#Personally I'm a big fan of the theatre way where they do not give a fuck of whoever is underneath the costume

[sandinthepipes]

I don't understand people who throw a tantrum over any Arthurian media with black people.

There is a new netflix show where I think Arthur????? Is portrayed by a black actor. You know, a person who's job is to portray something they're not? And I heard a looot of things

Like immagine how few problems in life you must have to get annoyed that in a media with a fake world, in a fake kingdom where magic and dragons exist, you are distressed that black people are just people.

Is somebody forcing you to watch this show? Did they kidnap you and tied you to a chair and taped your eyeballs open in front of a TV with that show on?

[hrodvitnon]

Just got out of my first viewing (spoilers so tag accordingly)

Yeah that was the most ridiculous shit ive ever seen and i had a blast lmfao.

--

To get the few negatives out of the way: Syclla and Tiamat got COOKED. That's crazy. Especially Tiamat. I had no idea she was in the movie and like choked on popcorn when they said her name. First onscreen appearance and she dies in like 3 seconds... sucks to be her. But honestly... this is probably one of those moments where Fan Content messes with the perception of a canon thing, at least for me. It hurts a lot more because of the emotional attachment from stuff like Ozymandias's story, Shamhat, and other adjacent stuff. If I had never seen those and watched her die I'd probably think "oh she had a cool design, but whatever". But yeah, my only serious complaint is her being shafted and I don't even really think I can call it objective because there was definitely an attachment there.

Ok besides that this might be my new personal favorite Monsterverse. Could be recency bias but I don't think so. Every human is at the very least entertaining. Everything Trapper did in this movie made me crack up, hearing Bernie say the words 'Discord chat' and 'Ghidorahstan64' (i stg this was a callout of some kind) onscreen gave me terminal whiplash, and although Jia and Andrew's story was sorta surface level, it was still endearing. I'd rather have a good human storyline, sure, but if we can't have that I'll settle for entertaining.

Here I thought Suko was gonna be an annoying marketing ploy to sell toys... I physically snorted in the theatre when Kong slammed him into that one ape. MVP of the film lmao. Mothra was... also there. Yeah, it really shows that she was a last minute addition. But DAMN she sent Godzilla ROLLING with a single attack. Speaking of, I don't think the Tia-Zilla form was as underutilized as I've heard people say it was. Especially that new Atomic Breath effect. Holy eargasm.

Oh man though, Shimo and Skar are fantastic. Skar hits the same beat as like a Celestial Dragon or Vladimir Harkonnen with way more grace than I would've expected from a big monkey. They go shockingly dark with his treatment of the ape-slaves and Shimo... especially with that female ape insinuation.

Holy shit poor Shimo, man. I honestly thought the Skar controlling her aspect would be kinda downplayed and just regular mind control, not genuine torture of some kind. I love that they let her have characterization by resisting him at every chance she gets, and that the pain control isn't always active (i'm assuming that's the insinuation of keeping her all chained and behind magma, it depowers and restrains her when Skar's not actively using her), further insinuating she gets merciful breaks from hellish enslavement only to be yanked back into it whenever Skar needs something turned into a popsicle. I think my favorite moment in the film is right after Suko shatters the crystal and the light blue luminescence fades to reveal her actual eyes for the first time. Eyes are used throughout the film to show subtle humanizing features, like Godzilla falling asleep in Rome, Kong's wide eyes when he sees his kin, and shock when Shimo realizes she's free. Having her eyes glowing the whole film makes her seem way more monstrous and inhuman, so when that suddenly goes away she starts getting framed as just an animal. Also her eyes are pretty. Also, I lied, that wasn't my favorite part of the film. My favorite part was Kong giving her chin scratches and that cute half-hug. This needs to be normalized. He needs to hug Godzilla next film. I will pay someone a king's ransom for this to happen. Final little detail, I like that Kong doesn't do his final roar from on her back but standing next to her, on the same level as all the other apes. He doesn't look to elevate himself over her or everyone else like Skar did, which is a great touch.

Also also also: Think it's time for a Doug solo film where he tries to steal all the Titans' food. Make it happen Legendary.

Much agreement here! I'd love for a solo Mothra MonsterVerse film to really capitalize on her lore and give her stuff to do (without dying at the end preferably); maybe establish some connection between the Chen family and Jia. Also, I need a little shot of Mothra going to visit Godzilla while he's sleeping in the Colosseum and just cuddle up to the big lug.

Andrews and Jia were a welcome breath of fresh air after GvK reversed Mark's characterization and Madison became... that. There was still some slight tension between Jia not feeling like she belongs and Andrews wanting to do right by her, even if it means possibly giving her up, only for Jia to go "you're my mom, you're my home, stop being dramatic". You love to see it.

Adding to the Doug solo film idea... Shimo adopts him because he's cute and she thinks his shenanigans are hilarious. Let us have fun wholesome times!

[carnelianwings]

Went and saw Gundam Seed Freedom in theatre last night, I have so many thoughts about it (as you'd expect for a long time fan - I've been waiting for this movie ever since they announced it), there will be spoilers behind the cut, but the spoiler free highlights:

This movie is everything I ever wanted out of a Gundam Seed movie - the characters, the mecha, the OST, the cast, everything. It is as much a continuation of Cosmic Era as it is a celebration of Cosmic Era at its best, there's so much love put into this movie I can genuinely say I enjoyed every minute of it from the beginning to the end. My one and only nitpick is that they recasted Cagalli, but Mori Nanako does a fantastic job, so much so I don't have anything negative to say about her performance. (More on this behind the cut below, as I will delve into spoilers.)

Story pacing was actually really good here, in that there's no true retread/recap of both Seed and Seed Destiny. The movie assumes you've seen both, and while you could arguably get away with a cliff's notes version of Seed Destiny (even I know how much of a Base Breaker it is from watching it as it aired in Japan), if you sat through it you're rewarded between the shout outs and extra emotional impact from some of the scenes. There's a few brief clips of flashbacks to the prior series, but to me they feel like they're providing context (as you don't get to hear the characters' inner thoughts the same way you would out of a manga or a novel of the same story).

The animation just looked so good on the big screen, even the CGI used for the Gundams (like they've been doing in the newer Gundam series) looked fantastic. So smooth, no stock footage, you can tell where they made obvious homage shots to the original, but they're clearly redone for the movie. It was a feast for the eyes, in more ways than one.

The OST is fantastic, the way Sahashi wove the various melodies from songs past and present were a delight to the ears. I particularly love how he kept using various melody lines from Shizuka na Yoru ni as a way to musically reflect Lacus's journey and arc through the movie - just a line or two of the main melody, sometimes shifted into minor key, sometimes intertwined with another character's theme (usually whoever she's interacting with at that moment). There's also some glorious reprisals from both Seed and Seed Destiny, all rearranged to give it a grander, more spectacular sound to match the on-screen spectacle. Definitely one of Sahashi's best works, and I'm really happy they brought him back for it. Also, if at all possible - don't listen to the OST before seeing the movie. It will spoil key moments for the final battle, especially if you know which themes are used where.

Now, onto spoiler territory.

First and foremost, I really feel like Seed Freedom manages to redeem Seed Destiny as a whole. My biggest complaint in Seed Destiny is and always has been that Shinn's redemption happens in 5 minutes in an epilogue that was added on in an extended cut - I loved the idea and potential of Shinn as something of a Villain Protagonist early on, and even as we watched him spiral further and further into his grief and anger throughout Seed Destiny, the fact we never got to see what redemption and atonement meant for him was something of a sore point. One of the things I love is a good redemption arc, where the character learns from mistakes they made and improves themselves as a person, as an individual, and we finally get to see that here in Seed Freedom.

Shinn finally gets to do what he really wanted to when he enrolled into the academy, and under Kira's command he shines. For a character that was so heavily defined by his grief and anger for 50 episodes, he's done a 180 here, putting in the work and effort to turn his life around - we get more scenes of him smiling and eagerly working to help Kira as part of the team in COMPASS than angrily scowling or yelling at someone. He's finally found someone he can look up to and work towards being; it's clear he looks up to Kira as something of a role model, both as a goal and commanding officer, and has been rewarded accordingly as the pilot of the Immortal Justice. He's a lot calmer now, long gone are his days fighting for glory on the battlefield, he puts a priority on COMPASS's main mission of intervention and protecting civilians (so much so he'll voluntarily use Immortal Justice's shield to protect them over keeping it to defend himself). But it's not to say his past is completely forgotten or even retconned away - he gets called the Freedom Killer multiple times here (largely as a way to get at Kira too) and while Shinn never denies having been that person, his reaction shows he treats it as Old Shame, something he did but is no longer proud of.

And the true pay off to his arc comes in the end, when he gets reunited with the Destiny thanks to Cagalli upgrading it to the Spec II in the final stretch of the movie. He greets it like someone would greet an old friend, proudly and triumphantly launching this time to the fanfare of Seed Destiny's next episode preview bgm - it's hands down Shinn at his most heroic, and it's a moment he's earned. He's finally become the person he wanted to be at the beginning of Seed Destiny, before he let his grief and anger cloud his mind, before he was manipulated by Durandal. And in the end, his journey through the darkness that was his time under Durandal's command become his strength, granting him a spectacular flawless victory over the Black Knights achieved through his own skills - Stella protects him from the Black Knights' Mind Control, and his instinctual berserker Seed Mode keeps them from reading his mind to predict his moves. It's after all the trials and pain he went through that he comes out at his absolute best, and the Seed Freedom version of Shinn is hands down the best version of him.

Character development aside, it's genuinely heartwarming to see a character that was so narrowly defined by his grief and anger to be the one who brings a lot of the light and levity in what's otherwise a fairly heavy movie. Seeing him as a Big Eater during the ball at Foundation, his entire reunion with Lunamaria after she thought he'd been KIA'ed in the joint operation on the Blue Cosmos base, him getting hit by both Kira and Athrun during their brawl (with neither of them noticing ^^;;) - he's come so far since his Seed Destiny days he's (and I can't believe I'm actually saying this) one of the major highlights of the movie. And then there's his smile at the end when Kira finally relies on him and his cheerful response.

And of course, I can't talk about Shinn without mentioning Lunamaria - they've both come a long way from their days at the ZAFT military academy (if you go off the prequel novel Moonlight Valkyrie) and even from their time on board the Minerva. You can tell there's genuine love and affection between them, mutually supporting each other both on and off the battlefield, between them sharing a room onboard the Millennium and the energy transfer moment between the Impulse and Destiny. There's even a clear moment of redemption for Lunamaria's shooting skills when she shoots down a tactical nuke in her Gelgoog. And while she's definitely not one of the main focus characters in the movie, she still gets her moment of triumph, launching in the Impulse once more after Shinn's Destiny. Even though she's relegated to the Designated Chick Fight, it's a moment of personal triumph for her - she's grown as a person since her academy days, her time on the Minerva and with Shinn and Rey has changed her, and she's a better person for it. Even her time pursuing Athrun (even though he doesn't return her affection at all) comes back as a Meaningful Echo in how she ultimately deals with Agnes. Instead of choosing to kill Agnes in her GYAN, Lunamaria does something of a "pay it forward", disabling the GYAN and returning to pick her up from the moon after the fighting is over. Like Shinn, it's clear Lunamaria's in a better place than she was during the finale of Seed Destiny, and she also gets to join in on some of the lighter moments of the movie next to Shinn.

Onto Kira (because I'm saving my favorites for last), who is most definitely the main focus of the movie, along with Lacus and his relationship with her. Is his story arc a rehash of Seed? In many ways yes, and in so many ways, no. On a surface level, sure - we once again have Kira trying to shoulder the entire burden of the team on himself, of trying to do everything without relying on anyone else, of pushing himself to his limits, and as icing on the retread cake, we're even treated to a CV Kuwashima Houko girl (Agnes) trying to get his attention and affections. And that's about where it ends, because Agnes' motivations are vastly different from Flay's, Kira's circumstances this time around are entirely different from when he was in Seed - this is more about Kira realizing he really doesn't have to shoulder everything by himself, that even if Lacus is a non-combatant, she's there to walk next to him side by side, that Lacus's love for him is completely different from Flay's (initial) love for him. For Kira, it's The Power of Love while also echoing Seed's earlier themes of how easy it is to fall into old habits and make the same mistakes again. It's about Kira finally breaking past his remaining trauma with his relationship with Flay - he finally realizes that Lacus wants to be with him for him, that she never expected him to hand her everything she wanted on a silver platter, that she's willing and ready to work and walk with him to their final goal and destination, wherever that may take them. His relationship with Lacus was never a transactional one like it was with Flay - even if Flay genuinely grew to love Kira in the end, her true feelings for him never managed to reach him before she dies. And in the end, once he realizes what he has with Lacus, once he gets a chance to talk to her and clear the air, he's rewarded with a shiny new upgrade to the Strike Freedom, Lacus voluntarily joining him in the battlefield, and of course, that ending on the beach.

As for the whole "Is Kira Yamato a failure because he was a failed Accord or just Orphee insisting that he is superior to even Coordinators as an Accord" debate, ultimately it doesn't matter (at least in terms of Kira's arc - on a meta level, yes I absolutely want to know lol). He's got the one thing Orphee will never have (Lacus's love) and with that behind him he can overcome anything.

Honestly, if this is where we end Kira's story, where he gets to go off into the sunset with Lacus, to live quietly in the middle of nowhere (or even return to Marshall Islands to stay with Reverend Malchio) where he doesn't have to fight anymore, where he can just spend his days with Lacus until there's some world-ending reason to step back into the cockpit, I'm good with that. Kira never wanted to be a mobile suit pilot to begin with, he only ever did it to defend the people he cares about, and if this is where we part ways with him, because in learning to rely on other people, he also realizes he can hand things off to Cagalli, Athrun, and Shinn (and by extension, Lunamaria), I'm good with that. (I'll get to Cagalli and Athrun after Lacus, I want to save my favorites for last lol)

Lacus always came off as a little too perfect, a little too good with her words, and with a Seed Mode that ... didn't activate like your traditional Seed Mode (for one thing, she never gets the Seed burst animation on screen when she goes into it; she almost always monologues her way in). And I have to say it was satisfying to see that crack some more this time around, where her decisions are a bit more questionable, where she's finally having to deal with some of the consequences of her actions (and by extension Kira's as he answers to her and only her within COMPASS). But ultimately in the end, she's still the same Lacus as ever - Silk Hiding (nerves of) Steel, steadfast in her love and support for Kira, something that nothing can change, not even meeting her genetically destined partner in Orphee. And yes, while even she gets in on the action this time, quite literally delivering the Proud Defender to Strike Freedom to upgrade it into the Mighty Strike Freedom, I don't really have much to say about her.

I will say this though (because it gets very indirectly touched on by Athrun) - if Lacus hadn't fallen in love with Kira, and had continued with her engagement to Athrun as set up by their parents, would she have gone with Orphee? Would that alone have changed events enough so that Athrun might've been conveniently KIA'ed so Orphee would've been able to sweep in?

Now, onto my personal favorites (and complete show stealers this time around): Athrun and Cagalli.

Where do I even begin? Athrun being a Big Damn Hero for Kira not once, but twice? Cagalli taking over Lacus's role for being Crazy Prepared, Bearer of (Gundam) Gifts this time around?? The complete insanity that is the Z'Gok hiding the Infinite Justice Type II??? The (remote) Battle Couple fight????

Cagalli's just pure Crazy Prepared this time. She's learned from the painful lessons of the past 4 years, ensuring there's a plan in place to get her people to safety, immediately issuing evacuation orders for the civilians to avoid direct orbital laser bombardment from Requiem. She's made peace with the fact that sometimes, you really do just need to hop into a Gundam to get shit done, so she's seen to it that the Gundams for the top COMPASS pilots are available should they ever need it. She's the one who came up with COMPASS in the first place, providing some much-needed legitimacy for what Kira and Lacus want to do. She's also very clearly been training with Athrun for mobile suit training - where she once Could Not Keep Up, she's able to seamlessly pilot the Infinite Justice Mark II remotely, a less advanced unit than Shura's Shi-ve.A, without Shura ever realizing it was someone else piloting it. She's back as the Goddess of Victory, now older and wiser and all the better for it.

For all that she hardly showed up on screen, her presence was felt everywhere, most especially whenever Athrun's on screen. Really, I wouldn't even be surprised if the next time we see Orb get threatened by Orbital (Laser) Bombardment, she tells her people to get inside to safety before turning on a shield to protect the cities and then taking the field again.

And as for Athrun - it makes sense he didn't join COMPASS, even though the fact he has a custom COMPASS pilot suit and the Immortal Justice was clearly designed with him in mind. He's found his place in Orb, staying by Cagalli's side as her personal knight. He's even got his own custom suit with the Z'Gok-hiding-the-Infinite-Justice-Mark-II - he's got everything he could ask for while still being able to do his part to maintain peace. And in a double redemption moment - Athrun's the first one to throw the punch this time when Kira starts wallowing in his self doubt and lets his insecurities get the better of him, repaying the favor Kira did back in Seed Destiny when he, well, Saviour'ed the Saviour. Athrun's the one to remind Kira that as a close friend of Lacus's that her actions this time don't sound like the Lacus that he knows, and this time (unlike when he did something similar with Shinn) it works and gets Kira back on track. Poor Shinn - he thinks Athrun's about to do the same thing to Kira that Athrun did to him during his time on the Minerva, but while Shinn's not entirely wrong, he's also misreading the room a bit, not realizing this is a "They're really good friends, and sometimes they just gotta throw some punches to work shit out" moment.

Because in overcoming everything that happened in Seed Destiny, Athrun and Cagalli have finally grown into the people they both want to be. They've found their way, fighting for what they both believe in. Their time apart in Seed Destiny forced them both grow as individuals, so that when we get to see them working together again it's in perfect sync. In so many ways, Athrun and Cagalli (and not Kira and Lacus) are the ideal the Cosmic Era wants to push - two people working together side by side, regardless of genetics, as partners and equals. The dream of Coordinators and Naturals, living and working side by side in harmony - that's them. And ultimately, it is what they do that brings the heroes victory and lets everyone fly off into the (metaphorical) sunset together. They played the long gambit - creating COMPASS (giving Shinn and Lunamaria a means to atone for the things they did, giving Lacus and Kira a legitimate way to stop skirmishes), upgrading the Gundams, being there for their friends and allies when they needed it (Athrun literally knocking sense back into Kira, Cagalli coming in with the equipment upgrades) - all while keeping their priorities in order (first the civilians, then reequipping allies, and then finally going into combat together to take down Shura), and it all pays off in the end.

Really, is it any wonder, then, when Shura tries to read Athrun's mind in the final battle he's just thinking of hot (naked) Cagalli?

[droughtofapathy]

"Welcome to the Theatre": Diary of a Broadway Baby

Cats: The Jellicle Ball

July 6, 2024 | Off-Broadway | PAC-NYC | Evening | Musical | Revival | 2H 30M

Well, I didn't hate it. But I didn't love it either, so at least my pretentious theatre persona didn't take a complete hit.

Cats remains one of the most divisive shows in musical theatre history. You either love it or hate it, and you can guess where I stand. Cats: The Jellicle Ball is a high-concept revival that recenters the story on ballroom culture. It's queer, it's spectacle, it's painfully appropriate. It works so well and I'm a little mad about it. I fear this was the way Cats was always meant to be presented. Now, the "cats" are ballroom performers with two Houses (House of MaCavity and House of Dots) competing for trophies and Old Deuteronomy's approval. The ultimate prize remains the Heavyside Layer, which is still basically just ritualistic suicide so I don't know what's up with that, but sure, fine, whatever.

Things of note:

Jennyanydots is a House Mother who has a litter of virgin voguers ("kittins") she's coaching to win the competitions.

Munkustrap is the Emcee of the night.

The virgin voguers are Victoria, Cassandra, and Electra.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer are from Jersey and cause all sorts of havoc during the category competitions.

Rum Tum Tugger is as horny as ever, and if you read any other reviews, they'll mention the actor's jockstrap. Personally, as a lesbian, I was unimpressed, and his overall performance was just okay to me. His voice was very much your basic pop star kiss the mic and pout kind of deal. Don't care.

Macavity is less of a villain here and more of an irresponsible House Father who shoplifts his house members' costumes. This is about the only real plot we have. The police come to arrest Macavity for his thefts and Old Duteronemy "gives himself up" to the cops to protect Macavity (who is now guilt-ridden and apologetic(?))

But don't worry. Magical Mr. Mistoffeles is here to save the day with a big magician's trick box and Andre de Shields emerges unscathed.

Gus, the theatre cat is played by Junior LaBeija, an icon and trailblazer of ballroom culture. He has been a member of House of LaBeija for over fifty years, and his legendary status shows.

Skimbleshanks is a slutty MTA employee.

Grizabella is a former ballroom icon who is well-past her prime. Now homeless and destitute, she longs to regain the glamour of her youth.

The changes to the setting and "story" means that some "cats" are drastically downgraded. Bombalurina doesn't get to do anything anymore (and the one "Macavity" song is...not impressive from her end). Jellylorum gets elevated to a more vocally impressive role. Shereen Pimentel is almost single-handedly carrying the entire cast's singing. She floats on that high soprano track and I am in awe.

As a piece of artistry, this new concept is radical, transformative, and wildly creative. As a musical, the source material is still...Cats... So like, there's only so high it can climb. Yes, it's a fun night out. It's wild. I sat along the runway, so I had "cats" dancing right in front of me and twerking on the little round table I sat behind. At one point, two of the cats sat next to me to hang out. At another point, they offered up vodka shots (alas wasted on my sober ass). It made for one hell of an immersive experience (which I could have done without, but I picked that seat to avoid climbing steps, so trade-off), and visually it's stunning. The choreography is a lot. I don't have much knowledge of ballroom culture beyond a rudimentary understanding (and I'm not a fan of drag, which is heavily based off that), but I can appreciate the physical feat. The cast is partially trained musical theatre performers and partially ballroom performers, and the divide is pretty damn stark. Which brings me into my main criticisms.

Dramaturgically, the "plot" they try to infuse with the police and the raid is...not great in execution. I don't think there would ever be a successful way to integrate a book into this musical. But we don't have time to get into all that.

Also, it's a really fucking rowdy kind of show with lots of screaming and hollering from the audience, which is appropriate given the show, so I won't shake my fist. However, I was prepared to be miserable when the first note blasted through the house and everyone was shrieking with glee over a projection of a "cat" shadow doing a dance. Why so excited for what was ultimately very dull projection work? But I digress.

Musically, the show falls apart. Unlike Sondheim, whose work is far more reliant on excellent actors who can carry a tune, ALW's scores call for the opposite. His music demands technically perfect singers and actual acting can fall by the wayside as long as the notes sound good. Without singers, the whole scaffolding collapses. ALW scores are not about lyrics or even storytelling. They're about the notes. And this cast, while doing phenomenal physical work, has maybe two or three excellent singers, and no, they aren't playing the roles you'd expect. When Bebe Nicole Simpson as Demeter finally gets to do something halfway through act two ("Macavity: The Mystery Cat"), her incredible voice is a breath of fresh air. Shereen Pimentel is carrying the whole damn team with her high notes. Everyone else is standard ability, or lower. The sound mixing heavily favors the beat, so lyrics are lost to the aether left right and center. Which, given how I feel about ALW, might have been a positive, except that the lyrics of Cats (thank you T.S. Elliott) were really the only good thing, and with the casual dismissal of them here, what's left?

"Memory" is lowered significantly, and you won't find any Betty Buckley brilliance here. I understand wanting to have a ballroom icon in this role from a dramaturgical perspective, but from a musical perspective, big mistake. It's not a dance track, so it needed to be a singer. The actor did manage to infuse passion into the role, so it wasn't a disaster, but it wasn't what it should have been. I may hate the original show, and the song itself, but even I feel transcendent when Betty Buckley hits that key change. That didn't happen here, and it was almost a little horrifying. Still, far from the worst vocal miss I've heard all year (looking at you...Lempicka...)

At the end of the day, it should be seen for the risky theatremaking feat alone. I've seen queer people singing its praises from Battery Park to Washington Heights, so it's got an audience. And as history shows, Cats doesn't need to be good to be commercially great.

Verdict: ALW Memorial Landfill

A Note on Ratings

You still can't gaslight me into liking an ALW show.

[thealogie]

popping in to ask if you've got any London theatre recs for mid-June. I've got Long Day's Journey into Night, Player Kings, and The Cherry Orchard booked (I haven't looked at critical responses at all, just based on cast + script I knew I wanted to see these). Anything else that you think should be seen if possible? I'm on the fence about a couple things : A View from the Bridge seems promising on paper but the accents in the trailer give me pause; Ben Whishaw is in something but I know nothing about the play, etc. Please lend me your wisdom!

Yes I have so many thoughts!

-Bluets: This is probably the most risky choice on this list but it's liely the once I'd see if I was there. This is an adaptation of a very beautiful Maggie Nelson book that's somewhere between poetry and narrative fiction. It's about falling in love with the colour blue so the play is gonna have to be a little experimental but the director (katie mitchell) is amazing so I just know she's gonna find a way to make it dynamic/fun to watch despite the lack of traditional plot. In the play kayla meikle, emma d'arcy and ben wishaw all play the same character - a person who is obsessed with blue.

-Operation Mincemeat or the immersive Guys & Dolls: both look absolutely amazing, but they are going to be around for a long time (into 2025 and will likely tour) so it's not urgent that you see them. If you do go see Guys & Dolls and are able to stand for an extended period, make sure you get the standing tickets where they move you around the stage with the performers- I've heard the thought/skill put into moving the audience around is stunning.

-The donmar warehouse revival of Next to Normal is transferring to the Wyndham Theatre. It's an amazing musical. I don't know much about the revival but I trust the donmar warehouse with my life.

-Stranger Things. Look I'm not usually a fan of these big blockbuster plays and wasn't a fan of strangers things even before the Noah Schnapp debacle. But this one was stunning in its writing, acting, genuinely artistic use of advanced special effects.

[ivorypiano]

rating various doublecastings in assassins 👍

balladeer/lee harvey oswald: THE MAN THE MYTH THE LEGEND!!! no one's doing it like them... i think it's really important to the show because of the running theme that anyone could end up like the assassins, and the balladeer being a representation of the audience getting turned into an assassin is really powerful imagery. i LOVE the way the 2021 off broadway revival stages the costume change because instead of the assassins forcing the balladeer into it it feels more like the balladeer has been pushed to the point where he does it willingly. and im so normal about that!!! i looove the broadway revival's staging of the assassins surrounding the balladeer to reveal him as lee harvey oswald because it feels a lot more surprising/shocking . i also saw a production that had the assassins force the balladeer to change at gunpoint, which was interesting. 1000/10 (the only drawback to this is the one production i found that had a female lee harvey oswald which. was a choice.)

proprietor/john wilkes booth: i'm ok with it! i think my main problem with this is that the proprietor to me represents the disillusionment with america turning into violent passion against it, so having him also be a person feels weird to me. also i think it gives too much power to booth, and i think it's important to show that like everyone else, john wilkes booth was never really that special. also i like it when the proprietor is influencing other scenes and if he's doublecast with booth he's only really in the opening number. it doesn't really affect the show on a surface level though. 5/10

bystander #3 or #5/emma goldman: i don't really have that many thoughts on it, low score because i don't think it detracts from the show but it doesn't really add to it either. i prefer them played by separate actresses but like 100% of the time they're doublecast because the ensemble isn't big enough. also when they're played by the same actor they have to costume change during what does a man do, and i think it's a little distracting for what's meant to be a powerful rally. 2/10

ensemble/the assassins: not a fan, i think it detracts from the assassins feeling like outcasts from what the ensemble represents as society. i guess it could represent the assassins being people/blurring the lines between us vs them?? i think the balladeer/lee harvey oswald doublecast is a more effective way to do that. i dunno, i think it's too distracting to be worth it but also i really like some productions that do this so it doesn't really matter that much. 1/10

bystander/lee harvey oswald: OK i'm going to do something unheard of and talk about the watermill theatre production. i think this doublecasting is really effective in a specific context, like how watermill theatre sets it up. for some background they don't have an orchestra, so all the instruments are played by the assassins and the ensemble. one side effect of this is that the ensemble is on stage a LOT more than they normally are, and for the most part they don't have costume changes, so each ensemble member is very recognizable and you feel like you know them. because of this, when one of the ensemble members is turned into lee harvey oswald, it has the same affect as double casting the balladeer and oswald. it feels like a representation of the audience is being turned into an assassin, while avoiding the ramifications of the balladeer (who is female in this) being oswald. the only negative drawback is that this ensemble member wears a high school letterman jacket for most of the show so it makes oswald feel a lot younger. this is something most productions do but booth feels much older then oswald, who in real life was a year older than him. oswald feels like a kid being manipulated by an older person who knows what they're doing, but i think it's important to show that he's also a grown man who fully knew what he was doing when he chose to shoot jfk. anyways in any other production where the ensemble isn't on stage a lot it doesn't have the same affect, oswald feels like an entirely new person who you have no introduction to, because most people won't recognize him as one of the actors in the ensemble. 10/10 for watermill, 1/10 for everyone else

balladeer/the proprietor: so i've only seen one production that does this and i have a lot of mixed feelings on it. for context this is a college production that has the entire ensemble play both the proprietor and the balladeer. i think this gets rid of the duality between the proprietor and the balladeer, especially in another national anthem when they're supposed to be fighting but instead the same people are singing both the proprietor and the balladeer's lines. i think the only good thing about this is that the proprietor and the balladeer feel a lot more like forced of nature/ideas rather than individuals. 3/10

[autisticempathydaemon]

Thank you for the opportunity for a Redacted Match-Up! Your questions were too much fun to answer.

I'm fixed on the reprise of "Way Down Hadestown" from Hadestown. The harmonies of the Fates are addicting to hear.

Enneagram Type 8

I don't think I've ever watched a gargantuan Youtube Video Essay, but I'm not sure that would be my flavor. I use youtube for cute animal videos, music, recipes, and comedy videos.

I didn't have an imaginary childhood friend (at least that I recall), but I was imagining stories from a young age.

To fall asleep, I'm a big fan of the "play out scenes/stories you'd like inside your head" method. It's a lot of fun. I think of it as a form of dreaming, especially now that I only rarely ever remember my dreams.

This one is hard because I quite like my name! Hmmm... I like the name Josephine. I think that's the one I'd pick.

"Comforted by Your Feisty Werewolf Boyfriend" is my favorite audio. I like how Milo is so tender with Sweetheart, encouraging them to open up about their day without having to exchange their independence for his comfort.

Guy. For me personally, I feel like there's nothing special about him, like I don't know who he is. All I know is that he's in love with Honey, and that's great, but it's like there's nothing deeper to him, nothing exciting about him.

I could recite The Princess Bride in my sleep.

I would love to be pals with Avior!

I don't know if this counts, but I start to have to search for words when I get extra tired. I'll just "um" and "uh" myself into oblivion, refusing to settle for a substandard synonym even if I can't think of the word I want.

A gas station and drink combo? Is this a regional thing? lol I'm not sure I understand this one. My favorite drink is hot water but I've never ordered it at a gas station. What should I add to it to make it a combo? Ummm... I also like pretzels! So, hot water and pretzels!?

Lots of showtunes to get hyped up!

Stupid, poorly written, predictable Hallmark-esque, made-for-TV holiday movies. I'm not sure why I like them. They are fun and cute and no matter what, you know exactly what's going to happen.

What else? What else?! I need a banger of a fact to end this incredible survey you've crafted... My favorite animal is the zebra.

Thanks again for the offer for a match-up! If you've read through this and none of the Redacted Bois strike you as a good fit (or for whatever reason- I'm sure these are time-consuming to do!), do not worry at all about skipping this one. No problem at all! Hope you are having a great day/night!

<3

Type Eights are truly some of my favorites types of people. There’s a confidence and strength and determination that comes with an Eight, that I think pairs well and is wonderfully tempered by the easygoing charm of a Type 9w8 like Asher.

That’s why David picked Asher as his Beta and why I think he’d be a lovely match for you. Where you and David and any Eight might think that you’ve got to do everything or it won’t get done right, Asher is a lovely reminder that other people, that he can be depended on and that you don’t need to fix everything alone.

Also, none of the Redacted bois- except for Guy- strike me as musical theatre kids, but Asher is definitely the most open-minded to getting in the car for a road trip and listening to the Ride the Cyclone album in order.

Song:

You take me in your arms/ And suddenly there's sunlight all around me/ Everything bright and warm/ And shining like it never did before/ And for a moment I forget/ Just how dark and cold it gets

I wanted to be original and find a cool, obscure showtune that you definitely didn’t already know, but this one just fits too well! The vulnerability and insecurity and joy of loving and being loved by a boy as sweet, warm, and giving as sunshine- it’s also one of my favorite duets~

Runner-Ups:

David was a thunker as a second, because I think he’s a Six, and Sixes and Eights can have this lovely “us against the world” strength and mentality I really admire. Geordi, who I headcanon as a Type Two, would really benefit from your presence and good influence in his life and would also love to watch your Hallmark movies with you.

Note: I would never skip you 💖

Want a match-up of your own? Read this post, and tell me about yourself! 💌

[bunnimew]

What was your first time watching rotg like? Did you watch it in theatres? Where do you re-watch it, if you ever want to? What environments in the film did you like aesthetically? What character design(s) did you like the best? Which scenes were memorable to you? What were your favorite pieces of dialogue?

Hi, Anon!! Thank you so much for asking 😭❤ Since we're two people, some of these will have two answers. We'll try to make it as easy to read as we can!

What was your first time watching rotg like? Did you watch it in theatres?

K: We came to the fandom years late so my first time watching it was Fuuma suggesting we watch it together at their house just as something to do. 😂It was casual af. I was NOT expecting to become obsessed but my eyes were opened seeing Jack and Pitch interact together. 👀 I’m weak for a good villain, and after the movie was over we both started looking into fanart and as soon as we stumbled onto some blackice, we were hooked. New ship acquired, proceed to hyperfixate.

F: I watched it almost immediately after it came to cable. I wasn't impressed with the ad campaign, so I didn't go see it in theaters. I did expect to fall in love with Tooth based on her design, but then I didn't. And I was so disappointed with the ending (Pitch and Jack have way too much in common to sell me on Jack banishing Pitch and feeling good about it) that I just kind of... set it aside for four years. And then I was re-introduced through a Drarry fic and the next time I saw it on cable I thought, hey, maybe I should give it a second shot. So I suggested to Kam that we put it on. The rest is history.

Where do you re-watch it, if you ever want to?

We own a physical copy so we can watch it any time, but those times usually end up being for the rotg discord server we mod. (Which is open to anyone, hit us up for an invite! :D) We’ll usually stream it around Easter and for the anniversary or if enough people ask for it. 😂

What environments in the film did you like aesthetically?

K: Tooth’s palace is gorgeous. Pitch’s lair is hauntingly beautiful and especially appeals to me being a huge horror fan. And the spikey totem in Antarctica is lovely both visually and for sentimental reasons. ;)

F: Everything Kam said, but also Jack's lake. I really love that opening scene with the frost on the trees. Ask anybody; I'm big on trees.

What character design(s) did you like the best?

Tooth hands down is the most well designed character. So much detail with all her colors and feathers and her wings, it’s hard not to find something new to admire in each re-watching. As much as we love Jack and Pitch, their designs are quite simple. I really wish they would have done more with Pitch in particular than a plain black robe. BUT the Nightmare designs are excellent. Imposing and elegant and almost skeletal, but also so expressive.

If the artbook counts, we're big fans of the Eldritch Pitch designs that didn't make it into the movie. Some of those ideas were really, really cool.

Which scenes were memorable to you?

K: Any scene with Pitch. 🤣Jude Law’s voice is so perfect, even when Pitch is just fumbling around. I love how much personality they animated him with, I love that they made him dance, I love the range of emotion in Antarctica~ Basically every scene besides the ending is gold. Honorable mention to the scene where Jamie finally sees Jack too—that scene almost made me cry the first time I saw it hearing the tears in Jack’s voice. 😭

F: Antarctica. The opening scene. Pitch's lair with the wicked shadows. And the ending credits 🤣 I love Phil signing the book.

What were your favorite pieces of dialogue?

K: Pitch’s ‘Boo’, Pitch’s ‘You can have em back’, but my FAVORITE is probably the ongoing ‘Paint it red’ ‘Paint it blue’ joke. THE YETIS NEED A VACATION. 🤣

F: I can't get over "Suck an egg." Or "No offense" for that matter. Those itty bitty bits that say so much about who they are in three words or less.

If Phil pointing at Jack threateningly and saying nothing counts, then that too. I love that wordless communication so much 🤣🤣🤣

Thank you again, Anon ❤ This was a lot of fun to think about~

[ultrahpfan5blog]

My spoilery thoughts on John Wick: Chapter 4....

I am a big fan of the John Wick films as an action movie fan. Along with the MI films, the JW films have probably been the best demonstration of what action movies can be. Each film has subsequently upped the ante successfully. Personally, the first one was still my favorite because I don't think any subsequent sequel has managed to have the emotional connect of a revenge film, which is what the first film essentially was. But that isn't to say that the next two films weren't fabulous entertainment. My only real issue with these films have been that I haven't been completely on board with the narrative. That's an assessment that carried on in JW4. But lets face it, the story of John Wick is only really there to connect one action scene to another. The action itself is the meat of the movies and John Wick 4 is one of the most glorious exhibitions of action I have seen in a movie theatre. I think seeing MI6, or Max Max: Fury Road were the last times I really felt like this.

What's most impressive about the film is that it does not feel overlong. I was admittedly very wary of an almost 3 hour run time for an action movie. John Wick films aren't exactly films where you get time to breathe, with drama and humor, but this film thankfully does provide sufficient break in between the very long action set pieces. And more importantly, the action doesn't feel like its repetitive. The different sequences have a different feel to them. And its hard to pick a favorite. Its also easily the funniest of the John Wick films. I'm not sure how much of that is intentional and how much of that is just because the franchise has graduated to being a live action action cartoon, and I don't mean that in any negative way. I think it must have been intentional. I mean, the entire sequence in Paris is just ridiculously absurd. John Wick gets either thrown into, hit by, or falls on, about 7 vehicles at least, and then gets thrown down an incredibly long stone staircase, and then just shrugs it off. When you compare that with the first John Wick, where he gets injured enough to struggle somewhat against Viggo in the climax, its clear that they have very much heightened and accepted the ridiculousness of this world. There is a massive tracking shot action sequence which is clearly inspired by video games. I will also give credit to someone like Donnie Yen, who definitely contributes to a fair bit of the humor in this film.

The film brings in a lot of new characters to the fold. Donnie Yen's Caine is the most prominent among them and he's great and absolute scene stealer. Bill Skarsgard is appropriately sadistic and slimy, so you really do enjoy him getting shot in the head by John at the end. Its one of the biggest applause moments in the theatre. The tracker, played by Shamier Anderson, is also a lot of fun. We also get this movie's dog with his character, because what is a John Wick film without a dog. The dog provides some great moments as well. Hiroyuki Sonada is always someone who lends a lot of gravitas whenever he's on screen. Rina Sawayama is also excellent as his daughter. Scott Atkins hams it up in a great way as one of the villains Wick has to deal with along the way. Clancy Brown and his great baritone are always a welcome presence. The returning cast largely has minor roles, barring Ian McShane as Winston, who is wonderful as always. Lance Reddick has a fairly small appearance and his death in the movie has additional poignancy due to his real life passing. Laurence Fishburne also appears only in about 4 scenes but he's clearly also having a lot of fun. Obviously, Keanu Reeves is this franchise. As with previous film, he completely embraces the physicality of the role. He's never going to be the most expressive actor and at this point its difficult to know where Keanu ends and where John Wick begins because the characters' way of speaking is basically Keanu in real life. But that's why he's unique and why we love him. He's always brilliant to watch.

As I mentioned, I am not completely sold on the story in these movies. In other movies that would be a major issue but not in this franchise. Whereas the first John Wick is a fairly self contained revenge story, subsequent films have emphasized that the whole high table structure structure is corrupt, and JW2 and 3 both made the promise that John Wick would bring the whole thing down, which eventually doesn't happen. While John killing the Marquis is very satisfying, it doesn't seem like it will affect the whole high table structure in the long run because they themselves have mentioned that the high table will just choose another. So I'm not 100% satisfied that John died without seemingly accomplishing that much. Also, we didn't get to see the Adjudicator from Chapter 3 get comeuppance, and there are some characters that I wish would have come back like Common's Cassion or Halle Berry's Sofia.

However, apart from this, the film is a lot of fun. Well paced and completely entertaining with jaw dropping cinematography, which should get Oscar consideration. If this is the end of the main series, then Chad Stahelski's has done a remarkable job shepherding this franchise where each film has been gold. All in all, a 9/10.

[dreamsinfiction]

May 2024 recap (aka the month I finally took a breather)

Looking back, I think this was the month where I told myself to breathe, chill and pace myself a little bit. Cos at the rate that I was going, I was definitely going to hit burnout stage pretty soon.

This was also the month that I went back on dating apps and also realising that maybe they aren't for me because of a slew of reasons which I will get into in another post. Wait, scratch that, I'll get to it now because boy do I have a lot of grievances.

My Gripes with Online Dating

a) The guys on there are usually quite creepy? - I mean I already have my antenna up because nowadays you can't be sure what is a scam and what isn't (those with blurry, resolution 140p photos are definitely trying to scam). But scams aside, sometime the people on there are pretty weird.

b) Very passive men - I don't know if this is Muzzmatch thing or just dating apps in general, but what is the point of you clicking match with someone when you don't do anything after that?? And it's not just a oh-maybe-this-person-is-not-on-the-app-anymore kind of thing, they've actually seen that we've matched, that I've tried saying hi but leaving me ghosted without saying anything 🙄 As a classic introvert, I do need someone to lead the convo or at least participate in it -.-

c) Men who I can't click with - I don't know if this is a specific M/M issue (I think it is) but I feel like I can't click with about 90% of them mainly because of education background. Not trying to be elitist but a lot of them don't have a degree so naturally the way we think would be very different. I don't think I'm that assertive/liberal in my thinking but wow some of them are super, super conservative. Oof.

Anyway, enough about men. One thing I'll say is that they make for very funny banter stories between me and my colleagues hahahaha.

On to the main programming,

Highlights of May:

I really think I treated myself quite kindly this month (even though work was intense as per usual) hehe.

a) Went on a little cafe date with Jac and Sya (and discovered a new place to study/hang out!). The coffee here was so gooooood. I have since gone back here a few times to study/chill heh. It's also nestled in BookXcess which finally has an outlet here! Books were priced pretty cheaply too.

b) Continuing on with the book theme, I also went for my first ever book event/sharing! Went with Chinyi, who I've been talking to on my bookstagram (definitely being more social with my reading this year and on my IG heh) and she jio-ed me to go for one at Wardah Books! Picked up "When You Think You're Falling" because of her recommendation too. Ameera Aslam's sharing on her thoughts when writing the book and how it reflects her life journey with faith is so real. I felt very seen in that moment - to know that others are also having their ups and downs with faith, how the lows may be really low but what's most important is not to be perfect (and give up when you inevitably can't acheive that) but to pick yourself up and try again. Love that ❤️

Truly an inspiration - I love discovering local authors!

We then went to Penny Uni to have brunch and coffee and wow, it's been a long time since I clicked with a new friend that we spent 1.5 hours there and the time just flew by~ I don't even know what we talked about but love it when the conversation is so easy and effortless heh.

Can never go wrong with Penny Uni's french toast.

c) Went for Hamilton with Fatin! Huge fan of the show since watching the Disney+ version so knowing how big a theatre nerd Fatin is, of course I asked her if she wants to come along too heh. We both loved the show even though it's put on by the Aussie cast (Lafayette was played by a pretty cute Korean-Australian). Fatin even said it was way better than the West End one she watched while she was studying her Master's in London hahaha.

Our friendship is now, what, easily 17/18 years? But it still feels like we're back in secondary school just that now we're talking about adulting, having back pains and bonding over family problems instead of prepping for band SYF, Limau/Linau, and the Kerbaus HAHAHA.

d) Went driving again for the first time! Have to say, Tommy is a very patient and nurturing teacher (tho Sya may say otherwise? 😜). I felt more confident of being behind the wheel again after a long time even though we started with baby steps like turning, parking and changing signals heh. Hopefully driving in Jeju will be less stressful than in Singapore!

e) Started watching Lovely Runner after seeing all the hype online - GAISE THE HYPE IS DESERVED. This show will easily be one of my favourites this year (could possibly be the top show of the year?) and it is just so cute with a dash of heartwrenching pain after all the plot twists it takes. It's about idol culture but not really, quite a bit of time-travelling and second chances, and cute lovey dovey moments between the two leads. It's coming out in August on Netflix so pls watch it and share my joy/pain in watching it too heh. If the first 10 minutes of the first ep doesn't make you tear, I think you may actually have no heart muahahaha.

And lastly, definitely the highlight of the highlights....

f) Going on a short cruise trip with the family to Phuket! I always feel relaxed on cruises cos there's limited activities anyway and you have a lot of time on your hands to just step out onto the balcony, enjoy the sea breeze while reading the hours away. There was many a sunset that I fully enjoyed. Of course it being a family trip it was a bit rocky here and there (which family trip isn't hahaha) but overall, I'll choose to remember the moments that made me zen and help me recenter myself before stepping on Singapore soil again.

Gotta love a Kobo - I can fit so many books of different genres and read them according to my mood haha.

Truly peaceful.

[penguintransporter]

Let's Go Home (Marco Rose imagine)

Oh my God! I'm blaming myself for falling under this train. Thanks @footballffbarbiex for giving me your blessings to post this. I edited it now, it's a bit different from the first draft, and less cringey, or at least I hope so. Anyway, I really am not good at illustrating physical contact, and consider this to be a practice, so be nice to me. Tagging also @marcdurm and @disneydaddyevans because I am a nice person. Grammar will be fixed later today.

warnings: it gets a bit physical...

The moment she appears in the doorway, Marco knows why she’s there.

“I completely forgot, I am sorry.”

A small, barely audible sigh escapes from between her lips and she straightens in the doorway of his spacious office. Her hands fall limply against her sides, and she curls her fingers, scratching the inside of her thumb gently — the small smile which graced her lips only moments ago, slowly fading away.

“I thought we…,” she trails off, but stops as soon as he looks at her through his eyelashes.

She’s wearing her long, silk pyjama bottoms and a simple top, but he can tell that she has begun getting ready, and for a moment, he imagines how his brown hair would feel under his fingertips.

“I know, love. It’s just—,” he starts as he lifts one of the folders and opens it — brows furrowing as he skims the front page. “I have so much to do before Saturday’s match,” he reasons, but realises that his voice sounds too disinterested, so he looks up at her with a smile. “We can go out next week. Just the two of us? I’ll book us a table as soon as I am done here.”

She smiles back, but he can tell that she’s not happy with his answer.

“It’s okay,” she whispers looking down before stepping back a little, “I think I’ll go alone then, since I’ve bought the dress and all.”

Nodding once, Marco gazes back at the disarray of papers in front of him — match statistics, performance files and his own notes, collected over the past few weeks. He can tell that she’s still watching him — the soft whiff of her perfume giving her away, but he says nothing and she only sighs softly before turning around and disappearing from his sight.

Only when she’s gone, he dares to look up — the feeling of immense guilt evading his body.

Leaning back in his chair, he runs both of his hands across his face and beard as he stares at the doorway, and the spot where she stood just a few seconds ago.

A frown creases on his forehead as he rewinds the memory, realising that he might have hurt her with his behaviour, more than he wanted in the first place. She had been planning the evening for quite some time, at times overly excited about it, and he finds himself leaning forward — elbows resting on his desk as he wraps his hands around the nape of his neck.

Nothing too special — just a simple night out with some of her friends, a theatre play first and then a couple of drinks afterwards at her favourite wine bar; a bite to eat maybe.

Do you like it? - she had asked when she waltzed into their living room where he had been reading a book in the armchair as the sunlight poured into the room.. I probably have way too many, but I couldn’t help myself — She had a bright smile on her face as she showed him the dress she had bought.

Simple, red dress that, just by looking at the piece of fabric in her hands, made him want to have his way with her on every possible surface of their shared apartment.

Getting up slowly, he walks towards the large window before looking over the landscape in front of him as he sticks hands in the pockets of his trousers — his brain raking over the possible reason as to why he had forgotten about their plans.

Deep down he knows the real answer, but he doesn’t want it to slip out on the surface, afraid that she would not understand.

It wasn’t the fact that he wasn’t a big fan of people prancing around the stage, and it wasn’t the fact that he found some of her friends a bit too childish for his taste.

It was the fact that he was tired.

Tired of being judged for laying his eyes on her, tired of being judged for asking her out and showering her with affection she craved so much but was never able to get from other men she had been with; for having her the way no other man has.

They always dismiss it, telling them that they are just joking when they throw a remark about their age difference, but if that was the case, then he wasn’t a man of humour.

Silver-streaked hair against lush brunette locks.

Young face against carved out lines — the ones he grew used to watching in the mirror.

I wouldn’t be with you if I cared about our age difference, Marco — She had told him the first time he had voiced his worry, and he believes her, but still sometimes—

“I am heading out!” she calls out as she walks by the room — her voice mixing with the sound of her high-heels clicking against the parquet floor as her perfume fills his nostrils.

He turns around on his heel, but has no time to respond before the entrance doors shut loudly, and he is left alone with his silence.

**

She isn’t angry, but rather disappointed, and no matter how much she tries, she just cannot fully relax and let it go — the fact that he had forgotten about something that was so important to her, hurting more than it should.

But she never complains about it, so she didn’t do it earlier either.

Understanding — she really is trying to be, knowing that he is fairly reserved and private kind of man, knowing that he has lot on his hands, that it is not easy to coach a Bundesliga team, but still, him ignoring her silent plea to just throw everything aside and do one thing that makes her happy, feels like a slap in the face.

She wants to be angry, prove that she can have fun on her own, but as one of her friends complains about the bureaucracy of buying a house in the suburbs, she still thinks of him.

Sitting in his office, with his papers; maybe having a zoom call with René and Alexander.

”—because no one is going to tell you about this extra cost. But you have to know before you sign the papers,you know?”

She blinks as her friend finishes talking, and trying to look composed, she takes a sip of her wine as she nods, unsure if that was the response her friend expects to see. She wishes that her other friends weren’t mingling around the bar because she just wants to excuse herself from the boring stories about paperwork and investments.

Opening her mouth to say something, she looks at her friend, only noticing that he has a frown on his features. Confusion is quickly transitioned into panic as she feels an arm sneak around her waist and a pair of lips make contact with the side of her head — his nose tangling into her loose curls.

Any normal person would protest, but she doesn’t because she knows who it is.

“Marco…,” she breathes out — voice a mixture of surprise and slight shock as he gives her a smile, “what are you doing here?”

He shrugs, and it’s a simple gesture like that makes goosebumps erupt on the surface of her skin. He was doing things to her without actually trying.

“I finished with the work, so I thought I’d join you,” he muses, tightening the hold around her waist, “sorry I missed the play.”

His eyes never leave hers as he speaks until they do, and he looks at her company, giving him a smirk — corner of his mouth lifting ever so slightly.

“Enjoying your time at Dortmund?” her friend asks, taking a small step back, and she wants to roll her eyes at the absurdity of their interaction.

“It’s been nothing but brilliant,” Marco answers, running his other hand across the side of his face before he looks down at her again, ignoring whatever her friend was saying.

She looks back at him, unable to process the weight and power that he has on her, and subconsciously she pulls her bottom lip between her teeth, as she gives a notice of the clothes he was wearing — pressed trousers and the crisp black button shirt, neatly tucked in and with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

When she looks back up, he realises that he has been watching her too — eyes roaming over her face, seemingly taking in every one of her features, and just for a split of a second, his tongue darts out and swipes over his lips, and it makes her stomach fill with the familiar feeling of need.

“Shall we get you another glass of that?”

Unable to voice her answer, she nods — her eyes trained on his, and he nods back at her, unwinding his arm from around her waist, and lacing their fingers together. She manages to give an apologetic smile to her friend before Marco pulls her away from the table where they had been standing just a moment ago.

“You need to slow down,” she giggles a little as Marco pulls her among the unassuming bar-goers, moving past the bar as he starts heading for the backdoor. “Where are we—I thought….”

She stops when he looks down at her as they reach the end of the long corridor, and he pushes the doors open with his free hand, entering the small and narrow hallway — a mischievous smirk appearing on his face, and it is enough for her to suck in a deep breath and shut up.

Before she can blink, he has her pinned against the wall — his lips on hers, both starved and devouring, and she kisses him back, as hungry as if not more. There is no time for her to collect her thoughts; to breathe — the surprise of him being so demanding and in control, turning her on.

Her own arms wind up around his neck as he pulls back and lets his lips wander along her jaw, neck and shoulder, making the string of gasps emerge from between her lips. His hands are warm as they trail along her sides, the dip of her waist and down to hips before hoisting her up — giving her just enough time to wrap her quivering legs around his middle before he kisses her again.

“I don’t like him,” he breathes out when he gives her a moment to catch a breath. “I don’t like when you talk to him,” he adds, kissing her again, and she lets her tongue sweep over his own, feeling him against her — a growl leaving his throat.

“Are you jealous?” she asks and he doesn’t answer but kisses her neck again, and she manages to wrap her arms around his neck, resting her fingers in his cropped hair before she hears the faintest sound of a fabric tearing apart. “My dress…” she breathes out, making him stop with whatever magic he was doing to the skin just below her earlobe.

“What about it?” he asks, pressing himself flush against her — hands already toying with the hem of her undies.

“You’ll ruin it,” she muffles out.

Marco pulls away to look at her — corners of his lips turning upward. “Don’t get too attached to it because I’ll rip it to shreds once we are home.”

She closes her eyes as the sweat breaks on the surface of her skin, and when she opens them again, he’s watching her — eyes dark with desire that makes her feel like she’s the only woman gracing this world.

“Well, let’s go home then.”

[wonderworldwonderings]

MAJOR ENDING SPOILER ASK/ DISCUSSION AND PICS UNDER THE CUT

Okay, so to preface this, before I read the novel (I have now and I'll be writing a big ole post about it) I have to say I was kind of heartbroken how things ended up for Lance. This ending just felt... Completely off centre from what the storyline was preaching the entire time. You come to the Balance theatre, where two characters combined make BALANCE, and in the end the negative one just gets yeeted, squashed out so positivity only remains?? I understand it could be a metaphor of the idea that negativity can and WILL drag you down if you don't be careful with it, but Balan didn't even try to save Lance?? Balan was built up as this character that completely and absolutely gives himself to other people to help them and be in their lives, yet there was nothing for Lance?? I'm not going to claim I know more about the character than the directors, but to me it just... Didn't feel in character at all. Balan should have reached out to save Lance, done SOMETHING to save them in the end.

I feel that Lance should have been saved. I understand that redemption for villains means they do have a lot of work cut out for them to repair the damages they've done, but fuck man, they didn't even give Lance a CHANCE. There's potential for a sequel if you finagle some things around, and fuck I might even write it myself where they make efforts to save Lance from wherever they went (because they're obv not DEAD, they just got pulled into some weird vortex). And especially to have them saved, RIGHT BEFORE they get killed off? That’s like... not even a victory. It’s just not fun.

The Tim drops being apparent tears is one thing, but I think they're more a creation of intense, positive emotions. Of course Balan crying means they'd create some Tim drops, he was experiencing such love in that moment! I wonder if the colours correspond to specific emotions? The drop looked blue in that cutscene (probably only because the background was a blue tint), but blue Tim drops have shown to give Tim's the ability to destroy obstacles... And Balan in that moment had witnessed Emma and Leo overcome a huge obstacle themselves. So it makes sense!

(This was super cool to hear because I had NO idea there were a lot of rules that go into being bonafide clowns! I’m gonna research it more after this)

And don't even get me started on Balan's 'canon' look under the hat. I DO NOT SEE IT. It's a fine design and all but it's not... Balan, imo. The look he has with the hat suits his personality so much more, this goofy, quirky and kind of weird and mysterious entity that is having a lot of fun with all his interactions. And without the hat he's just... Plain. BUT, talking to a friend who has a lot of info about how the Clown industry works, they actually provided me with a lot of really cool tips! 

- “Balan is most likely wearing traditional Whiteface makeup. Whiteface clowns are generally the leaders of a giggle of clowns, and traditionally all skin must be covered. So YES he and Lance are white, but it's likely just makeup! Especially since there's facial markings around the eyes on top of the white, AND that they're wearing gloves + are fully covered!”

Regardless, I’m also going to play around with some fan designs for both Balan and Lance that make them a better mix of their original designs. Because they should have both been alive in the end, both as a mix of each other to show the balance between negativity and positivity, heck, ANYTHING to show balance that the ending didn't provide (the novel KIND of explains this, but it’s still unfortunately LACKING in explanation and leaves the whole ending feeling kinda... hollow). I WISH Balan had of tried to save them, reached out, ANYTHING true to his selfless and caring nature. The ending dance number was something I called would happen all along, but I thought LANCE WOULD BE WITH THEM. 

On another note, the ending with the Inhabitants and Balan? Holy, fucking shit. That was (despite the disappointment with Lance), GORGEOUS, WONDERFUL, HEALING. I loved it A LOT. It was interesting to have the confirmation that they're trapped hearts too! I know the novel goes into way more detail about the actual inhabitants which is really fun too. But good lord, the way Balan interacted with them at the end, it was so fucking sweet. He loves them, he loves them so much. You can Tell IMMEDIATELY when Jose goes over to thank Balan that he’s not at ALL used to receiving praise or thanks for what he does. 

LOOK AT HIM, HE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO FOR A MOMENT. HE’S SO TAKEN ABACK.

I should wrap this up before it gets too long. I will say, as a footnote, I've since read the novel after having written this all out, to which I’ll upload a separate post abt it before this one gets too long. Reading the novel NOW, it’s put way more into perspective and although I wish they had of done some key things differently in the game, I’m more settled on it. AND, I love this game so, SO much more!

[lacrimosathedark]

I was gonna wait for you to clarify what you don't like about it but fuck it I'll just do it. But I'm more writing this as understanding why people enjoy it rather than trying to actually change your mind.

There's a lot of factors that just kinda smash together to form this Thing.

Be warned: this is EXTREMELY long because I am thorough and incapable of shutting the fuck up.

First and probably biggest being they are both beloved characters. People have loved Alastor since he first appeared on screen, and Lucifer is lovable and adorable and honestly far too relatable. And honestly I've seen some theatre people fawning over Jeremy Jordan's voice and I get that. Two well-loved characters squished together = happy fans.

Then there's what initially got me hooked: the irony/joke to genuine pipeline. Like when you do something "for the lolz" enough, you'll start just...doing it. And "Charlie's two dads are fighting" is what that was for me. I thought their dynamic was hilarious and them both playing "dad", the jokes wrote themselves. This is compounded with the new Hotel's design having them seemingly on opposite ends of the same floor, leading to "and they were roommates" type jokes.And then I saw some fanart and started actually thinking about it, and was hooked.

You can't put two characters faces this close and not expect SOMEONE to ship them.

A pretty big factor imo is Lucifer's minimal shipping pool. Plenty of people ship with absolutely no basis, but most ships stem from canon dynamics, so the characters have to interact at least once. Lucifer hasn't interacted with a lot of characters, so the pool of options is in that regard limited to Alastor and Adam, plus off-screen Lilith and possibly Eve.

He and Lilith have been separated for a while we know very little about her, and we know nothing about Eve. Adam is an insufferable dickhead and presumably dead, but he is actually shipped with Lucifer pretty frequently.

Alastor meanwhile is a fan favorite character who is a jackass, but has rules and a decorum about him. I'm sure Lucifer will get other ships as we see him interact with people (I am certain people will try to ship him with Angel and/or Husk) but Alastor is who he has interacted with most.

I also just like the idea of Lucifer being able to move on after Lilith, and with his limited suitor pool, Alastor is, well, the most equipped. So that or being happy and independent alone are where I'm personally at.

Of Alastor's bigger shipping options, Lucifer seems like it'd be, surprisingly, the healthiest. Radiodust can be weird because Angel is hypersexual while Alastor is incredibly uptight, plus his multiple rejections of the very notion. Mimzy, while a dear friend, does demonstrably use him for her own gain. Husk would have some pretty icky vibes to it given Alastor owns him. Even Lilith, people think he's signed a contract with her so being owned is again a problem. I pretend Charlastor doesn't exist because Vaggie and Dad Beat Dad no hate it just icks me

The biggest ones remaining are Rosie and Vox.

It seems the consensus that Rosie and Alastor give off "platonically married" vibes. And honestly, if Alastor felt a way about her, she would know and someone would have done something about it. So generally they're shipped queerplatonic.

Vox is incredibly toxic and doesn't give a single fuck about boundaries. He is actively stalking Alastor. He is in a relationship with a literal pimp, and he knows how Val treats his "employees". He throws a huge temper tantrum over the idea that Alastor is back and immediately starts slandering him. Their rivalry stems from Alastor rejecting Vox, in a business and possibly personal sense. Vox is also very sexual (see: fucking Valentino) while Alastor is, again, very reserved in that regard.

There is a certain appeal to RadioStatic, given Vox's desperate "notice me senpai" attitude morphed into intense wounded resentment, and the idea that whatever broke their friendship apart hurt Alastor too, and reconciliation is a nice thought. And Vox is an awesome and hilarious character and people love him too. It just never really worked for me. (tbh before seeing the one on-screen look, I lowkey shipped Vox with Angel because trauma bonding over Valentino's bullshit or something)

Lucifer meanwhile is a fucking sweetheart, and while I don't think he necessarily wouldn't cross people's boundaries, there are some I don't see him crossing. If Alastor said he wasn't interested in a sexual relationship, Lucifer seems more the type to accept that, as opposed to Vox who might take it personally or be coercive. And Lucifer's been hung up on Lilith for however long they've been apart, 7 years at the VERY least, so I don't think much would change for him anyhow.

This is also why I think a good amount of Radioapple fans happen to be ace-spec. Alastor being canonically ace, it makes him a viable vehicle for someone to explore how a relationship dynamic might work for them. It's a way to think about how an asexual person would interact with romance and sex in a committed relationship. Projection in general happens in every fandom. It's also a ship that is surprisingly respectful of the character's canon sexuality, which is really refreshing.

Like, if you look at AO3, practically all of those fics are tagged for Alastor being some flavor of asexual, mostly Sex Repulsed or Non-Sex Repulsed Asexual Alastor or Aromantic Asexual Alastor, but also sprinkles of Demisexual Alastor and Greysexual Alastor. And a lot of fics actively incorporate Alastor's lack of attraction into the story, be it him experiencing no sexual attraction but romantic attraction or interest in platonic intimacy, or experiencing sexual attraction for possibly the first time. As an ace-spec person myself, people writing like that make me feel a little bit more seen and accepted and it's really nice.

Then there's canon. There is actually a little bit in canon to build on, especially for people who like the Rivals/Enemies->Lovers trope (which is made more interesting with Vox's Friends/Lovers->Enemies trajectory comparatively)

Their interactions are genuinely enjoyable. They have a really funny back and forth and their snarky back and forth is fun to watch, if nothing else.

The thing that got me after the jokes was Lucifer is the first person to make Alastor lose his composure, and he isn't even trying. Like, Alastor does get peeved and pissy, but he can usually hide it. When Vox is slandering him, there is one moment when no one is looking that he looks genuinely angry, but it's gone quickly and he mocks Vox in a casual uncaring way to give off the vibe that he's unaffected.

But Alastor, for some reason, is irritated from the moment Charlie opens the door.

And then when he actually interacts with Lucifer, their back and forth is pretty low effort at least on Lucifer's end, and yet it gets Alastor to drop his first curse word in the series.

Alastor swears a total of 4 times in the series thus far at three people: Adam, Lucifer, and Susan.

He calls Susan an "ornery old bitch" probably because, well, she is. And the way he says it is casual, like he's said something like that about Susan before lmao. And Alastor is genuinely happy around Rosie where he isn't with others so casually dropping a curse is more natural.

With Adam, he swears once when he is letting loose ("I'm about to end your fucking life."), and once when he's caught off guard ("What just happened? Ffffffuck.")

With Lucifer, that "Fuck you" feels like it comes out of nowhere, especially since Alastor hasn't sworn in all of four prior episodes. He spent HALF of the season not swearing and this is what does it. Lucifer didn't even really try and he's gotten under Alastor's skin in record time. And that can feel like something to explore, especially with someone as controlled and secretive as Alastor. If Lucifer can cause a crack in his mask, how far could that go?

There's also that before Alastor starts going for the throat by praising Charlie, Lucifer is having fun.

I am obsessed with what Lucifer's eyes do in this scene.

And this little play fight comes right on the heels of

so him having fun is nice to see because yowch depression is a bitch.

And then he also gets so mad at Alastor and he makes just...the funniest faces.

Sure, Lucifer is also kinda just Like That but...it's endearing lol

Also, if you're listening, in Hell's Greatest Dad, the more Alastor bothers Lucifer, the more genuine he gets. Like he has this general facade that you can hear in his voice that's like he's trying to mix a professional kingly persona and the dad he thinks Charlie wants (it's almost like his equivalent to the "Customer Service Voice"), and by the end of the song, that tone has dropped, if only for a moment. The only other time he really drops it is the entirety of More Than Anything.

Alastor is also someone who just doesn't treat Lucifer like "royalty", which could be refreshing if most of his interactions are as the "King of Hell" and people are falsely respectful to him all the time. Alastor meanwhile despite being substantially weaker, is willing to talk shit to Lucifer's face. This also means that if Alastor were to ever compliment Lucifer, he'd know it's genuine and not empty flattery because Alastor would rather die than treat him as a superior. And that honesty could mean a lot for Lucifer.

And then there's the additional drama that is Lilith. Lucifer is clearly still hung up on her, not just keeping portraits with her in them, but still wearing his wedding band after who knows how long and presumably no contact for at least seven years. Alastor's disappearance coincides with Lilith's, implying they're connected in some way, either working together or her owning his soul being the most common theories. Like, how heartbreaking would it be for Lucifer to finally move on only for that person having been in close contact with his ex and never telling him? How painful would it be for Alastor to develop feelings when he is at the beck and call of his interest's last and first love? There's so much drama in just that, not even touching on the other traumas these two have.

And then there's even just the possibility of Alastor just being Lucifer's "type" due to his surface similarities to Lilith. Tall, poised, domineering, proud, elegant, powerful, powers associated with sound (singing vs radio), and probably more I'm not thinking of off the top of my head.

The consistency of height difference in the Hellaverse. Blitz and Stolas, Fizz and Ozzie, Lucifer and Lilith, Husk and Angel, Vox and Val (if only because Val is freakishly tall), Niffty and literally anyone, and to a lesser degree Vaggie and Charlie, and Blitz and Verosika. Off the top of my head, the only big ships that are close in height are Millie and Moxxie, and Cherri and Pentious. And Alastor and Vox if you want to count them. Pattern recognition be recognitioning.

According to the wiki at least, Viv once said Alastor like people who are similar to him, but not too similar, and I think that actually describes Lucifer pretty well. It's the idea of the two of them constantly making awful wordplay jokes that has me honestly.

And the last thing I'll say is that Amir Talai makes jokes about it and it's really funny if I'm being honest.

That took way too much of my brain energy lol but I hope that helps someone understand if nothing else.

I don’t like radioapple change my mind

[okeymakeydude]

Sorry sorry and sorry for responding too late.

I refer S/O as They/their

Request by @thewinterflagforever .

Engie. (Inspired by this post made by @snoozyhooter )

If they had free time, Engie would propose to do a picnic. He doesn't want something too boring or simple but also, exaggerated. He'd offer to make the food, and look for the best place to eat, surely chooses one where they can see almost everything. He doesn't hesitate to bring his guitar to sing them some songs.

They have to stay in the base? No worries! That won't stop them. Both can be working in the garage and keep talking about how their day was while they are doing their business. This man loves helping his S/O and spend time with them.

"Hey hon." "Yes?". They looked at him and smiled, he was with his arms open, waiting for a cuddle. Engie being a extrovert person and even touchable, the hug is something different and important for him, only for the people who really he cares about and one of them is his S/O. Prefers face-to-face to see their face.

Sniper.

He will take his S/O to a place where the sun is the protagonist, why? 'cuz he loves seeing how the sun is falling and giving permission to the night. Near his camper, they would prepare a campfire, to cook something and just, talk about how their day was. Like Engie, he prefers easy plans without exaggerating.

If they have to work, Sniper will be watching that no enemies approaches to the base and his mate doing their job, and at the same time, protect him from spies. They both would be in a room, only for Sniper, but he'd invite his S/O. It'd be more silence but that doesn't mean they're unsure, just on the alert.

Being honest, Sniper is not a big fan of cuddles (excepting his parents). He's like a 'suprise hugger', because no one will never know when he's gonna do that. S/O is surprised when they feel arms around them from behind and, a head resting on their shoulder. Then a soft voice near their ear "Don't know how much i love ya."

Demo.

Does his S/O love party? Hope so 'cause this man does! They would spend the evening going to bars or nightclub; Dancing and drinking. However, if there is a quite place, like a beach with few people or none, they would sit and talk about everything and, i mean, everything.

Nothing keep him away from fun, with a few bottles bought and the only thing left to do is to have the party in any part of the base. Second option? When he makes bombs, he has to see if they really explode, what could be better than throwing some to the opposing team? Without doubts, he'd ask his S/O to come, they are the one who gives him more entertainment.

Demo'd hug them every 5 mins if he could, he wraps his arms around their waist, warmly towars him, looking each other. He loves seeing their face. God, he said once "I got a manky eye, i'm a black Scottish cyclops drunk!", what he did to deserve them? What did they see in him good? S/O would respond his questions and he'd happily listen.

Scout.

A walk through the nearest town or city is enough. Holding hands, they go to look at the things there; they buy sweets (or buckets of chicken), go to the shops or even play in the park. If there's a funfair nearby, Scout will do the 'puppy-dog eyes' so he can go and suggest paying for both, the first traction would be... well, the tunnel of love.

Near base, he has an area where he can do whatever he wants, mainly sport, they can pass the evening practicing and challenging each other or, sitting on the grass and letting nature be the protagonist, Scout'd bring what is needed to draw and be happy to tell about his comics!

Sideway hug. At first nervous, unsecure, he prefers to start with an arm around S/O's neck and get them close to him 'discreetly', "it's getting cold, yeah?" just give him a second before he decides to completly cuddle them and hides his face on their shoulder.

Heavy.

When his family moved to U.S.A, near him, he'd like to pay them a visit and more with his S/O. Yes, it may sounds boring but he really cares that they know his love perfectly and is sure his mother will love them. Clearly they'll have some privacy at some point, "This is for you, со́лнышко" he'd use it that moment to give them 13 flowers, all possible colors except yellow and 3 kisses each cheek. A tradition for someone he would give even his heart.

If they have to stay in the base for any attack, Heavy would be reading a book while his S/O is relaxing by his side doing something else, even teaching them some russian words if they're interested o translating the story. Another option would be Heavy cleaning his weapons while he shows them and yes, even he likes to brag about it.

Bear man? Bear hugs! He does everything he can to put his arms around them, carefully, like a shield. Wants to make them feel protected, nothing is gonna hurt em, not in Heavy's watch. He doesn't forget the soft kiss on their head.

Pyro.

Well, the name already say it, they (Pyro) would be trying to burn everything they can all the evening and proudly show it to their S/O. They would be holding hands and going everywhere without wasting time, until Pyro saw the sun and decided to stop moving, he sat down and rest their head on S/O's shoulder, completly in silence.

Sleepover. Being inside of the base isn't gonna prevent them to have fun, with a lot of food, fluffly toys and makeup, it's enough to stay in their room for all the evening. Pyro would paint the nails of their love while they're talking how their day was and eating all the candies. Later they go to Medic because stomache.

A tight, strong, loving, breath taking embrace, a way to say how much they love their partner. A bear hug but a bit different, applying a powerful pressure, and making S/O immobile. Luckly not enough to hurt them and just for a few seconds.

Medic.

"Look, schatz! We can use its organs for—" "Oh, don't you dare! I swear - No!". Wasting all his time in his laboratory, makes him a bit umconfortable staying outside, but he'd accept if it's S/O, a walk near base. Ngl he adores talking about himself about the progress he's doing, the ideas he has or what Archimedes did, he laughs and then... He apologizes, but his love assures they won't never get bored listening to him. Only got scared when he saw a roadkill and started to approaching.

He needs an assistant while he's working, an excuse he often uses when he wants to spend time with his love, and it works. Loves seeing Archimedes rubbing his head against their check and will whisper "Why you...?", because he also doesn't know what he did to deserve someone like them. Likes to observe how the sunlight creates different perspectives on their beauty while they're talking.

Another nonfan hugger, he usually does it unconsciously and when he's very happy, jokes aside, he's really strong, enough to lift his partner with his arms around their waist and leaning against his body. When he realized it he didn't help but blush.

Spy.

A hot air balloon trip? Spa? A meal at the best restaurant and hotel in town? Going to a concert or theatre? He just looks for anything to surprise his amour, he likes the exaggeration and extravagance of dating, to show that he's determined to use his time and attention for them. He has already prepared everything that will be done during the afternoon until nightfall. However, he'll change plans if they have another idea, he'll try to please them.

In his private room, S/O is free to do whatever they want, read a book? Look at the fireplace? Take a nap? Talk? Go ahead. "Mi casa es tu casa" he's say with a smile, he's not that talkative but with them, he's confident to do that until someone have to stop. By the way, did you know Spy is good at giving massages?

Being someone who stabs from behind, doing back hugs, means a lot, he doesn't like giving 'em but trusting his loved one, wants to say that they're safe and protected by him. He hides the head and give a quick kiss on the back of the neck.

Soldier.

"See those submerged logs over there? That is The Beatles! Do not stop running!" "Okay...—wait what!?". He's able to sum up a 1600 hour tour in just one afternoon, holding their hand and with a big smile, he will show them everything he knows and be proud of that. Has anything caught his love's eye? Don't worry! He'll get it for them, if they're happy, he's happy too! Everything gangsta until there's is a neck snap.

In his "secret" space, he'd love to show them how good he is teaching the students (Ignoring that they are decapitated heads), and may sounds weird, he would be able to talk quietly when there is a debate or a talk. He will be happy to teach rocket jump if S/O is interested and any moment, he'd let them see a beautiful place where they can watch how the sun falls.

A bear hugger too. When he's joyful, when he won a match or because he wants, his S/O will be the first one to know it. He will put his arms around their waist and bring him closer to his body, placing his face on their chest. Don't miss this opportunity and respond him in the same way! His cuddles are gold.

Masterlist.

If there is any mistake, please, correct me.

[gabrielitas]

phew it's good to know i'm boy the only one super behind lmao

alright answering questions and asking some more because i have a funny little group of questions that mean nothing but i like to ask

alright so i do bias soonyoung 🙄🙄 didn't think you'd guess so early. i also like seokmin and minghao 🥴🤤 aLSO, WHY HAS SEUNGCHEOL BEEN LOOKING SO CUTE RECENTLY I CANT HANDLE 😩😩

outside of kpop i may or may not have had an emo phase (read: fall out boy, panic!at the disco, my chemical romance). i may or may not still listen emo music. i also LOVE CONAN GRAYYY. idk if he's still indie but i love indie too! probably one of my favorite genres though is classical (instrumental if you wanna get technical 🙄 been yelled at bc cLaSsiCaL iS a TiMe PeRiOd)

the best of us had emo phases ☝️ mine is a little longer lasting three years in middle school. due to this, fall out boy is one of my favorite artists! i’m also a big tchaikovsky fan, and i like doja cat a lot too!

in response to your question about 1518 strasbourg, this is when and where the dancing plague of 1518 happened dnsbsbshja. it's where the phrase "dance till you die" originated lmao. i think it'd be funny to witness this/take part in it. aside from that, id probably fuck with california in 1849 because the gold rush🧎‍♀️, france in the 1880s, or america in the 1980/1990s! i’m a history nerd courtesy of my father, so i choose all my time periods based off some of my favorite historical events! 1880s for architecture mostly, gold rush because lawlessness and the "wild west", and the 80s for the cold war :)

the night is beautiful if you take the time to live it. for me, my favorite time across the board is lunch time-12:00 ish to 3:00 just because the sun is highest and i feel happiest! i like the night when i go out on bike rides because i feel alive/ like i’m not wasting my teen years

GIRL IM NORTHEAST US TOO DJNSBSBSVABWB #goals lmao

i have 1 sister and she's super annoying🙄 i also have 2 cats and a dog (i consider them my siblings)

the most recent show i binged and finished was criminal minds, and i tried supernatural but it's just so bad i cant get past season 11. i’m working on hannibal right now!

the last book i really enjoyed was the summer i turned pretty! i’m a sucker for romance books 😩

questions i've got:

- do you have any siblings or pets?

- do you play any instruments?

- what's your favorite font?

- how many pillows and stuffed animals do you sleep with? (i have too many to count)

- would you rather live in an urban, suburban, or rural setting?

I FRIKIN KNEW U BIASED SOONYOUNG UR VIBES R SO HORANGHE I COULD JUST TELL and i gotta say ur the second person who’s had both minghao and soonyoung on ur bias list and i just find that so funny cuz they’re polar opposites to me (also u have impeccable taste with minghao that boy is my ult and has my whole heart) AND OMG RIGHT??? seungcheol needs to *CHILL*😤

omg yes conan gray😫 this is gonna sound whiny but heather was one of my favorite songs of his before it became a tiktok trend💅

and yes the best of us *did* have emo phases, mine lasted from late 8th grade into the first half of freshman year, so it was kinda short lived but it still happened lol

also, seeing tchaikovsky and doja cat next to each other in a sentence is so funny (but in a weird way i get it lol) i’m not the *biggest* classical/instrumental fan, but i have def used it as study music when songs with lyrics r just too distracting. back to doja tho!! have u listened to her new album?? do u have a fav song off of it? (i haven’t listened to all of it but i do have a couple that i rlly like)

omg how did i not recognize that u were talking abt the dancing plague!!!!!🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ idk if u watch buzzfeed unsolved or watcher but they have a series called puppet history and the episode on the dancing plague is one of my favorites! also omg yes another history nerd who knows abt history b/c of her dad!!!! i’m prob most knowledgeable abt wwii, the civil rights movement in the us, and the spanish civil war cuz those r my dads main interests and i was sat down in front of documentaries abt those topics at the age of like, 3 lol. and wanting to experience the wild west is such a perfect and iconic era to want to live in, and wanting to experience the cold war is so funny (b/c i’m sure the ppl who were living it without knowing the ending like us felt the exact opposite lol)

and yes the night is so beautiful when u just give it ur attention. like, on my birthday it was raining and i didn’t have school the next day (and my birthdays i’m may so it was pretty warm) so i just went outside at like, midnight ish and listened to the rain and crocheted and it was truly so nice 😫 also omg last year when covid had us all at home i went for a bike ride almost every day after school to just get out of my room and it was so nice!! it was my bike from when i was like, 12 but i’m 4’11 so i was still able to ride it without a problem lsnsksns

and yes pets r absolutely siblings, my cat prob acts more like s typical sibling than my two younger siblings do lsnsksns (srsly tho my cat is an asshole she fucked up my leg the other day cuz i gave her food late smh)

omg hun season 11?? how many seasons of that goddamn show r there??? i couldn’t get past episode 1😭 (i rlly only started watching it b/c of dean from gilmore girls sksnksns) the show i’m currently bingeing rn tho is downton abbey, as i’m sure u can tell from how much downton shit u had to scroll past to find my answer to ur last ask alskkskjsjs (i’m so so sorry 😭)

ooo that sounds like a rlly good book title, what was it abt? i just finished a secret history (which FUCKED ME UP MY GOD THERES A LOT OF MURDER) and i’m currently working on the sequel to my name is asher lev by chaim potok (who is one of my fav jewish/classic literature authors and also just a rlly good author in general)

for ur questions:

-yes i do have siblings! two younger (one four and a half years younger and one a little over nine years younger than me so i’m the oldest by quite a bit lol) and i do have a pet! my cat sweetie who is an asshole who i love very much

-i took piano for like a year in second grade but then third grade happened and i was rlly bad at math so my parents switched from paying for piano lessons to paying for math tutoring lessons and i now remember literally nothing from piano lessons sksnksns

-i,,, dont think i have a favorite font? i do like to write in cursive and have a collection of calligraphy pens that i bust out on special occasions so there’s that i guess lol

-ok i have two normal pillows, one chair/armrest/pillow thing (idk if that makes sense but that’s the only way i know how to describe it sksnksns), a body pillow, and a single stuffed bear that live on my bed

-ooo so this is difficult for me cuz i technically live in a suburb but we’re *right next* to a major city in my state (like i’m a 20ish min car ride from my states baseball stadium and a 20 min walk to the college of the major city) so this has kinda made me rlly like both? like, i like the quiet of the suburbs but i cant handle not being able to walk to the closest boba shop or movie theatre or bookshop but i also don’t rlly love the noise and lights that there are in the city at night. so idk sksnksns

what do u like more tho? the city or the suburbs? also since u asked the question i’m assuming u have a fav form and i’m now rlly interested in finding out what it is lol

goodnight!❤️ (or good morning if ur seeing this in the morning since i’m answering this at midnight lol)

[hereformcdonaldshonestly]

Hi, may I have a romantic mha matchup, please? dear lord i hope i haven't sent u this yet lol

Fleur | bisexual | girl | INTP

Appearance: I'm 164cm(~5'4) tall, slim&athletic, and I usually give off the 'cute good girl' vibe, so ppl are shocked when they hear me cursing a lot lol. Long brown hair with bangs, my deer eyes have the same color - I wear eyeglasses. My clothing style is very girly, mostly wearing skirts and dresses(sometimes elegant, sometimes rather cute outfits). There's a tiny, barely visible scar above my right eyebrow, I've opened our car's door on my head lmao.

Personality: I have a confusingly dual, hard-to-like personality. First impression is either a stoic resting bitch face bitch or the awkward, cute and polite girl.

I'm faking myself and good at keeping my emotions under control, I'm really adaptable(sometimes full-stoic, other times talkative). I HATE showing weaknesses, I'm hiding them from even people I love, I simply can't stand emotional vulnerability. Making me talk about my issues, problems? Nearly impossible.

My way of thinking is quite realistic and highly critical, I have opinions about everything, I get passionate while sharing them, deep conversations are keeping me alive. Sometimes I'm event told that I'm wise? Kind of.

I'm the CLUMSIEST person, and kinda awkward too, cringe situations always find me. Quite easily get jumped/pranked. My humour is colorful: TEASING, dark, morbid, absurd, trollish. Sometimes I can come off phlegmatic, rude.

I'm generally a kind, polite, caring and patient person tho. I take loyalty quite seriously, but I don't get attached easily. I have a kind of unapproachable, 'emotions ew' vibes, but I have a softie side who adores cuddling and giving love, affection to people - it's kind of a selfish coping mechanism for me at the same time, bc the feeling being needed is incredibly comforting for me. Also, I can be just a dumb idiot and loosen up with my little gang if I'm in the mood. Once my close friend told me that I'm an unpredictable person. I need a lot of alone time&space.

I'm also vain, snobbish, pro procastrinator, lazy and selfish just to mention some negative traits. I have massive self-hatred spirals, thinking I am a burden, unworthy for love on my bad days. Slight imposter syndrome I guess.

My love language is words of affirmation&quality time, and when I have to express it, I'm best with acts of service. I'm not so romantic, valentines day and similar stuff just gonna make me roll my eyes.

Hobbies/Likes: classical literature, theatre, politics, hiking, sightseeing, travelling,  mysteries, reading about disappearances(crimes, like Sodder siblings, Tara Calico etc.), trying out new things, yoga, running, horse riding, table tennis, listening to music, cats, thunderstorms, rainy days, cider, tequila, going out and drinking with friends, smoking sometimes, family time, psychology, sexual psychology, reading trash/funny FB comments, massaging others, deep converstaions, surrealism, anything indie

For you I chose:

Momo Yaoyorozu!

Reason

I feel like she would help balance you out, at first I thought about Katsuki Bakugou but then I decided that probably wouldn't work out the best. She would balance it out, trying to get you to talk about anything that's bothering you, but she isn't forcing you!

Why They Love You

Momo loves your soft side, she loves that you can feel comfortable around her. She also loves how wise you are! She feels like she can ask you anything and you'll be there to answer. Momo always respects your space and always is aware of what is going on, just so she doesn't make you stressed on accident.

Date Headcanons

As a date idea, Momo suggested a murder mystery tour! Where basically you walk downtown with a group and a tour guide, picking up clues and trying to solve the mystery! Turns out it was like one big walking version of Clue!

You guys went out for date night! You both agreed that you would go without a plan and see where it takes you, after an hour of walking, driving, and just talking, and that's you see the glowing sign for poem reading! You guys went in and sat down with some drinks, watching people read poems, sing, and talk about different topics. You guys had a great time together!

General Headcanons

Momo always asks about what you're reading that week. She always wants to learn more about the literature you like so she can read it as well! She knows how much you love classical literature so she starts suggesting different writers and even tried to buy you different books that she thought you would like!

Whenever it comes to a romantic holiday, she knows how you aren't a huge fan of them. She'll maybe surprise you with flowers or dinner, but she'll still treat it as a normal day. She surprisingly is the same way, not really understanding why it was a big deal. Unless you want to go and do something for it, she is completely okay with staying home and watching documentaries!

Songs That Remind Me of You Both

Almost (Sweet Music) by Hozier

Yellow by Coldplay

I hope you have a great day!