#baseball’s fun again folks!

[telesilla]

Bryan Murphy calling Joc a “sweet, simple Swing Daddy” was not what I expected when I headed over to MCC to read the recap.

[madischoolreport]

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! NO! It's a SUPER AD!

Share an image of a sign/ad with a key concept in action. You heard it here first folks! The Amazing SUPERMAN in PRINT! Hear of his greatest exploits and his most dastardly villains!

Ahh, the 1960's. I remember it well. It was several decades before I was born and DC Comics were coming in HOT with Superman! The key concept here may not be very identifiable at a glance, but with the aid of Superman's X-RAY VISION, I'll shed some illumination! The concept I'm highlighting here is audience, and for a big reason.

When you think of advertisements, what do you think they are trying to promote? "Hey, I know you're having fun over here, but we paid the service you're on to tell you about our product that we have over here!" It's usually advertisers pointing to their product through other products. You see it in baseball stadiums telling you to get Geico, you see it on billboards telling you to read a bible or you'll combust, you see it on YouTube telling you to shop at Temu or vote one way or another (election season amirite?). But one ad that you might not think about are the HOUSE ADS! Out of all the advertisements, I, personally, find them to be the most wholesome. House ads are advertisements that promote internally. That is to say ads that promote themselves. In comics, you'll see regular ads for shaving products or even Geico again? Are you kidding me, how are you everywhere? But when making comics, the editors will intentionally leave blank space to put those pesky little Geico ads in there. But, occasionally, there will be spaces that aren't filled by Geico and nobody is paying for ads there. So they will do some self-promotion! This has two big purposes. One is obviously is to fill up ad space since they can't just have a blank page, but the other purpose is to get the audience excited and wanting to learn more about other series that they are putting out. So it gets consumers interested in other products that they are selling. And since they're already reading comics that they bought, they're more likely to give the advertisement a try as it is typically more of similar products or content. Who better knows their audience than the people who already have them hooked?

(Heya, I got a lot of info, as well as the Superman image from author Dan Greenfield at this link. I wasn't alive at the time of the ads posting, but it is fun to learn about them from the perspective of people who were around at the time! Give it a read, it's really interesting looking back through time!) Source: https://13thdimension.com/paul-kupperberg-my-13-favorite-1960s-dc-comics-house-ads/

[oscarpiastriwdc]

albums i would play for each driver on the 2024 F1 grid to expand their music taste

Max Verstappen: Graceland by Paul Simon - As a fan of classic and folk rock, I'd imagine Max has been exposed to Simon and Garfunkel and I think he'd enjoy the sprawling, detailed, careful expanse of Simon's solo masterpiece. Angels in the architecture spinning in infinity, etc etc

Checo Perez: Ramomex by Rebel'd Punk - One of the Mexican bands who pioneered punk music in the country, but Checo probably missed this release because he was too busy karting and moving to europe as a teen. It's never too late to have a proper angry punk phase, though.

Charles Leclerc: Ten Love Songs by Susanne Sundfør - Groundbreaking, life-altering pop music that pushes every boundary. This hits the sad songs craving and I think would interest him as a musician and burgeoning songwriter.

Carlos Sainz: Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey - daddy issues. I just know he'd vibe out to Brooklyn Baby.

Lando Norris: Destiny by DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ - I dream of sitting him down and exposing him to actually good, interesting, fun contemporary dj music.

Oscar Piastri: Speaking in Tongues by Talking Heads - He has that certain David Byrne swag and demeanor of someone who'd love the Talking Heads if only given the chance.

Fernando Alonso: 10,000 gecs by 100 gecs - At first the old man would be extremely confused but once he was on board he would be blasting The Most Wanted Person In The United States all day every day.

Lance Stroll: Talon of the Hawk by The Front Bottoms - that post that's like the problem is men are making podcasts instead of forming midwest emo bands. but it's men are becoming f1 drivers instead of forming midwest emo bands. I think some TFB exposure could be the spark of inspiration for a great career pivot.

Lewis Hamilton: Maps by billy woods and Kenny Segal - I fear Lewis might have been too worried about Merc's performance last year to have checked out this fantastic collaboration that was one of 2023's best albums.

George Russell: Contra by Vampire Weekend - I just saw Vampire Weekend live following the release of the new album and at the show there was a guy a few feet ahead of me in the merch line who had the exact same energy as GR. The mix of prep vibes and world music would work into his taste while expanding his listening beyond coldplay.

Yuki Tsunoda: GLOW ON by Turnstile - 100% a selfish pick, I want to mosh with Yuki in the pit of a Turnstile pit.

Daniel Ricciardo: The Panhandlers by The Panhandlers - A country supergroup I return to time and again, wistful and nostalgic, making you yearn for West Texas no matter where in the world you are.

Alex Albon: Pelican West by Haircut 100 - Funky British jazz pop, perfect for dancing and vibing.

Logan Sargeant: Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling by Slaughter Beach, Dog - I fear Logie might be too young or too norm core to have had a proper Modern Baseball phase (it's never too late logie! listen to Intersection!) but Ewald's 2023 offering seems like something he missed last year that's perfectly up his alley.

Valtteri Bottas: Merriweather Post Pavillion by Animal Collective - Weird and complex, I think he should throw it on while on a long bike ride and let his mullet fly in the breeze.

Zhou Guanyu: God Save the Animals by Alex G - no you don't understand i need him to listen to Alex G he would love it

Kevin Magnussen: Heaven or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins - Ethereal music he can feel and let wash over him in a wave to relax and transcend the horrors of driving for Haas.

Nico Hulkenberg: Supernatural by Santana - dad music but make it funky and good

Pierre Gasly: Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans by Uffie - A perfect twist on early 2000s French electronic music, I think it'd remind him of the club while sounding entirely new and make him want to pick up a side dj gig of his own.

Esteban Ocon: Lescop by Lescop - French indie pop-rock! His most recent album is fantastic, but Este should check out Lescop's 2013 debut first.

following a conversation with @liamlawsonlesbian and her definitive book rec list i'm doing something similar for music (she bullied me into posting this sorry). large range in popularity/mainstream-ness of artists depending on the driver and what i think they're already listening to.

[goldensunset]

while I can't say I've encountered nearly as many Radiant Garden fans as you probably have in order for that to jump to mind, I actually did find myself really agreeing with your take on it. I totally thought I was missing some cutscenes for a while, like maybe I just hadn't seen something that was in the manga or in the DS version of 358/2 days, but no. people actually do just extrapolate off of nothing. and while that's fine for the most part, I never see this level of dedication being put in for female characters. as a huge Aqua fan it's frustrating that she has so many interesting qualities that I'd love to see explored but DON'T because most of the fandom would rather extrapolate from a guy with 4 seconds of screen time than even think about her. unless she's being shipped with Terra, I guess. I think the R.G. folks are just a microcosm of that bigger issue--they'd dig into the earth's fucking mantle looking for gold in an emo boy before digging six feet down for a woman

salt under the cut (i won’t make this a habit i promise)

adjdjcnsnxn that’s an incredible way to put it i might steal that phrasing… see like again i understand the ienzo thing purely from a life situation point of view. if a lil boy was an orphan raised by sketchy weirdos in a lab and then at the ripe old age of 8 had the whole losing-his-heart-and-growing-up-less-than-human-raised-in-a-cult thing. sure i’d want to explore that too! i’d read farther into it than canon. but literally where is the passion for aqua or kairi or skuld etc etc… i mean the girls have their fans but like no one is out here constructing an entire elaborate universe out of them. like i do my best but it’s hard work… but i mean that’s hardly surprising right. that’s how the story goes

honestly ienzo fans don’t even make me mad it’s more like i get annoyed when ppl obsess over like. aeleus and dilan.. because respectfully and i say this with love. there is *nothing* there. they didn’t even bother bringing back their vas in kh3. they are filler. why do all the shifty weirdo radiant garden men draw rabid fans but heaven forbid the ladies get love. hold on *approaches hornet’s nest with a baseball bat* i think there’s something about specifically adult fictional men that- ((i reconsider and stop myself))

but like. people are allowed to do whatever they want idk at worst it’s annoying when they start attacking others over alleged mischaracterization. yes i know in your fun and admittedly interesting fantasy he acts like this. but you cannot get mad when another fan portrays him the way we see him in canon lollllllllll

[piratekane]

june reading wrap up

it's that time of the month again, folks.

the mission: read only queer books the side mission: read more than just sapphic books the side-side mission: read something besides fantasy/romance mission status: sick

some stats for those following along at home:

- i read 19 books - i attempted one buddy read (but my wife quit on me, guys) - 100% OF MY BOOKS WERE QUEER - still no audiobooks but there's a freshly peeled month ahead of us

here's the reviews:

the bad: - Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur, bisexual rep people in the circles i've been traveling lately love this book, but i just... didn't. the characters did a complete personality switch about three chapters in. one of them was a manic pixie dream girl. the other was so flat i dreaded reading her perspective. also the brother had NO boundaries and i hate third act breakups due to miscommunication. 1 star - Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly, achillean rep people also loved this one but my struggle is that i don't think gay men are it for me and also there were some things about Alexie that i just didn't jive with. there was, yet again, another third act breakup that felt contrived. the writing was good and it was clear Kelly knows hiking and they have a love for it. so i enjoyed that part! 2.5 stars - The Prospects by K.T. Hoffman, trans achillean rep everyone and their freaking mother LOVE this book but it just didn't have enough baseball. like, for a book about the first trans baseball player in the professional league, this book was about his love interest's anxiety. gimme baseball!!! and gene straight-up backstabbed luis, i stg if no one else thinks so. 2.5 stars

the great: - The Skin and Its Girl by Sarah Cypher, lesbian rep this is lit-fic and you should know that going into it. once i got used to the writing style, i was hooked on this book. it's an interesting POV and the love story is really the complex love between a daughter and her mother, and the daughter and get great-aunt. like, my brain is still bending around this one. 5 stars - The Z Word by Lindsay King-Miller, queer rep this book emerged from a tumblr prompt and it's incredible. tons of rep (sword lesbian, motorcycle lesbian, drag queen, bisexual mess, nonbinary pizza delivery person) and just a fun fucking time. it's all centered around Pride weekend and begs the question: just what do you do when a zombie outbreak fucks up your festival? 5 stars - Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun, lesbian rep two teachers go on a road trip with their terminally ill mentor and gosh, this is a specific setup but it works. i cried at the end like a little baby. the characters were fantastic (my favorite was their mentor) and the writing was superb. there's also really great ADHD rep in this and the growth of each character felt natural instead of forced. 5 stars - The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas, trans rep i knew this book existed and my cousin loves it but i never gave it a fair shake because i was like ONLY SAPPHIC NOVELS ONLY SAPPHIC NOVELS and was averse to reading anything but that but this one. this one is so good. the setting (a contemporary-fantasy latin america) is so lush and rich with detail. teo, the main character, had me rooting for him from the get-go. and the plot twist was so so good. i requested an advanced copy of the sequel through NetGalley and i'm hoping it'll come there. (i also bought Thomas' other novel, because now he is auto-buy author me) 5 stars.

honorable mentions: - A Swift and Sudden Exit by Nico Vincenty, bisexual rep also born from a tumblr prompt and just so much fun. i recommend purchasing this because it's just too good. time traveler meets and immortal (maybe you've seen the prompt). you won't regret it - Elatsoe by Darcy Little Badger, asexual rep an Indigenous girl who can see ghosts goes on a trip to hunt down her cousin's murderer. the writing is so punchy. i loved this one. - On the Same Page by Haley Cass, bisexual rep best friends become lovers through miscommunication. hilarious stuff. i will also read Haley Cass again because the characters were so funny and the plot was so good. - Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore, nonbinary rep this one was a mind bender in a good way. each of the characters were really fleshed out in a fun way. the timeline hopping was a little trippy, but i got my feet under me quick. - A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland, lesbian rep a selkie wife retelling. do i really need to say more?

okay this is long i am congratulating you if you got this far. now i need to go hibernate and slow down because i read too much and this month i want to write!

[mysticstarlightduck]

Big OC Questionnaire!

Gonna answer this one before I start today's writing session so here we go! Thanks for the tag, @the-golden-comet (here)!

Let's go with Adrien Rosetrom and Luke Katt (my ANGSTY bois who I adore) from my WIP Scrapyard Boys for this one! (:

What is your favorite thing to do to avoid responsibility?

Adrien - Eh, that one's pretty easy to answer dude. I just hole up in my apartment, lock the door, turn off the notifications on my phone, and then drink and smoke myself mindless while watching whatever's on TV. Sometimes I like watching the phone ring while not answering it just out of spite, that's fun. And if anyone I don't know tries to interrupt my peace they'll have a very sudden meeting with my baseball bat, if you get what I'm saying.

Luke - I just run off somewhere else until whoever or whatever I'm trying to avoid forgets about me or the dust settles. But that's only in more extreme cases - like if the cops are trying to get me or some gang wants to square up. Otherwise, I'm usually pretty responsible - I mean, I have to be, or else who the fuck is gonna take care of my little brother, or make sure my friends don't do some stupid shit again?

If you could choose anyone in the world to be your sibling who would it be?

Adrien - Don't even ask me that, dude (laughs bitterly). I've already got two half-siblings crashing at my apartment who show no intent on leaving me alone, I don't need anyone else leeching off my patience. (Begrudgingly) Fine, I actually do care for the two ankle-biters but don't let them find out or I'll never hear the end of it, dumbshit.

Luke - I'm not sure. Riley's my little brother and I would do anything to keep him safe - I've killed to protect him before, and I would do it again, even though it landed me in juvie for two years before I broke out. Valen - my best friend - and the other members of our little gang of chaos are also kinda like siblings to me by now, if I'm being fully honest, so there you have it.

What is the most sublime thing you have ever eaten and why?

Adrien - Sublime?! I'm not exactly an expert in high-cuisine, my dude. Most of my diet consists of like... cheap hamburgers, pizza, or nuggets. And a truckload of energy drinks. I guess a good dish of spaghetti with red sauce or a strawberry cupcake is as close as I'm gonna get to eating something "sublime." (chuckles)

Luke - I dunno, I know how to cook quite well but I rarely have like, the time and patience for it. I like microwave lasagna and chocolate cake covered with ganache, which are respectively my favorite dish and my favorite dessert, but that's about it.

What was the worst day of your life?

Adrien - I'm gonna be honest with you real quick: if I were going to answer that question in detail we would still be here talking this at this day and time next week. In short? Pretty much the majority of my days since I was kicked out, though the specific day I was kicked out of home and whenever my current boss decides to get too uh... handsy, for lack of a more 'family-friendly' word, are the runner-ups for Top 1 worst days of my life for sure.

Luke - I know most folks would expect the day I killed my abusive godfather to be the Number 1 Worst Day in my life but if I'm being frank... I kinda enjoyed it? Like really got a kick out of it (smiles widely). I know it sounds twisted and kinda insane to say, but I mean, the fucker had it coming, and knowing that he would never hurt Riley ever again was worth all the struggles that followed. I guess the actual worst day of my life was the day that followed when I was arrested and taken away from my little brother - but hey, I got out, and we're together again! So I say it was worth it.

What’s your worst nightmare?

Adrien - Being trapped in that fucking nightclub forever or being unable to pay off my debt to Zander so I can finally be free without fearing that the mob would skin me alive and feed me to the fishes. And as much as I hate admitting it - I guess now I kinda fear the twins will follow in my footsteps and end up hurt by my boss. It's kinda weird for me to admit and it does trip me out to think about how much I did change. Yeah, I know, I'm that pathetic.

Luke - Losing Riley and our friends, or them getting hurt in some way that I would be unable to heal them with my powers. And I don't fucking care who I have to kill to keep that from happening (laughs)

If a monster asked you your worst nightmare what would you tell it and why?

Adrien - Hell nah, man. I don't need anyone having that kinda power over me and my family, I know how that story ends and it ends with whoever was stupid enough to tell someone else their fears dead in a ditch. Not for me, pal! And let's say, if someone tried to use my fears against me, I would probably make their worst fear come true in the worst way possible, trust me on that.

Luke - Oh the 'monster' would have to spend a fucking fortune to recover from the damage I would do to them. You know I've done it before.

Would you give away secret information if tortured? Be honest.

Adrien - Honestly, I don't think I would give a damn either way but if that information was that important my captors would have one hell of a struggle getting it out of me - I'd probably lead them on with false hope that I'll talk and then don't say shit just so see the look on their faces, like, just to spite them and watch them losing their shit.

Luke - (chuckles darkly) Oh, how I'd love to see them try. If I'm going down, I'm taking their sanity with me, that's for sure.

Who could you trust most with a secret?

Adrien - Myself, and even then like... with a considerable, healthy concern, because you never know!

Luke - Probably my best friend, Valen - I know he would follow me to the depths of hell if need be, and I would do the same for him without a second thought. While I do trust Riley unconditionally, I'm not sure I wanna burden a twelve-year-old with the kind of secrets I keep, y'know.

You have been caught somewhere you shouldn’t be! Quick, what is your excuse?

Adrien - Dude, as if someone would be able to find me. If people were catching me slacking like that, I wouldn't be alive talking to ya right now, given the kind of company I usually keep. So in short: I'm almost always sneaking somewhere I shouldn't, but no one has caught me yet. That I know of.

Luke - Only like, all the time! Me and my friends are just that kind of trouble. Usually, I don't really make up an excuse, I just go "Oh, would you look at the time -", stun whoever found me, and just like, haul ass in the furthest direction as soon as possible.

How good is your sleep schedule?

Adrien - That'd better be a joke because my man you don't wanna know the answer to that. I'm a stripper working for the mob, do the math yourself how fucked up my whole schedule is at night. I usually go home at like, 3AM, on good days, crash on the couch, wake up sometime in the mid-morning if insomnia doesn't come to haunt me, down like three bottles of energy drinks and a cheap coffee, and then rinse and repeat the next day. If I sleep at all.

Luke - It's pretty good, especially when compared to some people I know. I go to sleep at like, 11PM, or 10.30PM, then sleep a solid 6 to 8 hours every day before waking up early. My powers require a lot of rest to recharge, and what kinda healer would I be if I didn't know how to take care of my own body?

Do you have any siblings?

Adrien - Already answered that but alright: I have two, half-siblings. They're twins who might as well be two gremlins coming to haunt my waking life. One's a boy, Rhys, and he's nice and all if his ideas didn't almost give me one heart attack per week, and the other one - the dangerously quiet one that is almost always up to some shady shit if she's out of sight - is a girl named Gwyn. Yes, I regret every life choice that led me to this situation and I'll probably end up grey before thirty.

Luke - Only one biological one, Riley - he's twelve. If you count my best friends then the list gets much longer, haha.

What’s the toughest time you had to endure growing up?

Adrien - Oh my time living old hag of a grandmother wasn't exactly paradise, putting it lightly. The nicest thing she and my grandfather ever did to me was kicking me out of the house at fifteen - and that led to a whole other hellish chapter.

Luke - Oh, you can take your pick. Being orphaned, moving in with our abusive, toxic bitch of a godmother and her husband, having to kill said husband when he got drunk and tried to hurt my kid brother (which would have probably killed Riley if I wasn't there), being arrested, breaking out of jail, helping Riley escape from that woman's house, then finally finding some friends and getting a semblance of normalcy.

What’s your relationship with your family like?

Adrien - Eh. Mother dearest dropped me off with my grandparents, then I got kicked out, and years later my estranged teenage half-siblings broke into my apartment one night and were like "Hey dude! We'll live with you now!". So yeah. Complicated is an understatement, huh.

Luke - Didn't really have a family other than Riley, though now, I would say that our group of friends are actually the closest thing to a real family we've ever had. They're great and honestly, I'm glad we met them!

Do you have any hobbies? If so, what ones?

Adrien - Watching TV, listening to music, sleeping. Drinking energy drinks. Smoking. Wandering around in the city thinking about what the fuck I'm doing with my life and having a breakdown --

Y'know, the usual.

Luke - I like sneaking into the movies when I can. I also love skateboarding, dancing, and playing the guitar. Oh, and watching those funny morning cartoons on TV, while eating cereal!

Do you dream often?

Adrien - Most nights, though they're usually not the coolest dreams. I usually wake up and like, turn on the TV to drown it out until I collapse back to sleep.

Luke - Eh, not really. And when I do I usually don't really remember them or they are just the... most unhinged, concerning, weirdest dreams that leave me thinking "Yep, I have seriously issues, huh" when I wake up, haha.

What do you dream about?

Adrien - Uh - Nope! Not answering that one for the sake of your peace of mind and what's left of my own pride.

Luke - When I do remember? Man, stuff like - a T-Rex dancing ballet while hopping in multicolored clouds in the sky, or some kind of weird gremlin creature following me through a musty hallway while singing "Peanut Butter Jelly Time!". Now you get what I meant by concerning?

Have you ever been in love?

Adrien - Romance is the oldest lie of all time, my friend, and its not one I'm that keen to fall for either. I'm gonna fall in love for what? To get disappointed? Nah, man, I'm good.

Luke - Not really, like in real life and stuff. I had a crush on some movie stars and pop singers when I was younger, but that's just teenage dreams, haha. I actually really want to meet someone I would fall in love with in real life, as cheesy as that sounds! I may be a killer, but I'm a killer who still wants a fairytale wedding with someone just as weird as me.

What is your least favorite thing in the world?

Adrien - Sex with strangers. The mob. My boss. People who put their hands where they don't belong because they're drunk and apparently I'm "supposed to like it". Stupid fuckers who bully others. Just the usual.

Luke - Abusive people. Rich people who think they can do whatever they want to others who are not as rich as them. The police and the shitty government of this shitty city.

What is your pet peeve?

Adrien - People who aren't hygienic or are just like... downright nasty and clearly need a good shower. Loud music. I also kinda hate how Gwyn chooses to watch a cheesy stand up comedy show on my TV at full blast in the morning and eating those crunchy potato chips on my couch which causes the crumbs to be everywhere, because -- FUCK'S SAKE SHE'S AT IT AGAIN HOLD ON - (gets up, running to his living room done with life)

Luke - People who don't look me - or others - in the eye while talking or who keep checking their smartwatch or phone in the middle of the conversation and then just answer you like "uhuh" or "yeah, that's wild". Like, yeah Karen, I'm fucking aware you didn't hear a single word that left my mouth and the fact I wasted five minutes trying to talk to you makes me wanna strangle that bad haircut out of your head.

Would you consider yourself different?

Adrien - Different than what? Everyone's unique in their own way. And I ain't about to be no "pick-me" dude that's always like "Oh, I'm so quirky, look how different I am from all the other bland humans", or like dramatically, "I'm just weird, you wouldn't get me". Hell nah.

Luke - I guess I am kinda different than most teens my age. Because like, let's be honest, who else do you know that has killed someone at fourteen, has extreme regeneration powers, and undermines the government with a group of other fucked up teenagers? Though I don't know if this is a good or bad thing, that's too philosophical of a question to answer.

How far would you go to save a loved one?

Adrien - I may be a heartless bitch but I would actually go pretty damn far to keep those twins safe. Like, for example - hypothetically: Does the mob want to "upgrade" my job from stripper to whore in exchange for their safety? Uncomfortable but yeah, fine, I'd do it. Do I need to beat up someone who is threatening my siblings? Oh, yeah, that someone is gonna wake up with their face smushed in by my baseball bat. Do I need to blackmail a billionaire who basically owns the country (this one I actually did so its not hypothetic)? Sure, I've done weirder shit before.

So you get the idea. I may be vicious, but I ain't disloyal.

Luke - I've killed a man with my bare hands, and I would do it again, and again, and again, if I needed to. And I don't regret it one bit. Do I need to say more? (smiles dangerously, with that feral guard dog aura to him)

Would you team up with your worst enemy if it was your only option?

Adrien - I kinda already do that every day already, so yeah, sure. Fuck it, we'll be besties and braid each other's hair if I get to live another day, I don't give a shit.

Luke - Oh hell no, I'd rather they just put a bullet through my brains than ever team up with those fuckers.

What is the worst insult you can give?

Adrien - I already swear like a sailor on a daily basis, so I have a pretty wide dictionary of insults. But I ain't sure what would be the worst one, and I don't got enough time to figure that out either.

Luke - (Tilts his head, with a smirk) I think littering their body with wounds using my power would get the message across better than any words ever could, don't you think?

What is the nicest thing someone could say to you?

Adrien - I dunno. Like, I'm not a sentimental kinda dude, but I think I would be pretty fucking happy if someone just acknowledged that I'm doing my best. I think hearing an earnest, "Hey, dude, you matter to me!" with no strings attached actually would be pretty nice.

Luke - I'm not quite sure (chuckles awkwardly). I guess that just being loyal and kind and spending quality time with me - just like, actually being there when I need someone, would matter more to me than any words ever could.

Are you a jealous person?

Adrien - Oh hell yeah, you bet your ass I am!

Luke - Not really. I don't like being betrayed or deceived, but other than that I think I'm a pretty chill dude. I'd hate to be overbearing.

Have you ever committed a crime?

Adrien - Yeah, all the time. How else would I get by in this stupid rathole of a city I'm stuck in huh? And working for the mob, committing crimes kinda does come with the territory, in a way.

Luke - (laughs drily) Are you seriously asking me that question?

Are you neat or messy?

Adrien - I ain't got the time or patience to be organized, so I guess messy it is. Not dirty though, I hate dirt. Just chaotically disorganized.

Luke - I guess I'm pretty organized, now that I think about it. Not over-the-top, interior designer-like organized, but at least a bit above the bare minimum most days.

How do you feel about crying? Let it out or hold it in?

Adrien - Cry? Nah. I just hold it in like a pressure cooker, laugh it off, drink my sorrows away until I collapse on the floor of my kitchen, wake up with the worst hangover of my life, and then be like "Let's go get some fast food!" like nothing happened.

Luke - It's normal and healthy, I just don't do it very often or in front of others. I like to be the rock they can rely on, and so I usually don't.... burden them with my feelings unless I have to. I cry quite often when I'm alone and the stress gets to me.

Who do you live for? Why?

Adrien - Myself, because throughout this shitty life, I've been pretty much the only one I can trust. (sighs) And yeah, fine, now I live for the twins too, because like it or not I really fucking care about those two gremlins, probably more than I should.

Luke - For my little brother, Riley, and our group of friends.

What style of accessories do you wear? Is it willingly?

Adrien - I like sunglasses, earrings, actual rings, and occasionally a necklace or two. I also like simple makeup - not the glittery one that makes my eyes water with allergies and Zander likes so fucking much - just like, eyeliner, nail polish, lip gloss. I may be broke but I like to look stylish when I can. My personal style is willing. The gaudy and glittery accessories and persona I put on for Zander's stupid show? That shit's not really willing but I don't get a choice, now do I?

Luke - I have a lot of tattoos, most of them on my arms. I also love wearing metal rings with cool designs, and leather and plastic bracelets, and I have a few, small ear piercings. It's willing, and I like having control of my style. It gives me certainty about my personality and I adore that.

Tagging (gently): @sleepy-night-child, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin, @oh-no-another-idea, @littleladymab,

@winterandwords, @eccaiia, @sarahlizziewrites, @illarian-rambling

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@wyked-ao3 and OPEN TAG

[gt-mcyt]

monsters vs aliens au

(ao3)

Chapter 1: The Wedding

Far, far away, an asteroid hurtles toward Earth.

-

Dream was woken by screaming and the flash of a camera.

Almost having a heart attack, he screamed in tandem with the strangers in his room, up until he realised it was just his friends. Punz, Sam, and Sylvee; Sylvee wielding a large camera, which she took another photo with, flashing a bright light at Dream once again. He squinted and covered his eyes, groaning. By the time the lights and splotches had cleared from his vision, he was able to see his friends’ outfits in the darkness of the room. They were all dressed up in their bridesmaid attire – Sylvee, wearing a pastel green dress that flowed down to her knees, her hair pinned up in a spiral braided bun; Punz and Sam were both wearing pastel green suits with pink and white accents, their hair styled with gel. Sam, bless his heart, was still wearing his iconic baseball hat, backwards, despite his dressed-up outfit.

“What are you guys doing here?” Dream demanded, no longer tired from the heart-attack his friends gave him. He glared down at his digital clock, not really angry so much as grumpy that his sleep was interrupted. “It’s literally five in the morning.”

Sylvee ignored his complaint. “Hurry, turn on the TV! Turn it on!” She insisted.

Punz grabbed for the TV remote, which he passed to Sylvee, who threw it at Sam. Sam yelped as he caught it, quickly punching a few buttons before Dream’s TV turned on with all the power of a raging sun in the pitch-dark room. Dream groaned at the flash of light, but once the pain subsided from his temples, he was able to see that Sam had set it to the local news station. On screen was Dream’s fiancé, Quackity. Like always, he was wearing an impeccable suit, this time navy with pink accents. His black hair was shining and swiftly pushed to the side. And what most viewers didn’t know – but Dream did – was that Quackity was also standing on a box to be taller on screen and fit in with the greenscreen in the back. Dream’s expression melted into something soft, smiling up at the TV screen.

“… and some early morning fog, giving way to sunny skies. Seventy-five degrees. A perfect day to stop by the old folk art and craft show down at the fairgrounds, or a perfect day to marry the love of your life.” Quackity turned to the camera and smiled softly. “Clay Greene, happy wedding day. I love you, baby.”

Dream smiled down at the TV lovingly. “I love you, too.”

Around him, his friends “awwed” jokingly, and Dream scoffed and pushed away Punz, who was leaning on him just a bit too much. “Yeah, yeah,” he said. “But you guys would understand if you were engaged.”

Sylvee gagged. “I don’t think anyone understands what you have with Quackity.”

For good measure, she took another blinding photo of Dream in front of the TV.

-

Getting ready for a wedding when you were one of the grooms was awfully time consuming and exhausting. Dream had hired professionals, like Quackity had wanted, to make sure everything was perfect. His was critiqued on his hair, his nails, his lashes, lips, and things he didn’t even know needed makeup or fixing. By the end of it, Dream didn’t want to see another makeup brush or hair stylist ever again. The only fun part of it was his friends, who were there with him every step of the way. Sylvee gave actual useful advice about makeup and styling, meanwhile Punz and Sam talked shit about the stylists by whispering their comments in his ears, forcing him to stifle his laughs.

They were just finished when Dream’s mother, Helen, walked into the room.

She took one look at Dream and gasped.

“Your hair!” She said, “what did you do to your precious curls?”

Dream looked up, surprised to see his mother at his house. She had been a big help with planning the wedding, but wasn’t a part of the bridesmaid party, and had opted out of waking up early to help Dream get ready. Dream had wanted her to have the least stressful day possible, seeing her son get married.

Dream reached up to touch his hair self-consciously. It was straightened, and because of that, was long enough to be put in a low bun, with loose pieces framing his face.

“Quackity wanted it straightened for the wedding,” he said, face red. He thought it looked nice. Besides, his curls were a hassle to deal with in the humidity and heat.

“And what about the dress you were going to wear?” She asked, looking concerned.

“Oh, Quackity thought we’d look better both in suits,” Dream said, shrugging.

“Quackity wants a lot of things,” his mother muttered.

Deram frowned. “Mom –”

“Oh, I know,” she said. She huffed. The mother and son duo, usually so close, had had a lot of arguments about Dream’s fiancé. Dream figured his wedding day would be no different, but then his mother surprised him: “You know I don’t like it, but … for today, I’ll keep my thoughts to myself. This is your wedding day, after all. And you look gorgeous!”

Dream smiled, bringing his mother in for a hug. “Thanks, mom.”

-

Dream thought the limo was a bit of an overkill, but Quackity only wanted the best for their wedding day, and Dream could at least admit that it made him feel special to be driven around by a chauffer. When they got to the church, his father – John – was the one to open the limo door for him. Dream stepped out, feeling like a million dollars in his pastel suit and with the limo – everything was perfect.

“Clay!” His father greeted, embracing Dream.

“Dad!” Dream said.

Dream’s father pulled a handkerchief out of his suit pocket to dab at his eyes. “Now, I want you to know that, even though I’m about to give you away … I will always be here to take care of you.”

Dream’s eyes suddenly felt wet. He and his father weren’t as close and he and his mother, but he knew he could always count on his father when he needed him. Dream had to resist the urge to wipe at his eyes, lest he ruin the mascara. “Don’t cry!” He scolded, “because then you’ll make me cry, and that’s just going to be a mess!”

“I just can’t help it!” John said.

Behind him, Dream’s mother appeared. She was beautiful in her dark navy jumpsuit, accented by silver jewelry. Her hair was let down in a small bob, naturally straight and blonde. She broke the embrace between the father and son, smiling. “Now, now, you two. Don’t go starting a cry fest on me. We’ve still got the whole wedding to get through before we can break down crying! Now, let’s go!”

The trio were quick to walk into the church, where over a hundred guests were already milling about.

“Hello, everyone!” Helen called out. “Attention, attention! Wedding starts in thirty minutes! Take a seat!”

Dream let his mother steam on ahead, hanging back. He wasn’t quite ready to face so many people and congratulations yet. Nonetheless, his plan of staying in the shadows until the wedding started were foiled when he heard his future mother-in-law behind him. “Ah! My beautiful son-in-law!”

Dream sighed, then put on a smile, turning around. “Hi, Mamá García.”

Mamá García, who insisted on being called “Mamá” by Dream, was a very welcoming and generous, but stubborn, woman. She was the reason Dream and Quackity were having their wedding in a church, despite it being a homosexual union. She was also the reason the whole wedding was paid for, and all Dream and Quackity had to worry about was the honeymoon. Today, she was wearing a light pink dress paired with a matching hat and heels.

“It’s like a fairytale,” Mamá García said, sniffling and dabbing at her eyes. “The weatherman and the weatherman’s wife. So romantic!”

“Weatherman’s husband,” Dream corrected her, gently. “But I know – isn’t it so romantic? Just think – this time tomorrow, I’m going to be in Paris! And someday, we won’t just be honeymooning there – Quackity will become an anchor or a foreign correspondent, and then we’ll travel all over the world.”

Mamá García smiled. “Clay, hijo, I have my fingers crossed for you and Alexis.”

-

Dream was finally able to get away from the wedding party and guests, choosing to hide out in a little gazebo in the gardens of the church. He was enjoying the sunlight and fresh air when he heard a sighing behind him.

“Wow,” a voice said, “you look beautiful.”

Dream spun around, catching sight of his fiancé. Quackity was wearing an impeccable black suit, not wanting to adhere to the pastel theme Dream chose for the wedding. But it was fine because Quackity looked absolutely amazing in the dark colour, accented by white and navy. He wore shoes with a two inch heel, making him five feet and eight inches, just a little bit taller. His hair was tousled by the wind, but no less shiny than it usually was. His dark eyes were bright as he looked upon Dream.

Dream smiled. “You do, too.” He saw Quackity’s smile falter and realised his mistake. “I mean, handsome. I mean … sorry, I’m just a little frazzled. There are so many people, and it just … it’s getting to me, you know? I’m not used to it.”

“Don’t worry, okay?” Quackity said, “We’ll be alone soon, just us.”

Quackity took a step forward, stepping into Dream’s space. Dream looked down at Quackity, smiling softly, and gave him a quick chaste kiss on the lips. He had to bend down to do so, despite Quackity’s heels. Dream was six feet and two inches tall, after all. But Dream thought the shortness only made Quackity even cuter. Dream grinned. “Ah, yes. Eating cheese and baguettes by the Siene, feeding each other chocolate crepes. We’ll have a great time in Paris …”

It was only then that he noticed Quackity grimacing. “What’s wrong?”

Quackity looked up at Dream with those big brown eyes – like boba, Dream thought – and Dream already knew he was going to forgive Quackity for whatever happened. “It’s just … well, there’s been a slight change of plans. We’re not going to Paris anymore.”

“What?” Dream asked. “Why not?”

“Because we’re going somewhere better!” Quackity said, grinning nervously.

“Better than Paris?” Dream asked, skeptically.

“Oh, yeah.”

“Where? Tahiti?” Dream asked, excited.

“Nope!” Quackity said. He paused for dramatic effect. “Fresno, California, baby!”

“Fresno!” Dream exclaimed. Then his brows furrowed. “… Fresno. In what universe is Fresno better than Paris, Quackity?”

Quackity grinned. “In the ‘I’ve got an audition to become channel twenty-three’s new evening anchor’ universe. I got the call from the general manager – he wants me to come in immediately! I cancelled our flights and hotels so that I could make the audition tomorrow. Isn’t that great?”

No, it was not great. Dream had been telling everyone how excited he was to go to Paris for months now – and he really was. He wanted to travel and eat exotic foods. He wanted to wake up next to Quackity for a week, sightseeing and making new foreign friends. But he couldn’t tell Quackity that – not when he was so obviously excited about his new job opportunity. Instead, Dream sighed and reigned in his disappointment. They were a team now. Sometimes you had to make sacrifices in marriage. This was just the first sacrifice he’d need to make, to make them work out. “Quackity, that’s … amazing! It’s … amazing. Fresno’s like a top fifty market, isn’t it?”

Quackity laughed. “Actually, it’s fifty-fifth, but we’re on our way, babe!” Then Quackity got a guilty look on his face. “Now look, about Paris …”

Dream was quick to stop Quackity, not wanting him to feel bad. “It’s okay. It’s fine! As long as we’re together, Fresno is the most romantic city in the whole world. I’m so proud of you.”

“Of us!” Quackity corrected. “Not just me – I mean, of course, me – but we’re a team now. You’re so proud of us.”

Dream smiled. Quackity always knew what to say to make him feel better. “Okay, hot shot. Now, get out of here – it’s bad luck to see each other before the ceremony.”

“Oh, come on,” Quackity said. “You know I don’t believe in that stuff!” He started to laugh as Dream jokingly shooed him away from the gazebo. “Okay, okay – I’ll be waiting for you at the altar … the handsome news anchor in the tux, alright? Love you!” His voice became distant as he laughed again. “There, I said it, world! I love Clay Greene!”

“I love you, too,” Dream whispered.

It wasn’t long after Quackity disappeared into the church that Dream heard something … strange. It was a deep rumbling and hissing sounds, like water poured onto a hot stove. He peered out of the gazebo, wondering if a wild animal had wandered to the church, but was shocked by what he saw in the sky – a huge meteor was hurtling right toward him! Dream gasped and was quick to leave the gazebo, running toward the church in hopes of some shelter.

Unfortunately, Dream’s running days were over when high school ended. And the meteor was only getting closer, and closer – until Dream’s entire world went dark.

-

Helen started looking for her son ten minutes to the wedding ceremony. She knew Alexis, her son’s fiancé, had gone to see Clay before the ceremony, as well. And as much as she didn’t like the man, she figured she could at least give them a little bit of time together before barging in and stealing Clay. But for some reason, even after she spotted Alexis back at the church, she couldn’t find her son anywhere.

“Clay!” She called out. No response. “Where could he be?” She muttered to herself. “Clay! Where are you?”  She spotted a little gazebo and walked toward it, thinking Clay might have chosen the gazebo as a respite from all the guests. That was when she finally spotted her son, sprawled out in a patch of spotty grass and dirt, looking like he was taking a nap. Helen gasped. “Clay – oh, Clay, where have you been?! It’s almost time for the ceremony. You’re going to be late!”

Helen pulled Clay up by the arms, having to steady him as he swayed on his feet. She made a disgusted face when she saw the dirt on his suit and the state his hair was in.

“I think I just got hit by a meteor …” Clay mumbled.

“Oh, Clay. Every bride feels that way on their wedding day,” Helen dismissed, too busy brushing the dirt off his suit to notice anything else.

“But I’m –”

“Yes, I know, I know – you’re not a bride, you’re a groom. But my goodness, look at you! You’re filthy! Thank God I have wipes in the car.” And with that, Helen pulled her son toward the parking lot. The entire time, Clay looked behind himself, wondering just where that meteor went.

-

Dream was feeling much better by the time his mother pulled him to the church, and he was only minimally late. His suit was back to being immaculate, thanks to his mother, and his hair had been fixed. Dream had no idea where the meteor went, or what happened back at the gazebo, but he was ready to put it all behind himself like it was some kind of horror daydream. After all, after double checking, there was no meteor to be found; and really, what were the chances something like that would happen on his wedding day, let alone any day? Dream would be dead if he actually got his by a meteor. So, he was happy to forget about the incident entirely to go forth with his wedding and happiest day of his life.

‘Here Comes the Bride’ played, ironically, as Dream walked down the aisle, arm in arm with his father. There were whispers from the guests as his father dabbed at his eyes, handing him off to Quackity. Dream dutifully stood two steps down from Quackity, knowing how much the height difference mattered to him. At least, this way, the two were closer in height.

Quackity turned to Dream, and his smile fell.

“Whoa – you’re glowing.”

“Thank you,” Dream said, smiling lovingly.

“No – no, Clay, you’re, like, really glowing. You’re green!” Quackity exclaimed.

Dream frowned, looking down at his hands. His skin had taken on a green tint, and even under his pastel green nail polish, his nails glowed fiercely. Dream turned his hands every which way, looking in shock and not quite believing it, as if somehow the green tint would go away. Quackity took a few steps away, up the stairs, and Dream, for once, had to look up into his brown eyes. He reached out for Quackity, scared.

That’s when everything went wrong.

Suddenly, Dream was at the same height as Quackity, despite the man being several steps above him. Quackity’s eyes widen in shock. Then the rest of the church starts to get smaller, like the roof was shrinking and getting closer, and closer. Dream gasped as he felt aches shoot through his body. Everyone looked smaller, suddenly, liked Dream blinked and his entire worldview shifted. He groaned, his head hurting, and reading up to grasp at his temples. “Oh, god ...”

In the distance, Dream thinks he hears his mother scream.

Quackity is looking shorter and smaller by the second, until Dream could literally pick him up in one hand if he wanted to. Quackity looked queasy. “What’s going on? What’s happening here?”

“You’re – you’re all shrinking,” Dream says, still startled. The world continues to grow smaller.

Quackity shakes his head. “No way! You’re growing!”

Dream watched the priest pull out his phone and furiously start punching in numbers. “Get me the government!” He screeches into the phone – like Dream is some sort of monster, some kind of danger that needs a SWAT team.

Dream feels tears prick at his eyes. “This – this can’t be happening,” he says, hyperventilating. He spots his fiancé starting to back away from him again, just as his back hits the ceiling. Dream is forced to his knees, the steps digging into his suit pants. He puts out his hands to steady himself, but as soon as he touches the stained-glass window, his hand goes through as if it’s paper, shattering it and sending shards everywhere. The guests are getting smaller again, the room is getting smaller, and Dream reaches out for Quackity, scared. “Quackity, wait – please, help me –”

“Santa mierda!” Quackity swears, just as Dream breaks through the ceiling.

There’s more screaming from the guests, and Dream watches as they all run out of the church, now having a view from fifty feet up in the air. Fifty feet – it hits Dream, suddenly, that he’s just decimated the church with his size alone, and he’s still growing. Not to mention that he’s lost sight of Quackity, who was still in the church when Dream broke through the roof.

“Quackity? Quackity?!” He called, getting even more scared by the second. If he hurt his fiancé, however accidentally, he doesn’t think he’ll forgive himself. Dream, still kneeling, the rubble getting smaller and smaller around him, starts to shuffle through the broken wood and stones, looking for Quackity. It was just then, as the world stills around him, that he lifts a beam – something that used to be four times his size and was now the size of a glass to him – that he finally finds Quackity underneath. Dream gasped and reached for him, grabbing him around the middle. Quackity was always smaller than him, but now he was the size of a small doll. He could fit in his hands.

What is happening? Dream thought, his first clear thought since this all began. This is insane!

Dream stood up, stepping out of the debris and rubble that used to be the church. He noticed, all around him, helicopters flying – and in the distance, lots of black vehicles and personnel in black. There was a crackling in his ears, like a radio, and muffled voices.

Quackity, in his hands, groaned. “Jesus, that hurt …” Then he seemed to realise where he was, because his eyes became as wide as saucers. “Clay?!”

“Thank god you’re okay!” Dream said. “But I don’t know what’s happening to me!”

“Don’t panic! Don’t worry!” Quackity reassured him. Then he looked down and gulped. “And whatever you do, don’t drop –”

“Quackity!”

Dream gasped as giant cables suddenly grabbed at his arm, out of nowhere, yanking Quackity away from him. Quackity screamed as he dropped, and Dream tried to grab for him, only to miss because more cables shot out of the vehicles, restricting his movement. Dream grunted as he fought against the cables, successfully pulling his arms out of them. While he missed Quackity, his fiancé was thankfully bounced off a small trampoline before hitting the ground. Dream was able to see and hear everything, almost like it was in slow motion – the screaming, the movement from the strange people in black, Quackity yelling at them “don’t you know who I am?!” – and suddenly it became too much.

More cables, more people in black, more helicopters – he hated it. “What are you guys?” He grunted as he fought more. He took a few steps away and heard more screams, and his eyes shot downward, only to see more people in black surrounding him by his feet. “What are you doing?” He demanded. “Stop it! Leave me be! Be careful with that – FUCK!”

Dream looked down and saw a giant – even to him – needle and syringe sticking out of his thigh. The syringe was empty, pushed all the way in. And it hurt like a son of a bitch.

Dream pulled the syringe out carelessly, throwing it somewhere behind him, not caring where.

There was a thud, and then another high-pitched scream.

Good.

Dream started to feel groggy as he fought against the cables, and he heard the people in black shouting. Around him, the world began to grow dizzy. His strength felt sapped.

“Watch those cables! He’s coming down!”

“Watch out!”

“Move it, move it, move it!”

“Pull, pull!”

Dream fell, the cables caught around his ankles and feet, and he hit the ground, hard. The entire area shook with his fall, and the pain in Dream’s head only increased when he knocked his chin against the ground. Tiny people swarmed him, but Dream only had eyes for his fiancé, who was in the middle of all them, staring at Dream as if he were a monster. More tears poured from his eyes.

“Quackity?” Dream groaned.

And then everything went dark.

[sitp-recs]

BL Reclist - Part 4

Hello hello, here I am with another BL rec list no one asked for 😌 I’ve been reading a lot these days, while I wait for my fandom spark to come back. Most of these manhwas are still ongoing which means I’ve been busy with: alpha x alpha romance! Break up make up! Identity porn! Revenge! Mafia love triangles! It’s all here folks, pick your poison and have fun. If you’re looking for completed works, better start with 4, 8 and 9. You can also check my previous BL lists here, here and here for a few more completed series. I know these lists are a bit niche and not very popular but who knows, maybe I’ll find fellow BL fans who will enjoy these as much as I did!

1. Aren’t You My Type? by Ha tae jin / Toffee (M, ongoing)

Geon-ah responds to Hyun-dal's message, who mistook him for Hye-sung. As they continue to communicate, they grow closer and closer, their first face-to-face meeting seems like it will never come. An alpha x alpha romantic comedy that starts with a misunderstanding!

2. Blaze Out by Chepali, Zelnut & Kkoyo (E, ongoing)

Once a promising high school baseball player, Yeon Hong’s bright future is shattered by a tragic car accident, leading him to uncover the involvement of private loan sharks. Seeking revenge, he transforms into a loan shark himself, establishing “Coco Loan.” However, twelve years later, Hong’s journey takes a surprising turn when the powerful President Yoo Jaeyoung orders Hong to mentor his mysterious lover, ‘Panther.’

3. God’s Identity Card by Ni sansui & Djun (M, ongoing)

Lu Lanqiao, a forensic science student, became the most likely suspect in the murder of his elder brother overnight. His brother's last words put him on the run. While trying to find out who killed his brother, Lanqiao meets Fu Cheng, the police inspector who was hot on his trail. However, the relationship between the fugitive and the pursuer gradually changes.

4. Here U Are by Djun (M, complete)

Receptioning the newcomers is a task for YuYang, and he ends up helping the unsociable and towering LiHuan, the kind of person that does everything to be disliked. But after better knowing each other, he discovers that the giant isn’t that bad of a person at all.

5. Payback by Samk & Fujoking (E, ongoing)

While other students were preparing to take their CSAT exams, Lee Yoonhan was swept up in an exhilarating lifestyle of crime and debauchery. While working for a loan shark, karma catches up to him when a family member dies from an act of revenge against him. After years of repenting for his sins and trying to turn over a new leaf, he meets a man in the entertainment industry who gives him the opportunity to get his revenge.

6. Private Scandal by Totiko (E, ongoing)

Known as the muse of a renowned designer, Iliyan Moore has achieved almost everything a model could want: celebrity status, money, full bookings…and a reputation as a man-seducing home wrecker. Stalked by the paparazzi and harassed by an obsessed boss with a jealous wife, Iliyan is on guard against everyone around him. So, one could only imagine his shock when dashing Kyle Hackman manages to effortlessly charm his way past his defenses and into his bed on their first meeting.

7. Sparkling Baby by Zec (E, ongoing)

Due to a recent heartbreak, Hanjoon arrives in New York. Not only is he delighted to meet a Korean in an unfamiliar city, he has a one-night stand with him. "I should've asked for his name." However, these two end up meeting again years later, in an unusual place. Where will their one-night stand lead them to? Spin off from Lover Boy, featuring side character Baek Hanjoon.

8. Spring, the Color of Love by Chepali & Park Ji-yeon (M, complete)

"Je te veux. I want you." Cheongsun and Gonghyeon meet as college students, but their different social background and experience lead to a painful falling out. Ten years later, the two meet again in the world of hotel management and get to reminisce about their short spring love all those years before.

9. Unintentional Love Story by Pibi (M, complete)

Wonyoung gets unjustly suspended from work after getting caught up in a corruption scandal. When he accidentally discovers the chairman's favorite artist Yoon Taejun living under an alias, he is tasked with a tricky new mission. Could this be Wonyoung's chance to get his job back?

10. Wet Sand by Doyak (E, ongoing)

Click. A thoughtless finger slip leads Jo to snap a picture of Ian smoking on his balcony - and thus, their fates begin to intertwine. Jo can't stop fantasizing about the tall, handsome stranger on the balcony, and grabs any chance to get to know him better. Unfortunately, he doesn't realize that Ian does the dirty work for one of the region's largest, most unsavory gangs... and is the lover of one of their most powerful people.

[alfredosauce50]

I’ve barely seen any content on Kuro, which is a shame because a lot of people seem interested in him. After many months of requests and a decisive popularity vote, I’m going out on a limb and the feeling in my gut to present this absolute dish.

2p! Japan headcanons

He’s sharp, blunt, and even a little mean, but makes it a point to live a carefree life. He does whatever he wants with no regard for others. Everything comes naturally for him, and he doesn’t falter. Or does he?

Appearance

You’d have to kill him before he gets a bowl cut. He had one as a kid and has not looked back since. Instead, he likes his hair on the longer end so he can tie it in a bun or short ponytail. If not, he might rock a shaved updo tied at the top.

Kuro is on the shorter end—whatever 5’6” may be to you. He also goes out quite often, either to play at the batting cages or enjoy night life. For real baseball games, he has to run a lot under the sun, so he has an athletic build and a slight tan. Swimming is also something he enjoys, and in the hotter months when he frequents the beach, he picks up a crazy tan from his trunks.

He has a good sense of fashion. He might not go all out like a lot of young folks do, but he does dress smart. Some of his go-to’s are loose blouses, harem pants, and shirts with kimono sleeves cut at the elbow. Any longer and he’ll tell you it’s too much. He also has ear piercings and a lot of tattoos on his neck, arms, and back.

Personality

He’s a quiet extrovert. Kuro may not talk much, being such a private person, but he enjoys being in the company of friends. In fact, he keeps a tight circle for the sole purpose of hanging out. Anything more and it’ll feel as if he’s being pried into. Regardless, he does like his group, even if he won’t openly admit it (he always shows up).

He has an Osaka accent. It sounds much more casual than the Tokyo accent, and may even come off as rude. While most people call idiots ‘バカ,’ (baka) he calls them ‘アホ’ (aho). If he were to say ‘very,’ he would say ‘めっちゃ’ (meccha). “この水着はどう？めっちゃめっちゃ可愛��じゃん？” (How about this swimsuit? Isn’t it cute?) And he’s holding up the raciest bikini you’ve ever seen. Pro-tip: don’t bring him clothes shopping.

On top of being nonchalant, Kuro is very blunt. He won’t hesitate to tell you his opinion whether you asked for it or not. How the shirt doesn’t suit you, that you’re slow at washing up, or you’re bad at something. It’s only tolerable because he’s right 99% of the time, and he doesn’t mean anything by it. If you understand and respect that, you’ve already gotten past his biggest quirk.

“This chicken is kinda dry. Did you use flour instead of potato starch?” He crunches on a piece.

“That’s how fried chicken is usually made.”

“Not a fan.”

“If you don’t like it, you don’t have to eat it.” You say, reaching out for his plate. He holds it away from you.

He keeps you on the edge. Kuro comes off as neutral most of the time, but can switch it up instantly. You had an inkling he was teasing you with his nonchalance (e.g. suggesting a sexy bikini for you to try) but you can never guess when he’s about to change. Just when you least expect it, he’ll have the slyest smirk on his face. “But you put in so much effort to make it for me. I’ll clean off the plate, even if it tastes bad.”

Kuro can be a little shit. Aside from making fun of you, he loves getting on your nerves. Purposely blocking your way, scrambling up your food when you’re trying to take a picture, and even lifting your skirt to see what’s underneath. One slap and an earful later, he’ll stop. He’s always testing your patience, but he knows you well enough to stay just under the threshold.

He’s very cynical. About people, things, and ideas. Again, it’s hard to hold it against him when he’s usually right. However, it gets particularly bad when there’s jealousy involved. Since he’s emotionally constipated, he’d rather say hurtful things than to admit he’s the one who’s hurt.

“He’s only being nice to you because he wants to get in your pants.” He remarks, lifting a cup to his mouth.

“I would ask if you’re speaking from experience, but you’re not really nice to me.” You walk to the door with your things, not sparing him so little as a glance. “So at least he’s doing something right.”

“Who said I’m trying to get in your pants?”

He’s not protective until the very last minute. Kuro trusts you to be responsible and to find your way without his help. The independence may be healthy, but he’s there when you need him—even if he has something to say about it. Essentially, he’s kind without his words matching his actions. Kuro will buy a whole basket of things for you if you’re short on money, but not without calling you dumb first. “Stop putting things back, dummy. I’m paying for everything.”

Interests

He’s a popular tattoo-artist. Kuro is excellent at drawing—his designs are unique, dark, and more on the explicit side, which his clients can’t seem to get enough of. Because he’s always booked out, he spends a great deal of time in his studio. He has surgeon hands, can concentrate for hours on end, and wears glasses while he works.

At home, he’s coming up with new designs for his portfolio. If you watch him work, he’s always ready to pop the question. “So, when will you let me do your tattoo? I can do anywhere you like.”

He’s a pervert. Aside from making suggestive or riqué comments (like wanting to tattoo you on questionable places on your body) he consumes a lot of adult content. Weirdly enough, he’s pretty subtle about it. The only person he openly talks about it with is Alfred. For that reason, you call them the ‘degenerate duo.’ Not that you need to be privy to their conversations to know how he is.

Kuro loves baseball. He has his own bat, glove, uniform and everything. Games are harder to organize when it requires so many players, but he’s more than happy to play a mini one with you. If not, he’ll go to the batting cages for a swing.

He’s a night owl. When he’s done with work for the day, he’ll take you out to town. The bars, izakayas, and arcades in Japan are fantastic. Now, it’s midnight when you both head out, and he’s not tired at all. One of these days, you might suspect Kuro is a part of the sleepless elite.

Psychology + romance

Being friends with him is already hard enough. He’s mean, sly and a total pervert. But when he’s not those things, he’s smart, kind, and knows how to have fun. If you make that trade and stay around, you’re well on your way to being a valued person in his life. And if you keep up with him, your chemistry will develop from there on out.

He can’t resist someone who can go toe-to-toe with him. If you can hold conversations with him, great. If you can bicker with him, even better. It’s not really conflict he’s looking for, but an equal. It’s comforting to be around someone who thinks like him, or at least, understands him. Being with you will be effortless, and he’ll find himself looking for you, again and again.

Kuro changes his habits for you. He could have the chance to do anything in the city, and yet, he’d give that up to do groceries with you. He’d rather pick out fruit and veg with you than go out with his friends. At that point, it’s pretty obvious he has a thing for you. He knows it, his friends know it, but it’s only you that stays oblivious. “These apples are better. Just weigh them as the cheaper ones so we can save some money.”

After all, how could he? He said so himself he wasn’t interested in getting with you. Kuro never lies, but here he is, lying to your face to protect himself. He can’t be vulnerable to save a life. Everything he ever says to you is a testament to that. Being blunt, being negative, and making fun of you is just how he avoids his feelings.

Because of his dishonesty, there will be rifts in the relationship; you start thinking he just simply doesn’t like you. And it can’t be mended by his other love languages. He could do everything in the world for you, but it feels substantial for how much shit he gives you. “I washed the clothes,” or “I made curry,�� may as well be a nicer way of saying what he already has: I don’t like your food and you don’t know how to do the laundry.

The breaking point is when you both argue for the first time. Jealousy is a cruel mistress, and he just made a rude comment about the person you’re seeing--then how you have bad taste. Kuro regrets everything the second you start crying. His eyes go wide and his heart just sinks. The pain in your voice is jarring, and the way you look at him goes to show how he’s treated you.

“You’re always so mean to me,” You raise a hand to wipe away your tears, but it’s no use when they keep falling. “You never say anything nice about me. If you don’t like me, why do we even see each other?”

He’s too ashamed to say anything. The rest of the night is quiet, and you’re still upset because he hasn’t offered any closure. Just when you’re about to give up on him, he does the completely unexpected. While you’re getting ready for bed, he’s watching from the doorway with his arms folded. “Do you want to sleep with me tonight?”

If you agree, nothing will happen—maybe except keeping you close enough so you don’t leave. After a night or two, he’ll give a proper apology for being unfair to you. But if you keep sleeping with him, it won’t be long before he gives in to your expectant stares and leans in. Only then does he give you the closure you’ve been waiting for: a slow and sensual kiss. He draws out every movement he makes just to feel your lips.

Kuro is an emotionally-intense lover. He feels very deeply, and can be quite sensitive. If you’re perceptive of him, he’ll return the favor tenfold. His affection is more of a constant thought than anything, but that’s what makes touching so intoxicating. Not a single brush goes unnoticed, and he relishes every hug he gives you.

[pandaren-hunter]

i've done more than enough fuh naff redesigns it's time for charles entertainment cheese and his gang to receive a makeover

what i had in mind while doing this was a (personal dream job) HYPOTHETICAL!!! scenario where somehow i've gone back in time and convinced the execs of showbiz pizza time inc to not only keep both cec and showbiz open, but begin a gimmick wherein we lean into the whole "pizza wars" thing and actively pit the characters against each other in a friendly rivalry sort of deal.

firstly youll probably notice that i replaced munch and pasqually with two ptt characters i like much better- pleasemunchandpasquallylikersdonthurtme- that being crusty and harmony. due to my own personal tastes but also because i think adding a second female member of the animatronic lineup evens things out pretty well.

second, is that they all are brand new incarnations of each character, and have their own blurbs i've decided to write down below under the readmore to explain. because this caption is insanely long already. happy reading!!! the rockafire counterpart to this post is coming shortly. so keep an eye out ;)

FIRST AND FOREMOST is the big man himself!!!! chuck e cheese!!! this chuck is an archetypal rebellious teen and cool kid whose primary hobbies include skateboarding and video games. he's got a sort of arrogant i'm-the-shit attitude about him and he definitely can come off as cocky. but he's not necessarily mean spirited either, he really does care for his friends, he's just full of himself.

now, for his rockafire rival (which you will find all the bots have their direct counterpart on the showbiz side of things) you may expect billy bob because mascots of the restaurant and all. but billy bob actually acts more as a mediator in all this, being the only one who has no rival, instead chuck's is beach bear. which will explain why beach has such an aversion to skateboarding - he associates it with the rat boi! chuck doesnt necessarily have anything personal against beach (because this is all in good fun and not anything malicious at all) but beach does feel like chuck's a bit too stuck up for his liking. and also, he can't stand sore losers, or folks who brag about their accomplishments. chuck in turn thinks beach is a bit of a stick in the mud and goody two shoes who doesnt know how to have REAL fun. again these are all FRIENDLY rivalries so nobody's truly mad at anyone just some reasoning.

secondly my gal helen henny. is the direct opposite of mitzi mozzarella of course, who is the popular girl in their high school and head of the cheerleading squad. helen meanwhile is the nerdy type who gets straight a's and sucks up to the teachers a lot. she doesnt get out much besides doing gigs singing in the pizzeria and otherwise is a bit of a shut in. mitzi thinks helen should loosen up, but helen thinks mitzi should be more focused on her future and realize that after high school "popularity" means nothing. theyll still eventually end up being gay married, but thats not until way after they both have graduated from college in which they will reconnect after a chance meeting in the local in universe starbucks, sparking a slow burn romance that eventually leads to the two being wed. but for now, they simply pass each other in the hallway with a friendly nod and perhaps a light chat about the weather.

crusty is in a sports college on a scholarship playing baseball and is one of the strongest team members on campus. he's more reserved and shy most of the time, but really comes out of his shell and shines on stage singing with the others. his dilemma mirrors high school musical in that he's embarrassed to admit that he loves to perform on stage to his fellow baseball players, who are currently unaware of crusty's thespian side. for his rival, fatz geronimo is actually a professor at crusty's college and crusty thinks it's a bit weird how theyre both performers in rival pizzerias. fatz wishes crusty would own up to his love of both baseball and theatre, sometimes giving him dad lectures about being yourself and you only got one life to live so you better make the most of it, while crusty just wishes the old man would mind his own business and butt out of his personal matters. deep down though he appreciates that at least someone cares about what HE wants though.

jasper t jowls in this era is a he/him lesbian because i say so and i make the rules here. he and harmony are open about them being a pair and are often uber affectionate with each other, in front of guests and their friends and all. they really dont care who sees lol. jasper is a farm dog that puts off his chores to go hang with his girlfriend and their friend group. he'd rather spend his hours practicing the banjo and wooing his lady than doing any sort of work, he's real lazy like that. his family thinks his dreams of being a rockstar are ridiculous and so jasper internalizes this way of thinking when it comes to dook larue, who dreams of being an astro physicist and has the support of all his folks. in reality jasper is jealous of dook not having to deal with criticism from his family and being able to freely follow his passions without outside pressure. dook sees jasper as weak willed and thinks he should grow a backbone, but the space doggo most of all just feels bad for the farm doggo and resents his family for not being supportive of his dreams. still, dook's idea of a pep talk is telling jasper to let his folks know what he REALLY thinks and jasper isnt too fond of the idea.

and finally harmony howlette is the resident ranch coyote!!!! shes an expert at wrangling wild mustangs and taming them and preparing them to be farm horses. shes sassy and blunt and takes no shit. sometimes having a hard time keeping her comments to herself. but shes also sweet and genuine, real down to earth type of gal. its what jasper likes best about her. shes rolfe dewolfe's rival, she thinks hes almost as stuck up as chuck can be but to her at least chuck has redeeming qualities about him. in her mind rolfe is just some washed up comedian that lets his assistant earle pick on him to get a cheap laugh out of the audience. which, rolfe doesnt necessarily deny the part about letting earle pick on him, but he thinks harmony needs to learn to take a joke and worry about herself a little more. he says that having a southern accent and country charm isnt a personality trait and wonders what jasper sees in her.

[kissorkill16]

When We Were Once Happy: A Hello Neighbor Fanfic

By JJ

Summary: A story before Trinity moved to Raven Brooks.

Chapter 5

After the last bell rang, Nicky wanted to find that kid who stood up for him and thank him. He's never met someone who would do that for him, so it took him by surprise when someone actually stood up for him.

On one hand, he could've been a really nice kid who wanted to be his friend because he was also lonely himself. But on the other hand, he also could've just stood up for him because he was trying to read and just wanted nothing more than peace and quiet.

Nicky was pulled out of his thoughts when he bumped into something...or someone.

"Hey."

Nicky looked up to see the same kid who stood up for him, hands in his pockets, he looked like he was waiting for someone. He held out his hand and helped Nicky up.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome.", said the kid. The two stood there in awkward silence for about ten minutes, before Nicky spoke up.

"I just wanted to thank you."

The kid turned to look at him, seeming confused.

"For standing up for me in class. No one's ever done that for me before, mostly because I've never had friends before."

"Huh.", said the kid. "You're welcome. At first, I just wanted to read my book, but then I kinda felt bad for you because of your crazy grandmother. I felt bad for you, so it'd be rude to just leave you in pain like that."

Nicky's eyes sparkled with happiness.

"Also, I just really hate Finch."

"Oh, okay. Cool."

Another minute of awkward silence.

"My name's Nicky."

The kid looked at him again, then extended his hand. "Aaron Peterson."

The two shook hands.

"Aaron! Over here!"

Nicky and Aaron looked to their right to see the two little girls Nicky saw yesterday with Aaron. The same ginger haired girl, and the one in the red dress, who Nicky already figured out was Lucy.

"Come on, Mya. Let's go.", Aaron said, taking Mya's hand.

"Ah ah ah.", Mya said, pulling her hand away. "Don't you remember? Yesterday, you promised me and Lucy could walk home with Maritza."

Aaron's eyes seemed to darken a little bit. "Oh, right. Of course. Thank you for reminding me of that discussion."

"You're welcome."

Nicky looked behind the group to find two other kids. A boy and a girl, the boy wore glasses and a red sweater, and the girl wore a baseball cap and overalls.

Aaron walked over to the two kids, and leaned in closer, threateningly. "Bring Mya back in one piece, or else.", he growled, earning a scared look from both of them.

The two girls walked home with the other kids, leaving Nicky and Aaron alone together.

"Well, since my two girl friends are walking home with two other weirdos, what say you and I walk home together?"

Nicky's eyes sparkled even more. Did this kid just ask him if he wanted to walk home with him? No way was Nicky going to pass up this chance, despite feeling kinda nervous.

"That sounds like fun."

The two kids held hands and began walking home together.

When they finally made it to Friendly Court, they let go of each other's hands. "That's my house over there.", said Nicky, pointing to the house across the street. Aaron looked at him, surprised.

"Wow, no way. You live across the street from me? Cool.", he said.

Nicky didn't understand at first, but then he realized that he lived across the street from the same house that Bubba told him was cursed. Suddenly, all of the memories came flooding back to him. How Aaron kept staring at him like a total stalker, how his Bubba told him about the murder of crows that flew in a circle above their house.

"You want to come in for a while? I'm sure your folks wouldn't mind, since you live across the street from me."

Nicky hesitated for a moment. He promised Bubba not to go anywhere near this house, because it was cursed. He didn't want to go in there and possibly die. But if he didn't accept the invite, he would possibly blow his chance of making his first friend. Nicky didn't even get a chance to say anything before Aaron took his hand again.

"I'll take your silence as a yes."

Nicky wanted to pull away, to stop in his tracks and tell him he wasn't going to even set foot in his cursed house. But when he stepped inside the house, he knew he had already sealed his fate.

The inside of the house was really nice. It was a beautiful hazel color, and all of the family pictures on the wall gave the room a much cozier vibe. This didn't really feel like a cursed house, it felt like any other family house you see in an American sitcom.

"Hi, honey! Glad you're home."

A lady walked into the living room, and Nicky wasn't going to lie, she was absolutely gorgeous. She had short orange hair, and was wearing a blue dress with white polka dots. Is Aaron sure she was his mother? She looked so young.

"Hi, Mom.", Aaron nonchalantly said. "Mya will be here in a little while, she just went walking home with Maritza and Enzo."

"Alright, honey. As long as she's safe."

The lady looked behind Aaron to find Nicky. "Oh, I see you've brought a friend with you?"

"Oh yeah, this is Nicky. He lives across the street."

Nicky stepped out from behind Aaron and gave her a little half wave. "Nice to meet you, ma'am."

"It's very nice to meet you too, darling.", said the lady. Then she went back to the kitchen.

Aaron took Nicky by the hand again, and led him upstairs. "Come on, I'll show you my room.", he said.

Upstairs was a real doozy. A long, dark corridor with doors, like it was an old horror movie. "Um..."

"Right here.", said Aaron. He led Nicky to a room that was in between two other doors. The room wasn't too crazy. Just a large room, with a window and a rug underneath it. In the corner, a bunk bed, it was a little confusing, until Nicky realized he could be sharing a room with his sister.

Aaron went to a drawer and pulled out a small pack. When he opened it, it was packed with beautiful, shiny lockpicks.

"I bet you don't have one of these, new boy.", he said.

Nicky actually did have one of those, "No, I do. It's just...", he pulled out a pack, and the inside had a bunch of lockpicks too. "Not really as cool."

"Dude...", Aaron said, putting his hand on Nicky's shoulder. "It's still lockpicks either way.", then he snapped his fingers. "Want to help me with my latest project?"

Nicky nodded.

They went back outside to the dark corridor, filled with mysterious doors that could possibly lead to anywhere, probably to another dimension. "Do you even know where any of these doors lead?", he asked Aaron.

Aaron couldn't lie to him, he had absolutely no freaking idea. "Nope. I'm planning to unlock all of these doors to find out, but I'm trying to do it quickly."

Quickly? That's impossible. Lock picking takes time, and a lot of practice. Why would Aaron need to unlock all of these doors so quickly?

"You take those doors over there, I'll take the ones over here.", said Aaron.

Nicky did as told.

They spent nearly half an hour, unlocking almost all of the doors. It was a lockpick's dream, just doing nothing but unlocking doors, trying to figure out what was behind each door. Some doors were just closets or offices, and some didn't even lead anywhere.

Still, it was the greatest way for Nicky to spend his afternoon.

"This is so much fun.", said Nicky, then he turned to Aaron. "But why're you trying to unlock them so quickly?"

Aaron shrugged. "I just want to know what's behind them. I know it sounds crazy, but I think my house is alive. It always has these weird twists and turns, like it's some sort of fun house."

"You think your house is alive?", asked Nicky.

"Either that or my dad is changing things.", Aaron replied. "My dad's a theme park designer, and in his free time, he likes to turn our house into an illusion. I'm making it my mission to try and unlock all of these doors, but it's kind of hard to do alone. I've tried asking Mya for help, but she's more interested in dolls."

"I'm assuming Mya is the name of your sister?"

"Yes."

"And that other girl who hangs out with you is...", Nicky didn't want to expose himself by saying he spied on the group yesterday. "Nevermind."

"Her name's Lucy. Lucy Yi.", said Aaron.

"Right. Right. Lucy.", said Nicky.

They sat down in awkward silence for a bit, before Nicky spoke up again. "Why were you staring at me?"

"Hm?"

"I mean, didn't your folks ever tell you it's not polite to stare?"

"Ha! Look who's talking.", said Aaron. Nicky's eyes widened. "Yeah, I know you were hiding behind that tree, you aren't very subtle at following people, Nicky."

Nicky's face turned red. "R-Right.", he stuttered. "But still, why? I'm nothing special, I'm just a shy introvert with a weird grandma."

"Sure, but I like weird kids. If someone's weird, then they've got something in common with me.", said Aaron. "Weird people are cool, as long as they're good weird people."

"What does that mean?"

"You for example. You come from a weird family, judging by your grandma, but you're actually really nice. That's good weird. Finch, she's weird because she likes to shove girl scout cookies in your face until you buy them, but she's a total bitch who likes to take pictures of drama. That's bad weird."

"Wow.", said Nicky. "Are your sister and Lucy good weird?"

"Oh yeah, definitely. Why do you think I hang out with them? If anyone's good weird, it means they're good enough to be my friend."

Nicky's eyes sparkled in delight. "Well you're good weird.", he thought. "And you're definitely good enough to be my friend."

[gnzma]

eleven year ago...

Someone calls for him, stopping the complete wreck of the umpteenth desk. Guzma stops with the damn thing about his head, about to throw it out of the window just like the rest of the gang told him to, and offers the youngest member of the team an annoyed look as he stopped the fun -- a nuisance that turns into mild panic when he continues, telling him that the cops are coming.

To be fair. They should've seen this coming. You can't go in a big school near a town in the middle of the night and smash everything you see and not expect someone to call the guards. It was a miracle if Hala himself didn't rush in to pick 'em up yet.

Still with the desk over his head, Guzma watches as his little group of rejects goes left and right, some with the hand in their hair, some other even trying to fix the chairs they broke just a few seconds ago, some others thinking if they should just let their Pokèmon go free instead of ending up in jail. That's... it, then. That's the end of their little rebellious streak.

"..."

...the scared muttering is stopped when the table is finally thrown out of the window.

"I dunno you guys, but I ain't gonna let those Pignites make our fun end."

Silence turns into confusing grumblings while he paces towards the teacher's desk, swinging a previously discarded baseball bat he just picked up with one hand, pointing the finger of the other towards the door.

"In just a few minutes, those assholes will burst in and force us to play nice. They'll throw us back home if we're lucky, behind bars if we're not. They're gonna try to push us down again. They're gonna make us into this stupid fucking Region's least favorite chewtoys again. And y'know why?"

Golisopod lets out a worried chirp, falling silent as the baseball swings towards the teacher's desk, breaking it in half.

"'Cause they're scared of what happens when the dog they kicked 'till now bites back."

He hated the look in his mother's eyes when he had the guts to react, not realizing until now how much it pissed him off to see her so terrified of him. Not realizing until now that, instead, the same fear in his father's eyes, trembling under him after all those years, made him feel so...

POWERFUL.

"...tonight" his improvised weapon rests on his shoulder as he tilts his head on the side, finally showing a toothy grin "we take control of our lives, folks. Ya can leave. Accept your fate, live as the good little Rockruffs they love to push around."

He can feel the excitement rising in the room as he takes a moment of pause. The hype and adrenaline in his people's eyes as they don't move, if not when they start mirroring his expression.

"Or. Ya stay here. Ya stay, and tear 'em apart like the Lycanrocs we've always meant to be!"

Another swing of the bat, now towards the blackboard behind him. It crashes on the floor, but the noise is barely audible under the cheers of his audience.

"Tonight, ya numbskulls--" a foot is placed on what remains of the desk as he roars in triumph "WE SHOW ALOLA WHAT DESTRUCTION REALLY LOOKS LIKE!"

[mysterionrisez]

idk much to ask about for hcs, but what genre of music do you think each of the main 4 likes (and craig's gang if u wanna)? :D

it took me a bit to get to this bc this question means so much to me you dont understand . ANWAYS

stan: ...very generic answer but like. midwest emo. dad rock. and like.. emo / pop rock too??? he could rock w/ some fall out boy, but not like patd cuz its too theatre kidsy. and OBVIOUSLY the front bottoms and alex g and modern baseball!! if we learned anything in band in china its that he very much treats music like an outlet for his emotions. and on that note he listens to metal too, but mostly when he is mentally at his worse.

kyle: i dont think i could pin him down to one genre, he's a big music guy but stays within the constraints of "music with authenticity but not to the point that it makes him look pathetic". so he's not listening to the front bottoms like stan is because that's just.. TOO raw, and hes caught up in the "lack of music conventions" in stan's music taste (he doesn't know a thing about music theory so he'll get pissed if you ask why). at the same time like kyle would NOT be into overproduced shit you hear on the radio u feel me. he curates his spotify playlist moods well, new wave/folk/indie rock/r&b at his neutral state and hip hop/punk/harder rock when at his other neutral state (pissed off). he doesn't listen to music when he's sad he just sits there in silence with a thousand yard stare

cartman: once again, expected answer, but he's a bubblegum pop girlie, so like britney spears/lady gaga/justin timberlake/beyonce OBVIOUSLY!!! he also likes hyperpop but the types that lean more into the "pop" part than the "hyper" part like charli xcx and carly rae jepsen. he hates listening to anything that isnt fun and stan and kyle dont like anything too fun so every road trip where they pass the aux across the group is a warzone

kenny: quite literally will listen to anything and everything. falls into the industrial pop / electropop scene frequently because he loves that it all sounds very New! he is a very social individual so he's most likely to put on what will get a rise out of his friends, he puts on 100 gecs and nine inch nails everytime he gets the aux because they bitch about it the entire time. its funny. he prefers to have noise on 24/7 and will even listen to pop country if it means unlocking new emotions

butters: will also listen to anything but to a worse degree. kenny has a rationale for what he listens to and why he enjoys it but butters just hears a song and decides its the best thing he's heard in his life. he's well versed in the girlypop scene through cartman but he also thinks that ajr is genuinely #deep. you know those overproduced songs that sound like they'd be in old navy commercials??? yeah. butters would listen to that shit.

but also worth mentioning hes not really a music person like he doesnt have spotify and most of what he listens to is through his friends

craig: just straight up does not listen to music. he doesnt hate it but there is no urge and he is DEEPLY noise sensitive, and a lot of music is unpredictable. more likely to put on a tv show he's already seen 437587354 times if he needs sound in the background.

clyde: college frat bro vibes like hes into really fake diluted edm like chainsmokers and calvin harris kinda bullshit. he is NOT a music guy and just searches "top hits" and listens to whatever spotify spits at him.

tolkien: another will-listen-to-mostly-anything soldier! he's most accustomed to stuff his parents play around him, so a lot of 60s rock, blues, jazz, swing, shit like that. he's a mild-tempered guy with a mild-tempered taste in music, he'll go crazy for a good guitar solo/bassline like jimi hendrix. because of that he's offput by anything too loud or raunchy like kenny's music but he's desperate to fit in with his peers so he makes it work

jimmy: not very notable because i think he has generic music enjoyment however i do think he's one of weird al yankovic's top streamers on spotify. he and kenny team up to create the worst queue at the house party. he's the one tossing in witch doctor and crazy frog

tweek (just for fun): is very scared of lyrical music trying to communicate Themes and Ideas to him so he listens to car crash sfx type a beats just to get the demons out

wendy (also for fun): dykezilla who listens to laufey and phoebe bridgers and beabadoobee. what can i say.

[nancypullen]

SPRING!

Spring has sprung and I've got an itchy trowel hand. I'm dying to get stated in the gardens. Raise your hand if you think I need at least one raised bed for herbs.

I chose those baseball players because it's also baseball season! Opening day is March 28th. Hit 'em where they ain't boys! Name that movie. Here's a hint.

If I sound chipper today, it's because I am. I HAVE A DAY OFF! Hallelujah! This job has become all-consuming and honestly, not fun. With spring in the air I'm longing for home and time spent playing in the dirt. The flower beds in the front of the house wave me off every morning and greet me every night - and I miss them!

Those gorgeous irises ae from Stoner Creek Elementary where I spent many years working. When a tornado wiped out the school some of my sweet teacher friends dug up and divided irises from the grounds. My dear pal, Dina, gifted me with several and they're thriving. The tulip bulbs were sent by my sister-in-law last December. I put them in the ground and, lo and behold, all 40 bloomed! Isn't it special when you can look at parts of your gardens and feel a rush of love for the people who made it possible? Double the pleasure. Our high today is just 47 and there's a chilly wind blowing, but the sun is bight and skies are blue. No complaints from me. I spent a little time cleaning up winter debris from the flower beds and making plans for what I'll grow this year. Every fall I swear I'm not planting sunflowers again, and every spring I come across seeds that I saved and I'm pulled right back in. Of course I'll plant them. They did really well on the east side of the house last summer, so that's where they'll go again. I surrounded them with zinnias for extra color (is there anything easier to grow than zinnias?) and the grandgirl liked making bouquets with them. I'll do that again. My Zepherine rose bush arrived last week and went into the ground, crossing my fingers that she'll really show off. Of course, this is her first year so I shouldn't expect too much. I shouldn't, but I will. I need to do a lot of things with my time off, but I have a feeling most of it will involve dirt. I'm okay with that. I just want to wear old t-shirts, make things grow, and feed the birds and squirrels. I've become an old swamp witch. There are worse ways to spend my time, right? I've got a roast in the crockpot, I'll roast some broccoli and mash some taters for dinner. We eat a lot of salmon and salads, generally avoiding red meat, but I thought the mister deserved a big hunk of cow meat tonight. He has been absolutely wonderful about keeping things tidy and making dinners. I know, I know women do invisible work for decades and no one ever applauds or thanks them. We're criticized when we don't do it all, but never thanked. Still, I appreciate that he's not leaving everything for me to do, so I will shower him with beef. I know it's been forever since I posted, and I really hate it. HATE it. I ask myself at the end of every nine hour day at the library why I'm doing this. I just wanted to volunteer somewhere and meet some nice people.

I know that most folks don't see what happens behind the scenes in a library, it seems like quiet people just sit at desks and check books in and out. There's constant work to be done, lots of big plastic tubs of books coming and going that have to be processed, inter-library loans,etc. I also spend time at the information desk which is always wild. Some of the questions that people call with would blow your mind. I enjoy working in the children's room, that's always fun. I really love when I can put the right book into a kid's hands and they come back and ask for more like it. Shelving never ends...ever. I'm already working on April's displays , two in the main library and one in the children's room. I just really wish that the days weren't so long. This week is a short week for me and I am delighted. Next week will be long. If they'd just have me come in from 9 to 1 daily, I could knock out all of my work plus others' tasks and still have a life. I work every hour that I'm there, others do not. If I have down time I will float around and pick up the slack in other areas. If everything is caught up, I'll clean. I never thought I'd be that senior citizen that complained about "young people today", but my gosh there's a whole lot of dead weight on staff. Seems like everyone has a special reason why they can't complete a task or show up for work. Ugh. They're all making more than me and getting health insurance, why am I the only one worried about the work getting done? I'm the part-time granny! Okay, I'm not going to end this happy blog post with whining about work. It has been good for me to get out and meet people, I'll stick with the positives. I skipped lunch today because I was working in the yard and now I'm feeling snacky. Since we're having a big dinner I guess I'll just have some cucumbers or a cup of yogurt. That'll keep me from wasting away to normal. Might even sit down and watch some murder tv. I've really been missing my shows! I have to catch up on all of the heinous things people do to one another. I wouldn't be surprised if someone calls the library asking how to dispose of a body, I'll just consider this research. I'm off for a couple of days so I'll blog again tomorrow. Hooray!! I miss the old days of steady blogging. Until then... Stay safe, stay well, HAPPY SPRING! XOXO, Nancy

[philhoffman]

Unintentionally celebrating the start of the MLB’s spring training with this week’s Monday Philm, Moneyball (2011), dir. Bennett Miller.

One of my favorite parts of this latest round of watching PSH’s work is how I’ve tried seeing semi-related films each week—for example, watching Infamous (2006) before rewatching Capote, or binging the majority of Todd Solondz’s work before watching Happiness again (which, yes, caused me irreparable harm). Today, ahead of this Moneyball rewatch, I finished Bennett Miller’s filmography, which just meant viewing his first film, The Cruise (1998), and his most recent film, Foxcatcher (2014). The Cruise is a documentary about a New York City bus tour guide, Timothy Speed Levitch—I wholeheartedly fell in love with it, one of my favorite documentaries I’ve seen (and full of names I recognize from Phil’s old gang of NYU/NYSSSA friends!). Foxcatcher is more complicated but I think it’ll grow on me.

Miller can make a damn good movie and, even more impressive, he can sure make a good biopic. Maybe’s he’s gotten lucky with his subjects or picking them is just another one of his talents, but Truman Capote, Harper Lee, Levitch, Billy Beane and the Oakland A’s, the du Ponts and Schultzes—absolutely fascinating subjects. The landscapes of 1950s Kansas, of New York City shot on digital in black-and-white, of Foxcatcher Farm, of America’s pristine and sacred baseball stadiums are equally intriguing.

I’ve heard criticism of all of his films that basically boils down to “they’re slow and boring.” I can see where that comes from but I don’t agree at all. I don’t care about wrestling at all and I’m not a huge baseball fan but he has me on the edge of my seat. His films linger, they are quiet, not flashy at all—not even Capote—but they’re gripping. Overcast skies, misfits, ambition, character-driven stories. Rather than a technical or visual trademark, Miller’s films are more tied together thematically. I’m really looking forward to whatever he does next, I hope it’s something soon.

All of this and I’ve barely mentioned our raison d’être, our tzadik nistar! Phil as fat Art Howe, my beloved. I don’t have too much new to say about Moneyball this time around, it’s just a great film and fun to watch and I enjoy it more every time. I know the real Art Howe and some fans critiqued his characterization in the film, his role and how he was written as the quasi-villain (and the fact that Phil was a bigger guy) BUT they should be so lucky to see PSH being grumpy and brooding in that uniform. Sexiest baseball player ever! A win’s a win!

(Also worth noting that I’ve never seen any negative reviews of Phil’s performance itself, just the way the character is written. I think even the real Howe conceded that. And the heat is mostly from baseball people who are shocked an appalled when biopics aren’t 100% true to life. C’mon folks live a little!)

[vivilove-jonsa]

2022 end-of-year fic review ✨

thanks to the wonderful @chispas-and-broken-bindings for tagging me! I know I've dropped out on fic writing this past 11 months but I was tagged and want to play :)

what's your ao3 account?

Vivilove

2. how many words did you write in total in 2022?

roughly 55k on ao3 (all but 900 of that was in January)

roughly 335k in original works (from February through December)

3. how many fics did you publish in 2022 // multi-chapter vs. one-shots?

three total - 2 multi-chapter (one was updates to an ongoing story) v 1 one-shot which I totally blame Christopher Catesby Harington and his sequel news for!

4. what was your longest-fic // shortest fic?

The one I wrote the most words on in 2022 was You Give Me Goosebumps. Started in early January and had it finished by month's end and it clocked in around 44k words. The shortest was We'll Say Hello Again at 900 words (again, I blame Kit)

5. what was your most popular // least popular?

The Farmer's Wife has by far the most kudos, subs, comments and bookmarks. I guess the one shot was least popular but I really appreciated all the lovely folks who popped into the comments to say hello when I posted it <3

6. what fic didn't perform as well as you thought it would?

I was happy with the response to all of them.

7. what fic performed way better than you thought it would?

Honestly, it became hard for me to predict the fandom's reaction to my stuff by the time I decided I needed a change. I was satisfied by how these three fics performed. I do remember having the most fun with the commenters on Goosebumps trying to solve the mystery :)

8. what was your favorite fic you wrote in 2022?

Goosebumps was the most fun to write as fics go but I've loved the books I've written since then more.

9. what was your favorite fic that somebody else wrote in 2022?

Now, this is why I really wanted to do this!! I'm totally cheating and talking about multiple fics. Sue me. I'm not reading nearly as much fic anymore but I love an excuse to talk about the ones I adored. So, in no particular order, my faves from last year were:

Take me out and Lounge act by @cellsshapedlikestars I'm picking on her but I loved both of these and also help me out of the shape I'm in which finished in '22 as well :)

Reach out with both hands by @thewolvescalledmehome Oof, I always love her wounded Jon.

And finally, everything by @kittykatknits !! I am so, so happy she returned to posting Jonsa this past year but want to give a extra loud shoutout to Race Car Driver Jon and the Most Awesome Sansa Ever in He's Going the Distance !!

(I have a thing for Sports Jon apparently with race car, football and baseball fics listed.)

10. tag your friends so they can play as well!

Tagging @kittykatknits @cellsshapedlikestars @thewolvescalledmehome @winterrose527 and @woodswit and anyone else who wants to do this.