#but overall satisfying open ending best case scenario | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

devoqdesign · 3 months ago

Text

The Role of Usability Testing in UI/UX Design: How to Ensure Your Web and Mobile Apps Meet User Expectations

In today's digital landscape, creating web and mobile applications that truly resonate with users is more critical than ever. As the number of apps continues to grow exponentially, users have become increasingly discerning, quickly abandoning those that fail to meet their expectations. This is where usability testing plays a crucial role in UI/UX design, ensuring that your digital products not only look great but also provide a seamless, intuitive, and satisfying user experience.

What is Usability Testing?

Usability testing is a technique used in user-centered interaction design to evaluate a product by testing it with representative users. During these tests, participants will try to complete typical tasks while observers watch, listen, and take notes. The goal is to identify any usability problems, collect qualitative and quantitative data, and determine the participant's satisfaction with the product.

Why is Usability Testing Important?

How to Conduct Effective Usability Testing

1. Define Clear Objectives

Before starting any usability test, clearly define what you want to learn. Are you testing a specific feature, the overall navigation, or the checkout process? Having clear objectives will help you design more focused and effective tests.

2. Choose the Right Participants

Select test participants who represent your target audience. Consider factors such as age, tech-savviness, and familiarity with similar products. Aim for a diverse group to get a well-rounded perspective.

3. Create Realistic Scenarios and Tasks

Develop scenarios and tasks that mirror real-world use cases for your app. These should be specific enough to guide users but open-ended enough to allow for natural interaction.

4. Select the Appropriate Testing Method

There are various usability testing methods to choose from:

- Moderated vs. Unmoderated: Decide whether you need to guide participants through the test or if they can complete tasks independently.

- In-person vs. Remote: Consider whether you need participants to be physically present or if you can conduct tests remotely.

- Guerrilla Testing: For quick, informal feedback, you might opt for guerrilla testing in public spaces.

5. Prepare the Testing Environment

Ensure that the testing environment is comfortable and distraction. If testing remotely, provide clear instructions for setting up and accessing the test.

6. Conduct the Test

During the test, encourage participants to think aloud as they complete tasks. This provides valuable insight into their thought processes and decision-making. Take notes on both verbal and non-verbal cues.

7. Analyze and Report Findings

After the test, analyze the data collected. Look for patterns in user behavior, common pain points, and areas of confusion. Prepare a report that summarizes key findings and recommends actionable improvements.

8. Iterate and Retest

Based on the findings, make necessary changes to your design. Then, conduct follow-up tests to ensure that the changes have addressed the identified issues and haven't introduced new problems.

Best Practices for Usability Testing

1. Test Early and Often

Don't wait until your product is nearly complete to start testing. Begin with low-fidelity prototypes and continue testing throughout the development process.

2. Keep Tests Short

Aim for test sessions that last no more than 60-90 minutes to prevent participant fatigue.

3. Avoid Leading Questions

When interacting with participants, use neutral language that doesn't bias their responses or actions.

4. Embrace Negative Feedback

Remember that the goal is to improve your product. Negative feedback, while sometimes hard to hear, is often the most valuable for making meaningful improvements.

5. Combine Quantitative and Qualitative Data

While qualitative insights are crucial, also collect quantitative data such as task completion rates and time-on-task to provide a more comprehensive view of usability.

6. Consider Accessibility

Include participants with disabilities in your usability tests to ensure your app is accessible to all users.

7. Test Across Devices

If your app is multi-platform, conduct tests on various devices and screen sizes to ensure consistency in user experience.

Challenges in Usability Testing

While usability testing is invaluable, it does come with challenges:

Despite these challenges, the benefits of usability testing far outweigh the difficulties. By incorporating usability testing into your UI/UX design process, you can create web and mobile apps that truly meet user expectations, leading to higher user satisfaction, increased engagement, and ultimately, the success of your digital product.

Conclusion

Usability testing is not just a phase in the design process; it's an ongoing commitment to understanding and improving the user experience. By regularly conducting usability tests, you can ensure that your web and mobile apps evolve with user needs and expectations. In today's competitive digital landscape, where user experience can make or break a product, usability testing is not just beneficial—it's essential. Embrace this powerful tool, and watch as your apps transform from merely functional to truly user-centered, delightful experiences that keep users coming back for more.

Devoq Design is a premier UI/UX design agency with a strong presence in both Delhi and New Delhi. As a leading UI/UX design agency in Delhi, Devoq Design excels in creating user-friendly and visually captivating digital experiences tailored to the unique needs of local businesses. Similarly, as a top UI/UX design agency in New Delhi, Devoq Design focuses on delivering innovative design solutions that enhance user engagement and satisfaction. With a team of skilled designers committed to excellence, Devoq Design ensures that each project is customized to meet the specific requirements of their diverse clientele, driving growth and success in both regions.

#web design #ui ux design #wireframe design

0 notes

admirablespoling · 2 years ago

Text

Ok so I finally watched the whole of v2, not just scrubbing through and I’ve calmed down a bit but I’m still disappointed in a lot of areas that reach beyond Will and Mike that “straight boy” he loves.

I cried like a literal infant at that van scene because I felt so fucking bad for Will. I cried again when Papa was trying to stop El from leaving, and again when Will and Jon spoke for 5 seconds about being brothers, and again when Hopper and El reunited. (I take issue with queer pain and I have daddy issues ig)

The painting was a huge let down, overhyped, and it’s super obvious that whatever Will was painting in the opening sequence is NOT what ended up in vol 2. I’m not sure why, but they claim to be SO detail oriented and s4 was sloppy at best with the details (like the birthday gaff, the fact that no one considered a giant one way sign pointing into a closet may mislead people, etc.)

But…in terms of Byler. I honestly feel like they kept the door “open 3 inches” and it’s kind of a cop out. I said in a previous post that worst case scenario was an ambiguous ending. And while it wasn’t wholly ambiguous, there were still Byler crumbs and Melvin felt forced and it just seems…weird? Season 3 and 4 Melvin are just odd overall. Like pick a lane, Duffers. Are Mike and El head over heels or forcing it? At this point it seems like Mike has just been a confusing asshole with no consequences or explanation for two entire seasons. How he treats El AND Will is unfair and his character is practically irredeemable IMO. It’s gonna take a miracle for me to ever care about his dumbass again. I hope Will moves on quick, fast, and in a hurry. Also, Will sort of shot himself in the foot. He’s selfless to a fault and I was hoping he would be a bit more forceful.

They could have just left out that cringey and offensive love confession and I would have felt a bit more satisfied with the season overall. And to have Will coax it out of Mike added to the weirdness that Melvin has become. Like what?? It was 100x less interesting than the shed scene in s2. Like, who tf wrote that? Why must Melvin be so forced upon us but also so distant and shallow feeling? I truly don’t get it. Lumax got a decent season, considering.

Overall the episodes were decent. I don’t like that Vecna’s story was told mainly through exposition because it’s lazy. The action was fine and all but they overhyped a LOT, including Will’s storyline, the death count, and Mike’s character development. I just feel…exhausted. I don’t want to think about this show again until s5 drops. This is the El show now and I just need to accept that Mike is only her accessory.

I will hold a tiny shred of Byler hope but I’m going to have to shift my focus away from it after mourning that brutally butchered plot line. They are stringing us along while simultaneously ruining multiple characters that were once nuanced and adorable. Fuck, this sucks.

#byler

39 notes · View notes

cripplingaddictions · 4 years ago

Text

Bakugo x Reader: Confession

Summary: After Bakugo’s mental breakdown with Midoriya outside the dorms, you take it upon yourself to get him to open up. Of course it isn’t easy, but you two had known each other for years. Bakugo realises how he really feels and claims you as his own.

Rating: SFW

Genre: Fluff, angst, lime

Word Count: 4.7k

A/n: I love comfort fluff and tending to wound tropes... and I also used the headcanon that Bakugo needs hearing aids, so that is included in this fic. I’m also sorry about the slow updates... I’ll have some headcanons out for haikyuu in the new future so stay tuned!

The crisp night air flooded through the open windows as you held a warm drink in your chilly hands. A fluffy blank landed on your shoulders as Mina deposited them off to everyone. You shifted yourself to meet Mina’s extraordinary eyes, nodding in thanks. Mina returned with a cheery smile of her own.

All the girls of 1A populated the couches, basking in the much needed warmth. A few boys sat amongst you, such as Kaminari, Kirishima, Ojiro, and Sero. Mineta desperately cried for help, wrapped in a cocoon of Sero’s tape after a perverted comment directed at Momo. Todoroki did as he always did, awkwardly standing slightly adjacent to the lively group, a keen but kind eye flickering between classmates as they contributed to the conversation.

“Everyone!” Iida marched up to your group, “Leaving the windows open in this weather is incredibly irresponsible! You will all get a cold!” His rapidly chopping hands paused momentarily to hurriedly pull all the windows shut.

“Thanks, emergency exit!” Kirishima waved at the class representative. A satisfied expression washed over Iida’s face.

You rolled your eyes, slightly smiling at them, before taking a prolonged sip of your warm beverage. Without spilling it, you pulled your legs up on the couch to cross them.

The class was happily celebrating a successful hero licensing exam. All but Bakugo and Todoroki. Hagakure and Momo had insisted they could join you too. It didn’t surprise you that Todoroki showed up but Bakugo didn’t, for one of them took it a lot worse than the other.

Bakugo was your childhood friend, knowing him since forever. There wasn’t a time you didn’t know each other, but not quite outdating him knowing Midoriya. You never really announced yourselves as “friends”, per se. It more so happened by consistently interacting, never really introducing yourselves. One of those friendships that “just happened”, neither of you remembering when you really met each other. Turns out, your mothers had been friends for years prior.

As you two grew older, and Bakugo became more and more like... himself, you did not condemn for anything he would say to Midoriya, being quirkless. Luckily, you happened to manifest a fairly powerful quirk, so he never judged you for it. He could never find himself to explode at you whenever you told him to back off. He may yell, but it never went further than petty insults. Of course, Mitsuki would have been appalled with him if he did. She definitely had a soft spot for you.

Once starting at UA, Bakugo’s ego slowly but surely began to deflate. He began to obtain standards, something that surprised you plenty. You noticed how he acted around Kirishima. That was when you realised the difference between how he treated all his peers. He seemed to rank them - most worthy of his friendship and time to least. Upon witnessing Kirishima - someone pretty high in those “ranks” - interact with him, you noticed the outside perspective. How nice he was to you and Kirishima, compared to people like Midoriya.

Eventually, you grew an odd feeling in your chest whenever he showed up to class. Top buttons undone and without a tie. Or when you caught a glimpse of his ember swirling eyes. Not to mention during training, rocking up in that hero costume of his.

You even began to play a little game. Testing him to see how long you could pester, order, or genuinely annoy him before he literally exploded at you. More and more of late, that time stretched. Unfortunately, your little experiment didn’t go unnoticed. All the girls of 1A knew, questioning you about it. You passed it off as something you thought would be funny. Only Mina saw right through you. She knew you liked him and constantly teased you about it to no end. Midoriya and Kirishima were the only others to notice you pushing his buttons more than usual lately.

Uraraka’s voice broke through your elaborate train of thought, “Y/N...”

“Yeah?” You answered.

“Do you have any idea where Deku is?” Her voice trembled slightly, her cheeks going slightly pinker as she rubbed the back of her neck. She couldn’t be more obvious about her crush on Midoriya, so you had nothing to worry about. “He hasn’t come back since Bakugo said he wanted to talk to him. I’m kind of worried about him.”

A huff left your lips, “In all honesty, I am too. There’s no telling what Bakugo wanted to talk to him about.”

“He might be seeking girl advice,” Mina chimed in, sending a sly wink in your direction.

You immediately took a long sip of your drink, hoping the cup hid your slight blush as you furrowed your eyebrows at Mina.

“I highly doubt it,” Tsuyu placed a finger to her chin in thought, “I’m not sure that Bakugo would need that kind of advice. Especially not from Midoriya.” Your gaze fell.

“He probably wants to kill him,” Jirou shrugged her shoulders, taking a sip from her own drink.

Jirou’s comment silenced the group of 1A girls. Only condescending sipping of drinks and the guys chattering filled your ears. Your attention left your drink to the sound of shuffling feet approaching. Bright yellow eyes met yours when the source of the shuffling feet sat beside you.

“Ladies,” Kaminari’s smooth voice wooed as he rested his arms on the back of the couch, “What’re you guys talking about?”

Dyed red hair, held up by a graphic bandana, flashed your peripheral vision as Kirishima took a seat next to you. He pouted slightly when you flashed him an almost sarcastic smile. The pout couldn’t mask that he could see right through you. Worry for Bakugo plagued your mind. There was no doubt Midoriya had improved his ability to use his quirk. If Bakugo had indeed wanted to fight him, he definitely underestimated him.

“I’m sure he’s just in bed, Y/N,” Kirishima placed a hand on your shoulder, “It is way past eight-thirty.”

You stifled a small giggle, nodding at Kirishima’s words and mentally thanked him for his optimistic nature. You continued to sip your drink in silence, occasionally tuning in to Mina and Kaminari’s chaotic conversation. Overall, you felt the homeliness of this family created through 1A. A homeliness soon to be destroyed.

A loud bang caused everyone to close their mouths, the worst case scenario filled your head. Luckily, when you followed it to its source, it came to a slammed door. An easy answer came to your mind; the wind. However, standing before the door stood Bakugo and Midoriya. Both definitely looking a bit rough around the edges. A gauze on each cheek, they looked defeated. They refused to reach each other’s eyes, or any other pair staring them.

You cautiously planted your cup on the coaster before you, as if you were afraid of agitating Bakugo, easily spotting the anger and emotion in his ruby eyes.

“Bakugo and Midoriya!” Iida rushed over to them in a flash, his arms chopping up and down in anger, “Where on earth have you been? Why do you look like you just got into another brawl with some villains?”

“Shut the hell up, four-eyes,” Bakugo snapped, grumbling to himself. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, before storming past the couches.

Before anyone could stop you, you leapt to your feet. Your drink left behind, you rushed after Bakugo. The blanket around your shoulders flowed behind you like a cape, you called out to the angry blond, “Bakugo!”

Bakugo ignored you, continuing up the stairs. Hurriedly, you sped up the stairs and overtook him.

Your body blocked his, “Bakugo, what the hell happened?”

His head continued to hang low, his blond hair falling to obscure his eyes from view as you desperately tried to meet them. Scratches, grazes and cuts littered his face and arms, some covered up with gauze. The two gauzes on his cheeks mirrored each other, lightly stained in blood. Dust and dirt smudged up his arms; his wounds weren’t properly cleaned. His hands stuffed in his baggy sweatpants shook slightly, from both physical and emotional pain.

“Shut up, Y/N,” Bakugo’s wavering voice protested, failing at any attempted aggression, “I don’t need to tell you shit.”

You heaved in a shaky breath, “True, but I want to know. I might be able to help you.”

“You can’t help me,” his voice raised, causing you to step back. You really wished you could see his eyes, to see what kind of pain he was in.

“You won’t know that until you tell me what’s wrong,” you sighed, trying your best to stay calm and not snap back.

“Get out of my way...”

Bakugo harshly barged his shoulder into yours, causing you to stumble to the side slightly. You stepped after him as he continued to his dorm, the most likely place you imagined he would storm off to. You caught up again, flinging an arm out in front of him. His warm, sweaty hand latched onto your forearm. Your heart skipped a beat, relishing the ironically soft touch.

However, the softness of his touch contradicted his tone, “Y/N, move... right now...”

“Bakugo!” You cried, not afraid of the slightly startled boy before you.

You didn’t budge or flinch as you laced your fingers between the ones he gripped onto your forearm with. With a soft touch, you lifted his chin upwards to get a perfect view of his face.

His cut up face held the softest expression you had ever seen. No crease sat between his eyebrows, grazes over his forehead. The gauzes taped to his cheeks hid the worst of his face injuries, letting a small amount of blood to seep through it. His eyes glistened with tears, about to be spilt. They stung red, from previous tears.

Katsuki Bakugo stood before you, with tears in his eyes.

The Katsuki Bakugo.

“You can tell me, you know,” You hushed, once his bloodshot eyes met your sympathetic ones, “I’ve always been there for you, like when you got your hearing aids.”

One hand still holding his, you let the other one slip up to expose the small black device in his left ear. It wrapped around the back, resting behind his ear. A soft sympathetic smile graced your features, as Bakugo squeezed his eyes shut. He entered a vulnerable state, allowing you to wrap an arm around his lower neck and pull him into a hug.

“Please...” You whispered, “It’s better if you let it all out.”

Bakugo awkwardly stepped out of the hug, slipping his hand out of your grip. His eyebrows creased again, squinting his eyes to hold back any tears. He shoved his hands into his pockets, and refused to meet your eyes again.

“I’m just fucking pissed!” He raised his voice again, “I’m pissed at myself. At damn Deku! How did he become someone so damn special? And I didn’t!? When I finally get fucking recognised for something... it’s because I ended All Might! Why me?”

Your breath hitched. All of Bakugo’s pain unloaded onto you. All Might’s end happened a small while ago. He held this guilt in for that long? No wonder he was angry. In a way, you felt privileged and relieved Bakugo opened up to you. You always tried to be there for him. You wished you could have been there earlier, to stop him ever feeling like this in the first place.

“Bakugo...” You hushed his uneven breathing. It almost sounded like he was about to have a panic attack, “You couldn’t have prevented it. No one knew that it was going to happen. The last person who should be blaming themselves is you.”

“I could have done something! All I did was stand and watch. I left as soon as I saw you call out to me. Damn it!”

“Look at me, Bakugo,” digging into his pockets, you removed his hands from them and held them in your own, “If you didn’t leave when I called you, not only All Might would have ended. You would have too. And I don’t know what I would ever do if you did.”

A sharp inhale came from Bakugo’s parted lips, before he trailed off, “Da-damn it...”

“I care about you, Baku,” you let your thumbs run small uncoordinated circles on the back of his warm veiny hands. You couldn’t force yourself to look into his eyes, afraid of how he would respond. “I care more than you can ever imagine.”

“I- I-, fuck...” He couldn’t form sentences, let alone words. You, of course, couldn’t blame him. Not only because of his current emotional state, but you knew it would take a little bit more to get something so sincere out of Bakugo.

“It’s okay,” you finally met his red eyes, trying to mask the glossiness of your own, “It’s okay if you don’t return my feelings... I won’t take it too harshly.”

A small cocky grin slid its way onto Bakugo’s disheartened features, “Who said I didn’t, baka.”

Little giggles left your mouth as you wrapped your arms around his neck. A newfound sense of confidence filled you. Not only did you let the burden of your confession lift off your chest, but he reciprocated the feelings. You couldn’t wait to tell Mina all about it.

“Now...” All sadness and sorrow had drained from Bakugo, a sudden huskiness melted off his words, “Let me claim you as mine.”

“Wait, wha-” Without warning, Bakugo cut you off by pushing you forward towards the elevator at the end of the corridor. A small laugh left you again upon witnessing the determination - no matter what it was for - return to Bakugo. The Katsuki Bakugo you knew and loved was back.

Without letting go of your wrist, Bakugo frantically pressed the elevator button, “Hurry up, you damn elevator!”

“Yelling at it want make it come faster, you know.”

“Shut up, Y/N.”

Once the elevator pinged, the doors slid open. Bakugo rushed you inside, turning around to watch as the doors slid shut again. No words were spoken, both of you urgently watching the elevator travel up to the level his dorm stood located in. You adjusted your hand in Bakugo’s grip, only for him to squeeze your hand tighter. The small action caused a tiny smile to tug at your lips in satisfaction. Damn, it felt good to finally have him.

The travelling between the elevator and Bakugo’s dorms happened so quickly it was all a blur. The only thing you knew was the sound of the door slamming behind you, before you were back up against the wall beside it.

Bakugo’s rough, calloused hands pinned your wrists to your side. There was no time to protest before the gap between you two closed. Your lips roughly fought against his a loosing battle. His lips felt chapped but soft at the same time. The taste of nitroglycerin lingered between your lips, the smell of caramel wafting into your nostrils. His hands let go of your wrists, finding a new home firmly on your hips only to press you further against the wall. Hands now free, they rushed into his hair. Silky blond locks weaved in and out of your fingers before you ran them down his neck to grip his shoulders.

The tickling of his tongue on your bottom lip begged your lips open, allowing it to slip inside your mouth. You desperately fought against his rough movements, only to lose. He took complete dominance as he slipped a knee between your thighs and propped you even further up the wall. In retaliation, you wrapped your legs around his waist, so he supported your full weight. Your crotch shamelessly pressed against his lower abdomen.

A gasp left your mouth as his warm hands glided up your curves and beneath your shirt. Bakugo’s skilled fingers ran patterns on the soft skin of your back, sending countless satisfied shivers up your spine. Your mouths continued to move in sink as his fingers slid along the skin just beneath your bra. The moan that escaped your mouth sent a wicked smirk onto Bakugo’s lips. Without warning, Bakugo’s lips left yours and attached to the soft skin of your jaw. You tilted your head to the side to give him more access to trail kisses down the curve of your neck. At the same time, one of his hands ran to the clasp of your bra. He fiddled with it, desperately trying to unclasp it before he gave up and detached his warm mouth from your neck.

“Damn it,” his warm moist breath tickled your neck, “How does this shitty thing work?”

You let a laugh leave your lips as you arched your back for your own hands to slip up your shirt. In an instant, you had detached it. The bra lacked straps, causing it to immediately drop to the floor.

A growl left Bakugo as he began sucking on the soft flesh of your neck. His warm, wet tongue pressed and flicked against it. The occasional sensation of his teeth grazing over your neck made a shiver slide up your spine. Bakugo’s large hands travelled back to the front, fanning over you exposed breasts. They travelled over them until he lightly fondled them in his hand, squeezing gently. Your hands on his shoulders quickly gripped onto the fabric of his black tank top. One of his thumbs flicked over your hardened nipple, causing his name to fall from your mouth in a pleasurable moan.

Bakugo greedily grunted, whispering against your neck, “Yeah, I like that, Y/N...”

His tongue continued to trail over your skin, sucking and flicking until he pulled away. Your eyes fluttered open, leaning down to press your forehead against his. Slowly, Bakugo’s hands trailed back down your sides and pulled out of your shirt. Your feet made it safely back down to the ground. When you attempted to meet Bakugo’s eyes, you found them trailing over purple bruises covering your neck, continuing up to the start of your jaw.

“Now you’re mine,” Bakugo brought you into a safe hug, letting you rest your head into the crevice of his neck. Your eyes squeezed shut again, delving yourself completely into his sent of caramel.

“As far as first kisses go,” you teased, letting a cheeky grin slide onto your face, “that wasn’t half bad.”

“Damn well, it wasn’t half bad!” His voice lifted higher, a familiar angry tone taking over. An even bigger smile came to your face once you realised he had almost completely forgotten the predicament he was in previously. “That better have been the best kiss ever!”

A little string of laughs left you, “Yeah, yeah. It was the best. You got me there.”

The silence continued for a little longer, until Bakugo retreated out of the hug. He cleared his throat before turning away from you. You took the opportunity to rush to his mirror, observing the damage he had done. A dozen or so purple hickies littered across your neck. They travelled all the way to your jaw and almost your ears. It would take a lot of foundation to cover those up, you thought.

“I’m definitely yours, it seems,” you turned to Bakugo, who only grunted, “I almost look as beat up as you.”

“I’m fine,” came his reply.

“You still need to clean those wounds and cover them up.”

“I don’t need Recovery Girl.”

“No, we shouldn’t bother Recovery Girl right now. I’d be happy to do it for you in the girls bathroom. Mr Aizawa is long gone, don’t worry about him catching us.”

“What about your annoying extras?”

“If any of the girls come in, I’m sure they’ll understand and make a pretty quick exit. I promise.”

Bakugo huffed in reply as you tilted your head in the direction of the door. You made your way to the door. As you reached out for the door handle, a bundle of black was thrown at you.

“Cover up, damn it,” Bakugo shoved his hands in his pockets and joined you by the door, “You don’t even have a bra on.”

“Oh, yeah,” you hurriedly unfolded the black clothing item, to find it was one of Bakugo’s plain black hoodies. You slipped it over your head and let it drop down a little further than your hoodies usually would. Caramel scent engulfed you, making it clear it hadn’t been washed since the last wear. Normally, that would disgust you, but it was your boyfriend’s. You plotted how long you were going to hold onto it in your head as you bundled the hood around your neck.

You gestured to yourself, only to receive a shrug from Bakugo. The shrug couldn’t hide the tiny reddish tint on his cheeks from the sight of you in his clothes. A victorious smile made it to your face, and you opened the door.

The journey to the girl’s bathrooms was uninterrupted. You led him there, linking pinkies the whole way. He hesitated to walk through the door, after all it was the female bathroom. The door shut suddenly behind you as you pointed Bakugo to sit on the bathroom counter. Swinging open the cabinet above the sink, you pulled out a small box of first aid supplies. You placed you hands on your hips after allocating the box a spot next to Bakugo.

“Take your shirt off,” you demanded, the authoritative tone desperately hiding the redness of your ears.

“Why?” Bakugo grumbled, mocking you with arms crossed.

“So I can see if you have any further injuries,” You opened the first aid box, pulling out a dry rag. Out of the corner of your eye, you spied Bakugo lifting his tank top over his head to reveal his toned chest and abs as you ran cold water over the rag. Wringing it of excess water, you turned to see him checking himself over for any injuries.

“Nothing,” Bakugo bluntly replied.

“Yes, but your ribs are bruised,” you pointed at the green patches of flesh along his sides. The mirror didn’t indicate any wounds or bruises on his back. Without warning, you dragged the moist rag over the bruises. A few droplets of water rolled down his chiseled stomach as he pulled back.

“That shit is cold!” Bakugo exclaimed, “I’m getting wet now, damn it!”

“It’s a rag with water, what did you expect?” You hummed, continuing to trace the bruised ribs softly with the rag. You leaned over the counter to grab hold of his closest hand, resting your sover it. “Stay still.”

Once you had finished, you gently gripped one of his forearms. The cloth traced his skin, washing it clean. You had to scrub it softly at some points, but avoided any of the open grazes and cuts. You travelled the cloth to run over his biceps, this time lightly dabbing at the largest graze. Your skilled hands couldn’t hide the blush on your face, especially with his fiery eyes watching your every move. They occasionally shifted to your concentrated features.

The cloth quickly passed over his shoulders and chest, before repeating the process on his other arm. This one wasn’t as scratched up as the other, making your job a lot simpler. Once you finished, you took a step back over to the sink.

“You’re probably gonna hate what I’m about to do,” you sighed, wringing out the rag after rinsing it.

“What are you gonna do?” He demanded, less agitated than he usually would be.

You didn’t answer with words but with your actions. Stopping the dripping of the rag, you dragged it around the gauze on his cheek. His hand swiped up, grabbing your wrist and pulling my hand away from his face.

“Die shitty rag! How dare you come near my face!”

A full hearted laugh left your lips, your head tilting back, “I’m trying to help you, baka. Please let me.”

Bakugo studied your face for a short while, until he ripped his eyes away, “Fine.” He left his cheek exposed, letting you place the rag back onto it. All the dust and ash had been scrubbed from his cheeks and nose. You softly dragged the rag over his forehead, softly dabbing it over a shallow graze. Once, your hand pulled away, you leaned up to place a soft kiss on his forehead.

“Are you done?” Bakugo rolled his eyes, pressing his bare back against the mirror.

You shook your head, “Nope. Not even close.” You placed the damp rag in the sink, digging around in the first aid box again. Bakugo groaned in annoyance, causing you to smile and shake your head again.

Cold plastic slipped between your finger tips - a small bottle of antiseptic. Pulling it out, you placed a few cotton balls next to it. Carefully, you dropped a small amount of antiseptic onto the cotton ball. You lifted it towards Bakugo, who grimaced at the sight.

“I can’t promise this won’t hurt,” you hissed in empathy, hesitantly detaching he hand from the counter. Pulling his arm closer, you dabbed the cotton ball onto one of the shallow grazes on his forearm.

Bakugo immediately pulled back, “Antiseptic can die!” You smiled, knowing that was his way of saying that it stung.

“It’s gonna sting a little bit,” you rolled your eyes, “I did tell you that.”

Your hand swiped out to grab his wrist in it again as he constantly ripped it away, “Katsuki Bakugo! It’ll get infected and hurt even more if you don’t let me do this!” You exclaimed in a playful seriousness.

“Say that again,” the grimace on Bakugo!s face dropped, his features now softer.

“It’ll get infected?”

“No, baka. My name.”

“Your name? Katsuki Bakugo?”

The smirk on his face now unmistakable, he placed a hand on your waist, “Yeah, call me Katsuki. I like when you say my name.”

A similar smirk crossed your face as you placed a hand over his on your waist. Without warning him, you took the cotton ball and frantically dabbed it onto the next graze. Katsuki grunted, whipping his arm out of your reach.

His eyes remained glued in the victimised graze, “What the hell? That was a dirty trick!”

“It worked, though,” you replied, drenching a new cotton ball in antiseptic, “That’s all that matters.”

“Whatever.”

Eventually, he gave up fighting against you, allowing you to finish applying antiseptic to grazes and cuts on his arms and shoulders without much fuss. You left the injuries covered by the gauze on his cheeks alone, immediately tending to the largest and most tender graze on his forehead. With your free hand, you pushed back his blond hair that shaded it. You kept that hand lovingly caressing the start of his hairline, while the other hesitantly dabbed at the graze.

Katsuki hissed through his teeth, causing you to slip your hand down the side of his face. You held his cheek in your palm and sent him an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry,” you placed the cotton ball down into the small pile of used ones under Katsuki’s observant gaze.

“I think I’m going to leave that one exposed. It needs to dry out to heal properly,” you explained thoroughly. A grunt left Katsuki as you pulled out more gauzes and a roll of bandage.

After a silent moment, you had successfully wrapped up his entire right forearm in a bandage. A large gauze covered a wide but shallow graze on his left shoulder and a couple of smaller ones littered over some small ones on his left bicep.

As you began to quietly pack up the first aid box, you felt a pair of arms slide around your waist. You stood on your tippy-toes to place it back in the cabinet, only for the limbs to wrap around you tighter. Katsuki’s breathtaking red eyes met yours in the reflection of the mirror, where you swayed in his arms in contentment.

“When I’m let off this shitty house arrest,” Katsuki grumbled into your marked neck from your previous activities, “I’m taking you out.”

“Yeah,” you laughed, leaning your head against his, “I’d love to, Katsuki.”

“It wasn’t a choice.”

A giggle left your lips, leaving both of you happy as you stood in each other’s arms.

#bakugo katsuki #bakugo x reader #bakugo imagines #bnha x reader #my hero academia #my hero academia x reader #katsuki bakugo x y/n #katsuki bakugo #bnha imagines #mha x reader #mha imagines #katsuki x reader

269 notes · View notes

thevoidcannotbefilled · 4 years ago

Text

Web!Martin.... Oh boy. Gonna shake the hornet’s nest with this one, but I’ve spent like three days on this editing and re-editing, and I’m finally satisfied with my kind of an essay at this point.

So, here’s a deep dive as to why I think Web!Martin has merits. (Scroll to the bottom of my essay for my TLDR).

Introduction

First, to get some stuff out of the way:

Do I think Martin is a sleeper agent? Do I think that he has been manipulating Jon this entire time or even in just season 5 for the games of the Web? Do I think he's a bunch of spiders in a Martin suit? Do I think he's regards the Mother as his Mother and accepts that he is her Son? Is Martn actively Webby?

No. Absolutely not. None of the above. The Martin we know is the Martin we began with, just with a bunch of trauma and has gained the ability to set his boundaries.

I find the idea of sleeper agent Martin or something similar to be very counterintuitive to the overall narrative. Not only is TMA about choices, and to have Martin be a sleeper agent would be to deny all of Martin's choices this season in particular, but it doesn't really lead to much. At best it's a gotcha and a surprise at worst it's making literally every interaction between Jon and Martin, with Martin himself, and so on mean nothing for the sake of one twist and make it sad. It's not fun in long term, and so at the end of the day, I trust Jonny and Alex as writers more than that. (Plus we already did the "person is replaced" thing).

Does Martin being a manipulator actively mean that he is a Web avatar?

Short answer, no.

Long answer, I made a post awhile back, and while it was for fandom things, I think it applies well here. What power you choose to align yourself with isn’t necessarily something you’d fully commit to. It is just, if you were an avatar and willing to hurt others for your own gain, what would you find yourself most aligned with. What I mean by that, just because Martin lies and manipulates doesn’t mean that he is Web, however, manipulation is a tool does fit well with the Web, and if he were to choose to align himself to that, I think he could be Webby. However, he is not necessarily a Web avatar because he has no motivation to hurt people.

That being said I do think Martin would be a good fit for the Web if he wanted to be, and I think there will be a point in the narrative that there is a potential that he could become one, even if he does not necessarily choose to be in the end.

Let’s talk about it.

Evidence

I think the best way to describe Web!Martin on my end is this: if Martin had an inclination to be an avatar, he would be the Web because everything from his aesthetics to his skillsets line up with the Web, but he does not have any reason to be Webby and in fact, at the very least as of MAG169, should actively be against the Web’s goals.

But that doesn’t mean his connection to the Web hasn’t been heavily foreshadowed or built up. Not all of these are of the same level, I admit that, so I’m just gonna bold the ones that are the most important. These aren’t in any particular order.

-For season 1 subtext, said he liked spiders In This First Appearance MAG22, in MAG38 Jon says that Martin gives them lectures on the importance of spiders for the environment, and MAG39, “it’s just that whatever web these statements have caught you in, well, I’m there too.”

-IN MAG79, his poem has a line in it that goes, “"the threads of people walking, living, loving" which is very Web-like.

-During the Web statement he read in season 3, he said “that wasn’t so bad, actually!” (MAG110) when he finished after showing open disdain for the others he read. The only other statement he didn’t think was bad to read was the Lonely one (MAG108), a power he canonical has ties to.

-The only person in the show so far of the main cast that has had direct contact with Annabelle Cane. The only other people that have had contact with her are her victims (Creature Feature, MAG110) or her people she used as tools (Web Development, MAG123).

-Let himself be guided to put the tapes on top of the coffin when the tapes, which have shown a direct association with both the Web and the Eye.

- Martin’s “lo-fi charm” and “retro-aesthetic” (various) versus Annabelle “She dressed like a vintage clothing store exploded on her” (MAG69)

-Uses lying and manipulation as his main tactic against people and is acknowledged that manipulation is a skillset of his. By Jonah mostly, but he was able to successfully manipulate both Peter and Jonah.

-In MAG117, he said "I’m not afraid for me, though. Isn’t that weird? I mean, it’s not like I’m going to be safe, like my plan’s not dangerous, but it’s, it’s mine. This last couple of years, I’ve always been running, always hiding, caught in someone else’s trap, but, but now it’s my trap, and, well, I think it’ll work. I know, I know it’s not exactly intricate, but it felt good weaving my own little web." and he then added after it with "oh good lord is Martin becoming some sort of spider person', no, Jon, just an expression.”

-Martin having a bad relationship with his mother versus Mother of Puppets.

-The Web and the Desolation actively dislike one another (MAG139), and fire is Martin’s most hated pain (MAG169).

-Martin is the primary investigator in Recluse (MAG59), Arachnophobia (MAG16), and was the one to find and give the Cracked Foundation (MAG114) to Jon. All of which are Web statements.

-The delivery of the table and the lighter were technically both given to Martin since he was the one who talked to Breekon and Hope.

-Martin was the first one to mention the Web lighter in season 5 in MAG162.

What Does This Mean

Now I will admit none of these things on their own mean Web!Martin. They’re something you might describe a Web!avatar yes, but not Martin on his own (like I said just because Martin can be a manipulator doesn’t mean he is a Web avatar).

In fact, with elements like Martin finding fire his least favorite pain, I adore the meta on Martin’s trauma about giving himself up for other people led to him disliking fire and the lack of care from his mother, also leading to that. It is an excellent metaphor that fits incredibly well with his character. That being said, these factors can coexist. Martin disliking fire can both be a metaphor for his own self-destruction for the sake of others and be hints toward Web!Martin.

HOWEVER, that all being said, even if these moments on their own don’t mean Web!Martin proof, I find it a bit unreasonable to entirely dismiss all of this either. There are too many coincidences lining up with the Web to not be intentional. It could be a red herring of course, but if it is a red herring.....well, Jonny put a hella of a lot of effort into making the Web!Martin red herring considering how much of his little details align so well with the small and big details of the Web.

But assuming that this info does align together in all its Webiness... does this mean Web!Martin?

Again, at the moment, I don’t think Martin is actively Webby.

At his heart, Martin wants to do two things: 1) Protect Jon and 2) Protect as many other innocents he can in the process.

As ironic as it is: "I want to find out what's going on. I want to save Jon. I want everyone to be fine and, you know what? If we were all happy that wouldn't actually be the end of the world” and “I want them to be safe. I need him to be okay” are basically the sum of Martin’s motivations from here to now. Martin wants a happy ending. And he’ll use whatever tools he can to do that.

So asking questions from dangerous people like Simon Fairchild? For the protection of the world from what he thought was from the Extinction.

Burning up statements and burning up the cabin? The Desolation would like that, if it wasn’t for the fact he does so to decrease the fear in the world.

And manipulating others? Peter? Jonah? Both of these weren’t to cause fear. They were at their heart to help others.

Using the tools that the powers use does not mean you’re of that power. Martin’s most effective tool is to manipulate others bc they underestimate him or they trust him to do what needs to be done. People tend to have a single view of him. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have other tactics, but with both Peter and Elias, it’s clear he knows how to use others’ egos against them.

Season 5 and Web!Martin

This ALL being said...... Season 5 is a lot about the nature of power (what to do with it and what it means to use it) and what you can do in inherently toxic systems. We just learned that killing its leaders does nothing when the system itself is built to actively hurt others. That smiting doesn’t actively make things better. The Web is actively doing something at the moment and possibly with the Distortion as well that will probably hurt Jon and Martin.

But.....

I’m worried about the possibility that the Web can promise a world with a happy ending like Martin always wanted and with no other options within the world, Martin chooses to let himself become a tool for the Web. Now to make this clear: Does Web!Martin give a happy ending or even a better world? No. Absolutely not. Can the Web possibly promise to give him the power to get a happy ending? Depends on if Martin will believe it.

If Web!Martin is a thing, it would be in doing so What He Thinks would be in both of their best interests and most importantly as his lowest point and final resort. That he stops believing that they have power to change the world on their own. When he believes he has no power left and all he can do to make the world better is to go to the one source that always seems to understand what’s going on. Because as of yet, he doesn’t have the motivations to be a Web avatar, but we’re slowly creeping into territory where he might think it is necessary to be one.

(We already had best case scenario where the Web asks Martin to join him and Martin says no. He could say no again, of course, but I don’t know if the Web will be as understanding of his reluctance in time).

For me, Web!Martin is on the same level of tragedy as Jon being the Archivist. Yes, there would be choices, but Martin would have been actively been manipulated by the Web just as much as Jon would be hurt by the Eye, even if it’s for entirely different reasons. He would be used as a tool in a greater game. Jon wants to be a good person. Martin wants to have a happy ending. We already know Jon’s desire to help the people around him has gotten him multiple marks. I can definitely see a world where Martin’s desire for a happy ending is used against him by the Web.

I can see a world where Martin lies to Jon because he thinks that’s what’s best for the two of them. I can see a world where he doesn’t lie to Jon but still accepts the power of the Web anyway despite Jon not thinking it’s a good idea. I don’t think either HAVE happened yet. We aren’t at that point, but...

Whatever the case, whatever plan the Web may have it highly involves one Mister Blackwood and his Archivist. And for the Web’s plans, Martin plays a key part of in it.

Other Theories and How Web Martin Plays Into It

So, do I think that’s where the plot will end? With Web!Martin betraying Jon bc he thinks it will be best? Not really. I think a lot of the point will also be that while Martin fits the Web well, his inherent desire for a better world makes it so he’s not an avatar. It’s the same points I made before: aesthetically, Martin fits the Web well and could be a good avatar in association, but he doesn’t WANT to hurt innocents. And ultimately, no matter his potential goals, Martin loves and cares for the world and especially for Jon. There could be a mistake in there made by Martin, where the Web has his clutches in him, but I don’t see a world where that is his ultimate conclusion.

I’ve also seen a theory where Martin uses Webby shenanigans to his advantage against Annabelle Cane. Where the manipulator becomes the manipulated and the tragedy is the sacrifice of himself for the sake of a happy ending he’ll never see.

I’m interested in seeing if Jonah making Martin the backup Archivist goes anywhere, especially with the uncertain connection between the tapes, the Eye, the Web, and the Archivist. Does this have anything to do with why Martin felt like he had to listen to Jon? Does this have anything to do with how he slapped Jon out of a statement? Could both of these elements also have something to do with the Web?

I’m also very intrigued on what Web Development was doing when they have something called a “story-spinner” and yet when the story-spinner was described it sounded almost exactly like an Archivist, but instead when you give a story, the spinner killed someone. Could the story-spinner have anything to do with the previous back-up Archivist? Could they just be entirely separate things?

Who knows what it all means? I don’t. That’s why I’m not discounting anything, especially with something that has so much set-up and subtext as Web!Martin. Whether Web!Martin means full avatar or not isn’t clear to me, but I’m taking any and all potential red-tape moments and running with them. If it means being pulled by a red-herring, so be it, but I won’t dismiss anything until proven otherwise. As long as Martin wants to do good and have a happy ending, I don’t think the Web can fully get him at least not in the ways that count. But I won’t stop investigating the narrative on what these elements could lead up to.

Conclusion

This post was made in frustration. I admit that. There is a distaste for Web!Martin that has been approaching the fandom that I don’t entirely understand. I’m not saying you have to like it, heck I admit, I could be entirely wrong. I also agree it’s a bit annoying that every interaction that Martin and Jon have come up under scrutiny for Martin potentially being Webby by the fandom. That’s why I started this post as I did because I don’t find the narrative of “Martin Is The Evil Bad Guy Manipulating Jon From The Beginning” all that compelling and wanted to put that to rest early.

I do, though, find it frustrating dismissing all elements of Web!Martin because of this. At the end of the day, I find there are too many elements in the text to entirely dismiss it and an outright rejection of Web!Martin can potentially lead to dissatisfaction with the narrative. I make this post as an explanation and exploration of my thoughts, and a way to show why so many fans like the Web!Martin theory. Take it or leave it, it’s fine, but I wanted to gather all my thoughts clearly in one place rather than in a bunch of snippy posts. I hope I’ve done that well enough.

TLDR: Web!Martin for me is a potential, a threat, and a possibility, but not something I think is actively happening at the moment. Martin would make a good fit for an avatar if he wanted to be, but at the moment, has no motivation to do so. However, with the ever decreasing options to save the end of the world, I can see a situation where Web!Martin is a thing that he actively thinks could save it.

That being said, Martin is inherently a character that wants to do GOOD in the world, and as long as that’s the case, even if that motivation is used against him, I don’t think he will be proven wrong that the world can be good and he has the power to make it so, or at the very least, I don’t think his journey will end on a dower note, even if it is a tragic one. The tragedy will be in the cost of saving the world or something similar, and whether or not Web!Martin is the case, I don’t think that will change. That being said, there are many potential theories on what could happen, and I don’t want to miss any of them, Web or not. This post has been made in somewhat defense as to why people like Web!Martin and continue to theorize about it, but also in reassurance that even if we do get Web!Martin that it doesn’t mean a destruction of Martin’s character.

#tma #the magnus archives #tma meta #web!martin #tma spoilers #tma s5 #I made an essay but needed to put my thoughts together #long post #ALSO THANK YOU GAMMI AND CHIN FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS!!!#edit: my read more died when I edited on mobile gdi sorry

231 notes · View notes

ka-za-ri · 4 years ago

Text

Prize Pt. 3 (Finale)

Ahoy! The last part of this commission is here! It was so hard to try and fit everything my client wanted into the fic overall, so I’m sorry if it might feel a little off. I did my best to give y’all a good end product! ｡ﾟ(｡ﾉωヽ｡)ﾟ｡

Chapter Index and Obey Me! Masterlist: here Ao3 Mirror: Here Pairing: Satan x Reader Genre: Smut Wordcount: 3,700 ish Tags: Soft smut, fluffy stuff, confessions, Summary: The cards are all on the table and the game is revealed. An uncertain future is discussed and feelings are confessed.

Victory

The months following that fateful day you spent with Satan passed without much commotion. In fact, it felt as though the attempts at usurping your time had diminished since then. It was easy to fool yourself into thinking that they had simply gotten tired of the game they played. It was easier to believe they were all busy with the sudden influx of papers and projects that needed to be completed for classes or that they had other pressing matters to attend.

You didn’t think much of the fatigue or the nausea, chalking it up to having to pull multiple all-nighters in order to get things done on time. The changes in your sleep schedule were easily explained by your terrible habits; and the cravings you had for food you rarely even thought about could just be another symptom of your delusional state as you crammed as much information about Demonic History, Sociology and Sigil Writing as you could within the time allotted to you.

It wasn’t until you missed your monthly cycle more than once that you realized something was distinctly different. From the way the brothers treated you to your mood swings and the tenderness your body felt, it all started to click together. You waited another week, just in case the stress was causing you to be late, but when nothing came of it, you realized that there were certain things you needed to discuss.

“Can we study in your room?” you asked, veering from the usual path to the library and closer to the dorms. “There’s uh…some things I kinda want to discuss, but preferably not in public.”

Satan raised a brow at your request but said nothing, leading you to his room and quietly shutting the door behind him once you were safely within. You sat on his bed, staring mostly at the floor though your gaze flicked up to meet his eyes from time to time. The words you had to say were just at the tip of your tongue, but actually getting them out was going to be the hardest part.

“So, uhm…we need to talk,” you started.

“Yes, that much has been established already,” your demeanor concerned him to say the least. He pulled a chair over to sit across from you, “So, let’s talk.”

“There really isn’t a good way to say this...” you grimaced, already imagining the various tragic outcomes of what you were going to tell him, “but uh…I haven’t had my period this month.”

He blinked, processing what you were telling him. There was an unending awkward silence between the two of you that practically drove you mad. After several excruciating moments of stillness, Satan let out a deep sigh. You couldn’t interpret the meaning of his reaction and waited with bated breath for his reply.

“Is…Is that so. Is this the first time you’ve ah…missed it?” he struggled to understand your human anatomy. “Is this normal?”

“No, It’s not normal…it’s close to the second month I haven’t had it. I’m. I’m pretty sure I’m pregnant.”

He blinked slowly and exhaled deeply through his nose when he heard the news. It was impossible to read his expressions. His face remained impassive for a time before he broke out into a small smile, but that was quickly dashed away and replaced once again with concern. “I…See…Well, I suppose we do need to talk...”

It was your turn to be surprised. “What do you mean?”

Satan leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in his lap and contemplated what he was about to tell you. Things were bound to reach this point anyway, but he was still nervous. He needed to deliver the information to you in the most matter of fact fashion, yet his voice still wavered a bit. “So, you know how you were told that you’re here in an exchange program to strengthen bonds between the realms?”

“Yes...”

“Well, Diavolo was pretty serious about the strengthening bonds and relationships part.”

“I’m afraid I don’t follow very well.”

Satan sighed, hating to have to go into a long lecture, but it was the only way for you to properly understand the game they had played ever since you arrived. “To be blunt, Diavolo believes that the demon population is dwindling at an unacceptable rate. In an effort to bolster the population numbers, he started this exchange program as a trial run and requested that denizens of the House of Lamentation assist in his ah…competition to, you know….” he trailed off, not sure how to further explain things.

Ah, there it was. There wasn’t a need for Satan to continue. You had suspected something from the very start, just having your suspicions confirmed laid your doubts to rest. Your gut instincts had been correct, and all the effort you put into spending time with the man in front of you had paid off. It was a winning scenario for all parties. Diavolo’s trial was a success; and you were with someone that you chose to be with, so long as the child was his.

“I see...” you nodded. “Now everything makes sense...”

“I’m, well, I guess I should apologize for all of us, we’re sorry that we didn’t tell you. Rules and everything kept us from saying anything.”

You giggled, “It wasn’t that hard to figure out. I had an idea of what was going on pretty early.”

“You…you did?” Satan looked at you incredulously. He had thought he kept his end of the deal pretty well. He couldn’t speak for his brothers, but he knew for a fact that he hadn’t said anything incriminating nor did he do anything that felt obviously related to the competition.

“None of you are very good at hiding your intentions,” you shrugged, brushing his shock to the side and moving onto more pressing matters that you wanted to discuss. “How…how would you feel if you were the father of this child?”

“Me?” He could hardly believe his ears. He had played the game on the loosest terms, only interacting with you when he had to. The one time he did bed you, it had been in the heat of the moment and when he wasn’t completely himself. “As flattered as I am to hear this, I don’t know if I would be the best candidate for the father.” Even if he was completely elated at the idea, there was no confirmation that the child was his yet he couldn’t bring himself to celebrate his victory just yet. The child could belong to any one of his brothers.

“What if I want you to be the father?” you beckoned him to sit next to you on the bed, guiding his hand to your abdomen and letting him feel the life that was growing there. From there, it only took a little bit of magic to figure out if your suspicions were true. Unfurling a small tendril of magic to assess who the child might belong to. As soon as his magic made contact with the energy within you, there was no doubt in his mind it belonged to him.

“How’d you know?”

You smiled sweetly at him. “Well, let’s just say that out of all the times I’ve been with a demon, you were the only one who I let close when I was the most fertile.”

“Really? You chose me? Out of everyone else?” Realization dawned on his face when he realized you had actually played the rest of them at their own game. His face flushed with a mixture of excitement and bashfulness. He always knew he had the same chance as his brothers to win, however hearing that he had been chosen to win made his victory all the sweeter. He embraced you, tightly holding you against him and laid you down to cuddle in celebration. Satan won. Asmodeus had been first, the others had been more vocal and forward; but he was the victor in the end. It was a fact he struggled to grasp but having felt the life growing within you only confirmed it and it felt incredible.

“Yes, you,” you giggled at how incredulous he sounded. Kissing him softly on the forehead, you brushed his hair away from his eyes. “I’m glad it’s you. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Satan heaved a heavy sigh of relief, the weight of guilt from hiding the competition away from you had stressed him to the point where he couldn’t sleep for many nights. Though the others had followed Diavolos orders and pursued you, he chose to let you come to him. It was a risk, but one that paid off in the end. Hearing that it was what you wanted warmed his heart, and he held onto you tightly in that relief.

The two of you laid mostly in silence together, every now and then murmuring a soft affirmation of your adoration for each other. Other than that, it was a simple, comfortable quiet you had grown accustomed to and cherished with him. You didn’t need to exchange words. Just enjoying his company was enough to have you feel satisfied and loved.

He still couldn’t get over the fact that even if none of the brothers had overtly said anything about the competition, you had been able to piece everything together on your own. There was an undeniable sexiness about how you had all of them eating out of the palm of your hand. To know that out of all his brothers, he was chosen gave him a rather smug sense of pride he couldn’t quite describe. It was easier to just show you his affection and his relief.

What was supposed to be an innocent study date turned into a serious conversation. In turn, that turned into a cuddling session once things were discussed and revealed. Everything being out in the open and on the table released so much of the tension you had been holding onto for so long that you found yourself quickly falling into a doze in Satan’s arms. His words earlier had given you so much reassurance that things would be alright. With the worst of your worries alleviated, you felt like you could properly rest for the first time in weeks.

Though, it seemed as if Satan had other ideas.

With the others out doing errands or going to meetings, it meant the whole dorm was empty; and he could be as vocal as he wanted to be when he was around you. Satan’s legs were tangled with your own, making it easy for him to roll his hips to you and let you feel just what you did to him by being close. His cock already half hard poked at your backside, and you let out a soft giggle as you were roused from your half-asleep state. “Really? This is all you can think about? Can’t we just have a cute cuddling moment here?”

“Well, how often do we get the whole place to ourselves? We can be as loud as we want and no one is here to judge.”

“Okay, well, when you put it that way, how can I resist.”

He wrapped his arms protectively over your abdomen pulling you flush against him as he peppered your neck with soft kisses. The dark mark he left weeks ago had long faded, but he wasn’t adverse to making a few more. You were now his after all. There was so much uncertainty about your future, but it would be fine as long as he was with you. Just the knowledge that he was willing to walk down that unpredictable path with you put you at ease. You sighed in content, melting into his embrace. Satan’s hands wandered away from your belly, trailing up to squeeze your tender breasts. You gasped, arching your back and inadvertently pressing your backside against the growing hardness in his pants.

He let out a soft laugh, loving how receptive your body was to all his touches. It was as if the two of you were meant to be. He wasn’t a superstitious man, but Satan couldn’t help but think meeting you was some stroke of destiny. To have you to himself like this only seemed to cement that notion in his mind.

His hips rocking into your backside became more incessant the more his need for you grew. Though it wasn’t as intense as it had been the last time, there was still an innate desire to mate with you. The kisses on your neck trailed lower to your collar bones. Satan’s hand moved from your breasts to snake under your top, easily peeling it off of you in one swift motion to reveal more skin for him to lavish with attention.

He wanted to do it properly this time, kiss you for hours on end and show you just how much he adored you. Spending so much time with you on the regular had only deepened his affections for you, and he wanted to show you that what he felt was beyond his base instincts. He had feelings past the need to claim and mate with you. He had thousands of years to temper himself into something more than a raging ball of impulse.

His hands returned to your breasts. He teased you through the fabric of your bra; and with every moan that came from your lips, you swore you could feel him grow harder. Satan’s breath felt so hot against your skin. Every kiss seemed to brand you with a heat that spread across your body before pooling between your legs. You groaned, struggling to free yourself from his grasp, but his legs around yours and his hands on your breasts kept you in place.

He made up for all the roughness last time with the sweetest kisses at your jawline and on the shell of your ear. Your nipples strained against the fabric of your bra as he continued to grope and play with your breasts until you were gasping his name, “Please… let me touch you too.”

Satan complied, if only so he could now see your face. As soon as you turned over, you pulled him into a deep kiss full of passion and lots of tongue. He hummed in approval of your enthusiasm, holding you flush against his chest. His hands wandered lower and played at the waistband of your bottoms for a brief moment while you kissed before they slid lower to rest at the swell of your ass. You were forced to break away when he abruptly gave your ass a firm squeeze. Chuckling at your surprised squeak as a result, he redoubled his efforts to work your bottoms off of you.

“Couldn’t help myself,” he poorly explained with a slight shrug.

In retaliation, your hand snaked between the two of you and fondled at the growing bulge in his pants. He let out a soft moan of appreciation once his crotch got more friction, and his hips instinctively moved to meet your touch. Satan wasn’t holding back on being vocal in his appreciation for you. With no one around to judge him, he was more than happy to let you know exactly how he felt about you. “Beautiful. Just beautiful,” he breathed in between the kisses you shared.

He maneuvered you to straddle him. In doing so, he found that he had the best view of you in this new position. With one hand firmly on your hip to keep you from going anywhere, his other hand was free to wander and explore your body as he wished. It only served to heighten his arousal as your clothed heat was constantly grinding against his hardening cock.

It was unfair how many clothes he managed to keep on when you were half naked on top of him. While his hand squeezed your breast and teased your nipple, you focused your concentration on evening the playing field. It was no easy task as every piece of clothing you managed to get off of him was reciprocated with a playful pinch of your nipple which only broke your focus. “Stop that,” you grumbled, swatting his hand away from you as you finally got the last layer of his uniform off of him.

“Stop what? Admiring you? Cherishing you? Treasuring you?” His fingers trailed lower to caress your belly. “That’s going to be hard to do.” There was nothing but love in his eyes as he came to terms with what the future with you would bring.

Hearing those words come from him made your heart flutter. The pressure of his bulge against your clothed heat also added to the emotions roiling through you. You wanted to hide, but there was nowhere to go. His hands reached once again for the waistband of your bottoms, carefully unwrapping you like a present. You were only allowed to move off of him just so he could shuck both your bottoms and your panties in one go.

Once again, you found yourself with significantly less clothing than he did. “Not fair,” you grumbled.

“Oh? Shall we even the playing field once again?” he suggested. Satan allowed you to shift off him just enough for him to navigate your hands to his pants. Your hands brushed across his abs in that motion, causing him to shiver before they started to undo the buttons and zipper to his pants. He watched your every movement, entranced at how you looked when you were concentrating. Heat simmered in his eyes, the hunger in them ever growing the more clothing you took off of him.

You decided to leave his boxers on for the time being. The power had swung in your favor this time, and you gently palmed him through the flimsy fabric. The simple action had him shivering and gasping underneath you. It was a sound you could easily get addicted to. You gave yourself the freedom to tease him a bit more, stroking his length through his boxers until he called out your name and begged for you to do more than just touch him with your hand.

“You’re beautiful,” you echoed his earlier sentiments, finally divesting him of his last garment and tossing it carelessly into the corner of his room. “Absolutely beautiful,” you breathed, crawling back on top of him and kissing him deeply. His hands flew to your hips, positioning himself to enter you. As soon as the kiss broke, he slid into you with one fluid motion.

“Fuck,” Satan hissed, his eyelids fluttering. It had been good the first time, but the energy was so different now. He had every desire to draw the moment with you out, show you just how much he cared; but as soon as he was inside, the innate need to mate and breed with you caused a haze to settle over his mind. He wanted to savor the softness while it lasted, and he strained to take even slow strokes in you.

However, seeing you on top of him, so pretty and moaning as his cock took its first few passes, broke what little control he had over his desires. He thrust into you with his hands holding you firmly in place. Everything about you was absolutely divine in his eyes. Even if heaven was locked away from him for eternity, he could at least imagine what it would be like when he was with you like this. Time didn’t matter. The competition and expectations of what was to come of your child were no longer a factor in those blissful moments.

Satan loved seeing you like this, face flushed and eyes lidded in pleasure as both of you chased your releases. He liked knowing when it was all over, you would be falling into his arms and no one else’s. It made him feel as if he could catch you from anything that happened. You were his, and that fact alone drove him into a possessive frenzy. He let his trusts run deeper, harder into you. With every breathy sigh and every moan he came closer to his climax. He could tell you were close with how your head lolled back and how vocal you had become.

“Fuck, Satan…I love you,” you whined in a moment of reckless abandon before you felt your orgasm wash over you in waves. Your vision blurred for a moment as your senses were overwhelmed with your climax.

Your words sent him over the edge. Satan’s heart soared hearing your proclamation, barely believing that you had said it at all. He gasped at the suddenness of his release. Pulling your hips down flush to his, he released his load deep within you, groaning as his balls twitched in the aftermath of such a climax. He had wanted to prolong the experience of being one with you as long as he could, but it was over all too soon.

Gently cradling you and bringing you down from your perch on top of him, Satan let you rest on top of his chest, not wanting to depart from your warm caverns just yet. His instincts also screamed to keep you filled, making sure sure that none of his seed went to waste, even if he had already impregnated you already.

“Say it again,” he murmured, stroking your hair idly as the endorphins sedated him.

“Say what again? I love you?”

“Yes. Again.”

“Okay, okay. I love you,” you admitted, blushing a bit at how often he was making you say it.

“Good. I like knowing that my love wasn’t misplaced.” His fingers in your hair trailed down to rest at your lower back, and he could feel himself drifting out of consciousness. There were too many things he still wanted to talk to you about, but the two of you had all the time in the world to figure things out together.

He hummed an old, soothing tune as he let his thoughts wander. There was still so much for you to learn about the Devildom. A visit to Diavolo would be in order as soon as possible as discussions on matters pertaining to your child were needed. Then, you would most likely need to be put on an accelerated course to make certain you know the ins and outs of Devildom customs and cultures to ensure that your child would grow up in a proper environment. He thought of the ways he could support you, outside of the obvious help in your studies. There was also the concern of the child being born from such a unique lineage. Surely there would be growing pains associated with that as well…

“Satan?” your sweet voice broke him away from his train of thought.

“Yes?”

“You’re stressed out,” you stated plainly. “Your whole body is all tense. Whatever you’re worrying about can wait, right?”

“Yes, my love,” he agreed, pulling the covers over the both of you. Whatever worries he had about the future didn’t feel so daunting, so long as you were with him.

#Obey Me! Fanfic #Obey Me! Satan #Satan x reader #Shall we date satan #Obey Me! Smut #My writing #i'm trash you're trash we're all trash

71 notes · View notes

land-of-classpects-and-analysis · 4 years ago

Text

Mage of Blood

Ever stopped to think about all of the friends, old and new, you have managed to collect over the years? All of the ones that seemed so bright and promising before the crackling heat of it all eventually turned into silent embers, leaving you cold and alone? What about the ones you had no plans for creating, but, as though from pure luck and surprise, still somehow managed to come to life? Have you ever thought about all the tears shed over one person, or the sound of uproarious laughter - loud enough to challenge that of thunder or waves crashing against the Earth? All the heated arguments, existential discussions in the early morning, everyone slowly letting themselves become vulnerable to one another. All of these memories and moments being built and etched into the folds of your mind. For what? A painful, mournful, or sad reminder of a time you can never go back to? After all, sometimes things don’t work out. People change, like that of the current within the ocean, and before you know it the ocean that is your social life is churning, and churning, and churning, rarely allowing you the chance to even breathe between all the heartache. They say there are plenty of fish in the sea, but what happens when the sea seems to be trying its best to hold you in its undercurrent, never to see the light of day again? Have you ever stopped to think about all of the friends, old and new, that you’ve lost over the years?

Socializing is a difficult and sometimes scary thing for quite a lot of people. There are countless layers to the issues some people may have with it, whether it be internal, or rather personal issues, or external ones. At times it can even feel as though one is walking across a minefield, with each step having to be more calculated than the last. For some people, by the time they realize the mistake(s) they have made, it is too late for them to turn around and find another way. That is most often why they stick to being outside of these fields and doing things on their own. With the amount of time they spend stressing over what they said, what they could have said, and what they should have said, the Mage of Blood is one who struggles greatly when it comes to understanding their Aspect and its properties.

While Mages have to struggle and suffer, as well as willfully chase after it, in order to understand their Aspect, the Mage of Blood is one who must seek out these answers and this knowledge through some rather shifty means. These morally-gray decisions are especially reflected in Mages who choose to hunt for this knowledge through Blood rather than simply trying to gain knowledge of it. After all, those who choose to go about acquiring and using their powers through their Aspect should very well know it means experiencing their Aspect at its best and at its worst, as well as participating in activities surrounding it. Considering that the Blood Aspect is connected to that of bonds and relationships, it can be a little more clear how the Mage of Blood, specifically those who wish to seek out knowledge through Blood, can so easily end up being seen as an immoral person. However, that is for a later-on discussion. For now, let’s take a look at how the Mage of Blood could become so easily entangled in a web of lies, broken hearts, and an overall mess of a social life.

The Mage of Blood’s journey would initially begin with them having an inkling of an idea of how to go about making friends, socializing with others, and so on. Their tactics and practices may not charm everyone into joining their social circle, but since Mages are naturals at attracting people who reflect their various extreme moods, the Mage of Blood just may acquire one or more friends early on in their life. While this may seem like a wonderful thing for the Mage of Blood, and a sign that they most definitely have the friend-making skills down-packed, unfortunate enough for them, their true journey has yet to begin. Although they are in the company of other people - company they may see as good - anyone with a clearer and more mature mind may see the trouble the Mage of Blood has truly caught themself in. The Mage of Blood, lacking a true sense of knowledge in what friendship really is, would most likely accidentally invite wounded and suffering souls into their life and call them friends. Considering these would be the Mage’s first taste of companionship and friendship, chances are that things would not last forever. This is not to say that all of these friendships will end quickly or all at once, but that the Mage of Blood would eventually have to watch as all of these bonds wilt away.

If there were to be one defining trait for the Mage of Blood, it would be that they are a deeply empathetic person. So much so that some people who know them might even describe them as a bleeding heart. Even when the Mage of Blood finds themself in a horrific relationship, the fear of being alone is often big enough to keep them within those shackles and chains that connect them with this person, or perhaps even people. They are someone who fears being alone while also having the fears of not only letting people down, but also letting other people be alone. The Mage of Blood is someone who knows the fears, struggles, and bitter cold that comes from loneliness, and it is something they most often wish not to inflict upon others - even if it means making themself into a pyre for the other person to use to keep warm. Do not take this as the Mage of Blood being cursed to forever be in horrific relationships, platonic or otherwise, though. They will most definitely acquire some friends who do truly love and support them, and while the Mage of Blood will treasure and love them with all of their heart, there is no promise that they won’t give the exact same love to people not nearly as kindhearted and loving.

While this may sound like a build up to the beginning of the Mage of Blood’s journey, that is only partially correct. The Mage of Blood is one who can choose to actively seek out knowledge of Blood, or actively seek out knowledge through Blood, as already stated. However, the beginning of the Mage’s journey often begins with a horrific bang, oftentimes as a means to show the Mage how truly ravenous their Aspect and journey can be. Therefore, depending on the Mage of Blood, their journey could have very well started after their first friendship or few ended, especially when keeping in mind that the Mage of Blood would surround themself with souls who do not offer good company. If that is the case, then there are some Mages of Blood who have been on their journeys as early as childhood. These Mages of Blood are the majority of those who choose to actively seek out knowledge through Blood - willfully throwing themself into the hardships that come with friendships and failures. For the Mages of Blood who may have kept to themselves in their younger years, they are the majority who choose to actively seek out knowledge of Blood - tired of being alone on the sidelines and deciding to instead try and figure out how they can finally incorporate themself into the social scene.

For the Mages who decide to finally come out of their shells and seek out knowledge of Blood - of love, companionship, and the power that comes with it - they arguably may have the easier journey. That is not to say they do not suffer at all, though, but rather their suffering takes on a more interesting form. The Mage of Blood would most likely take on the act of People-Watching, wherein they observe those around them and all of their various dynamics together. However, this research cannot simply be done during something such as school, sitting on a bench in a park, or even at work. For some people, it could be enough, but the Mage is one who is not satisfied with the knowledge they have until they have experienced every last possible scenario and sense of their Aspect. As such, the Mage of Blood would purposefully seek out places filled to the brim with all types of relationships, but would also be led here by their Aspect leaving a plentiful amount of bread crumbs. The Mage is meant to travel to many, many places during their journey, after all, but it is never promised that these places will be safe. If anything, it would become rather odd to the Mage of Blood if there were to be taken anywhere other than a place of shifty morals and dangerous people.

Their Aspect may bring them to smaller places at first, such as the aforementioned locations above. However, the Mage and their Aspect know it isn’t enough knowledge to satisfy the Mage’s hunger, and so the places they go would grow more and more layers of intricacies in terms of the relationships presented to them. Night Clubs, protests peaceful or otherwise, different communities of all kinds, support groups, any type of club that doesn’t have to do with partying, and so on. The Mage of Blood would actively seek out these places, and while they may choose to participate in some of the activities present, it is not an exact requirement for them in order to complete their journey. While this may sound like there aren’t many struggles, it is well assured that the Mages of Blood who choose this journey are most certain to struggle and suffer. Due to the places they go chances are that they will run into many hurdles and problems along the way. Blood is all about relationships, after all, and so the Mage of Blood may find themself in the middle of a few disputes every once in a while. Whether it be that of them against one person, or them against multiple people, the Mage of Blood will learn what it truly means to be part of a group that shares one vision for the future, even if it means being attacked by those of their fellow species. Through the tears brought upon by gas and the pain brought upon by a physical, brute force, though, will the Mage open their eyes to the truth of what the Blood Aspect is truly about.

What about the Mages who wish to gain knowledge through Blood, though? Well, let’s just say their method of gaining knowledge may take on two different meanings. The Mage of Blood, as hinted at before, may be one who willfully welcomes people of all kinds into their social circle, knowing full well that there will be those who only wish to inflict some type of harm onto other people. If it means gaining more knowledge and more wisdom, though, then the Mage of Blood will happily be put through a possible literal Hell. However, there are also those that, once again, do it out of the kindness of their heart - even if they know the person to be not the most trustworthy. Perhaps the Mage of Blood themself has been labeled in the same fashion by those in the past, and so they know how isolating it can be to not experience the warmth of another person. Those who choose this path are some of the most likely to have two sides of the same coin - where one side only see relationships, and even the people within them, as mere stepping stones towards more knowledge, while the other sees every relationship as a chance of redemption, and must learn the hard way that not everyone is as kind and patient as them.

However, this is when they seek out this knowledge through the Blood of bonds. Much like the other Aspects, though, Blood itself can take on a double meaning. The Mage of Blood may also seek out through knowledge through the more literal definition - whether it be their own or through another’s. This is a more daring and less popular option for Mages of Blood to approach, mostly because it means either higher levels of self-sacrifice that they must endure, or they must take someone else’s, forever staining their hands, mind, and clothes in the process. While this does tie into the more literal sense of blood, it can still come back around to the undertones of Blood. For with every drop and splatter painting the world, with them as the painter, there will always be someone left to mourn and cry over the loss of someone they held so near and dear. These Mages of Blood would indeed gain the knowledge of Blood, but it would be in one of the dirtiest ways one could imagine. Even if the Mage of Blood were to have partners in crime with them, there is no guarantee that their own relationships with each other are entirely healthy. After all, while Blood-Bound are those who gain their powers from the bonds they create and hold, especially when everyone shares the same vision and goal, it can be so easy for certain Blood-bound to become locked in an echo chamber of ideas and morals that are only not ideal, but sometimes extremely dangerous.

No matter what, though, many of the Mages of Blood will eventually come to a conclusion in their journey where they have truly formed a connection with their Aspect and gained a true understanding of it. The Mage of Blood has an excellent promise to be a great and powerful leader, or at the very least a co-leader of a group. They’re someone who could be known as a true visionary in their group - being the one with the clearest vision on the goals and ideals the group should follow. Along with that, they’d be able to easily find people who share such similar thoughts as them and bring them into their group. Much like many of the other Mages, they also have great potential to be rather wise and precise with the words they say - making sure that each one is uttered in a way that makes them unique, heard, and understood. They are the person many people would go to for relationship advice, whether it be how to approach someone or how to solve a problem within the relationship itself. Depending on their own relationship with the person inquiring for such information, though, the Mage of Blood may either purposefully set them up for sabotage or withhold information from them entirely, all the while giving the best and truest advice to those they hold near and dear to their heart. The Mage of Blood has known the horrors and trials that come from traversing the minefield that is socializing and relationships, and they most definitely have their own stories to tell - whether it be by the tightened skin of scarring, or the more than knowing look towards a couple who speaks of how much they love each other.

They know what it means to feel defeated and like there is no chance to win, but they also know how to push through and continue fighting. In a way, the Mage of Blood is an excellent example of how Blood-bound tend to stand by the phrase of “Do As I Say, Not As I Do”, especially knowing all of the pain and suffering they have gone through. Chances are that, if a clear-headed Mage of Blood trusts and adores you, and they give you a piece of advice, it would be wise not to question it too much. They know what it means to be hurt by those they put all of their love and trust into, and they never wish for those who have shown them true care and kindness to be treated in fashion even remotely similar to how they were. Whenever the Mage of Blood is met with a friend asking for advice or even venting to them about an issue between them and another person, the Mage of Blood can’t help but see themself in that friend - inexperienced, innocent, and clueless. The Mage of Blood is one who often thinks about the friends, old and new, that they have collected over their journey. Most of them had to be left behind, after all, if they did not wish to slip beneath the ocean’s hungry waves for good, but rather rise above the waves and help those struggling in their own battles with the ocean and its fish. They know how the ocean works now, though, and are now no longer afraid of what lurks within its depths, but rather challenges it to give them its worst, for they know they’ll always win. Even if they don’t, though, they can always make a comeback. Mages are one of the most resilient people in the world, after all.

#Mage #Mage of Blood #Homestuck #Hiveswap #Mage of Blood Analysis #Blood Aspect #Oculus October #Blood

40 notes · View notes

illegalastrology111 · 4 years ago

Photo

KARMA FILES - LOVE 2021xoxo

ARIES

Building close reliable friendships that stand the “test of time”, is the most important thing for Aries this year. Although you may feel tempted when Mercury retrogrades in Libra, September 27th - October 18th, to go back to an old love, don’t. This will only work if there’s been significant change and growth with the individual in question, otherwise you’ll be repeating karma, that really needs to be overcome and let go, at least if you want to experience a fulfilling relationship at some point in time.

At the same time, you have to learn how to balance being free and independent in a relationship , while still spending quality time with your significant other. 2021 can be a remarkable year for getting closer to someone you care about, but you have to decide if that’s really what you want or If it’s a temporary phase that quickly passes. If this is the case, be mindful that your partner has feelings too and what you do to then can very easily be done to you.

TAURUS

As the year moves into summer, the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius, May 26th, highlights a major shift/ending of intimate personal relationships and how you operate in this area of life. This aspect indicates honesty with Self and others about what you want and where the relationship is going. To say nothing, will only create hurt feelings for your partner that can be avoided. This is an issue of clear, straightforward communication without fearing the outcome. At the same time knowing what it is you want out of love and the type of person you want to be with.

By December 4th, the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius, will open a new door of love, possibly with someone of another belief/culture or who lives abroad. Don’t fear expanding horizons of love in new directions that are out fo your comfort zone, because love is love and it comes in many shapes, sizes and colors.. Just be wiling to give it a try.

With the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Taurus, November 19th, your view of love and the world will be changing, urging you to realize, there’s a lot more to life than you thought and you can change situations from negative to positive with the power of your Will and intent.

GEMINI

Certain beliefs you’ve held onto regarding long-term relationships/marriage will be altered by the time the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Gemini occurs May 26th. You can be happy in a committed relationship if you and your partner are willing to grow and learn together to make it work. It takes effort, but can be worth it in the end. By the time the New Moon Solar Eclipse occurs in Sagittarius, December 4th. Love will be ready to expand into new horizons beyond your previous belief of what is possible. Be prepared to hear from past loves doing Mercury retrograde in Libra, September 28th - October 18th, .

With Pluto also still in Capricorn, in your house of karma, the past and endings, you’ll find the fear, m insecurity, doubt and stagnation still lingering, pertaining to intimacy, will come to the surface for you to confront. Plus with the Nodes of the Moon in Gemini (North Node) and Sagittarius (South Node), communication, learning to convey your feelings will be important, as well as actually liking your partner on a much deeper level. Going through this learning curve will do wonders for the longevity of personal relationships overall.

CANCER

Mercury retrograde in Aquarius, January 30th - February 20th, mainly affects the house of intimate relationships. With both Saturn an Jupiter in this house for a while, you must learn to be less dependant and needy in love. Try to get rid of outdated modes of thought regarding sex and intimacy and avoid gossip , which could destroy what you and your partner have built together.

Regardless of how deep your feelings maybe for the person you love, be careful go becoming a martyr, giving too much and getting little or nothing back in return, in the way of appreciation ,that does nothing to improve the longevity of the relationship. If anything, learn how to use your intuition and strong sensitivity to sense and determine your partner’s feelings and intent, then sit down and communicate your feelings with honesty, so there are no secrets, that could come out later and destroy the relationship.

LEO

With both Saturn and Jupiter in your house of long-term love, there will be an abundance (Jupiter) off choice when it comes to potential partners. But also the (knowing) of being responsible and compassionate towards your significant other. But this still may not prevent the possibility of disappointment manifesting during the Saturn/Jupiter transit. Jupiter in this house will shine a “magnifying glass” on strengths and weaknesses in love until December 30th 2021 and more on the intimate level, May 14th 2021 - July 28th 2021, then December 30th 2021 - May 10th 2022, when Jupiter movs into Pisces. This cycle will be a reality check for you, the way you treat others in intimate love and how you need to be more tactful and sensitive to the needs of your partner.

In addition, with the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius, May 26th, affecting your house of romance and happiness, some aspect of this will be altered , opening the door for a new perspective by the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius, December 4th. In addition the Nodes of the Moon are in Gemini (North Node - representing what you need to aspire to learn) and Sagittarius (South Node - representing what you need to overcome), until January 19th 2022, your ideas of love and personal relationships will change, because you discover your perceptions aren’t really accurate and in harmony with what is actually happening. In fact, the reason for most of the problems you’ve been experiencing.

Deep thought and meditation is needed for you to truly feel, know and understand love in its fullest capacity and how you can actually experience it in a more positive way.

VIRGO

Pluto still in Capricorn, December 27th 2008 - January 22nd 2024, has brought up many childhood fears, insecurities and negative scenarios that have and stil continue to affect love and happiness. As long as you’re aware of these feelings as they come to the surface, you’ll be empowered with a sense and desire to build a strong secure relationship with someone who will stand by you through thick and thin. This means letting go of indoctrinated beliefs imparted by family, that affect how your life is lived and what you believed it should be. Expansion and growth are in the stars, the keys to living the life you deserve and experiencing love at its best.

When Jupiter moves into Pisces, May 14th - July 28th, them December 30th - May 10th 2022, renewing of vows and commitment will be in the air and deep feelings of connection with your Significant Other, beyond surface attraction. More of a spiritual connection will be felt. For single Virgo, this a time when a Soul Mate could come into your life.

For both single and committed Virgo, taking off the “rose colored glasses” is also key too the success of love. Pisces natural home is the 12th house of sorrow, self-undoing, karmic debt, secret enemies and the hidden. Therefore, if there’s anything that needs to be revealed that could affect the longevity of love, when Jupiter is in Pisces, the “veil” will start to lift. However, Jupiter in Pisces, Is a deeply romantic cycle, love in its purest form, a time when love can conquers all.

LIBRA

It will be very important for you to be your own person in the context of love this year, especially when Venus retrogrades in Capricorn December 19th - January 29th 2022, which affects your foundation of life. A time when it will be necessary to find the the self-confidence and self-worth to really become an individual and decide what you want your life to be moving forward. How does love fit into your plans? How strong is the foundation of commitment between you and your partner.

It’ll be easy to sink into love relationships and not give too much thought to what else you need to be doing with your life and should be doing. But the only way to bring balance and resolution is communication with your partner, so that between you a solution can be found, that satisfies both your needs and the relationship too.

With Pluto in Capricorn affecting your foundation of life until January 22nd 2024, all stagnation, fear, insecurity and doubt, connected to home and family, that also seems to have an intense affect in other areas of life, will be brought to your attention to confront and overcome. This is all connected to happiness and love, so the more you’re able to overcome and shed old skins, the happier you’ll be.

SCORPIO

With the Nodes of the Moon in Gemini (North Node) and Sagittarius (South Node), affecting your house of intimacy, Its; important that you’re very clear when it comes to verbalizing your wants, needs and intent to your partner, as far as the relationship is concerned. With the power of Scorpio and its ability to transform negative scenarios into positive ones, you must try to operate from a position of integrity as much as possible, resisting the urge to be jealous and vindictive when you feel wronged. Mercury retrograde in Gemini, May 29th - June 22nd, is a cycle when it would be wise to think before yo speak, as your words could come back to haunt you through this transit. Let your feelings and thoughts be known without harbouring resentment or diminishing others in the process.

The New Moon Solar Eclipse in Gemini, June 19th, opens the door for a new perspective and understanding towards sex beyond the physical. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Taurus, November 19th, goes through your house of long-term partnerships, which could mark the end of a long-standing relationship gone stale.

When Jupiter moves into Pisces, May 14th - July 28th, the December 30th - May 10th 2022, you could come to the realisation that you’re really not happy in love as reality sets in and you have to confront illusions you’ve created about love-relationships.

This is a year of Soul-searching when it comes to romance, beyond the superficiality of the physical side of love.

SAGITTARIUS

With the Nodes of the Moon being in Sagittarius (South Node) and Gemini (North Node), its important and necessary there is a clear understanding between you and your partner, about the direction love is taking. Gemini is in your house of long-term love, which could lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication and words said that can’t be taken back. This especially applies when Mercury retrogrades May 29th - June 22nd. Tact, tolerance and understanding will be very necessary in order to “clear the air”.

At the same time the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius, May 26th, indicates truths will come to the forefront and you may feel it’s time to follow a different path, perhaps leaving current love behind. However, by December 4th, the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius, ushers in a new door of opportunity to expand love-relationships on a serious level, that are more suited to the person you’re becoming. Message for 2021, be open to possibility.

CAPRICORN

With Pluto in your sign until January 22nd 2024, having been there since December 27th 2008, you have undergone and continue to go through tremendous transformation on a deep level. This mainly affects how you present Self to the world and how the world sees you, which in turn affects love. With Uranus in Taurus, currently in your house of romance, happiness and childhood, until July 7th 2025. It’s a sign for you to separate yourself from the childhood worth/values you learned growing up, that you felt were needed in order to be happy in love, which led you to being with people who couldn’t fulfil expectations, because they themselves were aligned with a more physical/material nature. By the time Uranus moves out of Taurus you should be more comfortable with love and in a love-relationship that is more meaningful, sensual and fulfilling, which will become evident by the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Taurus, November 19th, getting rid of any relationship that doesn’t a deep, nurturing , empowering connection., strengthening ones that are right for you;

Venus retrogrades in your sign, December 19th - January 29th 2022, indicating a time to go within and rebuild your sense of empowerment to be more prosperous in the world overall and to demonstrate to others you have what it takes to succeed in all areas of life. You should be internally strong during this retrograde, knowing you have the power to manifest the things you want.

In 2021 the desire must come to the surface to develop the self-worth, to know you deserve a love-relationship that makes you truly happy.

AQUARIUS

Saturn in Aquarius December December 20th 2020 - March 8th 2023 and Jupiter in Aquarius December 30th 2020 - May 13th 2021, then July 29th 2020 - December 30th 2021, highlights sudden major changes in the way you have operated in this world. The structure of your life in many areas will be changed. The world will begin to see you through different eyes. In love there is the danger of acting on impulse, which could lead to fleeting love-affairs that are a complete waste of time and energy. Which means you must be responsible (Saturn ) and not act from impulse or without forethought, which could then lead to creating karma (Saturn).

At the same time your house of romance, childhood and happiness will be affected by the North Node in Gemini until January 19th 2022. This presents an opportunity for you to try and understand that friendship is an important part of success in love. You have to not only love someone, but like them as a person, while also learning to not be so detached to the point you lose the connection between you and your partner. Misinformation is also a possibility with this aspect. You have to look at love beyond the intellectual concepts of what you believe ti to be. Feelings on a deep level must be released and conveyed to your Significant Other, so they at least know where they stand. Don’t be afraid to open your heart and let love in.

When Mercury retrograde in Gemini, May 29th - June 22nd, use this time to rethink your position and understanding of love, what it means and what is needed for happiness to occur with another person. The Full Moon Eclipse in Gemini, June 10th, will help you to finally let go of preconceived ideas about love, that has led to previous unhappiness.

Romance in 2021 is about learning the “language” of love.

PISCES

With Neptune in Pisces, February 4th 2012 - March 31st 2025, you’ve undergone a major change in how you see the world and how the world perceives you. Your “rose-colored glasses” have been literally shattered and will continue to do so throughout this cycle. Connection with certain people has been dissolved, people who to some degree have brought sorrow and self-undoing into your life and were really secret-enemies. The most important thing is that the lessons were learned and not forgotten, so you don’t have to repeat t hem again. This particular aspect in your 1st house, represents either falling to the depths fo despair or attaining great heights, it really depends on which side of Natural Law you’re on. The Key to benefiting from this transit is to be on the right side.

Being truthful and honest to Self and not ignoring your instincts about a person/situation helps a great deal . When you fall, it’s because you didn’t listen to your inner voice, the one that resonates with the Universe and will keep you on track during the remaining four years of Neptune in Pisces. You must make a concerted effort to align yourself with the right people that serve your needs and vice versa, even if they are few and far between. Discernment, attention to detail and the ability to analize a situation very quickly will spare you problems and upset later. Therefore in love you should be choosy.

Jupiter moves into your sign may 14th - July 28th, then December 30th - May 10th 2022. During this transit your magnetism will be at an all time high. Pisces is the spiritual sign of the zodiac, aligned with unseen forces and energies that are hard to determine. People will be drawn to you without knowing why. Therefore single Pisces could attract a wide variety of potential loves. Because Pisces also represents, tv, film, photography, video and music, somehow you may find yourself working in these industries or at leat meeting people who do. Neptune also represents, what could be considered etheric beauty that is intangible, captures the eye and is unusual in its form. If you’ve considered a makeover, this would be the cycle to do it. You’ll find people enamoured by your presence, assuming the makeover is done to enhance the best of you. When Mercury retrogrades in Libra, September 27th - October 18th, past loves will return, however, you must ry your hardest not to go back, unless perhaps the person has changed for the better. Remember, never go back, only forwards.

With so much reinventing of Self for Pisces this year and the door off opportunity ever present, literally bringing a flock of new people into your life, it’s very important to be selective. 2021 is a bit of a ME year, where you can be selective when it comes to love and throw the “rose-colored glasses” away. Take your time until you meet the ONE. You’ll know, sense and feel the connection when the person comes into your life, just rust your inner voice and everything will be just fine.

#Valentines Love #valentine astrology #valentine zodiac #free love horoscopes #love astrology #love 2021 #romance for 2021

11 notes · View notes

ofcloudsandstars · 4 years ago

Photo

CELESTIAL FORECAST

Week July 20 - 26

Highlights:

On Monday the 20th there is the New Moon in Cancer

On Thursday the 23rd, The Sun enters Leo! ☀️Happy Leo Season!☀️

Hello Guys! So I have posted the first two days before (that I have linked on their dates so no worries), but now that I have some time off I can do the rest. This week will feel creative and experimental with our entry into Leo season along with some positive influences from Mars, Venus and Uranus sprinkled in on some days. It's a good start to the lunar cycle and solar season and a great time to focus on our projects, ambitions and what we truly need to do to be our best and most authentic selves. The week is almost over (sorry) but here is some recommendations to do on each day!

Note: Times are set to UTC

____________________

20th

New Moon in Cancer Sun in Cancer opposite Saturn rx in Capricorn Chiron rx in Aries sextiles Sappho in Libra ☾♋ Moon Trines Neptune rx in Pisces ☾ VOC 17:55 - 20:16 ☾♌ Moon enters Leo

Details: Here

____________________

21st

Mars in Aries sextiles Eros in Gemini Mercury in Cancer squares Sappho in Libra ☾♌ Moon Squares Uranus in Taurus ☾♌ Moon Trines Chiron rx and Mars in Aries ☾♌ Moon Sextiles Sappho and Juno in Libra

Details Here

____________________

22nd

Mercury in Cancer sextiles Uranus in Taurus ☾♌ Moon Sextiles Eros and Venus in Gemini ☾ VOC 0:27 - 11:40

Energy: Today is great for expanding your mind and perspective with Mercury sextiling Uranus. This complimentary energy is pushing us to change our mindsets and bring in new information which can be beneficial to our craft in adding stuff to our practice, book of shadows or change our techniques. The lunar transits are brief today with the moon in Leo wrapping up by sextiling Eros and Venus in Gemini. These beneficial sextiles are great for making connections with our loves, passions, sexual and romantic interests and desires. Overall it's a lovely day to focus on what you love, change your methods, bring in new perspectives and brainstorm methods or bullet point lists to achieve goals for this lunar cycle before you.

Today is great for research and expanding on your craft with Mercury sextiling Uranus in Taurus. With the moon sextiling Eros and Venus in Gemini it's wonderful for love magic, sex attraction magic, focusing on your passions and experimenting with stuff you love to focus your energy on. For the void of course it'll be great to reflect and focus on making a bullet point list of things you need to do in order to bring the current goals or reality you want for this lunar cycle.

____________________

23rd

Sun enters Leo Mercury in Cancer trines Ceres rx in Pisces ☾♍ Moon enters Virgo ☾♍ Moon Opposite Neptune rx in Pisces ☾♍ Moon Trines Uranus in Taurus ☾♍ Moon Sextiles Mercury in Cancer

Energy: Happy Leo Season!! The sun enters Leo today starting off a new cycle launching us into the middle of Summertime. With the sun in it's home sign of Leo we may feel more vibrant, more expressive, MORE dramatic and more creative. This is a fantastic time to channel in some solar magic and start to work with the sun. Today's theme will also be colored by mercury trining Ceres retrograde giving us an opportunity for self-care and nurturing which could benefit us greatly if we take the chance to carve out time for ourselves.

The moon enters Virgo today giving us a more analytic and responsible mood for the next two days. This is a great time to start making bullet points or plans of action to materialize your goals. First the moon will trine Uranus in Taurus giving us a positive window of time to bring changes into our lives. We may even have a new lucky exciting encounter or find a sudden door opening that can bring a new shift in perspective or opportunity our way. Look out for this! The moon next will sextile Mercury in Cancer and be opposite Neptune rx in Pisces at the same time. With the moon and Mercury sextile we will feel pushed to analyze our mental landscape especially in regards to our beliefs and faith with the opposition causing tension from Neptune rx. We may feel confronted by outlandish beliefs, illusions or even our own beliefs that are not really serving us and need to weed out what works for us logically vs what is just spiritual escapism that needs to go. It's a good time to review your craft and faith and try to consider any changes that needs to come about with the way you approach it. With the lunar trine with Uranus it's a great opportunity for change today.

____________________

24th

☾♍ Moon Opposite Ceres rx in Pisces ☾♍ Moon Squares Eros and Venus in Gemini ☾♍ Moon Trines Jupiter rx, Pluto rx and Saturn rx in Capricorn ☾ VOC 23:07 - 1:53

Energy: Today may feel sprinkled with a bit of tension here and there but it's a good day to reflect and just work on yourself, what needs to find solutions or organization with the moon transiting Virgo. First it will be opposite Ceres rx in Pisces which can bring about external scenarios that may make us feel a bit cold or that we need to tend to ourselves. We could benefit from some self care magic by channeling the lunar virgo energies into kitchen magic (preparing a healthy meal with healing correspondences or a healthy potion smoothie with herbal tinctures blended in like rhodiola or st. johns wort =avoid if you take anti-depressants= to boost our mood), or cleansing magic by clearing out and bringing order to our space. (Also can help in this time to buy some more plant babies! That will fit the virgo lunar self love themes). The moon after will square Eros and Venus in Gemini bringing tensions towards our love lives, needs to achieve or connect with our desires and sensualities. This can give us an irrationally insatiable appetite for pleasures which means we need to be wary about how much we could be spending today on food, clothes or drinks. It may also make us feel a bit lonely if we haven't been feeling loved lately or satisfied. Instead of taking action, sit with any emotions the squares are bringing up and write down what you would like to manifest in your life. After squares always comes a sextile or a trine and in this case it's a Trine which will bring luck and opportunities your way if you act on them. If something feels like it's missing in this department of your life, do a road-opening or barrier-breaking spell to bring in that opportunity. Lastly the moon will go through a set of trines with Jupiter rx, Pluto rx and Saturn rx in Capricorn. This window of time is a great opportunity to work on your inner expansion, connection with your inner power and deeper self and connect with the work you wish to build upon that represents your genuine ideals. As it's a trine especially with retrograde energies, the energy will feel a bit subtle and we could miss the window of time but with the moon in Virgo it's a great time to analyze these aspects of ourselves and plan for the cycle ahead. Shadow work will be great during this time if you are unsure where to start. Using divination can help bring great insight. Just free-writing and brainstorming ideas with bullet-point lists can bring up new insights to focus on.

____________________

25th

Mercury in Cancer squares Juno in Libra ☾♎ Moon enters Libra ☾♎ Moon Conjunct Sappho in Libra ☾♎ Moon Sextiles Sun in Leo

Energy: The moon enters Libra today changing the mood to becoming more social and harmonious. It is also sextiling the Sun bringing an energetic push to explore, experiment and create in order to expand off of the ideas we've been coming up with since the New Moon. This crescent moon is great for experimenting and brainstorming ways to bring our goals into reality. Even if you do not have a set goal in mind for this cycle, the waxing crescent moon is a fun time to experiment with creating tools in the craft and trying new things in magic. Since it's in Libra (and sextiling the sun in Leo) it could be a fun time to experiment with glamours, making body oils/perfumes/lotions or any bath magic that can help with glamours. It's a great time to experiment with attraction magic especially in attracting friends or networks that can help you expand on your creativity. In general this is a good time to make connections. With the moon conjunct Sappho in Libra we will definitely feel the mood to connect with our genuine interests and what makes us feel like our authentic selves. This can be amplified through magic we can experiment with or people we can meet or attract our way. Lastly the overall theme of the day can be flavored by Mercury squaring Juno in Libra causing us to focus on what we would like to devote ourselves to and our commitments. Even if you are unsure where to experiment with your craft, this energy can definitely influence that as it may make you feel an urgent need to do something in regards to your commitments, relationships or devotions. Like any squares, make sure to sit with the energy and clear anything blocking your way energetically before making decisions, as they can end up being rash or frustrating to pull through due to the tense energies.

____________________

26th

☾♎ Moon Conjunct Juno in Libra ☾♎ Moon Opposite Mars and Chiron rx in Aries ☾♎ Moon Squares Mercury in Cancer ☾♎ Moon Trines Eros and Venus in Gemini

Energy: Today may be mostly influenced by the moon conjunct Juno in Libra which can cause our emotions to be revolving around our general commitments, relationship commitments and what we devote ourselves to. Especially in the arena of romance, we may feel this affect whether it could be that we are yearning for a partner, we may feel fixated on our partner or we may be looking for a group of people or a cause to belong to. There will be some challenges today with the moon being opposite Mars in Aries. This can bring up sudden confrontations or adversity so it's good to ward yourself in the morning and wear anything protective to avoid hostility. Chiron rx is not far behind this transit so the moon will also be opposite that bringing us external events that will cause us either to be aware of inner pain or what needs to be healed. The two oppositions together could potentially be triggering so it's good to set up protection so the window of time could pass by without much issue other than maybe showing us where we need to work on. Additionally with oppositions, it's a good time to work with the opposing energy and channel that in order to work with it. With the mars opposition it's a good time to channel Mars into magic tools or crafts or into ourselves if we feel we are lacking courage or need more motivation. The same with the Chiron retrograde, yet instead of channeling that, it's a good time to look within at what needs healing or solutions. The moon will square Mercury in cancer giving us a moment of reflection. In this time it may be hard to move forward or think straight but it's a good time to reflect and focus on any tension and where we could be blocked. It will be a great window of time for meditation as we may find some helpful insights at this time that could help us with inner healing. Lastly the moon will trine Eros and Venus in Gemini giving us a beautiful window of opportunity for love and sex magic, love and sex attraction magic, attracting opportunities that reflect our values or incite our passions or channeling that energy our way.

#celestial forecast #astrology #transits #leo season #transit #cancer new moon #witchcraft #witchblr #moon

48 notes · View notes

kaimadeit · 4 years ago

Text

The Foreigner: Review

I recently saw The Foreigner and in my opinion it’s one of the better films on Netflix.

Watching this film was a decent experience, the acting was considerably believable in most instances and Jackie Chan was excellent, not only as his grieving character but with his self-performed stunts and combat scenes (even at 63 years old he moves like he’s 30 or something, its wild). Each action set piece is positively tense, with a certain palpable brutality and weight to each physical impact. There are enough twists and turns in the plot that can easily keep you guessing and the character backstories are pretty interesting to say the least, especially Jackie Chan’s, (I’m just going to call him Jackie Chan throughout this review because his name in the film isn’t incredibly memorable to be honest.) his particular story is appropriately emotional and quite considerably heart-breaking and you absolutely believe his character and the things he’s capable of, after seeing flashbacks to what he’s had to endure and live through.

The film gets off to a good start by establishing Jackie Chan’s character (Mr. Quan) as an overprotective (but rightfully so) father when we, as the audience are introduced to him and his daughter Fan (Katie Leung). Their short rapport prior to the tragic incident that befalls them, shows his concern for her safety and in such a small period of time, we see him giving her a number of cautionary instructions for even the most trivial of tasks, such as; meeting her prom date or getting out of the car before he’s had a chance to park it appropriately.

Visually, the entire film is very well shot, however there isn’t really a standout scene that really highlights the work of the cinematographer, but the camera direction and editing is still solid for the most part. The scenes that require handheld camera work don’t feel overdone, (as is the case for a lot of films that make use of the shaky-cam technique) which in turn, brings a certain clarity to what could otherwise be kind of catastrophic. The bigger moments in this film, I believe, successfully capture the impact necessary for a story such as this. The opening explosion definitively sets the tone for the rest of the action filled scenes found throughout the rest of the story and the effect itself, is arguably aesthetically flawless in its presentation alone. The sound design in this same scene certainly deserves acknowledgment also, because of the sheer ferocity conveyed by the diegetic blast and the way in which the cataclysmic effects play out on-screen. However, though this scene is quite effective for what it is, I ca t help but be reminded of the term ‘Fridged’ in relation to the plot. The concept of someone (usually female) we haven’t spent a lot of time with but are told is important to the main character, being killed in an awful way to kickstart the main character’s goal; mainly vengeance or justice for what happened to the aforementioned female relative or love interest.

Although the initial scenario driving Jackie Chan’s scheme is kind of distasteful as character motivation, the following few scenes do their best to visualise a believable broken bond between him and his last remaining family member. Obviously, most of the heavy lifting for scenes such as this falls to Jackie Chan, and I feel in moments like this is where his range is predominant and absolutely incredibly showcased. Chan easily captures the tortured and pained expressions and mannerisms found in a grieving father, the powerful emotional moments in this film are all accredited to him and he does them absolute justice in my opinion. In all honesty this may be one of his best ever performances, and this singular role gives him the space to really exercise a different side to his acting persona that most people may not be used to. His deadpan delivery and demeanour are extremely functional for a sombre role like this and the screenplay it encompasses.in general though, regarding the performances in this film, Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan stand above the rest; their characters’ back and forth across the span of this film paired with some incredible scenes of action definitely carries an otherwise average storyline.

I personally think everyone in this film is doing an incredibly solid job in their respective roles, each actor turns in an extremely believable performance, although there is some overused and tired dialogue being used in one of the climactic sequences (you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when you see it and hear it for yourself) the actors and actresses involved still deliver the lines in a credible fashion.

The plot is understandably simple yet, at the same time offers a higher complexity than most of the other productions Netflix has to offer. An appropriate amount of build-up is placed before each major plot reveal and on multiple viewings there is considerable foreshadowing regarding the identity of the specific bomber actually responsible for the blast that killed Jackie Chan’s daughter.

However, there is a somewhat unnecessary sub-plot that entails Pierce Brosnan’s nephew having an affair with his wife; this here doesn’t need to be in the film because it literally doesn’t affect anything at all. (Pierce Brosnan’s character finds out and literally doesn’t have a reaction other than mild disappointment and disgust at the fact that it’s his nephew that committed the deed.)

The end of the film does actually feel pretty satisfying though, all things considered. It successfully remains interesting without resorting to over-the-top instances of destruction, like in a lot of other films nowadays. So overall, I give it a solid 7 out of 10.

1 note · View note

2manyfandoms2count · 4 years ago

Text

#MarichatMay Day 19

Today’s one-shot follows day 16′s (do not disturb): Marinette has made a tuxedo suit for Chat. Hope you enjoy!

@marichatmay

---

Day 19: Tuxedo Chat

Ladybug and Chat Noir stood awkwardly at the top of the Eiffel Tower, their patrol finished, but not quite wanting to leave yet. There was something to be said about spending time on Paris landmarks at night, almost alone. It was like some kind of magic settled around you, like being in your own snow globe. Any brutal mouvements would disturb the harmony and break the spell.

“I really should go, I have some homework to do.” Chat said reluctantly. He was in no hurry to get Home, where he’d be eating alone, as always. His father seemed to get busier by the day, and Nathalie unfortunately joined the designer a lot to ensure the development of the Gabriel Agreste Spring collection stayed on track.

His hunched back, flopped ears and overall resigned expression screamed his reticence to leave, so Ladybug decided to buy him a little time.

“Oh by the way, I saw Marinette Dupain-Cheng earlier and she asked me to tell you she finished your suit.” She ventured. “She told me you can come by anytime to adjust it.”

“Like right meow?” The way his face lit up might have made her jealous had they been talking about him going to see any other girl.

“I don’t know, but I’m sure you can check? Worst case scenario, she says it’s too late, or that she’s busy.” She shrugged, pushing away the thought that she would never be to busy for him, nor would he ever be too late. “Later, Chaton!”

She left with a well executed swing of her yoyo, intent on getting a head start on him.

With Chat Noir having promptly acted on his paw-mise (his words, not Marinette’s) to get Marinette and Adrien another slot for her to make him try on her designs, the young girl had felt guilty about snapping at him and had ended up making him a suit anyway. It was the least she could do, since he’d also somehow managed to get her an extension in the time she had to design her Agreste collection.

Marinette detransformed as she landed on her bed, quickly rustling around her room to get all her sewing kit out. She was consolidating a button that had come slightly loose when she heard a soft knock on her skylight. She climbed to her mezzanine, securing her sewing knot as she did so, and opened her window to let her visitor in.

“Hey Marinette, hope I’m not...”

“How timely! I was just finishing up your shirt.” She waved him in.

“You don’t look very surprised to see me.” Chat looked almost disappointed.

“Kitty, you’ve come over pretty much every evening this week. I would’ve been surprised if you hadn’t come over tonight.” She cheekily smiled at him over her shoulder as she went down the stairs.

Chat blushed imperceptibly and followed her. He took a seat on her chaise as she reached for one of the cover bags hanging on a rail and took out its contents.

“Here, you can try it on.” She hesitated. “Do you need a screen, or...”

“Nah don’t worry, this catsuit is staying on.”

Even if he technically wasn’t naked, she still felt uncomfortable looking at him dress so she turned around and fidgeted with her sewing machine.

“Marinette, this is... wow.” He breathed out after a while, which she took as a cue to look at him.

Just as she’d thought, the cut she’d chosen fit him perfectly. Marinette looked at him proudly parade around her room in the tuxedo, and was unable to refrain from thinking about how handsome he looked. Well, that might not have been the exact word she used. She chuckled as he marvelled about the white, kitten-shaped buttons she’d used for the shirt, the hole she’d left for his bell, the paw-shaped cufflinks, the matching green tie and pocket handkerchief.

“Wait, you forgot something.” She carefully reached for his lower back and threaded his tail through a specially-made opening.

His excited gasp made her very giddy inside. “I love it, you’ve thought about everything!”

He hugged her tightly, taking her by surprise, ad kissed her on the head. He let go of her before she could react, having spotted her full-size mirror.

“This is truly the cat’s meow, I’m halfway to becoming a white cat!” He joked as he examined himself in the mirror, a satisfied smile drawn to his lips.

Marinette visibly shuddered at the thought and sat down, a vague memory, almost a concept, appearing in her mind. Why could she visualise a Chat Blanc? And why did he feel like bad news?

“Are you alright, Purr-incess?” Chat turned around, worry filling his eyes.

“Yes, it’s- it’s nothing.” She replied, her gaze slightly distant as her hand flew to her forehead as if to check if she had a fever. She sounded like Nathalie.

He rushed to her, gently taking her in his arms. She nuzzled against him, her eyes closed, trying to shake away the feeling of dread that had overcome her. She felt him purr lightly against her cheek, his hand rubbing her arm up and down in a comforting gesture. She breathed deeply, his familiar cheesy, leather-y scent calming her as she did so.

After what felt like forever, in the best possible way, she broke away, putting on a brave face as she did so.

“Sorry, I really don’t know what happened there.” She apologised.

“Well if that’s the effect this suit has on ladies, I’m not sure I should wear it!” He attempted to laugh, but his eyes still showed how concerned he was.

“I’m sure it wasn’t anything serious. It’s probably just getting late.”

“Yes, I’d better let you get to bed.” He got “undressed” and stuffed the suit back in its bag, then took Marinette’s hand and carefully escorted her up to her bed. “Thank you, Princess. This is honestly one of the best gifts you’ve given me.” He kissed her forehead, ignoring her confused look. “Just... just paw-mise you won’t overwork yourself too much?”

“I paw-mise, kitty.” She kissed him back on the cheek. “And I promise I’ll tell you if this happens again.”

“Good.” He hopped up on the balcony. “Sleep tight Princess.”

“You too Chat. Don’t let the Ladybugs bite.” She winked.

She heard him laugh as he made his way back Home. She held on to the happy sound to fall into a peaceful slumber, in which piercing blue eyes did not make a single appearance.

#marichatmay2020 #marichat #marinette dupain cheng #chat noir #ladybug #ladynoire #miraculous ladybug #the miraculous tales of ladybug and cat noir #mlb #miraculous fanfiction #miraculous fanfic #tuxedo chat #chat blanc #elle writes

18 notes · View notes

theirrationalzone · 4 years ago

Text

My Top Ten Games of 2020

Let’s just address the giant elephant in the room from the offset: 2020 has been one giant mess of a year. Every event, every major moment this year just felt like the worst case scenario every time.

For a lot of us though, there was one saving grace: video games.

2020 has been a damn fine year for video games. From the return of certain classic franchises to some amazing new entries and experiences. Gaming really managed to thrive in a year where other entertainment mediums such as films and television struggled.

Let’s dive in and take a look at some of the games that made this year a lot more bearable:

10: Watch Dogs Legion

I’ve had a soft spot for Ubisoft’s hack ‘em up franchise for quite a while. I didn’t think the original was as disappointing as it was made out to be and I thought the second one was an underrated gem. When Legion was first announced, I liked a lot of what the game was setting out to do but I wasn’t ready to pull the trigger on getting it. I decided to give the game a chance in the end and I’m glad I did.

Legion might suffer from the same pitfalls that have plagued other Ubisoft enterprises, but the recruitment mechanic is one of the coolest systems I have seen in any game ever. The fact that you can recruit any NPC that you see on the streets of London and use their unique talents to complete your objectives is just an awesome thing in and of itself. Its depiction of London is also incredibly fun to explore and cause mayhem in. While I found the writing to be pretty subpar, the game quite buggy and the whole PS5 upgrade fiasco a farce, I still found Legion to be a fun open world experience overall.

9: Resident Evil 3

Resident Evil has been on a real hot streak as of late, hasn’t it? Ever since Capcom made a promise to its fans that the Resident Evil series would go back to what made it so popular in the first place, the series has gone from strength to strength. Last year saw the release of the RE2 Remake which was absolutely excellent in that it kept the spirit of the original while also taking a few liberties of its own. It was only a matter of time before RE3 got the same treatment and well... it did.

I’m just going to spit this out. It’s not as good as the RE2 Remake. It didn’t need to be though. I still think this is a good game that provides a satisfying and fun survival horror experience. It carries over a lot of the elements that made the RE2 Remake such an excellent game and in certain areas (especially the writing) it makes a few improvements. Plus the game looks absolutely stunning thanks to the RE Engine. It is quite short. It is missing quite a bit of content from the original game. It definitely isn’t as replayable as the RE2 Remake. I still had a blast with it though overall. If this really is a blip for the Resident Evil series, then it must be in a really good place right now.

8: Tell Me Why

Dontnod Entertainment have fast become one of my favourite developers in the industry right now. When I first played Life is Strange back in 2015, it felt like a revelation. It weaved a fantastic story with characters you genuinely cared for and took you to a place you never wanted to leave. I’ve enjoyed all of their other ventures since then such as the underrated (if quite janky) Vampyr and Life is Strange 2.

Tell Me Why is another venture that fits the Dontnod MO: A grounded emotional story with slight supernatural elements, a degree of player choice and a setting that makes your jaw drop. The major difference here is the game’s attempt to portray a transgender character. That’s nothing new in and of itself. It’s more the fact that it attempts to accurately portray a transgender male character which is a bit of a rarity in all forms of media. Transgender portrayals (from what I’ve seen) tend to focus on male to female rather than female to male.

I’m in no position to comment on whether the portrayal is accurate or not, but I got the impression that Dontnod really went out of their way to get this right. Their FAQ explains that they worked with GLAAD and the voice actor to get it as right as they could. That alone deserves huge praise, but I also loved the Ronan Twins’ story as they dealt with their harsh past and the uncertain future. The game was a delight from beginning to end and it just looks absolutely gorgeous to boot. Dontnod have done it again.

7: Bugsnax

One of the early delights of the last generation was a little ditty known as Octodad: Dadliest Catch. It was a fun little physics based affair which cast you as a octopus masquerading as a human. The game had a terrific sense of humour and it was just bloody fun to play. Young Horses (the developer of the game) kinda went dark after that. They only really resurfaced to release two bonus levels for that game and then they just disappeared again. Now we know why that was the case...

Bugsnax retains some of the qualities that made Octodad such as a memorable game. A great sense of humour and a unique gameplay hook. You play as a reporter sent to the mysterious Snaktooth Island to interview an explorer called Elizabert Megafig who has discovered these unusual creatures known as Bugsnax. After crash landing onto the island, you discover that Elizabert and her significant other have gone missing. It’s up to you to find out what happened while also documenting and capturing Bugsnax for yourself. Capturing the Bugsnax is a big part of what makes this game such a delight to play. As you unlock more tools to play around with, you can come up with different strategies and methods to capture these weird snack based creatures. It’s pretty awesome. Throw in a lovable set of characters to interact with and a beautiful environment to explore, and you’ve got one of the most lovable games released this year.

6: Mafia: Definitive Edition

The last few years haven’t been too kind to the Mafia franchise in my eyes. I really wanted to like Mafia III when it came out back in 2016. It was a sequel I waited years for and it did have some good qualities such as an excellent story that dealt with some pretty heavy topics, solid gameplay mechanics and an amazing licensed soundtrack. Unfortunately the game had one of the most tedious and boring gameplay loops I think I’ve ever seen in an open world game. It just got so dull after the first couple of hours.

This year saw the announcement of the Mafia Trilogy which was to be a celebration of the entire franchise with a remake of the first game, a remaster of the second and a re-release of the third. Half of this was botched with the remaster of II being poorly put together and the re-release of III receiving a broken patch. Things were looking grim for the remake...

As you can see by it being in this list, we were proven wrong. Mafia: DE is a fantastic remake that pays good lip service to the original while also expanding on certain elements. The story which follows the rise and fall of cab driver turned wiseguy Tommy Angelo is more fleshed out with new sequences and character moments that weren’t in the original. Gameplay still retains the solid shooting and cover mechanics of Mafia III and the driving feels absolutely excellent especially when you put it in simulation mode. Lost Heaven is just gorgeous to behold as well with its bustling neighbourhoods and beautiful countryside. I hope this is the beginning of a redemption arc for Hangar 13 and the Mafia franchise. There is a lot of promise to build upon from here.

5: Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise

Anyone who knows me personally or has followed me on social media for a while knows that I’m a big fan of Deadly Premonition. The 2010 cult survival horror hit pretty much encapsulates why I love video games with its lovable hero, an eccentric cast of characters and surprisingly solid mechanics considering the budget it was made for. It was definitely more than the sum of its parts.

When I found out that a sequel was being made exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, my jaw hit the floor pretty hard. I thought any hopes for a sequel were dashed when SWERY left Access Games (the original dev), and yet here we are. A Blessing in Disguise is a brilliant sequel to the zany original. It captures everything that I loved about the original game to a T while also improving in certain aspects. The story is more ambitious this time with it being both prequel and sequel. A lot of the gameplay elements have been improved. The combat benefits from better aiming controls and an upgrade system for both York and his weapon. Getting from A to B is less wonky (and more fun) thanks to the addition of a skateboard rather than a car.

While I do still think the original is better due to the more creative side quests, the more challenging difficulty and the fact that it functions better from a technical perspective, I’m still a big fan of DP2 and it deserves your attention. Here’s hoping that it makes its way to other platforms in the future.

4: Ghost of Tsushima

This last generation has been good for Sony and its Worldwide Studios. In the last five years, they’ve managed to produce hit after hit after hit. A definite far cry from the first year of the PS4 where they produced some dire exclusives. Infamous Second Son was one of these. Sucker Punch’s first effort on the console was very pretty and a good technical showpiece for the console, but as a game, it was boring and dull. I couldn’t even muster the strength to finish it. The standalone expansion First Light was a huge improvement in my eyes. It cut out a lot of the fluff from Second Son. I knew then that Sucker Punch would eventually give us something amazing. They certainly did in the end...

Ghost of Tsushima is honestly one of the best exclusives that Sony has ever produced. Giving us a brutal tale in the vein of a Kurosawa flick where samurai Jin Sakai is forced to betray his code in order to drive out the Mongol force that has enslaved his homeland; we have a story that is genuinely gripping from beginning to end with an incredibly powerful final duel to boot. The combat is incredibly fun with a brilliant combat system that is easy to pick up but challenging to master. Duels especially show the combat system at its finest. Upgrading your abilities genuinely makes you feel incredibly powerful as you begin to decimate enemies left, right and center. Stealth is solid giving you plenty of tools at your disposal and certainly changes up the gameplay a fair bit. Did I mention that Tsushima Island is one of the most aesthetically pleasing locales in any game to date? Well I’m saying it now. It is one of the most beautiful locales in any game to date.

I’m very excited to see where this new IP goes in the future because this first entry is just incredible. A must buy if you own or plan on owning a PlayStation 4 or 5 in the near future.

3: Astro’s Playroom

Memorable pack-in exclusives are a bit of a rarity nowadays. The last one that sticks in my mind is Wii Sports, and that was a long time ago.

Astro’s Playroom serves as the pack-in title for the PlayStation 5 as it is pre-installed on all units. It’s also my favourite exclusive for the console so far. The main reason for this is that Astro’s Playroom evolves past being just a tech demo for the console and its fancy new controller. It actually is a fun little platformer in its own right. It offers something different with every level. In one level you can transform into a giant ball and attempt to navigate some pretty tight platforms, and in the next, you take control of a rocket ship and navigate through corridors while also avoiding bombs. There is great variety here and to be fair, it shows off the potential of the new DualSense controller fantastically.

Plus the game is just one giant love letter to the PlayStation brand and the games that made it what it is today. You’ll see references to obscure PlayStation paraphernalia such as the Multitap and UMD discs, and also games like Final Fantasy VII and Silent Hill. The final boss of the game in particular is one giant callback to something you might remember if you got a PlayStation 1 back in the day. I won’t say any more, but it made me yelp in joy when I saw it. If you plan on getting a PlayStation 5 in the future, make this the first game you play. You won’t regret it.

2: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2

Activision have been on a roll in the last few years with the revitalisation of some of their classic franchises. Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon for example have enjoyed newfound success thanks to the excellent N Sane Trilogy and Reignited Trilogy. When it was revealed earlier this year that Vicarious Visions and Beenox would be resurrecting the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater franchise with a remake of Pro Skater 1 and 2, my heart skipped a good few beats.

The Pro Skater franchise means a lot to me personally as I have very fond memories of putting hours into 1 and 2 when I was a kid. Going through the Career mode with each skater, learning the gaps and getting used to doing manuals when they were introduced in 2, it’s all ingrained into me. I’m happy to say that this is probably the best remake I have ever played. It perfectly captures what made those first two entries so special. Each level is beautifully recreated with a ton of new details that serve to enhance these levels. The soundtrack includes all of your old favourites like Goldfinger’s Superman and Rage Against the Machine’s Guerilla Radio along with some fantastic new tracks like Less Than Jake’s Bomb Drop.

The gameplay definitely taps more into Pro Skater 3 and 4 territory with Reverts and Flatland tricks included. These tricks don’t feel out of place and the game does give you the option to play it legacy style if you want. It feels magnificent overall though. The physics are pitch perfect. Creating lines and large combos is still as addicting and rewarding as ever. Online leaderboards certainly tempt you to reach for the stars if you’ve got the ability. Career mode isn’t particularly long, but the pretty robust Create-a-Park editor and solid multiplayer suite should keep you coming back for more. I’ve already put dozens of hours into this and I have no intention of stopping anytime soon.

If my number 1 entry on this list didn’t exist, this would be my Game of the Year. As it stands though, this is a very close second.

1: Doom Eternal

How do you follow up one of the best first person shooters in recent memory? Basically turn everything up to eleven and then some. Doom (2016) was such an eye opener when it launched. It gave everything we could have ever wanted from a new Doom game: a whole planet full of demons to kill and some big guns to help them back to where they belong. It was awesome and an easy choice for my GOTY back in 2016.

I anticipated Doom Eternal with bated breath. The excitement was building but the nerves were building with it. How could it live up to the previous one? What if it makes the same mistakes as Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus? Thankfully my worries were unfounded as soon as I loaded up the game and was thrown straight into the fold with a Combat Shotgun and some entry level demons to destroy with it.

Doom Eternal is the FPS genre at its absolute finest. The levels are much bigger with more secrets to find and loads of demons to kill. Said demons are much more plentiful in their ranks and they move faster too. Fortunately enough, you have a huge arsenal to deal death to these demonic denizens from the depths of Hell such as the starter Combat Shotgun, the Plasma Rifle, the Ballista and even a giant sword known as the Crucible. Enemies now have weak points to exploit as well which can turn the tide of battle and it rewards accuracy. Before you know it, you’ll be entangled in a ballet of bullets, beams, blood and guts (HUGE guts mind you.) This game makes you feel like a hero at the end of every fight. It’s so satisfying.

Toss in a soundtrack that will get your blood pumping and your goosebumps raising along with environments that will make your TV or monitor look like a window to a scorched earth, and you have my Game of the Year for 2020. Well deserved for sure. I really need to get on that DLC.

To those of you who actually took the time to read all that, you have my heartfelt thanks. I really appreciate you reading this and I hope my choices made sense.

To those of you who just glanced at each entry and skimmed through the text, I don’t blame you for doing that. I still appreciate you taking a look anyway.

All that’s left for me to say is that I hope each and every one of you has a safe holiday season and I hope that the New Year will be better for all of us.

I’ll see you all in 2021. Stay safe and well, folks.

#goty 2020 #ps5 #ps4 #switch

2 notes · View notes

designsfromtime · 5 years ago

Text

Is the Customer Always Right?

If anything, I am guileless when it comes to offering all ya’ll a behind the scenes peek at what a “day in the life” of a historical costumer can offer. Sometimes I worry about coming off as ungrateful when I share a problematic situation, but I believe being honest allows me to embrace my humanity, and gives you all permission to do the same. It looks like fun creating all these gorgeous costumes, and it is! - - but there is an unfortunate ugly side to owning your own business: Dealing with entitled and difficult customers.

My career has taken many twists and turns over the last two or three decades. Before I retired in 2012 at 52 and began designing costumes full-time, I was a medical transcriptionist. I owned my own transcription service as well as working for a huge opthomalogical practice back in California. As such, I have taken many, many training seminars in customer service. It’s been drilled into my head that for every one person who is dissatisfied they will tell ten more people.

With those statistics in mind, I have endeavored to focus on customer service both in my tenure as a medical transcriptionist, as well as today in my costuming business. But the fact of the matter is that not every client will be a good fit for your particular business or your personality, but I do feel somehow I have failed clients even when they become overly demanding and, dare I say, self-centered, and I have to cut them loose.

Look, I get it! Plunking down 2K for an entire ensemble is a HUGE investment for any client! I don’t take any of my clients for granted - ever. I endeavor to give each client equally of my time and attention. As a general rule, I am extremely conscientious about responding quickly to messages and inquiries. I go to great lengths to explain my process and educate about cut, textiles, and construction of historical clothing and lay out what they can expect, even though I find myself repeating the same spiel over and over.

I’ve mentioned this several times before, but I have heard the horror stories from both clients and cast mates: costumers (even those touted as scions in the costuming forums) taking a client’s money and receiving their fabrics, only to ghost on them and not respond when the client tries to get them to honor the commission and actually MAKE the gown they paid for, or they do not respond to the client’s requests when asked to refund the money AND return their fabrics only to find this same “costumer” has not only ignored them but used THEIR fabrics for a gown which they put up for sale on Ebay. Another nightmare story is about some of the vendors on Etsy who promise to ship a gown by a certain due date, take the client’s money and when that date comes and goes and the client contacts them they LIE and say, “It’s in the mail!” - Only to learn that they haven’t even finished it! Worse, when the gown arrives it started falling apart the first weekend they wore it at faire and she paid $600 for it! Then there is the account of a vendor in the Ukraine who ran out of velvet to finish a client’s Italian gown and rather than waiting and reordering the fabric, they made the gown but SCRIMPED on the fullness of the skirt and shipped it as is without consulting the client. In THOSE situations I would agree that the customer is RIGHT. I haven’t found myself in the same situations as these “costumers” because I would NEVER treat a client with such disregard - but I have found myself in a nightmare scenario more than once that involves the client becoming difficult for no justifiable reason.

I’ve been fortunate that in the seven years since opening my studio here in WA I have only had FIVE clients who made me want to pound my fist against my computer screen and question why I am in this business. Yes, they were that frustrating! One of those instances I wrote about in a post called “When It All Goes South” I’ll spare you the details of the other four, but usually the common denominator has been that they didn’t respect my time and my busy schedule, or the efforts I made in the consultation process. That sounds very benign, but a to relate a situation that happened this week wherein I spent 1.5 months exchanging 70+ detailed and lengthy messages, and provided them with dozens, and dozens and DOZENS of fabric options and they kept asking for more, and more, hoping that one of them will fall into the Goldilocks zone, it became frustrating. We hadn’t even gotten half way through the consult process because the client was stalled on fabrics. I didn’t mention the fact that after she paid her deposit she changed the style of the gown multiple times. *face palm*

You may be reading this and shrugging your shoulders and asking “What’s the problem?” The problem in the case I just described is that choosing fabric is only the FIRST step in the design process, but also I have deadlines imposed by the clients. If they don’t comply I can’t meet those deadlines. Until a client chooses their main fabric I cannot begin to offer any ideas for the overall design aesthetic, nor can I choose a complimentary color for their sleeves and forepart, not to mention the embroidery pattern to be used, or sussing out whether or not they will need a trim that may take up to 4 or 5 months to ship - such as the case of a gold bouillon trim I ordered from India recently which she stated she was interested in using, not to mention it requires 4 to 6 weeks of hand tacking! The expectation of this client was that I would be an endless fountain of “options” - and because she was investing 2K I should spend as much time as she wanted footering around window shopping for fabrics while her timeline is ticking away. When after a month and a half I began to draw a boundary and tell her I need a decision if she expects me to meet her deadline because there is a ton more work I need to do on her consult, she felt I wasn’t giving her ENOUGH of my time and stated that because I was pressed on time for current engagements I could not offer any additional efforts to her as a client. This, after spending MORE time than is usual with this client, I am to blame?

I learned from an extremely difficult client in 2018 not to allow a bad situation to malinger and hope for the best. In that particular case it went from BAD to WORSE, and I had to dig in my heels and refuse to bend to her ever growing ridiculous demands. If I cannot work with a client in the consult phase, and I’m pretty damn patient ya’ll, then I have learned the actual construction process will only unravel further.

As a side note, normally by the time I’ve exchanged two dozen messages with a client, I have their fabric sorted, and I’ve sourced a complimentary color for their sleeves and forepart, found their trim and/or the embroidery pattern, sketched their gown, and presented them with a design board. Sooooo. . . I offered this particular woman a refund on her “non-refundable” deposit minus my consultation fee of $100 for the hours and hours and HOURS of research I spent over that 1.5 months offering her more and more options to consider. She was pissed that I was unwilling to allow her to take months to decide, and no amount of “explaining” the urgency or my time constraints seemed to sink in. No matter what I said she is convinced that “I” was the problem.

So, is that situation a failure on my part? Should I be willing to set aside another client’s commission to cater to this woman’s demands? What’s more, is the customer ALWAYS right?

There is an oft-quoted catchphrase in the business world that states: “the customer is always right.” I’ve heard that in many training seminars. Lalana showed me comic wherein it stated “The Costumer is always right.” I laughed, but there is a prevalent attitude that WE must meet the customers’ needs even if it means we often go to ridiculous extents to please them. However, treating customers like they are always right can be self-destructive for entrepreneurs like myself and here’s why.

In an article by “Entrepreneur” they offer FIVE reasons why the customer is NOT always right and why:

1. Businesses Have Limited Resources

Entrepreneurs like myself are not omnipotent, neither are employees - or in my case, my assistant Lalana. Most businesses, especially the fledgling ones, operate with limited resources including limited time, funds, and energy. Every business experiences its share of grudging customers, who, no matter what might be done to satisfy their needs, will continue to complain.

Feeling guilty and culpable for such petulance is actually unwise and it affects your business in a negative way. If the necessary steps have been taken to address the issues of a customer, then a business owner should close the matter and move on.

'Businesses are not dependent on individual buyers. It is actually immature to spend all the energy to satisfy someone who does not intend to be happy. It is important to address the requirements of hundreds and thousands of other regular clients, and also show solidarity with the employees,”

2. It Adds Misery to Employees

Any business will invariably have its share of malicious, rude, snappy consumers. Amongst 50 customers there will at least be 5 who will end up rubbing you the wrong way. Now, reacting to such folk with appeasement and guilt is utter naivete!

Making employees believe that the customer is always right, is tantamount to making them feel dejected. Between supporting your employees and taking sides with an intolerable, enraged customer, it is best to choose the former (the employee). Customers must get this message that though they are important they are NOT indispensable, while supporting employees always pays extra dividends.

"With constant support from the owners comes a sense of loyalty amongst the employees who then provide better service to customers. It's axiomatic that happy employees always go an extra mile to make customers happy."

3. Customers Are Not Omniscient

The creator of a business and the team that works with him know best about the product or service they offer. But customers are often upset because the products don't function the way they want them to - or in the case of my costuming business, they may have expectations around how much time I am able to spend in a consultation, or that through no fault of our own we cannot accommodate their specific vision they have of a particular gown. In the recent experience, the client kept asking for color combinations that are not available in the fabrics she insisted upon. All I can do is offer an alternative and try to compromise by offering options. But the attitude that a client knows best leads to an expectation that I be willing to go to any extent when they demand unrealistic or even ludicrous things.

Often customers will try to establish that they know better and try to share opinions or advice on how a product should look or work. Irrespective of the sector of the business, it is risky to give customers the liberty to think they cannot be wrong.

The key is to establish with customers, in a very amicable way, that the maker of the product is the final authority - In my case that would be ME. I go to great lengths to educate customers on my products and service in order to help them understand my expertise or why I use a certain procedure. I won’t take on a project that I am not passionate about, but more especially when my knowledge is discounted and they wish me to create something that doesn’t fit into my design aesthetic I will decline the order because there needs to be a state of sympatico between designer and customer.

4. It Pits Management Against Employees

The message that the customer is always right, is demoralizing, and results in bitterness against management and indicates that the organization favours the customers more than the workforce. In reality, taking the side of the employees generates happier customers because your employee, or yourself, will have a more positive attitude.

5. You Don't Want Every Customer

Not all customers are indispensable and businesses must accept that. It is better to let go of a persistently complaining and abusive customer who only end up creating stress amongst the employees (or myself). This is irrespective of the amount the customer pays for your product.

Disgruntled customers can wear away your spirit, involve a very high quantity of resources, and add to your stress levels. It is sometimes sensible to lose a customer for protecting the company and its workforce.

"To stay in business for a long time, entrepreneurs need to avoid unreasonably disgruntled customers. Getting rid of bad customers might cost a little profit, but it's healthier in the long-term goals of the business,"

The full article can be found here: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/308548

While these “talking points” are focused on the Management versus Employee relationships, they are valid across the board for a small business owner whether or not you have employees. All of the angst and frustration and demoralization felt by employees or managers who are forced to capitulate to an over-demanding or self-centered and entitled customer is just as keenly felt by me (the owner). It puts me in a grumpy negative head space and it effects my attitude in the studio, which in turn affects Lalana who has to put up with my grumpy ass, and wears down my energy to the extent it affects my usual generosity to the rest of my clients. 2K in commissions just isn’t worth the hassle!

So, while I’m still working through the guilt and the regret of having to cut loose a client as I did this week, I’m learning that my work will speak for itself, and for every ONE client I have a negative experience, I have MORE who actually appreciate me and are reasonable enough to understand I have deadlines and they are 50% responsible for the success of their commission. I may not be in a place of full acceptance that I could not have made this particular client happy, but I feel justified in drawing a boundary that just because a client spends 2K in my store, it does not give them permission to behave like an entitled premadonna.

18 notes · View notes

nathanielwharton · 6 years ago

Text

My 2018 in Pop Culture

Same plan here as usual. This is what meant most to me last year in pop culture.

Top Forty Things From 2018

40. King Kong on Broadway I wrote about this as an adaptation of the Kong story over at SportsAlcohol.com, but here I'll just say that while I was really disappointed with this as a musical, the execution of Kong himself on stage was breathtakingly rad.

39. Rhyming "is nae" with "Disney" in Anna and the Apocalypse In theory, I don't have much of an appetite left for a zombie comedy, having been well and truly sated by Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, and the wave of imitators that followed them. I felt like I'd seen all of the moves that are possible with that particular genre mash-up, and then I read about a Scottish zombie comedy that ALSO threw in the musical and the Christmas movie. So it was almost with a sense of grudging obligation that I accepted the inevitability that I'd see Anna and the Apocalypse. It won me over. It's got a winning cast, catchy songs, and a surprisingly effective melancholy tone. But I have to admit, the moment that really won me over was a moment in the song "Hollywood Ending" where "is nae" ("is not" in a Scottish accent) is rhymed with "Disney."

38. The Conners/The Roseanne Revival This was a real roller coaster in 2018. I was excited and apprehensive about the revival, and only slightly relieved when it began and was mostly pretty good. Still, there was an uneasiness with the way that the Roseanne character had been conceived for the revival and that basically exploded thanks to the behaviour of the real Roseanne. Still, overall I've enjoyed the revival and The Conners, and while I'm sad about what happened to TV Roseanne and real Roseanne(for different reasons)

37. "The Queen" episode of Castle Rock I liked the show pretty well overall, but oh man did this episode stand out. For most of the run, I'd just thought it was a cute bit of casting to have Sissy Spacek playing what seemed like a strangely minor role. Then this episode happened. It's a real acting showcase for Spacek and it satisfies with suspense and emotion in equal measure.

36. Kurt Russell performing "Santa Claus is Back in Town" in The Christmas Chronicles I'm a sucker for a Christmas movie, and this one is agreeable enough. There is some attempt at telling an emotional story that might hit you if you're in the right mood, and there is pleasant hint of Gremlins in the movie's portrayal of Santa's elves, but mostly it is a pretty satisfying expansion of the thought, "what if Kurt Russell was Santa Claus?" Russell is a hoot in the role, and the movie hits a peak when his Santa ends up in jail and breaks out into a jailhouse rendition of "Santa Claus is Back in Town." Downloaded and added to my Christmas playlist.

35. Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert This new wave of live musicals on TV hasn't always resulted in a great show (I honestly have forgotten a lot of the Peter Pan and Rocky Horror broadcasts), but sometimes they end up with some really cool television. Grease Live still reigns as the champion of these things, but this production of Jesus Christ Superstar was exciting and energetic and featured some neat ideas in its staging. It's shows like this that keep me hoping they'll continue to try these live musical shows.

34. The Death of Stalin Wrote about this for SportsAlcohol.com.

33. Isle of Dogs The visceral aesthetic pleasure of this film might outweigh the delicate emotional effect all of Anderson's films tend to achieve, but even if the complicated story and worldbuilding in the film kept it from succeeding for me fully on a first viewing, it did get me to want to watch it again (and again).

32. Keira Knightley in The Nutcracker and the Four Realms The movie as a whole is a good enough time in the way that all of these lavishly produced live-action Disney fantasy movies tend to be. But Keira Knightley, as the Sugarplum Fairy, single-handedly drags this movie up a notch with her fantastically daffy performance. To explain all the ways that her performance delights would be to spoil what happens in the movie, but I'll just say that she finds a few different registers to play in the film and she is amazing in each one. Think of this snub when you watch the Academy Awards.

31. The Favourite A three-hander where each leg of the triangle is different and spectacular. Turns out that acidic dialogue works just as well in the Yorgos Lanthimos world as alien affectedness, and the cast he's got for this one hurl barbs with aplomb.

30. Ash vs. Evil Dead Series Finale The third season of this show lost a bit of a step for me, not quite balancing the goofs and the horror quite as deftly as the show had done at its best. But it really brought it back around for the last couple of episodes. The finale in particular had some surprisingly big action and an ending that felt perfectly Evil Dead. If that's the last we see of Ash, it feels right.

29. DuckTales The first season wrapped up with some good adventure and some ambitious emotional storytelling. And the second season has seemed, if anything, even more confident so far (including an excellent Christmas episode).

28. Eighth Grade What a lovely, humane, gem of a movie.

27. The Old Man and the Gun I was head-over-heels in love with this one like halfway through the opening scene. If it had ended after that scene, I might have been satisfied, but the rest of the movie was truly wonderful too.

26. A Series of Unfortunate Events Season Two There's no twist for book readers as great as what they did with the Parent characters in the first season, but this second season of the show continued to be really great.

25. Rusty Lake: Paradise & Rusty Lake: Paradox This year I played all of the Rusty Lake/Cube Escape games, and it's probably a good thing that it takes a while between game releases or I might just burrow into these Twin Peaks inspired puzzles and not come out.

24. The last 20 minutes of Halloween I pretty well loved the entirety of this 40-years-later sequel, but the last twenty minutes or so were just next-level great. Basically, once everybody gets to Laurie's compound, this film was as scary as I wanted and as fist-pumpingly thrilling as I didn't know I could have expected.

23. Lost in Space Season One Might have loved this if it was just the one thing after another space survival show, but when you layer on an intriguing mystery and then add on Parker Posey's slitherly Dr. Smith? Yep, loved it.

22. The Haunting of Hill House Mike Flanagan has been doing cool horror work on smaller movies for a few years now, and I'm glad he seems to have found a patron in Netflix. The broader canvas of Haunting of Hill House allows him to do pretty much everything he's so good at, and even allows for some new tricks (like that "one long shot" episode, or the creepy background ghosts that go uncommented on in the story).

21. Creed II Creed was so great, and the notion of Stallone returning to the Ivan Drago well so worrisome, that I was a little apprehensive that this one would disappoint me. What a great surprise, then, that this was basically a best-case scenario for how this could have worked out. Even the Drago stuff is pretty compelling! I'd love to see more with Adonis and Bianca sometime, and I certainly still love Rocky himself, but for this round of playing with fire, I am satisfied.

20. Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters & Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle The first two (out of three) animated Godzilla films hit Netflix last year and they were much more curious and idiosyncratic than I expected when they were first announced. Slowly paced, with an intentional disregard for the expectations of kaiju fans, they take a brilliant concept and proceed to use it to explore the perils of various belief systems. Each of these ends on a cliffhanger, so the success of the whole thing might depend a bit on how Godzilla: Planet Eater wraps things up, but for now it's a fascinating experiment.

19. The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs I can't say I sat around missing the horror host thing (I also love and regularly watch the family-friendly Svengoolie), but I was still surprised by how enjoyable and how nostalgic I found the experience of sitting back down with Joe Bob to watch a trashy horror movie. I didn't watch this as a marathon, but it did make for a bunch of swell weekends catching up with some movies I'd never seen and a charming film buff I hadn't seen in a while.

18. Bad Times at the El Royale Everything about this, from the cast to the aesthetic to the story, was just right up my alley. There was a moment late in the film where Maggie and I turned to each other, our jaws literally dropped, and we burst into nervous laughter.

17. BlacKkKlansman Wrote this one up over at SportsAlcohol.com.

16. Three Identical Strangers This documentary knocked me out. It's an amazing story with a bunch of incredible twists and turns and fascinating characters. It also poses some really intriguing questions and left me with a lot to think about. Don't read anything about it, just see it!

15. Disenchantment As a big fan of The Simpsons and i (and knowing the similar arcs they followed pretty well), I was pretty excited for a new Matt Groening animated show, and the first season of Disenchantment might have surpassed my expectations. It's funny, visually appealing, and takes some effective swings at the kind of emotional storytelling that it took the earlier series a couple of seasons to really nail. The finale sent me scrambling to the internet to see if it had been picked up for more episodes.

14. Nancy by Olivia Jaimes As a regular and avid comic strip reader, I propose that I was more blown away than most of the internet by the new Nancy. I regularly checked in on the soggy Gilchrist version of the strip, so imagine my surprise and delight at the change! It is neat to see a newspaper strip make any kind of impact in the culture again. Plus the strip is really fun!

13. Star Wars Star Wars: Rebels came to a close with a run of really exciting episodes and a really excellent finale. The comics continued to be really good. And Solo: A Star Wars Story showed up with smaller, not so fate-of-the-galaxy stakes and still just nailed the iconic characters it was digging into in exactly the ways it needed to. In a year where Star Wars fandom was showing itself to be home to a lot of the same toxicity as other fandoms, Star Wars itself kept up its end with lots of fun stuff.

12. The Last Best Story I thought I had a good idea what to expect from a high school newspaper riff on His Girl Friday, and this book certainly (thoroughly, delightfully) satisfies that. But I wasn't exactly prepared for the emotional depth and lovely observational detail in Maggie's book (I mean, I probably should have been, but it still sneaked up on me). I finished and just wanted to read it again.

11. "The Lost Art of Forehead Sweat" episode of The X-Files This second (and seemingly final) revival season of The X-Files boasted a more confident ratio of hits to misses than the previous one (even the nutso mythology episodes showed a stronger grasp of how the show works and what it means in the current moment) but the highlight, again, was a virtuosic episode written and directed by Darin Morgan. It was brilliantly funny, very X-Filesy, and sneakily provided a hilarious alternate series finale for fans in the event that Chris Carter would botch the actual one a few episodes later (luckily, he did as well as I might have hoped, really).

10. Arrested Development - Season 5, Part 1 I disagreed with most of the complaints people lobbied against the fourth season of Arrested Development, but I do think the batch of fifth season episodes released last year did fall prey to some of the shapeless storytelling and clunky greenscreen they were accused of before (I thought the fourth season did wonders with having the characters separated, while they flailed to meaningfully integrate Lindsay in the fifth season). And because episodes weren't as clearly defined in their storytelling, it left some of the character stories feeling both too dragged out and thinly developed (thinking here of Gob's struggle with his sexuality and Tobias's relationship with Murphybrown) by the time the half-season ended on a slight cliffhanger without really building significant momentum. But for all that, I love these characters so much and the show particularly really does right by the way that Michael and George Michael try to navigate their relationship with each other after the events of the fourth season.

9. Mary Poppins Returns This movie had impossible shoes to fill, and you can tell that everybody involved took that seriously. I saw this one twice. The first time, I really enjoyed it. The second time, it made me cry.

8. Marvel Cinematic Universe Black Panther was so fantastic, Avengers: Infinity War felt like a really special theater experience, and Ant-Man and the Wasp was a delightful trifle with an amazing, playful gut-punch of a stinger. Really, I had a great time will all three movies they put out this year and I loved the ride they took us on all the way through to the final text card in the Ant-Man credits.

7. Surprise, it's The Cloverfield Paradox! Sure, this is easily the least of the Cloverfield movies so far (it's still a fun haunted-house-on-a-space-station movie with an overqualified cast), but I don't imagine there'll be a more fun way to see one of these. I was already feeling that familiar Cloverfield excitement as the online marketing game started spooling up, but I pretty much leapt off the couch when Katie and I saw the Super Bowl ad that announced it would be dropping soon on Netflix, and freaked out even further when I looked on Netflix and saw the tag that it would debut after the game ended! We stayed up and watched it that night, and I went to sleep in the glow of a new Cloverfield. Gonna be hard to top that for excitement next time, but I'm looking forward to seeing them try.

6. Support the Girls Basically a "day in the life" movie about a manager of a Hooters-style sports bar, this movie (starring a perfect Regina Hall) is warm and human and reassuring because of the way it eschews the normal reassurances of this kind of thing and just plays it real. It's a beautiful movie.

5. GLOW I loved the first season of GLOW, and I think this second season is even better. It digs a little deeper into the supporting cast, doubles down on its resonance with things happening in the culture right now, includes that delightful episode within an episode, and ends on a perfect and delicate emotional note.

4. American Vandal Here's one of those shows with a perfect first season taking a shot at a follow-up, and they nailed it. Whatever trades are made in taking on a case with less personal involvement for our investigator leads are made up by the incisive observational writing (and hilarious bathroom jokes), this time throwing race and class into the mix. I'm sorry we won't get to see them take on another case and format, but these first two seasons are perfect.

3. Ready Player One I am in the tank for pretty much any Spielberg movie (I've loved the dramas he's done in the last few years) and here he's made a movie with cameos from King Kong and Mechagodzilla. I enjoyed the book this was based on, but I loved the movie even more. The visuals and action (and that amazing Shining sequence) are terrific, but the way that they restructured the game tasks build to make a moving argument for the ways even popular art are used for communication and connection, and Mark Rylance's portrayal of the Wonka-esque Halliday makes it all land.

2. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs I wrote about this one over at SportsAlcohol.com. I loved it.

1. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One & Two To be quite honest, this would be hard to beat in any event since I got engaged to be married between Part One and Part Two. Luckily, the show was a really special event even beyond that personal association. A surprisingly moving epilogue to the Harry Potter stories (and more satisfying in performance where the performances of the actors makes up for some of the ways the supporting characters seemed more thinly conceived in the script than they did in the books), it was also a dazzling theatrical experience. The variety of tricks employed to bring the wizard world to the stage meant that just as you figured out how they pulled off one big effect you were met with three other nifty flourishes. I dig Rowling's continued noodling around in her wizard world through things like this play and the Fantastic Beasts films (I enjoyed Crimes of Grindelwald) as a way to tell new stories and explore nerdy minutia without undoing the lovely bow of that original series of books. (Side note: Because my pleasure reading time has been so heavily curtailed as I get through this first school year, I'm only about a third in on Lethal White. Really digging it, but don't feel like I can include it on this list properly.)

Top Twenty Things I'm Excited About in 2019

Godzilla: King of the Monsters Never would I have believed that we'd be getting a big-budget American Godzilla film that would prominently feature Mothra, Rodan, and King Ghidorah as the third film in a shared Godzilla/Kong movie universe. Now it is happening, and everything they've released to do with the film (trailers, posters, etc) have looked incredible. Gonna be hard to top this one for excitement this year.

Marvel Cinematic Universe Captain Marvel looks like a lot of fun, I'm sure Spider-Man: Far From Home will be great, and I'm pretty interested in whatever Marvel Studios ends up doing for the Disney+ streaming service, but the main event this year is obviously Avengers: Endgame. Whatever form this big finale for the first decade of MCU stories takes, I cannot wait to see it.

Star Wars As with Marvel, there's plenty to look forward to this year, with The Mandalorian presumably accompanying the debut of Disney+ along with the revival of The Clone Wars, but the biggest deal will of course be Episode IX, the grand finale of the main Star Wars saga and the story of the Skywalkers.

Arrested Development The original run of the series was nearly flawless. The fourth season is, in some ways, even more ambitious and special. And even though the first half of this fifth season was, to my eyes, guilty of some of the baggy, formless storytelling that season four had been accused of (and splitting the season like this meant that the first half felt weirdly unsatisfying), it still had a ton of joke that I really loved and developed the relationship between Michael and his son in a way that I did find satisfying after the fourth season cliffhanger. Excited for more of the show and crossing my fingers that it nails the landing.

Stranger Things III This one drops on my birthday! Setting the story in summer sounds fun to me, and I'm pretty excited to see these characters again after a year off.

The Twilight Zone The original series is a deep foundation of my pop culture world and I even found things to like about the UPN revival in the early 00s, so I'm predisposed to be interested in this. But giving it to Jordan Peele (also so psyched for Us) seems like a masterstroke and the trailer they just released is so perfect (both for the obvious love it displays for the original and the new energy it promises) that it's driven me to distraction. Cannot wait for this.

The Addams Family I was obsessed with The Addams Family back when the two Barry Sonnenfeld films came out in the 90s. I loved the 60s sitcom, the movies, and the animated series (and more recently was bitterly disappointed by the Broadway musical). But most of all I adored the Charles Addams cartoons. This latest animated film has been kicking around in some form of development for a while now (there was a time when it was reported that they were trying to get Tim Burton to give it the stop-motion treatment) and I'm a little apprehensive that it ended up with Illumination Studios. Still, a new animated Addams Family film is a must see.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance This sounds pretty special, and in any case it is exciting to get an ambitious new puppet project from the Henson Company delivered right to my Netflix queue this year.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood & The Irishman A new Tarantino film would be on this list no matter what, so those photos they released a while back were most exciting to just get a look at what he's going for aesthetically. And of course I'm intrigued and excited to hear that Netflix is throwing money at Scorsese to make a crime film starting De Niro, Pacino, Keitel, and Joe Pesci.

The French Dispatch Not sure if this one will actually hit this year or end up seeking out some awards-friendly release next year, but it's a Wes Anderson film about journalism with a predictably great cast. Exciting whenever it comes out.

Knives Out Rian Johnson writing and directing another mystery film with this cast? Let's do this now.

Little Women Lady Bird was sooo good that I'd be pretty into whatever movie Greta Gerwig made next, so the incredible cast she's assembled for this follow up is just icing.

The Righteous Gemstones When Jody Hill and Danny McBride make another HBO show, I'm going to watch it. Make it about a family of televangelists and make John Goodman the patriarch, and I can't wait to watch it.

My Favorite Thing is Monsters Volume 2 The first volume was a surprise highlight of 2017 and it was a bummer to see this follow up slide further and further back on release calendars. Hoping it finally arrives this year, but the original was so wonderful that I'm ready to wait as long as it takes.

Missing Link There are other animated movies I'll be really excited for by the time they come out this year (Toy Story 4 and Frozen 2 will surely be huge events) but I'm probably most excited that Laika is back with a new feature.

Star Trek It looks like, as an attempt to get people like me to actually keep up their CBS All Access subscription outside of the two months they're offering new episodes of Star Trek Discovery (and I am pretty psyched for this second season!) they are planning on keeping us in new Star Trek as often as possible. An animated Trek comedy! A new series about Picard! More of those very cool Short Treks! I'm pretty into seeing what they have in store this year.

Looney Tunes Cartoons After years and years of grousing about Warner Bros' treatment of the Looney Tunes characters (even when they have something that kinda works, like Wabbit or New Looney Tunes, it has felt like they're on the C-list; and no, Space Jam 2 does not make me feel better), I'm intrigued by this series and am anxious to see some footage to see what they're cooking up.

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels I loved the original series, I'm a sucker for stories set in America in the 30s, and I like the cast they're lining up, so I'm definitely into this.

Amazing Stories I don't even know if or when I'll get to see this (we already have so many streaming services and if I'm adding another one this year, it'll be Disney+), but I love the idea of a new Amazing Stories and if Spielberg directs an episode or two it'll make this a must watch somehow.

3 notes · View notes

goodnightkisseu · 6 years ago

Text

Lee Daehwi - Metronome

Genre: Fluff

“When We Met” Series: [Minhyun][Jihoon][Jaehwan][Guanlin][Daehwi][Jinyoung][Jisung][Woojin][Seongwu][Sungwoon][Daniel]

Note: Hi everyone! I’m back with another series and this time, it’s a particularly special one because it’s a series that will be counting down to Wanna One’s 1st Anniversary! I’m calling it “When We Met” because it’ll be a series of scenarios, using Wanna One’s individual debut teasers as starting points for how you meet!

This is also a series in collaboration with @nothingwithoutwannaone! She will be writing her own versions of how you meet and I will link them in each post ^^

How do you and Daehwi meet? Find out in this fic! I struggled a lot with this one, and it’s a little long, but I hope it’s okay ;; I wanted to do Daehwi justice and idk if I did in this one ;; I hope I didn’t disappoint anyone with this one ;; As always, please feel free to let me know what you think ><”!

nothingwithoutwannaone‘s version —> [x]

- goodnightkisseu’s admin <3

Piano practice before breakfast. Get ready for school. Go to school and then off to piano lessons. Come home and eat dinner, then back to practicing the piano. This had been Daehwi’s life ever since he was about eight. Becoming a great pianist and a great musician was something that his family had always valued, and he in turn, valued it too. He knew that it was important to them, so it became his goal in life to do well.

That being said, Daehwi had his own goals. He dreamed of writing his own songs, songs that people could hear and gain strength from. However, this was neither in his parents’ plan for him, nor was it something that they thought highly of. At least as a concert pianist he might be in high demand, but being one of many songwriters? Far less viable in their eyes. They pushed the piano because he had the talent for it, and not having the heart to argue with his parents over such a thing, he went with it.

However, since his whole focus in life had been music, it was safe to say that, up until this point, Daehwi didn’t have many friends. He had probably two, but that was just because they had known him since they were young, and they too had parents that were pushing them to do certain things with their lives. At first he had been okay with it. He thought that the sooner he reached the goals that his parents had set for him, the sooner he could do the things that he wanted. Less distractions were better, weren’t they? This was what kept him going, and he didn’t question it… until he met you.

As per usual, Daehwi showed up to his weekend session with his instructor, Minseok, just a little after two in the afternoon. The session went the way that most of his sessions did. His instructor would take a seat and ask him how he was doing. Daehwi would give his usual answer, that his life was still very much about the piano, and that he had been dabbling in some song writing when he parents weren’t looking. Once the usual small talk ended, Daehwi did his usual warm-ups before going directly into the piece he had been practicing. Overall it was going well, he was getting the right rhythms, hitting all the notes properly, but there was something off about the whole thing. He could see in his instructor’s eyes that the older male was having trouble putting his thoughts into words. He definitely wasn’t happy with it.

“Daehwi, you’re really an amazing pianist, but there’s something about this that… it just feels empty…” Minseok stated, his chin resting in his hand. This was a problem that the two individuals had come across before. He had tried to give Daehwi an emotionally driven piece before, but Daehwi had trouble really feeling the music at the time. Minseok had thought it was just because Daehwi was too young to really have those types of emotions, but now, five years later, it still had that same hollow feeling. It was likely not Daehwi’s fault. It was obvious that he was learning to appease his parents, but still… he was good at his craft. If only he could put that emotion in there… it would be perfect.

“You’re said the same thing to me before, teacher, but I don’t know how to fix it. I’m playing and I’m trying to give emotion in the piece, but you don’t seem satisfied. I don’t think this is something that’s easily taught,” the young male stated with a small pout.

“It really isn’t,” Minseok stated with furrowed brows. “You’re trying so hard too. I don’t want to change the piece because you won’t have time to learn a full one before the competition. There’s gotta be a way that we can get that emotion in there. There’s gotta be a way that we can pull at people’s hearts, because your playing is impeccable. If only it had that little extra something…”

Daehwi was about to suggest that they take a break, when the door to the practice room opened and you came walking right in…

==========

When you had arrived for lessons that afternoon, you weren’t expecting an audience. You had assumed that your instructor would be the only one waiting for you in the room, but when you swung the door open, you noticed your instructor and another student there. Had you arrived early? That couldn’t have been the case. You were actually pretty sure that you were a little late. Maybe their session was running long?

“Oh, I’m sorry! I thought the room would be empty, I should have knocked first,” you said, before bowing apologetically.

Minseok smiled at you before telling you that it was okay. He then looked over at Daehwi and introduced the two of you. “Do you remember when I told you that I was taking on a second student? This is her,” he said with a smile.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Daehwi,” he said softly, though he was still a little shocked.

As the two of you stood across from each other, an idea crossed Minseok’s mind. You… you knew how to play with emotion. Maybe if Daehwi sat in… “Actually, Daehwi… why don’t you stay for the session?” he suggested, causing both yours and Daehwi’s eyes to widen. “I just want the two of you to get to know each other a bit more. That way if either of you need help while you’re practicing on your own, you can feel comfortable asking the other. That’s okay, right?”

Your instructor looked at you now and you were quick to nod, though on the inside you were a nervous wreck. You didn’t know Daehwi, but you had heard about him, about his reputation. You were told by your friends that he was an amazing pianist, one that a lot called a prodigy. He was poised for great things.

And you? Well, you were here taking lessons because one of your friends decided that she wanted to start a band. They were in dire need of a keyboardist and since she knew that you used to play when you were younger, she had asked you. At first you weren’t really thrilled about the idea of a band, but after your first session together, to say that you fell in love with it, would have been an understatement. You felt like, for the first time, it was something that you wanted to do, something that you needed. Yet you also knew that you weren’t on par with some of the other girls, so you talked to your parents about getting lessons. They were over the moon about this because they always wanted you to continue piano, but you weren’t enthusiastic about it as a kid. Hearing that you wanted to do it now, they found the best teacher… and here you were.

So, with a stomach full of butterflies you sat down and started warming up while Minseok asked how far you got in the piece he had asked you to work on. “I’ve gotten through most of it, though I’m still very shaky on the end. It’s a little fast for me,” you admitted. “But I’m really enjoying it. It has a lot of character,” you added with a smile. Your eyes momentarily caught sight of Daehwi would had been staring in your direction and you nervously smiled at him before you turned back to start playing…

==========

At first Daehwi couldn’t quite understand why he needed to stay around if Minseok just wanted to introduce the two of you to each other. He felt like he was intruding and he was sure that it was making you uneasy as you played. And yet, as he sat there and watched you, he couldn’t explain it, but there was something… special. You had mentioned that the piece had a lot of character and you were somehow bringing it to life. He didn’t really understand it. He knew that this was the thing that Minseok wanted him to be able to do… so was this why he wanted Daehwi to stay back? To see if he could somehow learn it from you? But how?

“Daehwi, what did you think?” Minseok asked after he was finished giving his own critique.

“Ah,” he started, being caught completely off guard by the sudden invitation to give his own feedback. “Well, I think there are some technical things that you could work on, but overall, I enjoyed listening to you play. You’re right, the piece has a lot of character,” he stated with a small smile.

“I’d like you to keep working on this piece, and also maybe take a stab at this one?” Minseok suggested, handing you the same sheet music that Daehwi was working on. “It really suits you and I think it’d really help with your other aspirations too. Oh, and I know the metronome kind of bothers you, but have it on, okay? I think it’ll help with those last parts you’re struggling with. Anyway, our session is actually just about over. Why don’t you go and practice in one of the other practice rooms. Daehwi and I have to wrap up from earlier.”

You gave a quick nod before thanking them both for their input. “It was really nice to meet you too, Daehwi,” you said, that smile still on your features as you grabbed your things and took your leave…

==========

After chatting with Minseok about why he gave you the exact same piece that Daehwi was working on, Daehwi finally was on his way out for the night. It seemed like his instructor wanted him to see how someone else would play the piece. Not because he wanted Daehwi to emulate you, but rather so that he could have someone else to talk about the piece with. Daehwi didn’t have any musically inclined friends and this was basically Minseok’s way of telling him to make one. Maybe because, you could help him figure out how he was supposed to feel while playing such an intricate piece.

He was almost at the exit to the building when he noticed that the lights in one of the other practice rooms was still on. Curious, he wandered over, his ear pressed to the wall to see if he could hear anything through the soundproofing material. He could hear a bit and it sounded familiar. It sounded like the piece he had been working on. Were… were you still there? Curiosity got the better of him and he slowly opened the door, his ears being filled with the sound of a couple of incorrect notes.

“You’re playing it wrong,” a voice stated, almost making you jump right out of your seat. You must have been so lost in your practice that you didn’t notice the door opening and someone stepping in. Still, you didn’t expect Daehwi to be the one to come and see you. You thought it would be some of the building staff, stopping by to tell you that you had to leave for the night.

“I-it’s wrong?” you asked slowly, still shocked that he was even here. You figured that Daehwi and your instructor had left for the night. Who would have thought that he would still be around at this hour?

“You’re way off tempo. It should be more like this,” he stated, as he moved toward you, taking a seat next to you, his fingers lightly dancing across the keys as you watched in awe. You knew that he was different, but he really was of another caliber. No one you knew played like this. And it seemed like he really knew this piece too. Had he been practicing it as well?

“Now you try,” he said softly, his words almost making you jump off of the chair.

“I’m not good enough to do that yet,” you piped up, but his hands gently brought yours up to the keys. You froze a bit at first, but let him lightly guide your fingers to their starting position.

“I think you can. Just remember the tempo that I was playing at. Try not to fall into the trap of playing too fast or too slow,” he stated, before he tapped on the side of the piano to help you keep your tempo, just like a metronome.

Though still a bit nervous, you went with it, playing along as Daehwi hummed and kept the tempo for you. In no time, you got through the piece, shocking yourself somewhat. You had never played that well before. Did he really help that much?

“That sounds much better,” he stated, the corners of his mouth forming a smile. He was handsome when he smiled.

“Thanks, Daehwi!”

“That piece you were just playing… it’s the piece I’m going to be playing for a competition,” he admitted. “But I can’t seem to get the right feeling. I think our teacher gave it to you too because he wants us to learn from each other,” he explained, feeling that it was wrong to keep you in the dark about such things.

That made sense. No wonder he knew it so well. “If that’s the case then… I’ll do what I can. I’m not an expert like you are, but I’ll see what I can do to help you…”

“You’re sweet,” he said instinctively. “I’ll trade you. Show me how to play something with feeling, and I’ll help you out with some techniques so you don’t keep going off tempo like that.”

You laughed sheepishly. Well he got you there. “It’s a deal! I have to get going now, but I’ll see you later, okay?” you asked, grabbing your things off of the nearby chair.

“Hey,” he started as you turned around to face him from your spot by the door. “Come to this practice room again tomorrow. There are some more technical things that I want to show you.”

A smile grew on your features as you gave him a nod. “Sounds good. See you here tomorrow, Daehwi,” you said before leaving the room, a smile gracing Daehwi’s lips as he watched you leave…

#wanna one #lee daehwi #wanna one imagines #wanna one scenarios #kpop scenarios #whenwemetseries

34 notes · View notes