#I hate it with every fiber of my being and I've never even played

[elieowlsclownery]

It's Weird Girl Time!!!

Okay so I'm trying to write an over-bloated analysis about an otome rhythm game about theater kids but I keep getting distracted by my favorite weird girl having her moment in Welcome to Demon School Iruma-kun because LOOK AT THEM!!!

Their friendship is so incredibly sweet and soft and it makes me cry and the latest chapters are NOT HELPING!!!

My favorite characters in manga has always been the weird girls that no one likes. You know the ones that regular manga reader scoff at because they see them as annoying and obnoxious...maybe because I always ended up seeing myself as the weird girl who was obnoxious and annoying. Back when I still saw myself as a girl that is. Now I'm just a proud obnoxious weirdo (gender neutral) so I'm even worse!

But what sets this manga apart from others is that this Weird Girl is treated so well! She is LOVED both by her friends and the author for her obnoxious weird girl energy and she deserves to be!

Currently though she is having a MOMENT and I am SCREAMING!!!

Like, we knew right? From the first chapter she was introduced in, we saw that she knew she was obnoxious and annoying to others, and continued to put on a smile anyway. Of course she hides her worries, of course she's more aware than she lets on. We've seen how despite her obvious clingyness and constant need to play she's always been willing to put the needs of her soulmates first.

I think what this chapter and the previous one shows is that despite it being over a year since she threw a vending machine at her bullies for pushing her around, those scars never really went away. Because she's still scared, even now, that one day her best friends and soulmates will grow tired of her. Not to mention her compounding fear that her soulmates will get hurt. That they might die.

And we only saw the earlier worries, long before the previous arc where they almost got into a scuffle with the Border Patrol, which could have gone very, very badly if not for Henri and Mephisto. Not to mention the arc where Iruma was almost kidnapped at school.

And to add a layer of pain here is that with all the worries and loneliness she hides, after the Devilculum Arc she's shown to notice the hurt Iruma's feeling instantly, and immediately placed him and Azz in a space where they can openly share their worries. Sure she joined in, but only to admit the loneliness the two already know about.

And obviously Iruma's going to tell her he loves her anyway. Of course he would! He wouldn't be Iruma if he didn't love his soulmates with every fiber of his being, even when they tie you up and put a collar on you (in fact he might even be into-you know what that's a conversation for another time-) When Clara said that they must hate her after seeing her unfun secret Iruma instinctively rushed to correct her. But knowing he loves Clara isn't enough at the moment. It doesn't erase her worries that one day they might separate. It doesn't matter that Iruma loves her because he can't control what might happens in the future. Knowing they love her isn't enough here.

But then just when we think Iruma's about to awaken another concerning interest, there's Clara's other soulmate Azz, who for the first time CALLS HER JUST BY HER FIRST NAME!

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR LITERAL Y E A R S FOR THIS MOMENT

Like I said before, knowing they love her isn't enough right now. And even with all her fears she does know at least at this moment both Iruma and Azz do love her. And it's clear to us that Azz loves Clara too. But unlike Iruma he's not as open about it.

(every time it's shown just how much Clara loves both Azz and Iruma, it's always Iruma who comments on it first, while Azz only replies to what Iruma says)

At the beginning Azz saw Clara the way most other demons saw her, which is as a nuisance. It's only because Iruma likes her that Azz accepted her and eventually grew to like her too. Although he couldn't show love the way Iruma does, which is to openly dote on Clara, hug her and go along with all her antics. Instead his main way of showing love is usually to fuss at her about her antics and worry about her safety. Also holding her head which he claims he does to keep her still but let's be honest he does it cause he wants to.

(He's currently tied up inside a place losing his mana and his first concern is if Clara's feeling well after eating the forbidden snack.)

He's shown a lot of growth in the past few arcs when it comes to how he interacts from Clara. He still mainly argues and fusses at her, but along with that fussing comes an understanding just as deep as Iruma's.

Yet until now Azz always called her "Stupid Clara." This nickname does come with a lot of fondness attached to it, and it's a drastic improvement from when he only called her Valac, but it still shows that Azz never takes Clara very seriously. Even right before that moment where he stopped Clara from eating(?) Iruma he was still treating Clara as usual, fussing at her and calling her "Stupid Clara."

And in a way Clara agreed to the way Azz treats her, because as shown by her reaction to them finding her album the last thing she wanted was to be treated seriously. Because if they treated her seriously it would show the unfun side of her she's been hiding.

But that's exactly what Clara needs, and Azz is the one who needs to do it.

This is the first time, after almost 400 chapters, that we're seeing Azz face Clara seriously. That's how important this moment is. In fact he's taking Clara more seriously than Iruma did, who's immediate instinct was only to comfort Clara.

What's he going to say? We'll only find out next week, but just this moment, him looking Clara in the eyes and calling her name, is enough of an impact.

[howlingday]

Neptune & Sun Help Jaune

Jaune: ...

Sun: No shit?! She actually said yes?!

Neptune: Way to go~! She's one hell of a girl~!

Jaune: ...

Sun: ...

Neptune: ...I'm guessing there's a "but" in this?

Jaune: It's just... I spent half of my life in the Ever After, right? It just hit me that I've never been on a real date. I bet I'm gonna screw this up with her right away...

Neptune: Oh, I get it! You're nervous!

Sun: Hey, at the end of the day, dates come and go. No need to stress out over it.

Jaune: But what if everything goes to shit and she hates me? What if she never wants to see me again?!

Jaune: Forget it! I've gotta call this whole thing off!

Sun: Then she's DEFINITELY going to hate you if you cancel on her now.

Jaune: Then what am I supposed to do?! Where do we even go? What do we eat? What do we talk about? I never thought about this until now!

Neptune: Alright, alright. Take a deep breath, and let the experts help you out~.

Sun: Hell yeah! We've got this~!

Jaune: Wait, you mean... You guys know about dating?!

Neptune: (Shrugs) About as much as the next guy.

Sun: This is your big chance, man. We're gonna help you make the most of it.

Jaune: Guys... I COULD NEVER PAY YOU BACK~!

Sun: Alright, alright. Let's get started. What's first when it comes to date prep?

Neptune: Easy; first thing you need to do is calm down. Dates aren't anything except two people getting to know each other. All you gotta do is act natural.

Jaune: That makes sense... Act natural!

Sun: What? No way that's it!

Jaune: Huh?

Neptune: What?

Sun: A woman's not looking to just chew the fat on the first date. You wanna give her a night she'll never forget~! Screw acting natural! You've gotta know how to perform~!

Jaune: That... also makes sense. I've gotta go all out for her!

Jaune: ...Hang on, that's the exact opposite of what Neptune was saying. Who do I go with here?

Sun: C'mon, man... Have I ever steered you wrong~? Besides, how many dates do you think HE's been on?

Neptune: Wooow... Well, if you're so experienced, Master Sun, how come you're still a lonely, old bachelor?

Sun: Gee, I dunno, Neptune. Maybe you should ask yourself the same question?!

Neptune: ...Guess being partners doesn't mean jack to you, huh?

Jaune: Uh... G-Guys...?

Sun: Alright! How about this? The three of us will hit the town! Neptune and I will give you some pointers. And as for whose advice you take, well... That's really all on you, huh? Sound good?

Neptune: Sounds like a plan to me. Of course, my advice is what'll work. But without further ado...

Jaune: Yeah! Lead the way~!

--------------------------------------------------

Jaune: So... What are we doing here at the bullhead station?

Sun: Mouth shut, eyes open, Jaune. School is already in session.

Jaune: Uh... Okay?

Sun: Sun Wukong's The Art of Love, Lesson 1: "How to play the waiting game"!

Jaune: "The waiting game"?

Sun: Listen. The date's begun the moment you reach the meeting spot and assume the position. It is absolutely VITAL that you arrive ahead of time! Then, you wait like a man! Like your life depends on it! And remember; when the girl arrives, she's going to look at you and register a full impression, an impression that's gonna last her a lifetime!

Jaune: Got it! First impressions!

Neptune: He's got a point. Alright, Jaune. Show us how you're gonna wait for your date.

Jaune: Okay, I... Wait. Don't I just... y'know, stand around?

Neptune: Nope. You're stiff as a board. Every fiber of your body looks nervous. You want your date to feel comfortable, right?

Jaune: R-Really? Then, how should I stand?

Neptune: Heh heh heh... I never said anything about standing~. Here, why don't you park your butt right here on the bench? Maybe take a little snooze while you're waiting?

Jaune: Huh?! You want me to fall asleep?!

Neptune: I told you before; dates should be natural. What's more natural than seeing someone at their most vulnerable, like they were asleep?

Jaune: That.... makes sense, I guess...

Neptune: When you date comes on by, she'll be all like, "Wow~! Jauney's so relaxed around me~! Aww, and he looks like a little puppy dog while he's sleeping~!"

Neptune: SHE'LL WANNA PROTECT YOU~!

Jaune: Uh... Are you sure about that? What do you think, Sun?

Sun: Dude... Dozing off before a date? Even I wouldn't do that! What'd I tell you before? A girl wants to feel special on a date. And to get that, you need to work on your posture.

Jaune: How do I make her feel special before she even gets here? What would I even do?

Sun: First of all, you want to get to your date spot 30 minutes early. Then you stand silent, like a statue. Don't look around. Just hold your gaze firmly in the direction she'll be coming from!

Sun: I can already see it now... Your date will show up and think, "When did Jaune get so stoic and manly~? Could he have been saving this side of him just for me~?!"

Sun: Got it?

Jaune: I... I think I do... I'll be showing her my dedication!

Neptune: Well, you can't do both... So, which advice are you gonna take?

Jaune: Uh... If I have to choose...

)Sit and act natural, like Neptune )>Stand and pose, like Sun

Jaune: I gotta trust Sun on this one. I'll stand and wait for her~!

Neptune: Huh? Why?

Jaune: Because... well, if I got here and saw my date konked out on the bench, I'd think she was exhausted. I'd worry the whole time that she's too tired to enjoy the date.

Neptune: Oh, well... That does make sense...

Sun: Damn right, Jaune~! You gotta stand firm! Every man worth his aura would do the same~!

Jaune: Uh, I dunno if that's really how I want to imagine this date. And I'd rather not scare her off. But I have to admit, I don't really get how my posture would matter, either. I'll make sure not to look too tired or sloppy. Thanks~!

Neptune: Mm... Alright, you got this round, Sun... But there's still plenty of lessons up ahead!

--------------------------------------------------

Sun: Alright! Here comes Sun Wukong's The Art of Love, Lesson 2: "Location, location, location"!

Jaune: Alright~! This is exactly what I need! If you've got something fancy, that'd be great~!

Sun: Who said anything about fancy?

Jaune: C'mon! Even I know this one! It's gotta be Northern Valian, or maybe Southern Valian, or some other high-end spot to impress her, right?

Sun/Neptune: (Heavy sigh)

Jaune: ...Am I wrong?

Neptune: All this talk about fancy restaurants... Jaune, forget what the manual tells you.

Sun: Exactly. If you pick something too cliche and obvious, the day's not gonna feel special. Jaune, you need to pick out a spot that says you picked it out for HER.

Jaune: Picked it out for her...? Like what?

Sun: Heh heh... This place right here~.

Jaune: Huh? This... curry place?

Sun: This place has a secret dish with a spice level of 100. That's a 1.2 million on the Scoville scale, 500 times spicier than your average hot sauce!

Jaune: 500 TIMES?!

Sun: (Nods) That's right... Even the most spice-hardened bastards run from those numbers. No one's ever finished a whole bowl. Now tell me something... What'll your date think when you've conquered such a beast before her very eyes?

Jaune: Well, I'm... not really a spicy food guy...

Sun: Moron... The point is to watch you suffer! Let her see you wipin' the sweat from your brow! It's the struggle that's sexy! She'll be putty in your hands~!

Jaune: R-Really?

Neptune: Of course not! What happens when the curry wins? You'll be left a quivering, snotty mess!

Jaune: True...

Neptune: Listen to me when I tell you to act natural. Don't try to be someone you're not. Go somewhere you always go. And don't bother tripping over yourself finding somewhere new.

Jaune: Well, uh... About that... For me, that's mostly just noodles at the noodle cart.

Neptune: (Shrugs) Then just have some noodles.

Jaune: Noodles on a date?!

Neptune: You think it's against the law or somethin'? All that matters is that you stay relaxed! And right now, that means noodles.

Jaune: W-Well, I would be pretty nervous heading to a Valian place, so there's that...

Sun: Dumbass! Noodles don't win hearts! Spice level 100's the way to go~!

Jaune: Are my options really noodles or the hottest curry on Remnant?!

Sun: Well, you could always just give up, wallow in your indecision, grow old and alone... Now hurry up and make a decision!

Jaune: Seriously?! Man... Well, if I have to choose, then...

)>Do as Neptune says, and pick noodles. )Do as Sun suggests, and choose curry.

Jaune: Then it's the noodles, I guess.

Sun: What?! Noodles on a date?! Are you out of your mind?!

Jaune: Sure, it's not perfect, but I keep thinking about what my date is going to do while I'm scarfing down curry... Nothing.

Sun: Well, she- Y'know! She's watching you with pride! She's in awe of your- your bravery!

Jaune: Uh... Are we talking about the same girl here? Like, am I just taking this girl out to perform tricks for her?

Sun: No duh! It's about impressing her!

Jaune: Maybe, but... Isn't the point of a date to talk to each other? I'd rather do that than win some spicy food challenge.

Sun: Well, uh... Heh heh... You got it~! You saw the lesson BEHIND my lesson~!

Neptune: Y-Yeah! Exactly, Jaune~!

Jaune: Thanks, but, uh, I guess that means the noodles are out, too, huh? They might help me relax, but they're probably just another fast food run for her. I'll have to find a spot we'll both like...

Neptune: R... Right again, Jaune~! You saw through my trick and learned the true lesson underneath~!

Neptune: (Whispering) Y'know, maybe he's not as dumb as his haircut looks...

Sun: (Whispering) Yeah, you're right. I think what he's missing is confidence...

Jaune: I gotta say, guys, I wasn't expecting this before, but you guys really DO have me feeling readier for this date~! So, what's next~?

Neptune: Ho ho ho... Time for the FINAL lesson~!

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Sun: And here we are... The final course in Sun Wukong's The Art of Love: "How to Dress the Part".

Jaune: Alright... I see what's comin'... Give it to me straight! What's wrong with how I dress? I mean, this sweater's pretty sharp, right~?

Neptune: Far from it, I'm afraid. Completely unnatural.

Jaune: ...Huh?

Neptune: Is that a natural color fabric? Remember, we're going for the human nature here. Try something like this.

Neptune: (Shows super lax beatnik get-up)

Jaune: Is... this a date outfit? It doesn't look very stylish.

Neptune: Trust me, nothing's more stylish than au naturel. What's trendier than an organic lifestyle? These clothes are made of pure cotton and hemp. Not a single drop of artificial coloring! An environmentally friendly ensemble for the discerning man~.

Jaune: Oh, I getcha! It's another way of keeping things natural! But won't my date call me out on it? I mean, she's never seen me dress this way.

Neptune: Don't worry about it! The call of nature affects everyone. Your date will know on a primal level that THIS is sexy. Don't you see? It's written in our very souls to love those who love nature~!

Jaune: Oh, that... Wait, really? I mean, I get the value of being environmentally conscious, but...

Sun: Alright, alright. That's enough humoring the wack job, Jaune. You're not here to save the planet; you're getting ready for a friggin' date! Cosplaying as some burlap bongo-beater isn't gonna make you date go ga-ga for you.

Jaune: Okay, Sun, then what do you suggest?

Sun: Behold; a masterpiece of suit-based seduction~!

Sun: (Shows slick'n'shiny Wallstreet wear)

Jaune: What the hell is this?! If I wear this, she'll think I'm a vampire!

Sun: Jaune, do you know why the firefly illuminates in the darkness?

Jaune: What are you talking about?!

Sun: It's all part of the male's courtship ritual, of course. Dazzling your beloved, captivating them... It's an instinct every living being on Remnant shares! Listen to your instincts, Jaune! Light up her life, and that girl will be putty in your hands~!

Jaune: Wh-Whoa... When you put it like that, this suit's pretty amazing, huh?

Sun: Yup! Wouldn't you rather show up in this than in Neptune's sack of crap!

Jaune: Aw, damn... I really gotta choose this time... And you've both made really good points, too!

Neptune: It's okay, Jaune! Go with your heart~!

Jaune: GOT IT! In that case, I choose...

)Go off with Neptune's organic option )> Stick with Sun's dazzling decision

Jaune: Sun, it's all yours~! I get human nature's important, but a special occasion calls for special action, right?

Neptune: Hmhm... Alright. I've already made my pitch. Now go give it your all and make it one for the history books~!

Sun: Damn right! We got you as far as we can take you. Now the rest is up to you, Jaune~.

Jaune: Thanks, you guys... I'll make you both proud~!

--------------------------------------------------

How does the date go with your Jaune ship?

[giafluffer]

written yesterday early AM still dark:

boyfriend not doing good. i have yet to sleep and he has slept maybe an hour only, and away from me cleaning out his old apartment.

he told me never to touch him again. he continuously calls me evil. "pure evil. monster. that's what the boogey man is. never met somebody so fuckin evil." he says about me.

he says for me to "act right." sometimes when my mom gets angry with me she knows he says that often and she starts to say it too. her mars is in gemini and i try to get her to have sympathy for and love him so i shouldn't be mad about it. it's just sad.

he says his IQ is at least three times as mine. that i am retarded. he says people laugh at the "shit" i say. that people are laughing at me. shannon the female he cheated on me with says that he told her i am 51% retarded and that's why i am on social security income. he told me that it was basically a meme among him and his friends.

he tells me many the majority think i should die for threatening his freedom. i think it's wrong for him to threaten my life and my life is my freedom to be, breathe, co exist.

no im not saying he threatened my life. but he has in the past and it is scary, restrictive of MY freedom to live.

i know yes he is a bad boy but he is lost and traumatized and i am simply sitting on the ground trying to relax. i feel i shouldn't put my guard down though. I feel my presence comforts him in a way, that way he's not anxious of my what and whereabouts.

he accused me of having mens ejaculate on my face. i was looking forward to my preemptive full body massage last night. he didn't come back until after 5 am he fell asleep at old apartment.

he's psychologically experiencing a breakdown and sleep deprived. not a good combination. he also asked me to die. well yes he did, but that was automatically typed. he also asked me to do a task for him that i don't want to. i am not comfortable in my ability to complete it prosperously.

he says he hates me with every fiber of my being but yet he doesn't want me gone?

i feel we are processing trauma and other shit. he says i have no guilt and cannot understand other people's emotions. i do. i've been in emotional agony for what is going on with them and i. it is tragic and sad. he continuously calls me a psychopath but i am not.

i experience much empathy and love. im here sitting on the floor listening to him play his rap music but from across the room.

he did me wrong though. i wish we could just get along.

i thought it was an anomaly the chaotic dysfunctional yelling and screaming and horrifying living situation at my parents. but it seems as if life is just a harsh azz place. i didnt intend for it to get even more hardcore.

this relationship must end because he is too aggressive and i am self defensive. my love knows no bounds but my life force matters and idk

[hummingbird-games]

2023 In Review (Indie Games)

Last year's! | 2021

I apologize in advance for how long this might be. As a reminder, I don't bash games here so even if I hated something with every fiber of my being...I ain't sharing. As a second reminder, my more in depth reviews and live blogging has moved to Gem's Game Gems so I don't clutter the HBG's main blog. Okay. ON WITH THE REVIEW!!

DEMOS

Diffraction (Demo)- A rainy day otome indeed. I love the quiet gentleness of this game, the two romance options, and the fact that our MC is a photographer and struggling with her art and stack of life "failures" (because...SAME!!)

Alaris - I was asleep and now I am awake: I came late for the advertised fae and dragon lore, stayed seated and waiting for Fenir zjgjdf. Oh, and I guess the mystery surrounding our MC's abilities LOL.

The Summit Library - When I say I was maaaaaad when I realized I blew through chapter 1 and would have to go back to waiting for more content??? LOL, I was very miffed. Anyhoo, check out this title for the gorgeous art, another intriguing mystery (like what is *up* with the magic in the poor library?? who or what is to blame?? 👀) and of course the lovely characters we've been introduced to thus far.

Of Sense and Soul - I'm a regency romance girl. Like after you strip away the other stuff, I am but a poor woman with simple needs: a good ass love story 🤧💛 It's about the yearning and the slow burn and the will they/won't they/PLEASEEE they...I've never been so charmed by a demo, and the full game is going to be amazing I just know it!

Made Marion - This project is a game I've been keeping tabs on for a hot minute but hadn't taken the time to sit and properly enjoy the demo. I'M SO GLAD I DID!!! It's in early access now, so I'm hoping eventually I'll be able to carve out some time to play, but guysss Velvet Cupcake is doing the Thing?!? No idea which love interest I'll go for first, but I had a fun time meeting the Nottingham peeps in the demo.

Herotome (Super Demo) - Oh gosh. Oh gosh oh gosh oh my GOSHHH. Where do I even began?? (Really the question is where the hell do I end because this is one of those projects I talk about a lot/think about a lot and surprisingly haven't run out of things to say zkjfksjd). Another game I've been following for a while, it 100% lives up to the superhero genre in its aesthetic, the characters you interact with, the music and sound design, and of course the slowly unfurling story. Jade and Mia had come out as my top faves, Warden is still there, like hovering in the backgroud, shhhh but I have a special place in my heart for Griffin too (that conversation we have with her?? I have so many screenshots just so I can go back and reread and sear the words in my brain. Like a weirdo. Yup.)

Celestial Crowns - Stats building, celestial royalty, dating sim where you fuck around and find out your choices directly affect your MC's personality?? I'm sat. I supported the Kickstarter and now I try to practice patience for the full game's release siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighh.

OTOME/JOSEI JAM

Please note this is a SUPER abridged list for my sanity and I fell a little more in love with these 2 jams with each entry I played...

Intertwine - As embarrassing as it sounds, I've never given much thought to the "red string" thing, and I consume more than enough romance media LOL!! But Van is suuuuuch a beautiful man, the UI for this game is so interactive and lovely, the music is ALSO lovely, just lovely-love all the way around teehee. (Also this game encourages replayabillity so like, do with that info what you will.)

Spring Boy [Demo] - I believe this game is going through a complete rehaul, so my thoughts and feelings refer to the original jam entry I played. The art is bright and cute and it's a super super short demo, but I was intrigued by the other student we meet on our mission to plead with our professor about our bombed exam lol!

Assignment Due: Project Blue - IRl group projects??? Suck absolute ass. Group projects with a guy name Asher?? Suddenly it's my new favorite thing in the world 😁

Cryptid Campaign Manager [DEMO] - Remember the last time I looked over a cryptid dating sim??? Remember how I was SUCH a fool?? Good thing I didn't make that mistake again!! The prologue is such a tease but you get an idea of what the full game is gonna be like, and I'm excited to see where my career involving love (and politics) goes!

Heart Cage [Demo] - Yoooooo I stay my ass far far far away from yanderes (could never get into the trope or the character type). WELP. Guess I just needed to keep searching because I really downloaded this off a whim--well, the whim being one of my fellow dev peers playing and rating-- and proceeded to get sucked in 🤧I thought being a detective would be the highlight, but I guuuueeesssss I was more into the romance options than I thought. Oops.

Evernight - I tried to explain what this game meant to me on the side blog, but words failed me. I still don't know what to say other than I loved it?? Which is like ummm I say I love everything, and yeah I'm easy to please BUT Y'ALLLLLL if you play no other game, play this one. Please. Date a werewolf. Or a vampire. Or a fae. Plz. Also figuring out the mystery of your MC's abilities and past is just delightful, ugh.

Bright Oak (demo) - Anotha one I wrote about on the side blog!!! Play this one!!! The writing is lush and atmospheric and the characters are all delightful and it's another game with a mystery to untangle!

The Faithfulness of the Universe- This one gets the award for most unique all around entry that I played. Theeeeee prettiest pixel art to bless my eyeballs, and this tasty mystery concerning Fate and witch Faustina's future (or lack thereof 👀) and what it all means. As a player I very much want to know what it all means!

A Cup For All Seasons - Another game that needs its flowers y'all. It's short but super healing and super cozy and the voice acting and music really tie the gaming experience together???

The Working Woman's Guide to Burning Bridges - DEMO - It's the way I played the demo twice and I've been thinking about it ever since 😭😭😭🙃 obviously life happens and things come up, plus this was a demo. But. BUT!!! I am on my hands and knees prayinnggg the team gets together again to finish the game. I love playing as a stressed, lowkey bitter hot mess who doesn't have her life together 😂somehow the fictional version is soooo much more entertaining!!!

Keyframes (Spring Demo) - After the game College Craze, this is legit THE college, slice of life visual novel of my dreams. I cannot wait for the updated demo next year, and the Kickstarter whenever that rolls around. And now that the developer is on Tumblr, I've definitely been stalking the account and reading each new post like it's my day/night/weekend job 🤧

Hello Counsel 💋 - Okay I take it back, Evernight is like a 20/10 but Hello Counsel is like an 100/10 👁️👄👁️ This game is necessary for my mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, alright? The banter ✅ the character designs ✅ the music ✅ the sizzling chemistry between Poise and Salem ✅ I wish this game had more buzz because IT'S SO GOOD!!! (also the dev, Miseri, is who I wanna be when I grow up. I've made it through almost their whole backlog of games and there are no misses and EVERY game is different from the rest and it makes it hard for a toodler dev--ME--to cope LOL)

Candied Hearts - Isekaied into a candy themed game?? Sign me TF UP!!! (Peppermint I love you dearly, you must understand.)

Fully Released & Played (at least 1 playthrough)

The Knight's Dilemma - I don't even know how I originally stumbled upon this??? I just know it had been in my backlog for a hot minute and I was intrigued enough to save it way back when. Y'ALL WHY DIDN'T I PLAY SOONER SKJFHFJFH! There's a couple different endings, I loved the voice direction, AND it's such a simple concept of a game that was just executed beautifully.

Trouble Comes Twice - If I had to make a top 5 list of romance VNs, guess who makes the list?? Guess. Guess guess guess. Have you guessed yet??? LOL! I have been in love with TCT since it's development days and with each passing month, waiting in anticipation, playing the Pateron beta builds, screaming on the main blog about every single thought I had about Jace and Hazel (shoutout to Jace for helping me figure out *me*) Lol if you're curious about said thoughts, those posts are on this blog and not the side blog.

Aelfric the Wondrous - 10/10 would love to forget my first play through JUST to have that experience fresh again 😭😭💛Cute and funny and a wonderful parody type game all around.

A Summer's End - Hong Kong 1986 - Goodness, there's no excuse for why this took me years to finish but anyhoo, I finished, I loved it, I recommend it! It's romantic and achingly authentic and the art is soooo gorgeous I literally can't stand it 😭

The Things You Do For Love - Unhinged yandere manages to entertain and garner sympathy and laughter from Gemini. And that poly ending is chef's kiss too????

Band Camp Boyfriend - There are a handful of games I found and loved before I began my game development journey, and this is one of them. BCB is so dear to me, because of the story and characters but also because of the Dynamic Duo creators and their team behind the scenes. I was never a band kid I was a chorus kid but just as the band geeks loved this game to pieces, us normal folks do too!! Even the boys who I didn't like I STILL managed to find joy in playing their routes (still have a few more to finish at the time of this posting lol, GOTTA GET THE FINAL ROUTE YO). Anyway, this game more than delivered for me and I hope more people keep discovering it!!

Belle Automata: Chronicle I [RELEASED] - While only Chronicle 1 is out at the time of this posting, I already know that the 2nd and 3rd parts are going to be just as amazing???? I wrote about this one on the side blog, so here's my copypaste that still rings true:  

I love TNP (The Nightmare Prince) but Victor’s route hit the sweet spot for me. Maybe it’s the slow(er) burn nature of this route, maybe it’s the reserved nature of Victor and watching him slowly start to care (AND NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE FEELINGS TEEHEE) for me.

A Date with Death - I wrote about this on the side blog--again--. The demo. And then right after finishing a route. And then again where I was fully awake and still managed to sound deranged. No copypaste for that, I shall be nice. But yeah!! Another game where I was screaming at the sky about how much I love it and how I'll never know peace as long as I live.

Our Life: Baxter DLC - I need to offer an official apology to both Cove and Derek because falling head over heels, down the stairs, crashing into the parking lot, falling again but down a manhole for Baxter's infuriating ass was NOT on my 2023 bingo board??? HELLO???? I bought his DLC just to complete my OL collection. Was not expecting to love it this much. Was not expecting to be called to write fanfic and abandon all responsibilities to do this. WHILE DOWN WITH COVID TOO. Allow me to play the song of my people. *Send in the Clowns plays*

Our Cinderella - (this is so funny I'm taking about a side game before the main game LOLOLOLOL) Guys. Guysss. You guyyyysss 🥹if you're looking for a cozy, hilarious, equally oddly and wonderfully sweet short game, this is the one!! You may have your personal favorite Iggy ship (like me) but all the pairings are so amazing and just make sense lol!

Wylde Flowers - This is the only non visual novel game on here but it gets the spotlight because I did NOT spend 90+ hours on this game to gatekeep this beauty. No. It the coziest, the funniest, the funnest, the most addictive Switch game (after Teacup) I've ever played.

Fully Released (& still on 1st playthrough)

Garden of Seif: Chronicles of an Assassin - Life kicked my butt and then sat on me SO while I finally got my grubby hands on the full copy, I still have only played the entirety of the demo. But. We will return to this in 2024 and hopefully I'll have a full review for the next wrap up!

Our Wonderland - I looked back at the side blog and I can't believe it was only THIS year that I started OW??? Because I'd known of the game and the dev for longer than that??? So basically what I'm saying is that I was chicken shit for longer than I've been in love with this world that Developer Carrot has created kjzhhshggj. But OMG to get me, who is scared oh so easily to get hella invested in this clearly labeled horror game??????????????? And even with shit gets super absurd and hella disturbing, I cannot stop playing. At the time of this post, I'm only in Act 4, hence the category above, but it's only because I play each act in a sitting and lose track of space and time and myself. That's a compliment btw.

...

Okie!! That's 2023 in a nutshell! I played a looooot of really good games this year and while I would have liked to talk about them all, I think this list provides a nice overview.

Let me know if we share any favorites!

- Gemini 💛

[super-hero-confessions]

🚨 Dumb Rant Incoming.🚨

People who say (Disney) Cinderella's dress is silver annoy me to no end.

Absolute buttholes to fashion, to color, to anything within the realm.

It is clear and I mean very VERY clear that these fools have never ever ever sewn a day in their life and know next to nothing about fashion, fabric, nor color theory.

Cindy's dress "silver"?

No it's not. I promise you will never ever ever find a single Pantone "Silver" that actually legitimately matches her in movie dress. Restored, off color or original Technicolor. Not even their "Silver blue" bears a slight resemblance. At least not without cheating and adjusting RGB in the colors so they do somehow match.

I swear. I have seen the same idiots proudly proclaim that the live action Cinderella fairy godmother's (played by Helena Bonham Carter) dress is also "silver".

IT IS MOST DEFINITELY NOT.

That dress was IRIDESCENT WHITE, with CRYSTAL AND SILVERY ACCENTS AND EMBROIDERY. But mostly, IRIDESCENT WHITE.

Legitimately one of if not my exact favorite fabric color behind fiber optic fabric and to see its beauty and name tarnished and mislabeled as just "silver" breaks a little piece of my soul every time.

I live and breathe colors and pigments. I love them. Especially the shiny stuff. I love fashion and fabrics and have learned well enough about them to know "silver" is the dumbest thing you could call Cindy's dress.

I don't even take grievance with the mislabel because I think it's inaccurate. I hate it because it just doesn't do her dress any justice.

In fabric and color, "silver" tends to be a relatively dark tone with a sharp sheen. We understand it as a beautiful metal first. But even comparing the metal itself to the animation shows it isn't remotely similar.

When I've seen artists render Cindy's dress as "silver", it's instead guaranteed to turn out a dingy and dark gray that 100% fails to capture the magic they claim to be trying to preserve. With Belle, at least Disney obviously tried to show a difference with more muted tones and pronounced brilliance and sheen to the colors in order to imply her dress was legitimately golden.

And in truth, the best real world sample you will find of something to match her in movie (animated) dress are going to be things within the field of "yellow gold satin" or silk.

They didn't do this with Cindy.

Instead. They made her dress.

Sparkle.

It. SPARKLES.

"Silver" fabric on its own doesn't sparkle. That should be enough to end the debate. Hell, Disney proudly and repeatedly reiterating again and again and again that her dress is BLUE should be enough. But not for people who have no idea sparkly fabrics like overlays and tulle actually. IDK, exist?

Little hint. They do! Sparkly fabrics super exist in so many different ways and they are hella rad.

If you were to compare Cindy's dress to a real world example of what they might have been attempting to achieve in the animation back then, then the closest I've found would be the portrait of Empress Sisi in her famous Star (highly recommend looking this up, it's really beautiful) dress.

The original dress was a white satin, overlayed with tulle that was littered with thousands of glittering silver stars. The portrait in some renderings gives a lovely pastel blue tone to the dress through the tulle for an effect that looks and feels really magical.

While I'm not a huge fan of royalty apart from their fashion, Disney obviously was. That portrait is my best guess for the effect Disney was trying to give Cindy's dress.

I do get it to some degree, "white satin with sparkly pastel blue overlay with a million silver stars" is definitely a mouthful to describe her dress.

But "silver" definitely doesn't do it justice and never will. Apart from just being plainly inaccurate to the point that Disney drives the blue home by making her dress more excessively blue every time we see Cindy in any form. The most you could say is that "silver" would be an ACCENT of her dress, but not the main color or feature. And I swear I swear again. Any time I see someone use "silver" as the main color on Cindy's dress (drawing or real life) as opposed to accents to a soft blue? That bitch (the dress) is hella horrid and ugly and I hate her.

"Sparkly blue" or "starry pastel blue", or any variation within those however, is both accurate and manages to capture the same effect we see in the movie. But hell, even just "silvery blue" is better than "just silver"! Same goes for the one glittering dress Ariel had at the end of her movie.

It's a gorgeous "glittering muted lavender", not "silver". It has a color! It's clear to see the purple in it! Seriously, these people learn how to animate sparkles. SPARKLES! But people just stomp all over it and call anything that glitters "silver"?

Por shame.

I just think.

The sparkles deserve better. 😔

Aight. Rant over.

[lets-try-some-writing]

Ohhh, salty asks? I'll dabble with 9, 14, and 19.

Most disliked character(s)? Why?

Sari, Russel & his Dad, and Elita-One.

I haaaaaaate Sari so much. I don't even like TFA that much, but I would have enjoyed it more if this little girl weren't present. She annoys me on a spiritual level. She does have a few moments where I vibe with her, but the annoyance overrides the comradery. I know some people will die on her hill, but I am not one of them and even her fascinating lore can't drag me from my hole in the ground.

Russel and his Dad are just annoying and it's not even their fault. They were part of a garbage show that disregarded and danced on the grave of TFP before spitting on it for good measure. It isn't THEM that bothers me necessarily, it's their characterization that murders me. I just can't enjoy them or their presence when they are treated as jokes or just get in the way.

As for Elita-One? I am genuinly sad I don't like her. I generally enjoy her in fandom and I LOVE G1 Elita with every fiber of my being. I can even appreciate Skybound Elita a great deal. But other canon versions of Elita? It's just painful. She's NEVER written well. Generally being too arrogant and stuck up for her own good (TFOne), not particularly notable (TFE), lowkey evil and not in a way I find appealing (IDW comics), or not even Elita (TFA). I just can't vibe with her even though I really really really want to.

Unpopular opinions about your fandom(s)?

This fandom is unreasonably sexual. Look, I totally get it. You love your blorbo. I love my blorbos too and I know that sexual themes/art/ideas have their place. Heck, I use the concept for comedic and angst purposes all the bloody time. But for heavens sake yall, we've got SO MUCH LORE and half the fandom is sitting over here drooling. When I use such themes, I tie it in with either a good story or unique lore. But the fandom just kinda... throws it around for funsies? Idk it just bothers me as a person who cares very deeply about things having meaning and design. Feels a lot like chugging a pixie stick when there's a ton of such themes getting thrown around. I would much prefer a more delicately devised art piece, personally.

The robots are hot, I KNOW. But goodness we've got so much else to play with here people. (Not saying this to rain on anyone's parade. Just my thoughts).

What is the one thing you hate most about your fandom?

Well, I suppose what I hate most would be the strange unspoken division in the fandom. Transformers, thank the stars, is a very unified fandom on almost every front. You might never run into the people I'm about to talk about. But there is a noticeable divide between two rather undefined factions. For the sake of this, I shall dub them the lore purists and the rabid fans. The lore purists get SO mad at everyone who doesn't agree with their takes, those who mess with the lore, or otherwise have views that don't match with canon content. On the opposite side of things, the rabid fans can be kind of unhinged and not in a good way at times. They can become quite vicious when it comes to other people's headcanons and preferences. Both sides fight each other and amongst themselves.

It's not particularly noticeable to newcomers, but I've seen more than a few people trying to fight each other over the net for being sympathetic toward a certain character or for having ideas and aus with 'problematic' content. Even I've been on the receiving end of the unhinged a few times for having sympathy for my fav war criminal. With that said, honestly its easy to avoid getting involved in these two sides to the fandom. Just do your thing and be polite and huzzah, everyone is really really nice.

[keenmemes]

↪ my 2024 spotify wrapped.

a collection of sentence starters based on lyrics from my top 100 songs on spotify this year. change wording as needed.

" all i want is a better life. " " bury me in pleasure. " " isn't it strange to create something that hates you? " " i am everything that you're not. " " happiness is an illusion. " " i'm here, whether you like it or not. " " i want things that money can't buy. " " when you look into the mirror, are you even there? " " i know you tried your hardest. i know that you meant well. " " trepidation doesn't stop death, but it stops life. " " you'd put a foot on my throat for a foot in the door. " " you sold your soul to who you thought you needed most. " " i never fail to never learn from mistakes. " " it isn't very often that i get pissed off. " " ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves. " " unlike you, i've got no mercy left to give. " " i miss the way you say my name. " " am i chasing a high that i won't live down? " " come give me something i can feel. " " don't you want me like i want you? " " don't you need me like i need you? " " i feel like the angel who fell for the devil. " " i don't know what i'm made of anymore. " " i was waiting all my life to know you. " " everything has a price. " " i will take what you owe me. " " you'll die before you ever see the sun. " " i won't lie: you know i love the danger. " " if looks could kill, we would die tonight. " " every fiber in me screamed out, but i couldn't make a sound. " " it's us or them. " " everyone's counting on me. " " you won't get far being on your own. " " whatever you tell yourself, it's not true. " " i let you cut me open just to watch me bleed. " " i got everything i could want, but it wasn't enough. " " i was calling you. did you hear me? " " i won't atone for debts i paid for in full. " " try me. i dare you to try me. " " a cheers to the life you don't get to choose. " " we both know how the story ends. " " this is what you asked for. " " thought i knew who i was. looks like i was wrong. " " we said that sex isn't love, but it seems like enough for us. " " touch me again. " " i love you to death, but i'm drowning. " " you're just the company you keep, and trouble tends to follow me. " " two sides to a story, but they never tell my side. " " growing up, i was the problem that they didn't solve. " " you keep me sharp and test my worth in blood. " " you always told me i was never enough. " " who'll absolve you of your sin? " " something was between you and i, my dear. " " just let me go or take me with you. " " who will pray for you when your body's gone? " " i know what you want from me. " " you take what you want, then leave. " " tell me you met me in past lives. " " you make me wish i could disappear. " " you gave me nothing whatsoever but a reason to leave. " " you said you'd always save me, so where are you now? " " it's an art and it's a game - can't win, but we play. " " every tear, every drop of blood, was not for you, but in spite of you. " " you've got my body, flesh and bone. " " did i mistake you for a sign from god? " " we've no idea what we've got until we lose it. " " i don't swim or sink. i just float. " " from what i've gathered, you grew up nice and sheltered. " " is there something you give that you will never receive in return? "

[sicklyseraphnsuch]

Can you write about Fionna, seeing the Simon petrikov of her world?

"Woah, wait what? There's a university nearby? Since when?"

Marshall shrugs. "Since forever?"

Gary blinks. "Marshall, you graduated from college?"

Marshall smacks him on the arm. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Gary smiles as charmingly as he can. "Well, I mean... With your lifestyle..."

"I seem like an uneducated boor?" Marshall grins with just a hint of menace. "And you would be right. I never graduated. Mom made me take a bunch of business classes that I hated with every fiber of my being. So I dropped out."

Fionna blinks. "How come I never knew this about you? We've been friends since... since..."

Actually, if Fionna tries to think about when they became friends, her memories get a little foggy. Marshall crosses his eyes as if experiencing the same thing. This must be one of the side effects of their world technically being only 12 years old and at the same time much much older than that. Fionna is not 12 years old but neither can she concentrate on anything that happened before 12 years ago. It's... just a little unsettling, if she thought about it for long enough.

So, she does the tried and true method of simply not thinking about it too much. In the same way, she won't think about how it's completely novel to learn about nearby cities as if other cities didn't exist until very recently, like maybe even right now. It's whatever. She's learning about it now, and that's that.

"I... do remember..." Marshall murmurs softly, as if tugging on a particularly stubborn weed. "I snuck in an elective that Mom would have hated. It was about like Mothman and the Loch Ness monster."

"They teach you that in college??" Fionna gasps, her eyes going starry.

"Eh... It wasn't specifically about them but it was about folk lores and folk songs in general. I really loved the professor that taught it. She described like cryptids and encounters of the third kind in this really poetic, almost romantic way. It was kinda weird and like really cool at the same time. What was her name? Petrikov? Petrova? Petri-something..."

Everything in Fionna stops. She can no longer hear Marshall speaking. Because there's no way. There's no way!! Nothing outside of this city - which she knows like the back of her hand - has existed until literally someone "remembers" it exists. Their world is balancing on the knife's edge of already born and currently being made. And now there's a Petrikov here? What? WHAT?!?

Gary gently taps her arm. "Um, Fionna? You in there?"

Fionna grabs Marshall by the front of his shirt. "You have to introduce me to... her? Professor Petrikov is a woman??"

Marshall squints at her, looking markedly more intent. "Yeah. She is."

Fionna should probably note the terrible emphasis in Marshall's tone just now. But her mind is whirling with implications. Simon is here? She has a Simon in her world? A Simon specifically for this world? Holy schmazow.

Gary tilts his head, observing his boyfriend in a way that Fionna is simply unequipped to presently.

"You're... protective of her. That's kinda sweet."

As always, when faced with evidence of his sentiment, Marshall curls into himself, shrugging it off as casually as he can. "I mean, it's just you know... She's a really great professor. I learned a lot from her."

Then as if rousing himself from sleep, a certain awareness enters his eyes. Fionna catches that and wonders if a new part of their world - their shared lore - was just made.

"Yeah, actually you know what... The semester that I took her class, that's when I started playing around with songwriting. She inspired me to look into poetry more. And after her class ended, I dropped out." Marshall nods to himself, kicking back with that patented bad boy smirk. "I've been a vagabond ever since."

Gary rolls his eyes at him. "Some vagabond you are, crashing on my couch."

Marshall winks at him. "You'd be lonely."

Fionna raises a hand. "Let's get back to Professor Petrikov. Can you like introduce us?"

Marshall turn, losing some of his sass as he focuses on her. "I mean yeah. I've been meaning to visit."

Fionna feels her smile stretch so wide, her cheeks begin to hurt. "Road trip!!!"

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #1243: Triple N Progess Run (SSBU X Darkstalkers)

1:25 p.m. at La Shy Guy's Café's Outdoor Diner......

Escargoon: (Takes a Sip of his Latte he Ordered Along with Dedede with a Smile) I gotta say, De, I'm really impressed with your challenge run right now.

Dedede: (Smiles Brightly) I know, right? We're already halfway in the month and I didn't fold even once. I'm proud myself right now.

Escargoon: As you should, my friend- (Raises his Cup Up) cause I'm proud of you myself.

Dedede: (Let's Out a Hardy Laugh Before Raising his Cup Up as Well) Cheers to that!

The long time duo clink their drinks together before taking another sip and sitting their cups back down on the table.

Escargoon: I can't imagine it being easy for you this whole time. I mean, you're dating a succubus model for Pete's sake.

Dedede: ('Sighs Heavily') Hooo boy, you don't have the slightest idea right now.......I love that woman with every bit of fiber of my heart and soul, but God DAMN if she doesn't know how to put up a good fight! I can't even take a proper breather without worrying about what she's gonna do next.

Escargoon: It gotten that intense already, huh?

Dedede: Hell yeah. 'Member I told you the time she flashed me on the first morning of the month? Boy, I tell you that was mere child's play compared to all the other crazy shit she pulled this month. Like that one time I was at the mansion and-

Flashback to Smash Mansion's Living Room

Isabelle: (Smiles at Morrigan While Doing Yoga Along with Her on Their Respective Mats) Thanks again for joining me on my Yoga Session today, Morrigan. I've really been falling behind on them these days.....

Morrigan: (Smiles Back at Izzy) Think nothing of the sort, my dear!~ I'm happy I have the time to do this on my day off from work today. This is so relaxing~

Isabelle: (Happily Nodded in Agreement) Uh-huh. (Turns to Wolf and Dedede, Sittong on the Sofa, Watching TV Together Right Next to Her and Morrigan) You boys are more than welcome to join us whenever you like!~

Wolf: Nah, I'll pass. Never been a fan of Yoga.

Dedede: I've done it once, made me broke my back. Hated it ever since.

Wolf: ('Heh') Old timer.

Dedede: (Glares at Wolf) Boy, don't start.

Isabelle: (Softly Glares at the Duo on the Sofa) Boys, no fighting over there. (Turns Back to Morrigan) Now, where were we- ('Gasps') No way. Morrigan, are you doing-

Morrigan: The Jack-O Pose?

Dedede's eyes starts widening up as he turns to see his succubus of a girlfriend is now doing a meme worthy classic, the Jack-O Pose at pure delight and ease.

Morrigan: Why, indeed I am!~ It's been quite some time since I've done this, so you'll have to excuse me if it looks a little rusty.

Isabelle: (Puts on an Impressed Smile on her Face) Are you kidding? This look perfect enough as it is! ('Sigh') Making me wanna try doing one of my own without falling over again......

Morrigan: I'm sure you'll be able get it down one of these days, Isabelle, my dear. It only takes a few more practice and concentration for your body and soul and more focus put on achieving it to near perfection. (Forms a Seductively Teasing Smirk at her King Looking at Her Right Now) Just so you could use on the man you love and adore~

Morrigan blows a kiss at Dedede's way as her hips starts to move up and down and then wiggle it around all over the place, shortly after. Putting his eyes on a mesmerizing trance, as if it's taunting him to come over and give it a more....."thorough" investigation. Hell, he was this close to getting out of his seat until a few snaps of Wolf's finger appears in front of the ex king's face.

Wolf: Hey. De!

Dedede: (Immediately Comes Back to Reality, Startled) I WASN'T STARING AT IT, I SWEAR!! (Notices Wolf is Staring at Him With a Raised Eyebrow, Confused) ....Uhhhhhhhh- ('Clears Throat') You uh....Need somethin', Wolfman?

Wolf: Yeah. Firstly, I'm gonna have to ask you to never call me that for as long as you live. Second, I'm about head out and get us all something to eat. You wanna come with?

Dedede: ('Sighs in Relief') Nah, I'll pass.....Need to clear my mind for a sec.

Morrigan: Spendid!~

The sound of light, muffled clapping starts ringing into De's ears as he turns to see Morrigan is now making the cheeks of her rear to clap.

Morrigan: You can see if I could stay in this position for twenty minutes~

Dedede: (Eyes Widened in Fear and Under Pressure) On second thought- (Immediately Gets Himself Up From his Seat) I could use some fresh air right about now. (Quickly Rushes Out the Room Without Looking at Morrigan) See y'all in a few!

Wolf: (Sighs as He Walks Out the Room as Well) I'll make sure he doesn't bump into something on the way there. Or faint.

Isabelle: (Watches the Boys Walk Out the Room) Poor De. (Turns Back to Morrigan) You're gonna end up making him have combust if you keep teasing him like that.

Morrigan: That's the plan!~ (Forms an Sinster Smirk on her Face) I love it.

Isabelle: For No Nut November?

Morrigan: For No Nut November~

Back to the Present

Escargoon: A Jack-O Pose AND the clap of the ass cheeks at the same time? That's terrifyingly impressive.

Dedede: My thoughts exactly! (Crosses his Arms Huffing and Puffing) Bet she was smirking the whole time we were out too. Oh, and let's not forget the time me and her went to the park and-

Flashback to the Local Smash Park.......

Dedede: (Sighs Relaxingly as He Leans Himself Back a Bit While Sitting Next to Morrigan on a Bench Together) It always a good time being out here in this weather~

Morrigan: (Sighs Relaxingly While Holding a Firecracker Popsicle in her Hands) Agreed~ (Turns to Dedede) Darling,, are you sure you don't want a popsicle of your to devour as well?

Dedede: Yeah, I'm sure. Ate breakfast earlier, so I don't feel the need to eat anything sweet right now, you know?

Morrigan: (Stares at De for a Brief Second Before Shrugging it Off) Hm. Suit yourself. Say, do you mind holding the stick for me as I eat it? (Hands the Popsicle to De) I don't want to rest my hair getting sticky. (Starts Wrapping her Hair Up into a Ponytail)

Dedede: Sure thing. (Takes the Wrapping Off the Popsicle and Holds it Right in Front of Morrigan's Face) It's all ready for ya.

Morrigan: Thank you, dear.

Morrigan pushes the front side of her hair back a little as she leans over and..."casually" suck the popsicle down back and forth before leaning back a bit to lick it all over with her tongue and sucking it all over again, all while moaning sensually in the process.

This in turn, causes the poor Ex King of Dreamland's eyes to widen up at the entire display in front of him, in pure disbelief, unable to looking away no matter much he wants to. As if his girlfriend wasn't irresistibly hot enough already.....

Dedede: Jesus christ, Morrg.......

Morrigan: (Looks Back Up at her King with a Look Nearly Equivalent to That of Bedroom Eyes) Hmm?~ Is something the matter?

Dedede: Uh- (Comes Back to Reality Before Quickly Turning Away a Bit) N-No! It's nothing. Just.....(Starts Blushing) loving you unconditionally like always, is all.....

Morrigan: (Heart Begins to Melt in Pure Happiness) Ohh~ I love you too, my dear king~ (Looks Back at her Frozen Dessert) And I think I LOVE this treat just as much~

Dedede: Mhmm.....(Sucks his Teeth as He Sees a Koopa, Sitting a Few Feet Away From the Bench, Playing his Saxophone in a Slow, Sensual Sounding Melody) Man, do we really have sit right next to that saxophone player over there?

Morrigan: (Softly Pouts at her King) Dedede! Be nice. (Pulls her Ten Dollar Bill Out of her Purse) He is doing a wonderful job plating that saxophone and will continue to do as such as he wish. (Summons her Bat to Fly Over and Drop the Ten Dollars Down onto the Koopa's Saxophone Case) For you, my good sir.

Saxophone Koopa: (Tips his hat to Morrigan Before Resumes Back to his Playing Session)

Morrigan: (Turns Back to Dedede) Now, be a very good boy and pay him no mind, okay?

Dedede: ('Sighs in Defeat') Yes, ma'am.

Morrigan: Thank you. (Forms a More Seductive Smirk on her Face) Now~ Where were we?~

Morrigan resumes back to her sensual popsicle sulking while moaning a little more louder than previously, causing De to groan in displeasure at trying hus hardest to keep himself and his urges in complete check.

End of Another Flashback

Escargoon: Okay, that saxophone playing in the background, was just asking her to get a rise out of you at that point.

Dedede: Exactly what I was thinking! (Facepalms Himself While Groaning Some More) Oh God and don't even get me started at the time at that restaurant-

Flashback to the Crimsonette Restaurant

Dedede was playing on the piano while Morrigan was sitting on top of it, singing her heart out.

Morrigan: Fill my heart with song and let me sinh forevermore!~You are all I long for, all I worship and adore!~

Morrigan then proceeds to teleport her way to sit right next to her king, startling him a bit. She then slowly leans herself over to him while looking deep into his big eyes with her signature bedroom look, making him blush all over again.

Morrigan: In other worrrrds~ Please be truuuuuue~ (Gently Places her Hands onto Dedede's Cheek) In other words~ I looove yoooooooou~ My darling king~

The pair then share a passionate kiss on the lips as everyone else present in the establishment begins to applaud the both of them right on cue.

End to Yet Another Flashback

Escargoon: (A Memory Coming Back to Him) Oh yeah, Bandana Dee showed me a clip of that on choir practice a day after that. You guys did pretty good up there.

Dedede: (Takes a Bow While Still Sitting on his Table) Thank you, thank you kindly. (Lightly Slams his Hands on the Table) But that's beside the point, boy! I'm at my wits here!

Escargoon: (Gives his Best Friend a Reassuring Smile) I know it's a tough road ahead, De. But try and keep at it until the very end. I guarantee I will be all worth it then.

Dedede: Sure hope it.

'Buzzzzzzzz'

Dedede: (Picks his Phone Up and Check the New Message Sent to Him Just Now) What the?

Escargoon: What is it?

Dedede: Morrigan sent me a five minute long audio recording just now. (Puts on a Bit of a Deadpinned Look on his Face) Who wanna bet it's something lewd?

Escargoon: (Shrugs) Only one way to find out.

Dedede: Yeah, yeah. (Press Plays on the Audio With a Picture of Morrigan and a Few of her Modeling Friends are Laying in One Bed Together)

Morrigan: (In the Recording) Good day, my lovelies!~ This is one and only Morrigan Aensland speaking and the ladies here and I decided do something for all the working men and women out there that is need desperate need of a stress reliever right now. This is also dedicated to a...very special former king of Dreamland that has stolen my beating heart in allll the right ways~ I hope you enjoy the ride, my love~ (Makes a Single Kissing Noise)

The audio went silent for a few seconds until a familiar sound of the saxophone begins to play in the background, follow by the collective sounds of sensual sounding moans from each of the ladies present in the audio, Morrigan especially, who is gradually becoming the loudest and most prominent of them all.

This, in turn, causes the duo's eyes and mouth to slowly open up wide as they are in near speechless in pure disbelief at what they are hearing on De's phone right now.

Dedede: (Starts Using the Napkin to Wipe Sweat Off his Forehead as He's Blushing Up a Storm) Dear lord........

Escargoon: Is.....Is this.....seriously five whole minutes of them moaning?

Dedede: Should've known that would be the case just by looking at this picture alone.

Morrigan: I love you, my darling king!~ (Continues Moaning Along with the Other Ladies on the Recording)

Escargoon: Man, you are not kidding when you say she's going all out.... (Notices Dedede's Hand Hovering on the Phone) Heyyy. De, what are you doing over there?

Dedede: (Quickly Hides his Hands Behind Back While Giving Escargoon the Most Awkward Smile Imaginable) NOTHING! Nothing. I was just getting a any sip of my drink.

Escargoon: (Raises an Eyebrow at De) Really? Cause it looks to me that you were about to pick up that phone and call her.

Dedede: ('Scoffs') So what if i am? I was going to tell her how neat the audio is and compliment saxophone player in the background and....(Starts Sweating Again but More Nervously This Time Around) the ladies on....contributing....with.... their mooooan- (Suddenly Let's Out a Loud, Frustrated Sounding Groan) ('ARGHH') I can't- (Bang his Fist on the Table) TAKE THIS SHIT no more!!

Escargoon: De, come on, you can't cave yourself in now, not when you're only halfway there!

Dedede: (Comically Glares at Escargoon) Boy, you think I don't know that already!? First the pose, then the Firecracker popsicle, the duet, and now this!? (Poinrs his Hand on his Phone with The Sound Moaning and Saxophone Still Playing on There) That beautiful woman is doing too much, man, she's killing me!!

Escargoon: This obviously her way to psyching you out of focus. What you need to do right now is calm down, taking a deep breath, and-

Dedede: (Gets Up From his Seat) Nah, you wanna do I'm gonna do instead? I'mma call her up on my phone, tell her i give up, and have her help BUST. MY NUTS. OPE-

Before De could even dare to finish that sentence and do the unthinkable, he suddenly gets knocked upside the back of his head hard enough into sitting him back down on his seat, completely stopping him from crashing out entirely. And it was all thanks to none other than the legendary Bounty Hunter of the Smash Family, Samus Aran.

Samus: Pull it together and keep it in your pants, De. This isn't over yet.

Dedede: (Starts Panting as He Gradually Comes Back to Reality) Yeah.....You're right......(Claps Both of his Cheeks Two Times Before Putting on a More Determined Look on his Face) This ain't over until I MAKE that succubus sing a melody on the first midnight of December! (Turns to Samus with a Smile) Thanks for breaking me outta that funk, girl.

Samus: (Smirks a Bit at Dedede) Anytime, brother.

The Smash duo then shares a casual high five with one another.

Samus: (Happily Waves Hello to Escargoon as She Finds Herself a Seat) Hi, Escar~

Escargoon: (Waves Back at Samus with a Bit of a Confused Look on his Face) Hey, Samus....What's going on here?

Samus: Nothing too major. (Gently Pat on Dedede's Shoulder) Just making sure this dumb-dumb over here doesn't slip up and fail the challenge.

Dedede: It may be a handicap to some, but I find this strategy far more beneficial than completely doing it all on myself.

Escargoon: (Shrugs) Hey, if it helps, it's help. (Smiles Softly) I'm just glad you didn't throw in the towel yet.

Dedede: ('Sighs in Relief') You and me both, man. And you're right, it has been tough battle so far- (Puts on a More Determined Look on his Face) But I did not fail more than three times to four in the row just to add this year to the tally! I'mma pass me that challenge.

Samus: (Puts on a Proud Smile on her Face) That's the spirit, De. I'm with you 100%. Just don't go back on our word, you hear?

Escargoon: (Raises an Eyebrow in Confusion) His word?

Samus: I made him promise to never take the challenge again afterwards.

Dedede: If I win this one.

Samus: (Gives Dedede a Firm Glare) Um. No. There is no "ifs", "ands", or "buts" in this discussion, De. You're going to quit participating in that stupid challenge whether you win OR lose.

Escargoon: I'm gonna have to agree with Samus on this one, bud. You've already proven yourself to be a man in your own right, you don't have to keep proving that by taking a challenge that's already a meme of itself.

Dedede: ('Sighs in Defeat') Yeah, i guess y'all have a point there...It does starting to get old after while.

Samus: Exactly. Hence why I say it's stupid.

Escargoon: Hey, speaking of which, have you participated in the challenge this year, Samus?

Samus: (Starts Rubbing The Back of her Hair Back and Forth) Yeah, but uh.......

Dedede: You failed again, didn't you?

Samus: ('Sighs in Defeat') Yeah....Last night.

Samus Aran: Mission's a Bust.

Dedede: (Clicks his Teeth at Samus in Disbelief) Damn girl! And you said I'm weak minded?

Samus: (Pouts at Dedede) Hey, excuse me for having The Strongest Momm- I mean, Mom- I-I mean- (Starts Blushing Before Clearing her Throat) The Strongest WOMAN in the World for a girlfriend. I knew what i gotten myself into the day I fallen in her with her- (Glares at Both De and Escar as Her Face Starts Getting Redder) And I am NOT a Bottom!!!

Escargoon: We.....didn't say you were one though.

Dedede: (Forns a Teasing Smirk on his Face).But since you brought it up......

Escargoon: (Quickly Glares at his Best Friend) De, don't start.

Samus: (Glares Harshly at Dedede) Yeah, De. DON'T. Unless you really want me to send you to outter space.

Dedede: ('Clicks Teeth') Man, will you relax already, girl? I was just kidding! You being a Top and/or Bottom doesn't change the fact that you're the toughest Bounty Hunter in the whole town. Especially not to us.

Escargoon: (Smiles Softly at the Bounty Hunter in Question) Yeah, you'll always be cool in our eyes, Samus.

Samus: (Heart Begins to Melt as She Turns Away From the Duo, Pouting) Whatever. (Starts Blushing Once More) You dorks will always be cool in my eyes too....

Dedede: (Snickers a Bit) You gonna give Luigi a run for his money on the cuteness scale if you keep puffing your cheeks out like that.

Samus: Nah. I can never be on par with Weegie's cuteness. Remind me hug him later, will ya?

Dedede: (Smirks at Samus) Give us details on what happened that night and I'll convince everyone in our group to give the greatest group hug he'll ever have in his life.

Samus: (Notices the Picture on Dedede's Phone) Lemme hear that audio Morrigan sent you first and I'll you tell you every juicy detail possible. (Turns to Escargoon) If you don't mind listening too, Escar.

Escargoon: Yeah, I don't mind. I think I'm curious about it too actually.

Dedede: Then it's a deal-deal!

Both Dedede and Samus shake on the respective deals as they enjoy the rest of their chatting together with Escargoon on a breezy afternoon.

@bestpony666

@tampire

@caleb13frede

@meme-boys-blog

[kaayyyys]

Negan smith x reader

(season 11)

enemies to lovers

Short series

Summary: you hated negan. you had too right? with negan out of his prison cell you and the alexandria group decided to put his skills to use . so now here you are in the woods grouped up with negan looking around for supplies.

Conflict

He's been in my head and life for years. Negan Smith. Just the name makes my blood boil, a knot of pure, rage the thought tightening in my chest. This hate feels like a living thing festering and growing with each passing year. People talk about forgiveness, about moving on, about building a better future. But how can you forget when every single good thing was destroyed because of him?

It started with Glenn. Sweet, damn Glenn. I knew him from the very beginning, back when this whole world went to shit. A pizza delivery boy who risked his neck to scavenge for us, always had a smile, a stupid, hopeful smile that somehow made things feel a little less bleak. And Negan just... took him. Bludgeoned him to death in front of everyone like he was nothing. In front of Maggie. Like his life, his kindness, his hopeful damn smile meant absolutely nothing. That was the first taste of the poison that Negan injected into our lives.

Then there was Abraham. Another good man, a soldier with a gruff exterior and a heart of gold. He was a rock for so many of us, a protector. And Negan smashed him too. Just like that. Two blows, two lives extinguished to prove a point. To show us who was in charge. To break us.

But it wasn't just the deaths, as horrific as they were. It was the helplessness. The way he controlled us, the fear he instilled, the resources he stole. Alexandria, our sanctuary, our home, became a prison thanks to him. We were living on borrowed time, constantly under his thumb, forced to give and give until we had nothing left. He made us feel small, insignificant, worthless.

The Saviors. That's what he called them. A community ruled by fear and violence, where kindness was a weakness and brutality was a virtue. He built an empire on the backs of the broken, and for that, I'll never forgive him. Never. He may be "rehabilitated" now, trying to play the good guy, but in my eyes, he'll always be Negan. The man who stole everything. The man I hate with every fiber of my being. And that's a feeling that will likely stay with me until the day I die.

That's why I never expected what happened.....

When I was in the garden that was in full bloom, brimming with vibrant colors and fragrant herbs and lush green vines that climbed the weathered walls of sturdy houses, and their bricks softened by the creeping vegetation. And kept plots overflow with vegetables, a testament to the community's resilience.

You could almost imagine a normal life here, a life where the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds are louder than the echoes of the past. It's a fragile beauty, but it's there, a pocket of hope carefully cultivated and quickly disrupted as Maggie approached me asking a question that made the past flash across my eyes....

Maggie

We need to talk about Negan.

I see the look on your face, and yeah, trust me, I get it. I've got more reasons than most to hate that bastard. But we're trying to build something here, something better, and we need every advantage we can get. And right now, Negan… Negan might be our best shot at getting what we need.

And that's where Negan comes in. He knows how to lead.

I want you to go out scavenging with him. I know, I know, it's a lot to ask. But I trust you. I trust your judgment, and I trust that you can keep him in line. Besides, having you there will keep him in line.

Think about it. You’d be coordinating multiple teams, hitting targets nobody else even thought about. We could practically double our scavenging yield in a week! It wouldn't be easy, that's for sure. You'd have to keep everyone focused, manage egos, and probably mediate a few arguments between Negan and whoever he feels like antagonizing that day. You have a way of getting people to listen, to work together, even when they don't want to.

I know this is a big ask and it makes my skin crawl even suggesting it. But we're in this together, and we need to do whatever it takes to survive. Are you with me?

You

"With all due respect, Maggie,"

I say, my voice tight,

"you're asking the impossible. You think more supplies are worth working with the man who took everything from us? Some things you can't just forgive, can't just sweep under the rug for the 'greater good.' He doesn't deserve to breathe the same air as us, let alone be apart of my scavenging team."

The thought of coordinating with him, of seeing that smug look on his face as he lords over others, makes my stomach churn.

"You're wrong if you think he's the answer. He's a disease, and you're letting him infect us all over again."

Maggie

"Please y/n for me. ...... for Glenn.... for the future '

I swallowed tears filling my eyes. Looking down I nodd reluctantly.

[lily-of-the-flame]

I decided to play some Celeste because I never finished Farewell. I last played quite a while ago, so I'm pretty rusty, and I'm at that room where there's a bunch of locked doors and you have to do a bunch of challenges to get the keys. I'm going so much faster than the last time I played over a month ago, which I am going to claim is because I am channeling trans energy. I've quickly caught back up to where I was before and then continued, and where my first time took an hour before I even got rid of the electricity, this time I've already finished four out of five challenges. I think I only managed to complete two of them over the course of several hours before.

However, it's not all good.

You stupid jellyfish. You have caused me endless suffering. I hate you with every fiber of my being.

I use a controller to play Celeste, and my index finger hurts from holding down the trigger.

[stardustchimera]

TW: Eternal Well of Grief [Healing is hard.]

To heal trauma is to grieve. To grieve is to heal from the lost habit of being with a person. The very act of being the a room with a person can become habitual. Flipping for a lightswitch, turning a door handle, reaching for a phone, all little habits. Little bits that build up our mind and body and allow us to act without thought. And the more you did them, the deeper they were. Cuddling with another can become habitual, and can lead to moving to cuddle, even in sleep. The scent they give off becomes calming, and pursuing thay calm can become deeply important to emotional regulation. And to have that stripped away, removed from your life entirely would leave wounds where those habits lie. That is trauma, that is where it lives. In the very cracks of the body, between bones and muscle fibers and nerves and various tubes. It becomes calloused over at times, and must be grinded down like one so that it may stop ravaging the mind and body. Exhaustion and depression and anxiety all result from an uncared for callous rubbing against everything around it. Kind of like how people that do not work to heal their trauma may become a bother for the people they encounter. Kind of like how stress makes people. Y'know, because it's all stress? I've grown up practically in poverty and money was never a thing that people had, so we had to be really careful with it. I was 5 in 2008. My Mom was studying to be a teacher, my dad was always out on business trips or gambling or hiding away in his room or going out to eat on his own and I thought it was normal. But everyone's always busy still because covid hit and education has been less and less valued and I tried so so hard to get a degree but a girl can't make it through life without someone to help her when she can't do it alone. To be with a person becomes habitual easily. It was meant to be and it hurts and it's hard and it takes forever and it's scary at times but it feels better and can truly heal when it does not decay, but rather becomes refilled by something to fill your mind. Humans often have many joys, and anything can become a habit. Any small activity, reading, writing, learning tricks and skills, watching, running, hunting, guiding, throwing, making, training, playing, thinking, talking, planning, or even just being in the same space, and each one can fill a different little part in your mind or body that can make it feel better but that alone isn't enough. You must first heal from the wound itself, as that is also healing. But this part is also grieving. To seach for what would be. Each person will favor different parts of grief, and not every grievance will require every part of greiving, but it will take at least one. And the deeper the wound the more greiving must occur, and it will either have many parts, take much time, and/or be more emotionally intense. But each one has it's own needs to heal, and that requires a world where everyone accepts every way a person can be, for any person could end up any way, simply due to grief. But a part of grief is sexual, and the puritanical hate sexual deviation, and the US was colonized by the puritanical and they never left. And so the seed of fascism was sown in American soil. A more recent sprout known as evangelicalism was able to spread much faster and do much more damage, however, due to the ability for the charasmatic to lead. And then fascism was able to take root. And them puritanicals made it into the government, because evangelicals are not wary of the charasmatic, and would be more willing to support them. The seed grew and grew and grew. When covid hit, it began to bud. Leaf after leaf after leaf after leaf and now there's a new bud. It looks different than the others did. It looks like it's got petals. I pray it does not bloom, and this evil is ripped out by it's roots and the fruits of money-rooted things are not deemed too sweet to give up in exchange for community and a better world.

[beevean]

I don't even like Surge, but I did find it annoying whenever this happened

Surge: I literally have no choice but to hate you. Every fiber of my being was rewired for the sole purpose of hunting you down. It's not that I WANT to. It's that I HAVE to....

Sonic: Oh my gosh sister just chill out and get with the vibe!!

Surge: :/

Gee Sonic, thanks for adding pretty much nothing to the topic at hand

Oh, I fucking wish that was all Sonic said.

Sonic is calling Surge's pain a "schtick", something fake and affected, a gimmick. He's saying that Surge isn't special, her pain isn't special, she's just one of many that Sonic looks down on.

This panel has been dissected so thoroughly I could write an academic essay over it, but I just want to point to two parts:

1) "I've made peace with enough enemies to know there is a better way" this is a blatant lie because the only enemy Sonic has made peace with is Blaze, everyone else reformed out of their own volition or thanks to Amy's influence. But you can chalk this up to Flynn not playing the games: what matters is the implication that Sonic is expecting that Surge will automatically "make peace" as well, something that he reiterates in #56:

In an arc that is all about how Sonic has Strong Principles about Giving People Freedom, he's depriving Surge of any agency, expecting her to behave in a certain way.

2) "So I'm willing to chalk this up to 'a rocky start' and let us have a do-over, if you will" you will never convince me that this doesn't sound conceited as hell. He's literally talking down to her, acting patronizing and as if he has any authority ("I'm willing"? Oh thank you, how generous of you, Your Fucking Highness).

Do I need to explain how gross this sentiment is? I don't think so.

Anyway IDW Sonic is a vile person and I want to slam his stupid smug grin into the ground like Lanolin did to Whisper 💖

[nonsubstantial]

APRIL 2024 ART FASCINATION DIARY

This is another post about the art that I've been fascinated with this year. I make these posts monthly, so that I can look back and remember all the things that were keeping me happy and inspired! If you are reading this, then I hope it will be somewhat interesting to hear about. First, a collage of my interests this month, then there are descriptions below.

MUSIC / ALBUM I heard about Everything Harmony by The Lemon Twigs because Vinny Vinesauce liked it enough to feature it on his twitch channel four times within this last month. After checking it out, it quickly became a favorite of mine as well. It's inspired by 60's era rock bands like The Beach Boys and The Beatles, and the two brothers in charge of The Lemon Twigs were basically raised from birth to create this kind of music. They're excellent musicians, but I do have a few complaints, mainly that their band is a four person group that started as a two person group, and it shows. The musicians on their drums and backing guitar are unnoticeable most of the time, or even make their music worse when I really focus on the boring repetitive parts that they play in the mix. I think that it would improve things if we heard the other two members’ creativity shine a little more. On a different note, their lyrics also feel kind of hollow to me, sort of like facsimiles of themes that we heard out of the 60’s pop music that they’re inspired by. Maybe the brothers’ odd upbringing is what makes their lyrics feel like nothing more than dreamy imitations of other lyrics, rather than being something written from their own hearts? In any case, their vibe is really bizarre, but despite all my criticisms I did really enjoy this one album from them. (And actually, their new 2024 album is already out! It’s also fantastic, and I’ll talk about it on my May list.)

FANFIC / CREATIVE WRITING I've been working on a long fanfic for fun since last month, and every time I write a new scene for it I'm filled with a sense of creative euphoria for the rest of the day. It's not always perfect, but there's no real pressure to write something good, so it just ends up being an enjoyable outlet for my passions. Even if I never publish anything, being creative and exploring my own imagination is satisfying in itself, and I wish I had the time to do it every day! (HONESTLY, there could and should be time, if only our society actually prioritized taking breaks for mental health and personal wellbeing over making endless amounts of money and increasingly insubstantial products to be consumed by only the luckiest members of our parasitic upper class. I hate our unsympathetic workaholic capitalist culture with every fiber of my being, and wish that I could fucking end it all, but I digress...) Writing is just so fun. And I'll be working on the same projects for another few months, probably, as long as I can keep on keeping up with them.

REALITY GAME SHOW The finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 concluded this month, and I thought it was absolutely fantastic. Now that it’s over, we’re starting back from season 1 and we’re going to try to eventually watch it all! (We actually did finish season 1, right before posting this. It was interesting and groundbreaking in its own right, and it introduced me to Tammie Brown, who is now one of my favorite queens. Then, we started season 2 and I’m pretty sure that this is where the show’s bad reputation got its start, because I really can’t stand any of the season 2 contestants. Too bad, but we’ll keep on watching and see how it pans out anyway.) In season 16 though, there was just so much unique creativity and talent on display, and so many jaw dropping ‘holy shit’ moments, that I think it was one of the best things I have ever watched. It had the hypest final lip sync battle I ever could have imagined, and I had no idea which way it was going to end. In whole, I feel like the show was a wonderful watch, and I’m glad that our friends convinced us to give it a shot.

LIVE THEATER MUSICAL My partner and I were given a gift card to our local theater last year, so we finally used it to go see a live production of Annie! We don't live in a place where live musicals are very common, and I actually hadn’t seen any since highschool, so we had to make plans very early in the year to go watch it. And after having done so, I can say for certain that there is a unique magic to watching a live theater performance. I’m surprised that it was all performed so perfectly, even with children and a dog on stage, and remarkably, it sounded better than any recording I could find online before or after the event. It was so incredible all around that it totally transported me into a unique creative headspace. There were people of all ages there, some dressed up, some appearing more casual, but the atmosphere was delightful and jovial all around. I’m not going to comment about what was or wasn’t problematic about Annie; it’s not really that deep and you can probably figure that out on your own. But I will say that the magic of a live performance depends entirely on the energy in its room, and I was totally swept away by this experience. Without the discount, it would have been very pricey though, so I’m hoping that we can put away a little money to see a different live musical next year.

BOOK / AUDIOBOOK About a month and a half ago, I started Leo Tolstoy's epic work of historical fiction, War And Peace. I love a book that I can get completely lost in, and War and Peace is one of those books. I made it about 1/4th of the way through it this month, and even though it started slow, I’m now sure that it’s going to be an all time favorite. I read Anna Karenina years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I expected to like this one too, but there was still a sort of learning curve to overcome at the start. After over a month of engaging with it, I feel like I’ve finally gotten over its barrier to entry, and now I’m picking up the pace. Most people have heard of this book before, so let me tell you that its high-sounding title is no false advertisement. It’s a Russian slice of life book set during the Napoleonic Wars, dealing with a huge assemblage of political and philosophical conflicts, and it will have you exasperatedly crying “time is a flat circle!” as you realize that humans today have nearly the same brains and political interests that they had over 200 years ago. It is already a masterpiece, in my opinion, and I’m going to be reading this book for the entire month of May also, so that’s something to look forward to. If you’re interested in checking out an audiobook, I’m also listening to the Maude translation, narrated by Neville Jason, and I think it’s quite good! (That's it for April! But we're already a few weeks into May, so expect more Lemon Twigs and more War And Peace. Thank you for caring about me, and I hope you have a good day! ♡)

[darkangel0410]

this might be the best asks of all time bc our DMs are nothing but hater-nation and we are ultimately the correct ones. SOOOOO; 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 16, 18, 19, 24 - i had to ask so many bc your opinions are my FAV lmaooooo but feel free to *not* answer any you dont want!

We ARE always the correct ones - eventually people will realize it 🙄

the character everyone gets wrong

Listen, I have a list of players I'm going to take away from fandom because of crimes of mischaracterization and the list includes, but is not limited to: Matthew (Tkachuk), Jack (Eichel), Trevor, Jamie. Sometimes I swear people haven't ever spoken to a real live boy when they write the convos these guys have in fic

2. a compelling argument for why your fave would never top or bottom

I'll be strong and not turn this into an opportunity for my bottom!Jamie agenda, and instead say: Jack Eichel isn't a top - he wants to be fucked often and well, and would also like a few smacks on the ass before and after, thanks. He won't hesitate to tell whoever's fucking him what they're doing wrong, either.

3. screenshot or description of the worst take you've seen on tumblr

THERE ARE SO MANY WRONG TAKES ON HERE, WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE???? but easily the worst take I see on any given day is every single take about Matt (Tkachuk) and how his dad hates him and how he needs a fake gf because his dad's is ASHAMED of him or whatever the fuck people have decided is the new hot trauma to put him through - they've turned Matt into the fandom crier and I hate it with every fiber of my being

6. which ship fans are the most annoying?

for me, personally, it's any x reader/ yn or whatever writer who doesn't put their shit behind a read more (Also Nolan Moyle is not a dom, like come the fuck on people)

7. what character did you begin to hate not because of canon but because how how the fandom acts about them?

Crosby, full stop. I cannot stand the way fandom is with him and I can't even watch him play hockey and enjoy it any more

12. the unpopular character that you actually like and why more people should like them

The Knights. Just. The whole roster lmaooo

16. you can't understand why so many people like this thing (characterization, trope, headcanon, etc)

Rule 63, full stop. I don't get why people write it, why they never put in any actual character work into it when they do, and it gives me homophobic vibes (like in general, as a trope, not a specific fic). Like you change everything about someone, and the way the world sees them, the way it interacts with them, and I'm supposed to believe that every single thing happens exactly the same???? Pull the other leg, it has bells on

18. it's absolutely criminal that the fandom has been sleeping on...

Alex Turcotte, My Beloved - truly he's so pretty and sweet and plays good hockey and is just someone fandom needs to pay more attention to

19. you're mad/ashamed/horrified you actually kind of like...

I don't do shame, but I do find it kind of funny how much I love a/b/o now because I used to absolutely hate it when it first showed up lmaooo

24. topic that brings up the most rancid discourse

Censorship, 1000% because besides being gross on it's own, it's always dragging purity wank in with it and I've seen so much of that shit, I hate it

*

Thanks for asking bestie!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (choose violence ask game)

[zacksfairest]

Sephiroth - 2, 12, 22 | Sukuna - 5, 8, 21

Send a character + one or more of these question!

(this is long. it's going under a read more lmao)

Sephiroth

2. Favorite canon thing about this character?

How so very manipulative and sadistic and malevolent he becomes post-insanity. And it's specifically the juxtaposition between the two that makes it so good. He is the very definition of the fallen angel, God's favorite cast out of heaven for daring to stand against Him. He was Shinra's favorite son. Beloved by all. Shone the brightest of them all. Until he broke beneath the weight of the loneliness and isolation that that favored status brought him. He yearned to belong, he yearned for friends and companionship—until he found out that his best friends were just work friends and they left him behind. And once his mind broke, all bets were off. Humanity is an infestation, and he is better than all of us. He was raised to believe this, but he had the proof of it in his hands upon Jenova's discovery. He is practically a god in his own right, actually. And gods can do what they wish, and use whom they wish. Sephiroth was always hot, but the insane god complex combo who gets genuine pleasure out of pulling the puppet strings of those he deems Less Than is. :) Great. I'm fine.

12. What’s a headcanon you have for this character?

That he fucks and he fucks good. Next question. That is very sincerely my answer, but I'll also build on it lmao The fan base treats Sephiroth as an innocent uwu baby who has never known the touch of a woman (or man) and that's just utter insanity to me. Being a child soldier as he was, despite the power he had even at such a young age, would only have further exposed him to the crassness of his fellow soldiers. And as he rises through the ranks, becomes the face of the war with Wutai, you think he did not take advantage of that fame and fall into bed with even a select few starry eyed people? Please. I also believe that, just maybe, that manipulation sadism that his insanity brought out wasn't entirely out of nowhere. Maybe it simply broke the shackles that kept that part of his personality at bay—but it was there, and would come out at times when he wished for conquest. A soldier without a war to fight can be a dangerous thing at times~

22. If you’re a fic reader, what’s something you like in fics when it comes to ths character? Something you don’t like?

A LOADED QUESTION. But I will persevere. I love to read about General Sephiroth. I love when we get into the military aspect of his position within Shinra. He is the Hero of Wutai for a reason. Not just because of his immense strength and power. He was eventually made a General in Shinra's military, and you don't get that entirely due to nepotism. He has an analytical and strategic mind that absolutely came into play on the battlefield. And I fucking love reading about it. I've only ever read one fic that so very brilliantly executed this exact aspect of Sephiroth. I've been chasing that high ever since. Something I don't like? You already know this, but Fine I will make my stance public. I fucking hate reading about uwu baby domestic virgin Sephiroth with every fiber of my being. This is a SOLDIER who has KILLED PEOPLE and you make him an uwu soft boy. You make him blush when he sees a titty. I hate you. I hate you all. You make my eyes bleed.

Ryomen Sukuna

5. What’s the first song that comes to mind when you think about them?

So, like, technically, the first song that comes to mind when I think about him is SPECIALZ by King Gnu because the two are just so very intwined in my mind—but that is too easy, and I have others. The two that come to mind immediately after SPECIALZ are Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold and Forsaken by David Draiman. Nightmare very specifically just gives me a bit of a Sukuna POV, tormenting poor souls that have had the misfortune to fall into his domain~ And Forsaken is yet another POV song. Why should he hide any longer? Why should he not give into his hedonistic desires? Curses are everywhere, and he is the most powerful of them all. And he will drag anyone he can into his world where pain and pleasure mingle~

8. What’s something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you despise?

Why are you baiting me like this, Melody? I hate. Hate. HATE!!!!! The woobification of Sukuna. That man—creature, more apt, I believe—is nothing but hedonism personified. He takes immense pleasure in brutal torture and murder, in manipulation and humiliation, and, yes, in sex—but dare I say that he would prefer it to be non-consensual. You cannot fix this man. You cannot make him see the error of his ways. Your love will not set things right and make him a good guy. No pussy is that good. And his pleasure will always come first, btw. He is not going out of his way to make you feel good and loved etc. If it's not directly making his cock hard he doesn't give a shit. If I have to see one more reader insert where Sukuna takes care of you when you have your period or when you're sick—and it DOESN'T end in him simply ripping out your throat and skull fucking you—I will eat my hands.

21. If you’re a fic writer and have written for this character, what’s your favorite thing to do when you’re writing for this character? What’s something you don’t like?

So I have not yet written him within the bounds of his character in JJK—but I am still working on that Sukuna!Lemuel fic, so I will count that. Oh, writing Sukuna is pretty much everything I love writing in a terrible male character. He his haughty and violent and loves to play with his food. He gets immense pleasure out of instilling fear in those around him, and drawing it out as long as possible. I have so much fun dipping into that mindset. And he has no conscience! None whatsoever! So he can do whatever he wants! I never have to think "maybe this is too much," because I actually have to ask "is this not enough?" The only think I don't like—and it's not actually not liking, so much as me having to tear through my own inhibitions—is finding the delicate balance of "he is all powerful and currently tormenting someone with Zero power, so I need to find a way/reason for him to not simply rip them in two." It's the hardest part! Sukuna doesn't fuck around. He can and will simply tear your head from your body and be done with it—but I believe the caveat lies in whether or not you are entertaining him or at the very least interesting. Then he'll draw it out. Finding a way to make that so even him drawing it out doesn't result in a wound that is still lethal is yet another difficulty. But! These are fun challenges. So it's not that I don't like writing it, it's simply that it's not as easy to work with like blanket murder and destruction.