#THANK YOU FOR THE TASTY TASTY TREAT OP | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

manias-wordcount · 3 years ago

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Would you want to write anything for Michiru from BNA? Maybe something where Michiru meets the reader (f or g/n) during the festival and then later at a cafe, where reader works, during a slow day? Their relationship could be platonic or romantic after a little bit. Maybe Michiru keeps going back and getting the same drink order and one day goes to the cafe with Shirou and reader gets a little more quiet that day leading to Michiru asking her out on a date? I just can’t find very much for her and I really love her lol. Thanks and hope you have a great day :)

Sweeter Than Sweet (Michiru Kagemori x Reader)

𝗔/𝗡: 𝗜𝗠 𝗦𝗢 𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗬. 𝗜 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗜𝗧 𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗘𝗕𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗜𝗧 𝗧𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗢 𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗛. 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁!! 𝗶 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘂 𝘀𝗵𝗲'𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 !! :}

𝙒𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚? ⇒ 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩

𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙧?

You handed her a candy apple, and ever since then she’s been hooked.

It was a quick handoff. In fact, she didn’t even see you until a couple of seconds after it all went down. All she felt was someone bumping her shoulder- not unusual for a crowded festival, but harder than expected. Michiru felt herself stumble for a few seconds before she whipped her head to the side, ready to confront the culprit. What she didn’t expect, however, was the stick of the tasty treat being shoved into her hand. For a second, the girl was dumbfounded, wondering how could something like that could ever happen. Then she looked up.

And then she saw you.

And with the sweetest smiles, you gave her a quick wink and disappeared into the crowd. She wanted to chase after you. She wanted to thank you for this small act of kindness. And most of all? She wanted to know your name just so she can see that sweet smile of yours again. Instead, her feet just stayed rooted into the ground, just watching you leave.

The sounds of the festival start to blend in with the background. She’s been running for so long. But the candy apple in her hand feels like a weight, keeping her here. Asking her to stay. And so maybe, just maybe…

She’ll stay long enough to see you again.

The incident at Rabbit Town made her feel cold.

The walk back to the Beastman co-op was silent for her. All she could do was wrap her arms around her torso and tug her jacket closer. It doesn’t mimic the way her parents used to hold her. Or the way she used to throw her arm around Nazuna. It reminds her that she’s not a kid anymore. She doesn’t have the innocence of the little ones that she was teaching earlier today. Well, the innocence they had before they were thrust into that situation, at least.

With a sigh, Michiru looks up at the skyline and takes in the neon-multicolor beauty of the tall, tall buildings and the bustling streets. The people on the street sometimes give her a weird look because of her transformed state, but her mind is too far away to care. Noise buzzes in and out of her sensitive ears, but she keeps walking onwards- hoping for the right way- with her head hung low and her mood reflective.

It’s only been one day since she got here. Twenty-four hours since she’s arrived in Anima City, and she can’t help but wonder if it ever gets better. For her. For those kids. For anyone, really. The moment flashes back in her mind. The chilling realization that she was going to be sold . That she was watching someone sell her and a bunch of defenseless children. Those people those kids as nothing but dollar amounts to save their own hide. So what if the women of rabbit town were stuck in the position that they were in because they were victims of hard times. Those were children that they were dealing with. If she wasn’t there with them. If no one was there with them, who knows what would happen to them. They’re horrible. All of them. It’s like they’re no better than the very humans that would all of Beastman kind down. These adults. These cruel adults- no, this cruel world. They’re all the same. They’re all-

“Hey.”

There’s a quiet voice to Michiru’s right, slightly behind her. The girl stops should in the middle of the sidewalk, her body growing rigid at the sudden sound. For a second, the tanuki girl even wonders if she’s the one being addressed. But when she slowly turns her neck to see where the voice is coming from, her body feels heavy like molasses. There’s something keeping her down. Something telling her to slow down. That things can be deceiving. Blind trust led her ashtray once today. There’s no way she can let it happen to her again.

And then all of a sudden, a laugh.

A soft yet joyous sound. It makes Michiru think of bells. And somehow…

It’s enough to give her hope.

The tanuki girl spins on her heel, whipping around so fast that her jacket catches some wind behind her. But her eyes widen at the sight before you. Because it’s not the gorgeous, vast skyline that reminds her of cities back home that catches her attention. Nor was it the warm, warm, warm-looking cafe that she somehow managed to completely overlook as she was walking by. No . It was the figure standing it front of the cafe that caught her attention. With their hair messy yet out of the way. With their sweater underneath their flour-stained apron. With a sweeter than sweet smile on their face. And a candy apple tucked in their hand.

You .

“Why don’t you come in while I fix you something to drink?” Your voice has a soft lilt to it, instantly doing something to Michiru’s previous state. Your hand moves a little forward as if offering the candy apple in your hands to her. Your eyes meet hers- and the girl is so close, she swears she can see stars twinkle in your eyes. Deep down, Michiru can’t help but wonder what beastman form you take. Whatever it is, it must be beautiful. It has to be if it’s connected to a kind soul like you. “You look like you can use a pick me up, huh?”

Maybe the whole world isn’t so bad. Michiru thinks to herself as she takes another step forward.

Maybe it’s not so bad if there are still people like you.

Your beastman form is a floppy-eared bunny.

Michiru found that out by accident when she sneaked behind you on her sixth trip to the cafe you worked out. It was another slow day. Only one or two patrons as Michiru walked in. She could spot you easily- humming to yourself as you were whipping intently at the front countertops, lost in your own world. Tiptoeing carefully, she stepped closer and closer and closer until she was just a breath away. And when you still didn’t seem to notice her, Michiru reached out and suddenly grabbed at your hips, nearly tickling your sides.

Luckily, you didn’t have anything valuable in your hands. But you did yelp as you practically jumped out of your skin. And the tanuki girl would have apologized for what she did. She really, really would have. Honest! But there’s something about the way you looked as your floppy speckled ears hung down over your pouting face. And how your nose twitches while your leg thumped to show your melting frustration at the laughing girl.

What? It’s not Michiru’s fault that you were just so cute.

“Hmph.” You huff with your arms crossed over your chess. You wouldn’t look at her. “For here or to-go Michi.”

You’re not mad. Michiru can tell by the way you still use that affectionate nickname for her. But the way your nose kept twitching, even after you transformed back was something to die for. It took everything in her not cooing at you while you poured the milk for her hot chocolate. You met her eyes for a second as you began stirring in the chocolate and gave out a little “humph” as you turned on your heel and disappeared to the back to get her one of the warm, sweet, delicious cookies that always reminded her of him. And when you came back?

That sweeter than sweet smile is back on your face.

Weeks go by, and visits just keep getting better and better.

Sometimes Michiru is your first customer on your early morning shift. You fix her a mocha- with two shots of chocolate and one shot of vanilla, just the way she likes it- with a sleepy look on your face. You slip her a bagel in the toaster and yawn as you ask her if she wants something on it. And you’ll sit with her with your own cup in your hand, stealing its warmth as you two bask in the silence, mutually trying not to fall asleep.

Sometimes, she’s your anchor during the lunch rush. She’s come in and you’ll already be writing typing out her order on the computer- the same sandwich that only she and a few others order with a medium lemonade to beat out the Anima City heat- before she even makes it to the counter. She has your exact change ready, and you always managed to make a quip about how its a little out of character like that plan ahead. She’s huff playfully, and on her way out, she’ll call over her shoulder about how you didn’t have to be so mean. But you just pretend like you don’t hear her. You know you’ll get a floppy ear full of it later.

And sometimes, she’s your closer customer. Eating scraps of today’s bakery treats of the bakery treats that were about to be thrown out for the next day as you fixed her a warm apple cider. She appreciates your insistence on no caffeine late at night and appreciates it, even more, when you lock the door, dim the lights and eat brownies for dinner with her as you both share stories about your day. Michiru always offers to help you clean up, and even though you always say no, the tanuki girl always manages to talk you into at least wiping down all the tables.

And when you’re both officially done, the two of you are still chatting to the very last second, only saying goodbye when your feet hurt from standing at the corner in which you both turn to go your separate ways.

But for the first time…

...she brought him.

It was a slow afternoon so every chime of the bell had you on your feet. But this time, your eyes were wide as Michiru caught them, waving over at your figure behind the counter as she pulled in Shiro behind her. The tanuki girl didn’t bother listening to the man’s flat grumbles, only deciding to silently fawn over just how cute you look- tilting your head in your uniform with a confused look on your face.

She had been visiting your store for a while now, and when Shiro asked her this morning where she would always disappear off to, she thought it would be nice to bring him over here so the two of you could meet. After all, you and him and two out of the three most important people in Anima City to her! Now if only Nazuna wasn’t so busy all the time…

By the time the two of them had made it past all the tables and got to your counter, your confused look and changed into a look of mild fear and anxiousness. It was easy to tell you were off your game. If not by the way you accidentally transformed by the sight of his teeth, then just how quiet you were being as you took their orders. Every chance she got, Michiru always had you talking up a storm as she visited your workplace. But it seemed the chatterbox in you died today. Because why else would you shaking asked when you asked “A-a-are you sure?” to Shiro’s order of straight black coffee.

By the time the whole ordeal was over, you had almost spilled his order twice and nearly forgotten half the menu as you took the order of the person behind them. It was weird seeing you like this- you were usually always so calm and composed. It was like you were home where the drink machines and the pastry ovens were. Now it’s like your boss who accidentally tugged your ears again, roughing you up like you’re one of her sons rather than just another teenager working for pocket change. You’re flustered and off-balance. Though Michiru can’t lie- she did laugh once or twice you messed up a little too cutely for her taste. And she always laughed when you shot her an angry pout before trying to recover from your latest mishap.

But eventually, one person in the line turned to two. And two into five and five into ten, and suddenly you’re starting to drown in work. Michiru obeys silently as Shiro tells her that it’s probably best that they leave you to your job. They practically slip past the sudden rush of customers unnoticed until Michiru gets to the door. She hesitates- just for a second in a last-ditch effort to do something , the tanuki girl finds herself turning around to catch your eye and-

You’re already looking at her.

‘Later,’ you mouth to her as you write a name on another coffee cup. Michiru nods at you, a smile growing on her own face as that sweeter than sweet smile that she loves you for makes its way onto your lips.

Later can’t seem to come soon enough, huh?

Later comes five minutes after closing time.

Michiru is racing down the street to the shop because she knows today is one of the days you lock up so she has to get there while you’re done for the day, but you’re not out of sight. And just to her luck, when she’s scrambling to turn down a corner, she sees you. Far away, but so obviously you as you focus on locking the door and making sure it’s shut tight. And she calls out your name, the concentration breaks, and you look at her.

And you smile.

Michiru stops only a few feet away from you, leaning over and panting from sprinting for so long. Your giggle is quiet and oh so cute. Almost as cute as the way you reach out and take her hands off her knees and hold them in your own. The tanuki girl brings her face up to yours and she can’t help but be captured by the soft look in your eyes. Your lips twitch- it’s not another pout. She knows you too well to say that it’s not another pout. Instead, it’s nervousness. Some of that same frazzledness that she saw in your earlier today. And it reminds Michiru vaguely of her time as a beastman before she could escape to Anima City. Being afraid and alone in a world filled with hateful adults and having no one to hold her. But now... things are different.

“ Michi …um...” Your voice is nothing short of a murmur as you lean forward and rest your forehead against hers. Michiru draws a sharp breath, questions burning on her tongue, but your shyness has somehow managed to shut her up for now. You’re swallowing nervously, lips parts as the two of your share each other’s warmth, and some giddy part of Michiru melts at this. At the affection of another girl her age. The affection of a very, very pretty girl. “Michiru do you wanna…um...do you wanna...”

But now...things are better.

“Yeah…?”

Because she has you.

“Um... Doyouwannagooutwithmesometimenextweek?!”

You and that sweeter than sweet smile of yours.

#michiru #michiru kagemori #kagemori michiru #michiru x reader #michiru kagemori x reader #kagemori michiru x reader #bna #bna x reader #bna fanfiction #bna fanfic #brand new animal #brand new animal x reader #brand new animal fanfiction #brand new animal fanfic #x reader #xreader #fluff

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twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat · 5 months ago

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@teddybeartoji @dieno-tsuki @satoruxx

#. HOLYYYYYYYYYYY #RAN to tag the blade stans as soon as i could #enjoy your meal my lovelies this is so ?????#op this is fucking GORGEOUS #HE’S so gorgeous #and your art style is so stunning ?????#AND JUST . EVERYTHING . the pose the smile the LIPSTICK MARKSSSSSSS #i need to be him .#sorry #but . god . the cig …. the headpat …… the HEELLLLLLLL #GODDDDD HE JUST LOOKS SO TASTY #most beloved guard dog of the stellaron hunters <333 what a good boyyyy #i ADORE this holy fuck #thank you so much for the treat op i will be thinking about this always #🫂🫂🫂#fanart ✩

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sparklingpax · 4 years ago

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idk where to put this but ok hear me out for a sec. sorry for the many typos you will probably find in this. and how incoherent some of it probably sounds since I’m literally dumping out all my thoughts onto this text post here idk lfglkjfs anyway so.

TFP Optimus, Cerebros from Headmasters, SGM Metalhawk, Star Saber (Victory), and G1 Optimus need to start the Nice Dads Club where they just hang out and discuss their daily adventures and how their group of "kids" are doing, as well as various other activities because why not lol ^^

askfdlkgs pls dont start with canon stuff and how its impossible for G1 Optimus to be with them bc he’s dead in that universe techincally sdkjfsj this is for fun let me live aaaa q///q

TFP Optimus would have probably come up with the idea, so he’s their founder and consultant if they ever need one, Star Saber is Club President, Hawk handles organizing and planning their meetings/outings/etc, Cerebros provides their meeting spot (his ship), and G1 Optimus brings food.

They meet every so often, when there’s no Decepticon activity happening; someone suggests they have a meeting so they contact Hawk, who will then look at calendars and stuff and call everyone up to see who can make it and when, how long they can stay, what they might want to do so he can draft an activity plan, etc.

They meet up at wherever Cerebros and his Transtector are; he previously sent everyone out on their own patrol missions across the globe and told them not to return to the ship for at least 4 hours. That way, it’s empty and the bots can do whatever they plan on doing.

Naturally, Cerebros is there first, along with TFP Optimus. Shortly after, Hawk will arrive with Star Saber and G1 Op; Star Saber lets OP ride in his V-Star while he flies alongside Hawk. They meet up and go inside, already remarking to one another how stressful the past few weeks have been wherever they happened to be stationed.

Sitting down in the main piloting room of the ship, the club members happily dig into whatever energon-based food G1 Op decided to make, which is without fail, always incredibly tasty. Sometimes it’s muffins, cookies, or sweetened energon squares. Whatever it is, it’s always a real treat.

The second or third time they’d met up like this, Hawk commented on how human food tasted in comparison, since in his human body he can/has to eat that stuff. This prompted a crazy discussion that lasted nearly the whole time they were there! And somehow, it ended with a brief, calm debate about the hunting laws on some random planet they all remember being on but only briefly.

After starting with snacks, maybe they play a game of cards, a board game, go for some kind of “field trip,” or simply continue talking. It’s whatever they feel like doing.

Discussions about their “kids” would go something like G1 Optimus saying, “Bumblebee almost got himself killed again! I had to go save him..took on Megatron and all his goons msyelf! Everyone’s ok, save for a few scratches here and there!”

“Oh boy,” Star Saber remarks, patting G1 Op on the shoulder. “You did well, Optimus. You know, the other day, the Decepticons kidnapped Jan and Stakeout and almost had them killed?”

Everyone gasps until he tells them the rescue mission was successful :)

“Ok, so I sent the kids out to buy groceries yesterday and guess what they told me when they returned, covered in dirt and without those groceries?” Hawk says, grinning.

“Hawk, tell us!” Cerebros prompts, leaning in and taking a sip from his cup of Energon.

Hawk rolls his eyes, pretending to be disappointed. “They went out and fought Decepticons by themselves in the desert.”

“Oh wow.”

“And we were starting to think about giving Jan a ship with guns of his own..” Star Saber sighs heavily and grabs a leftover energon brownie from the plate, staring at it.

“Thank goodness they made it out,” TFP Optimus says quietly, smiling warmly. “They seem to be a brave group of young warriors.”

Hawk nods affirmatively, feeling proud.

“Irresponsible, but at least they beat them!” G1 Optimus flashes Hawk a thumbs-up.

They ask Cerebros what his team’s been up to. He shrugs. “I advised Chromedome and Hardhead to wait for my command to raid an enemy base, but they went ahead and burst in alone, guns blazing!” Cerebros chuckles, swishing the liquid in his glass from left to right. “Of course the mission went well, Highbrow and Brainstorm came to help, but they did more to help with the cleanup rather than the fighting! I know, Chromedome and Hardhead are capable to handle this kind of thing alone, but...don’t they know we worry about them?”

They share a quiet laugh. He turns to TFP Optimus, sitting and watching them with the most content expression on his face.

“Anything new happen to you, Prime?”

Optimus looks to the ceiling for a moment, then nods.

“The kids, Miko, Jack, and Raf...” he pauses, trying to figure out how to best word this-- “....helped us remove an artifact from the museum, and Miko was captured in the process.”

Hawk sits forward, concerned. “Decepticons?!”

“No, by humans.” Optimus pauses, embarrassed he’d let this happen. “More specifically, the law.”

Star Saber and G1 Optimus exchange looks, smirking. “Ooo~ so the quiet Optimus Prime has in fact, broken human laws and stolen from a museum!” The Galaxy Defense Force Commander jokes.

G1 Prime folds his arms. “The plot thickens!”

“Come on,” Hawk scolds them, chuckling lightly, “they had a reason!”

“That’s true,” Cerebros chimes in to add. “I remember you emailed me about the artifact--the Energon Harvester, right? It’s a good thing it was destroyed.”

The room quiets a bit and Star Saber nods, as well as Optimus and his G1 counterpart.

“Fortunately, however, another human on our team--Agent Fowler--was able to rescue her from her...predicament. All is well otherwise at our base.....actually, now that I think about it, Rafael--our resident computer genius--just earned high honors at his school! We are immensely proud of him--especially Ratchet, who helped him study.”

“Oh, that’s very cool, Optimus!” Star Saber remarks applauding along with the others. He then nudges Hawk. “Hey, didn’t you mention on the way here that Minerva got some kind of award, too?”

“Ah--yes, a perfect test score on an important exam,” Hawk elaborates, smiling. “Waverider and Ginrai took the kids out to a restaurant outing this afternoon, actually.” The applause starts up again.

“Well, no matter what, we’re proud of our teams, right? And the most important thing is that everyone’s safe. I, for one, am thankful for all the bots and humans who call themselves Autobots on my ship!” G1 Optimus prompts brightly after the noise dies down. Cerebros lifts his glass, eyes sparkling.

“I’ll drink to that!”

And they cheer, lifting their own glasses and clinking them together.

.....and so they talk like that about lots of other things, play another round of cards, perhaps, and then Cerebros will check the time and notify them Brainstorm will arrive first in 20 minutes.

Frantically, the bots put everything back in order and collect their things. They make their way out of the ship, still laughing about something TFP Optimus had said, and all of them happy with how good of a time they’d had.

“See you soon, everyone! Good luck with your teams!” Cerebros calls, standing in the doorway of the ship’s entrance tunnel.

“Right back at you, Commander!” G1 Optimus calls with a friendly wave before boarding the V-star.

Hawk smiles at him, nodding firmly. “Thank you for a good time, Commander Cerebros.” Then transforms and launches gracefully into the sky.

“See you around!” Star Saber calls before transforming and leading his ship away from them. Cerebros turns to Optimus, still standing next to him.

“You have a ride, Optimus?”

“Yes,” Optimus smiles fondly. “Ratchet will activate the groundbridge momentarily.”

“Alright then, so I’ll see you soon, I hope?”

“Of course,” Optimus shakes hands with the Headmasters commander. “And I’ll be emailing you those shielding plans, right?”

“If you still want to!”

Then the bridge opens up. Cerebros waves. Optimus nods one final goodbye, regarding the sight of Cerebros and the ship behind him with warmth. Then, steps through the groundbridge.

///

GJDFLKJDSKFS IF YOU READ THIS ILY THANK YOU & ALSO IM SO SORRY AAA Q///Q

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i-am-very-very-tired · 4 years ago

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27 Best Things To Do in Los Angeles

HOW WE RANK THINGS TO DOLos Angeles has an exhaustive array of things to do. If you're a film buff, vintage Hollywood is a must-see. Some classic attractions in the area include TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Paramount Pictures Studios, the only television and film studio left in Hollywood. For a taste of stardom, window-shop along Rodeo Drive or cruise Sunset Boulevard. There are also a plethora of shorelines to choose from, including Venice Beach, Zuma Beach and the Santa Monica Pier and Beach. Arts lovers will want to see a show at Walt Disney Concert Hall or swing by Los Angeles County Museum of Art to admire its collection. If you aren't sure where to start, a daylong guided tour of the city is a great way to orient yourself. And after exploring all LA has to offer, consider taking a daytrip south to Anaheim-Disneyland. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park Griffith Observatory sits on the south face of Mount Hollywood and overlooks the Los Angeles basin. Its location gives visitors impressive views of the surrounding area, which many rave about. But there's more than just a pretty photo-op here. The observatory hosts fascinating exhibitions and features a top-notch planetarium.Most recent visitors cited the beautiful setting as Griffith Observatory's main draw, though the free entry was certainly a bonus. However, you will have to pay between $3 and $7 to see the planetarium shows. Griffith Observatory is open from noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with extended hours on weekends. Free but limited parking is available along the winding roads leading up to the property, or visitors can park in the small lot by the observatory for $10 per hour. A gift shop and cafe can be found on-site as well. For more information, check out Griffith Observatory's website. The Getty Center The Getty Center is one of the most impressive architectural achievements in the United States – and it also contains some of the finest works of art in the world. The circular concrete-and-steel structure was designed by renowned architect Richard Meier, and it houses an abundance of art from various ages and nations. Here you'll find Renaissance paintings, 20th-century American photography, Baroque sculptures, historic manuscripts and more, all housed inside a sprawling, modern campus amid the Santa Monica Mountains. The museum also offers spectacular views of Los Angeles on clear days.Recent travelers loved the museum for its value and beauty, highlighting the contrast between the art center's subtle refinement and the over-the-top glitz of Hollywood. Many visitors suggest taking a guided tour, noting that the tour highlights interesting parts of the museum they wouldn't have stumbled upon on their own. Tours of the Getty Center's architecture and gardens are available, as well as a Collection Highlights tour and tours of art in specific eras. Tour times and days vary depending on tour type. Check the Getty Center's website for a complete calendar. Santa Monica Pier and Beach Just west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica contains one of the most legendary beach scenes in the United States. Santa Monica also boasts an abundance of great restaurants and excellent nightlife spots. The 3 miles of shoreline are renowned as some of the best in the area thanks to the soft sands, ideal weather and bevy of attractions. "State Beach," as it's known, has over 200 days of sunshine a year and acted as the backdrop for the popular television series "Baywatch."Santa Monica is a very walkable part of town, and many recent travelers suggest you explore the area by bicycle. Many visitors say the pier is a must-visit spot and fun to see. One of the most scenic rides is along the 22-mile bike path, known as The Strand, which runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean and takes riders through Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey along with Venice, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo beaches. Travelers also recommend riding the Ferris wheel at the pier and people-watching at the Third Street Promenade. Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL

Chinese Theatre One of Hollywood's most iconic and memorable sites, the TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman's Chinese Theatre) opened in 1927 and represents the excess of Hollywood's Golden Age. You can tour the theater for $18 (kids tour tickets cost $8 and senior tickets are $14 each); tours are offered from 10:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Monday. Because of this attraction's popularity, it's best to reserve your spot online in advance. This working theater also shows various newly released films throughout the year.Overall, previous travelers said the tour guides' passion for the subject was evident, making their experiences special. However, some wished the area offered a glitzier atmosphere and others complained the tour was overpriced for what you got. Parking can also be challenging to find in Hollywood. Additional information about the attraction's tours and movie showtimes can be found on the TCL Chinese Theatre website. Zuma Beach Malibu has a reputation for excessive wealth and exclusivity, yet all of the town's beaches are public – everyone's welcome. If you're seeking an LA beach spot for sunbathing and swimming, look no further than this part of town. This 1.8-mile beach is far cleaner than those at Santa Monica or Venice Beach.Malibu's Zuma Beach is considered one of the finest beaches in the Los Angeles area. Locals and tourists laud Zuma for its awesome waves, ample parking and easy access to beachside snacks. Plus, there are a plethora of lifeguard stations and bathroom facilities. The Original Farmers Market and The Grove Sitting south of West Hollywood is one of LA's most beloved landmarks: The Original Farmers Market. Founded in 1934, this cream-colored facility reels in both residents and tourists with the promise of fresh produce and the aroma of ready-to-eat snacks. You can visit throughout the week, although hours vary depending on the day. Entry is free, but you'll want to have some cash on hand should any of the treats whet your appetite. You can park for free for up to 90 minutes at the market's two lots, provided that your ticket is validated at the market. (Fees apply for parking after the allotted 90 minutes and for nonvalidated tickets.) For a little help navigating the market, you can also take a guided foodie tour.Though some previous visitors wished this market had more produce and meat stalls, most appreciated the tasty dishes sold by many of the prepared food vendors and many call it a must-see spot. But keep in mind that this market is often crowded and has limited tables, so expect to eat outside the market area or wait for a table to become available. Find out more by visiting the market's website. Sunset Boulevard One of the most iconic thoroughfares in the United States, Sunset Boulevard continues to live up to its legends. In the old days, it represented the classic and glamorous Hollywood lifestyle and became the setting of several famous films, including the obvious classic "Sunset Boulevard." Today, the palm-lined street (which connects downtown LA to Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Pacific Coast Highway) retains its cinematic appeal, and the Sunset Strip portion has become a popular nightlife spot. The strip is also home to many classic music venues, including the Rainbow Bar & Grill and The Roxy Theatre.Recent visitors loved driving along this famous boulevard, adding that gorgeous sunsets can be enjoyed during late afternoon drives. But like other parts of LA, this thoroughfare gets congested once rush hour hits, so plan accordingly. Los Angeles County Museum of Art Next door to the La Brea Tar Pits sits the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the linchpin of the Los Angeles museum district. Since its 1965 opening, LACMA has showcased thousands of pieces, from Islamic artifacts to European impressionist paintings to modern art. With constantly shifting exhibitions and unique architecture stretched across more than 20 acres of land, LACMA offers a rewarding experience for both serious art buffs and casual travelers.Currently, the museum is

preparing for the construction of a new building for its permanent collection, called the David Geffen Galleries, which is scheduled to open in 2024. For now, pieces will be on display in the BCAM and the Resnick Pavilion. The Urban Light and Levitated Mass exhibits remain open to visitors. There are three eateries on-site. While travelers commend the food, they note the restaurants are a bit pricey. Many visitors say the artwork on display is stunning, but several lament that much of the art is off exhibit because of the construction.

The Broad Philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad founded this museum in 2015 and the structure made for a stunning addition to downtown Los Angeles. The eye-catching, honeycomb building, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, is home to an expansive collection of contemporary art dating from the 1950s to the present. The collection includes works by Jean Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol. In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibits showcase new and emerging artists. The museum gets high marks from recent visitors who loved both the artwork and the architecture.Admission to the museum is free (though some special exhibits may have a fee). For guaranteed entry, you can book timed tickets in advance. The museum is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking costs $15 for three hours with museum validation, and $5 for each additional 15 minutes, with a $25 daily maximum. It is $15 after 5 p.m. on weeknights and all day on weekends. The closest Metro line stop is the Civic Center/Grand Park Station. Visit the museum's website for more information. Runyon Canyon Park Just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park is an often-overlooked urban park that offers some great views. The park boasts several hiking trails and is a popular spot for celebrities to exercise. During your hike, you'll see plenty of palm trees. Atop the canyon, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley.Travelers say that the canyon is reminiscent of Old Hollywood with several old mansions and estates scattered throughout the park – keep your eyes peeled as you follow the trail. Because of the hot, dry climate, the hike can be rough (even for those in great physical condition), so bring plenty of water. Some recent visitors lamented the lack of facilities, while others raved about the views. Paramount Pictures Studios Since the 1910s, Paramount has showcased the talents of film's all-time heavyweights, including Meryl Streep and Morgan Freeman. The notable site has been home to everything from classic television shows like "I Love Lucy" to modern favorites like Amazon Prime's "Jack Ryan" to box-office hits like "Mission: Impossible" and "Titanic." Today, Paramount Pictures is the only remaining film studio in the Hollywood area.For an authentic Hollywood experience, set aside some time to tour the grounds. On the two-hour studio tour, a guide will take you around the site's 65 acres in a golf cart, and you'll also be able to hop off and explore sound stages and recognizable studio sets from many current TV shows and movies. Previous visitors praised the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, although some felt the tours offered at Warner Bros. Studio were better. Also, keep in mind the tours' age restrictions. Studio and VIP tours permit visitors ages 10 and older, while the seasonal After Dark tours only welcome travelers 16 and older. Rodeo Drive Immortalized by Julia Roberts' "Pretty Woman" shopping spree, Rodeo Drive is an upscale shopping street in Beverly Hills that features designer stores and small private boutiques. The area is popular with wealthy shoppers, sunglass-wearing celebrities and tourists hoping to see fashion icons.Don't be afraid to browse. Most shop owners are used to sightseers walking the area with little intent to purchase anything. That said, many recent visitors cautioned that some stores require appointments for entry and are generally off limits to tourists. Others said the thoroughfare can be a bit boring if you don't plan on shopping, although past travelers with a passion for cars enjoyed looking for expensive vehicles parked along Rodeo Drive's curb. Hollywood Bowl If you can catch a gig at the Hollywood Bowl, LA's beautiful outdoor amphitheater, don't pass it up. Since its inaugural season in 1922, this unique stage, set in the Hollywood Hills, has entertained thousands

of fans and hosted some of the biggest names in music, including The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John and Tina Turner.Many travelers praise the Hollywood Bowl, touting everything from the sound quality to the scenic overlook. Several also add that all of the seats offer great views and suggest arriving early with a bottle of wine and a picnic basket.

Venice Beach Developed in the early 20th century, Venice Beach is modeled – canals and all – after its namesake city in Italy. Admittedly, the experiment didn't live up to its Italian inspiration, but the neighborhood has become distinctly Californian, embodying the spirit of the wealthy, the alternative and the just plain bizarre. Rather than towering churches and intimate pizzerias, you'll find canal-side mansions near funky boutiques and restaurants.Venice Beach's claim to fame is its boardwalk. Hosting a daily procession of eclectic characters and scantily clad beachgoers, the boardwalk generally impresses out-of-towners. Past visitors loved checking out the area's unique scene (including the open-air Muscle Beach and the Hotel Erwin's High Rooftop Lounge), although some cautioned that the parts away from the pier were not appropriate for younger children. Other travelers note that the boardwalk sometimes reeks of cannabis. Also, remember that Venice Beach can get crowded on sunny days and is better suited for sunbathing, not swimming. Walt Disney Concert Hall This Frank Gehry-designed concert hall's curvaceous, stainless steel façade is an imposing structure in downtown LA. The hall helped revive this particular section of downtown, which was once dominated by mundane office buildings and lackluster entertainment options. Now, nightlife and culture burgeon in the area, and the concert hall is at the forefront. Music-loving travelers will want to catch one of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's performances here. (For ticket and price information, visit the Los Angeles Philharmonic's website.)But you don't have to invest in concert tickets to experience this performance venue: You can follow a docent-led tour or a self-guided audio tour of the exterior and interior (though the actual concert auditorium is off-limits). Hourlong guided and audio tours are both free; audio tours are offered Monday through Saturday from either 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 to 5 p.m., while guided tour hours vary by day and are generally available on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For a full tour schedule, visit The Music Center's website. Hollywood Forever Cemetery As morbid as it may seem, your best chance of spotting a celebrity in LA is at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Here, you'll find the final resting places of Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille and other stars who once worked at the adjacent Paramount Pictures Studios. Maps detailing the celebrities' gravesites are available at the cemetery's flower shop.Recent visitors described the cemetery's quiet grounds as "peaceful and serene," adding that the grounds are well-maintained. Many also appreciated the informative and friendly staff. Angeles National Forest In about a half-hour, travelers can trade in busy downtown LA for the serenity of nature at the Angeles National Forest. The almost 700,000-acre forest is an easily accessible place for locals and visitors to hike, bike, ski, ride horses, swim, fish and even camp. Encompassing the San Gabriel Mountains, terrain ranges from desert to dense forest. Perhaps one of the most visited sites is Mount Baldy, which is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,064 feet. The 28-mile Gabrielino National Recreation Trail offers a variety of hikes, from moderate to challenging. Recent visitors loved the views and found the range of trail options perfect for different types of hikers.Visitors to the Angeles National Forest must purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass. It’s $5 for a daily pass or $30 for an annual pass; the pass is good at other national forests in the area. There are visitor and information centers in different areas of the forest, which offer general information, activities and education events. Visit the forest's website for specific hours and details. La Brea Tar Pits If your kids go crazy for dinosaurs – and really, what kid doesn't? – then a visit to La Brea Tar Pits is sure to be the highlight of their trip. Although the pits look like the set of a cheesy PG

movie, hot tar has been bubbling from the earth at this spot along Museum Row in the Miracle Mile for about 40,000 years. And from the gooiest part of LA, more than 3.5 million fossils from 600-plus species have been discovered. The adjoining museum houses many of the artifacts found at the tar pits; consequently, it is home to one of the largest collections of Ice Age fossils in the world. Recent visitors loved learning something new and found the site fascinating.You can check out the tar pits completely free of charge, but museum tickets start at $15 for adults; reduced entry fees are available for children, students and seniors. You'll save $1 on each ticket if you buy tickets online. All tickets include tours of property facilities like the fossil lab, lake pit and observation pit. Complimentary admission is offered on the first Tuesday of every month (excluding July and August) and every Tuesday in September, but ticket lines on these days are long, so consider reserving your pass online before you arrive. Even if you have to pay to visit, most visitors agree that the exhibits are well worth perusing.

California Science Center A world of fun and exploration await kids, as well as curious adults, at the California Science Center. In the permanent "Ecosystems" exhibit, museumgoers will learn about everything from islands to rivers to forests across eight different zones via interactive displays. In "Creative World," technology takes center stage and explores the innovation in transportation and architecture. But the top draw for recent travelers? The museum's "Air & Space" section which includes the Gemini 11 capsule piloted by Dick Gordon and Pete Conrad as well as a special exhibit about the Endeavor space shuttle. An IMAX theater is also on-site. Recent visitors say the center is wonderful, lots of fun and especially great for kids.The center is free to visit, though special exhibits and IMAX screenings incur a fee. Access to the Endeavor is included with an IMAX or special exhibit ticket. On weekends and holidays, a timed ticket is required to visit Endeavor. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking costs $12. You can also take the Metro Expo Line to Expo Park/USC Station and walk five minutes to the center. Visit the center's website for more information. Dodger Stadium Baseball fans should enjoy a visit to Dodger Stadium, which is home to the LA Dodgers and is MLB's third oldest continually used park. The stadium is carved into Chavez Ravine and overlooks downtown LA to the south and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, making this ballpark quite unique. If the Dodgers aren't playing when you're in town, you can still see the stadium on a guided tour. Tours of the 56,000-seat stadium last approximately 90 minutes. During the tour, visitors will learn about the stadium's history and may get to go on the field, look at the Dodger Dugout or peek into the Lexus Dugout Club (the VIP restaurant and lounge located behind home plate), which houses the team's World Series trophies and various other awards. Additional specialty tours, such as a Jackie Robinson tour, are also offered. Recent tour-goers say the guides are excellent and enthusiastic.The Dodger Stadium Tour is offered at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on select dates. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 14 and under. Parking is $17 in advance and $25 at the gate, with no in-and-out privileges and no refunds. Tickets to baseball games are seasonal and prices vary. Greystone Mansion and Park Greystone is one of the largest mansions in Beverly Hills and an important landmark for American cinema. The nearly 13-acre parcel of land was a wedding gift from oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son, Ned, in 1926. Construction on the mansion began in 1927 and took almost three years to complete. Greystone now represents a golden age in American cinema. Many films, including "The Big Lebowski" and "Ghostbusters," and television shows like "General Hospital" and "Gilmore Girls" have been shot on these gothic-inspired grounds.Today, the interior of the mansion is closed, except for special events and tours, but visitors are free to walk around the property. Two-hour park ranger tours of the mansion and gardens are held the first Saturday of the month from January through April as well as the first Sunday in March and April. Tours cost approximately $20 per person. For more information or to register for these tours, visit the website. Many visitors call Greystone Mansion a "hidden gem" within LA, saying that it offers respite from the city's hustle and bustle. Travelers describe the park grounds as spectacular and enjoy learning which of their favorite movies and shows used Greystone as a backdrop. Hollywood Homes Tours Once you've seen where the stars shop, where they eat, where they surf and where they party, you'll want to see where they live. A variety of minibus tours provide ample opportunities to spot homes owned by the rich and famous. You probably won't see the celebs themselves, but you can snap pics of the homes affiliated with A-listers like Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, Bruno Mars and Halle Berry. Also, expect to see

facades that once housed the likes of Lucille Ball, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Along with the stars' abodes, buses usually make stops at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive.According to recent travelers, the demeanor of your tour guide can make or break your trip. Visitors stuck on tours with grumpy or mumbling guides wished they had just bought a map and done the tour on their own. Also, be sure to check the weather for the day: Extreme heat or a sudden shower can put a damper on an open-top bus ride. Universal Studios Hollywood One of the most popular attractions in the Los Angeles area, Universal Studios Hollywood features rides and amusements based on some of the most popular scenes and characters from film and television. You can take the famous tram tour past the creepy Bates Motel from "Psycho" and get caught up in a high speed chase with the "Fast & Furious" cast. Kids can shake hands with cartoon favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants and Scooby-Doo. Of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is another huge hit, as is Jurassic World – The Ride. If thrills are your thing, there are plenty of hair-raising coasters and rides. On Transformers: The Ride-3D, riders join Optimus Prime in his battle against the Decepticons; meanwhile, youngsters will love the 3D ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (complete with a Minion dance party).Universal Studios welcomes hoards of tourists each day; to forgo the long waits, travelers suggest purchasing the Express pass (formerly Front of the Line passes), which cost $179 to $279 each, online. This brings up another pain point: the price. At $109 to $129 for one-day general admission for adults and $103 to $123 for little ones ages 3 to 9 (when purchased online), a family excursion to Universal Studios doesn't come cheap, something some visitors find off-putting. Grand Central Market Grand Central Market, or foodie heaven according to visitors, is located in downtown Los Angeles by the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad. The venue features high ceilings and an open layout, with food vendor stalls offering different cuisines that represent cultures from the Los Angeles area and beyond. The market has been in operation since 1917 and serves everything from coffee and pressed juices to deli fare, egg sandwiches, falafel, tacos and chow mein.Visitors love this market's lively atmosphere, while others thought it didn't live up to the hype. Regardless, this foodie paradise is popular, so expect lines. You'll also find that meals here are considerably cheaper than those served in other parts of the city. Hollyhock House Warner Bros. Studio Located in Burbank, California – a city that sits just 5 miles north of Hollywood – Warner Bros. Studio gives visitors a close-up look at iconic movie and TV sets and props, such as the original Batmobiles, costumes from the "Harry Potter" movies and a replica of the cafe featured in "Friends." Travelers will also drive around the studio's 110-acre backlot, where 30 soundstages are used for producing shows like "Young Sheldon," "Bob Hearts Abishola," and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."Previous visitors loved exploring this property and appreciated their "fun and knowledgeable" tour guides. Additionally, many enjoyed getting out of their golf carts to go inside a working set and other buildings used for filming, citing this as the main reason to tour this studio instead of others like Paramount Pictures Studios. But keep in mind, children 7 and younger are not permitted on any tour. https://travel.usnews.com/Los_Angeles_CA/Things_To_Do/

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teddybeartoji · 5 months ago

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@mieiri @p00pdev1l @twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat

revisiting an image i made a full year ago (!) because i'm quite fond of how the wings came out but wanted to a fix a few other things that were bugging me. i like to think the long feathery eyelashes would be good for keeping sand and other nasty stuff out of his eyes 😁

#OP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#HOLY FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#THIS IS A FUCKING MASTERPIECE #FUUUUCKKK ME I LOVE IT SO MUCH #THE EYELASHES ARE SO SICK HELLO #his nose.... 🙈🙈🙈#godd i love the colors so fucking much too #so fucking obsessed with this thank you for this tasty treat op<333333333 #hai vash lovers i am kissing you all very sweetly:3333 #vash #loserville's art gallery

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keelywolfe · 4 years ago

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FIC: Boogie Shoes (baon)

Summary: Andy Jeff really isn't one to celebrate his birthday, but when you have someone like Stretch for a best friend, what's a guy supposed to do?

Tags: Spicyhoney, Established Relationships, Found Family, Friendship

Notes: I like to write a short for my birthday as sort of a present for all my readers, but this year there is Stuff going on so I'm posting a couple days early. 😁

Part of the ‘by any other name’ series.

~~*~~

Read it on AO3

Read it here!

~~*~~

Jeff was concentrating so hard on the spreadsheet in front of him that the knock on his office door made him jump, banging his knee on his desk.

“Come in,” he called, rubbing his wounded leg. The door opened to reveal not Catty with more work, as expected, but Stretch, carrying what Jeff sincerely hoped was an iced mocha latte with his name on it.

“heya, handy andy,” Stretch set the cup down carefully away from the laptop and Jeff took it gratefully. He seriously loved his job, but everyone could use a quick coffee break from time to time. “i came up to pester my shorter half and thought i’d stop and say hi.”

“If you come bearing caffeine, you can visit any day of the week.” Jeff took a sip and couldn’t hold back an appreciative groan. The Beanery knew its coffee, for sure, and they made their own mocha syrup in house. Perfection in a recyclable cup.

Stretch plopped down in the only other chair in the office, propping his untied sneakers on the corner of Jeff’s desk and Jeff let him, payment for the tasty goodness. “so. right to brass tacks…tacts? who the hell came up with that phrase…anyway, a little bird told me your birthday was coming up.”

“A little bird?” Jeff said dryly. He saved his spreadsheet and pushed his laptop aside; this conversation might require actual attention before he got swept away in some kind of crazy scheme. Been there, done that, lost an eyebrow to prove it. “More like the cat who should’ve gotten your tongue.” Catty was a gossip of astonishing breadth and commitment.

“could be,” Stretch grinned, “but hey, birthdays only happen once in a blue moon, didn’t wanna miss the boat, you’re the apple of my eye, don’t wanna be a fair-weather friend—”

“Enough,” Jeff laughed. “Before I run out of here like a bat out of hell. What did you have in mind?”

Stretch dropped his feet back to the floor and sat up so straight Jeff could hear the joints in his spine pop in protest. “as your best bud, i’m pretty sure i’m supposed to throw you a party or something. didn’t want to go the surprise route, ‘cause as fun as that sounds to me, i kinda think you need to feel out that sort of thing before you plan it. don’t have a bladder, but it doesn’t take a crystal ball to figure out that making someone piss their pants in front of friends and family is kinda the opposite of fun.”

“Yeah, no thanks,” Jeff shuddered. “To be honest, I’d rather not have a party at all.”

“oh. okay, if that’s what you want.” Stretch didn’t sound put out, only a little disappointed as he slumped back into the chair. He wouldn’t pry, Jeff knew, but it was okay. A lot of his old hurts stung less these days.

“It’s just…my parents used to throw me a party every year, but they didn’t invite my friends.” What few he had, but that didn’t seem worth mentioning. “They invited theirs and kids from our church who didn’t even like me. I’d spend the whole time being ignored at a party that was supposed to be about me, unless it was to blow out the candles for the photo op.” The memory of sitting miserably alone, waiting for his father to scold him in a low whisper through clenched teeth to stop embarrassing him…Jeff shook it away. He was done letting his dad hurt him, thanks. “After I moved in with Julia, we just had a little cake and dinner together with some presents.”

He could practically see Stretch eagerly latch onto that idea. “we could do that, if you want! edge could make dinner, you and antwan could come over. have some cake, play some games—”

“Play games? I thought you wanted me to have a nice, quiet night,” Jeff teased. Their game nights hadn’t reached the level of the legendary (and fiery) last game of Monopoly before it was permanently banned, but not for lack of trying.

Stretch’s grin was unashamed, but then, he didn’t usually start the gaming fires, he only fanned the flames. “yeah, okay, maybe a movie. how about it?”

“I’d like that.” One of Edge’s delicious dinners, followed by one of his luscious desserts? He could do things with chocolate that would make angels swear and devils weep, Jeff’s mouth was already watering.

Stretch was nodding thoughtfully, probably already plotting at least something unusual and whatever it was, Jeff knew it would make him laugh. He started to climb to his feet and Jeff hastened to stop his escape. He was starting to get the hang of all this, figuring out the steps to Stretch’s internal dance, and he knew the best time to probe for his own info was when Stretch just dug up his own.

“What about for your birthday,” Jeff asked, lightly, “party animal or homeboy?”

Either way, Jeff figured he could rope Edge into helping and they could have some real fun with it, come up with some sort of crazy party theme. Mad scientist was probably off the table, unless they stuck with classroom experiments, but Stretch would think rubber chickens were hilarious, or wearing anything but clothes or even a 70’s disco bash, Jeff had a cute pair of go-go boots that he was dying to wear.

Of all the answers Stretch might give, from actual honesty (unlikely) to some kind of sly pun (far higher on the list), Jeff was not expecting his friend to only shrug his narrow shoulders. “dunno, i’ve never had a birthday party.”

“What? Seriously?” Jeff said, startled. He’d honestly expected that if nothing else, Edge would make sure Stretch got a little celebration, not to mention Blue.

Stretch only rolled to his feet and lived up to his namesake with a joint-popping groan, tall enough that his fingers brushed the ceiling as he stretched. “don’t even know when my birthday is, none of us do. it was always just me and blue until we got here.”

He didn’t seem bothered by it, which, yeah, it wasn’t like he knew any different. But knowing that Stretch never had any kind of parent…sure, his own parents were kind of shit, but he’d at least had Julia. Stretch was the older brother, had anyone ever taken care of him, made sure he had presents and hugs and treats when he needed them, made him feel any kind of special, before Edge stepped up?

Jeff was afraid he knew the answer to that one. No wonder the whole Skeleton family went all out on Gyftmas.

“anyway, i better let you get back to work.” Stretch waggled his fingers in a lazy little wave. “i’ll talk to edge, makes some plans for this weekend, yeah?”

“Sure, sounds great,” Jeff said, but he already had a plan of his own forming and knew just the accomplice to help.

It was how he ended up crouched behind a sofa a few days later with the entire skeleton clan, plus extras, waiting for a door to open and the lights to turn on before jumping out with the rest of them to a loud chorus of, “Surprise!”

Surprise was probably an understatement, Stretch nearly jumped out of his non-existent skin and he dropped the bag of books he was carrying, a quick call from Thomas at ‘Classic Books’ the perfect ruse to get him out of the house for a couple of hours.

Jeff really hoped someone recorded that shriek, it deserved a place of honor on Twitter.

“what the hell?” Stretch didn’t seem happy, only bewildered, looking around the room at the streamers, the balloons, the haphazard pile of presents with the rubber chicken in a white leisure suit standing guard, and the banner that declared, ‘happy birthday!’. There was an entire buffet table full of mouthwatering treats, more than enough for the hungry guests, and eh, maybe the huge disco ball was a bit much, but when you had a theme, you had to run with it.

“It’s a party for you, Papy!” Blue chirped out, like maybe somehow his brother missed the clue. His cheery smile dimmed a little, the party hat on his head almost drooping when Stretch only stood there in confusion with his bag at his feet. Edge started towards him in obvious concern and Jeff held out a hand to stop him. This was his idea, he’d take the heat.

He walked over to Stretch and picked up the bag, heavy books shifting within it. The shiny white leather of his go-go boots reflected the light of the disco ball, but Jeff forced himself not to stare at them. Instead, he pulled off one of the wide gold chains around his neck, the one with a medallion on it that had ‘Let’s Boogie’ engraved in it. He held it out, looking into his friend’s pale eye lights as he admitted, a little nervously, “I figured since I didn’t want my birthday, I’d give it to you.”

The confusion on Stretch’s face faded into something more complicated, harder to interpret, but there was no mistaking the strength of the hug Jeff abruptly found himself pulled into, the books thumping back to the floor.

“thanks.” A single word, maybe a little too soft and thick. Tears pricked Jeff’s eyes as he hugged Stretch back, the best friend he’d never even thought to wish for, much less imagined he’d have. Then he was biting back a laugh as Stretch murmured, “we’re still doing dinner and a movie, you shit.”

“Deal.”

Stretch let go after a minute and his grin was enough to rouse the rest of the guests who were starting murmur apprehensively. He snatched the necklace still dangling from Jeff’s hand and looped it around his neck with a loud, “c’mon, let’s party!”

It was one of the best ideas Jeff thought he’d heard all year.

-finis-

#spicyhoney #papcest #keelywolfe #underfell #underswap #underfell papyrus #underswap papyrus #by any other name

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requiem626k · 4 years ago

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IT IS I! 🎹 anon! I have returned from the land of paper writing for the end of the semester and I live (sort of) HAHA

I just realized I aaid PRELUDES and not ETUDES. But I love both of the either way.

I think Scriabin's etudes are more popular, like Op 8 No 12 and Op 42 No 5. I really enjoy them and the former is really intense, but I think it's easy to get tired of them eventually.

For his Preludes Op 11, my personal favorites are No 1, 15, and 19. I actually don't really understand that much about music theory (though I do plan on learning when I have free time... maybe you could recommend where to start? :D HAHA no pressure of course) so I can only recommend them based on what my ears think sound nice.

Anyway hope you have a good day! May all that you eat be tasty :3

AHH! LOVELY 🎹 ANON HELLO! <3 I was wondering where you were haha! I mean, of course you’re not obligated to write me but ah I think you get the point- I’m just happy to see you again😖❤️

I hope all went well for you with those papers!! I’m sure you did good💕 And thank you so much for the recs ahh, I can’t wait to discover them!!

And thank you for the lovely wishes about my day, I wish the same for you too <3

My commentary for the pieces + recs for learning music theory are under the cut🤭

Etude Op 8 No 12

Oh my God, I loved this. It’s the first time I listen to it, and I chose to listen to it from Horowitz and the chills it sent down my spine are still there. It’s so intense as you said, the build-up is wonderfully written and the passionate emotions just put you in a vortex and whirl you around, I love it. And the bass notes- oh the bass notes, every beginning of a new measure struck my heart.

On the second listen, I can say that I especially adored the heartwarming modulations in the beginning and the use of dominant 7ths during the buildups, omg the amount of chills this piece is giving me- 🤤

Etude Op 42 No 5

My fingers started hurting just by listening to it-😶 Oh my. This one was much more chaotic than the other etude, in the middle part I almost lost my sense of rhythm, it’s just… insane.

I adore the soft melody that chimes in in the middle section🥺 (starting from 01.58 in this recording, it just has my heart ahh I could hum it all day… I never wanted to hug a melody before- ;^;)

Prelude Op 11 No 1

Listening to this right after those passionate etudes was a really interesting and comforting experience. not going to lie. 🤭 Ahh, this one was extremely comforting and soft, it felt like walking on the water and letting myself go with the flow~

Prelude Op 11 No 15

I… I’m mesmerized by this one. How can one create such a beautiful thing with such simplicity? I adore the ambience that the left hand creates, and the pearl-like (as we call it in my native language, which means it’s just so well articulated) melody is the cherry on top- I can easily weep to this, especially to the last two soft chords…🥺

Prelude Op 11 No 19

I LOVE THIS ONE SO MUCH😭 How does he do that? How does he make the listener feel passionate, bittersweet and emotional at the same time? I also love how he hides such precious melodies inside an orderly chaos, they just shine.

In conclusion: Russians surely know how to make music & Scriabin is so damn underrated. Thank you so so much for these recs, I loved every single one of them ❤️

Now onto the music theory talk! Parting from your words, I’ll assume that you have no experience/knowledge about it.

My first advice: be patient. Think of it as learning a new language, and this is a language that’s using a completely different alphabet too, called “notes”. Would you expect to be able to talk in a totally new language fluently after a few weeks? A few months? One year? I don’t think so. Treat music theory as such too. It will take time, practice and effort. But don’t let this demotivate you, because once you get the hang of it, it becomes so enjoyable and if you’re really interested in going on (which I see that you pretty much are, given your passion about music <3) you find yourself totally lost in it😌

As a starting point, (again, I don’t know how much you know so I’ll just assume you don’t know anything) obviously, you must learn the alphabet: You should know how to read notes as well as you know your name.

After the notes, there comes the rhythms, modes (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian) scales & key signatures, interval types (major, minor, perfect, augmented, diminished etc.) and chord types (triad chords, major chords, minor chords, diminished chords, augmented chords, seventh chords etc.) I’m aware that these are all tedious stuff that you need to memorise quite a bit but please, please lay these foundations very strongly and well. Keep in mind that you’ll be constructing every layer on these knowledges, may it be harmony, counterpoint or piece analysis.

After you’ve learned them individually, you’ll learn the relationships between them. Just as an example: what chord is called how in what scale? Or the chord progressions, which is essential if you want to analyse a piece in terms of theory. And I think this pretty much covers the basics! I definitely recommend learning with a teacher, if you can. But if you can’t, there are lots of stuff on the Internet that would help you learn it yourself, I suppose! It’s been a really long time since I first learned it, for me it’s like my native language so I fear I couldn’t give a detailed and educational advice, but I hope it’s helpful somehow😖

#anon.[🎹]#anon interactions👤#scriabin talks #req’s classical music brainrot

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bestaction-ps4games · 4 years ago

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How The Uncharted Games and Naughty Dog Have Influenced My Gaming

I'm eagerly awaiting the final chapter of Uncharted "A Thief's end" to arrive in the post, knowing full well I'm not actually going to play until sometime tonight... As my son chews on my PS4 controller while I put this together (I've stopped 3 times on this paragraph already to protect my right trigger from his ever growing collection teeth!). But this whole thing has me in a reflective mood as I realised Uncharted games have had such a positive influence on my gaming in the previous generation, and so have Naughty Dog with their astounding ability to create action adventure games that, for me, are the best you can play.

You may think this is just another PlayStation gamer gushing over an exclusive game, but my journey with Uncharted actually started as an Xbox 360 gamer, who was playing happily away on the Gears of War series (that I love and will be playing number 4 asap too) plus other great games when my girlfriend at the time - now mother of said control pad chewing son and his big sister - proved she was the woman of my dreams when she bought me a PS3 for my Birthday (an age I'd happily trade my next Birthday for!).

So what was the game I put in first? Well, I picked up Metal Gear Solid 4 and Uncharted knowing both were exclusives I'd missed being on the Xbox. Next thing I'm flipping a coin to decide my fate and Uncharted won out... I barely looked up from the screen for the next few days. Get More Info best action-PS4 games

It blew me away with everything it did, it was the full package of everything I enjoyed in gaming, I continued to play through all the Uncharted games as soon as possible and I've not looked back since.

Uncharted Territory

The original title did so many things well, even the remastered version, which we reviewed still stands out as a great title. There were stunning visuals and environments that had you using platforming mechanics, executed in a way that really makes every jump feel a real grasp for survival. Action that rivals Gears of War that I'd enjoyed so much, but best of all; a real sense of action movie adrenaline with characters and story that made the game the full package for me.

And this was only the first game; the sequels - which I'll move onto soon - took this to the next level. But like any great film series or books, games that have great sequels start from ambitious originals that may not be perfect, but they really push the genre to the next level in what they try to do. The original Uncharted did that for me and I'll always remember it fondly.

An introduction to both Nathan Drake and Nolan North's ability as a voice actor for gaming also came with the first game. Perhaps something we take more for granted the series days, but the voice acting of the characters in the Uncharted games is just as important as the other elements of Naughty Dog's creation. Nolan has made a number of characters awesome, one of my other favourites being the lead in Spec Ops The Line as Captain Walker, an amazing game that everyone fond of the third-person shooter should play.

But Nate is his best performance (although my daughter may say he's pretty good in Blaze and The Monster Machines too) and he's made the character one of the best in gaming, why?

Well because you like him but he's a bit of an idiot most of the time. He's not a typical hero and while he's not exactly an anti-hero like Joel from The Last of Us - which I will get to later on in the article - he just makes some stupid decisions, and gets himself in a right mess most of the time. But this makes him identifiable as a character and only makes his story stronger for me, especially as the series progresses.

But what also does it for me is the supporting cast with Sully, played so perfectly by Richard McGonagle, hits the supporting role perfectly alongside Nate along with some well created female characters too played by Emily Rose and Claudia Black. This just gets better as the sequels come in and more of Drake's past becomes clearer.

That can also be said for the action, visuals and action-movie feel to the game as the series goes on too. Like most gamers I would say that second game, Among Thieves is the best of the Uncharted games. I'm not going to have a big fight with anyone who says 3 was the best because it was amazing, the airplane sequence followed by the desert scene being one of my favourite moments in gaming. But for me, the action, platforming and overall feel of Drake's story in the second game is the best so far.

But then, I haven't played 4 as I write this (day one patch is currently downloading as I ready this article!) and I have a feeling this is going to blow me away. I avoid spoilers and reviews generally when I want to play something as much as this game, but the words "Naughty Dog's best game" has been said and that is one hell of a statement.

Good Dog

Even though they are apparently naughty, the Uncharted games are only part of my affection for these developers that really need letting out of the dog house now and given a nice tasty treat.

Before the obvious I'll say this about my first love with Naughty Dog's work; Jak and Daxter is amazing and a series I just couldn't stop playing. Having just finished Ratchet and Clank (and doping my best with typing up the review), which in summary was awesome, I really hope these two make it to PS4 as well.

But we get to my current favourite Naughty Dog game, The Last of Us. Now without pouring my heart out about it, and I could easily do another 1k words on just how good it is, TLOU changed gaming for me. It brought emotion out of me that a game never really has before. I was really saddened at the start and I went up and down throughout, especially the David scene with Ellie.

None of it good for a man with a daughter to experience.

But without the Uncharted games this could never be, and adversely, the new Uncharted is certainly going to close Nate's adventure off with a lot of lessons learned from TLOU. Getting that emotion into the game is what I'm looking forward to most.

The Uncharted games have had a massive influence on my gaming and Naughty Dog too; I certainly can't wait to experience more of it this week. So, as an end to this I will say, should I be lucky enough for someone to check this out from the studio, thank you Naughty Dog for what you've made so far and I'm thrilled to be experiencing Nathan Drake's final chapter.

And that is about to start! Looks like I've typed for so long that all is downloaded and ready to go! Now, if I can just find a place to stash my Son I'll be fine...

Game On

Rossco loves gaming and writes regularly about gaming, covering a number of different articles like this one on Uncharted, reviews and more.

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twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat · 1 year ago

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@teddybeartoji @staryukis @dollsuguru @venusiansilk

soulmates

#THERE ARE TEARS IN MY EYES #OPPPPPP THIS IS ONE OF THE CUTEST STSGS I’VE SEEN IN MY LIFE 🥺🥺🥺#i’m completely obsessed w this wowowow. wow.#LITTLE MEOWMEOWS….#your art style is SO cute it’s completely unreal…… AND THE COLOURSSSS i love them so much #this looks so tasty i need to put it in my mouth #tastes like soft serve ice cream #:33 #no but this is actually so adorable i had to clutch my chest. satoru’s big blue eyes and suguru’s nya mouth…….#sugu especially is so adorable i actually can’t take it i want to cry #AND THE VOLUME 26 COVER REALNESS (best jjk cover btw… just in case anyone forgot)#they look so goodddd in their cozy fits #holding hands!!!#w the roses and snow behind them #🥺🥺🥺#i love this op. thank you for the treat <3 #STSG NATION I’M KISSING YOU ON THE CHEEK i love you all sm… hope this can make u smile :33 #fanart ✩

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the-strongest-decoy · 6 years ago

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Hey! Some anime asks😊 2,8,12,24 I really like your blog❤❤

2. first anime crush

Roy Mustang from FMA Brotherhood 😊. God just that makes me so nostalgic. I have a Tee-shirt with him on it and I also have a drawing sketch of him framed up on my wall that my sister drew for me. I was crazy about him and I was crazy about Riza Hawkeye. And I was crazy about Royai.

8. anime character you are most like

Okay so I’m gonna give a complicated answer for this one.. Hope you’ve seen Naruto and Haikyuu so this makes sense LOL. I used to be as good at studying as Kageyama was at volleyball and I also had the same self-awareness as he did, which is nothing, so I was dumb as a brick and could never understand or figure out why people hated me or treated me the way they did, so I could really relate to Naruto coz I was treated the way he got treated. I used to work myself to the bone like Sasuke but I also loved studying like Kageyama. But many years later and after getting into new social environments, and me gaining a bit more self-awareness... I do identify with Hinata personality wise and I actively try to be like him and be positive and think like him. It’s a lot easier to be like him when you’re with others because you have some degree of objectivity to see things as they are while interacting with others. But when I’m by myself and something doomful or gloomy happens, and I try to push myself, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Most recently, I could really relate to Hirugami’s backstory with volleyball. I draw a lot of inspiration from Haikyuu and it’s just really important to me because it taught me positive thinking when I needed it the most.

12. anime that should get more attention from others

OKAY BUCKLE UP FELLAS I GOT YOU SOME SPICY TASTY AND DELICIOUS AF RECOMMENDATIONS

❤ Baccano! - A classic, old anime, with the absolute best Jazzy OP and music score. Very unique, one of a kind story. DEFINTELY GIVE IT A WATCH IF YOU LIKED Westworld, because it has a non-linear storyline. I’d also like to strongly recommend this anime to all you writers out there because I think a lot of elements in this story is so beautifully written that it gives you a lot of insight about what stories are and what the art of storytelling does. Character dynamics too.

❤ Kaguya-sama: Love is War - aka the peak of romantic comedy and nothing will ever top this genre so hard. Clever, funny, witty and most importantly, full of heart. Well rounded characters, beautiful, absolutely beautiful character relationship dynamics, comedy that’s funny because it’s natural and beautiful OPs and animation and voice acting and music score. The manga is just *chef’s kiss* x2 and the anime is just *chef’s kiss* x2

❤ Promised Neverland - you’ve probably heard of it but put it off for watching later.. Don’t do that. Go watch it now or as soon as you can. It’s an excellent weekend binge for when you feel like watching something that’s not too fluffy. It’s definitely the next-gen Deathnote, and very well done as a story.

❤ Kimetsu no Yaiba - just please watch this absolutely gorgeous anime, with it’s traditional Japanese aesthetic, superb soundtrack and breath-taking animation quality that’s just consistent ALL THROUGHOUT. It’s a beautiful anime overall and worth investing time and energy into.

❤ Black Clover - do it for Mereoleona Vermillion. This is a really underrated shonen anime and deserves a lot more credit than it’s currently not getting. It’s a story that takes all your cliche shonen tropes and works with them so well. Loud, noisy, try hard, sore loser chibi protagonist? Check. Ikemen OP rival character who is also a try hard? Check. Badass mentor character, Check. Misfits find a home and fight together powered by Nakama spirit? Check. The voice acting can be loud, jarring and annoying in the beginning, but it gets LOADS better after episode 6 or so and the pacing might be really slow, but the story keeps jumping from arc to the next with no break in between. The manga actually goes at a breakneck pace and if you don’t wanna watch the anime definitely consider reading the manga, it’s absolutely brilliant. Also one of the rare shows in shonen that treat women well and empower them. DO IT FOR THE GoAT MEREOLEONA VERMILLION. (Disclaimer - this post has been written with complete disregard for Gauche who is a creepy character and does not deserve to exist .^.)

❤❤❤ Haikyuu!! - can’t recommend this enough. Please consider rewatching if you’ve already watched.

24. popular character you hate

Overhaul / All for One - Boku no Hero Academia, Neferpitou - Hunter x Hunter. Also making the list are those competing for the Shittiest Dad of All Time Award - Endeavour-Todoroki Enji and Ging Freecs

send me an anime ask!!! PLEASE!!!

Thank you for sending in this ask ❤❤❤ And I’m glad you love my blog!! ^_^

#jan aswers #THANK YOU FOR SENDING THIS <3 #ask me #anime ask

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uhohdad · 10 months ago

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👀 👀 q1 you on to something girl

#🤤 🤤 🤤#op tasty treat lickkking my fingers #konig #also thank you for that q1 i’m-#you’re absolutely correct #tgwcm

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sarafinamk · 1 year ago

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Thank you for giving us this tasty treat. Now YOU, dear OP, should rest and recover as a treat 💖

Episode2, “To Find An Angel”

Dogday keeps getting dreams of a mysterious man telling him to find The Angel, will he finds his answers on the Station?

Despite me Being Sick I decided to work on ep 2 because No One, not Even The Flu, can make me stop

#poppy playtime #Space Riders AU #dogday #catnap #onyx’s whimsy art #Episode 2

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chariflare · 5 years ago

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end of work week so No Brain Energy for a “full post” so here’s just like. a brain dump of stuff i liked and disliked about 7 deadly sins (s1). pretty spoiler-y

dislikes (so that we end the post on the most tasty part of the meal)

they give melio.das a flaw of “repeated sexual offender” with the same level of gravitas and plot-irrelevance that ya authors make their self-insert protagonists “clumsy” (i.e. it’s written as a “flaw” but doesn’t affect the plot and is often used for ““comedic effect””). unlike clumsiness though, repeatedly groping women should get a person arrested. thanks

elizabeth is still a damsel

jericho. not the feminist take that the author thinks she is. awful

ultimately the cool female villains turn out to be not that strong or important, and also get love interest’d with members of the main heroic cast (& both’s motives depend on a man)

depending on how her character arc ends up diane’s obsession with wishing she wasn’t a giant is kinda uncomfortable

i don’t mind that elaine looks young-ish but i find it uncomfortable that she has an anime kid voice to top it all off (in jp...?)

gil.thunder’s side-switch wasn’t appropriately established and his og character sucks. years of acting as a moustache-twirling bishie villain don’t appear to have affected his psyche in a meaningful way, and it’s impossible to come away knowing what he’s supposed to act like now

final villains of the first arc are BORING (i think they get more characterisation after they come back to life lmao)

usual shonen bullshit that is both a draw to the show and also makes threat levels kind of ridiculous and non-existent after a certain point (getting bogged down in endless fights, people coming back to life, refusal to acknowledge that maybe their society’s awful power structures are the problem, rapidly changing definition of “the most powerful villain EVER”, etc.)... all encompassed in one pig death fakeout

the weird fatphobic king thing

tiddy outfits. (though i don’t mind didane’s actually?)

more generalised misogyny

the most important hetero ships this season are mediocre

if you know king arthur shit you will know that everyone’s loosely based off of characters from arthurian myth. if you don’t know you will be so pissed when king arthur the 16yo sports anime character shows up to be like “YOUR NEXT ARC IS HERE”

holy SHIT the second opening song is so bad. it’s so bad y’all (the the first op for comparison)

likes

all the characters are adult colleagues (above everything else) and they act like it. (they’re... kind of found family nakama but there’s a bit more there.) they’re all unique, respected, practiced masters of their craft from the beginning of the story

gula & jericho for the when they were threatening were REALLY cool. i am so psyched at the thought of a random minor young female villain who is so badass & dedicated to the evil cause she’s willing to enter a near-death state to chase some random losers into hell. gula’s outfit slaps

(cw: suicide) ban is a really neat character. he’s like... an interpretation of a “vampire curse”. he was never really happy before he achieved immortality (seeking it only because ”if you live long enough, something good might happen to you eventually, i guess”), and getting it (by accident) only made him Worse - more self-destructive and more isolated from the people around him. he often can’t bring himself to care about much of anything, other people don’t care about him, and ultimately his existence is so fucked up and he’s laden with so much guilt that he doesn’t care about himself either. but he’s also a fun guy! incredibly powerful! will help you beat up your abusive dad! probably bi! also he has his tits out at all times and who am i to say no 2 that

personality: part of the reason that he’s isolated from other people (and othered) is his social class... but a main part of it is how his childhood kind of, created his personality. he doesn’t really connect to social norms (or laws), has niche interests, and has a “weird”, disconnected personality (again, made way worse by living 100 years past his lifetime). that being said, he’s not emotionally unintelligent, has interests outside of fighting, and is ultimately a good person

(maybe don’t read this one if you’re interested in watching? it’s all spoilers) Depression: ban willingly runs head-first into danger not just bc it’s a valid fighting technique for someone who can’t die but bc he’s... too ready to give up. but this reveal is only interesting bc it comes after like. a period of getting along with the group, being friends and having fun. ultimately hanging out with them hasn’t solved his problems - it’s just made him able to put them aside for a little while... until his trauma gets brought up, at which point he’s willing to take the first hint of an easy exit, despite how unlikely it is that it’d achieve his supposed goal, if it just lets him relieve himself of his guilt and existential suffering by letting him believe for just one second that he can fix all of the things that he “broke” with his own death (note: killing melio.das would have broken his heart and probably have been suicide by proxy). (this causes a lot of trouble and is not framed as positive, but it’s also not framed as all his fault. and he has to deal with the consequences of this? he realises in retrospect that it was an incredibly unsound idea? and lEAVES THE GROUP BC HE REALISES HE HAS TO TAKE A BREAK???)

comparing ban to a traditional vampire arc: unlike with vampires (who are often an allegory for a group of people, e.g. rich people or oppressed groups) there’s only one ban. and therefore instead of having a group with the same trauma he just suffers alone

meaningful conflict between the main characters. i don’t think i’ve ever really gotten this in a shonen show? there’s a LOT of unresolved trauma. the characters still work together bc they’re Adults... but it’s simmering

ban <-> meli: meli is the only person besides elaine who ever really understood ban... but that doesn’t mean that ban’s ok, now (in fact, the resentment about only being understood by one person kind of makes him... worse). (e: meli also has connections to the rare fantasy creature which started ban’s life hell). ban has too much damage to the point that he becomes a liability

ban <-> king: resolved early, but still good. king is convinced that ban is the cause of all of his suffering partly bc he’s too jealous to admit that smo else got close to his sister when he couldn’t; ban has enough guilt that he just Takes It. even afterwards their personalities are kind of incompatible so it’s fun to see them hang out

meli <-> (king <-> diane): relationship drama but it’s not a frustrating bc it’s relevant to each character’s flaws and Baggage (and the plot doesn’t bother to pretend that diane will end up with melio). king has a lot of guilt over accidentally (?) ghosting his family and SOME of it’s valid (but not all). king is jealous of meli for being the target of diane’s affection but also kind of lowkey thinks he doesn’t deserve her bc of the pain he’s caused her

meli <-> elizabeth <-> diane: diane KNOWS she’s not going to be in a relationship with meli but she still desperately holds onto hope. diane’s fears about being unlovable feed into her lack of self esteem as an oppressed (or at minimum, villanized) minority

elizabeth (the princess) is firmly a member of the team and her determination and character improvement is taken seriously. she DOES get badass moments BEFORE she’s revealed to be a reincarnated angel child or whatever

diane (the only female member of the 7 sins who has a big role this season) is consistently taken seriously (by the writers & other characters)

elizabeth & diane get to INTERACT!! and BE FRIENDS!!

i love elaine. first show i’ve seen that (unintentionally? & through fantasy tropes??) nails Older Sister Disease, i.e. the oldest female sibling being left to deal with all the family business, emotional and physical baggage, while all the male/younger siblings just fuck off. caring for your family members but also lowkey resenting them. they don’t invalidate her feelings even after relieving king of a little of the responsibility for her suffering. (i liked the romance prequel manga a lot - i p much only picked up the anime bc i bought into the romance b/w her and ban)

(despite everything) meli.odas acts like a proper leader for his squad. he takes his responsibilities seriously and treats his colleagues as his equals

ngl the twist with gowther disguising himself and his protagonist hair as a disposable marked-for-death npc was really funny

aesthetic is unique and distinct from the overdone isekai dnd fantasy that’s popular atm

the first ed song by flow & granr.odeo cheers me up every time

the feeling of going on an adventure with your buddies. it’s fun!

#pfssws #tl;dr the character relationships are interesting?#in smth like bleach or naruto there's either very little conflict b/w the protagonists OR there's a lot of dramatic heel-turning #but in this it's more like everyone's always on the same side but they have interconnected histories and traumas

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daveywankenobie · 5 years ago

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This week I’ve made a concerted effort to stick to the guidance outlined by the government – and when I did my (rather large) shop at Tesco last Sunday the aim was to not leave the house even for a pint of milk until the following week.

Prior to that I have to admit I’d been popping into the Co-op near my workplace a couple of times a week on the way home to get cow juice and other small ‘necessities’. However – when you weigh the need for a packet of hot cross buns against the danger of catching something potentially deadly such tasty treats somewhat lose their appeal.

Therefore this week I’ve only left the house to go to work and to exercise.

One thing I’ve realised lately though is that now the fallback tactic I’ve been using for dealing with stress, life and weight issues for the last four years (namely going for a ****ing long walk) has been rationed I’m really struggling.

Working every day in an isolated and unfamiliar office without people around me can be a lonely and stressful affair. As you might imagine at the moment anyone that’s in the business of enabling or supporting home working solutions is in high demand from their users.

The pressure to not only provide quality but rapid support is ever present.

It’s a never ending challenge – and I go home a lot of the time feeling like I’m somehow not good enough or that I should know more or be better in some way. I’m still new at what I do and it’s difficult having no-one around me, regardless of how industrious I try to be.

I try to throw myself into my work but with no-one to talk to I find my breaks either get later and later, missed altogether, or taken at my desk reading work e-mail in an attempt to catch up.

It’s mostly because I’m a people person who has no-one nearby to bounce off that I’m struggling.

I’m only a couple of weeks into the current working arrangements (which show no sign of returning to normal any time soon) and I’m already preoccupied with wishing it will all end ASAP.

However I’m not completely alone – there are other people dotted about in other rooms elsewhere in the building. Also, once a day I get to say hello to a cheerful cleaner that comes in to disinfect all of the contact surfaces on doors and work tops nearby.

He’s a nice fellow – and has been keen (since I first engaged him in conversation) to share funny texts that his friends send him, as well as amusing songs he’s found that parody the current lockdown events.

On Wednesday he showed me something that I knew I had to take home – especially given the current national obsession.

As soon as I saw the picture on his (2 metres socially distant mobile phone screen) I knew my other half would be tickled pink by them – and I immediately googled it on my own phone – initially intending to buy a pair for her.

The moment passed however and I was pulled back into my work.

When I returned home I remembed what I’d seen and showed her the picture from my search (the above pair are from Etsy – the link to the page is here) and to my surprise she matter of factly said ‘I think I can make those myself.’

‘Really?‘ I said.

‘Yes – I think I have the beads upstairs…’ she replied.

She’s got loads of craft supplies in teeny little drawers – and loves making jewellery so I guess this shouldn’t have taken me aback – but in some respects we’re still learning about each other’s talents.

Making little trinkets is definitely something that she’s really good at, and although my other half still buys earrings and necklaces all the time (we have several special storage areas set aside in the house) she also makes a lot of her own – such as this chain maille bracelet and pendants.

I remember visibly gulping back when we first started thinking about eachother romantically – becuase she admitted over text that she had a quite a thing for jewelery.

I have always associated this kind of thing with gold and precious stones – and (maybe wrongly) viewed ladies that wear a lot of it as ‘high maintenance’.

We all have our own likes and loves mind you – so who am I to judge?

If I’m willing to spend £1k on an Apple product then why should I expect other people not to do the same with things that they like? However I still find it really hard to dissasociate the ‘high maintenance’ stereotype in my mind from ladies that wear a lot of expensive finery.

Pleasingly none of what my partner chooses to wear is something that you’d find in a regular jewellers shop – and neither is it particularly expensive.

Instead her tastes are really funky and unique and she’s genuinley changed my perspectives on the subject.

Over the last couple of nights I’ve watched her in spare moments re-create the earrings I showed her and make the design her own,

I’ve been taking occasional pictures along the way – until today when she finally finished them and popped them into her ears to ask me for my opinion.

How cool are they?!

They’re flipping awesome not just because of how funky and fun they are – but because she made them – and thats sooooooo cool!

Part of life under lockdown is that (perhaps for the first time since we met) my (currently) captive Geography teacher has had the time to herself in the evenings is usually denied to her.

There’s currently no 90+ minutes of travelling followed by at least two hours and a half hours of marking and lesson preparation every day. In its place is instead an early start and a reasonable finish time in a home office looking out onto our garden that (at least from the outside looking in) seems to be infinitely less stressful than wrestling classes of teens into submission face to face.

It’s still a lot for her to do though – and I think that we’re both sitting well outside of our respective comfort zones. It’s difficult to adjust to a completely new setting at the best of times – but I’m pretty sure that from a career perspective she has always had a much tougher time than I do on a day to day basis.

Being a teacher is damn hard work – and when a month or so back (when we discussed the pressures related to her profession) I worked out that she spends at least 60 hours a week working.

At the moment (although she’s essentially locked up in the house) things are slightly different – and we’ve managed to spend a little more quality time with eachother in the evenings and weekends.

When we’re not doing things together we’re pursuing our own interests side by side on the sofa.

A mutual friend (commenting on her own enforced lockdown with her husband) remarked how awful it would be to be trapped in the house with the knowledge that you’re in a bad relationship hanging over you and the person that you’re trapped with.

I’m sure over the last few weeks that many couples all over the world have been re-considering their life choices – but not me.

I genuinely love spending every moment of the day with my partner – and since we became romantically involved we’ve not managed to fall out, annoy eachother or funamentally disagree on anything .

I’m not saying that arguments are the sign of a bad relationship – because in the right context a disagreement aired can be a healthy thing – but it just doesn’t seem to happen between us.

This is something I’m still bending my head around – because all of my previous relationships led me to believe that compromise and falling out over mundane things (such as the loo seat being left up) were just a fact of life.

It seemed like every relationship was destined to be this way (all of mine were) but now I realise that it was just the fact I wasn’t with the right person.

As nice as life with ‘er indoors‘ is though – there’s still nothing I’d love to do more today than to go for a long, languid walk and sit on top of a hill with a picnic for two. However spending any time together is thankfully something that makes me happy.

Even doing the gardening together cheers me up.

I genuinely thank my lucky stars that we met one another almost two years ago – and if the current crisis tells us nothing else it’s that we damned well have to appreciate what we’ve got while it’s there becuase you never know what’s around the corner.

Although there are no picnic capable hills near enough to where we live (to meet the government’s requirement to exercise ‘locally’) we did manage to get out for a walk around the park earlier today.

The sun spent its time periodically creeping in and out from behind cloud cover but our time there was still lovely.

Maybe becuase the traffic is so reduced on the roads surrounding the park there was a strong scent of flowers in the air as we passed the daffodils and formally planted beds.

I might be wrong but I think this lovely odour hung in the air for a good quarter of the distance around St Nicholas’s ‘measured mile loop’.

If nothing else – having a sense of taste and smell in the current climate is a positive indication of good health!

By the time we returned home we had around 3 miles in the bank.

It’s not much distance (compared to my previous standards) but it’s better than nothing and I’m grateful that the weather was good enough to wander hand in hand – and pretend for a few minutes that the world wasn’t imploding around us.

I’m also pretty damn grateful that I have a garden – becuase the little tweety birds are industriously busy building things.

They’re doing this at exactly the same time the television informs us moment by moment that everything is falling apart so it’s nice to have a counterpoint to focus on.

As the grim statistics just got worse and worse (a five year old just died…) this little fellow flew back and forth for about twenty minutes as we watched it (and it watched us) from a respectful distance.

Again and again this delightful little creature ferried materials back and forth – turning random bits and pieces into the building blocks it needed to create a nest full of little eggs and eventually new life.

I’m going to support it as much as I can – and will be filling my bird feeder to make sure that it’s chicks get the start they deserve.

On that (hopefully upbeat) note I think that it’s time to get something to eat. I should have started cooking ages ago – and my little jeweller looks like she’s in need of a chicken salad.

Who am I to deny her such a simple pleasure?

Of I trot!

Davey

‘Er indoors This week I've made a concerted effort to stick to the guidance outlined by the government - and when I did my (rather large) shop at Tesco last Sunday the aim was to…

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