#idk what prompted this rant

[shyshyshytwice]

i hated easy when it first came out (especially the choreo, it somehow felt super out of place) but the more ive been forced to hear it everywhere the less it sucks. i think the main problem of it was that it just came as a shock, i hadnt heard any of the teasers or really seen any promotional stuff (aside from that video of eunchae tripping that was everywhere for 2 weeks straight) so i was just super confused when i heard it for the first time because of how different it was to unforgiven or anti-fragile. i still have my gripes with the choreo (im not gonna get into that now, otherwise this post would turn into an essay) and the goddam recorder sounding that in the back but i dont hate it anymore. its def not the best song on the album, smart (which shouldve been the tt) and swan song are both masterpieces that will be on repeat for the next month straight

[completelylegal]

Things I’ve noticed are essential in plotting and would probably have saved me a lot of time if I had considered it earlier

The START of your story - how fucked up flawed is your premise/character at the start? what do they have to change? why are they HERE?

The END of your story - How do you want your main character/theme/universe to change after your story? Does it get better or worse? THIS SETS UP THE TONE DRASTICALLY.

What you want to happen IN BETWEEN - the MEAT of it. What made you start writing this WIP in the first place. Don't be ashamed to indulge, it's where the BRAIN JUICE comes from. You want a deep dive into worldbuilding and complex systems? Then your start and end should be rooted in some fundamental, unique rule of your universe (what made you obsess over it?). Want to write unabashed ship content? Make sure your start and end are so compelling you'll never run out of smut scenarios to shove in between scenes (what relationship dynamics made you ship it in the first place?).

The ANTE - the GRAVITY of your story. How high are the stakes? Writing a blurb or interaction? start with a small day-in-the-life so you can focus on shorter timelines and hourly minutiae that can easily get overlooked in more complicated epics. Or you can go ham on it and plot out your whole universe's timeline from conception to demise. Remember: the larger the scale, the less attached your story may get. How quickly time flies in your story typically correlates with the ante (not a hard rule, ofc, but most epics span years of time within a few pages, while a romance novel usually charts out the events of a few months over a whole manuscript.)

Everything else follows….?

[engelfeather]

Whats a g/t trope y'all genuinely hate, but is considered a "hot take"

For me it's borrower stories, specifically those that always follow the same formula and never get creative.

As in, borrower is outside looking for food or smt, somehow gets into a situation where they are trapped, human finds them, borrower is scared and tries to flee, yet gets trapped under a glsss, with the human assuring them that they're kind and won't harm them. Then after a few chapters, the borrower leaves behind all the fear they held for humans and becomes close friends with them (this especially throws me off whenever the borrower has had a friend or a family member be killed by a human). They usually also meet their friends who are also super nice.

I understand that most humans wouldn't be out here tormenting a tiny person they found, but I honestly don't get the hype behind stories where it's only fluff and basically almost always the same plot.

The human characters are usually the most boring to read about, which is a huge let down for me. Especially as, it feels weird that I've yet to see a borrower story where the human genuinely freaks out that a tiny person has been watching them all along.

I mean how disturbing is it to know that you were being watched all this time, that you were never truly alone. Including in moments where you were feeling down.

For more interesting prompts, you could have the human actually be someone insane, that sees the borrower as nothing more than another experiment or something to exploit for money, with the borrower showing them that they are sentient, yet, perhaps, due to sn inability to understand each other, the humans doesn't understand what they're doing.

Or

Have the borrower have a whole web of crime with other borrowers, where they purposefully steal things from humans to make their days just a little more upsetting. Getting back at them for, maybe, having hunted them in the past. Have borrowers actually be evil little gremlins or something.

Heck, maybe even have the two be criminals, with the borrower helping breaking into people's houses and spying on them, to see who has the best stuff to steal from and the human doing the rest.

And if you do give your borrower a sadder backstory, please please please let them deal with their trauma and not completely remove it for fluff. Have them have moments where they feel inferior and break down, rushing back to their holes regardless of if the human is being nice or not. Let the human get frustrated with the borrower for not fully trusting them, not knowing the full story. LET THEM HAVE TENSE MOMENTS WITH EACH OTHER. I WANT TO SEE THEM FIGHT

MAKE THEM HAVE CLASHING PERSONALITIES WHERE THEY OFTEN GET INTO HEATED ARGUMENTS

Idfkanyway hope you liked this silly lil ranty rant I wrote. No hate to anyone who writes borrower stories, considering my own story has borrower elements.

-Lucky

[enhanced-operatives-division]

Junicrane/Starstruck Ramble

I will not be brief, all under the cut

To clear some things right off the bat:

No corpse, no proof with Juniper. Obligatory this is set in a canon where he's alive and adjacent to the agency in some way.

Reggie & Juniper are just gay to me, but I don't mind any interpretation of their sexuality

The games are set in 1967/68 to me (based on a couple bits in game) which is before it was legal to be gay in America at least (1971), which is relevant to how I interpret canon as being somewhat grounded in reality, despite unrealistic elements.

This is just an insane amount of headcanons/elements of and AU all culminated into one post. I will talk about some headcanons like they're just facts because they are established in my head, and it saves me over explaining literally everything, however I will explain some parts a little bit for clarity.

Alright. Actual beginning of the ramble:

Juniper is a character to me who had gotten so lost in his job as an actor and a social presence that in the end his whole life revolved around that 'role'. Because of this, by the time he's put into the situation where he's around the Agency, he basically knows nothing about himself, though he doesn't realise at first. Furthermore, what little identity he had has changed in so many ways. He's no longer a beloved famous actor in the prominence of public light, he's legally dead and he tarnished his career just before he was supposed to die, with the bonus of that making him lose the majority of his estate. From that, he also has horrific facial scarring from the electrical burns from literally having his face fried. I believe a friend of mine made a post about this a while ago (I also think they were the first to think it up also), but, to me, Juniper has a permanent trimmer in his right arm (aka his dominant hand) from the electrical current and it is messing with his nervous system.

All in all, he's not doing great, but he's too proud to admit that he's not doing great, because if anything, what's left of his ego is all he has as a defense since he's deep in unfamiliar water.

Before ending up around the agency (I have multiple interpretations of this, so I'm just going to bring it up generally), he'd never actually seen Reggie, and his only impression of him is a single voicemail, which was his only reference he had to later impersonate him. Juniper probably has very little feelings other than the ones he projects onto him because of Phoenix and that, at the very least, he's physically attracted to Reggie to some degree (that's like the beginning of how everything else would tumble into place in this sort of interpretation at least).

And on Crane's side? His feelings towards Juniper are probably very intense and muddled. On the one hand, he adores musical theatre, and that's his now ex-favourite actor. The thought of just casually being around him blows the bit of fanboy in him away at first because THAT'S the GUY, plus the inklings of a celebrity crush which still poke at him. And then there's the rational side of him, which knows Juniper has committed absolute atrocities on the side of Zoraxis, and hates him for that. Then there's how much Juniper comes off as an asshole at first because he refuses to cooperate with anything the Agency tried to put in place. He finds Juniper endlessly frustrating, and yet he's stuck working with him since, afterall, he's the one who knows the Agency's history with Juniper the best. I imagine him acting a lot like how he does IEYTD 1 around Juniper.

At this point, I'm just describing the pitch for a romcom.

I think the start of their relationship with one another largely started with Juniper trying to wind Crane up. It was a way of getting his attention, and I don't think Juniper knows why he's so dead set on that at first, because I don't think he realises he has a crush on 'this grump' at first. (I think that's actually the fun part about these two, because it's almost like a role reversal of the celebrity crush dynamic. This ex-big name actor has a TERRIBLE crush on an average joe and it is KILLING HIM.) But of course the Agency keeps them together because Juniper is at least conversing with Crane, so it's a start.

Through one way or another, they actually get talking casually, at least mildly at first. It takes Juniper a long time to fully deconstruct the wall he's built, and the thing is, Crane isn't the one trying to deconstruct it, at least at first, because yeah, Juniper realises if he wants Reggie to actually like him in any way, he can't keep winding him up. So they talk. Small talk at first, something rhythmic and almost easy to keep to a script. And over time that turns into actual conversations. Genuine ones in which Reggie rips out the occasional one of his jokes which Juniper is endlessly endeared about. The way he smiles just before he makes them, like he wants to chuckle at what he's about to say before he says it. That's probably when Juniper realised that he does have some vague crush on him, and that it wasn't going away.

This is what kickstarts John I can't-buy-you-things-to-impress-you-so-acts-of-service-it-is Juniper to do little things for him. It mostly starts off as him trying to make Reggie his tea how he likes it. However, the nerve damage in his arm makes that hard, as the weight of the kettle and trying to pour is hard all of a sudden. And he refuses to accept that, so he tries for a very long while. Long enough that Crane would go to investigate what was going on. And when he does see Juniper leaning over a cup with the kettle as he uneasily tries to pour it, and when Crane asks Juniper responds so matter-of-fact that his intention is nothing but genuine. And it catches Reggie off guard because Juniper hadn't done anything like that up to that point, and his very apparent vulnerability is so clearly on show.

It shifts something between them.

From that point on, conversations are longer, more familiar. Both of their attitudes soften, and Reggie makes more jokes. Juniper learns how to better use his left hand while strengthening his right back to a point where it could be used again. Slowly, they're both spending time with one another not because they have to, but just because they can. Little bits at first, not too far outside what they already were doing, but those little bits turned into long bits to a point where the other person's company was genuinely desirable.

As time passes, Juniper probably realises that he doesn't genuinely know much about himself or what hobbies he's into, because he never really had the time when he got big, and his home life in his youth wasn't bad, but it wasn't picturesque. I think Reggie would pick up on it, and absolutely try to introduce him to some things he's into. Some things stick, other things don't (corn husking very much stays Reggie's passion, and John will go with him sometimes because it's him, but it's not something he strongly cares for). Crane introduces him to a lot of music, and it's something that becomes a staple between them, with tracks they listen to more than others (tragically, I know relatively little about 60s music so I couldn't really say what). Occasionally they dance, never anything intense, think slow dancing, but the closeness is nice.

Through all of it, Juniper is battling the worst crush of his life, and he can't stand it, because I think he struggles to read people since he doesn't have anything like a script or a director to refer back to, so he has no idea if Reggie likes him back or if he's just desperate for that to be true. I think because of that any sort of confession between them would be incredibly raw, not only because of the time they live in making it hard for them to be truthful about how they love, but because it's a complete show of Juniper who's worked to be this better person. I don't exactly know how that would go, mainly because I don't have one set version of their dynamic, this post is just a generalisation of main consistent points.

Reggie does like him back, because he's gotten used to Juniper being just this guy, not a figure in the public eye, not a Zoraxis lackey, and not any sort of Agency operative (despite being under their care to some degree). He's someone he genuinely cares for, because they've given one another the time of day to learn one another, and I think because Reggie was a field agent, he was a lot better at reading Juniper than Juniper was at reading him. Eventually Juniper's company becomes something he could see around him for the rest of his life, and I think he accepts that he likes Juniper a lot more gracefully.

I think any affection directed at Juniper would at first be met with him feeling a little muddled. Reggie was a very physically affectionate person when he could be, and sure the initial flirting with one another came with the occasional little touches, but everything now was so deeply intentional. I also don't think Juniper would almost ever get over the novelty of being able to kiss him, or many other gestures, because it made the fact that they were together so very real, and it was great. I do think it comes easier to Reggie, and it's a big way of showing how much he cares, so it's important for Juniper to try and show it back because he knows how much it means to the other.

I like the idea of them eventually living with one another, too. I think Juniper would have always had a quiet little daydream of sorts where he does just live a domestic quiet life, and he can with Reggie (well, as close as they can get between the Agency and Zoraxis always being at odds), and he loves that, and he loves him, and it's immense.

I think they cook for one another a lot, it helps Juniper work on his dexterity in a controlled environment, which means a lot because it's a huge point of insecurity (that and his scars). He does improve, and Crane is proud of that and shows it and it's great. I also think they'd probably cook together too, because they can deal with being in the kitchen together and they work well with one another. It's probably a good way for them to unwind because over time they can do it in relative silence.

As I said before, I also think music is a staple in their household, and that Reggie listens to things on vinyl almost all of the time because he likes the background noise. Sometimes Juniper will catch him chuntering along to the music which he finds endlessly endearing. I wouldn't put it past his dramatic ass to also join in to fluster Reggie, but I also don't think Reggie would mind that terribly because Juniper has listened to the music enough to know the lyrics, and that's huge to him.

I don't think they are without rough patches, no relationship is, but I think the good part about them is that they're willing to talk about it (... eventually). They're used to long conversations, and while they're often less fun conversations, they're needed and they know that, and it works out.

Alright. I think I'm done for now. I haven't mentioned everything, but this definitely got the worst of it out of my system. If you ever want to hear any specific thoughts my ask box is open but other than that, behold my general dynamic for these two which has been festering in my head for years. I think they're great

[malt-rants-and-stuff]

me: damn i dont think i'll make kagihira week this year, guess i can just finish up the tashiro fic and-

my old kagihira whumptober wip that i forgot about:

[marley-manson]

Stepping into the traditional role of hero seems a feminist triumph to many; however, it also arguably masculinizes Xena, suggesting that for women to become heroic they must become, in effect, men.

I originally went on a rant about this sentiment but it just felt like stating the obvious about how masculinity and femininity are bullshit oppressive categories that aren't actually or ~effectively~ prerequisites of gender, so allow me to just say:

🙄🙄🙄

[sengenism]

just realised how i usually dislike or feel indifferent about shounen mcs but senku and gon hxh are the only ones who actually manage to enter my top fave characters of their respective fandoms... they're so well written

[resizura]

i saw smth on twt where someone said they would draw ada in a brazen buII and i was GONNA be all “oh why do people hate ada” blah blah my usual thing when i REALIZE that the answer is ALWAYS misogyny

[thatrandombystander]

Went on a huge rant to a friend last night about, of all things, how the Persona 5 protag gets characterised by some people.

I blame the anime adaptation for all the boring quiet meek wet cardboard characterisations I've seen. In my mind, the guy is an immensely kind but extremely flamboyant bitch who's good at manipulating people and only seems quiet and meek because he's analysing you while letting you underestimate him and, if you're his enemy, quietly plotting how he's going to fuck you up later!!!

[the-dragon-girl-27]

how much would you say spoilers have negatively affected your experience with stories?

I don't like being spoiled I know some people don't mind it but i try to avoid anything when i play or watch something usually by just not googling it I can think of a few fun examples of times i've been spoiled that stuck with me (I'll be vague to avoid spoiling these things myself) (this isn't every time i have been spoiled for anything just the ones that stick out to me for media i care about):

When I was playing Tales of Symphonia i remember tryin to google somethin about a party member and that autofilled to a spoiler about them (if you know you know exactly what i am talking about) (it was basically a good ol example of this)

When I was playing ff7 rebirth i REALLY tried to avoid spoilers like I had been waiting for that game for years and I was ready to go in blind but I did see screenshots of the final boss fight in my youtube recommended (dear everyone who puts spoilers in thumbnails please fucking don't nobody likes you) In the end i just tried to gaslight myself into thinking I didn't see it lmao (I did that with og ff7 way back when lmao)

actually those are the two main ways i get spoiled moral of the story never google anything untill your done with it lol

That being said when I think about it just being online means I get spoiled for most media i consume but the amount does vary cuz it can be anything from "this is a scene that happens" to "this guy dies lol"

[willfool]

…

[cpunkwitch]

i think major film companies should make less visually intense versions of all releases for ppl with epilepsy and other sensitivities. i think it should be standard practice and i think movie theaters should show them in their own rooms w less intense carpet on the way in and whatnot.

and on tvs and streaming platforms they should have like a reduced contrast mode. cause im really tired of everyone getting away with inaccessibility. captions colours brightness video descriptions everything needs to be regular practice. we arent extremists for wanting that i think.

what are your thoughts?

adding on

they should also just in general lower the brightness on their screens and lights in the theaters esp when they turn the lights on after movies. and not the damn white led lights, the softer yellow/warm lights that are so much ficking easier on our eyes.

my sensitivity isnt as bad as most people but i still get bothered by all these things to an extent and can sympathise with ppl who struggle with it more intensely.

people should absolutely make versions and accessible places of productions that dont cause eye strain issues- to say the least.

yes flashing lights, bright colours, intense saturation etc can add to the experience of watching a movie but when theres people that literally get migraines, nausea, seizures and so on there needs to be something done about it. the easiest answer is removing/lessening these things from productions outright or making an edited version without them so its much easier on people

by productions i mean games and shows not just movies. this can be plays and musicals too.

and making environments more accessible like adding spaces in theaters where YOU CAN PUT YOUR DAMN WHEELECHAIR because you cant use the fucking fold seats, keeping the lights dim and fewer, using softer/less cluttered carpet designs, not having an overwhelming amount of bright ass screens etc can be a huge help to people

absolutely needs to be common practice, literally not in any way or form is this some kind of extremist thing, its asking for things to be accessible so more people can experience entertainment too.

we deserve to see there/play it/be there/enjoy it just as much as people without these issues.

i also like your idea of seperate show rooms that are lower input/stimuli and remote settings for things to make things safer to view.

i would be so happy to pick up a remote and hit a few buttons so i can mute contrasts and light flashing in some way on whatever comes on/im watching on the tv

also the news should be easier to read theres so much text with half of it moving on the screen that i can never fucking tell whats going on so i never watch the news unless my parents already are.

[ihamtmus]

i'll never ever understand why jimin solos seem to hate hobi the most and why hobi solos hate jimin so much because 1) the two are literally THE best friends??? like they're besties who adore each other idk what to tell you jihope is THE duo of the century how can you not love seeing them together 2) everyone knows i love hobi the most and he has my whole heart and i also love jimin BUT even if i didn't love jimin and wanted to say something bad about him i don't think i could because all i'd need to do is think about hobipalooza and then i'd remember i owe jimin my life. like i will NEVER forget what he did. i get it might not be enough for solos to like jimin just because hobi likes him but idk how they can feel anything other than gratitude towards that angel, especially after hobipalooza

[opens-up-4-nobody]

...

[moonknightproductions]

never trust how you feel after 9 pm.

[youdontknowhowtodiequietly]

19 doesn't feel young but then i see certain posts where some character is 19 and someone is like "omg they've been through so much they're only 19" and i'm like only??? i feel like i've been alive for an age it's exhausting and yet people are saying "only" please i'm going insane