#I think it would be cool if I can make 2 ver of the drawing for everyday

[desktopdinosaur]

Day 2 - trading card

Hound of the underground - and special battle edition!

Was struggling with this one a little bit because I wasn’t sure how I wanted to shade this, and doing it in my simple style was quite hard-

[radskull-69]

1 - What do you think Angel Bob would be like in Obsessive Much?

2 - How does Lance see with those damn glasses?

3 - What happened to Bob's drawing of Y/n?

angel bob? God I love that au ver of him lol

QUESTION 1!

he’d definitely be a lot more desperate then bob is, be begging on his knees and since he’s a big guy he’d corner you in hopes you don’t leave him. Every time you come to check on him, it’s annoying having to pry him off you while he practically cries

every time he gets a cultist to give him pictures and belongings of you he feels so guilty but he can’t stop, he’d beg god for forgiveness, after or during jacking off you tell me.

probably thinks about cutting you open as a fantasy but would never do it since that mean you’d die :(

calls you angel most of the time but when things get spicy he’d call you a succubus tempting him away from god (like the song hellfire from that Disney movie!) also, in this au you were a devil costume!

He thinks the voices in his head are the devil lol

Has a whole ‘punishment’ thing, that you should be punished for tempting him and making him stray from god but in reality he just wants a excuse to feel these things for you (and he’s a kinky bitch)

QUESTION 2!

Lance wears sunglasses to look cool lol, he’s old (40) and tries to be hip but just looks silly since he never takes the damn things off. He can’t see at all of the room isn’t bright enough but he still refuses to take them off..

QUESTION 3!

bob kept the drawing of y/n in his room still, if he had tape he’d def tape the drawing to a pillow and pretend it’s you.

but since he can’t get those recourses right now he just has it on the coffee table within his view so he can look at it when you’re not there.

[esoraluco]

I’ve seen these (1, 2) Spamton Pokemon drawings and thought they were really cool- wasn’t going to do my own, however. But then I thought just how well Spamton fits within the stupid, silly world of Yokai Watch and all the pathetic divorcecore men it has in it.Just had to do it. Tried replicating the YW artwork style for fun and because i like it.

Mor FUN info under the cut + the reason as to why NEO doesn’t seem to have strings

Regular Spamton;

I think his description could be something among the lines of ‘A Yokai born who successful salesmen who lost it all. Now, he puts spam ads everywhere he goes, and inspirits happy salesmen, creating more instances of himself and repeating the cycle.’ Idk how strong he’d be? But he’d have a really annoying ability that can make fights harder. I don’t know what it could be though because I’m too much of a casual to know what abilities are good and which are bad. While it feels to me like Spamton could be a ‘Merican yokai, his rise and fall story is sadly possible in both countries. He’d be found in cities, near dumpsters; or abandonned office buildings. The player could have a quest with the (supposedly) ‘original’ Spamton, who requests a certain disk... 

Spamton Neo;

He’s a (optional) boss yokai. So where are his strings? Only at his shoulders! Because...

He’s a bunraku puppet! Gaster is the omozukai and Mike is the hidarizukai. Meaning Gaster is very well versed with bunraku puppetry, to the extent where he doesn’t have to wear a mask. In-game, yes this would be a lot of models to coordinate but: it’s cool. The End. Also Gaster and Mike would only appear when Spamton Neo’s health is low...  His heart IS his obvious weak point- like Gusty Bones I guess lol. No helping him directly sadly. Unless the player comes back after beating him- then they’d be able to ‘help’ him- by being the next person to puppet him. The cycle is endless and he is aware of it. But he might as well be friends with his new puppeteer now. Like all other bosses, once you befriend him he becomes small like his regular self and Ridiculous. Because as much as I love befriending bosses in YW, their tiny chibi ver will never not be funny to me.

[leejeongz]

treasure as your boyfriend - maknae line (asahi-junghwan)

hyunsuk-jaehyuk ver.

asahi: the “chaotic neutral” boyfriend

♡ his favourite date- the studio

♡ you can be as noisy or as quiet as you want. he works best when you’re with him, so he’s forever inviting you over. and he produces his best work when he’s around you and thinking about you. all the feelings he’s too shy to say to you come out in art form. you often get to hear and see everything before anyone else too.

♡ skinship- really not a fan of pda, but will allow himself to link arms with you in public if you want to. he would never force skinship for the sake of it but if your head naturally rested on his shoulder or if you snuggled up to him during a movie, i think he’d secretly like that. he really just likes casual hands brushing against each other, he gets butterflies whenever your hands come near him

♡ his love language- receiving gifts- he likes giving gifts too, but receiving them makes his heart flutter. you remembering little things about him makes him smile like a whole lot, especially when it’s something that he doesn’t even remember telling you or something of little importance.

♡ kisses- quite spontaneous but always very soft and meaningful. he’s so gentle with you, especially during kisses. his lips are super soft and so are his hands that rest on your hips. he was a little nervous for your first kiss so he kept his eyes open which spooked you a bit but now it’s a inside joke between you two.

♡ he does what he wants, you do what you want, he likes that and thinks it’s the best setup for the relationship because being clingy could make you hate each other

♡ he draws you. a lot. you might not know it, but you became his muse from day 1 and everything he draws has you in it

♡ when you've had a bad day, he sings for you and has lots of evident sympathy no matter what the issue is

♡ he’s VERY goofy around you. it takes him a while to become used to people so seeing that side of him makes you really soft. and if he knows you’re the same and you start acting a little more goofy, he starts to become even more comfortable around you.

yedam: the “your success is my happiness” boyfriend

♡ his favourite date- ice skating

♡ or anything wintery because 1 he likes to keep you warm, 2 he thinks you look cute all wrapped up in puffy jackets and jumpers and 3 it's not too hot to hold hands the entire time hehe. oh and also expect some singing from him if you get any alone time.

♡ skinship- a huge cuddly boy. he wants to be touching you all the time but he respects your want for space and privacy so he doesn’t. he LOVES holding hands, he’d do it all day if he could. seeing your cheek squished against his shoulder makes his heart melt too, so he takes pictures of it so it lasts longer hehe. he sometimes does that really cute thing where he links pinkies with you too 🥺

♡ his love language- physical touch- the way he just wants to be touching you all the time and you don’t get mad makes him SO happy. when you sit close to him, his heart races, never mind when you finally give him a hug or hold his hand. a lot of your relationship is long distance, even if you lived in the same house, he’d barely ever be there, so getting to cuddle you or be held by you is something that he looks forward to.

♡ kisses- if he’s refusing a kiss there’s something seriously wrong. his lips would constantly be attached to you if you let them. he likes holding hands during kisses and rubbing his thumb on your finger just for extra feels. omg eskimo kisses are his FAVOURITE. especially when his nose is cold just to tease you a bit

♡ he loves to secretly take pics of you and set them as his background because he thinks you look so adorable. we know he has a photography insta out there somewhere (drop the @ bro) and you’d be in like all of the pictures

♡ he writes love letters to you. they’re a little cringe so he signs them off as anonymous but obviously you know who they’re from since… well he’s your boyfriend

♡ he helps you study and build your confidence. he lets you borrow his notes and present stuff to him all the time, always giving positive and constructive feedback.

♡ he celebrates even the tiniest of achievements with you and shows you that there’s more to life than winning all the time

♡ if he can’t already speak your native language, he’d learn a few sentences and phrases like “i love you” and surprise you with them sometimes

doyoung: the “romantic but childish” boyfriend

♡ his favourite date- breakfast/brunch

♡ just making sure you get the most important meal of the day lol. it sets you both up for the rest of the day, especially if you can’t meet again until the day after. it also gives you chance to reflect on anything that may have happened that day before that you were maybe too sensitive to talk about previously.

♡ skinship- not the biggest lover of skinship but he isn’t opposed to it if you initiate it. he’s definitely one who prefers privacy so pda is off the table. he likes holding hands and staring into your eyes because they’re so pretty. ugh he’s so flirty and romantic 🤪

♡ his love language- acts of service- he’s a busy guy, he really appreciates when you do even the smallest of things for him like folding his clothes so they don’t get creased. your kindness is so attractive to him, it really confirms that he’s found the one.

♡ kisses- his kisses are a little messy but they’re always passionate. he just can’t contain his need for his mouth to be on yours, which actually happens quite frequently when you two are alone. he does that thing where he puts his hands on your waist, smiles at you flirtily, then pulls you in closer for the kiss which leaves you speechless every time.

♡ has your contact name in his phone set to just a heart and the picture is one that he secretly took of you on a date

♡ one of his favourite things to do is teaching you how to dance. whether you can already dance or not, he’s gonna teach you. just gives mr no skinship a chance to put his hands on you

♡ FLOWERS! he knows that not everyone is a fan of flowers but you will be while he’s around

♡ hands down the cheesiest person you know and usually you’d be cringing but because it’s him, it’s okay

♡ he’s always down to chat with you. at 1am, while he’s working or even when he’s with his family, he’ll drop anything to make you happy.

haruto: the “cool on the outside” boyfriend

♡ his favourite date- watching youtube

♡ you can learn a lot about a person by watching things they like to watch and taking an interest in something they’re interested in. you pair can share youtubers you think the other would like and just have a laugh together while being all cozy in bed.

♡ skinship- any and all skinship is appreciated by this guy, not that he’d tell you that. he secretly wants to cuddle with you all the time and hold your hand everywhere you go, but he always makes out like you’re the one who wants it by saying stuff like “gosh your hands are always so cold, here i’ll warm them for you”. his favourite are hugs where he just melts into your arms after a long, tiring day practicing. sometimes they’re just want he needs

♡ his love language- quality time- he wants to spend every second of every day with you. he wants to talk to you more on a one to one basis and he wants that time to be focused. when he finally gets time alone with you, he doesn’t waste any of it and gets straight to making memories with you that he thinks about all the time.

♡ kisses- longer kisses are super rare because he’s still quite timid and shy but the small little pecks?? he cannot get enough of them. he prefers to give them to you at random, surprising times because he likes it when you melt after it, he calls you cute every time awwww. he secretly enjoys when you kiss him in front of the members too even if he acts disgusted.

♡ ends all his messages to you with a heart WITHOUT FAIL

♡ helps you shop for clothes and jewellery. he picks out clothes for you and always manages to hit the mark

♡ creates a playlist of songs that have a special meaning within your relationship and constantly updates it

♡ does that thing where he gets so happy that you’re his that he can’t stop smiling, so much so that he can’t sleep

♡ he’s a little bit forgetful, but you always forgive him because he’s just so cute and he always makes it up to you anyway

jeongwoo: the “best friend” boyfriend

♡ his favourite date- skateboarding

♡ even if neither of you can skate, it’s fun and you can learn together. having fun when he’s with you is always the aim so anything like that is something he really enjoys

♡ skinship- skinship happens very naturally for you pair and it’s something neither of you have ever shied away from. he loves it when you hold hands and it makes him feel super proud that you can show him off like that. also loves when you let him rest his head in your lap and play with his hair.

♡ his love language- quality time- creating special moments with you is something that he will never forget and something that he’ll always bring up. he’s so grateful that you want to be with him and around him even at the most randomest times when you could be doing something else, but he loves it and he doesn’t ever want to see you leave.

♡ kisses- most are short and sweet but some, rare kisses can last for a while, where he smiles onto your smile because he just can’t believe what’s happening. he really likes those kisses but doesn’t initiate them all too often because he’s worried it’s the wrong moment. he actually asks the older boys for advice too 🥺

♡ tries to tease you and get the members involved but it always ends up backfiring and he ends up being the target

♡ a “remember when” type of guy, bringing up some of your most favourite and fondest memories

♡ is always up for absolutely anything you suggest. you’re the worst influences on each other (in the best way) but without those experiences, you wouldn’t have the amazing memories you have today

♡ wants to act like your protector and had you fooled for like a week until you realised he’s the one that needs protecting.

♡ when you compliment him, his actual self esteem sky rockets. there’s no more joking about how cool he is. your words mean the most to him (maybe his love language is words of affirmation too who knows hehe)

junghwan: the “first” boyfriend

♡ his favourite date- gaming together

♡ he loves to teach you and compete with you (because you let him win) and he thinks it’s cute and funny when you make mistakes or you do something really impressive

♡ skinship- he’s shy about it at first but warms up to it later. he never initiates anything because he doesn’t wanna overwhelm you. he doesn’t really like pda but he’ll do it for you, he’ll put his arm around your waist while you walk because it feels the most comfortable for him. it’s not skinship but just staring into each other’s eyes is something that happens regularly

♡ his love language- words of affirmation- hearing you saying he can do it only makes him more determined and, even though he doesn’t realise it, it actually makes him more independent. you know when he’s having a bad day, or if he’s got something important going on, so you drop him a little text which makes him so happy and he wants to make you proud (which he does and you tell him that all the time)

♡ kisses- kisses are something he craves a lot since the feeling of the first kiss you shared has stayed with him, but is always too afraid to make the first move. afterwards, he’s always a real giggly mess. every kiss is awkward with him at first since you’re both quite inexperienced, but soon you both start to understand what the other likes.

♡ he gets shy around you for ages because he likes you so much

♡ introduces “tech free” dates where neither of you can use your phone. they actually work really well for you two and you get to know each other a lot better

♡ works out what your love language is randomly one day, does his research, then slowly starts to implement it into your relationship

♡ a big hand holder when he senses you need nervous or anxious. he holds your hand for his own comfort as well as yours

♡ you share a lot of your firsts together, as well as being each other’s first relationship. it’s a time for him to learn and change so he appreciates any honesty, even if he does get a little bit sensitive about it sometimes.

[the-acid-pear]

I did my homework and i did my chores, time to tackle on the third book of this series, Son of Ogre

Chapter 1

Okay but the fuck is Baki planning to do if he stops fighting? That's literally all he has, he's not smart

WOOH THATS A BIT REALISTIC

PREHISTORIC ELEPHANT?!

King just went to have a snack. Also FUCK does that meat look tasty FUCKKK

This baby so cute 🥺

I'm so glad Yuji is doing stupid hilarious shit again it had been a while

Congrats on Baki for that mantis

Chapter 2

Who tf is this kid?

Poor kid lmao, i assume he will meet Baki

Look at my boyyy

HSTSRFAYDF DON'T CALL HIM A MANLET

Imagine Baki actually kills this kid HSJDYSSHCBT

Third comment with a ton of likes is "we do not condone child violence. We do, however, find it hilarious"

Chapter 3

AH SHUT UPPP KIDDO

But i like Baki memeing a round a lil

Chapter 4

🥺🥺 that's so sweet...

HELLOOOO STRYDUM MY GOD YOUR TITS GOT FATTER SIR 😳😳

Yujiro is such a fucking threat to society lmao

I love seeing Baki with his eyes open, he's looking more like his old self

Oh, shadow boxing incoming, alright

Chapter 5

Yuri? 🥺 /j

THE RETURN OF IRON MICHAEL?!

Chapter 6

I love how there's our silly little mains after every cover LUV em <33

Baki just dissociating his ass out and using it on his favor, the king

Why is Baki eating sour prunes aren't those meant to be sweet?

We all salivating

Chapter 7

Love to see there are even more swears there now

I can put my face next to my foot too tho

FAGDRJSEHARD YUJIRO CAN BEAT THE CANCER HOW ICONIC 😍

Also i would LOVE to see Yuji fight an Orca

WHAT?!

I love how everyone in the comments is calling out Rumina for not seeing issue going down to a dark hidden basement with a shirtless man older than him

Chapter 8

"piggy back me" USHSYFLFUDSY

This fight is going to be good

Chapter 9

Imagine Baki dies right here right know against an imaginary mantis lmao

Okay Baki getting damaged makes sense but the WALL?

Baki's dead (GOD IT HAS BEEN SO LONG SINCE I HAVE SAID THAT)

Ffs it's true Baki COULD create himself a stand 😰

Chapter 10

OH FUCK IT'S TRUE

Chapter 11

This fight is so boring i had to take a 6 hour break

Baki just can't win against nature eh

This reminds me of Garland pulling a suplex on that Anaconda

Chapter 12

I can't wait for the main cast to ACTUALLY appear, instead of just, you know, them in the covers

This fight is slow but cool but slow

To fight a mantis you must think like a mantis 😎

Though it's true in this manga you will most likely win if you steal your opponent techniques so

Chapter 13

I MISS IGARI FUCKKK

This is so dumb i luv it

That mantis be swearing lmao

Love it when Baki goes full Yujiro

Chapter 14

TOBA...

Holy fuck do mantis fly?

Secret Chapter?

Is this how Yujiro got born?

Idk girl i would have killed him if i was you

WHAT.

I KNOW THOSE FROGS THEY ARE FROM PUERTO RICO I THINK

I might just be sleepy but this is so confusing

AKSHSKGSKSGSJSG JUST KILL THE BABY IT AINT THAT HARD

Chapter 15

GAIA...

Why is he like this?

Is "he" with us right now?

...gotta admit that IS true...

I love Strydum sksgwhwg

Yujiro really went XD

I don't think my man Arun in the comments is aware how gay what he said is, though maybe I'm wrong

Chapter 16

GOD THESE FUCKING COVERS MAKING ME SO NOSTALGIC, LOOK AT SPEC!

ANIME KENNEDY?!

I can't believe Bush is dead

AN ASIAN BOY HAS JUST KIDNAPPED THE PRESIDENT...

8 of January? My god he's a Capricorn

I'm sorry, what?

LAHQIGWKQFWKSFWIWG 😭😭

I love Baki so much, THIS IS THE KID THAT I MISSED SO MUCH

This explains why Baki was in prison clothes in the anime teaser

Chapter 17

BIG NUMBER

That one mf like 😐

Glad Baki is 18 now at least 😌

Love to see Oliva back

Chapter 18

This page not even bothering to charge the pages anymore

I'm sure there were better ways to go to jail, well, actually, no, but still

Toba used to just chew that off

Baki did that mantis hit you in the head too hard?

I. I watched way too many prison movies and shows. I don't like seeing someone as young and pretty as Baki in such a place. I rlly don't.

Chapter 19

Yanagi baby i miss you...

IRON MICHAEL?!

Mfkhsjsys 😳🥴

Eh got my hopes too high

CHE BAKI PIBE... LA PUTA MADRE NI ACA ME ESCAPO DE MIS COMPATRIOTAS

I hope he swears too i want to see a boludo o pelotudo PLEASE

I mean para pelotudos lo veo a Yujiro todo el tiempo pero igual JSGWKEGWG me pone bien argento ver al Che carajo

Chapter 20

HE SAID BOLUDO SUAHWKWGAKSGSKSGSKGD

I can't take this omfg new fav I'm sorry Doppo but he just said boludo 😭

Pendejo is more used as pibe here but i will let it pass bc idk the lingo in Cuba and he spent some time there so

Why don't i speak like this too ffs? All i do is say eh and call it a day

He's cocky enough to call anybody any age pibe so I'll let that pass too

Por favor no lo hagas che sksgwj

Chapter 21

Che, pibe, it's a good day to die...

Chapter 22

GSHAGSTSG he should have said "no boludo"

I'm falling in love with this boludo myself

That's talented and brutal

OH RIGHT YOU LOSE YOUR BALANCE WHEN YOU DONT HAVE THAT

Chapter 23

Hm that's, cringe

YESSS HE SAID PELOTUDO

OAHWLGWKQFSKSGSJS SIII ROMPELO TODO CHE, ROMPELO TODO POR DECIRTE YANKEE KSGSSJGS

Honestly i too get pissed off when called American or European, though i won't throw shit to Baki, he's some random 18 yo japanese boy, no way he would recognize latinoamerican lingo lmao

King shit Baki boy

Chapter 24

Oh that's why he's called Jun Guevara, that's fair

I like how they are mixing a bit of truth and a bit of lie it's fun at least

Chapter 25

I like how they are drawing nipples now, occasionally

I can't wait for Viêt to complain about propaganda in the comments

OH SHIT

😳 :Y

He's sooo nice 😍

Chapter 26

Only three? You mean the third is... 👁️👁️

HAHA YEAH YUJI-CHAN <3

I can't believe he works for the USA I'm crying and shaking rn

What a progressive manga, the three strongest and most dangerous men and none of them are white 😍

GET HIS ASS BAKI

Chapter 27

Why is this guy sweating sm?

LDYDYSUGFUDT BAKI PLS

I like how the only time Baki was willing to kill a person was when he thought Sikorsky had hurt his girl

Chapter 28

I feel like Ian will die

Man i love how Baki is drawn in this book

Ffs i called it, i have watched way too many prison things to know how shit goes down

I have seen these three before in fanart but I'm curious to see what they can do

Chapter 29

Their faces remind me of Doyle

OH I CANT WAIT TO SEE EM IN THE ANIME

ASSHOLE DON'T CALL ME STUPID 😢💔

I'm gonna struggle to tell em apart but i think I'll manage

Okay I'm not the only one who thinks they look like Doyle, fair

Chapter 30

The mouth vs Yujiro when?

Someone mentioned the have the same vibe as the dudes that worked with Gaia and like 👁️👁️

Chapter 31

Lmao someone in the comments recommended the same thing

These three must be great at sex (sorry)

KSHALDHDKD NEW FAV COMMENT: "go to Japan and look for the word "defeat". That way you won't feel cocky anymore"

Chapter 32

Hehe hello Junnn~

KSHAKDHKWGS

La luna

Chapter 33

LOS TRES...

Okay that's funny, hocico instead of mouth (hocico is used for animal mouths)

I'm so glad i know Spanish

The two things that drive me insane and make me ramble are Doppo's beauty and this stupid argentinian

OSHSKWGSKSG

Chapter 34

Imagine he's doing that illusion thing Dorian did

With his own blood, that's so cool...

Hoho...!

I did that once when i had a terrible nose bleed, didn't go well

Chapter 35

This book is fucking boring NGL

"now that you got no more urine left in you"

AH.

GAHDYR LMAO

Chapter 36

HO THAT TITLE, PLEEEASE I NEED SOMETHING, ANYTHING, TO HAPPEN

HHH he kinda cute...

Oww :(

JDJSJFRGAJ

God piantao is an old word i had never heard it before

AND he took a piss.

LOCO NO SEAS HOMOFÓBICO NINGUNA MINA ACA ES MEJOR QUE ESTE PIBITO TE LO ASEGURO SKSGSKGSJAAGS

Se me cayó un ídolo y yo que le quería dar 😔

ÑSHWQLSGOSGDKW

Let's see if he lied to Baki about just liking eh /j

Chapter 37

I luv Oliva lol

AJSGSKSLAGHS BAKI SNAPPED

I too wonder where the fuck Kozue is

Chapter 38

LSHSLDGSLSGSIEG

He is jealous of what you two have, it's normal, el Che just rejected his love after all ;/

Oliva is a king

OH A HANKERCHIEF I THOUGHT THAT WAS UNDERWEAR SHSGS-

Oh shit Oliva is like 45?! He looked so young

Te fuiste a la mierda, Che, el chabón estaba siendo re bueno con vos

Baki is just dead

Chapter 39

I love how realistic Che's fear is, he's rather smart, though not this time

POOR GUY AJSGSWJW

I didn't realize Che said "what more, it may be a woman!" but to be fair they ARE in jail so

Chapter 40

I'm feeling kinda bad for him ngl

I feel happy for him tho 🥺

Bruh they added one page after the ending of some naked anime girl tf 😐

Chapter 41

These prisoners having fun is kinda sweet

YO INSANE

Bitches be complaining about Maria's looks are just jealous 🥰

Chapter 42

Damn she lorge

He loves fighting naked eh

Only valid person is the one saying Oliva deserves better treatment which tbh true

Chapter 43

Fun fact i wear my jacket like El Che too, unless it's too cold

El che with the hair lose is so cute bro,,,

Something something fingering joke

Sikorski could fold a coin too

I bet the bandana will break

Chapter 44

I would have just fallen on top of him, how is he gonna counter that, eh?

Oh that super fun to know!

Oh the good ol dirty technique, i have seen this one before!

Chapter 45

NOOO MARIA DON'T DO THIS TO HIM

This fight is super cool tho i love these two characters

Chapter 46

They just keep changing the rules i think Itagaki is just flexing at this point

LAAOSFKAGSKAGSKAF???

Baki wants his protagonism back

I'm getting pissed off they keep putting semi naked underaged girls at the end of every chapter 😐

Chapter 47

Bruh just realized, the mouth got so hyped as this new cool villain and they died in their first appearance 😭

His damn bandana...

[twstarchives]

Happy Birthday・Trey

Card: Birthday Attire - SSR Characters: Trey & Yuu. Mentioned: Cater, Deuce, Ace, Riddle, Chenya

Chapter 1

—HEARTSLABYUL DORM - BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE—

NRC Campus News Interview with the Birthday Student ~Trey ver.~

Yuu: Happy birthday!

Trey: Oh, Prefect. You came to celebrate? Thank you.

How does it feel that your birthday’s come around again?

Trey: Same as every year. This is the third time I’ve had a huge party for it, so I told them I didn’t need another one this year...

But it turned out pretty lively again, huh?

Some people are here just as an excuse to have some fun... But I’m thankful that they came to celebrate. I’ve been able to enjoy myself a little.

Is there anything you want for your birthday?

Trey: From you? Hm...

I’d like these deluxe vanilla beans that cost 10,000 madols for 100 grams.

Th-That’s really expensive... I’ll have to think about it...

Trey: Hahaha. I’m just kidding.

Other students in our dorm have been asking me what I want for about a month now.

I always give them answers like the one I gave you just now... but they all actually took them seriously.

Could you give us examples of what you told them?

Trey: I told Cater, “Make the cakes instead of me for our Unbirthday Parties for six months.”

To Deuce, “Grow the herbs I use in my sweets in the Botanical Garden.”

To Ace, “Take care of the broom I use for flying class. To Riddle, “I want a prep notebook for our next test.”

...Around those lines.

What did they all say in return?

Trey: A little bit of complaining, some surprise, but in the end they all nodded and said “Okay.”

I really didn’t think they’d all think I was serious.

So... Everything you said to them was just a joke?

Trey: Wasn’t that obvious? I had to tell them all it was just a joke right after, too.

Chapter 2

—HEARTSLABYUL DORM - BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE—

Besides baking, are you also good at cooking?

Trey: Yeah, when my parents were busy with the cakery, I’d be in charge of making dinner.

I’d try out all sorts of variations so that no one got sick of having the same thing. I can pretty much make anything.

What’s your best dish?

Trey: Let me think... My best is probably hamburg steak. I make it a lot since my little siblings always request it.

I don’t mean to brag, but I think it’s very good myself.

My secret ingredient, Walrus-Stamped Oyster Sauce, brings out the nice flavor...

I’m not falling for that again.

Trey: Haha. It was just a joke when we were making that marron tart, but this time I mean it.

It’s a sauce you often use in meat dishes, and it really adds to the flavor.

Also, it’s a Clover family tradition to top it with a sunny-side up egg.

When that piping hot juice from the meat mixes together with the yolk...

...See, just try to imagine it.

(*Mouth waters*)

Trey: Haha, that face tells me you really want to try it. Alright, alright. I’ll make it for you sometime.

By the way, have you ever messed up a dish?

Trey: Oh, yeah, of course. I’m good at making sweets, but I’m always messing up other foods.

But, even when I finish something and think “This isn’t edible,” the other students in the dorm eat it anyway.

Why?

Trey: Heheh... Don’t you remember what my Unique Magic does?

You really use magic to change the taste...?

Trey: I was just kidding. I don’t do that. ...Usually.

Chapter 3

—HEARTSLABYUL DORM - BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE—

What’s your favorite food?

Trey: Candied violets.

Why are they your favorite?

Trey: I think the first time I tried them was before I was in elementary school.

I was so amazed that edible flowers existed, so I got really fixated on them.

I’ve been told I embarrassed my parents a few times because I kept trying to eat flowers off the side of the road.

But I don’t remember that at all...

I guess they really must’ve been that good.

Trey: Yeah. I love the way they taste, obviously, but...

The way the fragrance of the violets spreads throughout your mouth when you eat them is so great; it’s like you’re lying in a field of flowers.

I love that distinct part of them, so there are times when I crave them nonstop.

My family has a lot of candied violets since we use them in our cakes,

So I used to sample them all the time. My parents would get mad at me.

But I still couldn’t stop eating them, so eventually I think they had to get me my own supply.

Even now, my parents still send me some from time to time. I snack on them during my study breaks.

Also, instead of just eating them, I highly recommend putting them in hot milk in place of your sugar.

The color of the violets will dissolve into the milk and turn it light blue. It’s really cool.

What about your least favorite food?

Trey: Uh... Mustard.

One time, Chenya and I put mustard inside one of five cream puffs, and tried our hand at the luck of the draw.

Well, I’m sure you could guess how that went down. I picked the bad one...

There wasn’t any water around, and Chenya was just laughing his head off...

I honestly started tearing up.

Well, it’s my birthday today. That’s enough with the unpleasant memories.

Thank you for sharing all of this with us. Once again, happy birthday!

[whaleofatjme1920]

Hallo!! Its the person who asked help on doing the ask! I didnt know what submission is or how to do it submission so I checked the reply on the post and followed it! Though thanks a bunch, Elsie! (Hope its not too annoying since I dont know how this stuff works yet)

So, may I ask a matchup with TF2, romantic and nsfw? :3

So starting off with.. I was born on August 22! Which mens Im a Leo. I definitely dont go with all the 'Zodiac = Personality' thing but like seeing that Leo's are usually the snobby, attention seeking (Toxic vers) and etc.. Makes me feel bad about my sign.

Im an INFP! And my hobbies are usually drawing and writing! I love both and do it most of the time!

I daydream a lot and usually get pretty good ideas when doing so! Im not a verky skilled writer but Im learning. I also do like to roleplay!

Im 5'7 (Not comfortable with adding my weight/nationality just yet)

Im pretty much a Pansexual/Panromantic(?) tomboy. Im kinda still exploring my gender but I do have a feeling I might be demisexual, though Im not too sure yet.

As a tomboy I usually get picked on because of it. It doesnt help more that Im quite chubby. Im basically a tomboy who fights back but could cry.

I am pretty clumsy and I could forget a task that was just given to me in like a second sometimes. I absolutely LOVE to laugh! Its basically my passion now. Make me laugh and I would enjoy your company. Im talking every humor. Dark humor, uh.. Self depricating humor, ironic humor, SARCASTIC HUMOR.. Even the worst jokes on the planet! Id laugh! I even laughed at my own joke. It didnt even make sense or even pass as one but I laughed too hard at it. Though at times, I csn be very serious.

On times when Im serious, I get angry. I try to push it away but I would always somehow get angry and act like a kid on a tantrum but right after I get heartbroken and I feel like such a jerk. I also sometimes get overdramatic and I also feel like such a jerk. So prolly after all that I stay blank infront of new people and rub everything on jokes. Because laughing makes all the bad thoughts go away!

I think Im a pretty insecure, anxiety-filled person. Im a bit smug and funny-annoying to some friends but to new people? Then Ill be a nervous wreck on trying not to embarass myself and become an anxiety filled person.

Anyways

I believe I am a very weird (in a good way) person. I mean like- i mean medics experiments look cool and amazing and fun-

I watch comedies or action most of the time though I dont mind exploring other genres though! Im not that picky. Though I prefer to laugh.. As I said :)

I do NOT like dresses. Maybe on some occassions when I REALLY have to but kost of the time: NO just no. Tuxedos are better!! MAKEUP IS WORSE! Okay maybe just REALLY LIGHTLY grazed. Like prolly eyelashes (NO FAKE ONES. GO AWAY) and light blush I guess..

I absolutely ADORE animals. They are all so cute! Frogs and lizards are pretty good but let them stay 10 ft away from me. They are cute but just- I cant bare to let them touch me. Even being scared of these animals I still love iguanas- huh- Maybe a specific type of lizard hurts my soul. The gecko-

Even after BOTH of those animals I love everything else! My fvorites are Birds, Snakes, turtles and dogs! Every animal technically.

Though out of all of these. My favorite experiences were my snake memories! Id always touch or scratch(in a softy kinda way) them when I see one! They are just so cute!

I am pretty good at baking! I bake cookies and brownies and so on. I still yet to explore the different recipes and stuff out there! Maybe its a hobby I guess? Though now I dont do it more often.

I can very much speak in fluent sarcasm when I feel like Im bored, youre too annoying or Im upset. Mostly 1 or 2. I can also smell bullshit from a mile away- though I would actually go on with it just for the ride and gig of what might happen next... Then double cross them by creating an even bigger bullshit and drop it on them. Basically the " When life hits you hard then HIT IT BACK! HARDER!"

(If this helps. I can prolly talk about my friends so it makes it more detailed on people I kinda like? If not then skip ahead till theres ....... In the end!)

So for my friends... They arent ... That... Very.. Bright.. I wouldnt say its kinda.. Depricting.. Its cause they kinda are and they say it anyways.. So basically they are ALL squareheads. But they could be so adorable and kind though. Yet so chaotic. I can go for chaotic! I can be the center of chaotic in our group.

Though my best friend? Mega squarehead. Even she knows. Though we love eachother for the stuff we do. We do a lot of stuff together and I give her a lot of platonic affection and friendly gifts! She returns them in a different way of course but I dont mind a lot! She has been with me through all of my bad times like tantrums and overdrama to my vents and sadness. I think that what I would want in a partner!

........

So what I want to have in a partner is that they are understanding and would even stick by if I have one of my temper-tantrums or sad venting times, even those times when I could be a huge pain in the ass and annoying. I think that that is VERY attractive in a person. It makes me feel better about myself and comfortable. Id love to be in a relationship where I could be myself 24/7, have some nice quiet time or like have comfortable silence together. Yes Im chaotic and sometimes loud but I could be very chill and quiet often too! I am very flexible in personality(? I think thats how you say it). I can be loud and chaotic at one time but I could alsp be the chillest person you can hang out with.

I am a very affectionate person. Of course usually behind doors most of the time but I dont mind holding hands in public. I dont think Im into kissing on the lips yet though. I can be patient in a relationship. Ill wait for the person to open up! Though most of the time I like to talk and get closer to my partner. But Ill wait!

Im not looking for any traits in my partner yet! I love to explore personalities nd how they might just get along with me! Though I kind of hate pretty smug people.. And I mean smug in a flirtatious way! I mean like a little is nice but too much can be just downright annoying for me and ruins the mood... (I mean Im smug too but not exactly like this-)

I dont care if they are the next Einstein or if they are dumber than a rock. As long as that I know they love me, be by my side even at my worsts, make me smile and dont hurt me on purpose then I find them VERY attractive. I also dont give two shits if they have drinking problems (*COUGH*) as long as you arent the "Ill kill you" or break everything and throw it at you kind of drunk then I still love you, A LOT. I also dont give two shits if they are busy with work most of the time but they still give you love and affection when they have the time. I mean.. I work most of the time but always seem to find time to give affection and words of understanding! And for some reason- I kinda love big tender guys (COUGH)

I dont care who you are as long as I know you love me :). (Id say the other stuff but like i feel like Im already saying it again and again in an annoying way)

I guess Im pretty complicated- I dont know if Im too easy or too hard to handle. All I know is that who ever Ill get matched to, I hope that he would really accept me for who I am!

End.

IM SORRY IF IT MIGHT BE TOO LONG! And sorry if its pretty annoying or stuff like that. I hope I didnt annoy you in any way, Elsie! And I hope Im not controlling my chances too much! I just wanna be descriptive and all that! I wanna express myself just the way I am and who would be perfect for me! :)

If its not too annoying Ill add this so some others get better/worse chances:

Sadly. A hard pass for Spy. The dude is nice but I dont really like the guy :(

I see Scout as a brother-

And you saw the other hints in this form :)

Thanks a bunch Elsie. Your writing is beautiful!!

Your matchup is... Heavy!

[Disclaimer, if you're coming from the tags, this is part of a special event I am holding from November 17th to the 21st where I am accepting matchups from all fandoms I currently write for. Feel free to check out my 1K celebration masterlist here for rules during the window this event is open! If it's past the 21st midnight USA central time, do NOT send me a matchup. I will have to politely turn you down. Sorry </3]

NSFW Below

In General

SO, I know there are hints thrown everywhere in here about who you're probably swayed towards BUT that's not how things work here. You mentioned drinking problems and being tender and that screams Demo?? (who wouldn't love Demo-) to me but I actually got really strong Heavy vibes here based off intuition alone. And I never fight my intuition when it comes to these things. You didn't give me Scout or Spy vibes so like, hey that worked out pretty well!

What He Likes About You

Mikhail is such a sweetheart and into soft, quiet things. He likes that you're into drawing and writing, wants to know what you're daydreaming about as well. I also like to think Mikhail likes tall ish people, so ofc he likes that you're not like, super short or anything. Your sense of style is also really nice to him too. Your laugh is absolutely gorgeous to him, and your humor surprisingly matches up REALLY REALLY well with his. The two of you are always laughing. Mikhail has a dry, witty sense of humor so the two of you are constantly going to be going back and forth lmfao. Thinks you being "weird" is cute tbh. He's just endeared to the things that you do. COmedies and action films are really fun to him, though he's not always into movies tbh. He just wants to spend time with you. Mikhail is SUCH a softie for animals. He likes frogs and lizards but won't bring them around you if they make you uncomfortable.

You Two as a Couple & NSFW

This part is always my favorite to flesh out bc it always gets ungodlily long. Mikhail is a more than patient man, we all know that. He cares so deeply about you and wants to make sure you're in a sound state of mind. He's going to make sure you're never overwhelmed, and when you are, he'll handle it. Would literally fight people for picking on you due to your gender identity and how you choose to present, that's gross. Mikhail doesn't like people getting bullied, especially you. You being chubby?? Not a problem either in fact he likes it. Thinks you're absolutely gorgeous. He will remind you of things from time to time because this man never forgets anything. Might worry about your self deprecating humor but he's good at his own. He knows that when you get angry, you're not at 100%. Honestly the two of you need to just talk it out, y'know? Like communication is key. He knows you don't always mean what you say but sometimes those things hurt? So, y'know, just talk it out with him. His love for you is so much stronger than temporary emotions and words he knows you don't mean. I also think the two of you would bake together because I think that's really cute. He's a rock to you, tbh. He doesn't mind that you're chaotic because it kinda spices up his life a bit? But he definitely appreciates when you're in a much more chill state of mind because it relaxes him. He's a by nature, calm and collected person. Mikhail is EXTREMELY affectionate. I feel like no one really expects that but he is. He's genuinely an affectionate person especially behind closed doors. He doesn't like showboating his love for you because he's not a very flashy man. Mikhail opens up to you pretty easily tbh. He calls you cute things in Russian. I think that's cute. He's a romantic, and he's actually super intelligent, the language barrier doesn't help. He keeps you in line, adores you. It's good. That's all I can say it's really, really good.

This man is tender as all hell. He's nothing but gentle, I don't think he has like, any super out there kinks? Like, maybe he's a bit of a gentle dom. Treats you like glass, but he's a big guy. Plays into your size kink VERY well. He's super good at praise and prone to slipping into his native tongue, but it's literally all words of love. He loves hearing praise from you though because it makes him melt. He'll pull your hair but gently because he literally does not want to hurt you. Just tell him your limits though and he'll abide by what you say you can handle. Quickies aren't necessarily his thing, but sometimes he cannot resist the want to touch you. Might touch you and leave you burning, like, I do feel he's into edging- but he always lets you finish. He's never unfair. Mikhail is a big guy on ALL fronts, so be careful trying to take that monster in lmfao. Take it slow and sweet the first few times, yeah?

Closing Thoughts/Other Things

I'm like, half awake as I write this but, hi love bug, hope you enjoyed! If you sent me signs I cannot mentally comprehend anything lmfao. Saw your second post, don't worry. It was include here. Sending me this much is never annoying, don't worry. Also thank you for the compliments. Lots of love to you, and again, hope you enjoyed <3

[to-many-towered-camelot]

book notes

for anyone who is interested in a nuanced take on fairy beliefs vs the Christian Church in the Middle Ages, this book by Richard Firth Green was actually so good, if your library has it:

[Image: Front cover of the book ‘Elf Queens and Holy Friars: Fairy Beliefs and the Medieval Church’ by Richard Firth Green]

like, obvs it’s just one person’s take on a very complex topic, but it’s well-written, well-researched, and it uses a bunch of Arthurian examples throughout to explore this dynamic (see under cut)

really interesting exploration of how the Church’s response evolved from the early-High Middle Ages (”dude, you believe in fairies? hhhmmm, do penance for 10 days”) to the Late Middle Ages/Early Modern Period (”kill them for heresy and witchcraft!”) 

and how it enfolded vernacular/fairy beliefs into Christian doctrine as fairies being either a) demons or b) the illusions of demons (and how dangerous/bad these demons were depended on the time/location/cleric in question - some packaged fairies as “neutral” demons who fell when the rebel angels did, and who must be punished on Earth but will return to Heaven on Doomsday - potentially doing this to soften things for their parishioners, who often held these fairy beliefs and reconciled them with Christianity, uh, differently than the Church officially would prefer)

and enduring belief in fairies existed in both common and aristocratic circles (can see this in medieval romances, although they’re not the only source of evidence), rather than just being used as cultural “decoration” by a more sceptical upperclass

aaaaand because of this conflation of fairy = demon, you get a really interesting blend/overlap with medieval demonology and enduring “folk” beliefs (obvs not all of medieval demonology was just rebranded fairies, but some of it defs was - you see stories being retold with “devil” instead of “elf”, for example)

INCLUDING in Arthuriana - how you get Morgan the Fairy (”le Fay”) vs Morgan who was raised in a nunnery and learned dark magic there, the Lady of the Lake as a (largely) positive force, Merlin inexplicably as a (perceived to be...) Good Guy despite being the literal antichrist, the Green Knight and all the overlap with Christian symbolism in that story, etc, etc. and they all just either??? co-exist in the same stories or appear through either more fay or more ~Christian lenses depending on the version

and it creates a very interesting and very confusing soup of Stuff stemming from a very confusing - and sometimes dangerous - soup of official and unofficial beliefs evolving over hundreds of years

anyway, WRT Arthuriana it’s got (and ymmv on these, but they’re all interesting thoughts):

(i think in Gottfried’s Tristan???) apparently Tristan has a rainbow fairy dog called Petitcriu...name a knight less deserving of such a Good Boy smh

Chretien’s Yvain flooding out Laudine at the fountain (...jerk) as a continuation of the beliefs surrounding a magical Spring at Barenton 

Gingalain moving from being the son of Gawain and the fairy Blanchemal (and having a fairy love interest, Pucelle) in the French OG version (~1200-ish) to being the son of Gawain and his human mistress (with Pucelle also being human) in a later 15th-C Middle English version)

AJDKN UJ IOE E Merlin’s conception, that one’s a wild ride - theologians REALLY didn’t like the idea of demons being fertile, and the work-arounds they came up with were...incredible. but skipping over that sheer comedy, the author draws links between Merlin’s conception and the general trend of claiming a fairy lover/whatever when a difficult-to-explain pregnancy arose. He also theorises that Geoffrey’s idea for Merlin’s father being a demon/fairy may have come from Nennius saying that Merlin/Ambrosius’ mother “never knew a man”. Later adaptations of this storyline made it even more fay-like (when they weren’t, like Robert de Boron, making it more fucked-up) by making Merlin’s father invisible (Wace) or a super attractive guy in swanky gold clothes (Layamon) - and Vortigern’s advisor explaining the creatures that lived between the earth and the moon until doomsday, etc, etc (walking that line between fairy and incubi, whichhhhhh was not clearly delineated in the Middle Ages the way it is now). also there’s one 13th-C Anglo-Norman poem where Merlin’s father is a bird that transforms into a dashing young squire, which isn’t terribly demon-y. So even though most versions of this story describe Merlin’s dad as an incubi-demon, what people understood this to mean may have been more fay-ish that we’d expect nowadays (depending on the reader, and also on authorial intention - some are pretty explicit that he’s a demon [many clerics keen to push this as the main narrative], while others refer to him as an elf or fairy). some contemporary scepticism during this time about Merlin having any sort of supernatural parentage as well

[none of the same Church anxieties about explaining away how the Plantagenets and other aristocratic families claim a female fairy ancestress - maybe bc there’s none of the stress about patrilineal bloodlines??? who knows! but yeah, much less thought given to those stories in ecclesiastical circles, and they were very popular in vernacular romances (male aristocratic wish fulfilment?). also, fairy enchantments =/= necromancy, so there are stories like the non-cyclic Lancelot where the Lady of the Lake is found out to be “a fairy by education, not by nature or heredity” (Elspeth Kennedy), with the spirits used in necromancy being demons, not fairies. also potential trend of female-associated magic becoming more passive and book-learned, gradually demonising it leading up to early-modern witch hunts.]

Geoffrey of Monmouth in his Historia and in the Vita Merlini being actually pretty circumspect about saying whether or not Arthur was alive/dead, returning/not returning, maybe due to his work/text being a (hypothesised) defence of the Welsh as being “civilised” (and having been so for centuries before the Normans came) - with the corollary that believing in Arthur’s return was somehow “uncivilised”. Author argues that this may be due to an association with fairy beliefs, and that Layamon is the one that makes Avalon explicitly fey. Also the author describes Arthur as living in a “feminised version of the Christian heaven” (iconic) and says that later writers and people could be very scornful of this belief held by the Britons/Welsh/etc, and that it was contrary to orthodox ways of thinking. 

Links the “discovery” of Arthur and Guinevere’s bodies in Glastonbury in the late 12th-C as similar to when individuals found the bodies of their loved ones, thus making it much harder to believe (and hope) that they were still alive in fairyland. Makes a suggestion that the monks in Glastonbury who “found” these bodies may have been trying to curry favour with the English crown (i.e. champion/hope of the Welsh isn’t coming back) but also may have been trying to “help”/”save”/correct the thoughts/ideology of the Welsh (i.e. “set them on the correct path to salvation”). Lots of medieval writers describing Arthur as living in “fairyland”. Precedent of people visiting fairyland and returning, so Avalon/fairyland =/= a place only for the dead (i.e. Arthur isn’t dead). An Arthurian example, albeit a less explicitly fay one, is Lancelot getting in and out of Gorre (with Gorre as a “typically supressed and rationalised” version of fairyland) in Chretien’s Knight of the Cart.

Some stuff about the wild horde (distinct from the wild hunt) being presented by some writers as very penitential (i.e. they are departed souls that may look like they’re bearing arms/hunting/whatever as they did in life, but really they are in agony e.g. because their weapons burn them) and tbh demonic (black armour, carrying torches, ominous aesthetic). Other writers thought maybe it was - once again! - demonic impersonators rather than actual mortal souls. (Should note also that the wild horde/wild hunt motifs were not always associated with their being dead). Relevant in the Arthurian context because Arthur and his court were sometimes associated with the idea of the wild horde (as in, sometimes the wild horde is described as Arthur’s court living it up in a cool, undying sort of way - ��in the likeness of knights hunting or jousting, commonly known as the household of Hellequin or of Arthur” [Etienne de Bourbon, a medieval writer] - with Hellequin’s household often being used to encompass either the wild hunt or the wild horde). Ultimate point made by the author (props to him, he’s always like “if i’m right” lol) that for many clerical writers, it was very uncomfortable to leave people with the impression that Arthur and his court were living it up in fairyland (and similar for other figures associated with the wild hunt/horde) and this idea needed to be corrected/shaped to suit more orthodox perspectives - e.g. tying in with notions of purgatory, etc. 

Aaaand this one was exciting to me just bc i’ve vaguely heard about Arthur and his knights snoozing under a hill, but for some reason i could only remember this being in Victoria-era-and-onwards poetry. 3 versions of the same tale, where a servant looks for his master’s lost horse on a Sicilian mountain. Version 1) servant of a bishop finds his master’s horse in the beautiful palace of Arthur’s court beneath Mt Etna. Aside from the fact that the ancient wound Arthur received from Mordred opens once a year, it’s not very purgatory-like. Version 2) a dean’s servant is told by an old man that King Arthur has the horse on Mt Gyber (Mt Etna). he is told that his master must attend Arthur’s court in 14 days, but the dean laughs it off...then sickens and dies on the appointed day (whoops). Enough differences to this story compared to the first to suggest an oral circulation. Also a note in the version/text that such mountains are said to be the mouth of hell, and only the wicked are sent there, not the chosen. Version 3) Etienne again! Also likely changed with intervening oral circulation. The master is not an ecclesiastical figure, and Arthur’s palace is now a populous city - also Arthur is not referred to, just a nameless prince. There is a gatekeeper who warns the servant not to eat or drink while he’s there (that...is a very fairy-ish proscription). This mountain is apparently reputed to be the site of purgatory. The book author (Richard, i mean) ties these versions in with other stories/accounts of different entrances to purgatory (e.g. one on an island in an Irish lake) as being part of a gradual process of “rendering [...] fairyland purgatorial”. 

Finally, Gawain in Roman van Walewein: To get to an ‘earthly paradise’ [i.e. King Assentijn’s garden with its fountain of youth - side note that ‘earthly paradises’ were often popularly described to be fairyland/where fairies live, in addition to their theological functions, e.g. Avalon was sometimes described as an earthly paradise...i should also say that purgatory was frequently thought to be located beside earthly paradise, so there’s the proximity element] and the castle containing it, Gawain must cross a river (guided by a magical talking fox) that a) has waters that burn like fire, and b) can only be crossed by using a bridge sharper than a razor. His reaction? “Is it the enchantment of elves or magic / that I see?”. He is then guided by the fox underneath the river through a tunnel, and is told that the river’s source is in the depths of hell, and “[the river] is the true purgatory / All souls, having departed from the body / Must come here to bathe.” So it’s a very strong intermingling of fairy and purgatorial imagery/ideas!

I dunno, I just found this very ??? satisfying to read

it leaned towards lit-crit at times (which, considering the subject matter, is honestly fair enough), but it was more respectful of vernacular beliefs than so many other academic takes i see (ofc ymmv re: anything to do with non-Christian major religions, but i think the author’s pretty solid on this!), and it had an explanation for the survival of these beliefs that imo made a lot of sense, especially from a pan-European perspective, not just a Celtic one 

plus it explored the undeniable damage done by Christianity over history without making up some “ranged battle between paganism and the Church” that i see  e v e r y w h e r e  in casual Arthurian circles...which, like, i empathise with the vibe, but also! that’s just straight-up historical revisionism! (i blame MZB and the 80′s for that one)

(there was a fantastic post floating around a while ago about how the religious syncretism in Arthurian literature is much more interesting than peeling away all of the Catholicism in the medieval lit (...you ?? don’t end up with much left?) and saying that this is more “accurate” to some obscure original)

anyway yeah yeah ymmv but it’s v interesting 😊

[svtreasure]

content creator year in review!

thank you so much for the tag @moistymingyu and @myunqho!!! i was so happy to be tagged i’m sorry this took so long!

first creation in 2020

my first creation in 2020 was this minghao x jpn mvs gifset for his birthday!! x

most recent creation of 2020:

oops it’s 2021 but here are my most recent posts! the first is a sketch of minghao in falling down and the second is seungkwan in holiday! (for #17daysofboo)  x  x

one of your favorite creations from 2020:

i had so much fun while making everything this year! i think one of my favourites is this josh x jpn mvs set for #17daysofshua tho! i like the black and white and he just looks so!!! amazing i love the jpn mvs hehe x

a creation you’re really proud of:

i think i’d choose my fallin’ flower gifset for the @svtsource​ tumblr awards!! it’s a pretty big set and it was my first time putting text over gifs and i’m really happy with how it came out! x

a new style you tried this year and a work that uses it:

i think my drawing style changes really often, but i had a lot of fun with this neon/3d-ish seungkwan!! x

a creation that took you forever:

honestly i think what took me the longest was my gfx for my top 10 songs of 2020! i had a lot of fun, but choosing a vibe for each song and looking at different fonts was really time consuming hahah

x

your creation from 2020 that received the most notes:

this jihoon x jpn mvs gifset that i made for his birthday! after reading the tags i’m glad we can all agree that callcallcall!jihoon is superior

x

a creation you think deserved more notes:

hmm maybe my first post for #17daysofshua? it was an adore u acoustic ver. set and i think he looks soo cute hehe x

a new fandom you joined and a creation you made for it:

hmm i’ve sort of gotten into new artists here and there but i haven’t made content for them yet!! maybe one day hehe

a creation you made that breaks your heart:

PROBABLY THIS GIFSET OF JOSH IN HIS ADIDAS JACKET BECAUSE I LOVE IT SO MUCH (it is a VERY strong candidate for one of my favourite josh outfits!) also this hao set because he is too cute!!!!!

x x

a ‘simple’ creation that you really love:

this chan set <3 i actually meant to post two different gifs it uploaded 2 of the same one!! but i literally did not notice because he just looks so good lmao

x

a creation that was inspired by another one:

during quarantine i drew a lot of different outfits, but i never drew any svt ones!! so i think this one was def inspired by a few of my old creations! x

a favorite creation created by someone else:

AHH I REALLY CAN’T CHOOSEE there are so many!!! oh man i follow so many talented people!! i think i really enjoy anything involving gfx tho because people are just so creative!!!! DON’T GET ME WRONG THO i love all sorts of content!!!!

some of your favorite content creators from the year 

here is a list of some really cool people! @moistymingyu​ / @cutiejoshi​ / @fallinfllower​ / @kwonthefire​ / @myunqho​ / @lunatens​ / @jonghan / @defgyus / @soonhoonsol / @junhaoshua / @iiasha / @sunnie-dk / @kyeomshine / @ajusnice / @junsol / @smallkore / @baekonbaek (@momohiirai) / @haniehae / @delicatecy / @xuseokgyu / @7ww / @gotseventeens / @ryudaeng / @baekonbaek / @jaemtens / @joshuahong​ / @squishy-woozi​ / @oanamii​ / @xuboowoo​ / @haosvteen / @cupidhaos / @strawberryhime / @excelsi-or / @rq-s / @viastro / @memesolvernonchwe / @sunlightwoo / @gamerwoo / @cheolliewrites / @grassywoozi / @chocosvt this list is probably missing so many awesome cc i’m very sorry!! and for good measure, a few more of your creations that you love! shua dark concepts set! x jihoon birthday sketch! x rainbow! shua x svt end of the year set! x i’m pretty sure basically everyone’s done this since we’re already a week into the new year, but if you haven’t yet please feel free to say i tagged you!!! i would love to see more of everyone’s content!! :)

[chickensarentcheap]

Best Part  of Me - Chapter 2

Warnings: very light smut

Tagging: @thunderintheshadows​, @alievans007​, @innerpaperexpertcloud​, @c-a-v-a-l-r-y​

It's shortly before midnight when she joins him outside; just beyond the back fence and gate that he and Ovi had built to keep the kids -or at least attempt to- contained when outside on their own.  Their property is private and secluded; just the kind of quiet, and security they'd been craving. Fifteen acres with its own stretch of private beach,  a vast area of woodlands to the left, just beyond the guest house that Ovi and Chloe share, and their closest neighbour two hundred yards away.  

In Colorado their 'thing' had been to end the evening out on the porch swing; it was often their only chance to actually carry on a proper conversation without being constantly interrupted by the kids. When they could temporarily stop being parents and just be Tyler and Esme.  The therapist had been adamant about it; that they both realize their roles in each others lives far extended raising a family together. That they needed to get back to staying connected beyond the realms of parenthood; important that the connection was not just physical, but emotional as well. At first Tyler had thought it was all a load shit; both what the therapist had said and needing to see one in the first place. That the change of pace and scenery would be more than enough to not only keep the connection between them and make it stronger. Not realizing until they had started sitting down to talk to someone just how fractured things actually were. He'd always thought that things were fine; that they'd gotten past the toughest and darkest spots and that they were nowhere near disintegrating and that if their problems ever got that bad, they'd be able to get through it on their own.

Once they actually started concentrating on things -the way they fought and the intensity in which they did, the horrible things that were said to one another- it became apparent that there was a lot repairing that needed to be done. It wouldn't been easy or a short fix, but at least it could be put back together.

The sand is soft beneath her feet; cool and refreshing as it slips between her toes. The beach itself is relatively unspoiled and remarkably preserved; the old owners never using it, preferring to just enjoy the views of the ocean and the remarkable sunsets.  Their road itself hasn't seen children in in over thirty years, and shortly after they'd move in they would routinely find notes and small presents for the kids in their mailbox from residents further down. About how nice it was to them see them out on their bikes or chasing one another, how great it was to hear their shouts and their laughter.

Mac lays beside Tyler on a blanket on the beach, raising his head to watch her as she approaches; giving small whimpering noises -his happy sounds, as the vet calls them-, tail beginning to sway back and forth.  He's grown like weed; not even full size yet but massive and strong. But despite the mail man's fear of him, he's surprisingly docile. Growing up with four kids that constantly love on you and never you leave you alone and always sneak you treats will do it. And he's loyal and fiercely intelligent; always sensing when one of his people may need a little bit extra attention.  Tyler's arm rests along Mac's back, hand slowly stroking the shepherd's impossibly large ears and scratching the scruff of his neck.

“You need to move,” Esme says, and points to a spot on the sand. “You're in my spot you stinky, hairy beast.”

Her husband doesn't move his forearm from over his eyes. “Are you talking to me or the dog?”

“You're not that stinky,” she playfully retorts, and then once more points to the sand. “Mac, seriously. Move. I know he's your person, but he's my person too and you have to share him.”

All it takes from Tyler is a ruffle of the fur and a “Move, mate” and the dog obliges; sauntering over to his master's other side, the curling up in the sand, making sure that least one of his paws is in contact with Tyler's body.

“Worst behaved dog ever,” Esme grumbles, and sinks down onto the blanket, lying on her side and tucking herself under her husband's arm when he immediately wraps it around her. His hand coming to rest on her shoulder as she places hers on his stomach and rest her head on his chest. It's soothing. The sound and smell of the ocean, the warmth of his body and how solid it is against her, the scent that clings to him; mixture of cologne, laundry detergent, and sweat. It's familiar, but remarkably him.

“Kids asleep?” he asks, and she nods.

“Every last one,” she replies with a content sigh.

It doesn't happen often; the three older ones falling asleep fairly early and easily, while Declan and Addie spend hours alternating who needs the most attention.

Her hand continues to rub his stomach; she likes the extra weight he carries there now. His body thicker than it was before. Even more muscular and powerful.  And she rests her chin on his shoulder and looks up at him, his forearm still over his eyes.

“Tired?” he asks, his palm slowly moving over her shoulder and down her arm, then travelling back up again.

“When am I not tired? Do you and Ovi work tomorrow?”

“Just a few odd jobs. I shouldn't be home too late.”

It had been an easy decision; getting back into doing home renos and general repairs. They don't particularly need the money, a large chunk of the five million left even after buying the house, all the furnishings, and doing repairs and upgrades. But he enjoys working with his hands; the finished results giving him a sense of accomplishment.  It keeps him busy and his mind focused on the task at hand, and having Ovi with him meant he could let the kid handle any personal contact with clients and Tyler himself  could avoid actually having to interact with people.

Her hand slips under the front of his shirt, finger lightly drawing a circle around his navel, and she feels him shudder against her when she runs a fingertip along the waist band of jeans.

He clears his throat noisily.  “Do you mind?”

“No, actually I don't,” she grins, one finger dipping underneath the denim, then slowly moving along his skin.

“Well you should,” Tyler grabs a hold of her wrist, pulling her hand out of his pants and then entwining their fingers together. “Stop.”

“Like you're not enjoying it.”

“That's the problem. I am enjoying it.”

“It's been three months,” she laments.

Sighing, he nods.

“Three months, fifteen days and thirteen hours,” she clarifies, and he opens his eyes and looks down at her. “What?” she shrugs. “You're not keeping track?”

He grins. “I may or may not have it in my calendar on my phone.”

She laughs at that, then buries her face in his neck; lips pressing a series of soft, feathery kisses on his jaw line, just under his beard.

“Would you stop...” he uses the side of his head to push her away, and shifts uncomfortably against the sand. “....knock it off.”

“You don't miss it?”  she refuses to be deterred, her free had coming up to comb through his hair as her lips find the side of his neck, the tip of her tongue trailing over the scar left behind from Dhaka.

“Of course I miss it. I miss it a fuck of a lot, but...stop...seriously...stop...”

“That's a first for you. I didn't think you knew that word.”

“You need to just calm yourself down and leave me alone,” he grumbles.

“My hormones are insane,” she pouts. “Like off the charts insane. And it's been three and a half months and I miss you.”

“How can you miss me? I'm right here. Every day.”

“No, I mean I miss you.”

A slow grin spreads across his face. “You mean in the biblical sense?”

She giggles. “Exactly. What you don't miss me?”

“Of course I do. We just...” the frustration finally gets the better of him and he shoves her over onto her side, then grabs a hold of both of her wrists in one hand before lying down behind her. “...it's too soon.”

“It's been two weeks since she was born.”

“Which is way too soon,” he insists, and pressing a kiss to the back of her head, groaning when she slides closer to him, so that her ass pressed right against his crotch. “Really? Are you serious right now?”

“I think I know my body.”

“Well so does the doctor and he says it's too soon. So...” he has to pull his hips back so no more contact can be made. “...fuck off, already.”

“You're grumpy.”

“I'm not grumpy. I'm horny. And sexually frustrated. And you know damn well what you're doing right now and you need to stop.”

“There's other things we can do,” she reminds him.

“Yeah and I won't be able to stop at just the other things. So please,” he tightens his hold on her wrists and presses a kiss to her shoulder. “Stop. Be nice to me.”

“I was going to be very nice to you, But fine...” she dramatically huffs. “...if you want to have to keep studying alone.”

“I think I can handle another two or three weeks of 'studying alone'. That's nothing compared to three fucking months. You going to be good?”

“If you insist.”

“I do,” he says, and kisses her cheek. “Unfortunately.”

He releases his hold on her wrists, lacing their fingers together once again pressing their joined hands against her; eyes closed, face buried in her hair.

****

“I heard you met the hot teacher today,” she comments.

“She's about twenty years older than me but if you think she's hot...”

“You damn well know that's not who I was talking about. I mean Millie's teacher. The little blond thing with big boobs.”

“I didn't even notice.”

“Oh please. You're a guy.”

“I'm a guy that's not interested in meeting other women. So...”

“Your daughter said she was all 'touchy feely' with daddy.”

“She was not all touchy feely. She tried to touch my arm. And give me her phone number.”

Esme scowls at him over her shoulder. “Excuse me, what?”

“To talk about your daughter,” Tyler clarifies. “Because your daughter has a mouth on her.”

“Maybe because she takes after you.”

He snorts.

“She is all you and you know it. I am not taking the blame for her mouth. She is all attitude. Your attitude. She even has the same facial expressions as you. So I am not being held responsible for her being a smart ass. You can deal with that. You can give her shit.”

“I already did. I told her not to be so much like her mother,” he laughs as she attempts to elbow him in the stomach, then lifts his head and kisses the corner of her mouth.

“Millie says the teacher likes you. And that she's going to ask you out on a date.”

“Yeah? Good for her. I like you. So she's shit out of luck.”

“Six years and we're still at the like stage?” she teases. “I thought we'd at least be at infatuation by now.”

He grins. “We are way past infatuation, baby.”

“Do you think she's cute?”

“Who?

She huffs dramatically. “Millie's teacher. Do you think she's cute?”

“I think you're cute.”

“That's not what I asked.”

“I dunno,” he shrugs. “I wasn't paying attention. I'm not looking to pick up so why would I?”

“You must have noticed if she was cute or not.”

“Baby...” he sighs. “...I'm not looking at other women. I'm perfectly happy with the one I have.”

“So you've never thought about it? Hooking up with someone else?”

“Have you?”

“We're not talking about me. I have no reason to want to find someone to hook up with. Maybe you do. It's been three months.”

“Three and half but who's keeping track?”

“And in that whole time you've never thought about it?”

“Esme, I don't want to fight. I just want to lie here and hold you and talk. Normal talk. Not the talking that leads to a fight. It's too late and I'm too tired. I have never, ever thought about that.  Not once in the last six and a bit years. Cheat on my wife because she's pregnant and can't put out? I do know how to jerk off, you know.”

“You said a long time ago it wasn't the same,” she points out.

“It isn't. But that doesn't mean I want to fuck someone else.  There's only you. There's only been you since we met. And it's only going to be you for the rest of my life. So stop...” he kisses her temple. “...don't turn this into a thing.”

“I swear if that teacher asks you out on a date...”

“No one is asking anyone out on a date. Your daughter is super paranoid. And she has a fucking mouth on her.”

“Then watch your fucking language around her,” Esme retorts, and they both laugh.  After several minutes she rolls over to face him; forehead resting against his, a hand coming out to push through his hair. “You okay?”

“Why wouldn't I be?”

“That was a big step for you today. Huge, actually.  You haven't been able to anything like that in two months. Especially going into town with that many of the kids with you? At least not without an anxiety attack. Everything went okay?”

“Everything was fine.”  He doesn't tell her about the hyper-vigilance being in overdrive; noticing every little sound, every little movement out of the corner of his eye.  It hasn't been that bad in a couple of months. Whether he's learned how to control it or if it's actually getting better, he doesn't know. But being that alert and that agitated at the park had not been a good sign.  

“I'm proud of you,” she says, and presses a kiss to the bridge of his nose. “I know how hard you're trying. I also know how hard it is for you to go out of your comfort zone like that. And that you it somehow makes you weak; that you have the issues you do.”

He nods in agreement.

“You are far from being a weak man, Tyler.  You are anything but weak. Don't let your brain tell you otherwise, okay?”

“Okay,” he agrees, giving a small, unconvincing smile.

“You're brave whether you see yourself that way or not. You fight against your own mind every second of every day. And you win every time.  If that's not brave, I don't know what it is.”

He lays a hand on the side of her face and kisses her; long and soft, closed mouth open closed mouth. Then chuckles when she attempts to push her lower body against his, his hand falling to her hip to prevent it from happening. “You told me you'd be good.”

“Then stop being so good at making me want to do bad things,” she responds, and he presses a kiss to her forehead. They're silent for several minutes; listening to the sound of the ocean, feeling each others warm breath against their faces. And he once more places his forehead against hers, a hand on the small of her back.

“What are you thinking about?” Esme asks. “And don't say nothing because your throat always gets tight and you get those creases in your forehead.”

“I dunno,” he shrugs. “Stuff.”

“What kind of stuff?”

“Stuff that you don't need to worry about.”

“I hate to break it to you, but your stuff became my stuff when you decided you wanted to get married. So it's technically our stuff now.”

“We're not supposed to talk about the kids when we're having 'us time' remember?”

“I don't think we're expected to totally stop talking about them. That's impossible. We have five of them. One is bound to come up in conversation. And I actually brought Millie up first when I mentioned the hot teacher, so that means you get to mention at least one kind now. It's only fair.”

He grins. “You have weird rules.”

“You expect anything less than weird? Buddy, are you new here? Our house is full of weird.”

He can't argue with that.

“It's about Tyler isn't it.” It's a statement, not a question, and he gives a nod of confirmation. “If we could just get in to see the doctor or find another taking new patients....”

“Maybe the one in Sydney isn't a bad idea,” he suggests.

“You're the one who said it was too far to go,” she reminds him. “And neither of us like the fact that she's pro school and pro pushing medication.”

“I do not want to drug my kid up. He's five.”

“But that's what they're suggesting,” she fidgets with the chain around his neck as she talks. “Or what this doctor told them we should do.”

“He's five,” Tyler stresses. “He's a little boy.:

“I know, but...”

“He's a little boy,” he firmly repeats. “And I'm not letting them turn him into a fucking zombie.”

“I don't know what more we can do without outside help,” she frets. “We've tried taking certain things out of his diet, we've given him supplements, we've given him punishments and choice rewards for good behaviour. So until we get to see who we want...”

“He is not going on medication. We already talked about this. You know how I feel. He's a little boy. My little boy. He's my son.”

“He's my son too,” she gently reminds him. “And you're not the only going through this, remember?  We're supposed to be in this together. It's not supposed to divide us.”

“There has to be something else we can try. Even if it means taking him to that doctor in Sydney.  Just to see what they say.”

“They're going to say put him on meds.”

Tyler sighs.

“I know you're mad, but...”

“I'm not mad. I'm frustrated. Millie and Tanner are doing fine. They're not having issues. They're doing better here than they were in Colorado.”

“Well, Tyler's different. He feels things differently. He always has. Tanner may be the sensitive one, but Tyler's the intense one. And he's been that way since he was a baby. A lot of emotions inside that little head and body of his.  He just doesn't know how to deal with them. Who does that remind you of?”

He stares at her pointedly.

“Don't even try to pin this on me. Millie and Tyler are the ones that are exactly like you.  Millie just isn't as intense as you two.”

“He told me today that he hates his brain,”  emotions chokes at him as he speaks. It's heartbreaking; to her that your kid thinks they're broken and needs someone to fix them. “That he hates how it works. That is doesn't work right.”

She gives a small, sympathetic smile and lays a hand on the side of his face; thumb running across his lips, knuckles brushing against his beard.

“He asked me if I would fix it. Fix him. How the fuck am I supposed to do that when I can't even fix my myself.?”

“He's not broken, Tyler. And neither are you.”

“What he's like this because of me? What if I passed something along? Like some kind of fucked up gene?”

“That's not how it works. That's not how any of this worlds. You didn't start having issues until you were an adult and started doing the job. It's everything you've done and everything you've seen. It's because you almost died. You didn't pass something down to him.”

“I hate this. For him. That he's going through this and we have no goddamn clue how to help him.”

“It's not that we're not trying...”

“Maybe we're not trying hard enough. There has to be other things out there, yeah? Things we can up on and...”

“Tyler, we have four other kids,” Esme reminds him. “They need us too. And we have a baby. A brand new one. And she needs us...both of us...even more. We've done everything we can for now. And don't even suggest pulling him from school because I can deal with that. Not with Declan and a newborn. There is no way I cope with that. And I already know you won't be able to handle it, so get that thought out of your head.”

“We can hire someone.”

“To do what? We don't even know what's going on with him.  We need to find someone that can figure all of that out. You know we can't take on anything else. You need be out there keeping yourself busy and I've got a toddler and a baby to look after.”

“So we call the people in Sydney and take him there. It's something at least. At least someone can look at him and tell us what the fuck is going on. Because this is bullshit. Not knowing how to help him. It's bullshit and it sucks. He's a little boy.”

“If that's what you want to do, we'll do it. If you think Sydney is the best option...”

“It's the only option. Right now at least. I don't want this dragging on and him ending up like me. Because I'm fucked up. I don't want that for him.”

“Okay...first of all...” she shoves him over onto his back, then straddles his waist. “...you are not fucked up. You have some issues, yes. But you're working on them. That's all that matters. Second, I love you. And I'm tired of you shit talking yourself all the time. You're brave and you're strong...”

Tyler rolls his eyes.

Scowling, she takes his face in her hands. “ You are brave and you're strong and so is your son. You're both going to be okay. And you can't convince me otherwise.”

Grinning, he lays his hands on her eyes. “And you call me stubborn?”

“You are honestly the most hard headed, insufferable pain in the ass I've ever met. But...” she runs her hands up and down his chest. It's been six years yet she still hasn't tired of the way he feels; all hard muscle and sheer power. “...you're my hard headed, insufferable pain in the ass. You're stuck with me. Sorry.”

“I can think of worse people to be stuck with.”

“I bet the hot blond teacher isn't one of those people,” she snidely remarks, and then shrieks when he abruptly sits up, wraps an arm around her waist and flips her over onto her back; a hand behind his head to avoid it striking the sand.

“Fuck the hot teacher.”

“That's exactly what she wants. I mean, I can't say I blame her. That's pretty much all I wanted when I first met you too, so...”

“So now the truth comes out,” he teases, as he kneels between her splayed thighs, and leans over her, hands on either side of her head, bearing his weight on outstretched arms. “Six years later.”

“Six years and two months, actually. But yes. Yes, it's the truth. I totally would have let you take advantage of me the same day we met. In that crappy little shack of yours. I no longer feel shame in admitting that.”

“You should have just told me then. I would have been game.”

“Oh right!” she laughs. “Hey strange Australian with the nice hair and even nicer eyes, let's fuck,”

“I see absolutely nothing wrong with that,” he grins.

“You would have thought I was a slut. And that would have made working together extremely awkward.”

“Why? We were fucking in Dhaka anyway. Wouldn't have made a difference if we fucked before that.”

“You might have decided  you didn't want to do it again.”

“Yeah....right...” he chuckles. “...that totally would have happened. I would have definitely been able to stop at just one time.”

His words make her think of G; that last conversation they'd had in the forest while waiting for Tyler to reach the extraction point with Ovi. Shortly before everything had just turned to pure and utter shit. How he'd playfully teased her about knowing exactly what had been going on in that hotel room for five days; that any single, red blooded male would have jumped on a situation like that and taken advantage of it.  And how'd he turned towards her; his face and his tone suddenly so serious.

“He's not going to be able to let you go, you know.”

She hadn't thought much about it at the time. Things were still so new and they still had a long road ahead of them when it came to actually getting to know each other outside of sex.  No one know how awful things would go; they all thought they had so much time left.  She and Tyler would travel together and see if there was the chance of something real developing; if there were feelings that extended past pure, animalistic lust. And G would return to his wife and they'd start the family they so desperately wanted.

And then everything changed. In the blink of an eye. G never made it out of that forest. At least not alive. And she'd end up spending the next few months practically living at the hospital; getting to know her future husband in the midst of all of the pain and the surgeries and the therapies.  And maybe, in a way, things were better because of it. Because they'd started things off in the darkest and most worrisome of places.   It couldn't get much worse than the immediate aftermath of Dhaka. Not by a long shot.

“What's a matter?” Tyler asks, when she squeezes her eyes shut.

“I was just thinking about something,” she opens her eyes and gives a reassuring smile. “About someone actually. G.”

He frowns.

“Not like that! Just something he said. When we were in the forest. I haven't thought about it in over six years.”

“What was it about?”

“You, actually.”

He arches an eyebrow.

“It was all good, I swear.  He was actually talking you up. Putting in a good word for you. And it must have worked. Because here we are.”

“Yeah...” he grins. “...here we are.”

He leans down to kiss her.  Longer this time. Deeper. Not pulling away when he feels her tongue slip between his lips and press against his teeth; allowing his mouth to open and meeting her tongue with his. It's the most intense kiss they've shared in three and a half months; complications in the last trimester making things complicated and worrisome and forcing all thoughts -and need- of sex right out the window. And he feels one of her hands in his hair, the other slipping up the back of his t-shirt, needy fingers exploring his muscles. “You shouldn't kiss me like that,”  he's breathless when he pulls away, and shivers when her nails slowly travel down his spine. “Or do that.”

“You kissed me first,” she argues. “So this is your fault.”

“Yeah but you're the one feeling me up,” he points out, back stiffening, teeth biting down on his bottom lip when those nails drift along the small of his back, just under the waist of his jeans.

“I can't help it. I can't help if if sexy lumberjacks turn me on.”

He chuckles at that, then buries his face in her neck with a frustrated groan.  “I don't think it's just sexy lumberjacks.”

“You're right.  It's just you in general. And by the feel of things...” she lifts her hips, so her body comes in contact with his crotch. “...you're kind of turned on too.”

“Kinda? There's no kinda in this.”

“There are other things,” she reminds him, as her fingertips -still under the waist of his jeans- slide around to his stomach.  “We just can't have actual sex.”

“I told you. I won't be able to stop at just other things.”

“Get it together, Tyler. You're almost forty one.  You're more than capable of stopping at the other stuff. Please?”  her mouth is against his ear; breath warm against it.  And his entire body shudders when she traces the outer edge with the tip of her tongue. “I just really miss you. And I really...really...really need you get me off.”

“You can't do it yourself? I've had to do it myself. For three months.”

“I could. But I want you to do it. Because I miss you and you're so good at. So very, very, very good. Please?” her teeth scrape against his earlobe. “Pretty please?”

“Esme....you know this is a bad idea...”

“How can something that feels this good be a bad idea? We're not having sex. We're just making each other feel good. Wouldn't you rather me do it for a change? Instead of having to do it for yourself?”

“I would actually,” he admits.

“Then...” her lips are on his neck now; kissing, sucking, biting. “...what the hell's your issue?”

“No issue. I just...fuck...” he groans, when her tongue finds that scar on the side of his neck. “...maybe we should go inside.”

“Let's stay here. I can actually make noise out here.”

He grins, then reaches for the ties on the front of her pants. “Very good point.”

Her eyes close and she gives a long, content sigh when his palm comes in contact with her pussy, and he finds her hot and wet; her entire body shuddering when he presses the tip of his index fingers against her clit. She won't last long. He can hear it in her ragged breathing, feel it in the way her entire body tenses, and how her greedy, frantic fingers pop open the button on his jeans. And he groans against her neck at even the simplest of touch; painfully hard and leaking precum, hips jerking against her hand when her thumb brushes over the engorged tip.  

It's like being a teenager again; frantically making out, hoping to get off before being caught, lasting just as long. Only a handful of minutes before she's demanding that he kiss her as the orgasm hits, all noise muffled by his mouth against hers. And when her hand tightens around him and picks up pace, he's coming as well, face buried in her neck as he issues a long drawn out “Fuck”.

Neither of them moves of speaks for what feels like hours, and eventually Tyler rolls over onto his back, a forearm over his eyes, his chest heaving. He'd missed it. Missed her. But it wasn't until now that he realized just how much.

She snuggles into him, an arm across his stomach, head on his chest. And he drops a kiss on the top of her head and softly strokes her back.

“Thank you,” she sighs, and then giggles, and he can't help but laugh.

“No. Thank you,” he says.

Another sigh, then raises her head long enough to place a kiss to his chin.

He pushes a hand through her hair, letting it fall to the space between her shoulders. “I love you.”

“So that's what it takes to get an 'I love you',” she teases.

The words come easily to him now, but the first eight months of marriage had been a struggle for him when it came to saying them. His first foray into being a husband hadn't ended well; he'd broken her with his decision to leave while their son was dying, but not before she'd broken him by cheating multiple times while he was stationed overseas.  It had made falling in love difficult, but had made expressing it even more difficult. Now he says it all the time. Never missing the opportunity to tel her. And vice versa.

“I do you know,” he says. “Love you.”

“I know you do,” she rubs his stomach softly, smiled up at him. “I love you too.”

He kisses her temple, then tightens his hold on her. Wishing they could stay like that...lying on this beach...forever.

[you-turn-it-into-light]

Wakana - magic moment (2020) Album Review

My girl releases another album less than a year after her first. What a hardworking woman! First, let’s do some overall thoughts:

I really love the title of this album, it’s a happy title for a mostly happy sounding album

I also love the cover, maybe even more than the ‘Wakana’ Album

Are those shoes the same ones from the Aki no Sakura EP?

I really love the diversity of sound in this album. One of my complaints of the first album was the lack of variety. I love me some ballads (70% of my playlist of all the music I listen to are sad songs) but it felt a bit stale after a while.

My complaints with Wakana’s singing is always going to be the same thing since her vocal delivery has not really changed technically that much. Her vibrato is actually quite nice as opposed to what some people would say as ‘Goat Wakana’ (great criticism I must say), especially at the end of 442, her lower register is gorgeous but has no support (as expected of a soprano) and her higher notes in her chest voice are quite nasally. Her falsetto however is quite grating on the ears (I’ll elaborate later)

Why is Orange on the album? To fill up space, that’s why (I get it, making an album is hard, but why not just leave it out? There’d still be 10 songs) And Wakana wrote the lyrics, I guess?

I’m really interested to see how some songs will be performed live with some overlapping vocals (in 442) and strings being in many of the songs (without a violinist for the upcoming live)

I listened to the album first when I was in a bit of a bad mood so everything seemed super average. I’m feeling a bit better about most of the songs. Also after reading the self-liner notes for the album and listening to the lyrics, I was able to appreciate some of the songs more.

Okay, now for the individual songs:

breathing 

(Lyrics: Wakana | Arrangement/Composition: Yumemi Kujira)

The orchestra sound is so gorgeous. At first it was weird hearing the japanese lyrics though lol. I like how they added different instruments for variety’s sake. The choir in the background was more hit or miss for me. During the first chorus is was really distracting but it was great for the rest of the song. My main problem is not the song itself but Wakana’s delivery of the falsetto; it’s very disconnected and screechy. It’s very hard to listen to and since the same chorus is repeated 4 times? It makes it a bit of a hard song to listen to overall. Wakana needs to develop better placement, breathing techniques and support when hitting notes in her head voice.

揺れる春 (Yureru Haru) 

Lyrics: Wakana |  Arrangement/Composition: Miki Sakurai

I don’t really like this song? The lyrics are quite nice, but it just feels like a plain upbeat song about being happy and reaching for goals and all that fun generic stuff. But what Wakana said in the self liner notes made me feel a bit better about the song:

“The hook’s 駆け出した (run off) and 君の叫び (your scream) are connected, right?”

“The urge to run off and shout. It’s exhilarating, and the canvas that you have now is white so you can draw freely and go with the urge. And the second verse’s 睫毛に触れたのは 昨日の自分の欠片 (What touched my eyelashes was the pieces of yesterday’s me) are about tears. The tears hit my eyelashes and one part stops there. The fragments that came out of itself include those that you pick up yourself (I had a hard time translating that sentence so I used google translate hehe). 

where 

Lyrics/Composition: AlbatoLuce | Arrangement: Akihito Takashi

I LOVE Wakana’s low register in this song and the verses. I also really like the acoustic guitar, it provides a really contrast to the more dance-centric feeling of the song. The first chorus still lacks the appropriate punch, but the key change for the second half of the song makes up for it. Also those ‘wooah’s’ are really awesome. Wakana’s voice during the 3rd verse (after the key change) is just gorgeous. 

442 

Lyrics: Wakana, Airi Okamoto | Arrangement/Composition: Koichi Ikekubo

I really wanted to know the meaning of the title, and apparently it’s the hertz sound of a baby crying for the first time!

“The lyrics are co-authored. First we talked about the subject (of the lyrics), we said “When we plan the song, let’s make the theme the reason why you started singing”. So when looking at the lyrics given to me, words came out from inside of me. In particular, the phrase 愛の声が聴こえた (I heard the voice of love) that Okamoto-san produced for us for the hook. [...] I thought that I was born to listen to the “voice of love”. And so, that singing voice is echoing throughout my whole body. It’s strange to cry with the same sound of when we were born. I wonder why? I thought about it, I was born to do something and I thought that your first cry was a singing voice that expressed it.”

I love the melody and instrumentation of this song, especially the chorus. The chorus holds an incredible amount of weight. Apart from her nasality, Wakana’s singing is quite solid throughout this song. I love Wakana’s ‘ai no’ at the last chorus. So much power! I also really like the violin and am disappointed that there won’t be any in the live... Also I love the last line 響き渡る歌声 (resounding singing voice) and the music stops when Wakana sings ‘singing voice’. I don’t have anything objective to say about it, I just adore that part.

ひらり ひらり (Hirari Hirari) 

Lyrics/Composition: Silence! | Arrangement: Mamoru Kuge

Bland... It might take me a few listens but I don’t know if I’ll like this song. Wakana’s singing during the verses is gorgeous, very clear and the melody of the verses and pre-choruses are lovely, but the chorus is really bland and forgettable. I like what Wakana said about the song though.

“It's a song for people who want to meet but can't meet, whether it’s because you can't meet because you're away or because you don't have the courage.”   

I’m in a long-distance relationship, so this song hits home a little bit. The lyrics are actually quite sad. If the whole song was like the verses I’d like it a lot more but the chorus is so uplifting...

アキノサクラ (Aki no Sakura) (Acoustic ver.)

Lyrics: Kei Saito, Yoshitaka Taira | Composition: Kei Saito | Arrangement: Toshio Uchida

I love the combo of bongos and accordion! There isn’t much to say about this song apart from the new instrumentation and the tempo. I really like the former but not really the latter. I don’t think I like it more than the original, but it’s a very nice song. The vocalisations during the bridge is also a pretty touch, especially when Wakana sings along with the music. and that ‘naite’ at the end was so emotional

myself

Lyrics/Composition: AlbatoLuce | Arrangement: Yoshifumi Ise

When I first heard this song, I thought it was BORING. On the second listen, I really liked it. Wakana’s voice is so gorgeous on this song. I love the melody of the line 壊れぬように抱きしめてた (I embraced it so it wouldn’t break). Her vibrato is a bit shaky with the delivery and her low register is not as clear as other tracks (but maybe that’s because of the mixing). Some of the strings sound synth, especially during the bridge but I’m not very sure. The parts with just the one violin instead of the quartet are my favourite bits of the instrumentation; it sounds really lonely. There’s nothing much else to say about it, a very solid song.

君だけのステージ

Lyrics: Wakana | Composition/Arrangement: Satoshi Takebe

I was disappointed. I really like this song and in my review of the live version I mentioned that her high register suits a song like this. But the way Wakana’s singing in the recorded version sounds different to me. The vowels are shaped in a way that sounds like a sadder song. Maybe this me being picky, but it took away from the happier experience. The nasality in her voice is the worst in this song, it literally sounds like she needs to sneeze and drink some water. Also the added noises (synth bells?) during the pre-chorus is very distracting. My review sounds very negative, but I really like this song and the lyrics are gorgeous. 

Happy Hello Day

Lyrics: Wakana | Composer: Akihiro Kasuga | Arrangement: Shu Kanematsu

At this point, the strings are really nice, even if they’re getting a bit old. But the piano during the verses is very cool... I really like the strings in the chorus and the melody of it too. The message of the song is quite sweet and easily applicable to anyone in every day life. These lyrics in particular:

手を叩き軽やかに Clap your hands lightly, 口笛吹いて whistling. ありふれた幸せで僕らはできてる We are made of ordinary happiness.

君が空を仰いで涙流し You look up at the sky, shedding tears. 息を詰まらせて動けなくなったら If you get short of breath and can't move, 此処に僕が居る I'm here.

These lyrics (for like the first 2 lines) are about a performer and the audience. Creating the atmosphere of a happy and chill live (clapping lightly, still listening to the music) and everyone being the same, even the performer. The second section reflects the way some people view performers and music to be an escape from their life. But it can also be interpreted as just an everyday person being happy to have met someone they like. I love how it’s so interchangeable and up for interpretation. 

magic moment

Lyrics: Wakana | Composer: SIRA | Arrangement: Shu Kanematsu

The strings are gorgeous (why no strings for the live????!!!!) and so are the verses. I particularly love the pre-chorus. The chorus however is quite bland and boring and the changing rhythm is a bit hard to grasp. The lyrics are lovely as well. I mean, I’m biased because Wakana wrote them. But I love these ones:

いつから夢も見ない大人になったの？ Since when did I become an adult that never dreamed? 最後の場所は決めたよ　さあ行こう I've decided on the last place. So, let's go!

The song is actually quite growing on me. I’m sure I’ll keep liking it but the chorus is still weighing it down. 

OVERALL:

I really like this album. An unimpressive first impression followed by a very nice second and third one. I’m impressed with the amount of variety in the songs and her singing is mostly solid. I just wish she would improve on different places and I’ll probably keep complaining about them. I think Wakana is liking the independence when it comes to helping the creation of these songs and I’m very happy for me. 

[goldstarnation]

SEPTEMBER 2019 GOLD STAR MEDIA SCHEDULES & REVIEW

Members may earn 3 points each (up to 6 points) for writing, by the end of October 7 KST:

A solo para of 400+ words based on their monthly schedule (does not count toward your monthly total).

A thread of six posts (three per participant, including the starter) based on their monthly schedule.

Threads do not have to take place directly during an important date listed on the schedule, but must be related to what the muse is mentioned to be doing in the paragraph explaining their schedule/the company’s schedule for the month and/or their thoughts on the mentioned activities or lack thereof.

These schedules may be updated throughout the month if new information needs to be added.

Reminder: August schedule posts are due by the end of September 7 KST.

Overall Company

In the aftermath of their company concert, Gold Star executives are pleased with the turn out and there’s talk they’re considering taking the family concert overseas in the future to take full advantage of the pull their company name has in places like Southeast Asia and the US. In the meantime, everything is back to normal around the main building, and all Gold Star idols get a three day break for Chuseok unless they’re beholden to other voluntary individual schedules.

Important dates:

September 12-14: Chuseok break (no activities save for specific voluntary individual schedules).

Gold Star Soloist 1

This month marks her eleventh anniversary since her debut, an achievement few in the industry can rival, especially with her kind of success. To celebrate, Gold Star has arranged a schedule VLive on her anniversary which will be advertised as an online fan meeting of sorts. She’ll have mostly free rein over what she does during the live stream as long as management is informed in advance. The following week, she’ll be doing a free public “busking” event performing some of her songs and select covers. It won’t be completely authentic busking, as the time and location will be announced following her anniversary VLive and she’ll be performing on a small raised stage with adequate security.

Important dates:

September 18: Scheduled 11th anniversary VLive.

September 25: 11th anniversary public busking event.

Gold Star Soloist 2

On top of recording for her upcoming album the whole month, her Seoul concerts have finally arrived for the weekend right after Chuseok. Gold Star anticipates a more general public audience than a fandom one, so most of the promotion for it is out of her hands and she’s encouraged to focus on being in her best vocal condition for the concert instead.

Important dates:

September 15: I AM concert at Olympic Hall in Seoul, South Korea.

September 16: I AM concert at Olympic Hall in Seoul, South Korea.

September 21: Performance at K-Crush 2019 Concert at Impact Challenger Hall 1 in Bangkok, Thailand (also performing: 7ROPHY)

Gold Star Soloist 3

The first three weeks of the month are spent finishing off his promotions for “Runaway”, so the short Chuseok break is only a brief reprieve from music shows and the expectation is for him to keep himself in top shape for his tour to continue once promotions wrap. He’ll get only a one day break on the 22nd before he flies out to the first stops of his Europe tour.

Important dates:

September 21: End of music show promotions.

September 24: Self-titled tour concert at Time Out Studio in Lisbon, Portugal.

September 25: Self-titled tour concert at Cool Stage in Madrid, Spain.

September 28: Self-titled tour concert at Santeria Social Club in Milan, Italy.

September 30: Self-titled tour concert at Lucerna Music Bar in Prague, Czech Republic.

Silhouette

The members finish recording their upcoming mini-album this month and begin learning the choreography after they return from their three-day Chuseok break. They’ve also been chosen as the new faces of sportswear brand Mizuno, so they’re scheduled to film their first CF for the brand and will be hosting a fan sign at the end of the month after the CF begins airing nationwide. With Origin’s comeback mysteriously delayed, what had previously been a low-pressure comeback ups the ante and expectations from management to perform well have increased in a way that is unlikely to go unnoticed by the members.

Important dates:

September 8: Mizuno Sports CF filming.

September 29: Mizuno fan sign in Seoul.

Aria

As rehearsals continue for their concerts next month, the members are given the opportunity for solo (or duo) stages as listed below. Members will be given the chance to suggest what stages they would like to do, but the final decisions are made by management, whether that aligns with the member’s choice or not. They’ll be rehearsing those all month on top of several of their latest title tracks and b-sides, and have also booked another mobile game CF to film after their return from their short Chuseok break.

Leader/vocal/rapper & main dancer/lead vocal - I Didn’t Go To School

Main vocal - Domino

Maknae/vocal/rapper - Gashina

Main rapper and lead vocal - All Hands On Deck

Lead dancer and vocal - New Face

Important dates:

September 16: The Rulers mobile game CF filming.

September 28-29: Performance at Super K-Pop Festival Indonesia 2019 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition BSD in Tangerang, Indonesia (also performing: Aria and Decipher).

Origin

A meeting is called on September 9 when the members come in to record in the studio and they’re told that a decision has been made to go back to the drawing board with parts of their album. This means scrapping songs, including ones members may have had a hand in and had been told were confirmed for release, and working on “a better quality album”. It’s a shock considering they’d begun comeback preparation with everything in place at the end of last month and this has never happened before, but management doesn’t take time for questions. There’s bound to be rumors about all of the reasons behind why, but it does in part mean a slightly less heavy workload this month, though they’re still as packed as always. They’re sent right back to the studio to record something that was already planned and has now been moved up, which is a series of unit track collaborations with Western artists for the soundtrack of Origin World. They won’t meet or directly record with any of their collaboration partners.

Vocal 1, lead vocal/lead dancer, maknae/main vocal/lead dancer - Dream Glow ft. Charli XCX

Main dancer/lead rapper, vocal 2 - A Brand New Day ft. Zara Larsson

Main rapper, lead rapper - All Night ft. Juice WRLD

Important dates:

September 11: Photo shoot for Anan Magazine October issue.

September 15: Origin 2020 Season’s Greetings photo shoot.

September 17: Lights/Boy With Luv (Japanese Ver) hand shake event in Tokyo, Japan.

September 18: Lights/Boy With Luv (Japanese Ver.) hand shake event in Osaka, Japan.

September 24: Lotte Duty Free CF filming.

September 26: UNICEF Love Myself Global Campaign video filming.

Impulse

They kick off their world tour at the beginning of the month with their Seoul concerts and follow up with a KCon Thailand performance as headliners later in the month. That all means a lot of rehearsals and long night practices together as group save for the brief three-day Chuseok break. From he beginning of the month, members are also in the studio recording for another new Japanese album release before the end of the year, which means members are expected to be brushing up on their Japanese too.

Important dates:

September 5: End of music show promotions.

September 7: Keep Spinning 2019 World Tour concert at KSPO Dome in Seoul, South Korea.

September 8: Keep Spinnign 2019 World Tour concert at KSPO Dome in Seoul, South Korea.

September 28: Performance at KCon Thailand at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Fuse

The end of one comeback promotion period doesn’t mean a break for Fuse. As soon as the month starts, they hit the ground running on concept meetings and recording for songs off of their next mini-album, which will drop before the end of the year. The concept seems to be much more summery than Zimzalabim despite its slated late fall release date, which is sure to raise questions as to what Gold Star is thinking and whether they may have prioritized Femme Fatale having a successful comeback at the detriment of Fuse, but management claims it’d all part of Fuse’s “experimental” concept design.

Important dates:

September 11: Release of Sappy Japanese album.

September 28-29: Performance at Super K-Pop Festival Indonesia 2019 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition BSD in Tangerang, Indonesia (also performing: Aria and Decipher).

Element

Element are saved another month from Gold Star’s love of VLives to connect with fans, although this is a double-edged sword as won’t go unnoticed by the fan base, who wanted more activities for the group in addition to the fan outreach versus instead of. In addition to concerts in India, making them the first group from Gold Star to perform in the country, and a festival in Germany, Element have been picked for their first group brand ambassador deal since they came onto the scene. It’s a deal with a Japanese footwear brand, but they’ve been chosen as Southeast Asia regional ambassadors instead of serving as ambassadors within their own country, a reminder of their struggle for popularity domestically.

Important dates:

September 15: ASICS CF filming.

September 20: 4lement tour concert at Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, India.

September 22: 4lement tour concert at Shilpgram North East Zone Cultural Centre in Guwahati, India.

September 28: Performance at Finger Heart Festival in Mannheim, Germany (also performing: Alien).

Femme Fatale

The members are performing in their first major concerts since their debut this month as their Japan arena tour kicks off in Osaka (please see August’s schedule for their assigned solo stages). The attention their latest comeback has gotten internationally is particularly noticeable for them this month, as they’ve been booked for photo shoots in both a Chinese and Japanese magazine and have signed a deal as the new (and first)  regional brand ambassadors for Shopee in Southeast Asia and Taiwan.

Important dates:

September 8: Photo shoot for Grazia China October issue.

September 16: Photo shoot for Glitter Magazine Japan October issue + individual interviews.

September 17: Femme Fatale Arena Tour at Osaka-Jo Hall in Osaka, Japan.

September 18: Femme Fatale Arena Tour at Osaka-Jo Hall in Osaka, Japan.

September 22: Shopee CF filming.

[sillyfudgemonkeys]

My stance on P5 (cause apparently I need to explain myself :/)

So someone just told me someone was vagueing about me on the confessions blog (can’t say my name cause it’s against the rules but they’ll try to get as specific as they can 🙃 if you have issues just be a real anon hater and send to my inbox directly you coward). And I’m not going to do a reblog to that post, because I’m pretty sure that person must be on my blog. Because the post they were vagueing me about was......not tagged.....in the P5 tagged (I did not tag it as P5 nor Persona 5), it was just a post that was on my blog (now if it showed up in the tag or search I dunno why but I didn’t tag it for P5 for a gd reason cause I keep it to my blog). The post was me pointing out how P5 when they first enter Futaba’s dungeon they didn’t have shoes on, but after the cutscene they DID. The post was more comical (with me getting salty in the tags, but then you’d have to go out of your way to read my tags). And tbh, I’m half and half, yeah I know it’s a nitpick, and I’d just chalk it up to an animation error and let it go usually, but it’s P5 and that game is already inconsistent with it’s plot/world building/characters/anything important that I’m like “nah I’mma rag on it cause it’s just one more thing they screwed up” so I’m like half let it go and half rag on it (fun fact, when I saw they didn’t have shoes on I was gonna make a post saying “hey look this is cool, nice attention to detail” and then they messed it up literally 2 seconds later so dklsjf;afa yeah). (oh and btw, it wasn’t just “one” character, it was the whole PT cast at the time 8U” at least get it right 8U)

But the thing is......that was just a post on my blog, I’m not me berating the P5 tag. So that means you, person who vagued me, tend to go on my PERSONAL BLOG. So like....why are you on here? No, don’t ask me about me and P5, I will answer that, but you answer why are you bothering looking at my personal blog? Is it cause of certain content I post? Then just blacklist certain tags (like my “silly plays” tag cause nothing really interesting happens in that tag, or my more negative “persona problems” type tags), I know I need to be better at tagging my asks, but if you like my original content then just.....go to the OG content tags (aka videos/pictures/edits/coloring)? That way you avoid anything not made by me? Or if you don’t have a reason and you’re just here to be mad cause someone doesn’t like your game, then block me. You don’t seem to like me, so just....why are you here? You seem to want to ask why I’m here with P5, and I have my reasons, but if you don’t have a reason to be on my blog then why are you on it?

I’m not saying this to be mean, but I don’t want to be policed, esp if someone is going to be hypocritical about it. And it’s annoying to see vaguing (cause imo you are as bad as someone who sends anon hate, but you don’t have the balls to just send it to me directly XP)

Ok now where’s my stance on P5? I don’t like it, but it’s a part of a larger series and lore which I do LOVE! Which means, considering I’m a LORE WHORE, it doesn’t feel right to just skip a game esp if it could contain info about the MegaTen/Persona lore (or even Character lore) I want to know. In fact, I really hate it when I’m talking lore with someone and if expanded info is brought up from a side game they are like “Oh I didn’t play that game so it’s not canon” No Bethany, just because YOU didn’t play a game doesn’t mean it’s not canon. And no, no one is bullying you over the fact you didn’t play it, you just don’t like being wrong and the person was like “Ok well it IS canon and it’s in the game, you don’t have to play it but you.....can’t ignore this fact, also why are you arguing this part of the lore when it’s heavily established in said game you ignored???? I mean you do you but don’t get mad when someone corrects you. No one’s forcing you to do anything.” Ahhhhrrrrgggh so many convos I’ve seen happen, I’m not going to be on the end that I hate. DX<

Also, P5 is not the entire Persona fandom, so while I put up with it and indulge in it by association, it doesn’t have the ownership of the fandom (like with all the original games+ spinoffs+all remakes/ports and P5S/P5R included, but not mobile games, it’s only 23% of all of Persona in terms of game entries, and that’s overlapping with crossover games, and if we included other stuff P5 is def a minor aspect in terms of entries). It’s not that hard, I’m just a bigger all around Persona fan than I am a Persona 5 critic (I don’t want to say hater, because it feels like it sounds like I’m hating it just to hate it, when really it was a game I was excited for and loved and then it just burned me bad and I’m just dealing with the scorn). Always keep in mind, I loved P5 before I hated it, it’s probably why I’m as salty about it as I am, because I love P5′s potential and....I was just let down (it wasn’t unrealistic expectations, like I said earlier, P5 contradicts itself.....all over the place, it’s hard to ignore and it’s not something that was as big of an issue, or even an issue at all, in other games). 

Why do I still post P5 stuff when I don’t like P5 (by which I mean...posting about the OG manga raws, or wanting to do a partial game to anime dub or even would be willing to help with editing a fandub for the anime)? Because I remember being a newbie Persona/Megaten fan, getting into the series, and wanting to know more about it and it’s side materials but then not being able to have access it any of it (because it was still prettty niche when I first joined and I had no money at the time). I want to give people access to it! Sure it’s harder for me to now to devote time to it (than it was a few years ago), but I want to help with giving access to this Persona/Megaten stuff now that I have some ability! And it also means P5 as well gets some of that love. 8U

As for why I was replaying P5, so this is one thing that’s making me wonder if you are a regular on my blog or not because I’ve been talking about playing the Korean version (but in my one post I forgot to type “silly plays P5/Persona 5 KOREAN” so yeah I forgot to specify Korean at the end). So tbh....I’m actually ignoring P5′s writing while I play (cause I’m just going through the gameplay motions), cause I don’t know korean. 8U And I’m mostly using that tag as a means to point out different things in the korean ver (no that much, but yes Ryu’s shoes ARE censored 8U). But why? Well.....I talk about it here and there but anon/person....1) I’m a trophy whore, I love plat trophies and P5′s is super easy I can get it (and I’m not above playing bad games, oh yeah burn, I’ve played a lot of bad games for plats, and I’ve also played the same games multiple times for plats, I do this to myself but really I don’t mind replaying P5 4+ times for 4+ plats esp since I don’t really have to pay attention). 2) I’m a big MegaTen/Persona collector, I want all the plats I can have (I plan on platting the other versions of the all the dancing games on Vita and PS4, P4G, and the versions of Catherine I don’t have, like I legit have a gd excel sheet keeping track of the versions of Megaten games I don’t have yet....I’m just doing P5 cause it’s 1) one of the easiest to do and 2) it was easier to get my hands on them atm). I don’t talk about my trophy hunting on here that much tbh, but that’s.....really a big reason why I’m doing it (plus with the Korean/CHinese ver I don’t have to pay attention to any story so it’s all good! :D) Yeah I do it to myself, but I don’t really mind. 8U And I mean I tend to keep most of my P5 issue on my blog too. I think the only two posts that I put in the P5 tag were 1) a few consistency issues I wanted to meme about (aka the I’m about to head out post, which was actually the 2nd post I made on that topic but I decided to just meme that one, so I thought it was better than me just bitching, at least I tried to make it a bit funny yet informational 8U), and 2) something that I tbh had an issue since I back when I liked P5 (aka wishing they worked on speeding up the loading times and the fast forward feature), so since I was playing the game I was like “That reminds me, man I hope they fix this in the re-release!”. As for english P5, the only reason I’ll be playing P5 OG in english is for either archiving reasons or research reasons (probably both at once so I don’t have to play through it more than once again).

As for P5R, uhhhhh I’m excited for Kasumi (Jose is cool too, and the new dungeon has me interested too, and all the P2 demons coming back to it makes me wonder what else is/if anything is coming back), she’s my main draw. Yeah it’s connected to P5R, but she looks so much like Hamuko I JUST HAVE TO KNOW WHAT’S UP WITH HER! Hamuko’s my girl, and I need to know if Atlus is going to do something with that, or if I need to be pissed for them literally lifting Hamu’s face! Am I gonna get pissy about P5R’s new add-ons (aka, I’m aware that P5R is probably going to keep the issues from OG P5, so I’mma just judge P5R based on it’s new content)? Yeah, if they kept up the same writing P5 OG had. So yeah, I’m probably going to get pissy if they eff it up, but I’m not going in pissy, going in with really low expectations tbh, but I’m giving it a chance. But if they don’t eff up the new stuff then......that’s good! It means they did something right. So far Kasumi is not Marie so we’re off to a good start. I’m hoping the keep that momentum. 8U

So yeah, I think I have valid reasons for staying, maybe you don’t like it anon/person, but they are there. 

tldr; someone feels like the need to police me despite the fact they could just ignore me (even tho it seems like they specifically came to my blog to get mad, rather than me clogging up the tag, like I post there maybe once or twice every 2 months). My stance on P5 is that I deal with it cause it’s part of a bigger fandom I’m a part of and the fact I love the lore of that bigger fandom so it’s not like I can ignore it. I also have a Playstation trophy problem. 8U And I’m excited for Kasumi is that so bad???? (also I didn’t mention it, but Anne/Haru are enough to keep me around 8U)

[kuma-style]

An amazing piece to accentuate you Metal Build 00 Gundam collection.

Producer: Bandai Tamashii

Price: Approx. $250 USD

Release Date: Oct. 2019

Item Height: 6.75″

Item Weight: N/A

Batteries: N/A

WHERE TO BUY: Premium Bandai (Sold Out)

Back in 2011 Bandai added one of my personal favorite Gundam Mobile Suits to their lineup in the 00 Seven Sword (from the series “Gundam 00”) with a Tamashii Web Exclusive (read; really hard to get if you’re outside of Asia) Raiser add on set in 2013. In 2017 the Metal Build line added the Web Exclusive Metal Build 00 Raiser set (which came with both the 00 Gundam and Raiser without the Seven Sword weaponry.) This year they did a recolor of that 00 Raiser set with a “Designer Blue” recolor and it definitely lives up to that branding in both the color and styling of its deco. Check out the video above to see it in action while I expand with some written thoughts and gallery below. Of course, let me know what you think of this one in the comments as well!

Presentation: The box is pretty standard fare for the Bandai Metal Build toy line however this Designer Blue variant does have a nice slip cover with a cool graphic of the raiser as well as the Tamashii Web Exclusive shipper box. As to be expected the inner contents are packed exactly the same as the previous Raiser set release given that it’s a repaint (which certainly isn’t a negative since everything is well packed within their clamshells and styrofoam.)

Build: So many Metal Builds products have been covered on this site and the Metal Build 00 Gundam Seven Sword/G which uses the same base mobile suit was reviewed in depth so I won’t rehash what’s become a pretty standard build style for this line. However since the big draw on this is the recolor it should be noted that the paint job is absolutely exquisite on it. the lines of the almost cartoon-styled shading throughout it are so well done that it makes me wish I could see the production process on it. The Raiser especially knocks it out of the park with the paint applications.

Accessories: Here’s a list of the accessories taken from the previous 00 Raiser release listing;

[Set Contents] -Main 00 Gundam model -Alternative hand part x left, right 4 types each -GN sword II x 2 -GN sword III -GN sword connection parts -GN beam saber x 2 -Beam blade x 2 -Posable GN condenser tank x 2 -Posable GN drive x 2 -0 Raiser model -Alternative canopy -Side binder x 2 -GN shield x 2 -Display stand (00 Gundam) set -Display stand (0 Raiser) set

The accessories are ones that have been pretty standard on the Metal Build 00 variants for years but the Raiser on this piece really stands out more than the previous two standard-colored versions. Something about this particular deco really lets the detailing of it shine and I can honestly say I’ve gotten a much greater appreciation for the job that Bandai has done on this piece because of it.

Articulation: The articulation on this one is just as solid as the previous releases of this mold with it really being able to pull off about as many realistic poses as you can imagine and looking good doing so.

Overall Score: 8.5/10 – The Designer Blue variant of the 00 Raiser does its job well in the sense of being a recolor that really stands out with a deco that looks like a trendy “designer brand” piece. The paint job on this one is done so well that it’s insane. The only thing that I would say is that this isn’t really a piece I’d recommend for someone who doesn’t have a pre existing version of the Metal Build 00 Gundam on your shelf. The purple coloring is just so far from accuracy that just doesn’t make for a proper sole 00 Gundam display.

Check out the gallery below, and if you fancy a Bandai Tamashii Metal Build 00 Raiser Designer Blue Variant for yourself, order one ASAP at Premium Bandai.

Toy Review: Bandai Tamashii Metal Build 00 Raiser (Designer Blue Ver.) An amazing piece to accentuate you Metal Build 00 Gundam collection.

[she-writes-words]

Summer Lovin’ Chapter 2

Pairing: Harry Holland x Original Female Character

Word Count: 2.7k

Warnings: Mild Language, Slight Angst, Bit of Fluff

Summary: It's the gangs first full day of vacation! Toni makes her crush a bit more awkward, unbeknownst to Harry who she thinks is completely oblivious to her feelings... Until she gets hit on by a tall stud at a surf shop. What will happen when they get alone together? A/N: This chapter kind of sucks to be honest. More of a filler and to slowly get the ball rolling between the two. Hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 1  Chapter 2   Chapter 3   Chapter 4

The feeling of cool water caressing my skin made the perfect contrast to the warm night air. The hands wound in my hair made it ten times hotter. Said hands twisted my hair around their fist, pulling my head back for better access. Soft sighs fell from my mouth as a soft pair of lips traveled from my chin to my collar bone. Oh, those lips are so heavenly. Strong hands shoved my body up against the edge of the pool, a leg pressing between mine.

I ran my hands down the chest in front of me, the muscles under the soft skin tensing with each movement. Leaning forward, I suckle the skin right below their Adam's apple, causing soft grunts to slip past the lips near my ear. Suddenly arms are wrapped around my thighs, lifting them to wrap around a sturdy waist. My hands cup a lovely face as lips crash together in a desperate, urgent pace. Tongues dancing as moans spill from our mouths, my hands reaching to tangle in messy curls… Wait, curls?

I woke with an audible gasp, eyes wide in shock. My mind had to betray me like that. I couldn’t believe I almost had a wet dream about my best friend. That doesn’t count as a wet dream, right? “Oh, to hell with you Holland,” I cursed.

Grumbling to myself I throw the blanket off my body and sluggishly pull my body out of bed. Looking around the room, I spot Zendaya wrapped up in her pink blankets, soft little snores coming from her mouth. Giggling to myself, I make my way to the door, being as quiet as possible. As I step out of the room, I can hear a shower going down the hall and voices downstairs. Naturally, the boys would be up. They have a bad habit of waking early during our vacations. Losers, I thought to myself.

At the bottom of the steps, I come face to face with three shirtless English men. Harry is trying to get the coffee maker working while Tom and Haz set out plates and silverware. The smell of something burning draws my attention to the stove where hash browns have obviously been cooking for too long.

“As much as I appreciate the thoughtful, generous gesture of you three cooking breakfast, please make sure it is edible and no fires are started,” I giggle, flipping the hash browns with a nearby spatula.

Haz gave me a quick side hug and steps to my side, charming smile lighting up his face. “We thought you’d like charred potatoes for breakfast. Our apologies.” I batted him away and look around the kitchen to see if anything else needed my attention. I could feel eyes on me and turned to see Harry eyeing his brother’s stolen tee on me. Noticing me looking, he quickly turns away.

“Need help with the coffee, Harry?”

He laughs scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah, that’d be great, thanks.” I smile at him, moving to inspect the coffee machine. I can’t contain the belly shaking laugh as I look back at him.

“Harry! This thing isn’t even plugged in. How did you miss that?” I laugh. The taller man lets out a groan, head dropping into his hands. The sound of his brother laughing rings through the lower level of the house. “Don’t worry. I do stupid shit like this all the time.” I tried reassuring him.

After plugging the machine in and successfully turning it on, I pat his shoulder and give his cheek a small peck, not even thinking about it. I busy myself by turning my attention back to the food on the stove, helping the boys finish cooking.

By the time I was able to salvage the sad excuse that is breakfast, the group had made their way to the dining room and were chattering about our plans for the next few days. Setting the food down, I take my seat as everyone starts serving themselves and munching away happily.

“So, what’s the plan today?” Zendaya questions groggily.

Jacob shrugs and takes a bite of toast. “How about we walk around town. Maybe scout out some places to hit later?” She moves her head side to side, thinking it through, munching on some fruit.

“I was thinking of taking a hike sometime today,” Harry mentions. My ears perk up at this.

“Now that sounds fun. I hear there’s a beautiful trail not too far off the beach. Gives an amazing view of the town. I’m sure it’s perfect for pictures,” I tease. At that, his brown eyes lit up.

“So, we can sightsee, and after lunch go on a hike?” Z offers. The group agrees, Harry and I share a warm smile. I watched his lips as they move, mouthing a thank you. A shy nod brings our wordless communication to an end.

We spent the morning hours walking through the closest part of town. Some people stopped to take photos with or just to say hey, but most people either didn’t notice or just didn’t want to bother. The ball cap on Tom’s head did nothing to hide his identity, but I suppose it was more comfort than anything else.

Walking the street arm in arm with Zendaya, the boys following closely behind, we took in the many sights and smells. Our first stop of the morning was an ice cream shop, chosen by Tom. Homemade ice cream at eleven in the morning was the perfect companion as we made our way past various other stores. We had passed by cute storefronts selling handmade goods, a candy shop, even a local art gallery that we ended up checking out.

About two hours into our walk, Jacob wanted to stop at a surf shop. While Jacob and Harrison were chatting with the store owners, the rest of us were walking around looking at what they had to offer. At the back of the store was a beautiful display of hand-painted surfboards. A beautiful teal, floral one caught my eye and I brushed my hand over it, smiling. My gaze shifted towards Zendaya who was browsing through hoodies with the town stamped all over.

“Think they offer lessons?” I wondered aloud.

“If they do, we should totally do it!” Her face lit up like a kid’s. I laughed and made my way over to her. While the boys continued talking, we killed time by browsing through their clothes and trying on sunglasses.

“I noticed you were checking out the boards back there.” I just about jumped out of my skin as the voice appeared behind me. I turned around to be met with a tall guy, noticeably a few years younger than me. He was smiling down at me, green eyes shining.

“Uh yeah. They’re really cool,” I hesitantly said. I force a small smile on my face, looking up at him.

“I’m Braeden by the way. My dad owns the shop.” He stuck his hand out for me to shake, gripping mine tightly. “You’re Toni Thompson, right? I’m a big fan of yours.”

“Yeah, that’s me. It’s nice to meet you.” I let go of his hand, which was gripping mine a little too tightly at this point, and awkwardly look around for my friends. Z spots me, noticing the man behind me, and gives me a weird look. I shake my head, turning my attention back to the tall boy.

“If you’re around town a little longer maybe I could take you out on one of those boards. Teach you how to surf? Or maybe we could hang out, get something to eat?” He was looking at me in an ‘I could eat you right up’ kind of way and it was making me uncomfortable. His height added to the unease. Suddenly, learning how to surf was low on the list of things to do.

“You’re very sweet Brad,”

“It’s actually Braeden,” he corrected me.

“Right, sorry about that. You’re sweet and it was nice to meet you. I always love meeting fans. But, I’m here to enjoy time with my friends.”

Braeden scratches the back of his neck, looking at the floor awkwardly. Before he can say anything, I apologize again and make my way back to the group. As soon as I step away from him, I take a deep breath and close my eyes, shaking off the nerves. Being an actress meant being around strangers, but I don’t do well when they pop out of nowhere. I especially didn’t do well when they would hit on me or look me up and down the way Braeden did.

As soon as I got to the group, Z threw her arm around my shoulders, rubbing her hand on my left arm. “You guys ready to get out of here?”

“Yep, let's go,” Harry answers quickly. I wasn’t expecting to hear a cold tone to his answer and it made me take a small step back. Without looking at me, he steps outside and out of view. Tom made a comment about Harry being grouchy because he was hungry and shared a laugh with the other guys.

Once we had gotten back to the house, everyone’s energy levels seemed to drop. After the light exercise from walking in the heat and our full stomachs from lunch, people just wanted to relax. Jacob threw himself on the couch, conking out almost immediately while Haz and Z made their way to the back porch. Tom grabs a couple of bottles of water from the fridge, tossing one to me and one to Harry before we join the duo outside.

“So, am I going on the hike solo?” Harry questions our little group. He looks around everyone shrugging.

Z kicks her legs up on the table in front of us and takes a swig of the water she stole from my hands. “I’m going to take a long ass bath and then read a book out here. Got to take advantage of this gorgeous view and breeze,” She says, stretching her arms above her head and shaking her hair out. I giggle at her actions and steal my water back from her.

“Sorry, bro. Tom and I spotted an arcade earlier and really wanted to go check it out. Maybe another time, yeah?” Haz looks at Harry apologetically.

Harry smiles at the boys, sending a reassuring smile their way. I tap my finger against his shoulder a few times, trying to get his attention. He looks at me with one eyebrow arched, brown eyes staring me down. I pull my hair behind my ears and look down, suddenly very shy. “I’ll go with you if you’d like,” I offer.

When I look back up, Harry is smiling at me and nodding slowly. “Sure. Let me go grab something from upstairs and then we can head out.” Z winked at me and shot me a thumbs up. I laughed and shot her the bird before making my way through the house to wait for Harry.

Everything I had read online about the trail was right. The hike wasn’t too bad, and it was so beautiful, even with the fresh grey clouds dulling the blue sky. There was a breeze that was blowing my hair around and making Harry's curls fly about his face. The breeze felt wonderful with the California heat beating on us.

For the majority of our hike, Harry was silent. He’d stop and take photos of the scenery around us, clicking his tongue at the ones that weren’t the greatest. His look of concentration was probably the cutest thing ever. My heart ached each time he’d smile. It felt weird being alone with him, my mind kept wandering to my dream.

“Hey, can you help me with this shot?”

I blinked my eyes and looked over at him. He was looking at me expectantly, one brow arched and a grin on his face. “Uh, yeah, what do you need me to do?”

“Just lift your arm up and space your fingers a bit like this,” he demonstrated with his own hand. When he was pleased with the way my pose looked, he stepped back a few feet, camera up to his face.

The realization hit me now. He was trying to make it look like I was holding the sun between my fingers. I smiled at the thought and shook my head. I let my eyes close, focusing on the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below us. A deep breath in and the salty smell of the water enveloped my senses. This is so peaceful, I don’t think I ever want to leave.

The breeze was picking up, blowing my hair around my face. The strands of hair tickled my cheeks with each movement causing a smile to form on my face. Through the silence between us, I could hear the shutter from his camera stop briefly.

“Ya know, I expect photo cred for this if you post it. Its hard work being a hand model,” I joked.

Harry let out a hearty laugh, almost dropping his camera. I put my arm down, smiling at the young man in front of me. “Don’t worry, photo cred is all yours,” he managed to breathe out.

As I unlocked the door to our temporary home, Harry picked up the bag I placed on the ground. On our way back to the house we had stopped at a little market in search of food for dinner. We had spent so much time on our hike that it was nearing dinner time by the time we were finished. Feeling bad for the friends we left behind, we decided to make up for it by cooking for them.

I watched as Harry placed our bags on the counter, and pulled out some dishes, helping him prepare for dinner. Taking a step into the living room, I notice its quiet and not a person is in sight.

“We’re back losers,” I yelled. I walked back into the kitchen, grabbing some veggies from the bags and proceeding to wash them. The sound of bare feet pounding on the wood floor echoed through the house and a moment later Haz and Z ran into the kitchen. I looked up from the counter and smiled at them. “Where’s the other dork? He didn’t get lost, did he?” Z laughed at that until Haz nudged her with his elbow, effectively shutting the taller girl up.

“Hey Harry, your brother is outside talking to your mom. You should go say hi,” Z suggested. I looked at her weirdly and then looked over to Harry.

“Can you take care of the food? I’ll help you when I get back in,” he apologizes. I nod, giving him a little smile. Harry rubs my shoulder before heading outside as I turn back to the groceries we brought home. The entire time I could feel their eyes watching me.

“If you have something to say, then say it,” I sighed. From the corner of my eye, I see Haz take his phone out of his pocket and fiddle with it. “What are you doing, dude?” He slides his phone to me and shares a look with Zendaya.

“I didn’t know he thinks of you like a gorgeous view,” Haz teases.

I looked down at the phone in front of me. My face was lit up in a photo shared by Harry’s Instagram account. My hair was blowing in the wind behind me with rays of sun peaking through. My eyes were closed, and my nose was crinkled up due to the huge smile on my face. It was clearly taken when I was posing for him. Sure enough, he captioned it ‘Gorgeous Views’ with a cute little sun emoji. My heart nearly leaped out of my chest.

“Mom says hi, Toni!” The voice of Harry’s accompanied by Tom and Jacob startled the three of us in the kitchen. Harrison grabbed his phone from my hands and shoved it in his pocket. We probably looked like a bunch of kids who just got in trouble, as we shuffled around the kitchen.

Leaning into Haz, I whisper threatening in his ear. “We’re discussing what you know and how you know it later on.” Straightening up and putting a smile on my face, I clap my hands together. “All right let’s get cooking.” My mind was now racing a million miles an hour. Thoughts of Harry possibly feeling anything for me suddenly invading my thoughts. Could this crush be a mutual pining? Dear Lord, kill me now.

[dc-translator]

[ENG TL] 190403 Kstyle interview

Notice: This translation was completed without any permission or endorsement from the copyright holder. I do not hold the copyright to the original article or the photos used here. As such, a license cannot be specified. This translation will be taken down if the copyright holder wishes so.

Original Japanese interview: http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2113803

Dreamcatcher tries out acting scared for the first time in the music video of their second Japanese single! The scariest horror media they’ve seen is the anime...

Dreamcatcher, a K-Pop girl group that has been drawing attention world wide for its novel ‘Nightmare’ concept, heavy rock sounds, and overwhelming performances, released its second Japanese single, “PIRI ~ 笛を吹け(Blow the Flute)~ -Japanese Ver.-“ on March 13th. Kstyle conducted an interview with them as they visited Japan to attend release events for the album. We heard a lot about their attitude towards their Asia tour, which is planned on March and includes Japan, and also about how they’ve been doing recently.

[TL’s note: The names will be abbreviated from here on out. JiU:JU, SuA:SA, Siyeon:SY, Handong:HD, Yooheyon:YH, Dami:DM, Gahyeon:GH]

--How was your first impression of PIRI? JU: There’s a part of the song that tells you to “Blow the flute (Pirireul Bureora)”. At first, I thought, ‘blow the flute? Really? Out of nowhere?’. But as I listened to the song repeatedly, I came to think that we say ‘blow the flute’ because this is a song that sends out a signal that is uniquely ours, and that this is a special song.

--How was the Japanese version? DM: Personally, the rap part was really hard. It was so fast that it took a while to get used to. But when I heard the result during the monitoring, it was very satisfactory. I felt that it was worth the hard work. GH: When I first heard it I was worried if I could perform it well because of the pronunciation differences with the Korean version. But in the end, it became a song with a different charm.

--As expected with Dreamcatcher, the dance for PIRI is very cool. Which part of the choreography do you think is the coolest? HD: During SuA’s part, we form a V-shape formation and move forward together. I think that part is really cool. ALL: Yeah, that is a cool part.

--Give us some behind the scenes details about the music video. DM: There’s a scene where all the members stand in a straight line, and we had to match Yoohyeon’s height. But there’s actually significant height differences between us, so we had to resort to different methods to make our heights match. We would stretch our backs, use stools, and the like. That was memorable. SY: There was a scene where I sit on a ladder. It wasn’t scary, but it was a pointed ladder, so my butt hurt. (Laugh) Still, I didn’t show the pain and got through the shoot.

--Which member gave the best scared performance? SY: Everyone did a good job, but SuA went as far as to raise her voice. If you look carefully, you can probably see it in the music video as well. (Laugh)

--Which scene did you find scariest? YH: The doll scene, I guess? SA: The director surprised us by turning the doll’s heads. That was scary.

If I could go to a wonderland? ‘To Kyoto…’

--Your 4th mini album, ‘The End of Nightmare’, which contains PIRI, concludes the Nightmare series, which Dreamcatcher has continued on until now. How does the series end? JU: It should be apparent if you watch the music video, but it concludes with us being unable to escape the nightmare, try as we might. Thus, the story keeps repeating itself. It could be said that though the Nightmare series ended, the Nightmare goes on.

--In the very end, there’s a scene where all the members, wearing white clothing, stand in a line while holding hands. What does this scene imply? SY: It means that in the end, there was but one. DM: Every member went through terrors.(Laugh) But in the end, there was but one.

--The B side of “PIRI ~ 笛を吹け~ -Japanese Ver.-“contains Japanese renditions of your popular song GOOD NIGHT and Wonderland. SA: My tone in the rap part of GOOD NIGHT turned out lower than in the Korean version. It fits the Japanese lyrics well and expresses a fiercer feeling. I was very happy about it. YH: I felt that “Wonderland” also fit the emotional qualities of the Japanese language quite well.

--The actor Jo Dong-hyuk makes his appearance in the music video of GOOD NIGHT as well as Chase Me. It seems that you filmed together with him as well. Were there any memorable stories from that time? SA: He was very gentle and was very considerate towards us. It was our first time acting, and he helped us to not feel pressure. JU: This is the first time we’ve been asked something like that. (Towards the interviewer) Could you be a fan of mr. Donghyuk?

--That’s not exactly what I meant with that question. (Laugh) Let me ask a question about Wonderland. If you could all go to a wonderland, what kind of wonderland would you go to? JU: I want to go into a black hole. I’m curious about what it’s like on the inside. SA: I want to visit the quantum realm, like the one that Ant-man from Avengers 4 enters when he keeps shrinking. YH: I love Peter Pan, so I’d like to visit Neverland. HD: I like scenes from ‘Alice in Wonderland’ because they are very romantic. I’d like to visit that world. GH: I haven’t thought about it before. But, I want to live in a world where I can live comfortably. (Laugh) JU: So, an ordinary home!! (Laugh) YH: That’s practical. (Laugh) DM: I want to visit the North and South Poles, before the ice melts. YH: Ah~ I want to see penguins!! SY: I want to visit Kyoto. (Laugh) It’s not exactly wonderland, but I want to feel that scenery in person.

A new event for the release, ‘like a game character…’

--You held a new kind of event during the release events for “PIRI ~ 笛を吹け~ -Japanese Ver.-“, called ‘Individual comment video event’. (TL’s note: It’s an event where the fans would film the members saying certain lines of their choosing) How was it? SY: It was embarrassing. Being filmed while saying “Good Night~!(お休みなさい)” with the fans watching, I felt like I’d become a game character. GH: It was awkward and embarrassing at first. But the fans were so happy about it that I felt glad that we did it. I also tried to say the same line in various ways.

--We heard that there were 4 patterns. Which lines were popular? SA: For me it was, ‘love you (Daisuki)’, I think. DM: ‘Good night (お休みなさい)’ SY: For me, it was ‘I can’t wait to see you (早く会いたいです).’ JU: Another popular one was ‘I’m always thankful (いつもありがとぅ).’

--The limited edition B of “PIRI ~ 笛を吹け~ -Japanese Ver.-“contained a DVD of your promotion in Raqua during your Japanese debut last year. What did you find memorable during your Japanese debut events? JU: We promoted during a cold time of the year. Yet, the Japanese InSomnias didn’t let the cold bother them and still came to see us. I found that to be the most memorable.

--I saw Japanes InSomnias saying things like ‘Dreamcatcher treats their fans well’, and ‘They treasure fans’ on their SNS. SY: Really? I’m happy to hear that. I have a really bad memory, but I try hard to remember each fan. They are happy to be called by their names, and they are thankful for even the smallest things. We are grateful for that. DM: We are truly thankful that the fans come to each of our promotions. I’m happy and touched when I see a familiar face, because it means that they haven’t forgotten us. When I see new fans increasing, I recompose myself and tell myself to work harder.

--Dami, you have a lot of female fans. When you're with them, what do you talk about? DM: You could say that they’re mostly female. They tell me ‘(In Japanese)Dami, you’re so cool!’ They’ll also tell me that they want to be hugged during two-shots, so I give them hugs. That’s how it goes. HD: Whenever I meet Japanese fans, I feel like I’m being healed. Even in difficult times, they make me forget about my hardships. I am so thankful. Love them!

When I was little, an anime I saw was terrifying…

---So far, keeping with your Nightmare concept, your music videos have been somewhat scary. What was the scariest piece of horror media that you’ve seen? YH: When I was little, I watched a Japanese film called ‘One Missed Call 2’. Because I was so young, it was so terrifying that I couldn’t forget it. SA: For me, it was ‘Ju-On: The Grudge.’ I get scared even thinking about it. I get more scared by unrealistic things because I end up imagining them. JU: The Korean film ‘The Wailing’ was terrifying. A Japanese actor (Kunimura Jun) is in the film as well. SY: Akumada~ (She’s quoting ‘The Wailing’) ALL: (Bursts out laughing) HD: I was scared by the anime, ‘Detective Conan’, when I was little. GH: Conan? Really? JU: I can see how it could be scary. HD: The scariest scene was when Conan is peeping through a hole, and then their eyes meet!! (The Mysterious Mansion of a Band of Thieves Case) SY: Do you know Pingu? I thought Pingu was scary too. There’s this sea lion that toys with Pingu in Pingu's dreams. JU: Definitely. I found Sailor Moon scary. The fact that they fight during the night was scary, and the enemy monsters were scary too. DM: For me, it was ‘The Priests’. People possessed by devils suddenly getting up with a completely different demeanor… Things like that were scary. GH: I haven’t watched a lot of horror films, but I also thought The Priests was scary.

Japanese fans are ‘kind and warm’

--Your Asia tour which also includes Japan, is about to start. What about the tour are you looking forward to? JU: We are preparing new songs and new units. I’m excited to see what everyone thinks of them. SA: It’s our first Asia tour, so I’m excited to communicate with our Asian fans. I’m curious about the language of the different countries.

--Last year, your tours centered around Latin America. YH: I remember the long flights. 20 hours!!

--How do you prepare for long flights? GH: Neck pillows and comfortable pants are absolutely necessary. HD: Also, break times and snacks! JU: I also download music and movies to watch on the plane. GH: Another important thing is not sleeping on the night before. SA: Yeah. We bring tiredness with us on long flights. (Laugh)

--Were you given any free time? JU: We got one day off. We played in the hotel’s pools and went to a nearby supermarket.

--On 2017, you went on a European tour. How was it? JU: Being in the streets were like being in a fairytale. The concert hall was also renaissance-styled, so it fit the atmosphere of the street. That was impressive.

--How was the fan’s response? HD: The European fans and the Latin American fans were both very passionate. They even prepared events for us. SY: They’re so warm. (Laugh)

--How are the Japanese fans? JU: They’re very passionate. SY: They’re kind and warm. (Laugh) DM: They’re shy, but inside, they are very passionate. HD: Being with them is touching.

--Let’s change the subject. We’ve heard that Handong sneezes if she eats chocolate. So does anyone have something they end up doing, whenever something happens?

YH: Whenever I hear music, I move my fingers like I’m playing the piano. GH: Do you have the absolute pitch? (Laugh) YH: No I don’t. (Laugh) I just end up doing it. It’s strange. SY: I have one! On buses, you see crosswalks, right? I pretend that a character is on those crosswalks and call out for ‘Toongie’ whenever there’s a crosswalk. I do it without thinking while looking out the window. (Laugh) ALL: What’s that about? (Laugh) GH: I have a similar experience. When I look out windows and see trees standing in a line, I sometimes would try timing my blinks to when I'm passing the gaps between the trees. JU: When I was in elementary school, I’d also try stepping only on the white parts of a crosswalk. I also keep something red with me on important events since elementary school. GH: Since your hair is red, everyday is important, then. (Laugh)

We approach the member’s personalities with 7 questions!

--Now, we’ll begin asking questions to individual members. We’ve heard that unlike her beautiful appearance, JiU likes dad jokes. Please teach Japanese fans some dad jokes. JU: ‘I bought new Tees (In Korea, we call t-shirts ‘Tee’s.). Which Tees did you buy? Cutee and prettee. Something like that. Please try using this joke! ALL: …(Bitter laugher)

--SuA is good at calligraphy. How did you learn calligraphy? SA: My grandmother is great at drawing and is a university professor. So I ended up learning calligraphy from her during middle school. Calligraphy and drawing helps me relieve stress, so I try to draw when I have the time. I’ve given my calligraphy as gifts to fans as well.

--Siyeon is a fan of ONE OK ROCK. Was there a particular event that made you a fan? SY: Their song popped up on my recommendations list on the music streaming service that I use. I heard one song, thought their voice was great, and ended up searching for other songs from them. They’re great at lives too. I ended up becoming a fan. My favorite song is ‘Nobody’s Home’.

--Handong is great at singing musical numbers. What is your favorite musical number? is there a musical that you'd like to star in? HD: My favorite musical number is ‘Memory’ from Cats. I want to star in Mamma Mia. Both the songs and the story are great. I want to try portraying Sophy.

--Yoohyeon loves playing video games. What draws you to video games? YH: I’m not anxious to win in games. I like being able to feel like I’m in the world of the game while playing. So I often play simulation games. I haven’t had the time for games recently, though.

--You and Siyeon both love games. Who’s better at games? YH: We go to PC rooms together, but we don’t play the same games. The genres we like are different. Siyeon likes to play RPGs, but I prefer games like peg solitaire, avatar games, and simulation games.

--Dami, your prince-like charms became even more pronounced with your short haircut. How did the fans react? DM: I was worried at first. But the fans told me that it suited me well, making my worries disappear. Now I prefer this short haircut.

--Gahyeon, you were praised for your rap part in PIRI. How did trying rapping feel? GH: I was worried and nervous at first. But our fans' response was great, and helped me become more confident. Knowing that everyone likes it, I worked on it even harder. Dami also gave me advice.

--Lastly, could you give us a message for the fans? JU: It’s heartwarming, being able to come to Japan again, and being able to make happy memories with everyone. We’re always thankful. Oh! We hold concerts in Tokyo on May 2nd, and in Kobe on May 4th. Please come to them!!

Interviewer: Yuuko Abe    Photography: Eisuke Asaoka

[TL’s Note: Wow, this was a difficult one. It took much longer than I thought, and even now I'm not sure if it all makes sense. I did the best I could, but I’m translating an interview from my third language (Japanese) to my second Language (English). Please let me know if there are parts that are difficult to understand.]