#but this can also be a different verse if u want

[notherpuppet]

things i've learned about fandom ❇️

i got into fandom pretty recently. i mean i'm pushing 30, so i didn't really "grow up" in fandom and thus, had a lot to learn about being nice online lol. i've definitely been in fandoms b4, but never quite as immersed as i am now. like, last year was the first time i've been to a con! it was really fun. i feel like i've learned a lot this year and i think most folks navigate without malicious intentions, but there are some faux pas that i've observed (that i have done myself unfortunately😖 ) and idk who may be interested in hearing this, but just some of my observations; (anthropologist hat on) dead dove do not eat: in the realm of fiction and freedom from censorship (which is cool as hell imo), there are gonna be some stories that may seem quite taboo or distasteful to one's sensibilities. if you're not a fan, i recommend blocking/muting. usually folks are quite good about tagging ships or dynamics, in consideration of those who may want to find or avoid that content.

the etiquette seems to vary by region of the world (makes sense) if commenting on a post for someone who speaks a different language than you, it may be better to avoid idioms/expressions as they may translate literally and seem harsh to another culture. (e.g. "omg they are sickening" a compliment in america, an insult maybe everywhere else LOL) obviously u can do whatever u want, but being a hater (or anti?) is probably gonna lose you some charm points. so if coming across a certain way is important to you, then this is probably just something to consider. for example, there are things i observe in fandom that i don't really like, but i avoid dogging on it publicly because idk that's kinda mean spirited, right? but also because i have this unexpectedly big following and i'm not trying to start a dogpile or sic people after others. the internet can be scary 😳 when i make complaints, i try to keep it vague so that individuals are not attacked cuz that would suck pls don't be a fandom cop: this is the internet, pls dont be a self-appointed authority figure. it's natural that folks will have their critiques. why not write about it in your own space instead of trying to control others' actions? (especially with an air of entitlement and self imposed moral authority, like cmon) obvs folks are gonna do whatever they want on the internet, i just think this behavior is lame as hell ight that's all i got LOL. this is for any fandom newbies like i was (this is not meant to be rules or anything because that would be icky. but just wanted to share my experience with fandom since i've learned a lot from discussions with others more versed in fandom life)

[madeimpact]

❝ WOOO!! ❞ Rather than feeling bested by someone years younger than him, however, he simply ( maybe ill-advisedly ) cheered her on. ❝ Oh, man! You feel that? That's the energy kickin' in! ❞

"Pssh, you think that's a lot? That's nothing!" Aaaaand she chugged an entire bottle of Mountain Dew. Ahhh teenagers. Always trying to one up someone.

[sunmisbf]

wayv’s 2nd win encore on the show today <3

[good-wine-and-cheese]

Gambling Apocalypse Tenma AU

As I rewatch Kaiji I inevitably end up wanting to combine show I like with other show I like and stuffing fav characters into show. So here we are.

This was uh going to be a short summary type thing but I accidentally wrote a novella about it sorry

This AU starts off with a much more depressive Tenma. After Tobio's death, rather than immediately pour his grief into developing a robot version of his son, he recedes into himself, psychologically paralyzed, likely turning to alcohol to drown out his anguish.

His mental state is taken as an opportunity within the Ministry of Science to have him ejected from his position; Tenma was never the most well-liked director, and there were those with ambition to usurp him that would jump at the chance. Not that he especially cares in his state.

He's eventually dragged out of his stagnation by Ochanomizu - who, inadvertently, becomes the very catalyst pushing Tenma to develop a robot replacement to his child. This was not what he meant by encouraging Tenma to fill the void left by his son.

...But, well, he is no longer the director of the Ministry of Science. His access to limitless government funds and resources for "scientific research" has been cut off, and this is a project he cannot finance on his own. He can't ask Ochanomizu for help, but...interestingly...a representative of a certain shady organization known as the Teiai Corporation reaches out to him, offering to finance and support his project. A sane and well-minded Tenma might think better of it, but grieving and desperate, Tenma accepts their offer and is able to create a robot in the image of his beloved Tobio. For a while, there's joy in his life.

But the bill, as ever, comes due: Tenma must pay up, and the very resources that had been at his disposal will certainly ensure that he will, or else. Of course, he doesn't have the money; instead, he is given a choice. He can relinquish the robot Tobio in order to wipe out his debt - the child is a sophisticated and powerful robot, after all - or he can participate in a certain illicit event hosted by the Teiai Corporation.

It's nothing major...just a four-hour gambling cruise with a collection of desperate, damned souls that were also swept into debt with Teiai. The conditions are simple: Those who choose to participate are given a chance to clear their debts wholesale should they win. And should they lose...?

Well...no one really knows what happens to the losers seized by Teiai. It's said that they labour away their debts under Teiai's watchful eye and are freed once their work has covered their debts, though it's rumoured that most perish before they reclaim freedom.

There's only one answer Tenma can give, of course; he's not willing to lose Tobio again.

Thus is Tenma's debut into the Gambling Apocalypse, where he must become cutthroat in order to survive; if he wants to see his son again, he must make choices that will doom the hapless to miserable servitude, with a nonzero chance it ends in their death.

He survives the cruise, but of course, it was hardly enough to clear his debt; the cruise was never going to be the end of it. Teiai doesn't let go of its victims that easily. He will be called on again: this is a weight that hangs over him, all while he returns to his son Tobio. The same hands that have pushed innocents into hell must now be the hands that can embrace his child.

He wants to protect Tobio from the truth and enjoy what peaceful moments he's allowed with his son, but it's difficult. It's difficult to be the parent of a child who cannot understand the danger that looms ahead; this "happy" home is not to last. Tenma angers quickly and easily. He turns that anger onto Tobio.

As Teiai's games become more and more vicious and unrelenting, as his conscience holds onto the last vestiges of thread that remain, Tenma even threatens, once, to give the boy in: it would all end, then; the debt would be clear and no longer would he have to endure Tobio's childish annoyances, his ungratefulness.

The next time that Tenma is beckoned, Tobio takes matters into his own hands. He does understand, now; and he would have, if only Tenma had bothered to explain sooner. If it's a debt that needs clearing, he will work. He will help his father clear his debts however he can. Of course, it's difficult to find work as a child; but a circus troupe finds amusement in the idea of a child robot, and takes him in. He is whisked into a certainly unpleasant working situation, but he remembers his father, and what he must be enduring. Tobio, also, will endure.

When Tenma returns, Tobio is gone.

All that held Tenma back from becoming something monstrous has disappeared. All that kept him going has disappeared. When he is called upon by Teiai, there is no knowing what sort of person might come out the other end; whether a monster clawing his way to freedom regardless of what actions he must take, or a desolate husk surrendering defeat.

There is still a light, however dim: Found by Professor Ochanomizu and rescued from the circus, Tobio - now Atom - is able to shed light on the situation which Tenma took great pains to keep hidden from his old friend. With time running out, Ochanomizu and Atom must do what they can to save Tenma - from Teiai, and from himself.

-----

UHHH and that's a wrap!!!! I couldn't quite decide which way Tenma would go after hitting Rock Bottom in this AU, and tbh it would really depend on the kind of mental state he's in at the time. On the one hand I like the narrative of Ochanomizu and Tobio racing to prevent Tenma from crossing a line (actual outright murder probably) - or having to pull him back into humanity (and yknow, his ensuing penance)

But on the other hand having him get sent to Teiai Evil Hell Prison would be interesting because a) there's a lot of narrative potential having Tenma faced with what Teiai is doing with the people that lose the games and b) need him to decimate the foreman at chinchirorin Kaiji style

Tenma's whole character is definitely a much different guy in this AU, he starts off pretty sympathetic, the guy you wanna root for, he just ends up having an inverse character arc where he gets worse instead of better. His conflict with "Tobio" is also kind of reversed, less about being unsatisfied with Tobio as a son and more not being able to handle the fact that he probably has intense PTSD now and isnt capable of coping with it in a way conducive to being a parent (or like, coping at all)

Anyway that's gambling apocalypse tenma!!!

[bmpmp3]

(little bit of silence at the beginning because it wouldnt let me upload otherwise RIP) quick plug-and-play this-mix-is-ass-session-terminated type shoujo-a cover but (said in a hushed voice filled with wonderment and awe) soyogi........................................

(ust by Taketonbo)

[britneyshakespeare]

I can't believe the Younger Brother (1689) by Aphra Behn has the only one bed trope

[deus-ex-mona]

[minarcana]

@milesducemdominus asked:

He's exhausted, as are most; body riddled with aches, injuries of old rebelling from stresses and strains but little could be done. Instead, Aymeric moves to sit beside company in silence and simply offers the small comfort of a cup of freshly brewed tea;

"Here-" He whispered; "-something to pick you up a smite."

Urianger sits slouched, leaning over the hands he's kept clasped over his knees. There is always too much to consider and too much risk for anything to be particularly easy no matter the date or locale. Lost in thought, as he often is, until the sound of footsteps approaching gets close enough for him to realize it's him being approached.

He watches Aymeric move with a careful eye. He's seen that kind of movement, done as the body complains. Funny; while he knew that Aymeric did his time in Ishgard's army, some part of him always imagined Aymeric's physical form was just as well put together and functional as his mind and attitude. Which, once Urianger realizes he'd been thinking that, is objectively ridiculous.

"Thank thee," he replies softly, taking the cup in hand largely to feel the warmth of it. Urianger looks past it for a few moments, thinking, before abruptly: "art thou well?"

After saying it, it feels too intrusive, impolite, probably overstepping something he isn't aware of. But Aymeric has not before seemed one for whispering. A belated verbal scramble to justify. "It seemed as though thou didst have some resistance to easy movement, and thy speech is dampened. I hath practice as a healer, mayhaps I can be of aid as thou hath already shown such hospitality...." Though he holds little pretention to Aymeric not having dealt with a fair few chirurgeons, of whose membership Urianger is not included by any means. But he has his own methods, and it simply seems callous not to speak.

[cathymee]

hi can we talk about when he gets ethereal. w his vocals specifically. idk if it's just me but when ppl talk about michael that word never gets attached that much. spiritual, otherwordly, angelic maybe but it's like. when it's Michael Jackson it's like a Dominating Presence. in a way that's like Oh My God He's Here That's Him. & there's no other choice but to be keenly aware that That Is Michael. u listen to him sing like that & it's like That's Michael's Voice and it feels like? having to stand in the middle of the road? knowing There Is A Car Approaching Fast so u have to run and move away?? that kind of awareness. his vocals where it's like yeah that's Michael he can do that. w his voice. he can belt out those notes he can growl out those lyrics he can sing like that

but it's like. when it's ethereal it's like that Is Michael but omg Why Is He Like That. scary. beautiful. hypnotic & strange u feel helpless & in awe. Feeling a Presence but never sensing where it's emitting from. hearing him sing & it's like. Are You Real. Where Are You.

[melrodrigo]

tranquil

Wednesday Addams x G!N Reader

Summary: Wednesday gets a bad case of the late night feels.

Word Count: 600+

A/N: A short one simply for the vibes. Ty @wesstars n @mindyswhore for helping me out 🫶🏻 also i’m gonna mention @bingwriterxo simply cuz i miss her. Hope u enjoy!

It’s been a harrowing day.

After getting a presentation you’d been dreading for weeks done- which had effectively taken all your strength and social battery, you’d been hit with homework for every single class.

Which is how you ended up in your dorm, on a Friday night, sitting and stirring in a mix of damning pride and self-loath.

A knock on the door has your head shifting up and has you turning down the volume of your blasting classical music.

Classical music you’ve never cared for till you met Wednesday Addams.

Most popular loner to live. The infamous young detective. Psycho freak girl. A living black-and-white comic. All the names you can think of, but your favorite thing to call her is your girlfriend.

She’d played something on her cello one night while you were hanging out, and the music had flown through you so easily, lifting you and rattling you to the bone. It had been so magical you had to ask her what she was playing.

You saunter over to the door, somewhat unwillingly, believing you’ve had enough social interaction for one day, but speed up when another knock sounds- this time louder and more hurried.

“What.” You growl, before even looking at your personal space intruder.

“Are you playing tricks on me?” Wednesday, your girlfriend of two years, asks the moment you open your door. Her expression is stoic, as always, but a quiver in her lip tells you better.

The sight of her has the opposite effect on you as it would others.

You feel that little jump like you do every time you see her.

You cock an eyebrow at her, mouth upturned slightly on one side. “Well hello to you too.”

She ignores your comment, favoring instead to walk briskly into your dorm room, one that belonged to you and only you- perks of being the headmaster's kid.

You watch her as she breathes in deep, a display of immense emotion for the Addams, and sags her shoulders.

Contrary to popular belief, Wednesday did have emotions, and not to toot your own horn, but you were well versed in all her different moods by now.

But right now, there’s a different feeling in the air you can’t quite place. She seems…unguarded, unnaturally open.

You shut the door and lean back into the wall in time to see her turn around and walk up to you. She stops just centimeters away from you.

“What’s this about me playing tricks on you?” You question, a little hesitant, distracted by the glint in your girlfriend’s eyes. They barely show through her bangs nowadays, but today they shine brighter, demanding your attention.

She’s blinking slowly, gaze flitting between your lips and your eyes.

This was a look you were quite familiar with.

“Does someone want a kiss?” You tease, placing your hands on her waist gently. You break out in a grin when she sighs at the soft touch.

“Do you enjoy knowing you have control over me?” She asks, tilting her head up to stare into your eyes properly. You look for a joke in her eyes, but her expression stays the same.

Your heart soars at her words. You, out of everyone, would know how much depth her words contain.

Wednesday Addams never says anything lightly.

“Control?” You prod, wanting to make the most out of whatever this mood of hers is.

She nods, looking so relaxed and adoring it makes your heart ache.

“Control.” She whispers, very much staring at you like she wants to grab you by the face and kiss you.

“Yeah? Like what?” You tease further, ready for her to take back her former comment and call you an idiot.

What she does instead, surprises you. She turns her back and talks.

“Why are you turned the other way?” You inquire softly, so as to not ruin the moment.

Wednesday takes another breath that has your heart beating faster.

“It…helps me express my feelings.” She says. You see her hesitate before speaking once again.

“I want you to control me. Or something very close to that. I don’t know what this peculiar feeling is, but it’s dreadful. I’d do anything you asked.” She says, turning around to meet your gaze.

You soften, reach up to brush her face gently. As much as you’re enjoying the vulnerability, you’re a bit worried about what came over her to be so open.

“What’s happened? Are you okay?” You ask her quietly, concern seeping through your voice.

All she does is laugh lowly, shaking her head and bringing a hand up to cup yours.

“I am well, Y/N. I’ve just missed you.” She says, leaning further until she’s pressed up against you, not leaving any space between the two of you.

“We saw each other today.” You say, somewhat meekly, blushing furiously due to your girlfriend’s unexpected antics.

“I can’t stop thinking about you. Your absence leaves a hole in my heart.” She tells you, adverting her gaze like she’s suddenly overcome with doubt.

You take her chin in your hands and tilt her face back to you, wanting to get rid of any uncertainty she has about expressing her feelings. It took ages for her to even open up to you, and you never want her to go back to feeling guarded again.

“I missed you too.” You tell her, as sincerely as you can.

Wednesday’s eyes soften even more like she doesn’t believe you said it back.

Eyes all misty and cheeks tinted red, she looks good.

You lean forward and nip her lips, then pull her in harder when you feel her shiver underneath you.

She responds immediately, grabbing tight at your pjs.

You affirm your prior statements with the most tender kiss you can muster, and you know by the way she grips you even tighter that she understands.

[edges-of-night]

Hello! I was wondering if I could request something? Fellowship x reader where the reader gets injured in a battle or something and confessed their feelings before passing out… and when they wake up they find out their feelings r returned 🤭 I love ur requests they r so very cute! Thank u!

That was such a lovely request to write, nonnie! I’m really sorry you had to wait for it so long. Also, thank you for your kind words!

･ﾟ✧ Aragorn.

Initially, Aragorn would not treat you much differently after your recovery – so much so that you start wondering if you actually confessed your feelings to him or hallucinated that whole part. But all Aragorn wants to do is find the right moment to talk to you. Once he does, he’d gently take your hands in his and tell you how much you mean to him – and that your feelings are in fact reciprocated! Confessing your love first gave him the courage to do the same. “I am not well versed in these fields. But I hope I can show you my heart just as bluntly as you did yours.”

･ﾟ✧ Boromir.

Boromir would not be around when you wake up. The others tell you he was simply shocked by your passing out and that he needed time to adjust and would be overjoyed to hear you’re fine – but you suspect it would be something else that scared him away. You’d find him pondering in a lone corner, afraid of how he’ll react to seeing you again – only to see his hardened face light up when your eyes meet his – and then he’d rush to kiss you! “I’ve been a fool for not understanding it sooner. Forgive me…!” ♡

･ﾟ✧ Frodo.

I like to think that out of the Fellowship, Frodo would be the most mature to handle your love confession. After all, he knows your injuries aren’t lethal and worries not about what happens next, since he is very clear in his own feelings. After you wake up, he greets you with a smile, takes your hand to make sure you’re fine – and lowers his voice to say, “I’ll call the others right away. But before that, I need you to remember the last thing you said to me. I feel the same.” He’d give you the cutest smile, shining all the way up to his blue eyes.

･ﾟ✧ Gandalf.

Gandalf, being the one who tried to heal you in the moment you passed out, tries ignoring your dramatic love confession and silently urges the others to forget what they overheard. That said, he is very flattered – after all, he’s been enamoured with you for a while now. Still, his romance is quiet and subdued. He’d sit next to you with a smile when you wake up. At first, you thought his behaviour was unchanged – until he ends his sentences toward you with “darling” or “my dear”. There is a playful spark in his eyes that tells you everything you need to know. (Eventually, he would also spell out ‘I love you too’ in fireworks or butterflies!)

･ﾟ✧ Gimli.

Gimli stays with you during your recovery, guarding your bed day and night, so dutifully that the others need to remind him of eating. Once you wake up, you’d meet his soft eyes, only to watch them harden when you try to speak to him: “Don’t do that again! Ever!” – “What? Talk to you…?” – “Scare me like that!” he corrects, grumbling into his beard. “What’s a lad supposed to do when his sweetheart passes out in his arms?” You smile blissfully as you understand and offer him a hug that Gimli more than eagerly returns!

･ﾟ✧ Legolas.

Legolas is entirely stumped when you pass out after that dramatic “I love you”. There is a frown on his pretty face for the next few hours, waiting for you to wake up again. When you do, you’re terribly embarrassed by the way he’s staring at you through his Elven eyes. He’d fixate you and ask, “Did you mean it? What you said to me?” You’d blush and retort that yes, of course you meant it – and that is enough to make his bright smile and joy return. “What a relief! I feared that if it had been but a fever, my reciprocation would ring false, or sound like a mockery. Please know it’s nothing but the truth!” And he’d take your hands and lean in for a quick and happy kiss!

･ﾟ✧ Merry.

At first, Merry would not believe what he heard just before you passed out. During your recovery, he retreats into dark corners to think and rationalise – people say all kinds of stupid things when they thought they were about to die, right? You couldn’t possibly be in love with him – not when there are so many other people – taller people – all around you. So, imagine his surprise when you do ask him for a private conversation after waking up, to set everything straight. Only Merry doesn’t accept your apology. “What’s there to apologise for? You said what you felt in that moment. It’s not like I didn’t like what I heard, I feel the same, after all…” And then, you both share an ‘oh!’ moment before you laugh and fall into the other’s arms!

･ﾟ✧ Pippin.

Pippin would initially be overwhelmed by your confession and subsequent passing out. However, he’s positive you’ll be fine, firmly believing that no matter how important, these matters needn’t be so dramatic. He’d treat you as casually as always after your recovery, though you can’t deny there is a spring in his steps and a smile on his face whenever you’re talking. You now know that your feelings are returned, and yet you still blush when he tells you over a shared bowl of strawberries: “I don’t think I’ve told you yet, but I love you, too! Very much so! I’ve thought of a few different pet names to call you, but I wanted to clarify that first. So, just tell me which one you like best…”

･ﾟ✧ Sam.

Sam would not leave your side, no matter how long you were passed out. Whenever someone would try and tear him away, he’d explain that he has something very important to discuss with you when you wake up. He would practice romantic speeches and poems to recite for you, really thinking the whole thing through – only to remain absolutely speechless when your eyes do meet his. After your initial greeting – “Thank goodness you’re alive!” – he’d just hold your hand and ask you to stay with him ♡

[koiiiji]

windbreaker & lookism x tall girlfriend

author’s note ; this is for my tall baddies here<33

here is small yapp if u let me... i got this idea when i tried platform heels, and practically, i would be same height with biggest part of lookism and wd verse. idk when it started, but sometimes it so pleasant to look down on men

starring ; Jonggun, Jungoo, Jinseong, Sangho + honorable mention

Jonggun : he might be confident, but he’s also meticulous and has a streak of perfectionism. the idea of being even slightly shorter than you — while (not) a blow to his ego — would probably nudge at his desire to maintain balance.

╌──═❁═──╌

Jonggun leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes scanning you from head to toe as you adjusted your heels. with them on, you were just a centimeter taller than him — a barely noticeable difference. barely.

you turned to him with a playful grin. “what do you think?”

his gaze lingered for a moment, and then he stood up. “not bad,” he said, his tone casual, but you caught the slight tilt of his head as he measured the new height difference between you.

“‘not bad’?” you teased, leaning closer. “you’re not used to me towering over you, are you?”

Jonggun gave a low chuckle, his lips quirking into a smirk. “you’re not towering.”

“mm, maybe just a little?” you teased, standing straighter to emphasize the difference.

without missing a beat, he stepped past you and opened his closet. you raised an eyebrow, watching as he pulled out a pair of sleek black shoes with a slightly higher heel than the ones he was wearing.

“wait… are you —”

he slid the shoes on effortlessly, straightened up, and stepped back toward you. now, you were exactly the same height again.

“there,” he said, his tone calm and self-assured as always. “perfect.”

you stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. “you really couldn’t let me have that 1cm, could you?”

Jonggun gave you a look, one that was equal parts amused and smug. “it’s not about that,” he said, adjusting his cufflinks. “i just prefer things balanced.”

“sure you do,” you said, grinning as you leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “whatever helps you sleep at night, mr. perfectionist.”

he didn’t respond right away, but the faintest hint of a smile tugged at his lips.

as the two of you walked out the door, perfectly matched in height, Jonggun glanced down at you. “you can wear the heels whenever you want,” he said, his tone soft but firm. “just don’t expect me to let you be taller.”

Jungoo : height difference spirals into a over-the-top battle of egos, complete with dramatic gestures, exaggerated complaints, and Jungoo's insistence on finding chunkier shoes to reclaim his "rightful" height advantage after you dare to say “what honey? feel threatened??😘”

╌──═❁═──╌

you stepped into the room, your heels clicking loudly against the floor. Jungoo, who had been lounging on the couch, looked up lazily. the second he saw you, his eyes widened, and his jaw dropped.

“whoa, hold on!” he exclaimed, scrambling to his feet. his usual chaotic energy flared as he pointed dramatically at your heels. “what’s this? i thought we just about to go to groceries store!”

нou smirked, walking right up to him so the height difference was unmistakable. “what’s wrong, honey?” you teased, tilting your head down to meet his gaze. “feel threatened?”

his reaction was instant and theatrical. “threatened?!” he squawked, pointing at himself like you’d just insulted his entire existence. “ME?! Jungoo?! are you kidding?!” he stomped around in an exaggerated circle, gesturing wildly.

“you do seem a little flustered,” you said, your grin widening as you leaned in closer.

he suddenly stopped, spinning back to face you with his hands on his hips. “flustered?!” he threw his head back, pretending to laugh like a cartoon villain. “ha! good one! like some fancy shoes could EVER make me feel small!”

“then why are you standing on your tiptoes?” you asked sweetly, glancing down at his feet.

he froze mid-laugh, quickly dropping back to flat ground and crossing his arms like nothing happened. “i wasn’t doing that,” he said, looking anywhere but at you.

“oh, sure,” you replied, leaning down just a little to emphasize your new height advantage. “no intimidation here, huh?”

that was it. Jungoo couldn’t take it anymore. with a dramatic yell, he went to his sneakers, grabbed the chunkiest pair he could find, and jammed them onto his feet. when he returned, he was now exactly level with you, and he puffed out his chest like he’d just won a war.

“see?” he said triumphantly. “back to normal. nothing to worry about. who’s taller now?”

you raised an eyebrow, biting back a laugh. “still me by like half a centimeter.”

“WHAT?!” he shouted, looking down at his shoes like they had betrayed him. “this is rigged! your heels are cheating! it have extra platform!!”

“relax, it’s just shoes,” you said, patting his cheek playfully. “what’s the big deal?”

Jungoo narrowed his eyes, leaning forward until your noses were practically touching. “the big deal,” he said dramatically, “is that I’m supposed to be the tall, intimidating one in this relationship. not you.”

you snorted, trying not to laugh at how seriously he was taking it. “aw, poor baby. want me to take them off so you can feel better?”

“NO!” he barked, throwing an arm around your shoulders and dragging you closer. “you’re walking out of here just like that, and i’ll deal with it. but if anyone says something, i’m blaming you!”

as the two of you left the room, you could hear him muttering under his breath about “heels being unfair” and “height doesn’t matter anyway,” but the hand on your shoulder stayed firm, his grip warm and reassuring even as he pouted.

Jinseong : imagine be naturally taller than him? i mean even without heels, few centimeters taller. sexy!!! Jinseong think so to! he is super proud, pulling something like “yeah, (insert selebriti) is also shorter than his wife and???”.

╌──═❁═──╌

Jinseong couldn’t have been prouder of you. walking through the school halls with your tall frame beside him made him feel like he was showing off — not in an obnoxious way, but in the “yeah, that’s my girl” kind of way. he loved the way you carried yourself, your height giving you an aura of confidence and strength that had heads turning everywhere you went.

during lunch, Jinseong would slide into the seat across from you and immediately find a way to hype you up. “i swear, you could be a model. you’ve got that whole runway vibe going on.” his words were always delivered with that signature, almost cocky grin, but there was no mistaking the genuine admiration behind them.

at first, you thought your height might bother him, but Jinseong quickly put those worries to rest. whether it was cracking jokes about how he was “just letting you reach the high shelves” or how he wrap an arm around your waist with ease, he made it clear he loved every inch of you — literally.

but, of course, not everyone knew when to keep their mouths shut. like Jin Hobin.

one day, the two of you were hanging out near the school gym when Hobin sauntered over with his trademark smug grin. “yo, loser!” he called, pushing up his sunglasses as he looked between you and Jinseong. “how’s it feel dating a human skyscraper? do you have to take an elevator to kiss her or what?”

you rolled your eyes, but before you could even respond, Jinseong was already stepping forward, his jaw clenched and his fists tightening. “watch your mouth, four eyed,” he warned, his voice steady but full of irritation.

Hobin laughed, clearly enjoying himself. “chill, dumbass! i’m just saying — she’s got you looking like her little sidekick.”

that was it. Jinseong took another step toward him, his shoulders squared. “say that again, and i’ll put you through the wall. right here, right now.”

behind the glasses Hobin rolled his eyes and waved his hands in mock neglecting, backing up a little but still smirking. “alright, alright! geez, can’t take a joke, can you?”

“my patience for your bastards jokes runs out when it’s about her,” Jinseong snapped back.

as Hobin walked off, muttering something under his breath, Jinseong turned back to you, his expression softening immediately. “don’t listen to that idiot,” he said firmly. “you’re amazing, and if anyone doesn’t see that, they’re just jealous.”

you couldn’t help but laugh, teasing him about how quick he was to get worked up. “Jinjin, you know, i can handle Hobin on my own if it comes down to it,” you said with a grin.

Jinseong leaned against the gym door, crossing his arms with a smug look. “oh, i know you can. but no one gets to talk about you like that while i’m around. especially that bastard.”

his protective side might’ve been a little over the top, but deep down, it made you feel cared for. with Jingseong by your side, it didn’t matter what anyone said — he made sure you always knew just how proud he was to be with you.

Sangho : just like Jonggun — will never show it but he and his ego are threatened.

╌──═❁═──╌

it had been a long day at work for both of you, but when you decided to swing by Sangho’s office unannounced, you hadn’t given much thought to your appearance. after all, you’d been rushing from your own job and hadn’t even had time to change out of your business attire, complete with a pair of sleek heels that added a few extra centimetres to your height.

when you stepped into the office, Sangho looked up from the stack of papers on his desk. at first, his expression was neutral, the calm and collected look he always carried. but as his gaze traveled up to meet yours, lingering for a moment longer than usual, something in his demeanor shifted.

“you’re here,” he said, his voice steady but his tone betraying a hint of surprise. He set his pen down, leaning back in his chair as his eyes flicked briefly to your heels.

“sorry to drop by like this,” you said, stepping further into the room. “i figured i’d surprise you on my way home.”

Sangho’s lips twitched into the faintest of smiles. “it’s not a problem.”

you were about to say more, but the way his gaze lingered — just a little longer than usual — made you pause. It wasn’t like Sangho to stare, and yet, there he was, his eyes fixed on you with a quiet intensity that made you feel like you were the only person in the world.

“what?” you asked, a nervous laugh escaping as you glanced down at yourself. “is something wrong?”

“no,” he said quickly, shaking his head. “you just… look different today.”

you raised an eyebrow, your hands instinctively crossing on ypur chest. “different how?”

he hesitated for a moment, clearly choosing his words carefully. “taller,” he finally said, a slight upward quirk of his lips betraying the amusement he felt at his own observation. “the heels suit you. you look fine”

but fine wasn’t quite the right word, and Sangho knew it. in truth, you looked striking. the extra height the heels gave you accentuated your already commanding presence, and he couldn’t help but notice how, for once, you stood on level with him. that fact tugged at something unspoken in him — a subtle unease he would never admit aloud.

it wasn’t jealousy, exactly. he admired you, respected you. but the small, instinctual part of him — the one tied to his ego and the quiet pride he carried in his own stature and presence — bristled ever so slightly.

“you’re staring,” you pointed out, your tone teasing but light.

he straightened in his seat, immediately looking back at the papers on his desk as if dismissing the comment. “i was just surprised. you don’t usually wear heels.”

“do you not like it?” you asked, a faint smirk on your lips.

Sangho paused, his expression unreadable as he weighed his response. “it’s… different,” he said finally, his voice clipped but careful.

you raised an eyebrow, crossing your arms as you stood just a little taller in front of him. “different good or different bad?”

he glanced up at you, his dark eyes sharp but unwavering. “it doesn’t matter. it suits you,” he said, the words cool but deliberate.

despite the neutrality in his tone, you couldn’t help but feel the subtle warmth of the compliment in your heart. it was rare for Sangho to say anything like that, and even though he delivered it with his usual coldness, you knew him well enough to hear the truth behind it.

“you know,” you teased lightly, stepping closer, “you could just say you like it without sounding so stiff.”

his gaze flickered for a moment — an almost imperceptible shift — but he didn’t respond, instead leaning back in his chair as if to reestablish his calm. “i already said it suits you. that should be enough.”

you rolled your eyes but smiled, leaning down slightly so you were closer to his level. “fine. i’ll take that as a win.”

he held your gaze for a moment, his expression cool and controlled. but beneath the surface, his thoughts churned — how your presence filled the room in a way that challenged him, how it unsettled something in him he couldn’t quite name. still, despite the slight sting to his pride, there was no denying the admiration he felt for you, even if he’d never openly admit it.

as you pulled back and moved to sit on the edge of his desk, he let out a soft, almost inaudible sigh, turning his attention back to his work. but not before stealing one last glance at you, his lips pressing into a firm line as he imagined not so pure and proper thoughts about you on his table.

HONORABLE MENTION :

Taesoo

╌──═❁═──╌

the night on the mountain was peaceful, the cool air slipping in through the cracked window and carrying with it the earthy scent of the surrounding trees. bedroom was dimly lit by the soft glow of the moon filtering through the curtains, casting silver streaks across the wooden floor and bed.

Taesoo was already lying there, his broad frame stretched out on the mattress, the sheets pulled just up to his waist. he was bare-chested, his toned muscles catching the faint moon light and fireplace, as he lay with both arms resting under his head, his gaze following your every move.

you were across the room, fussing with small tasks — closing drawers, tidying up a few stray items — but Taesoo wasn’t paying attention to anything except you. his oversized sweater you wore, barely reached your hips, sleeves were rolled up awkwardly, but you didn’t seem to mind. you were busy tugging at the hem, trying to smooth it down as you moved.

perfect view on your beautiful, long legs.

“are you going to keep pacing, or are you coming to bed?” his deep voice cut through the quiet, calm but laced with something that made your heart warm.

you turned to look at him, catching the way his eyes lingered on you. the weight of his gaze made your breath hitch, though you tried to play it off with a smirk. “maybe i like making you wait,” you teased, your tone light but your heart beating faster under his attention.

Taesoo’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “you don’t need to. you already have my full attention.”

your cheeks flushed at the simple yet pointed statement. taking a breath, you made your way to the bed, the creak of the wooden floor beneath your feet the only sound in the room. his eyes never left you, following every step until you sat down on the edge of the mattress.

“you’re staring again,” you murmured, your voice softer now as you turned your head to meet his gaze.

“can’t help it,” he admitted without hesitation, his hands reaching out to hug you from behind. his touch was warm, steady, the weight of his palm grounding you and his hot, soft murmur on your throat make goosebumps run down your spine. “you’re beautiful.”

“beautiful?” you asked, your tone laced with humor as you leaned against his broad chest. “coming from you? that’s a rare.”

his thumb brushed over your leg, the motion slow and deliberate. “you’re beautiful. the way you carry yourself — it’s strong, confident.” he paused, his voice dipping lower. “it’s hard not to admire.”

the compliment, rare and sincere, sent a warmth spreading through your chest. you leaned closer, your hand brushing against his as you smiled. “you don’t say much, but when you do…”

Taesoo smirked faintly, his eyes half-lidded as he shifted, sitting up slightly to hug you tighter. “do i need to say more?”

his words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and for a moment, the only sound was the soft rustle of the sheets as he pulled you gently toward him, tipping both of you back into bed. the cool mountain air outside was a sharp contrast to the warmth between you.

“you’re impossible,” you whispered, but there was no denying the way your heart raced under his touch.

“and yet, you’re still here,” he murmured, his voice low and steady as he leaned in, his forehead brushing against yours, his hand still resting firmly on your thigh.

in the quiet of the mountain night, everything else faded away — the chill in the air, the sound of the wind outside — leaving only the steady warmth of Taesoo’s presence and the way he looked at you like you were the only thing in the world that mattered.

Jinrang

╌──═❁═──╌

heavy gates creaked open, revealing Jinrang standing there, calm and composed, as if he hadn’t just spent years behind bars. his usual sharp gaze swept over the crowd waiting for him — his people, the ones who’d stuck by him. and then there was you, practically bouncing on your toes, eyes sparkling as you waved enthusiastically.

“Jinrang!” you called, breaking through the group as if they weren’t even there.

he stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate, his expression as unreadable as ever. you didn’t care. the moment you were close enough, you threw your arms around him, clutching his neck tight.

“you’re finally out!” you exclaimed, leaning back to look up at him, your face lit up with pure joy. “i missed you so much!”

Jinrang’s arms came up, resting lightly around you, his fingers brushing your back. his lips twitched, a subtle hint of a smile breaking his usually stoic demeanor.

“i’m here now,” he said, his voice low and even, but there was a warmth in his eyes that only you could bring out.

you stepped back slightly, grinning as you looked him up and down. “and looking good as ever,” you teased, standing straighter to show off the new heels you’d bought. “what do you think? i’m closer to your height now!”

he raised an eyebrow, giving you a slow once-over before meeting your gaze again. “still shorter,” he said simply, but the faint smirk pulling at his lips betrayed his amusement.

you huffed, crossing your arms. “barely!”

“doesn’t matter,” he replied, his tone calm but firm. “you’re here.”

your teasing stopped for a moment as his words sank in, your chest tightening at the quiet sincerity behind them.

“of course, i’m here,” you said softly, reaching out to take him by the arm. “where else would i be?”

he squeezed your hand lightly, as your arm hugged his biceps, his expression steady but his grip saying everything his calm demeanor wouldn’t. for Jinrang, as long as he was out, as long as you were by his side, the rest didn’t matter.

“let’s go,” he said, nodding toward the car. “they’re waiting.”

as the two of you walked toward his people, your hand still in his, you couldn’t help but notice the way his thumb brushed against yours — a small, quiet gesture that spoke louder than words.

╌──═❁═──╌

MASTERLIST MASTERLIST

[keerysfreckles]

OKAY BUUT IF ITS NOT TO MUCH CAN U DO A LUKE CASTELLAN X APOLLO READER AND LIKE IF U EVER HEARD pure as the driven snow (hunger games song) I CAN TOTALLY SEE APOLLO READER SINGING THIS TO HIM INFRONT OF PEOPLE

(Sorry for typing in caps I got excited 😰 but it’s okay if u don’t this request 🫶🫶🫶)

mamma mia — luke castellan

pairing: luke castellan x apollo fem!reader

warnings: none!

a/n: i did twist this request only with the song, i used lay all your love on me by abba :) i hope you still like it!

masterlist !

꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱

saturday's were y/n's favorite day. not only because it was a free day throughout the whole camp, but also because of the apollo singalong at the bonfire.

every weekend a camper or two from apollo's cabin would take turns performing to start off the night. this weekend it was y/n's turn.

herself, and her two closest friends from the cabin were all getting ready. abigail, a tall brunette, was wearing a blue and purple 70s inspired jumpsuit. they were flared at the bottom of the legs and elbows of the sleeves. she finished the look with her hair straightened with a matching purple scarf acting as a headband.

stephanie, a shorter blonde, was wearing a green and silver two piece 70s set. it was a halter styled top, paired with bell bottom pants. she wore the same white boots abigail had, and had her platinum blonde hair in a ponytail, with her bangs covering her forehead.

stephanie and abigail were currently setting up their mini stage for their performance. the other campers were starting to file in the area, filling the empty seats of the amphitheatre fairly quickly. stephanie noticed hermes' cabin was front and center. both girls knew y/n would love the fact her boyfriend was right in front of the stage.

abigail and stephanie finished setting the stage, and went to get y/n from the cabin as chiron and mr. d started to announce tonight's events.

"will you hurry up? lover boy is out there waiting," stephanie walks into the cabin, before looking over her outfit once more in the mirror.

"what steph means to say, is the stage is set, and camp is waiting for you," abigail stands behind y/n at the shared vanity, and places her hands on her shoulders.

y/n continues fiddling with her hair, which was teased slightly, with a white headband, with a few front pieces framing her face. she had a similar 70s inspired outfit like abigails. hers was pink and orange, and the top was cropped. her bottoms were the same colors and they had five layers of ruffles adorning the bottom. of course, she had matching white boots just like her sisters.

"what if i mess up?" y/n asks no one in particular.

abigail continues rubbing her shoulders, "you've never messed up one of our performances, why is this one so different?"

y/n shrugs, "maybe the fact luke and i are dating now? and i guess i still want to impress him."

"he's impressed with anything you do," stephanie speaks up from the other side of the cabin, "this can just be another thing he brags about to his friends. how cool his girlfriend, and her friends, are."

y/n stands from the vanity, and simply holds her arms out, "group hug before we go out there."

stephanie and abigail happily oblige before the trio start walking towards the amphitheatre. the three girls grab their matching white microphones and get into their very stereotypical stances on stage, just as chiron finishes his speech.

the music starts, which makes all the campers quit their side conversations.

abigail, y/n and stephanie who were in a line, were now in a triangle, as abigail starts singing.

"i wasn't jealous before we met. now every woman i see is a potential threat. and i'm possessive it isn't nice. you've heard me saying that smoking was my only vice."

abigail continues to sing the second verse, when y/n takes the center of the stage as abigail and stephanie stand behind her.

"don't go wasting your emotion, lay all your love on me."

as soon as y/n met luke's eyes as she sang her line, she could've sworn she saw hearts in his eyes.

stephanie sang the next two verses, as y/n and abigail had choreography while they were behind the blonde.

y/n moved to the middle again, and the trio all began dancing with the same choreography. she started singing thr chorus again.

"don't go wasting your emotion, lay all your love on me. don't go sharing your devotion, lay all your love on me."

the campers had started clapping along and moving to the rhythm of the song, as the girls on stage sang another verse and the chorus a few more times.

as the song came to a close, y/n brought both of her friends into a hug, before chiron instructed for the ares cabin to gather the firewood for the bonfire.

y/n was talking with abigail and stephanie on stage, and shrieked when she felt a pair of arms pick her up and spin her around. her feet land on the marble ground instead of the stage. she turns in the stranger's arms and her smile grows once she sees luke.

"you look like you walked right out of an abba music video," he laughs.

"that was kinda the point babe," she leans up and kisses his cheek. "did you like the song?"

luke nods quickly, "you all were amazing, but you," he paused to kiss y/n's forehead, "i couldn't keep my eyes of you."

"it was meant for you, if you couldn't put that together," y/n giggles.

"oh i was hoping it was meant for me. if it was for any other camper i wouldn't hesitate to share a few words with you missy," he tries to sound affirmative with y/n, but it only makes the girl laugh more. the couple and the rest of the campers who were standing were all instructed to sit by chiron, as the ares' kids all came back with firewood.

luke kissed y/n's cheek once more before he dragged her to sit with him for the rest of the night.

[blitzwhore]

wait, i don't understand, can u please if u want explain why they scrapped the "Stolitz Montage" song?

Yeah, I can explain! I actually have a lot of thoughts about these songs.

For context, at the beginning of Sinsmas, a song called Day By Day plays in the background while Blitz and Stolas run errands. Originally, a different song (untitled, so Sam Haft—the composer—unofficially called it Stolitz Montage) was going to play during these scenes, but they ended up scrapping it. I mentioned in the tags of a different post that I understood why they'd made this decision.

If you don't want to keep reading, my TL;DR is that I believe the tone and mood of Stolitz Montage doesn't fit Stolas' emotional journey in Sinsmas as well as Day By Day does.

If you do want to read my full personal analysis, keep reading below the cut!

-

(Note: I'm going to focus on the songs' lyrics, because I'm not knowledgeable enough about music to analyse the musical aspect of the songs. If anyone else wants to add their thoughts in that regard, be my guest!)

Let's start by taking a look at the lyrics of the scrapped song, Stolitz Montage:

So you're having a bad time

You're stressing and everything all seems much so

You've been having a sad time

And your family probably hates your fucking guts so

The song starts by describing Stolas' situation and emotional state in the days following the trial: he is sad and overwhelmed, everything feels like "too much", and his family probably hates him.

It's pretty clear from the get-go that they wanted a song for this montage that conveyed Stolas' struggle to adapt to life as a commoner, away from everything he's known, and having gone cold turkey on his depression meds (the lack of which is emphasised visually throughout the song).

The song is also in second person: Stolas isn't him, or me, he's you. This is something both songs have in common. It keeps the song at a slight emotional distance from Stolas. Whereas a first-person song would make the feelings too personal—would make Stolas too aware of his own struggle—and a third-person song wound be too distant, the second person allows Stolas to be only passively aware of his emotional state. He's not the one singing; he's the one being sung about. What he's feeling is being pointed out to him by an external, seemingly omniscient voice.

The song continues:

Ooooh-oh oooh ooh

I know you feel it too

You lost your way

And just can't fake it for another day

It's hard to take it

Just pretend you're gonna be okay

Here is where I think the tone of the song starts to deviate from what they wanted to convey in this montage.

At first glance, this is a continuation of the previous verses, and mostly expands on Stolas' emotional state: "it's hard to take it"; "you lost your way".

The key difference is that the lyrical voice now plays an actual role in that emotional state.

First, it states that it shares Stolas' feelings ("I know you feel it too"—implying that Stolas isn't the only one who feels this way). Thus, the lyrical voice starts shifting into an active character within the scene. And not any kind of character—one that can relate to Stolas and, more importantly, one that can offer some comfort.

Then, there's the line "just pretend you're gonna be okay". Now, I see two possible interpretations for this line. It can either be a piece of advice for Stolas (hey, I know it's hard, but just pretend), or another description of his struggle, a continuation of the previous line: "(it's hard to) just pretend you're gonna be okay". Personally, I lean slightly towards the former interpretation, especially because the lyrical voice's intention to offer comfort and advice becomes clearer in the next line of the song:

You're not okay and that's okay

This is where the focus of the song shifts fully towards a hopeful, even optimistic view of Stolas' situation.

Now, I get where they were going with this. "It's okay to not be okay" is a very powerful thing to say to someone who's struggling with mental illness and hard life circumstances, and it's one Stolas badly needs to hear.

In fact, it is a message that is conveyed to Stolas multiple times throughout the episode. By Blitz. Not through words, of course—but through actions. In the montage itself, as well as throughout the rest of the episode, Blitz constantly stands by Stolas' side, offers him company and comfort, meets him where he's at emotionally, doesn't pressure him to be okay, and (especially at the end in their apartment) gives room for Stolas' sadness and grief to exist. He hugs Stolas, puts his hands on Stolas' arms, and opens up emotionally about his own sister, and those are all ways of showing Stolas that it's okay that Stolas isn't okay.

But here's the thing. The knowledge that it's okay to not be okay is Blitz's, not Stolas'. That is Blitz's emotional state, not Stolas'. Stolas doesn't know it's okay to not be okay, and even though Blitz keeps conveying this message to him, he's not able to hear it just yet. Not this early in his descent to rock bottom.

In fact, learning that it's okay to not be okay is a journey that Stolas only begins at the end of the episode. By then, Stolas still isn't okay, but he begins to come to terms with the fact that that's alright. And he does this by allowing Blitz to sit in silence with him, to dance with him, to pry a laugh from him, to hold him without any expectations of being held back. The final scene of the episode is all about them both being okay even though Stolas isn't. We see this in the fact that Stolas lets himself stay in Blitz's arms, going as far as closing his eyes. He's there. He's finally in the moment. He's finally allowing the "not okay" feelings in his body to just be.

The Stolitz Montage song ends with:

You put one foot in front of the other

Then you take it day by day

Knowing you got nothing

You still got each other

Ooooh-oh oooh ooh

Again, most of these lines do match Stolas' emotional state. In fact, the notion of just living life one day at a time, just focusing on putting one foot in front of the other, is very representative of what a depressive episode can and does feel like.

But, in the very last line, the song shifts right back to a reassuring tone: "you still got each other".

Now, not only does the hopeful, optimistic sentiment of this line belong—once again—to Blitz's emotional state, it also goes directly against what the emotional arc of the episode aims to achieve.

Sinsmas isn't about them having each other—Sinsmas is about Stolas having Blitz.

It takes him all episode to realise this, too. At the beginning, when the montage takes place, Stolas is just going through the motions. As stated above, he's just focusing on putting one foot in front of the other—he's fully on survival mode. During the fight with Andrealphus, Stolas is shocked that Blitz came to save him, that he risked his life. That is the moment Stolas begins to truly comprehend that he can lean on Blitz. And then, after they get home, he slowly continues to learn it, as explained above. By the end of the episode, he's only just starting to allow himself to lean emotionally on Blitz.

And significantly, Blitz doesn't lean on Stolas. Because he's at a very different part of his own character arc, and he already had his opportunity to lean emotionally on those around him with Millie in Ghostfuckers, and to a lesser extent, with all his employees during their mission on Sinsmas.

Blitz has gone through enough pain, character growth, and healing to both understand exactly where Stolas is at, and be able to meet him there and be a rock for Stolas to lean on.

So the reason that line—that last line, positioned strategically to drive home its message that it's all gonna be okay—doesn't work for the montage is twofold. Firstly, because Stolas isn't ready to see that he has Blitz. Secondly, because it is now Blitz's turn to give comfort without needing to receive it in exchange.

And, if we take a look at the whole song, the reason it doesn't work for the scene is because it doesn't meet Stolas where he's at. The song says, "yes, you're sad, but—" and shifts to optimism. It doesn't fully allow Stolas to simply not be okay. To not be there yet. It doesn't fully allow his depression to just suck. The feelings of sadness and overwhelmingness are shadowed by a positivity and hope that belong to Blitz, and not Stolas.

Let's now take a look at Day By Day, and at which ideas from the original song were kept, which ones were changed, how, and why it works:

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

You take it day by day

You got everything that you had thought you wanted

But you still feel so blue

And you don't know what to do

Right off the bat, the lyrics are very similar in tone to the ones at the beginning of Stolitz Montage. Once again, a lyrical voice in the second person describes Stolas' emotional state: he's blue (sad), he's taking it day by day.

But there's already a change. "You have everything you thought you wanted, but you still feel so blue".

The fact that Stolas had always wanted a life with Blitz is something the previous song doesn't touch on whatsoever. And it matters, because "what Stolas thought he wanted" is a central part of his arc in the episode. It comes back during his breakdown at the office: "and I did it for what?! These stupid, foolish fantasies?" And it comes back again when Blitz saves him from Andrealphus, and when Blitz dances with him and their eyes meet afterwards.

As stated above, this is the episode where it dawns on Stolas that he has Blitz. But he isn't there yet at the beginning of the episode, and so he still believes what he and Blitz had was just a fantasy of his. And because he's never had anything with Blitz that wasn't a fantasy, because fantasy is all he knows, he doesn't immediately know what to do with the real thing. With the domesticity, and the errands. He doesn't recognise the signs Blitz is sending his way that he's got Blitz to lean on.

These two lines are also important because they bring forth another aspect of depression that the previous song doesn't: that love doesn't cure depression, or make it magically go away. That going cold turkey on your meds and having a massive depressive episode is going to suck no matter how many good things you have in this life, because depression is a biological process, not a state of mind. Depression takes away your ability to find joy in things that used to bring you it. It takes away your feelings, your energy, your strength.

Notice that Stolas doesn't seem apathetic or hollow inside on the night of the trial and the morning after. Yes, he's had his title and power stripped, he's been physically assaulted in the street, and yes, he's worried about Octavia. Obviously, he shows signs of being dissociated, and he's exhausted. But, emotionally, he's still hanging on. He still thanks Blitz for everything, and he talks to Blitz in the morning, and smiles when Blitz offers to get him rats. Before the effects of going cold turkey on his meds start to kick in, he's grateful to be around Blitz.

It's during the montage, as the days go by, that he starts feeling blue. Because depression is very quickly taking away the joy he found in Blitz's company.

And that's why, even in the first few lines, this song conveys Stolas' state of mind so much better than the previous one. Because while the message in Stolitz Montage was "yes, you're sad, but—", the message in Day By Day is "yes, you should be happy, but."

It lets the sad win over the happy. It lets depression take Stolas down with it, it lets him feel helpless and lost. "You still feel so blue, and you don't know what to do."

The song continues:

You're sitting at the end of the rainbow, but the pain grows

And you can't help let the strain show

'Cause what else are you to do?

These lines emphasise the ideas presented in the previous ones: that Stolas should be happy, but he isn't. That the pain that has planted itself in Stolas is growing. So much so that he can't help but let it show.

Stolas' helplessness, his slow descent into misery, are given the room to exist. Everything around him seems fine, but he's not fine. And he's not told that it's okay to not be fine. Because this is Stolas' emotional state we're exploring, and for him, it's not okay to not be fine right now. He's too busy going through the motions to grant himself that kind of mercy.

The song finishes:

Keep it calm, life goes on, and on, and on

Nothing's wrong, nothing's wrong

So why do I still feel this way?

Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh

You take it day by day

And, much like in the previous song, we get a small hint of what could be interpreted either as advice/reassurance from the lyrical voice, or as Stolas actively telling himself to pretend to be okay. "keep it calm, life goes on, nothing's wrong". In this case, though, I lean towards the latter interpretation for a very simple reason: the next line shifts to first person. "So why do I still feel this way?"

And that's the thing: once again, the hope and calm he's trying to make himself feel are immediately overpowered by his feelings of sadness. Once again, it's the sadness that wins over, and not the happiness. His depression is given room to drag him down, take him slowly towards rock bottom.

And once again, the last line—at least the last one before the chorus is repeated—is used to drive home the message of the song. But this time, the message is that, despite it all, despite having what he wanted, despite sitting at the end of the rainbow, despite trying to convince himself he's okay, he still feels sad. Because that's what depression does. No matter how many good things you have in your life, it drags you down.

And that message, in that last line, is delivered in the form of a question. "Why do I still feel this way?" This matters for two reasons. The first one is that it shows that Stolas isn't (fully) aware of what's happening to him. He obviously knows he needs his meds, he knows he should be taking them. We see him reach out for them. But he is also living his emotions, and not just experiencing them from the outside. And as the emotions take over, he loses perspective of where they come from, too caught up in how they're drowning him.

The second reason this matters is because the song and the lyrical voice don't offer Stolas answers.

In Stolitz Montage, Stolas gets an answer to his struggle: that, ultimately, [Blitz and Stolas] still got each other.

But in Day By Day, all Stolas gets are questions. What else are you to do? Why do I still feel this way?

Day By Day meets Stolas where he's at during the days leading up to Sinsmas after the trial. It allows for these questions to exist without an answer; it lets the answers come later in the episode. It lets his journey through the episode play out, allowing him to learn that he has Blitz, that he needs his meds, and that he has to be okay with the fact that things are not okay.

By the end of the episode, he can acknowledge that he made his choices and has to deal with the consequences. He starts to understand Blitz is by his side, willing to help him through this. That his relationship with Blitz might not feel like he thought it would, because he's too mentally ill and heart-broken to be there—but that they still have each other, they still love each other, and they'll be okay.

But during the montage, he's not there yet, and it wouldn't make sense for the song to be there, either.

So, yes, as cute and optimistic as Stolitz Montage is, and as glad as I am they released it anyways for us to enjoy, I believe the writers made the right decision by scrapping it for the episode.

If you read this far, thank you for your time! Please treat yourself to a glass of water for me, and feel free to share your thoughts ❤️

[secriden]

Watching Joong's Hurt Me Please MV with the context of how episode 6 ended and how this is likely a song about Fadel's thoughts and feelings about Style after Finding Out, I wanted to take a deeper look at the lyrics.

I have transcribed the English lyrics on Youtube side by side with a fan translated version (credit: bl_zonee on Twitter) just because there's different shades of meaning between them that I find really interesting and I'm curious which one is the more accurate translation or if both are valid, but just give different nuance. (Perhaps a mutual who understands Thai would be willing to give some insight? *u*)

Verse 1 makes a lot of sense to me: Fadel must be wondering how Style could be so cruel ("unkind" / "heartless") because every instance of Style being honest and asking for honesty in return, all of Style's genuine desperation to bare his heart to Fadel in episode 5 and 6, now looks like a calculated, cruel deception.

And after being so afraid to reveal his secret to Style for fear that it would make Style walk away from him, there's a painful irony in Fadel now wishing Style had walked away before. Because the betrayal hurts so much more now that Fadel has given in to his heart.

The chorus is where the nuance between the translations gets interesting.

The Youtube version seems almost like Fadel is taunting Style, putting up a front that he can take the pain Style is dishing out and more. It's like he's hiding behind the bravado of being able to handle the hurt, and even more.

The MV also depicts Style smiling sadistically after slapping Fadel, as if he's enjoying the pain he's inflicting. Meanwhile, Fadel looks up almost in adoration, a strange softness in his eyes at odds with how cruelly he's being treated. The knowledge of Style's betrayal has turned Style into a monster in Fadel's mind, one which he cannot help but to still have soft, affectionate feelings.

But the fan translation sounds much more hurt and accusatory. Fadel is expressing his pain and anguish much more plainly and "you did this to me" is a line that demands responsibility.

In both translations, though, the last line ("can't get enough" / "enjoying the pain") gives us a hint that Fadel isn't willing to give Style up even now. Despite the pain, despite feeling as if he's simultaneously burning up and drowning, there's a part of him that still wants this. That still wants Style.

Interestingly, as Fadel sings the last line he begins to visibly struggle against the rope tying him to the chair. The soft look vanishes and in place is a determination and shadow that spells trouble for Style. The shock is wearing off and Fadel is starting to fight back.

Verse 2 is where the agony really hits, for me.

In both versions, Fadel recognises the way Style's love was (maybe still is?) precious to him ("your love feeds my soul" / "your love nourished my heart"). But because Style's love is a lie, it's transformed into a weapon ("poison"). It twists Style's love into a source of "hurt" to Fadel.

Which is why I think both versions have a line where Fadel admits that there's a part of him that wants Style to keep hurting him -- or rather, to keep loving him; because these are the same thing to Fadel now -- ("hurt me, make me feel used" / "the more I was hurt the more I enjoyed it") whilst also remaining accusatory ("the more I loved, the more sorrow/I suffered").

The lines about "nothing left to write about our love" / "our story" also feel very pointed and final. A closing of a chapter; a closing of the possibility of their former, uncomplicated happily ever after. Style has nothing left to write (report) back to his superiors (the police) because Fadel's love is already complete and his deception has reached the inevitable conclusion of Fadel being found out/destroyed.

All this happens while we see Style continuing to threaten Fadel with a golf club and an almost crazed expression of glee juxtaposed with flashes of Fadel and Style in much happier times.

Also the fact that this line comes with this scene where Fadel lets Style kiss him despite “knowing” it’s all a lie *sobs uncontrollably*:

The first chorus comes back once and the music reaches a plateau. We are clearly preparing for a drop or a modulation and we get exactly that (twice!) with the second chorus:

Here, both versions converge: Fadel is angry, he's furious. Style hurt him and he's going to repay all of it and more ("you'll hurt [by much more]" / "you must suffer more than I did"). The lyrics tell us that, while Fadel cannot take back the hurt (take back his love), he can certainly ensure he isn't alone in the suffering (this love will also hurt Style).

It is at this part where my heart sank as I realised that Fadel's "I think I love you" line in episode 6 now takes on a much more sinister tone.

Because I think that discovering Style's betrayal was also what made Fadel realise the truth of his love for Style; the very agony he was in was the sign that Fadel's heart was lost to him. But even as it is true, I also think he still made the choice to ruin Style in the same breath. Because if Style could use Fadel’s love as a weapon then Fadel is going to use it (Fadel’s love) to hurt Style too.

A decision was made in this moment, and everything Fadel does afterwards in this scene is deliberate.

There is, however, one piece of hope:

Despite Fadel's expressed fury, what the MV shows us is Fadel breaking out of his bonds, shoving Style back and punching him once and then:

For all his anger, for all his rage, for all his threats of manifold vengeance, what we see is Fadel pressing close and kissing Style; once on the lips, and once on his chest (heart), all while the lyrics makes space for one last plea:

("don't betray me")

For me, its the way the line is shown together with this direct visual parallel between the ignorant Fadel in the past (left) and the Fadel of the present who has seen through Style's deception (right) that I find particularly compelling. Even now, even at the point of Fadel discovering Style's betrayal, there is still hope for forgiveness.

Because Fadel cannot help himself. Because Style made Fadel's bleeding heart whole again; and it beats, it feels, and despite how much it hurts, what Fadel still wants more than anything else in the world -- desperately and simply -- is Style.

[deathdetermineslife]

I really don't wanna say this and sound rude but why ship with Korekiyo? Like there's so many other characters in the franchise you could have picked and you picked... that one? Maybe I'm just being an asshole but you just had to pick him?

this has been sitting in my inbox since Christmas Eve but just to be That Guy here is a long, horribly comprehensive list of reasons why I am in love with this man

—————————————————————————

he's fucking pretty

look at him. he's beautiful. pretty long hair, first and foremost. I love a man with pretty long hair. he has pretty yellow eyes and also look at his (what I assume to be) eyeliner. this man is beautiful. don't even get me started when he takes his mask off. sheesh. someone get me a fan! maybe I'm just weird but I love a man who's feminine but also masculine at the same time. not androgynous but a secret other thing. I think he fits into that category.

he's also very tall (6'2") and I am short (5'6") so we have a nice height difference. also something about a man who's built like a stake olive garden bread stick I love. I could snap him in half. I won't get graphic here but he's gorgeous and that's obviously reason number one.

another thing too is I really love his design. military inspired clothing is very cunty (iirc I think his outfit was inspired by a music video? I dunno how true this is) but either way it just suits him very well. gives off this mysterious aura which fits his character. also he wears these bandages on his hands and you wonder why, because as you can see in his pregame sprite he doesn't have any scarring or anything. my personal headcanon is that he wears them to keep artifacts he handles from getting scuffed up.

I also just think that knee-high boots fuck hard. nothing to add to that. they fuck.

he has a brain

he's smart guys. why wouldn't I love a man in academia? anthropology is very interesting. he's a yapper, talks all the time about his interests, which he's very well versed in. I want a man who I can have intelligent conversations with !!!! he fits that perfectly cmon

I could talk to him for hours and never get bored... even if I don't entirely understand what the fuck he's yappin about i still love him nonetheless!!!!! I want a man who I can learn something from. and I love anthropology!!! so every conversation is something to remember.

I dunno I just like how he's the kind of individual you could talk to for forever. he always has something to say.

he's a fuckin freak

none of you are allowed to call him a freak. by the way let's get that straight but he's so fucking weird and that makes him lovable. I'm a weirdo. this is a sentence I would say. who says the shit he says. there's a scene where another character picks up a manhole cover and his response to that is "you could easily crush a child's skull with that strength". who says that. who says that. I love him.

I want a man with this sort of off-putting pazazz that none of you could begin to fathom /silly

he's just so cunty

tell me this line isn't funny. he has a sense of humor only few can understand (autistics) and I'm one of them. people think he's not funny but he's just funny in a dry way.

also yes he may have been serious in this scene but that doesn't make it any less funny. he just has such an attitude. there's this scene after u find out one of the characters is an assassin and he's like "uhm why are we including her in this activity she kills people" babe !!! babe !!! baby doll !!! guess what You Do !!! it's funny, laugh. he just has Such A Personality.

he's relatable

"Lachlan no the fuck he isn't" HE ISSS this is the line my username is based off of. it's stuck with me for like 5 years since I read it.

he's such an interesting character when it comes to the concepts of grief and loss and how one copes with the passing of someone close to you, especially when that someone hurt you. I could probably talk for hours about how he's such an interesting case study on how grief can effect ones healing from trauma, or how grief itself is a cycle that he's destined to repeat (killing over and over again to sate the desires of the dead), or how everything about his character relates to death, just generally. his favorite story in canon is Medusa, his dislikes air conditioners because they repel spirits, he's, you know, a serial killer, and so much more. I could write an essay on him.

he's relatable to me, anyways. #trauma LMAO

hes just interesting

rapid fun facts about my husband, go!!!

like I mentioned before he hates air-conditioning, he also hates holy water. you can guess why. iirc in one of his official arts it's says somewhere that a lot of women are jealous of him bc his hair is so pretty. which, yea, me too. he also wakes up at six in the morning everyday, mainly to get ready. what he spends hours doing i don't know. there's more fun facts I could share but you probably aren't very interested in hearing them

all in all though I don't think I picked him I think he just came to me at the right time. and for the last light five years I've been obsessed and he's all I think about every day and night. that's my husband!!! I love him. not much else to add there. no other fictional character I think ever at all in any way has ever been appealing to me in the way that he is. I can't explain it that well, he's just something special.

okay that's all if you read all of this ily