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spamgyu · 7 months

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urs // Mingyu Series - Part 2

"the best at being the worst... but fuck sake I'm already yours"

DESCRIPTION: she and mingyu were in no place to be in a relationship. she was his best friend's stylist and he was... well he was kim mingyu; something stable was not something that was ideal for the two – not when their careers are both at it's peak. PAIRING: idol!mingyu x stylist!reader GENRE: angst WARNINGS: mentions of alcohol, implied smut, stubborn protagonists, so many red flags you would think this is a football game, features the love of mingyu's life (jungkook) and all his other besties

NOTE: if you read INFRUNAMI, no you didn't. this has the same-ish vibes BUT this is the re-written version. many events, actions, and overall plot has been changed. (even if the intro/first part is very similar)

"Are you really not going to come with me?" Mingyu watched her move about her room.

He had shown up to her place unannounced – letting himself in, using the pin-code he had memorized by heart. This was one of many occasions he had put the four digits into good use; at times paying the apartment a visit even when she was not around.

It was the one location no one dared to bother him; mostly because those who were in on their arrangement knew that his presence at the place shouldn't even exist.

It was his new safe haven; a place where he can hide out when his schedules seemed to have more hours of him staying awake than it did of any shut eye.

Any time he felt a moment of pressure from the public eye or his company, he ran to the one place he that silenced the voices in his head – instantly bringing a sense of calm upon him.

Which has been rare to come these days.

Y/n didn't think he was actually being serious when he had invited her to spend the holiday with his family.

She rarely took what he said seriously, knowing that they were nothing but empty promises – being so busy and all. She knew she was last on his priority list and had always kept her expectations quite low for him.

Maybe it was her fear of disappointment.

"I don't know, dude." Y/n sighed, holding two jackets in front of her – mentally debating which would go best with her outfit. She may be spending the day alone but she still wanted to look well dressed. "I have a lot of things to prep for."

"The leather one." Mingyu nodded over to the jacket in her right hand. "Just do it after."

Setting the canvas outerwear in her left hand down, y/n slipped one arm after the other into the oversized jacket Mingyu had suggested – glancing at her reflection in her full body mirror.

He was right, leather did look best.

"I can't. Our flight leaves 5 am." She frowned. "I'll stop by when I'm done."

"Your mom will never let you hear the end of this, you know that right?"

Mingyu had only met her mother once, and it was purely by accident. While visiting last year, Y/n had taken her mom to the company building to show her around – wanting her mother to see where she spent most of her days if she wasn't hopping from one plane to another.

The three of them had managed to get on the same elevator that day; Y/n having no choice but introduce her mother to one of her so-called friends.

Which wasn't much of a lie... technically. They were friends...and a little more. But her mother didn't need to know that.

And of fucking course, Mingyu didn't take long to warm up to the older woman.

Two minutes to be exact.

All he had to do was flash his usual smile and use that tiny voice he used when he was around anyone that was older than him – her mom falling right into the trap that almost anyone had fallen into.

Including Y/n.

Mingyu completely disregarded his original plans of having lunch alone that day, choosing to sit with the two in the company's food hall – bonding with her mother about Y/n's need to always put her job over her personal interest.

In Y/n defense, her job didn't feel like a job. She thoroughly enjoyed what she did – the nearly seven figure salary was just cherry on top of the deal.

"Which is why she won't know." Y/n pointed before picking out a lip gloss from her collection. "It's not like she can check anyways."

Mingyu knew she was right, letting out a frustrated groan. "Come on, I already told my mom you were coming."

The smile on her face fell. "You're joking."

Just as Mingyu had only met her mother once, she had only met not only his mom but his whole family once. And just like Mingyu, she had managed to get along quite well with them – especially his mom.

The older woman was nothing but kind to Y/n despite crashing their rare-to-come family time during the holiday last year. The older woman couldn't help but happily dote on the girl upon learning that she was in the country all alone, all while her mother was back west.

Happy knowing that he was slowly swaying her decision, Mingyu's smile grew larger. "How about I help you do what you need to do so that we can head over together?"

Y/n pursed her lips, considering his offer. She did need some assistance with pressing a few garments and compiling her styling kit – and she did miss having a home cooked meal.

"Fine, but no funny business."

"Well," He let out a soft chuckle. "When you put it that way, now I kind of want to do some funny business."

"Work is work." Y/n reminded him.

They never took their ... business elsewhere. It was far too risky.

Especially at their company building.

・゜゜・．・゜゜・．・゜゜・．・゜゜・．

She hated how she could never resist him.

Somewhere in between steaming the rack full of designer pulls she had managed to secure for her talent's upcoming schedule, and their useless banter, Mingyu had managed to get his hands on her.

It started with a simple squeeze at the hip as she tried to ignore the lust full gaze that he had been sending her since their arrival – within minutes he had her pinned against the wall, his lips hungrily attacking her neck.

No matter how much she wanted to stand her ground, keeping to her word, Y/n had given in.

Like she always does.

"What happened to no funny business?" Y/n sighed as she tilted her head to give him more access.

"No one's laughing." Mingyu mumbled against her jaw, a free hand slowly creeping up her shirt while the other hooked on to the belt loops of her jeans – pulling her closer against his body.

"You're annoying."

She could feel her whole body begin to grow hot under his touch, arching her back off the wall as he moved from her neck to her lips – his tongue plunging into her mouth.

"Hey– whoa!"

The sound of the familiar voice broke the spell he had put her under – Y/n pushing off the boy that towered over her to see their friend standing at the door with a bewildered look on his face.

"At the office? Really?" Jungkook cried.

She had completely forgotten that she had asked him to swing by for one last fitting.

Closing her eyes, Y/n let out a loud groan; in both embarrassment and frustration.

They had never been caught once. They've always been careful – which was quite easy considering they were always in the privacy of their own bedrooms.

If it would have been any body else that had walked through the doors, she would have been sure she would have been fired in an instant. Despite having a bullet proof contract that left her almost invincible to any termination.

She was a well known industry stylist after all.

"We weren't doing anything." Mingyu shrugged, walking over to the leather couch – shrugging off the incident as if it was just any regular occurrence.

All while Y/n would rather have the ground swallow her whole.

"Sure, dude." Jungkook rolled his eyes. "Do I need to come back or....?"

"No, we're good." Mingyu answered for her, pulling his phone out of his pocket.

She wanted to strangle him.

Letting out a deep breath, Y/n grabbed the outfit she had set aside off the rack – handing it over to the boy who now had a quite amused look on his face.

He always did enjoy teasing the two; more Y/n than Mingyu, since he was always able to get a reaction from her.

His best friend on the other hand, he didn't seem to care. Dismissing his attempts to poke fun at the secret very few of their circle were in on.

"Say a word, and I'll leave pins in your clothes." She gritted her teeth.

Using his free hand to metaphorically zip his lips, Jungkook turned his heel and headed for the foldable partition set up at the corner of the room.

"I ran into Hana the other day." Mingyu announced – for his friend of course.

Hana.

His ex-girlfriend.

The girl that Y/n wasn't supposed to know about.

What Mingyu didn't know was that she knew all about the girl, all thanks to his blabber mouth of a friend who had spilled all there was to know about the two's past.

During one of their many days of being overseas, Jungkook and Y/n had landed on the topic of Mingyu – a time before he was made aware of his two friend's special kind of relationship.

Hana was his first love; and from what Y/n has learned... his only.

Hana was once a trainee at the company along with the thirteen boys – a girl that Mingyu had grown up with. They have had a long history, having known each other even before he became the idol he was today – she knew him better than anyone else.

As Jungkook claimed, "She'll always hold a piece of him."

"Of course you did," Jungkook snorted from behind the bamboo divider. "I'm ninety-nine percent sure those run ins aren't coincidental."

Y/n pretended to busy herself with packing the remaining items on the rack – all while her mind ran a million miles per hour.

She was curious but she knew it was also not her place.

And definitely not the right place and time to pry.

"Looks okay?" Jungkook stepped out, his arms stretched out as he spun for the girl.

She pulled her lips into a tight smile and nodded. "Does it feel okay?"

"I think you may need to hem the pants." He shook his leg. "Can I keep these after?"

"I mean, I don't think Diesel will say no to you." She chuckled, crouching down to examine the length of the jeans – making a mental note to bring her sewing kit.

"Can I keep the jacket?" Mingyu quipped, eyeing the leather moto-style leather outerwear was sporting.

There was no doubt that this item would soon be a well desired piece by everyone once it was made available for purchase – and free clothes were free clothes.

"Sorry, I work for him. Not you." Y/n shrugged. She knew there would be no issues if they kept the garments that the brand had generously loaned the artist – much like many other brands that scrambled to place their items on the biggest boy group of not only Korea, but the world.

"I'll give it you dude, don't worry." Jungkook gave his friend a knowing look, earning an eye-roll from the girl.

Aside from Hana, the only other person that held Mingyu's heart was Jungkook. The two having an irritable bromance that gave Y/n a headache anytime they ganged up one her.

Which occurred far more often than she liked.

"Okay go change." Y/n stood from her spot, lightly pushing him towards the partition.

"You guys got plans after this? My mom made enough food for half of Korea."

"We're heading to my parents."

"We?" Jungkook coughed, sticking his head out to glance at the two.

Y/n silently sent over a look, telling him to pipe down – thankfully Mingyu didn't catch on to this.

Because he was far too busy typing away on his phone.

"What the fuck?" Jungkook mouthed to her.

"Y/n was going to spend the whole day here." Mingyu locked his phone, looking up to see his friends silently communicating. "You two good?"

"Yeah, Kook is just being annoying."

Despite having the brains, Mingyu was quite oblivious when it came to her.

There were so many telling signs, so many bells and whistles that rang for everyone – and yet, he had no clue that the girl he had roped into having a friends with benefits deal with, had feelings for him.

Who could blame her?

Not only did he look like a reincarnated Greek God, fucked like one as well; but he had all the traits any girl would dream of in a man.

He had been raised quite well.

She had fallen for his stupid smile, the one that showed all of his teeth; infecting those around him.

His stupid laugh that were practically music to her ears whenever she heard it, making her want to crack jokes continuously just so she could hear more of it.

His stupid acts of service that just came so naturally, unable to help herself from becoming putty in his hands whenever he did anything to make her day that much easier – opening bottled water, adjusting her clothes whenever they were not sitting correctly on her frame, wiping away the crumb that stuck to her chin, placing a pillow where his body once laid before slipping into the darkness of the night.

The list could go on.

To Mingyu, these actions were nothing. These were things he would do to those close to him.

But to her, the girl who had accepted the barest of bare minimum from previous lovers, it was everything.

Y/n had fallen for a man she shouldn't have. Not only because of the rules they had set, the stupid fucking rules, but also because she knew he would never give her the time of day.

She had lost count the many times he had expressed to her that relationships was not anything he dreamt of; not now and definitely not anytime soon.

His group was finally reaching the success that they had worked so tirelessly for – the endless sleepless nights, the many injuries, the tears... they were finally paying off.

A relationship wasn't something he could afford, nor did he have energy for.

"I like this. It's low maintenance." He claimed.

Low maintenance.

No daily texts or calls, no checking up; they came and go in each other's lives like the wind – passing by when they pleased.

And for a good while, she was on the same page as him. She too couldn't afford a relationship – not when she was as busy, if not more, as the seven men she worked for.

They were both on two different planets, universes even, but they shared similar worries.

Similar struggles.

But as her schedule started to slow down, with each boy slowly stepping away from the limelight to fulfill their civic duties, nights had become lonely and she began to yearn for the one thing she had been pushing off for years.

"Ready to go?" He stepped in front of her, a soft smile on his lips.

All while she was deep in her thoughts, buzzing about the room in auto-pilot, all the task she had needed done were finally complete – Mingyu taking notice of this as he stayed out of her way, choosing to converse about God-knows-what with his best friend.

Blinking her thoughts away, she mirrored his expression. "Yep."

Mingyu handed her the jacket she had slipped off once they had arrived, reaching over to pull her ponytail from under the garment as she adjusted her top.

There he goes again with doting on her...

"Stay safe, guys." Jungkook snickered as he headed for the door.

"We're going to my parents!"

"That wasn't what I meant but– hey, that too." He winked before slipping out of the room.

Y/n knew she shouldn't have agreed.

She should have made up a stupid excuse.

But just like all other times, she had given in.

Unable to resist him.

PERMANENT TAGLIST

@thegirlwhoimagined @ohmygodwhyareallusernamestaken @f4iryjjosh @akeminy @yonabutnotyuna @tacosandbitch @vanillacheol @aaniag @bettybotterboughtabitofbutter @xbaekcult @alwaysalmostthere @ashkuuuu @morkswatermelonnnn @isabellah29 @lottogyu @bubbly-moon @lllucere @bo-fairykim @pluviophile-xxx @daegutowns @jenoxygen @niktwazny303 @aahvii @fragmentof-indifference @leah-rose03 @haolistic @eclliipsed @joshuahongnumbers @gyuguys @yaaaridk @christinewithluv @yoonzinoooo @jaebammie @livelikejinki

(for some reason it's not allowing me to tag some who wanted to be added to the perm tag list ... cries... pls check ur settings so i can for future posts)

#the way it's been 10 million years since i updated #anyways...... aha hello #spamwrites #spamgyu urs #mingyu scenarios #mingyu x reader #seventeen fic #mingyu x oc #seventeen imagines #mingyu fic #mingyu angst #mingyu #kim mingyu #mingyu x y/n #mingyu series

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jester089 · 11 months

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What would happen if, having appeared at the circus, the reader looked around and said animatedly. “Wow...this place has changed so much. You did a good job, Kane!” - instead of the usual panics. It was as if they were already here. And how do they know his name is Kane?

everything is very simple. The reader has already been to the circus once (back when the queener was alive), but was able to escape. The reader decided to come back, because they felt sorry for the people in the circus, but when they came again, all the old characters had long since disappeared, and instead they saw the main cast. They had to explain everything again: what the world looks like from the outside, how much it has changed, and most importantly, that there is a way out and they are helping them.

They know how to find a way out, remember their past and true name, and have decided to came back to help others escape. It would be cool if Kinder remembered the reader, because he was the first

Back so soon?

So their is what you asked. But it made me think of something. What if reader was someone who created Caine/the circus. And they check in like every 6 months or so just to see how everything is going, and to make sure nothing is going horribly wrong. But they can't get the others out. So they just do their best to make the place comfortable. I'll still write your request but my idea will probably be written soon. Maybe. I honestly don't know. But you didn't specify on if you wanted the crew sperate or not so I'm just going to do a one shot.

TADC crew x Reader who visits the circus

You pop in on digital circus every now and again just to check in on everything and see how Caine is. Your a coder and stumbled upon it by chance. That is actually how you found a way out, and help everyone with their memories. Those x'ed out doors are people you've gotten out, or ones who abstracted before you could help them. You sometimes use it as a vacation too. Life is stressful and that place is full of a childlike fun and relaxing atmosphere when you aren't worried about escape. I mean you don't have to eat, drink, or sleep. And you get to go on silly adventures. 10/10 vacation spot if that's your thing. You pop into the colorful main room and look around. It's about the same as last time, that isn't a bad thing though. "Caine! I'm back!" No response. huh. Eh he's a busy guy you can't really blame him. You start walking towards the rooms hoping to meet everyone new. ~~~~~

You get there and skim over the doors different pictures. "Ok so looks like we gottt. A comedy masked ribbon person. A mismatch of colors and pieces poor them. A chess piece. Oh no, their was a queen version. Oh geez now I feel awful. Maybe I should stop by more... Ok uhh, a ragdoll. A periwinkle bunny. And a Jester. Alright not a bad line up." You ring each rooms door bell getting no response each time. "Wonder where everyone is. I hope they're ok." You start wandering around calling out for Caine every now and again. ~~~~~ After around 20 minutes of wandering you find Caine and the group of people that the rooms belong to at the carnival. You jog up to them waving. "Caine! I'm back!" He does an over the top spin and hold the sides of his head like. "Y/N!!! What a pleasure to see you again! Back so soon too! We were having a day at the carnival! Seeing as how it wasn't used for a long time I made some changes! Their is now more rides! And an arcade! How about I introduce you to everyone!" "Yeah I would love that! Also I can't wait to try out the new rides. I had been on the old ones more times then I can count." He directs you towards the crowd of people some are looking at you confused as to how you know Caine, and aren't freaking out. Some just look like they don't wanna be there. ~~~~~

Around 5 minutes later you know everyone by name (Sorry I didn't write that. But you already know who they are and that would have taken me longer then I'm willing to take) so you introduce yourself and how you know Caine. "It's lovely to meet you all! I'm Y/N L/N, but you can just call me Y/N. I'm a coder who can get in and out of the digital circus so I visit sometimes." The short Jester who you now know as Pomni snaps her head in your direction. "You have a way out?!" "Uhh yeah. That's actually the main reason I visit so often. To help people out and get them out. It doesn't really work without me here so I try and visit whenever I can." "Get. Me. OUT OF HERE!" "Ok, ok geez. The rest of you want out too?" You receive only positive reactions so you take that as a yes. You motion for all of them to follow but before you walk off you turn to Caine. "Be back soon! Just gotta get these people home." "But of course. I feel their should be a way for me to be able to get people out. You'd think I would me being the controller of everything their would be. But at least their is a way for everyone to get out. See you soon Y/N and thank you again for all your help!" You wave then lead the group back to the main room and to the stage. "You can do this just about anywhere but this is the place that I've found is the best. My best guess is because it's always where people pop in when they first arrive." You walk up to a seeming specific wall and do something (?) to it. You move off to the side and motion for them to walk into the wall. Pomni essentially sprints into it not even thinking that you could be joking. And she goes straight through. The others soon following. After everyone's out you stretch and start walking back towards the carnival. "Some digital cotton candy sound pretty good right now. And I wanna try out those new rides Caine talked about."

(If I'm being honest I didn't really like how this turned out. But I digress. Sorry it took so long. And sorry only really Pomni talked. Still I hope you enjoyed it! I'm going to give this a special tag cause I feel like I'm going to continue it someday.)

xoxo, Jester

#tadc x reader #the amazing digital circus x reader #caine x reader #pomni x reader #noob author #not beta'd #A way out

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niiine · 1 year

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𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇

Character(s). Xiao, Lumine

Synopsis. Xiao's voice lines and how selfish he is when it comes to you.

Fluff & comfort

Gn! reader, but if I missed any fem pronounds, PLEASE FORGIVE ME. But I'm careful this time, i promise.

Mutual pining because whyy not. Xiao is a Tsundere (OOC a bit. I'm sorry) and reader's numb ehe.

Lumine is friends with the reader but kinda OOC (?)

Rushed ending ;‹

NOT PROOF READ. Pleas excuse grammar, spellings, my life, and other mistakes

Xiao is such a baby girl. I love this man sm please make him real. Here's Scaramouche's/Wanderer's version (another baby girl). Once Kazuha's home, I'll do his as well💖

SELFISH

"Didn't I told you to call me as soon as you see yourself in danger?"

XIAO's voice is rasped. Worried, and yet full of authority as he reprimanded you. His golden orbs, a piece of sun that decided to embodied heaven, scrutinizing your figure— searching for any injury but hoping that there's none.

"Lumine told me that you're on a commission, don't wanna disturb you, Xiao."

The yaksha sighed at your argument, clearly not amused at the shallow reason you've Come up with.

"Commission or none, you will call my name. Do you understand that, (y/n)?"

You nodded, aware that the topic is not up for discussion.

In your mind, it's nothing for Xiao but protecting Liyue and its people. And the thought it self did more damage than the Hilichurl you've encountered earlier.

But what can you do? You're just one of so many that needed the man that is currently bringing you to the safety of your home. You're so self-centered to think that he will drop anything just to come and save you, and yet—

"Xiao?"

You heard a soft hum in response, a cue for you to continue,

"If I call out your name in the most unpredicted time, when your hands are full and the situation cannot be abandoned, will you st—"

"I will be there."

—He just let you be selfish.

REMINDERS

"I told you, I'll bring them home. I promise" Lumine's voice is clearly tainted with annoyance, although her words bring out a soft chuckle out of your lips.

It's just a night out. Catching out with each other's story while strolling the ever busy streets of Liyue, But Xiao can't leave you alone with the knowledge that your endeavor with Lumine will be at the break of night.

"Knowing you, there will be a high possibility that you will be called to an emergency, if such happen, call out my name." he muttered, particularly to your friend,but his eyes falls on you at the last four words.

"Yes, yes. I will. Besides, Lumine promised that she'll stay the night at home so you don't have to worry that much" You gave him a small, reassuring smile, but please don't expect that it did the job.

"Alright. Then make sure you call m—"

"Xiao I swear if you don't leave us alone I'll take (y/n) to Mondstadt tonight" You do not, Xiao neither, but Lumine does know that the Yaksha— he can deny it all as much as he wants—can't stand a day without seeing you for a day, so;

The traveler's outburst is enough to keep the man away from your tail for a little while.

Although it doesn't suffice for him not to wait for your arrival at the roof of your home once his duty is settled for the night.

NIGHTMARES

"Xiao"

Not even seconds passed when the owner of the name you have uttered appeared in front of you, weapon gripped tightly around his fingers, ready to take down anything that caused you harm

But much to his surprise, and relief, there's no sign of any danger around the area. Just you laying on your bed (NO. THIS IS SFW.) with tears adorning your porcelain face.

"What happened?" He questioned, feet scurrying to your comfort, his gentle digits kissing away the remnants of grief from your cheeks.

"I—I... You... I dreamt of you... dying" your words almost inaudible from hiccups, and the man before you loath the sight before him.

He hates the fact that he'd rather burn the land of geo himself, than see you in such state, but somehow, the thought of you mourning his demise is comforting, addicting even.

"I'm here, I'm fine...look" He took your hand in his, cupping his face with the warmth of your palms.

He leaned on your touch, and you caressed his face, thumbs moving across the places it could reach. Taking in everything, anything, that will prove that he's here. That he will always be here.

"Stay"

It's selfish of you to take the precious time of him that could've been used to cleanse Liyue.

"Sleep, i'll be here"

It's selfish of him to oblige and put you before the land he swore to protect.

The moon peeks a little, illuminating a space in the room but barely reaches the feet of your bed— as if afraid to expose what two pair of eyes are scared to admit.

DREAMS

You woke up with a sight to behold.

Your friend, whom you called at midnight, now deep in his sleep beneath the windowsill, moonlight dancing just above his emerald head.

How come a being, whose hands are tainted by rivers of blood, can look so divine?

You take in everything, carving the image in the back of your head. Xiao looks so beautiful. His legs were crossed as well as his arms, his head leaning on the wall behind him.

You moved closer, adoring the red eyeliner that decorates his eyelids, adoring his lips that's tightly close, adoring how he heaved his chest at every peaceful breathe he takes.

He's breathing. He's alive. Your nightmare is but a disgusting imagery of your worst fear, nothing more.

Your fingers find its way upwards, hoping to brush a strand of hair that falls between his eyes, although the action was forgotten when a hand grab your arms;

"Don't just crept up on me like that. What if I hurt you?" the Adeptus scolded you, his hands now checking if he had caused you any bruise.

"I can't help it. You look so beautiful while asleep"

Xiao's glad that the moonlight is not enough for you to notice the kiss of pink on his cheeks, and that you're still out of the vicinity to hear his heartbeat.

"You think I sleep? Since when did you became so disrespectful to the ways of the adepti, mortal?"

He tried to masked his rampaging emotions with fake annoyance, but the moment he hears laughter came out of your perfect lips, Xiao achingly hoped, yearned that he's not an adeptus.

INNOCENCE

"What?"

"I said, once there's enough snow, we can ingest it."

The man before you squints his eyes, confused and a little bit irritated at how much you're trying not to laugh.

"Is there anything you find amusing at my words, (y/n)" He tried his best to look intimidating, and on normal occasions, it would be a piece of cake considering how edgy he looks already. But sometimes—like this one, he's just too cute to be feared.

A bunch of snow began to accumulate at the top of his, some drops at his nose and he crinkles it in the most adorable way to remove the snow.

And in addition to that, he just said that he eats snow.

The protector of Liyue, a yaksha, a respectful adeptus— waits for the snow to be thick enough so he can eat it.

"None..hahaha none, it's just that..." you snorts, obviously having too much fun "i imagine you munching on snow hahaha"

"But we can really eat it. Look at this." he proceeds to crouch over and take a decent amount of white fluff in his hands, you watching his every move with amusement.

He put some on his mouth, and a ghost of fun played on his face.

"Wha— Wow you really did! How does it taste?" the las enthusiastically motion for you to open up your lips so he can put the remaining snow in his hands.

You swear there's a bit of smug expression resting on his face when he saw how giddy you get at the taste of the snow.

KARMIC DEBT

It's not new to him. The clenching of his chest, darkening thoughts, walking in the thin line of insanity and life. It is part of his life, it is part of him.

On this days, Xiao know better than to socialize with any living being. No one is safe once he tainted them with his karma—his curse, his punishment.

And it's alright. He's used to it. Caging the bloodlust insides, gambling with the headaches that brings out painful pasts. He conquers it all, push it deep enough just so he could continue his duty until it devours him again, and again, and again.

He will deal with it alone.

But there are times when it's so vigorous, times when he especially needs to stay away from anyone—and every time that it happens, like now, all he can think of is you.

So he seeks your presence. Ignoring the fact that he may cause you harm.

How selfish, really. But when darkness eats away at him, there's only you who can ease his burden.

And you take him with open arms. Like the winds caging his body, your soft embrace lull him to rest.

"Those memories... So dark" he murmured, curling up against your touch, his head on you chest and your arms around him. Protecting him against the enemies he can't fight alone.

"I know... I know Xiao. But I'm here, alright? I'll never leave you"

The movement of your fingers on his back take away the pain that plague his body, soothing both his physical form and his mind.

"So promise me, promise me that you'll always be here with me as well."

How selfish, really. But when he nods his head softly before falling asleep at your hums, his head at the crook of your neck and you cradle his lean figure, you don't really care.

GREEN

"It's one of Liyue's grandest festival!"

"I know that. I just simply see no point in watching humans litter the seas" he crossed his arms and looks at you uninterestedly.

"Well, the lights are pretty." "And? Please, (y/n). Stop being annoying"

You're taken aback by his words. Hurt at how he responded at your invitation. And archons, Xiao wants to take everything he said the moment he saw looks at your eyes.

"Fine, I just thought we could have fun with the others..." "But I understand"

Your voice sound dejected as you walked out of the inn, like a kicked puppy that yearns for attention. But he can't help it. He's been so close with you these past months, and he can't let you get any closer. He needs to protect you, even to himself.

Besides, there's no chance that you will ever reciprocate his feelings, right?

Yet regardless of how dedicated he is to stay away from you, he still finds himself scanning the crowd for a glimpse of you.

And he did. Of course he does, he always do. To spot you in the midst of people is like looking at the back of his hands. But this time, instead of the usual butterflies, his stomach drops.

There's a pang in his chest as he watches you talk so happy with someone. If he had accepted your invitation, would it be him you're talking to like that right now?

Probably not. He's not fun to be with, so your smiles will probably be missing if he's the one with you.

Ah, there's a pang in his chest at the memory if you leaving due to his choice of words.

He wants to snatch you away from the one you're talking with. He wants you take you somewhere far, somewhere they it's only him you'll see. He wants you to look at him, just like every time. Just him.

He didn't know what this feeling is. He only knows that despite sounding so selfish—turning you away and then thinking of snatching you back— he didn't care.

APOLOGIES

"(Y/N) until when are you gonna ignore him?" Lumine whispers into your ears, noticing how uneasy you are the last few days. His amber eyes flowing with concern.

"I told you, I don't wanna annoy him. I know I'm a bit much sometimes and I just don't want to bother him so much" your response earned a sigh from the traveller. "Xiao is just confused. You should talk to him, really"

She patted your back before waving you goodbye, thinking just how stupid the two of you for not being honest with your feelings.

Left at the comfort of your home, and with no things to do, your mind wanders back to the man in question.

You never thought of confessing because you don't wanna lose him as your friend, and yet here you are—watching him slip from away from you.

"(Y/N)" a tender voice halt your train if thoughts, gaining your attention. Turning around, your eyes met with golden ones.

You probably stared for too long because shit, you missed those eyes.

"Xiao... What are you doing here?"

There's a tug in his heart. So he's not welcome here anymore?

"I... want to talk to you" his eyes now darting anywhere but yours. Fingers fidgeting with his mask voice somewhat bashful.

"I'm listening" you murmured, gesturing at the space beside you for him to occupy, which he did.

"I talked to Lumine," he started. Trying his best to meet your (e/c) orbs "And she said that..."

"She said that?"

"Never mind what she said," He heaved a sigh to regain his composure, and you hummed in return. Whatever it is, you can get it out of Lumine herself, later.

"But I want to apologize... For what I've said. I didn't mean it"

His head's hung low. Afraid to look at you and see any negative emotions from you. What if you can't forgive him? What if you won't accept him again?

"Xiao" he looked up at your call. He missed your voice uttering his name.

"What if I told you that I love you, what would you do?" It's stupid of you to say such things, but you realized that you may lose him, in one way or another, so might as well be honest.

And you are ready to whatever his answer will be. Whatever. But not his silence. Not the way he opens and closes his lips, as if forcing the none existent words to come.

A soft chuckle left your lips. Kind of taking his loss for words as a rejection. "There's no need to say anything. I understand that this things are no—"

"No!"

You look at him, confirming if you've heard correctly. Things are happening so fast yet so slow for you that coherent thoughts never came.

"You're... You're important to me. But I'm not human, (y/n),"

His eyes averted your gaze again. As if scared that the fact will drive you away. When be received no response, the adeptus continues.

"I can't fathom human emotions. I don't understand them," — "but I know that I want you to be always with me"

Your heart skipped a beat at his confessions, albeit unclear and messy, it's soft and gentle. You reached out towards his face, and he jumped at your actions, clearly on edge at the conversation you're having.

You laughed at his actions, of which he returns with a lenient scowl.

"Nothing's funny, mortal"

"You want this Mortal. Adeptus Xiao"

He sighed, and said nothing to refute your words. Warmth begins to envelope your heart as everything sink in.

Xiao loves you

You took his arms in yours, just like what you always do. And he offer nothing against it. Loving the sensation of your skin on his as you put his palms at your cheeks.

"You don't have to understand those feelings, Xiao" closing your eyes when he hummed

"You just have to be honest with them" he rubbed your cheeks with his thumb, leaning in to leave a kiss on your forehead.

It's selfish how he wants to put you first above anything despite his duty. It's selfish how you want to entrance him throughout your punny lifetime, fully aware that you'll outlive him some day;

But just like what you've said, it's just honesty at its peak.

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crescencestudio · 7 months

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๋࣭⭑ Devlog #38 | 2.27.24 ๋࣭⭑

How is it already almost March omfg.

Anyways Happy Valentine's Day month!!! This year, I was swamped with work, so I didn't get a chance to make Valentine's Day art. I did make a Valentine's piece last year though.

BUT we did have beloved @magunalafay make these Valentine's Day cards this year for the community!!! <3 If you missed it, well Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!

She made these as a gift, and I love her very much. Maguna u r so talented

This month was pretty busy for me, but I'm super happy with the progress made this month ^^ I feel like I've started the year off in a pretty good groove after it being all over the place for a hot second, yay!!!

This past month, Etza and Druk's routes. With the revamped demo finishing its revisions, it left a lot more time for me to focus writing on full route development.

If you missed the announcement, I FINISHED Etza's first draft!!! YAAAYYY!!!! FINALLY!!!!!!

That means 4/6 routes are finished in terms of the base writing, which is so exciting to MEEEEE. I've always seen Etza's draft as The Milestone because with their route finished, it would mean the four Central routes are done writing. And to me, while there's a good chuck of writing left, we are nearing the end of it.

There's only two routes left and that means it's about ~100k words which is CRAZY compared to when I had ~300k to write (:cries:). Even if that sounds like a lot, once I start chipping away at those routes, that 100k goes into the "double digits" aka 90k...80k... etc. and that makes me want to pee my pants

We also finished editing Druk's route, yay!!! So we reached a lot of milestones this month ^^

We are nearing the end of the Vui background commissions. It's very bittersweet; I'm so used to mentioning him in my devlogs now </3 There's only like 3(?) more BGs left for him to make, and then all of the BGs for the game will be finished. Very Wild! I think Alaris will have 25ish BGs, and they are all Stunning.

It's been a while since I showed you all a BG, so I'll give you all a preview of one I just got in!

Isn't it cozy? Guess whose house hehe

I personally have been doing a lot of sprite work this month to finish the final art assets for the demo. I added some expressions to Druk and Aisa that I'd been procrastinating (I don't even know why I was procrastinating them). And I finally finished Mom and Kimura's updated sprites! Patreon already saw them, but I'll show the new versions here too ^^

Preview of Mom (left) and Kimura (right) updated sprites. Now everyone's sprite styles are cohesive YAY!!

Aside from sprite work, much of my "art" time has been on finishing up/putting together the last of the screens for the GUI. Specifically, I got THIS BABY up and running. She is my crowning glory.

Memory Screen to Replay Unlocked Free Time Dates

Oh my god.... You all have NO IDEA how much of a pain this was to code. There is a transparency gradient going on in the left and right B&W previews (courtesy of community programming angel feniks/shawna).

And then the effort to have the Titles and Descriptions of the Previewed Date change tilted me on Multiple Occasions. But we finally got it to work thanks to bestie @siyo-koy pointing out I just coded one stupid "if" statement wrong LJAFSLIEFJIEJ. But the effort was WORTH IT because I'm so proud of her!!! I hope you all like it too as a way to relive Free Time Dates. I had a lot of fun with the Titles and descriptions.

I also put together the Stats and Affection Screens

Preview of Personality Stats & Affection Screens

So I coded both of them a bit differently from each other. The Personality Screen shows you a breakdown of your traits so far. Think of it like a pie graph! So in the preview picture, your choices indicate you are 33% Brave, 16% Charismatic, etc. I felt like this was a more natural way to portray personality rather than how many bravery points you've collected so far!

And then for Affection, it works in a more traditional way, where it counts it based on how many you've gotten out of the total amount you can get. This way, as the story progresses, how close you are to the person reflects how much your relationship as developed!

I've also added little descriptions underneath each that change depending on the percentage. So for example, if you have gotten 82% of the affection points for Kuna'a, the description of your relationship might change as well hehe

Other than that, I've mainly focused on getting the demo together. We released the beta demo earlier this month (? LOL). And the feedback has been so kind!!

A lot of this month was spent polishing so that the demo can be ready for early access and eventually public release. I updated sprites, made sure music crossfades with each other so that transitions between soundtracks feel smoother, I added/polished all of the screens I needed to (e.g., Memory Room, Full Credits, Cleaning Music Room, Adding Stats Screens), and I FINALLY as of yesterday added the Voiced Lines!!

One thing I added in the Extended Demo that I'm really happy with is the use of Extended Pronouns (courtesy of Angel Feniks). Below is a preview of how it works now!

Preview of Extended Pronouns Function. Credit to Feniks

Basically, you can choose multiple pronouns for yourself, including custom pronouns (e.g., xe/xem, fae/faer, etc.). On top of that, you can choose how often you'd like the pronouns to alternate (e.g., every line versus every scene) and what kind of terms you'd like to be used for you (e.g., neutral vs. masculine vs. feminine)!

Overall, the demo is getting closer and closer to release!!! Early Access will hopefully be ready by the end of this week or next, so if you all would like access to it, please feel free to subscribe to my Patreon for this upcoming month! Available to Wyvern tier ($5) and up.

I didn't have any time to really play any games this month because I was drowning in work LMFAOSLJIEF. I did play the Threads of Bay demo by @lavendeerstudios and it was GORGEOUS! Very cute game with lovable characters and charming visuals. Andrew, I will have your number

Every other section was really long, so I'm going to throw it here even though it's not market research. But Intertwine recently hit 600 ratings, which is crazy. Thank you for still enjoying that game even if it's not one that is my main focus anymore. I'm really happy people still like it :on the verge of tears:

Anyways, this has been a long devlog. Here's to continuing to Ball in March. Hope you all have a great rest of your month, and I'll talk to you soon! <3

#alaris #devlog

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floatingxendlessly · 3 months

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Day 26, glimpses of a future

Hai, guess who's back, back again. (o3o)/

See, see, I couldn't come up with a good name for today's art but this will do.

It's been oh so very busy in the real world but I'm back and better than ever. Maybe. I'll try. ...I'm not the best at keeping promises.

Anyways, here's some more art for my AU of the boys (well, they're technically men, huh). I've talked about it, but the better explanation is that it's about Kazuichi, and most of their classmates, following Fuyuhiko and becoming part of the Kuzuryuu Clan, or heavily affiliated.

I mentioned that there were two versions, but now there's three versions of this AU: the first focuses on relationships and friendships between the SDR2 cast, the second has a heavy focus on Kuzusouda and certain ships that also introduced the idea of some of my fankids, and the third is more geared to Kuzupeko and other ships I wanted to explore, with a new cast of fankids. I want to share art of these AUs that doesn't focus on Kuzusouda but I kinda need to make them first XP

Anyways, as the title suggests, today's arts are little glimpses of what this Kuzusouda AU looks like for these guys. AND I finally have some actual bonuses for you all.

For some fun little tidbits of context, the main art today was an idea of a very unfortunate meeting with the new head of the Kuzuryuu Clan, his right hand man, and some of his most trusted men. Let me know if you can figure out who's there.

\(owo)/

Really, this art was an excuse to put my newfound digital skills to the test, cuz I threw myself in a training arc during most of my free time these past months. The one thing I'm sad about is that I just couldn't make the smoke from the cigarette work.

As for the bonuses, it includes a sample from a study of old people and wrinkles that spiraled into full body designs of Fuyuhiko and Kazuichi as older men, the walk back home from a late night date after some business was taken care of, and a self-indulgent doodle of the Kuzuryuu family when the kids were more baby.

#fuyuhiko kuzuryu #kazuichi souda #kuzusouda #drif's art das a me

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ilynemesis · 1 year

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i thought of bakugo coming home to see you playing fortnite only to discover you bought his skin and you're making him do the most ridiculous dances and he can't help but be jealous at how much you're smiling over the digital version of him. just a lil silly idea

[11:00]

Bakugo could finally come home after a long day of patrolling the city; he was tired, sore, and in a grumpy mood. The only thing he was looking forward to was getting home to his warm apartment and his amazing girlfriend. After removing his hero costume and putting on his regular clothes he decided to finally head home.

Passing by a bakery he noticed one of it's clerks outside with a plastic bag full of croissants. "Sir, would you get these off my hands? There's only a few minutes left until we close and i'll feel bad for throwing them away." they ask with a smile. He starts to decline until he remembers how you practically melt every time you pass by bakeries and that you love baked goods. "Yes, thank you." he says, grabbing the bag.

He finally reaches the shared apartment and unlocks the door, immediately hearing loud laughter. A confused expression creeps on his face and walks into the living room where he finds you sitting on the floor playing fortnite on his playstation. He looks up to see his own character in the game doing the chicken dance. You're still balling your eyes out in laughter, and thats when he clears his throat making you turn your head back.

"Katsu! I didn't know you were home yet," you say with a faint smile. He walks over and sits on the couch, "Guess you were a bit to occupied huh?" You start laughing from the thought of him doing the chicken dance.

"Why you smilin' so hard over a digital version of me?" he asks and lets out a huff. You stare at him and notice an annoyed expression on his face and that's when you realize, "Katsuki... don't tell me your jealous over me laughing at a digital version of you," you say.

He lets out a fake laugh, "No, I should be the one makin' you all smiley and happy, not a game." You sit on the couch with him and lean your head on his shoulder making him look down at you. "Just looking at you makes me laugh, Bakugo."

"Was that an insult woman?!" he asks with his brows furrowed. You let out a small chuckle and reassure him, "No, it means that you'll always be the one to make me smile, you or your digital self." He calms down and slightly grins, "I know. What kind of a man would I be to not make my woman happy."

You roll your eyes and playfully hit him on his arm, earning a fake "ow" escape from his lips. You lock your eyes on his lips and lean forward, kissing him sweetly and you watch him melt into your arms. As you both pull away he grabs the plastic bag and hands it to you. You look into the bag and see loads of baked goods and pastries in it. Your eyes glow and you kiss Bakugo again, this time of gratitude.

#katsuki bakugo fluff #bakugou katuski x reader #bakugo fluff #katsuki x you #mha x reader #mha scenarios #bakugou x reader #mha fluff #my hero academia x reader #mha fanfiction #bnha fluff #bnha x reader

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sanagii · 2 months

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Hi,Tumblr! I’m open for digital and traditional art commissions again! I'll do a lovely art piece for you and/or your loved ones! Lately I’ve been struggling to find new gigs and I really need money to pay my bills, so If you can please consider to commission me. If it's not possible right now, a reblog would me help me a lot! Thank you for your support ♥

The art commission service includes:

Work in process updates

Monochrome background with simple elements if requested.

Transparent background version if needed

If asked, a Cropped version for client

And of course, full resolution png file.

Delivering time:

Your commission will be delivered in 2-3 weeks (Or more, for bigger projects). If you need te art for an specific date please let me know and I'll try have it ready in time! Send me a message if you have any questions.

ADDITIONAL CHARACTER INFO: Prices are below each example, 75% of the base price for each character. *Busts with additional characters are not available. Pets can be added for 60% of the base price!

I will draw anything (OCs, fanart, real people, humanoid and pets) except mecha, because I’m really bad at it, sorry! I’m okay with NSFW as long is not really explicit. I’m OK with nude art.

Extra detailed accesories like wings, weapons, amors will count as extra details and they will be charged starting at $6 USD. Simple backgrounds such as monochrome bgs, gradients and simple compositions have no extra cost. For detailed backgrounds please send me your ideas and I’ll send you a quote :).

Payments are only through PayPal invoices in USD (US Dollars) or their equivalent in MXN (Mexican Pesos), for the protection of both sides. I also can take Ko-fi.

I Accept two-part payments. I’ll start working on the piece as soon as I receive the first part, first updates will be sent in less than 15 days. The rest of the invoice would be paid before I send the finished illustration.

These prices are only for personal commissions. If you need art for commercial purposes, please read my full TOS (link below) or send me an e-mail and I’ll gladly make a price quote for the commercial rigths.

I have the rights of every commission made. Please don’t take the credits of the art or reproduct it on commercial products.

For more important info, please READ MY FULL TOS.

How to commission?

If you’re interested to commission, please send an email to [email protected] or send me a DM filling this form:

Character/person name(s):

Art style: (Colored sketch, full rendered, handmade watercolor)

Size: (Bust, half or full body)

Photo references:

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Quick Description of the character(s): (Age, height, hairstyle, complexion, personality, likes)

Pose, background and/or extra details

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If you have any questions please leave a comment or send me a message and I’ll respond as quickly as I can! Thank you for your interest ♥

PS: You can also commission me directly on Vgen and Artistree!

Twitter | Instagram | Support me on Ko-fi | Portfolio | Carrd

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triumphantbass · 3 months

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Dawntrail Retrospective

Okay, it's been two weeks since Dawntrail launched, a bit over a week since I've cleared it and have had time to think things over, wanted to do a big dump of my thoughts, a non-scored review of it all.

Full spoilers after the break.

So, I want to give this all a nuanced look; I know this has been a polarizing expansion; I did very much enjoy my time while still having some qualms, and I'll try to highlight both sides of that here.

Overall, while it would be low in my expansion rankings, that's not to say it's bad. Just as I probably bump Heavensward up a bit in my rankings because it did so much with so little (in terms of budget, gameplay tools available, story to build on, cast, etc.), Dawntrail takes a hit because I know what they're capable of these days.

But a 10 year saga is a tough act to follow, and I know if this was my first FFXIV experience (it might be a lot of people's one day, if the 'second saga starting point' for new players they mentioned ever gets implemented), I'd be going 'oh wow'.

Anyways, before I pick things apart, I'd like to highlight what really worked for me.

Sphene was my problematic fave. I know Artificial Intelligence tropes can be overdone, but I have a fondness for them because when done right, an AI is clearly authored by someone. Just like a biography, even an autobiography, paints the subject in a certain way, an AI really reflects the creators' biases.

Just as the soul technology was shown as a mechanical version of the aetherial sea, Sphene really felt like a sort of digital primal for Alexandria, the people's desires latched on to her, sort of a vtuber Zodiark.

I loved the development that her compassionate personality (taken from the OG Sphene) was distinctly incompatible with her unsustainable primary directive, protecting and preserving Alexandria's way of life (the directive from the people)

And I appreciated that part of the thesis statement of her character is "a Garnet who never traveled with Zidane would become a tool of Alexandria, her kindness taken advantage of as a figurehead''. Which makes it nice when Wuk Lamat breaks through during The Interphos to appeal to her.

She can feel like a bit of a rehash of Hades and Metion, but I do enjoy the contrast of her valuing life too much to Metion not valuing it enough; it's important to know how to live in spite of despair, but it's also important to accept that even memory is not forever.

Also while I'm here I have to say I absolutely respect the zone change of Living Memory from stunningly beautiful to hauntingly somber. I hope that change is not reverted in patches, as it's absolutely the starkest environment change in the game.

I like the idea of casting aside nostalgia to care for the living, and I thought this zone was a welcome surprise from the "Golden City" imagery a South and Central American expansion invokes.

(PS, massive Simulated Twilight Town vibes)

And I thought Cachuia was well done in this zone; I was a bit antsy earlier with how they made her into just a drone, but I liked the resolution between her and Erenvelle

But one thing I want to stress as I sing the praises of the last zone and change, is that neither half of this expansion works without the other, because unlike other split expansions (SB having the Gyr Albania and Yanxia halves, EW having Islabard then the Ancients), it felt clear in why it had both halves, and that was for the contrast of the same theme, Namely, the ideas of culture, tradition, and history, and how they affect the living.

When Wuk Lamat is giving her speech during her ceremony, she notes one of the societies taught her "they believe death is not the end, and we live on so long as we are remembered", which Sphene says almost verbatim of her people later, menacingly polite as that same belief is twisted.

There are some roots of this conflict in the first half too, with Koana's disinterest in culture and tradition, before realizing progress and culture weren't incompatible.

While Alexandria instead takes it to a logical, Black Mirror extreme, discarding culture and history, literally forgetting anyone who passes (while assuring themselves anyone who is lost still lives on) and living purely in the present moment; death itself removed from the public circle.

I don't think the Alexandria half, the modern, present-focused society works without first setting up a region with a rich culture and history.

In the first few regions, you see how those who walked before led those who walked after, while in Heritage Found... you see a heritage lost. On both sides of the divider there are abandoned buildings; a sidequest in the graveyard has the keeper note that memorials have fallen out of favor due to regulators, Alexandria had a perfect record of history (data, people, all stored in the cloud), but didn't use it; specifically keeping it away to prevent painful memories from affecting the present. While Yok Tural had an imperfect history (a lot in legends, retold/inconsistent oral history), but that history distinctly affected their day to day; even the painful memories, the tragedies, all played a part in shaping the present.

Even though it could make the pacing clunky at times, I did like that Wuk Lamat's basic setup of "learn about these people and understand why they make the choices they do" extended to Solution Nine and even Living Memory.

Garool Jaja was also a very good character, loved his performance, do kinda wish his solo duty where he confides the true nature of the contest was the very start of the expansion; I feel like it would have set the tone for this being the "The WoL is a mentor arc" better.

Also to wrap up the good side: every single dungeon and trial was ace. Dungeons finally hit a good level of difficulty for normal content, and were well designed and very pretty. Vanguard and Everkeep in particular were delights, as was the postgame dungeon Tender Valley.

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

And on to my more mixed feelings.

Wuk Lamat- I don't hate her, but I don't like her that much either. I tried to keep an open mind for the full MSQ, but ultimately she's not a character I really vibed with; I do get the shonen protag/Naruto appeal, but it's really not for me. She's been described as 'Lyse 2.0', and while I admit I have similar feelings about Lyse, I do think Wuk Lamat has a more natural progression. Lyse started Stormblood feeling like a 20 something on a mission trip, while Wuk Lamat feels like a reasonable candidate who just needs a little encouragement.

I don't mind too much our WoL taking a mentor role and taking a backseat, while downplaying their powers; but what I struggled most with was fatigue. Wuk Lamat was always there, like the memes of "Talk to Wuk Lamat" say. Like Shadowbringers was the expansion where Graha was the main character, and a lot of the time he was away doing city stuff or being mysterious. Wuk Lamat would have benefited from more time to breathe, especially in the back half of the game. She should still be there in the back half for sure, for the expansion to work she needs to be a player in all this, but I'll admit I sighed when I got to Solution Nine thinking I'd explore by myself (probably bumping into her at one of the locations) but instead needed to escort her. As I noted earlier, I don't mind the Interphos interruption (though I did appreciate the chance for the WoL to be at full strength) because Wuk Lamat appealing to Sphene's humanity fit the expansion themes well.

Succession- I'm happy this didn't go into my worst fear: a retread of the Azim Steppe where we actively interfere in another nation's politics by being their champion; but it left a bit to be desired. Notably, while I knew the Scion Civil War was a bit of a misdirect, it felt kinda pointless? Like Thancred and Urianger are here helping an alumni from their university out as he applies for the same job, but they're totally chill with you. And honestly there are no stakes to him getting the job, he's the only other qualified candidate to the point where you hire him later yourself.

I didn't want any longstanding inter-scion conflict, but for a character as frequently duplicitous as Urianger and driven as Thancred it just felt like a waste.

Also, GJJ clearly told the WoL that the keystones didn't determine the victor; he would pick a successor that was worthy- I kinda wish they just stuck to that. Having the "good' rulers and "bad" rulers paired together for the cooking challenge felt like a bit of a cop-out, , plus needing to win back a stolen keystone, etc. just felt like missed opportunities.

Zarool Ja and Bakool Jaja - I get what they were going for in the end with each of these: ZJ being the "impossible son of an impossible son, the weight of expectations causing him to shun those around him, and that loneliness twisting him", BJJ being desperate to help his people, feeling the major survivors guilt of his own life costing so many others.

but neither of their narrative arcs are smooth, and in the first half, especially during the trial, they seem to be doing comically evil Wacky Races Dick Dastardly behavior with no regards for a continuous arc. BJJ releasing Valigarmanda was the icing on the cake for me. He could have done this in a reasonable way, weakening the seal in an attempt to sabotage the trial, then feeling guilt over what he did in desperation, but no he walked up to the gate keepers like 'no I'm evil, I'm gonna destroy that now' any hints of ZJ sympathy come like, during his trial and from the Wandering Minstrel, who even notes most will see him as a one dimensional tyrant

I also think they could have distinguished both more from just being warmongers; in the same way that Wuk Lamat and Koana are somewhat aligned but have different visions, personally it would have made more sense to me if BJJ had a different brand of conservatism; putting a stronger emphasis on defense and isolationism rather than world conquest. It would fit his background better too, as someone who wanted to protect his homeland

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

My most negative thoughts are really just pacing. I would like to not have so many quests just running around talking to people, not learning much of note. I know there are only so many things you can do (stand in purple cloud and kill 3 enemies isn't great either), but at this point I'd honestly just take a shorter MSQ if it meant better story pacing.

I know the first half is meant to be like an abbreviated ARR, and I don't mind it being low stakes, just wish it had a bit more polish.

I will also say I felt a lot more limited in my dialog at times? Like I don't need every box to have "I'll kill your god if I have to, maybe even if I don't", but there felt like a lot of instances where you had two ways to say the same sentiment. I like it when the game lets you have opinions, even if the opinions are objectively bad (you can straight up tell Noah the Allagans were visionaries) A lot of that pacing was more actual story content than the quests though; the first three zones could feel like extended allied society quests (solid enough ones), which wasn't bad for a 'fresh start', but Shalooni is where things felt off. I liked the vibes but frankly the quests left barely any impressions at all.

(loved the trolley dig though)

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Overall, like I said, I enjoyed my time. While it may not be a favorite expansion, it sets a good baseline for another ten years, and I hope they can refine it in the patch series and beyond.

There's a lot more I could probably say, I realized I didn't have a chance to touch on Erenvelle (very glad he tagged along) and Krile; but I feel I'll have more thoughts on both of their plotlines after the patch series.

P.S. though I rolled my eyes at some of the running jokes I genuinely got a chuckle out of Wuk Evu always freaking out then snapping back to polite with "well I won't overthink it then" and similar. Felt very Chocobo Racing GP.

P.P.S. Wood-carved owl nouliths are the best idea. A+ weapon.

#dawntrail spoilers #dawntrail #ffxiv #final fantsay xiv

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just-a-new-gi-writer · 2 years

Note

How about the Acolytes playing different friendship-breaking games like Monopoly, Uno, Ludo, and some sort of non-digital version of Mario Party? Lmfao imagine them squeezing into ridiculous-looking race karts for a live Mario Kart. Or perhaps an obstacle course to resemble Fall Guys challenges. Everyone has no plans of losing because the prize is a date and a guaranteed romantic kiss from the Creator, the lil shit that proposed this silly Teyvat Olympics.

A/N: Welp, this is one of those times where the story kinda got away from me again. This one's a two-parter, so I'll finish it later on.

Word Count: 2668

CW: None?

Masterpost

taglist @iyohme

=== === ===

It had all started so simply.

During a meeting you were dragged to with a handful of business leaders in Liyue (where they bowed and scraped and tried to cultivate your favor), you introduced them to a game you liked: Diplomacy. You thought it would have been a good fit for them- strategic thinking, cooperation, learning how long to trust people. It took a bit of setup to create a map that would work and it took a while to remember and relay the rules to the different players, but as soon as they understood the rules, they began digging into the game and exploring the layers of complexity underneath it all.

You quickly saw alliances form and melt, deals get made and backstabs performed, promises made and broken. It was all in good fun, they each knew, and all part and parcel of the game and how it played; something their Creator enjoyed and wished to share with them.

The night came to a close, and the business leaders returned to their homes. The next day, they returned to their businesses, bringing the game with them and spreading the rules to whomever was interested. By the end of the week, it had spread north to Mondstadt, crossed the sea to Inazuma, and reached the Akademia’s halls. By the next, it had taken root in those places and spread like wildfire among the population.

It was many different things to the people. For most, it was a fun diversion. For some, it was a problem to be cracked and analyzed, something to theorize over and experiment with. For others, it was a means to use their diplomatic skills, to promise, probe, and plead, to balance, barter, and betray.

It could have been left there. It could have just been a fad that might have burnt itself down to a simmer some time later.

But you had to make that one innocent comment.

In Mondstadt, a game was brewing between a few individuals of poor rapport. Diluc, Kaeya, and Jean stood against a few Fatui agents, each side assured that they had the best player. Three against two, they set about searching for the last two players they’d need for a full game. Childe was talking to you when they asked him to join.

“I couldn’t,” he raised his hands defensively and dismissed Jean’s offer. “Really, I’m not interested.”

“Oh?” you raised an eyebrow, “Why not? Don’t you have a reputation to uphold?”

He smiled but shook his head. “Were it a different kind of combat, Your Grace, there would be no chance for me to turn it down.” He took a sip of his drink. “I’m more the tactical than the strategic type.”

“Anyone could win,” you said. “Tell you what. You show me a good game and win, and I’ll do you a little favor.”

Childe froze, the cup falling from his hands and the drink spilling over the table. He shoved his chair back and turned as he stood, marching over to the few people setting up the board, slamming his hands on the table. “Count me in.”

He lost, horribly. He barely managed to last four turns before a coalition of Jean, Diluc, and one of the Fatui agents wiped him off the board. The game continued with Childe sitting on the sidelines and glaring at the one agent that betrayed him, the victor was found and celebrated, but that playful promise of yours planted another, more dangerous seed.

When the game of Diplomacy spread throughout Teyvat, smaller tournaments blossomed shortly afterward, to find the best of the players in each nation. A few enterprising individuals came up with the idea to host an international tournament, one that drew from southeastern Teyvat. While it boasted a hefty Mora reward for the highest-placed victors, the real prize was the prestige of being the uncontested winner of the Creator’s game.

And then you had to insinuate that you might personally reward the overall winner.

If your game spread like wildfire, you may as well have doused all of Teyvat in gasoline.

The past energy which people had before paled compared to the newfound desire to chase after even the slimmest chance of the Creator’s pure attention, rumored though it may have been. These last games burned with fervor and conviction that few had seen before, refining the pool of players from scores to dozens, then to the handful of furious semi-finals, from which the seven finalists emerged.

And today, the champion would be determined. The host, the state of Liyue, had spared no expense for this final game. The same building in which you had first shared your game had been secured to host the finals. The map was printed on gold-lined silk, each region painted in rich, vibrant pigments, lavishly detailed and seemingly rising off from the sheet. The counters for the different nations’ armies and navies, hand carved from priceless gemstones and inlaid with gold.

Spectators slowly filtered in as the start time drew near. Nobles, aristocrats, and merchants from Monstadt to Sumeru (and some from further afield) flocked to watch the match play out and gathered that morning. Many took the chance to socialize and build connections but many more hoped to catch the eye of their Beloved Creator that morning.

You were brought to the hall while the sun was still rising; only you, Adjudicator of Fates, could suffice to usher such an important game. You were ushered in with the warmest welcomes from all parties and highest fanfare, paraded around to the different important peoples: sages from Sumeru, nobles and their scions from Mondstadt, you even had the fortune to meet the Yuheng and the Raiden Shogun themselves before being ushered to your seat, in the middle of the side of the table.

Each of the invited nations showed off their own players and allowed them to take their seats: first Jean, who would play Mondstadt, sat off to your left, then Diluc, playing Natlan. Next was Yae Miko playing Inazuma, then Ayaka playing Snezhnaya. Alhaitham sat opposite you and played Sumeru. Finally, the players from Liyue entered, the most lavishly-dressed of the players: Yelan, playing Fontaine, sat to your right; and Ningguang, playing Liyue, sat to your left.

As the players took their seats, Keqing stood and addressed the crowd, welcoming them all and thanking them for their presence. She thanked the tournament organizers for their work on the events, past and present. Lastly, she turned to you and thanked you for sharing this game with them and allowing them to partake in its joys and sorrows. Her thanks given, she declared the finals to have begun.

The game entered its first phase and the players broke to meet with each other and plan their alliances. Everyone scrutinized who went to talk with who, which people the other players wanted to speak to, and how the dealings were going. Jean took Yelan aside and tried to make some earnest dealings with her, Alhaitham argued with Ningguang, and Diluc and Ayaka spoke with each other, hidden off in their corner of the board. Yae Miko sat back and kept an eye on the dealings, keeping secret just who she was eyeing as an ally or a target.

As discussions broke down between Ningguang and Alhaitham, Yae rose and asked to have a word with the latter. Ningguang went to request Jean’s ear, then Yelan tried to make a deal with Ayaka. On and on the diplomatic dance went until the time for the first round was called and the players returned to their seats to submit their orders.

You read, adjudicated, and executed the orders, shuffling the armies and navies across the map. The players eyed each move in turn, sometimes glaring at another player when a deal failed to materialize.

The second round of discussions quickly started, Alhaitham angrily pulling Yae aside, Jean hurrying over to speak to Yelan. Ningguang, without anyone to immediately turn to and make deals with, went to speak with Diluc and Ayaka.

The diplomatic maneuvers continued, and even you could start to see the lines being drawn. The drag-out four-way war between Sumeru, Inazuma, Liyue, and Mondstadt was in full swing: Liyue was fighting with Mondstadt and Sumeru over their border cities while Inazuma was looking for any opening to exploit, but Jean was trying to break the stalemate by getting Fontaine to commit an army. On the other corner of the board, Natlan, Snezhnaya, and Fontaine had some token battles, but the first two were otherwise beginning to encroach upon the rest of the board.

The diplomatic plays ended and the orders were submitted. Again, you dutifully relayed the orders and played them out.

The minute you finished shuffling the pieces around with your divine powers, comments between the players started flying.

“Jean,” Alhaitham looked at her pieces, speaking quite openly, “I find your stance towards Yelan quite curious. I thought you said it was in your best interest that we build our forces against Ningguang.”

Jean cleared her throat. “A strong accusation, considering you rebuffed that plan of mine. You said she was working with Guji Yae, but now that it’s clear that the latter is trying to steal a foothold beneath our noses, we agreed–”

“Excuse you?” Yae cut in, “I offered quite amicable terms to you, as many eavesdroppers can attest. If you’re looking for a scapegoat, might I suggest the person who has been playing you both?” She glared at Yelan.

“Your age must be blinding you, Guji.” Yelan steepled her fingers. “Your intentions are clear, but there are far worse dangers on this board–”

Ningguang interrupted her. “Worse than you violating our agreement to keep Huaguang clear? You should know better than to violate trust.”

“Yes, even worse than you saying you were willing to strike into Wolvendom on false pretenses.” Yelan turned to the two players on her right. “Our two dear players of Natlan and Snezhnaya are being quite quiet and chummy with each other.”

“Now, now,” Diluc said, “just because we’re not engaging in the madness of the eastern side of the board is no reason to throw accusations.”

“We would like to assure you,” Ayaka added, “that you all have plenty enough on your plates. Is it quite wise to send accusations so blindly?”

“I’m not sending empty accusations,” Yelan said, her voice sharpening, “I’m saying you two clearly have an alliance and are planning to sweep the board. We need to band together to–”

“Certainly not! See, we’re struggling over these border regions- quite difficult to be allied while you’re fighting each other.”

Ningguang interrupted, talking to Yelan. “I think it’s clever how you deflected criticism over your double-dealing with Alhaitham and Jean.”

“And I think it’s beginner-level squabbling,” Alhaitham said, “trying to deflect attention like that. Did you promise Windrise to Guji Yae for her help?” He looked over at Yae. “Sorry to say, I don’t think Ningguang is a sharing type. Might I suggest–”

“Really, Alhaitham?” Yae smiled at him. “Letting a little early-game betrayal get to you? I’d suggest not letting those crumbling alliances hurt your poor feelings too much. Might I suggest growing yourself some thicker skin?”

Jean stood up. “And might I suggest that you stop provoking everyone around you! You promised that you would help me past Dragonspine, yet now you’re playing nice with Ningguang!”

“Not to mention,” Alhaitham added, “that you made a similar offer to me, then started attacking me out of the blue. Watch, you’re going to start probing the Guili Plains soon enough, aren’t you? No one on the eastern coast can trust an Inazuma player.”

Yae laughed. “Oh, but do tell me how that front between you and Ningguang is going. Oh, that’s right, your little gambit south of the Chasm hasn’t exactly played out in your favor, has it? And you, Jean, darling, just stay in your corner of the board over there and let the more important nations play things out, yes?”

“Enough, Yae.” Ningguang sent her a glare. “Unless you have mastered the art of silent communication, it seems like you too lack strong alliances.”

“And you’re facing two fronts of conflict. If I don’t sweep in to secure those precious supply centers, you three will just keep swapping them back and forth to no end. Someone has to come out ahead in all this and it might as well be me.” She smiled as she looked in your direction. “I can already taste my victory and the sweetness of your lips.”

“Okay,” you cut in, “that’s enough time for the diplomatic phase. It’s time to write and submit orders.” You sat back in your chair. A productive diplomatic phase, all things considered! When an accusation or an agreement are just as important as moving a piece on the board, flying accusations are to be expected. Few can resist the allure of collecting all one’s allies to wipe an opponent from the board.

The turn passed mostly uneventfully. Skirmishes occurred, armies were forced back, territory changed hands. In the next diplomatic phase, though, there was a notable shift in tone between the characters. The players engaged more steadily with their allies; instead of a complex dance to test the waters, the lines were drawn on the battlefields- on the map and in their minds.

In the orders of that turn were the expected exchanges of Snezhnaya and Natlan, a concession of land from Mondstadt to Fontaine. But there was a further surprise- one of Alhaitham’s armies had been brought to Inazuma by Ningguang’s ships and captured a supply center on Watatsumi Island. When you read the orders aloud, it raised eyebrows from the other players on the board except one.

Yae Miko did not wear her usual smile the rest of that turn. When the players broke to discuss their next moves, she made a surprising choice of who to pull aside to deal with- Jean. They spoke in harsh, hushed voices. Deals were presented then discarded in short order until Yae said something that gave Jean pause.

You were intrigued and there were few in the audience, players included, that missed your interest. All eyes rested on those two players as they returned to the table and submitted their orders. You could feel things grow more tense as you read out the players’ orders one by one, until you read one of Ningguang’s fateful orders.

“Fleet in Central Line of Storms convoys Mingyun Village to Narukami Island.”

It only took a quick glance at the source province to confirm that the army counter was carved from aquamarine and belonged to Jean, not from Ningguang’s cor lapis. The room’s attention slowly turned to Yae and Jean.

Jean finished her drink and set her cup down, avoiding looking right at Yae. She spoke quietly. “I was offered quite amicable terms.”

The audience murmured and chuckled at her response, many likely having their own comebacks against the kitsune, but the rest of the orders were delivered to near apathy from the audience. Once a major betrayal began, there are few who could resist the allure of watching a player’s territory be devoured by their neighbors and erstwhile allies.

The last of Inazuma’s supply centers fell a turn later and with that, Yae Miko had lost.

As the turn ended, Keqing stepped forward and called for the game to pause- while things had just begun to turn interesting, they were out of time for the morning session. Lunch was ready to be served and few wanted to be kept waiting; besides, while many had come here to see the region’s finals of the Creator’s game, many more had come to vie for your attention.

The Yuheng took your arm after you rose and led you forward, the players following right behind, and the audience slowly following afterwards. Only Yae Miko remained sitting at the table, turning one of the amethyst counters in her hand.

#the brightest minds in west Teyvat #laid low by their Thirst for the Creator #sorry Yae #maybe next time don't simp for Them so loudly #sagau #self aware genshin #genshin impact #genshin cult au #yandere genshin impact #ask response

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animehouse-moe · 2 years

Text

Yoshitoshi Abe Lain Illustrations - ab# Rebuild An Omnipresence In The Wired

So, for the uninitiated, this is essentially the Serial Experiments Lain art book. Of course, there's more to it as it's also Yoshitoshi Abe's art book, but there's details of the world and concept of Lain, and even stuff in regards to the JP only PlayStation game for the series.

Anyways, what I'm incredibly excited over is the fact that this is not only the limited edition hardcover version, but that it's also the English version. Yeah, this got printed in English once upon a time. I'll explain the history at the end, first some examples of the contents (which are incredibly cool).

The front/initial pages of the artbook have these really cool translucent pages featuring Lain on them that mesh with a background page behind it and create a really interesting effect when you first open up the book.

Equally as interesting is that the majority of the color illustrations in the book have their black and white sketches/drafts alongside them. It really gives you an idea of the level of detail and quality of the illustrations throughout.

And of course, it's not just pure illustrations that are in this book, there's more. There's an entire full color comic/short manga in here as well, and is fully translated of course in the English version.

It's not anything that's really out of this world, but it's very interesting and super cool to have in English.

There's really a lot of dialogue/commentary in this art book that makes having the English version that much cooler really. There's an entire page covering technology like the Psyche chip and there's even a short essay/prose towards the middle of the book too.

And of course, to polish it off there's a lot of interesting concept art pieces too. It's really great seeing the how broad the look is into Abe's style and Serial Experiments Lain in general.

Now of course, the backstory. English manga publishing has some very dark days at the start of the 21st century. The amount of independent and small scale publishers was massive, and a great many went out of business before they could be picked up by a larger company. This results in a massive amount of lost manga and other content floating in the abyss that is the industry's early days. Alongside this, in a booming digital market many publishers are hidden in the cracks of the larger companies. Digital Manga represents a very odd middle ground between these two.

Digital Manga used to print books, such as this art book they published in 2006. However, since 2011 they have had to resort to Kickstarter campaigns to publish any physical media, and their most recent campaign seems to have been in 2015. Since then, Digital Manga has coalesced and assimilated with several other online and physical publishers to produce some rather obscure lines of physical and digital media. It's quite an odd story to try and explain because of how many pieces there are to it, but essentially in one way or another, Digital Manga has survived while shedding the vast majority of what it once published, leading to books like this one to be incredibly rare. So you can imagine how excited I was when I found it for under 100CAD, when even the JP versions are selling for closer to 300.

Also, a quick aside. This art book is technically a remaster/re-release of the original Serial Experiments Lain art book. The first, simply titled Serial Experiments Lain - An Omnipresence in the Wired, was release in 1999, while this art book was released in 2005 in Japan and 06 in North America. However, these two books are not the exact same. The layouts of pages are different for one, such as the difference between the two below. And even then, the content of the pages themselves can differ and change between the two. There are pages and illustrations that don't exist in the original that do in the remaster, and vice versa. So diehard fans (like myself) may want to pursue the original as well.

(Left is remaster, Right is original)

So yes, this English hardcover version is painfully uncommon on the internet, let alone at reasonable prices, so I'm incredibly happy to own it. The detail and information in the book is so awe inspiring, and actually owning it seems like a dream still because of how expensive Lain stuff is on the internet.

#serial experiments lain #yoshitoshi abe #lain art #omnipresence in wired #anime #anime and manga #anime art #anime art book #yoshitoshi abe art

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tomorrowxtogether · 1 year

Text

TXT Talks The Name Chapter: Freefall, Adulting, and Growing Pains

I have a feeling we are not in Kansas Neverland anymore.

In the four-plus years since their debut, TXT (Tomorrow X Together) have always embraced eclecticism, but their third full-length album, The Name Chapter: Freefall, takes things a step further.

When they burst into the scene, TXT started weaving a complex story told through the lens of a group of young boys. First, there was The Dream Chapter, which focused on the transition from childhood to adolescence and relied on colorful aesthetics and optimistic lyricism. Then, there came the quasi-Kafkaesque Chaos Chapter, which shattered the illusion of dreams, introducing real-world problems and a looming sense of responsibility that comes full circle in The Name Chapter, the last page (so far) in this TXT's big book.

"The Name Chapter is about a phase where you solidify your identity and your name as you grow into adulthood," Taehyun explained to Teen Vogue earlier this year, when the first installment of this chapter, Temptation, was presented to the world. Temptation looked to Peter Pan for inspiration to depict the longing for lost innocence, but Freefall doesn't have time for more fairytales. The proverbial boys are going from the idyllic grasslands of Neverland to the graffitied streets of a stark reality where you have to fight to achieve your dreams.

As Beomgyu pointed out during a media showcase for the new album, Temptation's last track, "Farewell, Neverland," serves as an explicit connector to Freefall, which kicks off with "Growing Pain," TXT's first venture into heavy metal. The quintet had previously released the Ryan Tedder-penned "Back for More" and "Do It Like That" as collaborations with Anitta and the Jonas Brothers, respectively, though they appear sans company in the final album.

Going from '80s synth-pop on the Rock Mafia-produced title track "Chasing That Feeling" to melodic R&B in "Dreamer" and Jersey club in "Deep Down" and "Happily Ever After," The Name Chapter: Freefall finds TXT diving into uncharted waters across its nine original tracks, plus a digital-only English version of the title track.

youtube

Ahead of the album's release, Teen Vogue caught up with the five members over Zoom to chat about working on the album, life on the road, and their own "freefall" into adulthood.

Teen Vogue: Congratulations on another great album. I wanted to start off easy by just letting you pick your favorite songs from The Name Chapter: Freefall.

Taehyun (in English): For me, it changes every day. Today, I'll choose "Deep Down."

Yeonjun: For me, "Growing Pain."

Beomgyu: “물수제비” — or “Skipping Stones,” in English.

Soobin: For me, it's also "Skipping Stones" because it's kind of indie rock style, which I really love, and it's our first foray into such kind of genre, so I really love that song.

Hueningkai: Right now, I choose "Dreamer."

TV: I thought some of you would say "Blue Spring" because it's your ode to MOAs that you all wrote together.

Hueningkai: [Giggles.]

TV: You actually unveiled the track during your last tour, Act: Sweet Mirage, right?

Taehyun: Yes, we actually made "Blue Spring" for the tour because we thought it'd be nice to present it to MOAs live. So, we made it rather quickly right before the tour so that we could fit it into the setlist.

TV: Was it initially just a tour song, or was it always the plan to add it to the album after?

Hueningkai: If the chance presented itself, we thought it'd be good to add it to an album. We didn't yet know which album it would be, but that was the plan, and fortunately, it fitted this album, The Name Chapter: Freefall, so well that it made it in.

TV: In a recent TMI video, which I believe was from one of your lives, Beomgyu said that this is his favorite album ever since your debut, even though you've liked every single album you've put out. Why do you like this album the most?

Beomgyu: Usually, when I listen to music, [though] I like a lot of genres, I typically tend to pick songs that have a kind of similar, very specific vibe to them. This album has a whole array of genres, but I still really enjoyed it. I really like it. I think we have something for everyone, and [because of that] I keep listening to it even to this very day.

TV: It's true. It's very eclectic. You have a really good mix of genres. In that same video, Yeonjun, you said that prepping for this album wasn't particularly easy. What did you mean by that? Was it because of your packed schedules? Was it because it's a full-length album after a while? How is it different or more demanding than your previous releases? Especially The Name Chapter: Temptation because I do think you incorporated a lot of genres into that one as well…

Yeonjun: Yes, schedule-wise, we were writing the lyrics while we were on tour, so it was demanding, and it didn't go as fast as we thought. Also, when we write lyrics, we run them by our label since we all have different ideas and views on the songs and [need to join forces to come up with the best options].

Hueningkai: Because this was our studio album in two years and four months, we wanted to make sure that we had the utmost quality, and that's why we had a lot of people jumping in and sharing ideas and feedback.

TV: Nice, it was a good collaborative process. While listening to the album, I couldn't help but notice that you put in a couple of references to your debut song, "Crown," both in the lyrics for "Blue Spring" and also in the Korean subtitle for "Deep Down"," which is “머리에 솟아난 뿔은 나의 왕관이었다,” meaning “The horn that rose from my head was my crown.” Why did you decide to make it a full circle and call back to your very first song?

Taehyun: This album is about facing reality and showing a determination to grow, which, of course, comes with some pain — growing pains. [This idea just naturally] circles back to our song “Crown” because, in a way, it also talks about those growing pains. There's a horn growing out of my head. I thought it was a pain, but because we have that horn, we could grow. So, it's actually a crown, not a horn. [It was an instinctive callback.

TV: As you kind of mentioned, the theme of the chapter is growth and hitting reality head-on. I know you have your boys in your story, but personally, what was the moment in your life when you realized that you were not kids anymore? What was your "freefall" in a way?

Taehyun (in English): I think ever since I joined our company. [That] showed [me adult] reality.

TV: I mean, that happens when you get a job, right?

Taehyun: That's right.

TV: Responsibilities.

Yeonjun: Yeah, I totally agree with what Taehyun said. Because we were [objectively] quite young when we started, I think joining the company was like jumping into society and a "freefall" into the [adult] reality.

TV: It must have been a big change, but you are doing great now, so it worked out.

Soobin: Thank you!

Hueningkai: Thank you so much!

TV: Okay, to counteract how serious that question was. One of the other concepts in this album is melancholy. Now that we are all in this adult world, what is something that you miss the most about your childhood? Something that takes you back and brings back good memories?

Yeonjun: I think, for me, it'd be just those normal days when you go to school and you hang out with your friends. Those are the moments I'd love to go back to the most. I think going back would make me even more appreciative of how precious and beautiful those days were.

TV: Yes. For me, it's watching cartoons in the morning during the weekends.

All: [Laugh.]

TV: Applied to your careers, you guys are going onto five years together now, which is incredible because it feels like just yesterday that you made your debut. How do you feel you have changed or grown from the rookies that you were then? What are some of the fears and anxieties that you have now compared to when you were starting out?

Beomgyu: I feel like we have grown a lot both personally and as a team, [and that can be seen] in the big stages we’ve been performing at recently. Personally, when we had just debuted and up until the first half of our career, I don't think I was too nervous about going on stage; but, [as the scale grows], I feel like it’s become a bit more nervewracking for me. I do get a bit more nervous and a bit more anxious lately [despite the experience.] That said, as soon as I am on stage, I [immediately] feel better since I get to rely on the other members.

TV: Why do you feel you've experienced that shift? Why do you feel more "pressured" now when you go on stage? Is it just the scale?

Beomgyu: Yeah, [I think so.] Honestly, I've been trying very hard to figure it out. I still don't know why. I'm trying to [have a concrete answer], but [I just know I get] very nervous [in big stages or with big crowds these days].

TV: You'll figure it out. Do the rest of the members feel the same, or do you feel more at ease when you're on a big stage now that you have two world tours and Lollapalooza twice under your belts?

Taehyun: Personally, [precisely] because we've been on bigger stages, and we've also shown our performance for pre-release songs at such big stages, I think these experiences have piled up and I've gotten to actually enjoy the time [on stage] more. It's fun.

TV: Tell Beomgyu your secret. Make him feel more at ease before going on a big stage.

All: [Laugh.]

youtube

TV: As part of Act: Sweet Mirage, you have a couple more concerts scheduled for later in the year in Seoul, and, of course, the end of the year is a big time for big-scale performances. What surprises do you have up your sleeve for the next few performances?

Taehyun: We have the finale concerts left in Seoul in December, so we are going to make them grand finale [worthy]. It's going to be a bit more flashy and we are going to have a very long set list, so people can look forward to that the most.

TV: Long setlist, okay. Bringing it back to The Name Chapter: Freefall. Is there any aspect that you're most excited for fans to see when you perform these songs live? I hear that the choreography for the title track has some voguing in it...

Hueningkai: Yeah, so as you said, there's going to be some voguing involved in the dance break, so I think we can make that into a challenge, and if it becomes a hit, then we'll love it too. It's not that difficult to do, so I think it could go viral.

TV: We'll 100% look forward to that. Though they are not part of the album, you've been collaborating with a lot of new artists these days: Anitta, Coi Leray last year, the Jonas Brothers.... I'm not going to ask you about who you want to collaborate with in the future because I know you've answered that question multiple times, but I am curious to know what have you learned from working with other artists outside of your bubble. Are there any memorable experiences or lessons that they have taught you, or have you ever felt starstruck working with such big artists?

Taehyun: Of course, musically, we learned so much from all of them. Personally, [I was a bit starstruck] when I met the Jonas Brothers. I thought, "They're such big stars, but they're so humble. They're so nice and gentle and such nice people." So I thought that I want to become like them. Even when I become a bigger star, I want to be humble and nice like them. Plus, they're still so handsome.

TV: Well, they also started around the same age that you started, so...

Hueningkai: Correct.

TV: On a more playful note, and since the album is all about falling, have you fallen down any rabbit holes recently? Do you have any new obsessions? I know for Soobin, it's probably anime...

Soobin: [Laughs and nods].

TV: What are the things that you've been enjoying the most when you're not working?

Yeonjun: I'm very into listening to and collecting vinyl records, so when it was my birthday, I even asked my members and my friends to give me a vinyl of their own choice, of their own taste.

TV: Did they follow through? Did they commit and gift you the records?

Yeonjun: Yes. All the members gave me a vinyl.

TV: Nice. Does anyone else want to share something that you've been enjoying outside of work?

Soobin: For me, as you said, I love watching TV dramas and anime after work. But if we have a day off, I've taken a liking for just strolling without a destination in the past year. I pick an area — Gangnam, Itaewon... — and just go there with my maps and walk around. If I see a cafe or a clothing store that catches my eye, I just go in and see what's there. That's the kind of thing that I like to do these days; spending the day just walking aimlessly without a destination, going for whatever I like.

TV: My social anxiety would not let me roam around without a purpose, but proud of you for that. It sounds lovely.

All: [Laugh.]

TV: Music-wise, what's on your playlist these days? Or better, what are some songs that you have been listening to these days that you feel will pair well with The Name Chapter: Freefall?

Taehyun (in English): Recently, I've been listening to a lot of rock. A lot of Bon Jovi. Guns N' Roses, they are my favorite.

TV: Old school.

Soobin: I think the members already know this, but "Skipping Stones" is my favorite song from this new album and [one of] the writers of the song is called Hanroro. She is a singer-songwriter. I've been a big fan of her for a long time, but especially recently, I've been listening to a lot of her songs again. I really like her music. One of her songs is named "정류장," and I think that goes really well with our album. They have really similar vibes.

TV: A full circle moment again.

Soobin: Yes. [Laughs.]

TV: The album is dropping on a Friday the 13th, which is notoriously a very spooky and unlucky day. Hopefully, you don't get the unlucky part, but do you have any superstitions? Do you believe in any of that?

Taehyun: I don't think this is a superstition, but [I'll turn it around]: I hope that people listen to our songs so much that it's almost spooky.

TV: Okay, nice, you are putting a spell on people to like the album.

Hueningkai: [Laughs.]

TV: I think that will work.

Hueningkai: I think superstitions are fun; I'm very much interested in superstitions.

TV: To wrap things up. Do you want to describe the album in one word each?

Hueningkai: Massive.

Taehyun: Masterpiece.

Beomgyu: Favorite.

Yeonjun: Best.

Soobin: Youth.

TV: They all go together: your best and favorite masterpiece of youth on a massive scale.

All: [Laugh.]

Taehyun: That's right.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. TXT spoke via an interpreter.

#txt #tomorrow x together #231014 #article #teen vogue #soobin #yeonjun #beomgyu #taehyun #hueningkai #freefall #the name chapter: freefall #Youtube

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needlesandnilbogs · 3 months

Text

I guess art is going on tumblr instead of on blogspot today lolll cause I’m lazy. half the high school au crowd goes to see a movie. that is all. (If I successfully did this then there will be a read more bc I put the fic here and it got long)

Image ID: two digital drawings. One is of high school versions of murderbot characters dressed in costumes and standing in front of a movie poster: from left to right, Rin (high school au murderbot), Bharadwaj, Overse, Gurathin, Pin-Lee, and Indah. Rin has dark curly hair and dark brown skin. It is not dressed in a costume, just a blue hoodie and gray pants, and is standing behind and apart from the group. Bharadwaj has dark brown skin and her hair is under a light purple hijab which extends into a cape behind her; she also wears a long dark blue dress belted at the waist and a silver circlet. Overse has light skin, shoulder-length dirty blonde hair, and glasses; she wears a light blue dress with pink trim and sleeves, pink shoes laced up her calves, a Magen David necklace, and a small pink crown. Gurathin has the lightest skin, brown hair cut unflatteringly, and big round wire glasses; he is wearing a red shirt and leggings with gold armor over it, and he has a silver flute hung over his shoulder. Pin-Lee has lightish skin, black hair in a bun, and wears a green bodysuit half covered in green and pink feathers. Indah is the tallest except for Rin and has medium skin and light brown hair; she is wearing a turquoise shirt, purple leggings, a skirt in a different shade of purple with gold trim, and yellow shoes.

the other image is the poster that is behind them. It is for a made up movie called “Sunshine Warriors: Day of the Second Sun” and features an orange and yellow stylized sun on a blue background. On the sun there are images of a pink crown, a red eighth note, a green bird, and a purple butterfly. Under the movie title, at the bottom, it says “Ten Years Later…”. End ID.

anyways this is for chatfic I am deciding whether to post to ao3 or not, I wrote the fic last year and it’s part of the hsau’s summer between Mensah and mb’s senior year of high school and going to college. The relevant bit of the fic itself is as follows:

———

DM: Lee (Pin-Lee), bhara (Bharadwaj)

[10:01] bhara: Hey, wanna go to the river w me this afternoon?? I need out of the house and my aunt won't let me take the car

[10:03] Lee: I'm down, want me to pick you up?

[10:03] bhara: That'd be great \o/ I have no agenda lol I just really need a break

[10:04] Lee: Also, want to come to the movies tonight with Indah and me, too? We're making plans to see the Sunshine Warriors film in full costume tonight, possibly with Gurathin and Overse and Rin too.

[10:04] bhara: OMG I FORGOT THE MOVIE COMES OUT TONIGHT AAAAAA AND ITS LIVE ACTION LIKE THE PART IN THE DOCUMENTARY WHERE THE ACTORS DID THE SCENES

[10:05] Lee: I was actually about to ask if you wanted to come when you texted me!

[10:07] bhara: I CAN GO \o/ \o/ \o/

[10:07] Lee: Great. Pick you up in ten for river time, at 4 for the movie?

[10:07] bhara: o7 but also changed my mind, let's go see how much of a costume we can put together in the time between now and 4?

[10:08] Lee: I'll make a group chat so we can coordinate costumes!

New Chat: Pin-Lee (Pin-Lee), Bharadwaj (Bharadwaj), gurathin (gurathin), indah (indah), Overse (Overse), Rin (Rin)

[10:10] Pin-Lee (Pin-Lee) started chat

[10:10] Pin-Lee (Pin-Lee) changed chat name to Sunshine Warriors Assemble

[10:11] Pin-Lee: So. We are doing this, okay? I call dibs on being Feather, he was always my favorite.

[10:11] indah: I'd forgotten how much I loved this show

[10:12] indah: I want to be Color, if possible, I have the most clothing I could use for her.

[10:15] Overse: Arada isn't interested in going but she says she'll lend me her floofy skirt so I wanted to be color

[10:15] indah: I'll duel you for it. Swords at 2 am on the 29th?

[10:16] Overse: wow rude

[10:16] Overse: whatever happened to reasonable sleep schedules? [10:17] gurathin: Not to interrupt but I want to stake a claim on flute, the least terrible warrior

[10:18] Overse: omg Gurathin just be sun lord, you're already that pompous <3

[10:18] Bharadwaj: So we have Flute, Feather, and two people who want to be Color, who wants Princess and what do the rest of you want to do?

[10:20] Overse: well, I can be princess instead, i do have good high heels for it, but what do you wanna do?

[10:20] Rin: I'm not coming in costume.

[10:20] Bharadwaj: I was thinking Queen Midnight but only if everyone else is down for going with the villain?

[10:21] Pin-Lee: I am *always* down for going with villains. I'll be over in 5 minutes and we can hit your closet and the thrift store, okay?

[10:22] indah: The plan is meet at Pin-Lee's house at 4, carpool to the movie theater, see the 4:45 showing, get dinner, see the 9:50 showing, go home, unless anyone can't stay out till midnight.

[10:30] Bharadwaj: I just checked and my aunt says that's fine

[10:30] Bharadwaj: She also says if we want to come over after and watch the documentary that came out a couple years ago about the making of the show we are welcome to do so and then sleep over!

[10:31] Bharadwaj: It's SUCH a good documentary, it's a beautiful letter of love to the way the show was made and the choices the writers had to make to make it socially acceptable

[10:31] Bharadwaj: I know I just like documentaries in general but I really love this one and not just because it's about fiction I enjoy

[10:35] Overse: omg perf

[10:35] Overse: I have to be princess then bc I loved her voice actor in the show

#murderbot #fanfic #murderbot high school au #magic flute au: sunshine warriors assemble #fanart #please wait to reblog this until after I add the explanation of sunshine warriors assemble

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