this time – a decision that, for some reason, gives you a comforting notion of safety.

“Jungkook actually moved here shortly after you left,” Ara reveals from the front seat. The engine roars to life as Ha-rin takes control, steering the truck back towards the ranch.

“His mom married Jimin’s father, and they embraced the Park surname as their own. Jungkook’s actual last name is Jeon,” Ara shares, her laughter filling the truck's cabin as she turns to face you more directly. “And here's a tidbit for you: Jessi and Jungkook are actually best friends.” The revelation catches you off guard. Despite their apparent closeness, you hadn't realized the depth of their friendship until now.

“They’re always bickering,” Ha-rin chimes in with an eye roll, steering the car down the main road.

“They just need to fuck each other, that’s all.” Ara declares with a laughter that echoes through the truck.

You join in her laughter, though a peculiar unease settles in your stomach.

You sprint down to the main house, your feet drumming angrily on the dirt, the rhythmic pulse of your heart echoing in your ears. Bursting through the door, you dash into the kitchen, seeking out Ha-rin. Panting, you lean against the door frame, catching your breath.

Gasping for breath, eyes wide with urgency, you implore, “Do you have the vet's number?”

Worry etches across her face as she abandons the vegetables on the countertop. With a swift motion, she retrieves a piece of paper from the fridge, hastily jotting down the vet's number. 

“What's wrong?” she inquires, concern lacing her words. 

You spill the urgency in your voice, “It's Cinnamon, he's just laying down in his stall and I can't get him to stand. He seems to be in pain.”

“This is Namjoon’s number. Call him, and he’ll get here as soon as possible.” She hands you the slip of paper, and as you're about to turn away, heading back to the barn, you flash her a soft smile, gratitude lingering in your gaze.

“It sounds like he might have colic; do everything you can to make him stand up, okay?” She continues with a sense of urgency, turning her attention back to preparing the vegetables for tonight's dinner. You respond with a firm nod, then hastily leave the kitchen, the house, and sprint toward the barn, the piece of paper tightly clenched in your hand.

Cinnamon remains on the ground, emitting a strained whine that sends shivers down your spine. His condition is visibly deteriorating. Anxious, you retrieve your phone and the piece of paper bearing the vet's number. Your fingertips glide across the glass of your phone, tracing unfamiliar numbers before decisively pressing ‘call.��

“Hello, this is Namjoon. How can I assist you?” His voice carries a gentle warmth, hinting at a reassuring smile even through the phone.

“Hey there! My sister's horse is in bad shape. Any chance you could swing by and check him out?” you implore, crouching beside Cinnamon and gently caressing his soft coat.

“Absolutely,” he responds, and a brief pause follows, suggesting he's gathering supplies, the distinct rustling audible. “Mind filling me in on what's going on with the horse?”

After a brief hesitation, you gather your thoughts. Uncertain about Cinnamon's ailment, you decide to echo Ha-rin's suggestion, your voice conveying the worry that grips you. “I suspect it might be colic. He's lying down, and I can't get him to stand up.”

As Namjoon offers advice over the phone, the urgency in his voice becomes apparent. “It might be colic. Try your best to get him up and walk around if possible,” he instructs, the audible sounds of a car door opening and closing in the background. Then, he queries, “Where did you say you were again?”

You chuckle, realizing you hadn't given any information about yourself, let alone an introduction. “I'm at Bora Ranch,” you quickly provide, hoping the vet can navigate his way to your location without further delay.

The silence on the line for a few seconds feels like an eternity, but then his voice resonates close to the phone, “Wait... Are you Jessi’s sister? Is Cinnamon sick?” The urgency in his tone heightens the gravity of the situation.

You nod fervently, forgetting for a moment that he can't see you, and respond, “Yeah, that's right.”

“Okay. I'll be there soon,” he assures you before the line goes silent, the distant hum of a car engine starting in the background. Anxious, you pray that Namjoon arrives quickly; the agony of watching Cinnamon in pain becomes more unbearable by the moment.

You attempt to coax him with a gentle tug on his halter, but Cinnamon remains stubbornly unmoving. It's as if he's determined to stay sprawled on the ground. You wrestle with the conflicting thoughts racing through your mind – would it truly be detrimental if he stayed down? Uncertain, you recall the vet and Ha-rin's advice, urging you to encourage movement. Faced with uncertainty, you resolve to heed their counsel and make a concerted effort to get him back on his feet.

“Come on, buddy, rise up... I beg you to get up,” you groan, attempting to lift Cinnamon's head, but your efforts prove futile. Time seems to blur as you persist in coaxing Cinnamon to stand, your frustration mounting. 

Just when despair threatens to settle in, the distant hum of an incoming car reaches your ears. A surge of gratitude washes over you as the vet's arrival feels like a lifeline in this desperate situation.

The nearing footsteps echo steadily, building anticipation until a towering figure emerges before you. Lifting your gaze, you lock eyes with the imposing presence that has just arrived.

His physique commands attention, a robust build accentuated by broad shoulders and encased in a blue coverall with sleeves artfully rolled up, revealing powerful biceps. Yet, his face carries an inviting warmth, and a friendly smile plays on his lips, instantly putting you at ease. Dimples grace his cheeks, adding a touch of approachable charm as he surveys you and the ailing Cinnamon.

“Greetings, I'm Namjoon, the vet,” he declares, placing his toolbox down before extending a hand for a firm shake. His neatly cropped black hair impeccably frames his face, and you take note of his confident yet gentle demeanor. As you introduce yourself as Jessi’s sister, you step aside, creating room for him to enter the stall and assess Cinnamon more closely.

“I'll conduct a thorough examination, but at the moment, colic appears to be a likely diagnosis,” he mentions, retrieving a set of instruments from his toolbox. With precision, he begins scrutinizing Cinnamon, attentively listening to the rhythmic sounds of the horse's stomach through a stethoscope

“Hmm. Could you fetch that tube protruding from my bag?” He motions towards his toolbox, and you swiftly identify the requested tube, presenting it to him. “Appreciate it,” he responds with a grateful smile, his eyes reflecting a mixture of professionalism and warmth.

“Could you hold the tube for me? I need to step out to my car and retrieve a bag of fluids,” he entrusts you with the tube before swiftly heading outside, returning promptly with the life-saving liquid in hand.

“Appreciate it,” he acknowledges, reclaiming the tube from your hands and linking it to the translucent bag of vital fluid. Squatting down beside Cinnamon, he gently coaxes the horse's mouth open, inserting the tube into his throat. The sight is unsettling, prompting you to avert your gaze; it's too distressing to witness.

“The fluids will aid in rehydration,” Namjoon enlightens you, sensing your reluctance. 

“The tube is in; you can turn around now.” A soft laugh accompanies his words, prompting you to face the scene unfolding before you. Witnessing Cinnamon receiving the vital fluids is a reassuring sight, and you find a glimmer of hope in the expertise of the skilled veterinarian.

“I've administered some medication to help him relax and alleviate the stomach discomfort. You should be able to get him on his feet in a few minutes,” Namjoon explains, rising to his feet and offering you a reassuring smile. His confidence in the treatment plan eases your worry, and you feel a sense of gratitude for his expertise.

“Jessi never brought up having a sister until about a week ago, so your existence was a bit of a surprise,” Namjoon chuckles, casually leaning against the stall's wall.

“That's not entirely surprising. I left this place as a kid, and now I'm grappling with this unexpected inheritance that's become a puzzle I can't quite solve,” you admit, absently scratching the back of your head in a gesture of nervous uncertainty. It's not that Namjoon is making you uneasy; rather, it's the delicate balance of deciding how much of your story to unveil. Some cards, you’ve learned, are meant to be held close to your chest.

“You know, you could always stick around and build a life for yourself here with your sister,” he suggests, a contemplative smile playing on his lips.

“I've been thinking of heading back to the city... Things are a bit complicated around here,” you admit, reflecting on the numerous times you've stumbled and the strain it has put on your relationship with Jessi.

Without waiting for Namjoon's response, Cinnamon unexpectedly stirs, lifting his head with a renewed vitality. Rushing over, you grab his halter and gently coax him back onto his feet.

The tube slips from his mouth with a resonant clatter, and Cinnamon vigorously shakes his head, dispelling the fatigue that weighed on his robust frame. As he rises to stand firmly on all four legs, a wave of relief washes over you, reassuring you that he's on the path to recovery. You offer him a gentle pat, your touch a soothing affirmation of his regained strength.

“If you've got other matters to attend to, I can handle walking him around. My schedule is clear at the moment. I'll look after him until Jessi returns,” Namjoon suggests, securing a tow rope to Cinnamon's halter before leading him out for a stroll.

“Sure thing,” you respond, reflecting on Ha-rin in the kitchen, realizing she could probably use an extra hand. Expressing your gratitude, you head down to the house, relieved that Cinnamon appears to be on the mend.

Teaming up with Ha-rin, you dive into preparing tonight's dinner, savoring the lively conversation between you. A part of you acknowledges the inevitable longing for these moments once you return to the city. For now, you hold onto these cherished times with everyone on the ranch.

As the clock ticks towards dinner, and with no sign of your sister in sight, you notice Namjoon's car still parked by the barn. Determined, you make your way up there, ready to announce that dinner is served, extending an invitation to Namjoon to join if he wishes.

In the warm embrace of the lingering weather, you embark on a short walk towards the barn. The muffled voices of your sister and Namjoon greet your ears, growing more distinct as you draw near. As you gently push the barn door open, an unexpected sight unfolds before you—they share a tender kiss. 

Stunned, your mouth hangs agape, and instinctively, you retreat behind the barn door, veiling yourself in the shadows to avoid catching their attention.

Your decision to conceal yourself feels somewhat irrational. The sight of your sister engaging in a kiss is surprisingly jarring—perhaps it's the sheer unexpectedness. In your mind, you didn’t think she had a romantic bone in her body, and this revelation leaves you in a state of bewildered surprise.

You push open the barn doors, breaking the tender moment between your sister and Namjoon. A faint blush tints your cheeks as their gaze shifts to you. “Dinner's ready,” you announce, a casual invitation extended to Namjoon. Without waiting for their response, you swiftly retreat, your steps carrying you back down to the house.

The unexpected sight quickens your heart, a strange warmth flickering within. It's comforting to see your sister finding solace, someone to lean on as you prepare to depart. Reflecting on your own shortcomings, you realize you've been more of a burden than a support. But perhaps, in Namjoon, she's found a source of stability you couldn't provide.

The dinner unfolds seamlessly, with Namjoon proving to be delightful company. A subtle undercurrent of emotion lingers between him and your sister, evident in shared glances and unspoken words. Witnessing this connection stirs a surprising sense of joy within you, a genuine happiness for your sister.

“Thank you for calling Namjoon, when you saw that Cinnamon was sick,” Jessi's gratitude catches you off guard, her eyes expressing a tenderness you've rarely witnessed. It's a surreal moment, as if a different, softer version of your sister is speaking. She’s even thanking you. Is this moment real?

Namjoon's words carry a reassuring smile, his gaze fixed on you. “Thanks to your prompt call, Cinnamon will be back to his spirited self in just a few days.” His words accompany a gentle smile, his touch offering comfort as he playfully nudges Jessi's shoulder. 

At last, a glimmer of success amidst the string of mishaps. 

A warmth blooms within your chest, and a genuine smile graces your lips. It's a small victory, but in this moment, you revel in the relief of having played a part in something that didn't unravel under your touch.

As the sun shines high, casting a warm glow upon the barn, the rhythmic symphony of saddles being fastened and horses being prepped fills the air. You meticulously saddle up Marshmallow, your loyal companion, while Jessi tends to Cinnamon, who has thankfully bounced back from his bout of colic. In the background, Ara, Ha-rin, and Soo-ah bustle around, collecting saddles and bridles for their own equine companions. Each of their horses, with coats of varying browns, don distinctive stockings, that makes it easier to tell them apart.

“Are the guys meeting us here?” Curiosity colors your expression as you inquire about the guys, your gaze following Jessi's skilled hands as she readies Cinnamon. 

With the saddle securely in place and the bridle in hand, Jessi exudes confidence, her words carrying a definitive tone, promising the imminent arrival of the guys, “Yeah, they’ll be here at any moment.” Stepping out of the barn, she leads Cinnamon with purpose.

As you prepare to tack up Marshmallow, the task of fastening the girth on the saddle demands your attention. Yet, in the midst of the routine, Marshmallow stands patiently, a paragon of trust and reliability. With practiced ease, you secure the girth, appreciating the unwavering steadiness of your equine companion before moving on to put on the bridle.

While you meticulously attend to Marshmallow, the trio of Soo-ah, Ha-rin, and Ara prove to be swift in their preparations. The clatter of hooves signals their efficiency, and before you can lead Marshmallow out, they're already guiding their horses into the open, joining Jessi in the vibrant embrace of the outdoors.

After meticulously preparing Marshmallow, you guide him out of the barn to find the girls eagerly mounted on their horses, a scene brimming with anticipation. They sit poised, their eyes on you.

Gracefully mounting Marshmallow, you settle into the saddle with practiced ease, a seamless fusion of rider and horse. Alongside the girls, you wait for the guys to arrive.

On top of the hill, four men adorned with cowboy hats emerge as the charge down the hill with an effortless equestrian elegance. The rhythmic cadence of hooves makes your heart feel giddy with anticipation and you take a moment to appreciate how incredible they all look on horseback.

Jungkook commands a fiery red stallion, its thick mane billowing gracefully in the wind, embodying untamed vitality. Meanwhile, Jimin guides a sleek black horse, distinguished by elegant white stockings that accentuate its majestic presence. Trailing closely behind, Yoongi and Hoseok navigate their sturdy brown horses. 

As they approach, the undeniable allure of these men becomes even more apparent. Is everyone in the country just handsome?

However, it's Jimin's eyes that captivate you instantly—deep pools reflecting a passion that seems to run as profound as the countryside hills. The cowboy hat sits stylishly on his head, allowing strands of his blonde hair to playfully escape. His green checkered button-down shirt clings snugly to his well-defined torso, sleeves casually rolled up. The denim pants and boots bear the marks of hard work, adorned with the earthy traces of the ranch.

Jungkook dons a shirt that molds perfectly to his sculpted pectorals, paired with snug denim jeans and sturdy boots. Yoongi opts for a white tank top, showcasing his lean arms and defined biceps. Meanwhile, Hoseok sports a loose gray shirt that complements his easygoing style, paired effortlessly with denim pants.

“Hi,” resonates in unison from the group of guys as they approach you near the barn. A smile graces your lips, but your attention quickly shifts to your sister, fully aware that she's likely crafted a meticulous plan for the upcoming cattle drive.

“Nice of you to make it in time,” Jessi grunts, a small smile playing on her lips, punctuated by a chuckle.

“Someone had to spend an eternity getting ready,” Jungkook quips, rolling his eyes and nodding toward Jimin. He follows it with a nonchalant shrug, not bothering to deny it.

“What’s the plan, boss?” Hoseok asks, brimming with eagerness to get started. Jungkook scoffs beside him, “Boss? She’s not your boss– I am.”

Hoseok burst out in a beautiful, contagious laughter, echoing through the air and drawing a chuckle from you.

“Kook, just shut up,” Jessi laughs, her voice carrying a hint of playful exasperation. Then, she takes a deep breath, steadying her posture, “We'll move the cattle from the northeastern paddock to the one closest to the Bell Ranch.”

Amidst nods from everyone, Yoongi leans down, patting his horse's neck with a soothing touch that elicits a deep, resonant whine from the animal. “Anything else?” he asks, his voice a calm undercurrent in the anticipation-laden air.

Jessi's gaze sweeps across the group, her eyes meeting each one in turn. A stern but determined expression settles on her face. 

“This is a stress-free drive, so remember, no pushing the cattle!” Her words hang in the air, setting the tone for the upcoming task.

Jessi orchestrates the plan with precision, assigning roles to each member of the team. “Me and Soo-ah will take the front, Ha-rin, Hoseok, Kook, and you,” she points directly at you, “will cover the sides, and then Jimin, Yoongi, and Ara will handle the back of the herd.” Her directive gaze holds a sense of purpose, and a unanimous agreement ripples through the group.

“Let’s get going!” Jessi announces, her voice bubbling with excitement as she nudges Cinnamon into a spirited gallop. Eagerly, the rest of the group surges forward, and you, too, urge Marshmallow into a rhythmic canter, the rhythmic beat of hooves creating a lively symphony as the cattle drive begins.

To reach the north-eastern paddock, the journey takes you over rolling hills and through a small forest, where fallen trees create impromptu jumping courses. Jungkook, seizing every opportunity, guides his horse with finesse over the natural obstacles. Yoongi and Hoseok follow suit, while Soo-ah and your sister eagerly join in on the exhilarating equine adventures.

As the group revels in the joy of riding, laughter fills the air as they expertly guide their horses over logs and obstacles, showcasing their agility and camaraderie. Meanwhile, the rest of you opt for the smoother path, enjoying the less rugged terrain.

Amidst the playful antics of the group, you observe Jimin refraining from the lively jumping games. However, his infectious laughter resonates, and his eyes crinkle in mirth.

you sense his attentive gaze lingering on you as you ride, creating a flutter that dances in your stomach reminiscent of the last time you felt his eyes roam your body.

As you reach the paddock, Jessi gracefully maneuvers Cinnamon into position, opening the gate from atop his back. With a synchronized pace, you guide your horses through the entrance.

“Alright, everyone, let's find our positions. And keep in mind— stress-free!” Jessi's eyes pierce through the group, emphasizing the importance of a calm approach. 

The importance of a stress-free approach for better cattle sales echoes in your mind, a principle she insists upon even when the herd isn't up for sale yet. It's Jessi's commitment to consistency, and you brace yourselves for the task ahead, determined to maintain the calm demeanor required for a successful drive.

Jessi and Soo-ah kick their horses into a measured trot, leading the way towards the grazing cattle. The rhythmic beats of hooves on the ground set the tone for the impending drive, as you and the rest of the group follow, creating a unified force propelling towards the herd.

With precise coordination, Ha-rin and Hoseok elegantly flank the right side of the cattle, while you and Jungkook synchronize on the left. Together, you form an unyielding circle, ensuring the cattle remain contained within your guiding presence. Bringing up the rear, Jimin, Yoongi, and Ara stand as guardians, securing the boundaries of the moving cattle.

As you gradually set the cattle in motion, your horses step purposefully, nudging the herd forward with a deliberate yet gentle momentum. The realization dawns on you that this endeavor could stretch into hours at the current pace. A silent acknowledgment passes through your mind – a subtle premonition that your ass is going to hurt after this damn long cattle drive. Sigh. 

Adjusting yourself in the saddle, a subtle awareness creeps over you, when you feel a tingling sensation run through your body – the distinct sense of Jimin's eyes tracing your movements. Expectantly, you turn to meet his gaze, only to find his attention fixated on the cattle, his expression unreadable. 

The vast expanse of open land surrounds you, the lush green grass beneath your horse's hooves and the endless blue sky overhead create a beautiful image, like straight from a painting. Despite the scorching summer heat, you appreciate the breathability of your t-shirt, confident it shields you from overheating. 

Glancing at Jimin, clad in a button-down shirt, you can't help but wonder if he's feeling the heat, beads of sweat possibly forming beneath the fabric.

As the chatter of small groups fills the air, you and Jungkook maintain a contemplative silence, guiding the cattle towards Bell Ranch at a deliberate pace. The rhythmic hoofbeats and the collective murmur create a serene backdrop to your silent partnership, each of you immersed in your own thoughts as the herd moves forward.

Jungkook maneuvers his horse closer to yours, prompting a curious look from you. Leaning in, he turns his head in your direction and asks, “Are you alright?” His voice carries a genuine concern, and you find yourself captivated by the unexpected tenderness in his eyes.

His unexpected question catches you off guard, leaving you momentarily wide-eyed. A soft chuckle escapes him as you gather your thoughts. 

“I'm fine,” you assure him with a gentle smile, the warmth in your expression matching the pleasant day unfolding around you.

His words hang in the air, laced with a playful smile that reaches his eyes. “I've sensed a bit of avoidance on your end since the barn party,” he says, punctuating the statement with a wink and a teasing smirk.

Your words rush out, a mix of surprise and reassurance. “I really wasn't avoiding you,” you start, hoping to convey that any perceived avoidance was unintentional. 

“Are you hurt because you wanted a relationship with me?” His words, delivered with an air of casual curiosity, strike a chord within you. The nonchalant tone belies the complexity of the question. In the initial moments, a pang of hurt may have flickered, not due to a desire for a relationship, but from the lingering sense that there might have been more beneath the surface between you.

His unexpected question leaves you momentarily flabbergasted. “No, Jungkook. I've just heard a lot…” Your sentence hangs in the air, interrupted by his swift interjection, “That I fuck around a lot?” The weight of his reputation hangs in the air, injecting a charged energy into the conversation.

As you nod in acknowledgment, he erupts into laughter, exuding an undeniable sense of self-contentment. There's a certain admiration that sprouts within you, witnessing his unapologetic confidence.

“Yeah, I’m not exactly cut out for relationships. I just wanted to clear the air, make sure you weren’t expecting something more from me,” he grins, and you reciprocate with a smile of your own.

“I don’t, but I’d love to be friends with you?” His face lights up at your words, a radiant smile nearly outshining the sun. Laughter bubbles up from within you, a newfound lightness filling your chest now that you’ve cleared the air.

Just when you anticipate him riding away, he edges even closer, your horses nearly touching. “Actually,” he leans in, whispering in your ear, “I've noticed the way Jimin looks at you.” 

Your ears and cheeks blaze with heat, and your heartbeat quickens, as if a spark could set you ablaze at any moment. Has Jungkook truly sensed the simmering tension between his brother and you? While in conversation with Jungkook, the weight of chocolate brown eyes drilling into your back intensifies, a silent observer.

A nervous chuckle escapes you, blending with Jungkook's laughter beside you. “I've also noticed the way you look at him,” he adds, his eyes glinting with a playful understanding that hints at the unspoken connection between you and Jimin.

This revelation tightens the grip of anxiety around your chest, your heart threatening to burst forth. You believed your feelings were veiled in subtlety, yet Jungkook's revelation suggests otherwise. Your palms turn clammy as his warm breath grazes your ear, a sensation that sends electric shivers coursing through your entire body.

Jungkook straightens up on his horse, creating some distance that allows you to breathe more freely. However, his words hang in the air, echoing in your mind. “You should make a move,” he suggests casually. Yet, his words echo in your mind, almost making you choke on the fresh air, and your eyes widen. Does he really think you should make a move on Jimin— won’t that be weird?

An awkward chuckle escapes your lips as you voice the concern that's been gnawing at the edges of your thoughts. 

“I mean, he's your brother… Won’t that be weird?” The words stumble out, a bit disjointed, revealing the nervous energy that now dances between you and Jungkook. The admission of your attraction to Jimin hangs in the air, making the situation more delicate than ever.

His honest words wash over you, a tide of reassurance in a sea of uncertainty. “I don't think it's weird, at least not for me,” Jungkook confesses, and suddenly, the weight of apprehension begins to lift. His understanding response offers a newfound comfort, nudging you to consider the possibility of embracing your feelings for Jimin.

He leans back into you, his voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper, “Also, he's looking at you now, practically undressing you with his eyes.” The words send a thrilling shiver down your spine, creating an electric surge inside your body and a charged atmosphere as you process the realization of Jimin’s lingering gaze.

You gulp, acutely aware of Jimin's lingering gaze that has been like a steady flame throughout the day, igniting a fire in your body that you're hesitant to stoke. Jungkook chuckles at your nervous reaction, and in that momentary distraction, you both fail to notice two cattle slipping away from your side.

“The cattle are out!” The urgency in Yoongi's shout pierces the air, and without a second thought, you and Jungkook kick your horses into a gallop, chasing after the errant cattle. Jimin swiftly takes your place at the side of the herd, seamlessly filling the gap left in your wake.

Side by side with Jungkook, you expertly corral the two stray cattle, seamlessly reintegrating them with the rest of the herd. Yet, a discerning glance from your sister reveals your momentary lapse in attention.

Her voice carries a hint of frustration as she scolds, “Didn't I emphasize a stress-free drive?” Her eyes reflect irritation as she shakes her head disapprovingly. Resuming your original positions with Jungkook, Jimin strides purposefully back to his spot at the rear of the herd.

Apologizing, you attempt to justify, “I'm sorry, but they were making a run for it…” However, Jessi isn't willing to accept your explanation.

Her frustration boils over, “You always mess things up—the feed, the tire, the gate, and now this!” With an exasperated exhale, she falls silent and resumes her position at the front of the group.

Your complexion drains of color, the weight of Jessi's accusations sinking in. Has she been keeping a tally of your every misstep? You're well aware of your frequent blunders, but Jessi's direct call-out stings. 

Gripping the reins tightly, you feel frustration coursing through your veins. With a deep breath, you fight to regain composure, not wanting to distress Marshmallow with your unsettled state.

“It’s okay,” Jungkook attempts to offer reassurance, but you're in no mood to accept it. The exhaustion of another setback on the cattle drive weighs heavily on you. “It's not okay,” you groan, a sense of deflation settling in. It seems like setbacks always find a way to plague you.

You pivot on Marshmallow, addressing Ara with urgency, “Ara, can we switch places?”

Ara offers you a gentle, reassuring smile, nodding in agreement as she guides her horse to your side. With a turn, you position Marshmallow at the back, now flanked by Jimin and Yoongi.

Frustration envelops the atmosphere at the back, and it's mostly yours. A silent tension lingers between you, Jimin, and Yoongi. It crosses your mind that they might be hesitant to engage in conversation, a realization that irritates you further.

“Just let it go,” Yoongi utters, his gaze fixed ahead, and for a moment, it's unclear if the advice is meant for you. Your retort comes swiftly, “Easy for you to say; you're not the one stumbling at every turn.” A frustrated exhale follows, tension thick in the air.

“He did in the beginning,” Jimin chimes in, a playful smile accompanying his laughter. Yoongi, rolling his eyes at Jimin’s jest, contributes, “I did. You learn from each and every one of your screw-ups.” 

“It's pointless,” you sigh, a heavy sense of defeat settling over you. It's time to call it quits.

Jimin visibly startles at your candid statement, a subtle flinch in his movements. The tension radiates through him, evident in the stiffening of his shoulders. Yoongi, wisely choosing silence, refrains from adding anything further, sensing it's not the moment to provoke.

The remainder of the drive proceeds with minor mishaps, and you successfully avoid major blunders in the back. However, upon reaching Bell Ranch, Jessi's dissatisfaction with your performance becomes glaringly apparent as she candidly expresses her discontent.

“I don’t want to get into it,” you share, burdened by your own errors and unwilling to hear your sister enumerate your shortcomings in ranch life. Surprisingly, she heeds your request, allowing you to brood in solitude while the others relish a well-deserved sip of water, celebrating the triumph of a fruitful cattle drive.

A somber cloud seems to loom over your head, making it challenging for you to partake in the joy and success radiating from the others.

“I’m going back to the ranch,” you announce to the group, their expressions registering surprise before they nod in acknowledgment. Striding purposefully, you make your way back to where Marshmallow is tethered to a post, swiftly mounting him. A gentle squeeze of your legs, and he bursts into a rapid gallop, carrying you away.

You surge over the undulating hills, the lush green grass beneath you, a cascade of dirt trailing in the wake of Marshmallow's swift strides. Granting him the freedom to unleash his energy, you, too, allow your emotions to unravel. This gallop, akin to the refreshing rain, brings a cleansing sensation, each stride lightening the burden on your mind.

As the ranch emerges on the horizon, you guide Marshmallow into a brisk trot, the anticipation building with each step. Upon reaching the barn, you meticulously strip away his gear, setting him free into the paddock alongside his equine companions, the sun casting a warm glow on the familiar surroundings.

Determined to shift your focus, you stride purposefully toward the main house, contemplating the idea of preparing a hearty dinner for the returning group. The uncertainty of their arrival lingers, but the thought of a satisfying meal upon their return fuels your motivation to create something special.

Seeking refuge in the kitchen, you throw yourself into the rhythm of meal preparation, attempting to drown out the echoes of your perceived failures. However, just as you find solace in the routine, a gentle pattering on the roof and windows interrupts your thoughts – the subtle arrival of rain. 

As you lose yourself in the culinary dance, time becomes elusive. When you finally lift your gaze from the bubbling pots, a captivating sight unfolds outside the kitchen window – the girls, drenched from the rain, riding back on horseback. The tantalizing aroma of dinner fills the air, and with their return, you hope to satisfy not only their hunger but also the unspoken cravings lingering in the rain-kissed atmosphere.

In a swift transition, they sweep into the house, their laughter mingling with the aroma of the rain outside. Together in the kitchen, a collaborative symphony ensues as you and the girls put the finishing touches on dinner, setting the table in the warm glow of the living room. Despite the subtle undercurrent of Jessi's irritation, you forge ahead, determined not to let it cast a shadow over the convivial atmosphere you're creating.

Amidst the shared warmth of the dinner table, Ha-rin expresses her gratitude, breaking into a chuckle that echoes the sentiment of relief. “Thank you for taking the reins in the kitchen,” she acknowledges, savoring the anticipation of a meal without the familiar duty of preparing it.

As you share a smile with Ha-rin, a peculiar tension lingers around the table, casting a shadow over the meal. Your appetite wanes, reduced to absentmindedly stabbing at the food on your plate.

“Why do you keep messing up?” Jessi's voice pierces the air, frustration palpable as her gaze locks onto you. The question hangs in the room, demanding an answer you're not sure how to provide. Honestly, the reasons behind your repeated slip-ups elude you, leaving a disconcerting silence in their wake.

You release a frustrated sigh, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on you. Clenching your hands in a bid to contain the brewing storm of emotions, you admit, “I... don't know.” 

The confession hangs in the air, a raw acknowledgment of your own confusion and struggle.

Jessi's frustration explodes, her voice cutting through the air like a sharp gust of wind. “I give you clear instructions, but you manage to mess it up every time!” 

Her words reverberate across the table, a storm of tension settling over the room, leaving the rest of the girls in hushed silence, their eyes darting between the two of you as the confrontation unfolds.

“I'm well aware that I mess things up, but damn it, I'm trying!” Your voice echoes with a mix of frustration and desperation, the words carrying a weight of both anger and a plea for understanding.

“If you can't handle it, then I don't want you here,” she declares with unwavering determination, and you find yourself gaping at her. The simmering anger within threatens to boil over, your hand involuntarily unclenching as the tension in the room tightens like a coiled spring.

“Maybe I should just leave then! Sell my share of the ranch,” you retort with a sharp edge, your heartbeat quickening as anger boils inside, transforming your thoughts into a seething red haze.

She scuffs, “Just go, but you’re never getting my signature.”

“I don’t need your signature. I consulted a lawyer, and he said I don’t need it,” you assert, crossing your arms firmly over your torso. 

Jessi's face turns pale at your revelation, and she hisses, “You wouldn’t dare!” 

She's fuming, but you don’t care. 

Unaware of the startled looks from the girls, Jessi has risen from her seat, poking her finger at you. “You wouldn’t dare,” she repeats, her voice seething with disbelief.

“I would,” you declare with unwavering certainty, rising from your seat across from your sister. The air crackles with tension as both of you yell at each other, and it feels like there's no turning back now.

Blinded by rage, you find yourself panting and seething, the room tainted with the color of your fury. The atmosphere becomes oppressive as Jessi slams her hands down onto the table, her words cutting through the air like venom. “I don't want you here. Get the fuck out, and I mean it this time,” she commands, each word carrying the weight of finality, stinging and lingering in the charged silence that follows.

“FINE,” you hiss, your hands clenched in frustration, a turbulent storm of emotions swirling within. It's a bitter realization that this place isn't for you, that your sister neither wants nor needs your presence. With a resigned exhale, you retreat from the table, striding out of the dining room and into the solitude of your guest room, the weight of rejection settling heavily on your shoulders.

You yank open your bags, tearing the closet apart to gather your belongings. The relentless rain pelts against the windows, mirroring the storm of emotions inside you. Frustration wells up within you, and as you navigate the room to collect your scattered belongings, the blur of tears makes it challenging to see. 

Damn it. 

This wasn't the outcome you anticipated.

You never quite found your place here, and perhaps you never truly belonged. Uncertainty engulfs you, a whirlwind of thoughts storming within your mind. Yet, now you're bound for the city. Your heart tightens at the prospect of returning, leaving behind a place that, against all odds, had grown dear to you.

But in the grand scheme of it all, none of it holds significance now. You hastily cram the remaining belongings into your bags and sling them over your shoulders. Your initial packing was minimal, and your city friend's contributions were modest, a reflection of the short-lived stay you had anticipated from the beginning.

A heavy sigh escapes you as you exit the guest room, traversing through the familiar dining room. Pausing in the doorway, you let the weight of the moment settle, and with a resigned tone, you utter, “I suppose this is our farewell.”

Ara, Soo-ah, and Ha-rin bid you a somber farewell, their eyes reflecting sadness, but as you turn to face Jessi, her gaze remains stubbornly averted. The palpable tension weighs on you, causing your shoulders to slump in defeat. With a heavy heart, you step outside, making your way to your parked car.

As the rain continues to cascade around you, you disregard the wetness, traversing the distance from the main house to your car. The downpour soaks you thoroughly as you hurriedly stow your bags in the vehicle. Seated inside, a poignant moment unfolds, mirroring the tears glistening in your eyes with the relentless rain outside.

With a heart weighed down by the burdens of departure, you insert the key into the ignition, the mechanical click echoing the emotional weight within. As the engine hums to life, it serves as a reluctant melody to the bittersweet symphony of leaving.

An unsettling sense of déjà vu envelops you as you bid farewell to this familiar haven for the second time. Yet, this departure bears the weight of your own volition, amplifying the melancholy that lingers in the air. 

Regret creeps in, leaving a bitter aftertaste as you press down on the gas, steering the car away from what you once called home, now fading into the rearview mirror.

Author’s note(2): Thank you so much for reading! 🌸 I would very much appreciate it if you reblogged the chapter, if you liked it ✨ A small review or a comment would also mean a lot to me, and even a like. But please, don’t be afraid to let me know what you think; your kind words makes me extremely happy 💜 I’m not really feeling very well at the moment. I’m very depressed and I was even hospitalized last week because of trigger warning suicidal thoughts… anyway. I’m struggling, but I enjoy writing this, and I’m gonna see it to the end, even though I feel very disheartened by the notes (I really shouldn’t look, but I’m only human, lol. And I’m comparing it to my other works, not other’s because that can get dangerous real fast!). But anyway. Writing is therapeutic for me, but posting seems to be the hurdle for me now… so I’m thinking— only thinking, that this story might be the last one that I post. I don’t know yet. Just a thought. Anyway. I’m very happy to have some lovely friends here— thank you guys! You already know who you are 🫶✨

← previous | s.masterlist | m.masterlist |  next →

[caged-canaria]

Soragumi's National Tour: Great Pirates/Heat On Beat Review, or How Soragumi Gave Me My Groove Back And How I Got There

TW: mentions of the incident (implied)

I miss my old life.

What a way to begin a review about a silly Takarazuka performance right?

I miss when I was 19 and a baby fan and... quite simply a baby with all my dreams yet to be realized. When I discovered Takarazuka, my dream was to move to Japan. After a lot of waiting and wishing and hoping, that dream came true.

As I welcomed my second year living in Japan, I started to contemplate where I'd be going from here. I started to look back on where I had come from, and I started to miss my wide-eyed self.

I missed coming home in 2017 and watching Tsukigumi on repeat while trying to ignore exams just lurking around the corner.

Personally, Zuka had not been "fun" in the past year. For... obvious reasons, and also because it just started to feel distant to me. I didn't feel connected to Tsukigumi as I had been before, even though my oshi, Kazama Yuno, was there so I watched them a number of times. And Soragumi... well...

My home troupe had been Tsukigumi for a good chunk of my early Takarazuka fan life, then when I moved, my first live show was High&Low/Capricciosa. It changed my life seeing Takarazuka in the flesh. As soon as I saw Makaze Suzuho, the tears started flowing and when I saw *Kiki*... Oh...

(And then Zun beamed into my opera glasses during Capricciosa and my heart was hers from then on)

All that to say, Soragumi turned into my favorite troupe.

Then the latter half of 2023 happened.

I wasn't able to see Le Grand Escalier because I had qualms about seeing Soragumi after what had happened. I was full of complex feelings, as was... Is... everyone, probably.

But seeing them again... oh, the complete and utter joy it brought me.

As soon as the curtains lifted to reveal Serika Toa I started weeping. Seeing her again felt like the a nostalgic wave crash into me. I felt a piece of my "old life" had come back to me. I couldn't stop weeping but my glasses were starting to fog up so I told myself to hold it together.

It was nice to see Soragumi again.

I had not seen any previous production of Great Pirates before, so I was coming in blind. My expectations were very low, but thanks to that, I had a great time!

The story wasn't stellar. It felt much longer than 95 minutes. There were many scenes that felt like padding to me that while showed off the kakyuusei, didn't do much to further the plot or develop the characters.

The main character, Emilio felt very flat to me. He had this whole revenge story which in theory should be compelling but... it wasn't. Serika Toa did a great job at trying to give this character layers but there's only so much she can do when the character has 2 layers at most. She's so tall and commanding.

Sakura didn't have much to do in this one, but I couldn't complain because most of her few scenes had her singing and I can listen to Sakura sing for years and years. She is, in my humble opinion, the best musumeyaku vocalist in Zuka right now. She looked like a doll in her blonde wig and her big, beautiful gowns. She brought determination to Elaine and her love duet with Serika Toa was so lush and breathtaking. Those two have the most beautiful voices together.

Zun was great as Kidd, giving him a sense of maturity despite his aggressive nature. I felt like he and Kiki had good chemistry together which made me feel like the true romance in this show was between Kidd and Emilio. They even had a little slow burn, tsundere friendship going on which I very much enjoyed.

The dark horse in this show for me was Sendou Naru, who was one of sexy villain Moeko's sexy henchmen. She was Hamming it up and she looked like she enjoyed every second of the role. I hope we get more roles like this for Naru in the future!

There was also Mashiro Yuuki, who played comic relief. She's always very funny so it was fun training my opera glasses towards her to see what kind of mischief her character was up to. (When I saw it, Sakura accidentally dropped her hair ribbon during the romantic duet and I wondered who was gonna pick it up and then Mashiro adlibbed picking it up and played with it too! It was great. She's very clever!)

The songs were good, classic Takarazuka fare. But *Soragumi* sounded so beautiful together, the choral parts were sublime. My enjoyment of each song number was doubled because of how well Soragumi delivered them.

The climax was my favorite part of the show right up until the ending. I had no idea that would be the ending because I had never seen Great Pirates before and wow did I feel so unsatisfied.

All in all, Great Pirates was not great but there were many parts of it that were enjoyable. It also gave birth to a new ship so that's always a plus in my book!

Now, for the main event, Heat On Beat. This is Kikigumi's only proper revue. And wow, did they make the most of it.

Heat On Beat had always been Tsukigumi, performed by Sena Jun, Kiriya Hiromu and Ryuu Masaki. Like Great Pirates, I had not seen any production of HOB before (shamefully. Or maybe I have, but I had forgotten) so I came in not knowing a lot about it. I was expecting a lot of dancing and a lot of Heat and boy, did they give me that!

When Kiki first turned to face the audience, she was met with cheers. And I felt the vibe shift. I was having *fun*. Of course it goes without saying that Takarazuka is always fun for me but that was the first time I felt laid back. This was fun, I thought.

Heat on Beat was a delight from start to finish. There were no lulls and even the ballad parts never slowed the show down. In fact, I wanted it to be longer! I wanted it to go on forever. It was a revue full of Latin and jazz numbers.

Sakura was dazzling in every scene she was in. Like... wow what a gorgeous girl and what a gorgeous presence. Her voice soared all throughout the theatre and I felt so lucky to be able to hear it. There was one scene wherein she used her lower register and Wow did the hairs on my arm stand so quickly. My favorite scene of hers was definitely the punk girl scene, her smile is captivating. Please watch her!

Zun was also great and her chemistry with Sakura is impeccable. I think they would make a great top combi. (Fingers crossed!)

Soragumi did a great job as well. I can't go without mentioning my new child Sendou Naru, of course, but everyone did well! Moeko and Kotty all gave great performances! (But they were always in the same scene as Naru so my opera glasses were trained on her, haha.)

Serika Toa's legs are loooooong. And they sure do make use of those long legs in this show. There's a lot of leg choreography and the tango is the best dance to show off Kiki's legs. Anyway, enough about her legs.

Kiki is a top star.

I was fully intent on locking in on Zun during the kuroenbi but then there was something so commanding about it that made me just put my opera glasses down and watch the entire thing. The formations were beautiful, the choreography very cool. I heard people weeping as it went on. Please don't miss this kuroenbi. This would be Kiki's last proper kuroenbi after all, so the girls truly gave it their all. (And in the theatre I watched it in, the girls' steps were very audible so it made it feel even more impactful)

Heat on Beat was a treat. It brought me so, so much joy. I felt more pieces of my old life coming back and I asked myself why.

Why, of all times, did I feel so joyous?

Then it was when I realized that Heat on Beat was from Tsukigumi and Soragumi had made it their own. Two pieces of my past coming back as something new... it felt full circle.

I am glad I saw Soragumi. I am glad I saw Great Pirates and Heat on Beat. It gave me the hope to keep going and reignited my love for Takarazuka. Thank you, Soragumi.

The dream continues...!

Side story: I was staying in a hostel in a women's only dormitory room and the staff asked me if I was there to travel and I was like "I'm seeing Takarazuka!" and he was like "A lot of guests have come to see Takarazuka today!" and then lo and behold all the ladies in my dormitory room were Takarazuka fans and we all gushed about our faves and Soragumi and we all became fast acquaintances!

[majokothesmol]

I'm going to preface this idea with a content warning for body horror, (or at least reference to body dysmorphia,) because it's meant to be... Horror.

Cool? Cool.

So I've been seeing some stuff about how people draw Kieran. Sometimes he's a twig, sometimes he's got dark skin, sometimes he's chubby, sometimes he's trans, sometimes he has very round eyes, sometimes he's a phantump, sometimes he's an edgelord, sometimes he's got scars, sometimes he's Ogrepon, and sometimes he's got acne. I love all iterations and interpretations of him, especially how different each one of them looks.

Most art has cute lil brother Kieran. But it's also pretty common to see Kieran portrayed as muscular. Like, he's got abs and lean muscle. My gut reaction was "This kid's 15 at the oldest. Suuuure." But then it became such an interesting idea to me. Like yes. Kieran wishes he was this buff. Maybe this is his immature power fantasy where's he's big and strong and cool because he's 15. Or even better, this is how the Protag sees him. (Assuming they like Kieran in that way.) Of course he's gotta be a little handsome in their eyes.

I can't begin to explain how much joy and endearment I find in those ideas.

Then I started really thinking about it. (This is where things are going to get body-horror related.) Realistically, (and cannon to the game) Kieran has not been taking care of himself. He hasn't been eating right, or sleeping, and his dorm is a mess. Keep that in mind, especially the part about not eating well. Okay? Okay.

Now imagine this: You're seeing Kieran again for the first time in at least a month. At the very least, you're expecting sad little Kiki; sullen, jealous, maybe possessed, and burnt out. But when you finally get a good look at him again... His eyes have dark circles from not sleeping, he's a lot more snappy, and his jacket is falling off his shoulders. In fact, all his clothes look a little baggy. Now imagine he takes off the jacket. He seems muscular, yes. But it's just like how he seems stronger. Once you get a good look at him, it's not that he gained muscle. It's just that he lost that much fat. He's muscle, skin, and bone.

Do you see the vision I'm having?? The dawning moment of realization, the horror of seeing just how many things he cut out of his life to get stronger? The angst potential?? The character development. The hurt/comfort that is in this concept?? Do you also see the absolute comedy of a Buff Kieran being daydreamed about by Protag? The potential of wholesome workout buddies?

[izpira-se-zlato]

JO Paris, 22.03.24

Gig report! Compiled this morning in the car to Antwerp with help form @zadig-fate and @yoda-bor 💛 I recorded everything except Katrina (bc my camera app crashed in the middle), so I'll upload this once I'm at a place with stable wifi again :D

all my buses were delayed so I power walked to the train station. Then that train was delayed so I almost missed my Eurostar. Then my Eurostar was also delayed. "That's what I call a Deutsche Bahn special, actually." – Kris ("when your first train is late but then it's okay because the second train is also delayed")

so many people I knew in the queue. From Helsinki. From London last year. From Utrecht. 😊💛

when I grabbed my number, Jan and Nace returned to the venue (and they were so pretty in daylight and in person)

Nace said hi as they walked past 😊

their postures??? Nace has definitely worked on his posture, meanwhile Jan appears so slim and small. It's wild.

Jan and Jure returned to the venue together, looking… Pissed is too harsh a word, but frowning? So we first kinda thought they were actually pissed off. But then Nace showed up a minute later, his usual sunny self, and was immediately accosted by fans. So. I assume it was less "pissed off" and more "do not approach" (and it worked)

soundcheck was Gola and Vem da greš, which we could hear every time they opened the doors (this was my last general access gig. It's EA from here on out, baby!)

Kris and I had decided to go on the balcony and got spots right next to the sound booth, where we were joined by @thisismyobsessionnow 🫶

it was warm but the sound was really good (duh)

also we had nice cushy seats like the old people we are 😂

first opener was a duo of brothers made up of discount Jure and Käärijä if he was French. Discount!Jure had a nice chest (Jure at home)

their music was eh, the lyrics cringe

Kris says they spoke french but I spent most of their set on tumblr/discord so I wasn't listening, but it was a Choice since pretty much none from the EA crowd spoke French

speaking of EA, there were allegedly 60 EA tickets though I saw numbers up to 62 (500 people venue)

JC Stewart was fun

he was told he looked French prime minister. He got confused by president vs prime minister but he also got kinda flustered. He was shown a pic and was "oh yeah, I see it"

we got Katrina opener

Nace. Jfc.

the venue was super hot so I tried to appreciate the fit while he had it on in full – white buttoned shirt with a sweater vest over it and a proper tie and glasses, going for the full teacher look except hot???

I still spent a good chunk of the gig looking at Jure though. The elevated balcony spot gave ussuch a nice view of him

Bojan was smiley and sounded way less congested than in Utrecht (maybe he's on the mend?)

Kris on the other hand was sipping tea on stage. In particular very sassily during Demoni

Kris had guitar problems at the beginning of Šta bih ja and went to Kiki to get it fixed but Bojan didn't see and so was actually worried for a moment that Kris had gotten sick off-stage. Kris was adorable in reassuring him that he was fine

they were all so mobile again

og demoni scream. In the middle. Might have been Bojan letting out his anxiety over Kris having disappeared from stage

"Kris, honey" and then that moment. What in the BoKris was that. I just turned to Kris and said that out loud bc what the fuck

There was a sizeable crowd of Slovenians in the audience and Bojan was delighted

fairly even split in the crowd for French vs foreigners, though the French were louder in yelling

the most hilarious to me moment: Bojan did his spiel about "who here experiences panic attacks?" And the crowd cheered, and he was like "yay! Panic attacks! It's me!" And Kris next to me went "I'm the problem, it's me," and literally on the last syllable, Bojan started saying the exact same thing. One brain cell. Or maybe he has the stream on his in-ears

Barve oceana 🫶🫶💛💛

according to Astrid, I looked ridiculously happy (I was ridiculously happy)

best galaxy of me version tonight. I still don't like it though 😂 it's gonna be my metulji 😂

Bojan went into the crowd for Umazane misli

it's so fun to watch from above

Vita was his trusty shadow and also a beacon of light to spot Bojan with

this time I don't think they forgot her in the crowd

Bojan made the balcony sing while he was still in the crowd. But it was mostly just Kris, Madeleine, and me, at least on the bleachers/seated part. We still gave our best 😂

Carpe Diem was not part of their "encore" but came before

no Tokio :( might be the first show without it?

fucking Novi val

the way Jure jumped up and sprinted to trade a drumstick for a baguette, it was so hilarious

he was so happy, and he first made fun of Nace for being unable to eat it

he shared it with Jan

Jan got chocolate and they put it into the baguette and then shared it.

Jure let everyone else also take a bite, including Bojan who was ostensibly singing

Nace bottle feeding Kris. What the fuck. Can someone make sure they still don't know about AO3?

no Umazane shenanigans even though Jan and Nace had talked right before it so I'd been hopeful

so many um versions in other langauges. It wasn't the longest rendition, but we also

when Bojan said we'd get the original Slovene version, I thought it would be the one he made up on the spot when they went on stage to play it all the way back? When they were babies. So it was a small disappointment when it was just the regular Slovene version 😂

Bojan asked the Slovenians if they were able to tell that they weren't playing at home and they said no and Bojan was so so delighted

he's also given the mic to people in the audience outside of Umazane misli (ne bi smel and plastika, I want to say)

he sang galaxy of me with a guy from the front row (Josh?)

not a lot of Jance, possibly because they were looking after Kris?

still a lot of eye contact

or maybe it was the fact that they apparently were out in Paris together in the afternoon 😏

my phone was so hot by the end (and I have 4gb left of memory)

after the gig I couldn't find my hat so I was worried I'd left it, so I went back in. Which was how I got JC and Vita to sign my gig memory book

I had forgotten about wanting to grab Vita's signature so if Astrid hadn't reminded me, I would have missed out

the boys got JC Stewart sick, he said his voice was going

It was raining so the boys ran out of the venue towards a van while we cheered. Bojan took a group selfie

Jan and Jure left first with the crew in that van so we assume that the others took a second car

[thegreatzombieartisan]

Since the beginning, Amazon has been gaslighting the audience about Galadriel and Sauron. It includes dropping hints that Sauron played Galadriel like a glockenspiel from day one in effort to infiltrate Eregion.

Now Amazon made it clear story incoherence is no obstacle to the story it wishes to tell. But it if they chose this route, it would break considerable believability. It works best that Sauron was still on his repentance shtick when he meets Galadriel.

Any ways, here’s my catastrophizing rant:

If Sauron played Galadriel, it’s kinda meh and predictable

As an Galadriel x Sauron enthusiast, I admit this complaint is largely self-serving. However, even if the pair were inarguably platonic, showing Sauron on the knife’s edge of repentance and darkness makes for a far more interesting character arc, mutual arc, and storyline. It gives us a glimpse of his personality beyond “Muahaha I’m eeevil and oh so cunning!”

If Sauron played Galadriel, why would he think a banished Elf would be his golden ticket?

Would you seek a referral from a friend who got fired at the job you want? Me neither because they lack the necessary social capital.

But that’s essentially what Sauron would be doing if he planned to use Galadriel to infuriate Eregion. After all, she told him that Gil-Galad and bestie Elrond conspired to banish her from ME. Pretty serious stuff.

How would Sauron know Galadriel didn’t burn bridges with Eregion? Is it believable that Celebrimbor, Lord of Eregion, wouldn’t know about her mutiny and banishment? He attended the High-King’s super secret “Elf lords only”-council meeting; and he rules the nearest Elven enclave to the occupied Southlands. It follows that over a millennium of war, Celebrimbor and Galadriel would have collaborated considerably to protect the realm. Her triumphs and follies would be known to him.

He should at least be surprised and skeptical about a banished commander showing up with yet more claims about Sauron. But since Galadriel enters the city without Celebrimbor batting an eye, it can only mean the showrunners didn’t consider the worldbuilding politics.

Therefore, to Amazon, if Sauron played Galadriel all along, she did have the social status for Sauron to exploit and infiltrate Eregion. And I suppose it couldn’t hurt his plans. But still…

If Sauron played Galadriel, wouldn’t it make him less cunning and powerful?

By accessing people’s minds and memory, RoP!Sauron can influence them into doing his bidding. Fair enough. Yet such a capability elicits unresolved questions on usage and potency. Therefore it’s reasonable to ask: if Sauron can mindfuck people, why does he need Galadriel to infiltrate Eregion? Why go on this nearly three month adventure with her, leaving so much left open to chance? Also couldn’t he even just mindfuck Celebrimbor from afar?

In lore, Sauron simply dons his fair Annatar form and rolls up to Eregion like, “Yo, I got gifts” then kikis with Celebrimbro and his crew. Tolkien tells us Sauron possesses great cunning and deceptiveness. By seizing control of Celebrimbor’s guild, even expelling Galadriel and Celeborn, we’re shown just how much.

So if RoP!Sauron needed a disgraced Elf and mind woo-woo to cozy up to Celebrimbor, it diminishes his prowess. And you know, c’mon, man. He’s Sauron.

If Sauron played Galadriel, pray tell— where is his repentance phase?

Tolkien explicitly said post-war Sauron was improving and even performing “fair works”. This is crucial because his second fell into darkness precipitates two other falls: the Elves (second one) and Numenor.

According to Adar, Sauron’s “repentance phase” included cruel experimentation on orcs in Forodwaith. Catholic or not, torturing sentient beings does not qualify as moral improvement. We would need to be shown a true repentance phase sometime before Sauron met Galadriel or it’s dishonest writing.

But since the showrunners don’t recognize the Harefoots as (inadvertently) evil for abandoning people to die over arbitrary reasons like a sprained ankle, it’s wholly possible they also consider Sauron’s torture of the orcs for Very Good Reasons as “fair works.”

But why does Sauron really torture the orcs? For Amazon to invent Adar with a revenge motive against him. But good writing could achieve this AND maintain Sauron’s repentance arc. So if Sauron played Galadriel, then Amazon fumbled over disordered morality or sacrificed a poignant lore arc in service to their own desires.

Hopefully I’m just catastrophizing. We shall see.

[nrc-asteryn-crew]

STUDENTS OF NRC:

WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT LISTEN TO HER MELODY. SHE IS TRYING TO LURE YOU TO HER. DO NOT GIVE INTO TEMPTATION.

SHIELD YOUR EARS. GUARD YOUR MINDS. SHE IS NOT HERSELF.

AVOID ANY INDIVIDUALS WITH A HYPNOTIZED GAZE, AND ESPECIALLY AVOID AREAS WHERE HER SONG IS HIGH IN VOLUME.

DO NOT LET HER CATCH YOU, SHE HAS NOT BEEN MERCIFUL THUS FAR.

GOOD LUCK, AND BE SAFE, STUDENTS.

"E-eh..? What- what's happening..? Ah-! Okay okay- 'shielding' my ears..."

Kiyuu had been walking down the halls, but had paused to cover their ears as soon as the announcement was made, not leaving anything up to chance by hesitating. Looking left and right, there were many people around who'd failed to react in time, with glazed over eyes, moving in one direction as if on autopilot. Hypnotized, no doubt.

' I have to get out of here. Covering my ears isn't doing enough to filter out the beautiful melody. '

Turning in the opposite direction, they began to move. They didn't know where exactly the song was coming from, but no matter where they went, it didn't seem to get any quieter. They pushed harder down over their ears, refusing to fall to the hypnosis. Then, they heard a voice call out to them, laced with urgency.

"--yuu- Kiyuu! Kiki! Over here!"

They heard Crimson shout out faintly through their blocked ears. They practically ran towards him, heaving breaths through their lungs, both out of tiredness, and a hidden layer of anxiety.

"Crimson! Are you alright?! Do- do you know what all of this is about?"

Crimson grimaced, and Kiyuu's heart sunk in return.

' I have a really bad feeling about this... Something about what's happening is making me feel really uneasy... '

"Don't worry Kiki, I'm alright. It's... It's another overblot. From the shouts I've deciphered, the victim seems to be someone called Calypso, I believe."

' ...Oh. That's what it was. '

"C-Calypso?! Oh- oh god... s-seven's- i mean...!"

They managed to stutter out, barely able to hear themselves over their hammering heartbeat and short breaths. Hearing that the victim was Calypso out of everyone made their heart stop.

' Overblots are a rare phenomenon. They can cost lives. Most commonly, cost lives.

Calypso could die. There's a chance that I'll never see Calypso ever again. '

"Oh- Oh. Is- she a friend of yours, then..?"

"She- she's- oh god I can't- Crimson- I have to- I have to help her. I have to see her again-!"

"Shh, dear- calm down. Breathe with me, slowly now. The announcement says that the goal of the hypnosis is to lure people to her. To go willingly is... Well, without a plan, it's dangerous. Are you sure you want to..?"

Kiyuu took a few moments of silence to level out their breathing, in an attempt to calm down. They knew they could refuse, guarantee their own safety and peace by running away right now. But they couldn't do that. They were buzzing with nervous energy, a burning desire to chase after Calypso, to help her, to save her.

They ignored the voice in their head telling them how useless they were, telling them that there was no point even trying without magic.

' No. I will see Calypso again. Alive. '

"I- I know it's dangerous- but- I- I don't care. I don't. I- I have to see her. I- I have to at least try to help her- And I- I'll figure out a plan if- if I have to- I just- I- If- if she dies then- then- I-"

"...Hey- hey! You don't have to defend yourself, Kiki. It's okay. Everything will be okay, alright? I- I won't stop you. However- I- must request to accompany you. I'll be too worried about you otherwise. ...Please let me come with you."

Kiyuu's mouth snapped shut, and they took a breath, readjusting their hands over their ears as they hesitated, before nodding quickly.

"Okay. Alright. Thank you, Kiki. Just- follow my lead. Right, now... the source should be..."

Crimson trailed off, before beginning to wander in a certain direction, glancing back to make sure Kiyuu was following, then continuing down the hall.

' I refuse to let my lack of magic stop me from doing anything I can to help save Calypso. I've done this before. I- I can do it again.

I can. '

- Kiyuu & Crimson <3

[ @bubblin-trouble ud probably find this anyway but tagging just in case !!! hope u dont mindd :33 as u can tell im :33 very excited :33 for a lot of reasons :33 ]

[waltwhitmansbeard]

Hello! I like your writing and I was wondering if I could request a post where Keyleth has died (set during campaign 1) and they have to do a resurrection ritual to bring her back. I love Kiki but I’ve always wanted to see what would have been said I’d she had needed to be brought from death after a fight.

If you end up ignoring this that’s ok but still love your work!💕

normally i like writing stuff that's canon compliant but this was such a fun idea i couldn't help but deviating, just a bit!

The black is the densest, heaviest fog Keyleth has ever encountered. The way it reminds her of the Water Plane sends prickles of fear up her spine—or, does she even have a spine? She looks down, and there are her hands, freckled and tanned as usual, and her legs beyond them, so she has a body. But when she looks out—black.

"Keyleth, Voice of the Tempest."

She whips around, and the fear is spiked anew as she sees the face she's seen just one other time, the day the Water Plane took the most important person from her.

Except it's not a face, but a mask, porcelain, featureless, expressionless. It is massive beyond words, the biggest thing Keyleth has ever seen, dragons be damned. Beneath the withering gaze, she feels as small as a blade of grass, tossed casually aside by a breeze.

"I...I think I fucked up."

The Raven Queen's mask remains neutral, though Keyleth swears she spies a twinkle in one eye. "Maybe so. I did not expect to see you for quite some time, Tempest."

She supposes that's true. "Be honest: where does diving off a cliff and turning into a goldfish rank on the list of dumbest deaths that brought people to you? It's gotta be top ten, right?"

"You'd be astonished what hubris you mortals are capable of."

Keyleth crosses her arms. "Now I know you aren't throwing around accusations of hubris."

A lofty, echoing chuckle. "Fair enough."

Something warm spreads slowly from a spot in the center of Keyleth's chest, as if someone has dropped wax and let it melt along her skin. She looks down, but nothing is different. "This is...strange." She looks back up at the mask. "Pike!"

"Yes, your friend is beginning the ritual. I do not imagine we will be together here long."

Keyleth supposes she should say something to her, while she has the chance. But what to say to the goddess your love serves? Treat him well? Don't take him from me? Thank you for making the wings so sensitive?

Before she can think of anything important or cool, a familiar, rumbling voice, sourceless and vast, sounds from somewhere above. "Oi Keyleth, first I gotta say, absolutely badass way to go out. Brave as hell and dumber 'n me, so obviously, I'm impressed. I know that if you ask this lot, they'd say you and me, we got the least amount in common of any of us. But I don't think that's true. I don't think any of these guys understand my rage like you do. I think you got that rage, too, and I think it's what makes you such a good leader. I don't have much to offer to entice you back, so uh...if you don't, I'll just kill Vax and let 'im join you that way."

"GROG!" Keyleth snorts at Vex's exasperated shout.

The next voice is thin, tremulous with some kind of emotion being held firmly at bay. "You know why I'm angry with you, Keyleth. You know what's been taken from me already. You know that I have had my share of mourning siblings. So it's rather fucking selfish of you to make me do it again. You're my family, and no one gets to take my family from me, not even you. So here."

Something heavy hits Keyleth in the chest, and she has to scramble to catch it before it falls away into the nothingness below: Percy's coat, the one with the de Rolo crest on the buttons. "You're a de Rolo, whether you like it or not. So get up and start fucking acting like one."

With a laugh, Keyleth buries her face in the jacket. It smells like Percy, even here in this nether realm, and she wishes she could hug him, squish his face into her shoulder until his glasses pop off.

The last voice is soft, so quiet that Keyleth has to strain to hear it. "You can't have her. If you want me, you can't have her." A shaky breath in, slow back out. "Kiki...you know that I would follow you anywhere. This great big world, and you'll never have to walk it alone, not while I draw breath. So don't go where I can't follow, please? These wings can take me far but they can't take me to where you are now, so you've got to come back to me."

And she feels them, his lips on hers, a phantom warmth in this cold expanse. She smiles, touching her fingertips to her lips.

"It is strange." The Raven Queen's voice, though still soft and measured, is suddenly jarring after Vax's words. "He may be my Champion, Tempest, but it is not me he worships."

Keyleth's not above feeling some type of way about that. "Can I go now?"

The mask is suddenly small, just in front of her, attached to a body of shadow and dark. "What a dance you and I will do, Tempest. Defying death in our own ways. I think you and I will be close companions in the years to come."

Keyleth wants to scream, or cry, or throw up, or laugh, oddly enough, but instead she just nods, and closes her eyes. When she opens them, she sees sky, and a curtain of dark hair along one side, framing wide, wet, brown eyes. "Hi."

There's lots of talking, relieved and worried and jovial and still angry at Grog, but Keyleth hears none of it. She lets Vax's arms pull her up and into a hug, crushing her to his chest so she can feel the thunderous pounding of his heart. "I'm okay," she murmurs, curling her fingers into his armor. "It's okay."

"Never where I can't follow," he breathes in her ear. "Promise me."

"I promise." And she does, because she knows that it is fate for him to one day go where she must wait a long, long time to follow.

[semisolidmind]

Since this was gonna be longer than a standard ask, I thought I'd submit it instead.

Here are my human x mascot OCs for Fuwa Fuwa Pandemic

Sakiko "Kiki" Djobo

They/she

Has a Togolese father and a Japanese mother. Raised primarily in the U.S. but spent a lot of time with family in their parents' home countries growing up.

Kiki was able to get a job as an English teacher at a Japanese school that happened to be close to where her maternal grandparents lived, so she spent some time visiting them before her job officially started. That is, unfortunately, when everything went down.

Kiki ends up escaping an encounter with a mascot, but her grandparents sacrificed themselves to save her. They hid her in an old bunker in the house, where she stayed until the threat of starvation forced her out.

Eventually, she meets up with a group of survivors, mostly around her age, who are trying to find the perfect place to settle, where there are few mascots or where they can more easily defend themselves from attacks.

The group travels far, but eventually they come across an old farm near a city that seems to be mostly left alone at this time and decide to make it their homebase. Kiki, who likes to garden, and a grad student who was studying industrial agriculture convince the group to try and farm it for a steady source of food. There's even a stream that bisects the farmland, a stable source of water they can exploit for themselves and the crops.

Suiko

He/him

Suiko is an apex mascot, inspired by a mythical water creature that, according to folk tradition, inhabited that very creek, the Kappa.

Because the mascot he was based on was actually made of waterproof materials, Suiko is one of the only mascots who has the ability to swim, as his skin is naturally smooth and watertight.

His swimming prowess has allowed him to supplement his carnivorous diet with water creatures, such as fish and frogs. But he'll drown a human if he's hungry enough and the opportunity presents itself. Transient survivors are often drawn to the creek because it's a good water source.

If he's not that hungry or he's too tired to hunt, he may engage survivors in polite conversation, but they should still be wary of him.

How They Met

At first, Suiko enjoys his solitary life, but he begins to grow lonely. Until, one day, a group of survivors overtakes the recently abandoned farm that surrounds his part of the creek. He revels in the prospect of a steady source of meals for the next week or so.

But one of them comes to the creek to do laundry, and he has to admit, he finds them kind of attractive. And he's not that hungry at the moment, so he reveals himself and promises not to hurt them if they don't try to run from him.

The human hesitantly agrees, eventually introducing herself as Sakiko, or Kiki, for short. Even though this mascot is polite to her, she can't help but feel disappointed that her group might have to move again. Until she remembers a bit of folklore about Kappas; they love cucumbers. And the farm has a few cucumber plants that are putting out fruits like crazy. So Kiki promises to come back and give him one. He's a little skeptical, but he lets her go because he's genuinely curious about this exalted "cucumber."

Kiki leaves to put the clothes out to dry and comes back with a handful. Suiko's face lights up when he tries the strange fruit and he becomes somewhat obsessed with them.

So he and Kiki strike a deal that, if she brings him cucumbers whenever she can and talks with him for a while, he'll leave the other survivors alone and will hide from them while continuing to defend his territory from rival mascots.

—————-

they sit by the river and “talk” (suiko talks, kiki listens and tries not to think about how easily he could tear her apart)

[sergeantsporks]

All of Witch Switch part 6. This is a wrap on Episode 2, so I will see you guys at the beginning of December!

Part 4

Part 5

Transcript under the Cut

Cover: Evelyn’s Wanted poster

[Phillip paces furiously in front of Kikimora]

Phillip: You told me you would get in! You told me you’d be able to help me if I helped you catch Evelyn—I trusted you! I should have known better; I guess everyone in this realm is a liar and a cheat.

Kikimora: I thought it would be enough!

P: You thought. Well, that’s just great for me, isn’t it? Some friend you are, telling me you could help when you weren’t even close

[Cut to Kikimora, dejected and defensive]

K: Would you have helped me if I hadn’t? Look, I needed this. I’m not… No one ever takes me seriously.

[Cut to Phillip, who’s starting to look more sympathetic]

K: [disembodied] My family doesn’t believe in me. My teachers definitely don’t. Even my friends at school think I’m hilariously below their league.

[Back to dejected Kikimora]

K: I thought that if I could turn in the Cardinal Criminal, everyone would finally see that I’m really worth it. That I’m capable of big things, worthy of keeping around. But even when I caught the most infamous criminal on the isles, the Guard still doesn’t think someone like me can do anything good.

P: [disembodied] That’s stupid.

[Kikimora looks up at him]

K: What?

[Cut to Phillip, who’s annoyed and enraged]

P: They had a bounty out for her because they couldn’t catch her themselves! If you’re the one who caught her, then that means you’re better at doing their job than them! They’re worse than you! They’d be lucky to have you!

[Kikimora looks touched and embarrassed]

K: I wish they thought so.

P: [disembodied] Well… maybe we can kill two birds with one stone. Get back my best chance at the key AND show the Guard how much better than them you are.

K: Ohhhhhh, you have some kind of scheme, don’t you?

[Cut to Phillip, who is absolutely scheming]

P: Well… wouldn’t it be really embarrassing for them if they lost the Cardinal Criminal almost immediately after catching her? Especially if the demon they just turned down was the one to help her escape?

K: [her face floats in the speech bubble, cartoony and grinning] I’m listening.

[Phillip flies through a window. Kiki climbs in, her hand off of her eye, which is glowing]

Phillip: When I said to get me in, I didn’t think it would be by throwing me. You didn’t tell me your bangs could do that!

Kikimora: You said we needed to get in. We got in. What’s the big deal?

Red Fang: [disembodied voice floating through the hallway] Yes, the Clawthorne—we got her.

[Phillip and Kiki hide outside the door. Red Fang talks on a crystal ball where a shadowy figure communicates]

???: Has she given you any difficultly? Her… condition… is especially dangerous.

RF: No, no trouble. Magic restrainer works perfectly. What do you want me to do with her?

???: I’ll collect her shortly.

RF: Personally? There’s no need to trouble yourself, I’ll deliver her—

???: I. Will. Collect her. Prepare her for transportation.

RF: Yes ma’am

[cut to Phillip, who looks panicked]

P: [quietly] we have to get her now

[Cut back to RF]

RF: Who said that?

[Cut back to the hallway: it’s empty]

RF: I could have sworn I heard…

[Inside of a cell. Phillip, holding Kikimora, lets out a sigh of relief]

Phillip: That was close.

Kikimora: Put me outside the cell; I’ll get the lever.

Disembodied Voice: You’re not supposed to be here. 

[A centaur, with his face in the right place, emerges]

Phillip: [disembodied] Yeah, we aren’t. No offense, but why are you here? You don’t exactly look like a hardened criminal.

Centaur: Look at me! Isn’t it obvious? My face is all wrong! They’re still looking for a cure to the curse!

[Cut to Phillip, confused]

P: Uh-huh.

K: [voice from outside the cell] Everyone in the Ward is cursed, Phillip. They’re here because the curse could be a danger to themselves and others.

P: That can’t be right. Evelyn isn’t cursed—I mean, I might not know a lot about this world, but she seems pretty normal. She’s not dangerous, just a liar. She shouldn’t be here.

K: [disembodied] Got it!

[The door opens, and Phillip turns to the centaur]

P: You’re not dangerous, either. Come on, let’s leave!

C: [dejected] You can never tell when a curse will turn. It’s safer for us to be here. Just… go. Find your non-cursed friend. If it’s all a mistake, she should be free. The rest of us are here for a reason.

[Cut to just Phillip, distressed at the centaur’s words]

C: [disembodied] Even if we did run, there’s nowhere for us to go. Even our families abandoned us once we became too much for them to take care of.

[Phillip looks like he might argue, but shakes his head, turns, and leaves instead]

P: [angry/sad, but determined] Let’s go. We’ve wasted enough time.

[Open on Evelyn locked in manacles.]

Phillip: [disembodied] Found her!

[Phillip looks around]

P: Kiki? Where’d you… ah, she’ll turn up.

[Evelyn yanks against her chains, visibly angry]

E: I am going to kill you! I thought we had an understanding!

[Phillip holds his hands up defensively]

P: I made a mistake—I’m sorry, Evelyn.

[Cut to just angry Evelyn]

E: I trusted you and—wait, did you just apologize? To me?

[Phillip holds onto the jail bars]

P: Yes. I messed up. You were going to help me, and I turned on you because I thought I could get a better deal. And I’m sorry. I’m here to help you, so please don’t kill me.”

E: No promises. I’m still mad at you.

P: Fair.

[Phillip pulls the lever, and Evelyn’s chains fall off. She rubs her wrists]

E: Let’s get out of here

P: You’re not going to blast a hole in my chest or something?

E: Maybe once we’re home. But we have to make it there first.

[A shadow falls over them]

Red Fang: Not so fast, criminals.

[Evelyn puts an arm out in front of Phillip]

Evelyn: Go. I’m right behind you.

[Red Fang sneers]

Red Fang: Ha! You and I both know you can’t beat me, Cardinal Be—

[A net falls on him from above]

RF: Wha—

[Kikimora, up in a vent, kicks her legs]

K: Hi! I’m resubmitting my application to join the Empress’ Guard. Consider this my audition. If I can beat you so easily, and he can break her out, then clearly you need new perspec—

[A blast of fire shoots up in front of her from the net, interrupting her. Phillip yoinks her from the vent]

P: Time to go!

[Evelyn, Phillip, and Kikimora make it outside, but are stopped by the Ward wall. Evelyn turns to face Red Fang. She tries to fight, but spells bounce off of him]

RF: Nowhere to go but back in the cage

[Phillip gets a lightbulb moment and runs back inside]

P: Okay, everyone! I’m opening these doors!

Centaur: You can’t do that! We’re—

P: [disembodied] What, dangerous? I don’t believe you. You’ve got some curse? So what! Your face is in the wrong spot?! I don’t think that’s dangerous. Dangerous is what you do.

[Back to Phillip, who’s at the lever now, standing in front of the “freedom is a state of mind” mural. His head/body blocks off the “is a state of mind” part so that it just says “freedom” while the wings spread out behind him]

P: Everyone in this realm could be dangerous. All of you could hurt someone, all of you have the means to do it. And they probably will. Hell, the Cursebreaker’s hurting you by locking you away! So why should you all be locked up in particular? No one out there is any better than you! Everyone is terrible!

[Phillip pulls the lever, and the doors open. Prisoners look around]

P: If you stay in those cages, then you’re not dangerous. Someone who’s dangerous would run out there and trample the Cursebreaker right now. So if you’re planning on staying in your cells even though I’ve opened the door… well, you’re not dangerous, and you shouldn’t be in those cells. You’re free to go. And if you ARE dangerous… then prove it. Go out there and be dangerous. Terrorize the witches who locked you up! Eat them alive! Make your families regret ever leaving you behind! But either way, you won’t be in here.

[Cut to Evelyn, outside. She’s cornered and not doing well. Red Fang has Kikimora by the scruff of her uniform]

Red Fang: You—are—going to pay.

[Evelyn flinches]

Disembodied voice]: No. You’re the one who’s going to pay.

[Cut to assembled, angry prisoners]

Centaur: We’re tired of being treated like monsters.

[The prisoners pile on Red Fang, taking him down. Evelyn watches in shock]

Evelyn: What the…?

[Phillip scoots by, nonchalant]

Phillip: So are we leaving, or…

E: What did you say?!

P: Oh, you know. Little of this, little of that, all the right things to get them to realize they deserve better. C’mon, I don’t trust them not to get a horrible guilt complex and march right back into their cells.

[Evelyn, Phillip, and Kiki fly away]

E: You know, Phillip, I’m proud of you.

P: [immediately] Your approval means nothing to me. [Curious] But, uh… how come?

E: You came back for me. You let those people out, even though you don’t trust witches, even though everyone told you they were dangerous, because you knew it was the right thing to do.

K: And because he knew it would save our sorry butts

E: Still. Look.

[Pan out to show wide shot of Evelyn, Phillip, and Kiki floating over the Isles]

P: Whoa.

E: Does it look so dangerous from up here?

[Back to Phillip, who looks like he’s trying to be unimpressed]

P: If I fall off it will be

E: [disembodied] You know what I mean.

P: What’s your point? Why are you showing me this?

E: Phillip, I didn’t want to lie. I know what you think of me, and I know what you think of witches, but believe me, I wanted to show Caleb the Isles. And I thought that maybe someday, together, we’d introduce you. I know it can be weird, or gross, or dangerous compared to home, but… I just want you to know it can be beautiful, too. It’s not what you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing good here. Just…

[Back to wide shot]

E:[disembodied]… give us a chance

[Cut to Caleb, who looks at his phone. Phillip hasn’t responded to the message he sent. He sighs, and pushes the door open. The apartment is empty and dark]

Caleb: [disembodied] …Phillip?

[End Part 6]

[End of Episode 2]

[strangledwires]

Urbz Cut Dialogue [masterpost]

[NOTE: you might see Kiki's face often, but she's just a placeholder. All of these are from different Urbz.]

Darius' dialogues / an alternate beginning?

When using Debug Cheats in the Urbz: Sims in the City, there is an option to show all dialogues. This function mostly shows unused or unfinished dialogues. Which many are from Darius that shows the game might've had a different beginning.

Judging by these, it sounds like the game would've originally start in Darius' penthouse. Instead of will.i.am introducing you to Darius, Darius would've personally summoned you himself. The reason for this? Because he needs a "nobody" to take down a new crew that's been harassing people -- this crew likely being the villains, Kiki, Urango, and Harry. He makes a deal to give you the penthouse if you succeed, it seems he reminds you of this deal, too. So, it's very important to him.

I think this scrapped beginning explains the story better. As much as I love the Urbz, it really does feel like Darius is just helping a random person become famous out of the kindness of his heart. Him initially making the deal to get rid of the villains, it just makes more sense to me for a highly famous guy to help a stranger only if they're helping him.

Dialogues from Urbz

You know those missions where you're supposed to mug Urbz or take their pictures? The ones that are given to you by another Urb? Apparently the "targets" of these missions would've said something about it as well.

[NOTE: I don't really know if these are "unused" or not. However, I've played this game many times and I haven't been able to trigger them in normal gameplay -- even when I'm intentionally trying to.]

Neo Flange acknowledging that Toots wants to tag his face. (Obvs him by the art references)

These are about the same mission from Fergie & Ally. It's harder to say which dialogue belongs to who. But I'm gonna assume it was Ally who called her hat a "dead pink rat" lol! There are more unused dialogues for most of the missions. But I'll just transcript them rather than showing the images to avoid hitting Tumblr's image limits. Plus, they all look the same (sometimes without Kiki's portrait tho) just different text.

Transcripts

"No one, and I mean NO ONE, is gonna take my picture. Are you listening to me? I hope so, cuz that Cash Monet punk never did." - Unspecified Urb referring to the "Paparazzi Panic" mission.

"I just hate having my picture taken. You never know where it's gonna show up. That Cash Monet guy has been trying to snap my mug for weeks now." - Unspecified Urb referring to the "Paparazzi Panic" mission.

"Yo, you know Roxanna? She's trying to get me to change my look. My shirt looks fine, right?" - Unspecified Urb (Loop d. Loop?) referring to the "Style and Substance" mission.

"So, what do you think of my shirt? That chick Roxanna Hardplace is always trying to get me to dress more like her. I think she needs to power down." - Unspecified Urb (String Bean?) referring to the "Style and Substance" mission.

"No WAY am I going to pay that Laruffle loser. He'll have to get someone to beat the cash out of me." - Unspecified Urb (Jet Rockit?) referring to the "Mug People" mission.

"That thug Luke Laruffle has been after me for some cash. Word on the street has it that he's sent someone to mug me. I better watch my step." - Unspecified Urb (Kidd Chaos?) regarding the "Mug People" mission.

"Hey, hey, hey! Don't tell Luke Laruffle that you saw me. I owe him some cash and I hear he's sent some thug to mug me!" - Unspecified Urb (Prof. Chewy?) regarding the "Mug People" mission.

"I find I could tell most anything to someone I truly love, especially after a sweet kiss. I wonder if you would fit the bill." - Unspecified Urb regarding the "Love Triangle" mission.

"I never kiss and tell unless I really love someone." - Unspecified Urb regarding the "Love Triangle" mission.

"Ghengis Lincoln is out to get me. You're not a friend of his, are you? You wouldn't STINK BOMB me, would you?" - Unspecified Urb (Sara Tonin?) regarding the "Stink Bomb" mission. [NOTE: Genghis' name is misspelled in the original text. Unsure if this was the original spelling of his name or a mere typo]

"Ghengis Lincoln has it in for me. I beat him arm wrestling and now he's been messing with me, always getting Urbz to throw stink bombs at me." - Unspecified Urb (Polo?) regarding the "Stink Bomb" mission. [NOTE: Genghis' name is misspelled in the original text. Unsure if this was the original spelling of his name or a mere typo]

"That BEAST Genghis Lincoln has the audacity to suggest that he could improve my odor. Do you have the slightest idea what he is talking about?" - Unspecified Urb (Diva Roma?) regarding the "Stink Bomb" mission.

[SPECIAL NOTE: Oddly, these also appear in the Sims 2 Prototype, specifically the M4 20 build]

TUTORIALS & SCRAPPED GOALSS?

"§500" seems like a specific number, so this could've possibly been a scrapped goal.

There's also something from the delivery guy that actually says "obsolete" lol. So, this might've been a cut scenario?

As well as these too. Except, I don't know if these don't appear in the game or if they do, I just don't recall. The "Hey kid, I'm heading over." sounds like it's possibly from Darius. I would assume it's a successful invite urb message, but the "see you at 6:00pm!" seems oddly specific. Therefore, it makes me think this is a cut scenario, too.

The "You lack the money" message I'm also uncertain about -- but I don't recall a moment where this would be valid unless it pops up if you try to gamble with no money? I've never tried that, so it could be the message for that event.

Scrapped tutorial messages that are never seen in the game.

There might be more scrapped dialogues. Sometimes when you run the "show all dialogues" cheat, different messages pop up. And there are also some dialogues that might not actually be in the game, but I'm very uncertain about -- so I'd have to see if I can trigger them or not. If I find any more scrapped Urbz dialogues in this game OR the Sims 2 prototype, I'll be sure to make a part 2! If some of these actually do appear in the game and I'm incorrect, I will also correct myself in a part 2!

Final statement: I really don't know why most of these were scrapped. The beginning makes the story slightly more complex, and the dialogues add a little more character to the Urbz we see. It could be that the developers were struggling to implement these (as this game went through development hell) or in the end, they just deemed them unnecessary.

[tetsunabouquet]

When Eyes Meet- Kise Ryota

A/N: Alright, someone actually expressed interest in having this one-shot series finished but I have not received an answer yet when I asked if they had a preference for the next guy so I'm picking Kise! The specific soulmate concept comes from ElfQuest, in case this is actually the first time you came across this series :) Aomine - Murasakibara - Kagami - Kuroko - Akashi - Midorima

As long as mankind had existed, everyone had a second name. The name of their soul. It was a well-guarded secret one might only share with their family and friends as close as blood. However, there was a special instance that exposed one soul name to another, called Recognition. This occured when two people locked eyes with each other and somehow they would know the other's soul name. This is what society calls 'the moment you knew you found your soulmate'. There seemed to be no pattern or rules about how the concept worked. Some people did the moment they met someone, but others would Recognize someone they had known all their lives. Recognition just happened. But one thing was for sure, Recognized couples seemed to have the true love out of a fairy tale. It was something that seemed to evade you. You chalked it up to boys being too intimidated or focused on your beauty to actually properly see you. You were the prettiest girl at Kaijo and used to be a model when you were younger. You hated the toxic fashion industry though and quit during middle school. It wasn't all that bad though, as through modelling you met your best friend, Kise Ryota. In a sea of boys either too intimidated or horny, he seemed to be the only guy who treated you normally. A breath of fresh air. He always listened and understood, even when it were very girly topics like how your middle school classmate, Hitachin Kiki, had made your life a living hell because she was envious of you being prettier then her. It was because of him, that you attended Kaijo anyways. You liked attending school with your best friend, but currently, you were annoyed at the fangirls who just didn't seem to learn. They were squealing around his table, all having a bento box prepared for him. You sighed in irritation as you neared his table, your own bento box in hand. "Ryota, shall we eat lunch together? You don't want to believe what Momoi told me the other day." As his friend, Kise allowed you to call him by his first name and had introduced you to the GOM before. Because you and Momoi were stuck in a pretty similar boat, you had quickly gotten along. The girls all glared at you as Kise stood up with the bento box one of his sisters had prepared for him, neither in need of their bento boxes or wanting to try out their cooking. Kise didn't cared for them at all, and often, the two of you would secretly giggle about them behind their backs. It might be a little cruel, but they made it hard. Their dislike of you didn't earn any sympathy either. As the two of you strode off to your favorite spot on campus, Kise seeming a little extra quiet today. "OI! What's got you down in the dumps? Where's my ray of sunshine?" You teased him lightly, grinning. Kise refused to look at you, which got you to halt him dead in his tracks with our hands on your hips. "Kise Ryota, spill it!" He sighed. "I just feel guilty every now and then." You frowned, confused. "About what?" "You. I know you're into music and that Kaijo has a terrible music program. I just feel like you could be thriving as I am at basketball if you were in a school with a better program and I know I am the only reason why you are here in the first place." You blinked, feeling touched but you didn't like that look on his face. "Ryota," you said tenderly, "Success matters nothing to me if it means I have to stay away from the place where I've been treated with kindness I've never know before. I know you have respected me from the very beginning and that means so much to me." "Of course I have. Do you know how much I admire you from daring to quit modelling? You could have used your modelling connections to become an idol yet you choose freedom. I have never seen someone so wise as you, other then Kurokocchi." You chuckled at that and as you looked fondly into one another's eyes, it happened. "Fohn?" Kise asked as he looked at you, and you felt the shivers down your back as he spoke your soul name. "Yes, Gyl?" You asked, giggling out of the delightul shock, something he silenced as he kissed you. It was as magical indeed.

[clonehub]

Kiki is laying on the floor of her would-be childhood room, depressed after the funeral for Nirisa. Her sister comes in and lays down on the floor across from her.

Kiki: the masters said the Force was a peaceful ocean, and the loss of one Jedi was merely a drop. the tides will rise and fall and the cycle continues. It's supposed to prevent despair, to help us feel less like each loss is a monumental devastation, but this doesn't feel like an ocean, it's a HOLE, a gaping hole, in my -- I can feel it. It's a wound I don't know how to fill and it repulses me but I can't stop touching it. There's a hole in the Force where my sister should be. I'm scared I'm going to follow. I'm scared I'm going to fall in.

Kiki begins to sob.

Kiki: I should have known her. Her last day with me, she was trying to get to know me. She was giving me advice. I didn't even -- my own sister -- now our mother's dead and I feel like I was closest to Nirisa when I shared a womb with her.

Okunna: Is this what's called 'attachment'?

Kiki nods.

Okunna: (beat) I can't say I understand your religion or all of your beliefs, but this one, I do. Nobody should ever feel like you do now. Nobody should wail like you did.

Kiki: I'm breaking the Code.

Okunna: Then break it. Break it here, now, where the pieces don't matter and the shards cannot hurt you. Pour out every drop in that ocean until you're empty.

Kiki: I-I can't--

Okunna: I will help you clean it up, my sister. Then you can return to the Temple in one piece.

[dipplinduo]

DipplinShipping Headcanon

For this one Carmine's room is across from Juliana's and Drayton's room is across from Kieran's.

Hilarity ensues when Juliana and Kieran are leaving to meet up with each other.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carmine: Julie! You going to meet with Kieran?

Juliana: Yeah... *begins to blush lightly* I want him to try the apple crisp I made.

Carmine, smirking: Was that the special project you've been working on?

Juliana: It took so long to make correctly... I hope he likes it.

Carmine: I'm sure he'd still eat it all even if it tasted like trubbish!

Juliana: Which is why I worked so hard. So he won't have to stomach such a thing!

Carmine, in utter awe: JULIE!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kieran, opening his door to see Drayton leaning against his own door: Of course you HAD to be out here now.

Drayton, smirking: Hey KiKi! On your way to your date?

Kieran: You're lucky I'm in a good mood today, Drayton.

Drayton: I'm sure you are, KiKi! Just reminding to have fun, but not too-

Kieran, face erupting into a deep blush: DO NOT FINISH THAT SENTENCE! *quickly walks away*

Drayton: They grow up so fast...

Kieran: SHUT UP!

I love this for two reasons.

1) your humor is immaculate

2) you have me thinking about where I want everyone's dorms to be in my sweet & sour dipplins fic, because frankly, the potential is real and I haven't even thought of it.

[whoredmode]

more concept stuff for my new in-between story, loosely based off GooH. takes place after the srtt rewrite but before the sriv rewrite. details under the cut

it’s several months after the srtt rewrite epilogue. dex and anteros killed eric gryphon and left the corporation in shambles. they cut all ties with ultor, while anteros and dex hesitantly went their separate ways.

the story opens on anteros and troy in stilwater, doing some shopping. shaundi is also with them, but she’s shopping elsewhere. all three were feeling kinda homesick after everything that happened, so they went back to run some errands and whatever else. anteros and troy are window shopping, looking at a jewelry store. troy makes some comment about anteros and kinzie and marriage; anteros feels weird discussing that with his ex but they laugh it off. the mood shifts suddenly, though, when they both realize simultaneously that there’s no other people in the area. they both put their hands on their guns, ready to draw. all at once they’re surrounded by people with tech that looks like both masako and STAG weaponry. confused but with no time to dwell on it, they fight back, but are easily outnumbered. troy gets shot in the side and pistol-whipped, incapacitating him. anteros gets distracted by this for a split second, leading to him also getting knocked out with the butt of one of the guns, and is taken away.

shaundi hears the gunfire from another part of the shopping district and is frantically calling them both as she runs towards the noise, but by the time she gets there, only an injured troy is left. she grabs him and calls johnny, explaining what happened as she makes her way to their car to head back to steelport.

cut to the saints HQ. everyone is rightfully confused, but regardless johnny tells them he’ll get anteros back. kinzie demands to go with him: she’s been reviewing security camera footage to retrace their last steps, she’s probably the only one who can even begin to track these guys, and most importantly: that’s her boyfriend they kidnapped. johnny agrees, and they head out.

anteros wakes up in an unknown location. he’s in what looks like an unfinished basement or room of a house. he’s tied up and gagged, so even if he wanted to talk to the two guards watching him, he couldn’t. he’s told by the guards he’s going to die here—they’re gonna take the saints’ money and kill their leader.

cut to kinzie and johnny in stilwater. they’re investigating the area, looking over footage, when suddenly kinzie gets a call from an unknown number. she answers, suspicious and already running tracking on it, and a man is on the other line. he tells her point blank that he has an idea of where anteros could be. he claims to be a former ultor employee with inside knowledge on some of their operations. kinzie asks how she can trust him, and he tells her it’s just a risk she’ll have to take. she doesn’t like that answer, but sure enough he sends her information and coordinates that lead to a desert in nevada, about 70 miles east of santo ileso. kinzie asks the man who he is, but he hangs up. her tracking on the number comes up empty, but she has her suspicions. johnny’s just raring to go though, since now they have a location.

MEANWHILE while all this is happening. back in steelport, troy and shaundi are starting to get to know each other. shaundi is sewing up the gunshot wound (just a graze on his side, thankfully nothing too serious), and just making sure he’s alright. she scoffs at him when he asks for a cigarette and drink while being laid up. she sees a lot of her old self in troy’s bad habits, and after the initial contention dies down, they start to reach an understanding. this later develops into one of the subplots of the sriv rewrite, where shaundi is helping troy with sobriety.

kinzie calls viola back at the HQ and asks her to fact-check what she can of the information she was given by the man over the phone. viola and kiki were ultor-affiliated assassins, and kiki and dane had a relationship—seeing as she’s the only one left, if anyone can verify any of the info, it’d be viola. viola is able to confirm some, but not all, of the details.

it’s at this time that the saints receive a message from the perpetrators, demanding millions of dollars in exchange for anteros. they’re all suspicious, as money seems like an odd reason for all this, especially considering their appearances of STAG and masako soldiers. but more on that in a minute.

so as it turned out, ultor and their associates were doing weapons testing in the desert, surprising to no one. and the location anteros is being held at is one of their sites. the location itself is a “doom town,” which means it’s an entirely constructed town filled with houses and businesses and the like, but never inhabited. built solely to be destroyed. this town, however, never got to the testing stage as the death of eric gryphon, who was in charge of their weapons department, threw things into disarray. so now it’s more abandoned than before.

but all that to say, who’s actually behind this? so there’s a comparatively small group of STAG and masako soldiers and scientists gone rogue, their armory consisting of old tech from both—repurposed and in some cases frankensteined together to create some really elaborate, freaky looking weapons. they kidnapped anteros since he’s the leader of the saints and they blame the saints for everything that’s happened to them. they’re holding him for ransom but plan on killing him regardless. not only that, but they know that holding anteros will draw out their more powerful members, like johnny gat. they bring him and anyone else there and kill them all in one fell swoop. even though they don’t have launch codes/access to nukes anymore, they’ve set up explosives around the entire perimeter of the town, so it’s going up in flames with the saints inside no matter what.

as a callback to the visuals of GooH, i think the town itself was decorated for halloween, however with eric’s death happening somewhere around october/november, they still remain up all those months later. anteros is specifically being held in the devil’s funhouse, just because.

i have a lot more thoughts on the motives of the STAG/masako gang, as well as lots more ideas for the interactions between johnny and kinzie as they go on this trip to save anteros, the relationship between shaundi and troy, and the mystery man on the phone but i gotta hold myself back. this is long enough😭

[skaruresonic]

I mean I can totally get, getting very pissed if people make porn out of my child characters, I might threaten with copyright too

The child characters I made are based on actual kids in my family. It reminds me of that interview with Miyazaki where he complains about the otaku culture making porn out of Kiki and Chihiro. Especially the latter one, since Chihiro was based on a child family member.

I might threaten with copyright too

Well, for starters, I doubt you'd get very far because that's not technically your jurisdiction as a creator. As far as I understand it as a layperson, copyright is not there to curtail "gross" fan content, but to protect your rights as a creator to capitalize on your intellectual property. Meaning people can't claim your characters as their own and sell their work for profit.

Fanfic and fanart, on the other hand, are protected under the umbrella of transformative work. The nuances are different and hair-splitty for each, but IIRC, fanfic is allowed to exist on the basis that it isn't monetized. Can't remember what the stipulations are for fanart.

Second... Nah, man. The solution to your discomfort with people sexualizing your characters over the internet is to draw a boundary, which is not something you impose on others, but an action you take to protect yourself and your best interests.

State in clear terms: "I am not comfortable with seeing this kind of content, please don't send it to me; emails and the like containing such content will be deleted," and leave it at that. You don't call for censorship or witch hunts or threaten people with copyright strikes that don't fall within your legal purview.

As a creator, you bear responsibilities not to abuse your power over fandom. Accepting that Rules 34 ("if it exists, there is porn of it") and 35 ("if no porn of it exists, porn will be made") exist is one of them.

...Frankly, I find it a more relevant social hazard that creators forge intense parasocial relationships with their fandoms and proceed to weaponize them against their enemies. Because in those instances, real people are being manipulated for selfish gain, and it's depressingly common to see. Fandom is often comprised of vulnerable groups without much external support to begin with, and it's skeevy as hell to sic them like a pack of dogs on people just so you can win a Twitter debate.

(Besides, for as much as antis gripe about "Reylo will groom you into thinking toxic relationships are romantic!" and shit, they certainly don't preach much on the dangers of predatory parasocial relationships.)

But, back to the topic at hand: I've heard enough antis conflate pixels on a screen with irl children to know that calls for censorship never go well. While it's perfectly valid to be uncomfortable with sexualization of child characters, you also have to kind of grow up a little and realize that no one is inherently harming children by making Tails porn. No one sexualizes your childhood just by sexualizing pixels. That's why the Back button exists.

If they are hurting real children, then the offender must be charged appropriately. Nine times out of ten, however, trying to control the art people make under the guise of "protect the children" is authoritative and does shit-all to protect real children from harm.

To wit, it's within Miyazaki's right to complain about porn of Chihiro, but Miyazaki can't actually go around telling people they can't make that kind of art upon pain of cease-and-desist.

Also, just speaking for myself, aside from stuffing my characters with trauma, I haven't modelled them after real people. I made them to be abused, to be placed in fucked-up scenarios, to be sexualized, even, if folks want to. Why do you think Arthur has an assassination kink.

That is to say, not all creators share the same mindset, and frankly, fandoms shouldn't have to live in fear of pissing off the Almighty Creator(tm) anyway.