#It's super late and I hope this isn't too much of a rambling mess

[hazbinsinners]

;; the ramblings of an insecure mun under the cut

;; i love this community, and i love being here, and i love writing with all of you; you guys are so fucking creative and talented.

i just can't help feeling super out of place. i know i've only been here for about a month now so i don't have the time to form the bonds that you guys have but i just . . . i dunno. i can't help but feel like an outcast or like people don't like me or find me annoying. i don't get many interactions, especially from new mutuals, and that's totally fine i'm not trying to force anyone. i guess i'm just feeling kinda like a smear on the community.

i'm always worried my interpretations are "wrong" ( as if there is such a thing ) or that i'm not as good as everyone else. or sometimes i feel like i interact with people i really wanna write with and i ruin things or i embarrass myself or i fuck up because i'm really bad at social interactions cause of my autism/mental health stuff and guh. i just really wanna make friends and write super cool threads with people and talk about this thing that i've loved for like four years now. idk i just feel like i don't belong here and it's really getting to me the past few days :( i'm sure the unposted anon hate i've gotten quite a few times now on literally 2/3 of my blogs isn't helping but. lmao

i guess take this as sort of an inbox/plotting call too if you even read this? lol i just would really love to interact with more people. if i'm following you, that for sure means i'd love to interact, i'm just super shy and obviously insecure lol

sorry to anyone who read this i know it's kind of a mess. i'm just kinda getting stuff out there and hoping that i'm wrong and that there are people who want to write with me still. i'm not fishing for compliments or anything either, i'm not posting this for like pity or sympathy i'm just. trying to gauge if anyone still has interest in my blogs outside of like the two people i talk to on a regular basis. i know i haven't been super active lately ( mostly because of these feelings ) but i miss you guys so much.

sincerely nico lol

[scarlettlawyer]

“the phantom is the worst villain because they don’t have any defined personality/character”

Dual Destinies has a lot of flaws. The phantom as a character and villain and their execution has flaws. They’re still my favourite villain but that’s neither here nor there and irrelevant to this post. But their lack of character/backstory is not one of them.

This may sound counter-intuitive but please allow me a moment.

Btw, if you, personally, did not like (and would never like) the phantom as a villain for the specific reason(s) listed above, that is your opinion and that is totally fine. But the problems with the phantom’s character could all be fixed through the game and its/the character’s execution being tweaked. The idea of the phantom, or a character like the phantom as the villain, is not fundamentally bad at its core.

If you wanted to fix things, for starters, it would probably be necessary to have focused more on the phantom’s organisation and maybe not have them karma Houdini out of everything. We would actually need to find out more about the phantom’s organisation. We don’t need to find out more about the phantom.

(and second of all, all of the phantom’s actions in-game would need to actually be logical and make sense to the player, and not merely leave the player grasping at headcanon to explain some of the really pivotal actions the phantom decided to take).

I’ve seen complaints about not knowing their name/face and that being unacceptable, but... what would seeing their face or knowing their name actually do? What would it realistically add? Congrats here’s a random face, that means nothing to anyone, let alone the player, or hey here’s some name it’s just... what would it add? Even if the character might be flawed in its portrayal it doesn’t need these aspects to suddenly be a GOOD villain.

“having no personality means they have no motive etc etc”

This is why it would likely be necessary to actually incorporate more information about the phantom’s organisation. We can say the phantom has at least two main motives: following the organisation’s orders, and self-preservation. Just because they lack emotions, doesn’t mean they don’t have motives. In the end, the phantom was just one arm of the organisation so something should have been done about the organisation, which would also address the dissatisfaction I’ve seen people say about feeling like taking down the phantom was “empty” because they’re “no one”.

But they ARE someone. They are someone who has been lying to the player, and faking their way through the past three cases. The main cast shared inside jokes with them. You trusted them.

“self-preservation doesn’t make sense cause like they have no sense of self so what self are they trying to preserve”

Yeah but here’s the thing... The phantom doesn’t know who they are, they lack emotions, but the game clearly shows us that they do have the basic instinct and desire for survival. They talk a big game about being “no one” but at the end of the day, they still don’t want to die. So perhaps the game should have emphasised them still, in the end, being human, to help solve this issue. But you don’t necessarily need to give them a backstory in order to do this. Even in their current empty state, it’s still a simple fact that they’re biologically, a human being. And they can deny it all they want but they DO have a “self”. Because it’s needed even to speak out of character.

“why do they even work for the organisation tho bc no sense of self etc etc”

Like as I’m saying in this post. You basically need to accept these two facts about the phantom for anything to work: they act in both self-preservation and the interests of the organisation. and BESIDES that, they’re mostly empty.

They left everything behind and are a very elite spy for this organisation, they’re near-emotionless, they are very good at acting, they betrayed the main cast and they betrayed you, the player. They do not want to be discovered, they do not want to die, and they are very intent on carrying out any orders they receive from the organisation. This is all you really need. I don’t understand WHY they need a backstory of whoever they were before, why this is necessary for them to be considered a “good villain”. There are objective reasons to call them not a good villain but I don’t think this is one of them! Because the whole thing is, they do not remember anything. If the game dragged out some kind of backstory, somehow (which... HOW would you even do that?), they still probably wouldn’t remember and the information might be meaningless to them. Because they’re a Cool Emotionless Spy now. That wouldn’t... change that. They’d still be Mr What Are Emotions even if you did that.

I am genuinely interested in hearing how people would tweak the phantom’s execution to make them a better villain if, indeed, they dislike them as a villain. But if you’re out there saying “actually, there is no way to solve it, the concept of the phantom as a villain is fundamentally flawed, objectively” then I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to bluntly disagree with you.

Like, the concept, the lack of emotions, not having a name, is not for everyone! And that’s fine! We all have personal preferences, even when it comes to villains, we have villains we like and dislike, but just because we weren't  big fan of a certain villain doesn’t mean the concept doesn’t work. At that point it’s opinion. But please don’t act like its an objective fact that the concept of the phantom as a villain is fundamentally flawed.

I like the concept of the phantom and the many ways it can be pulled off, and that does not make me objectively “wrong”

[henry-and-the-seven-lords]

Hello @gluttonousfruit you are in fact my first request. (I did not forget about you in moving my blog.) I am super excited to have anyone ask me to write something! Also I would love to be friends! Feel free to message me through asks or in private DMs! I hope you enjoy the imagine!

Warnings: Fluff with a small amount of angst because Levi doubts himself 😞

Brothers Masterlist | Dateables Masterlist

Levi with an Animator S/O

"Okay MC, I know we just finished 'Swimming Only Leads to Hot Mermaids,' but I was thinking since we are already watching otomes, we should watch another series that everyone is recommending online!" Levi says this as he begins to pull out one DVD and place in another while bouncing on the balls of his feet like an excited puppy.

"I guess I could watch one more series, but it better be a good one. Sure the mermaids were attractive, but there wasn't much of a plot." MC says with a yawn. A quick look over to the clock, and it reads 11:48 PM in a blinding blue light. Not too late for one of Levi's normal bingefests, but a little too late for MC when they have classes tomorrow.

"No, I promise this one is good. Everyone is talking about the art style. They say it is so original that it's captivating." Levi walks to the small futon briskly and plops himself down next to MC as he continues to ramble about the art. His voice slowly trails off as the opening begins to play.

As the music fills MC's ears, they perk up and a small smile appears on their face. "Levi, could this perhaps be, 'I Went to Hell For a Weekend and Got Stuck in a Love Heptagon with Seven Incubi'?"

Levi faces MC in shock. The look on their face is quite smug. (In all seriousness, it reminds Levi of Mammon when he wins poker, but he doesn't want to be think about his brother while looking at MC. So he pushes that thought away.) This anime came out only the day before their bingefest. And even then, Levi had this copy pre-ordered for this very occasion and it arrived before any stores were selling physical copies. There is no way a normie like MC could have heard about its release. Does this mean MC isn't such a normie after all?

"You heard of this show already?" The surprise in his voice was impossible to hide.

"Yeah, I have heard of it." MC smiles and chuckles quietly, "I have never actually seen it, but I have heard the opening quite a few times."

"Oh..." Levi sighs. He was so stupid. Of course MC had heard the opening. It is all over his Devilgram and they were on their phone for part of the last show, so they obviously just heard it on there. Levi deflates looking solemn. It was just a pipe dream that MC would ever be interested in his yucky otaku interests.

"Hey! There is no reason to be all sad just because I know the name of the show. I still haven't seen the whole thing. My first time watching will still be with you Levi, isn't that special enough?" The smile on MC's face seemed sincere enough, but the words that came out of their mouth made blood rush up to Levi's cheeks. Their first... did they really mean to say it like that?...

As thoughts begin to flood Leviathan's head the show began. It was true the art style was captivating. So captivating in fact, that he forgot about his embarrassment. But MC's words still lingered in his mind as he watched the show.

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"Well, I am dead tired." MC stands cracking their aching joints as they look at the clock. 2:37 AM. It was that late already? "I think I need to head to bed Levi. I have classes in the morning and I need at least a few hours of sleep."

"Are you sure?" Levi was just starting to enjoy MC's presence. At the beginning of the night, he was on edge trying to make everything perfect. Levi did want to mess up by being a yucky Otaku and give them a reason to leave him all alone. But as the night progressed, (and more snacks were consumed) he felt increasingly more comfortable with sharing his favorite shows with MC. "I have other shows we could watch to pass the time, or we could play this new game I got-"

MC walks over to Levi and gently sets their hands on his shoulders, "Games and anime are great, but what I need right now is sleep." MC watched as Levi's face filled with a blush and his eyes flashed with hurt. "I am not leaving because I am mad... or sad... or anything really. I just need to sleep, Leviathan." Their voice was barely above a whisper as they said his name. How could he disagree with them when they said his name like that; all the while, looking deep into his eyes. He felt like he could explode.

As MC turns away, the demon in question then sighs mutters a quiet "okay" under his breath. "Don't worry, Levi. This isn't the last time I will watch anime with you. I promise we can do another one of these when another new anime comes out." MC begins to pick up their things. A blanket they brought with them to keep warm in Levi's cold room and the rest of their human snacks. "Besides, I really liked that one, and I have heard they are already making season two." As they speak, MC makes their way across the room to the gigantic tank.

"Wait. How do you-"

"Good night Henry. Good night Levi." And with that, MC leaves. Closing the door behind them.

How did MC know about a second season? Even he, the Great Otaku Levi, has not heard about a season two on any forums or on any other website... After thinking about it, Levi suspects it's probably on Devilgram like the opening was. To prove his theory, he pulls out his D.D.D. and opens up Devilgram to the 'I Went to Hell For a Weekend and Got Stuck in a Love Heptagon with Seven Incubi' page. He scrolls through their posts and finds the opening, like he predicted, but what he didn't predict was their most recent post.

"This show would not have been possible without MC. Thank you for making such a great story and great art to go along with it!"

Levi reads the caption once, twice, thrice and is speechless. The photo for this post is none other than his MC standing with a hand drawn piece of the protagonist. He can even see their signature in the corner when he zooms in! He knew that they liked to draw, but he never thought they would make an anime.

Without thinking, Levi gets up and begins to run to MC's room. He needs to know that this isn't some sort of elaborate prank that MC and Satan brewed up to make him like a normie more.

The door to MC's room busts open, "MC!" The room is completely dark except for the light shining in through the doorway.

"Levi...? Is that you? Is something wrong?" MC's voice is soft and laced with sleep. If this were any other time, Levi would have screamed over their cuteness, but today he had a mission. He immediately marches up to the half asleep MC and promptly shoves his phone in their face.

"Did you make 'I Went to Hell For a Weekend and Got Stuck in a Love Heptagon with Seven Incubi'?" MC sits up and squints as their eyes adjust to the blinding screen and look at the post.

"Um... yeah. That's me isn't it?" Silence takes over the room, before Levi begins to scream.

"WAHHHHH! MC, why didn't you tell me!" Thankfully with the phone only being pointed at MC, they can't see the blush spreading across his face.

"Well, I didn't want you to treat me differently because I make anime." Laying back down as they speak, MC tucks a pillow under their head and looks up to where they guess Leviathan's face is. "Besides, I thought it was really cute how you were fanboying, and I didn't want you to stop because you knew you were in the presence of the creator." A small smile makes it's way on to MC's face as Levi feels his own get hotter.

Now covering his face, Levi quickly makes his way to the door while muttering, "You can't just say things like that..." As he begins to close the door, he pauses and opens it up again while looking back, "Can you tell me more about your show tomorrow, MC?" His voice sounds small compared to his previous scream.

"Of course Levi. We can talk for as long as you like."

[foxymoxynoona]

Hi hello foxy!! This is super late but I after like 5 read throughs of the last chapter of flux I have so many thoughts and I wanted to send them before u posted the next chapter!! I think what stands out to me the most right now is how much JK is hiding/messing up while also doing incredible well at taking care of Sasha. Like he’s had so many good boyfriend moments in the past couple chapters (helping with panic attacks, I love you so I stay, I’ll say for me you say for you, etc.) but also …

…he’s made so many mistakes (that he’s kept hidden)!! Like I’m shook that he still hasn’t told her about his time during the break (and I already mentioned how he keep saying he knows she hates secrets while keeping a big one) but also last chapter when he was telling his hyungs all that stuff about Sasha like 😬😬😬 AND THEN he sees her and Michelle fighting because Michelle was dumb & told someone things Sasha had told her in confidence and he thinks oh oops 🤦🏾‍♀️ BUT DOESNT SAY ANYTHING grr

Tbh I feel like JK may be using Sasha fragility as a way to escape having to have tough conversations/face some of the things he did and I’m not looking forward to the eventual explosion 💥. Also Michelle and Joon?!? who would’ve thought. OH also I know a lot of people think the hyungs were out of line (and they were!!) but I’m also not surprised. If my friend got their heart brutally broken, spiral and then get back with the person who did the heart breaking I would be very 🤨🤨🤨 as well - 🛸

oh and one final thing!! I don’t agree what JK did during his break isnt relevant to his relationship with Sasha esp because he’s still interacting with someone he slept with on a daily basis at work. I feel like with how jealous Sasha is and how fragile she feels right now that’s going to go over like a lead balloon when she finds out - 🛸 oh ps the last like 3 were from me but I think I forgot to sign the first two (pps sorry if my rambles don’t make sense!! It’s late & I am sleepy sleepy😴)

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Your commentsa ll make sense to me despite the late hour! You are very much not alone in this take on things. You know me, I love to write complicated situations where there isn't an easy "you're the bad guy and she's the good guy" takeaway. I especially love "people's intentions are good but they fuck up the delivery" because i think that is a lot of human interaction.

It's interesting to me to read too the disagreement in the readers about whether the hyungs are overstepping/infantalizing or have a justified reason to be worried and insert themselves.

If Jungkook and Sasha were both all grown up after one month apart, there wouldn't be five books in this series 😂They definitely both have some mistakes ahead of them!

Hope you like the new chapter once it's up!