#its ok i’ll add a scene like this for sure

[celestie0]

anon is so real like?? thighriding with gojo 😵‍💫😵‍💫 SIGN ME UP! 💯 would makeout with him on his lap and ride his thighs non stop?!!11! just the thought of him praising and whispering “atta girl, keep going, yeah? you’re doing so well” as he watches his thigh getting coated with cum

— frank ocean anon 🙏

IM GONNA CRRYYYYY THATS SO HOT (kickoff spoilers below cut for ppl tht don’t want any lol)

also i genuinely feel like you guys are hacking my google doc notes at this point cuz kickoff gojo says “atta girl” to reader at one point in ch11 while she’s sittin in his lap ✋🏼😭 although it doesn’t get to the point where they’re making out and she’s riding his thighs it’s tame in comparison (n he says atta girl for kind of a silly reason) 🤣 but for FUCKS SAKE THIS ASK MAKES ME WANNA REWRITE IT SO THAT SHE DOES ✋🏼😫😵‍💫 im gonna screammm

[dovedewdrop]

Scratch My Back

Masterlist

Joel Miller x reader

word count: 889

Summary: The tide is pulling you under, just like it has plenty of times before. Your husband helps you communicate.

A/N: I’ve been struggling with my mental health & looking after myself for a long, long time and I was getting myself all psyched up to get a shower but I didn’t end up getting in and decided to write this lil thing that I’ve been thinking about for a while! I hope you enjoy it and if anyone out there is reading this and is struggling too, just know that you are not alone and that if Joel Miller were real, he would scratch your back❤️

Also thank you so much for 100 followers🥹🫶🏻 really brightened up my spirits a lil bit💓

Warnings: No Outbreak. Depiction of poor mental health. Sadness. One big loving man (it’s Joel Miller) (Not a warning but I didn’t want it to seem all doom and gloom😅) No use of Y/N.

To Joel, it was just a Wednesday, your day off. To you, the ceiling was caving in. Before he left for work you were sound asleep, your thoughts at bay, laying still against the sand, he placed a gentle kiss to your temple before rolling out of bed. Now that you were awake your thoughts were thrashing against the cliffs, the mental whiplash you were facing ultimately draining your body of all its energy.

You watch the clock on the bedside table blink from one minute to the next. You thought about all if the things you should probably be doing; showering, tidying the house, preparing that home cooked meal you’d been promising your husband for over a week but all you could do was slip in and out of sleep, that was the safe option, the one that would keep you somewhat sane until he returned. You didn’t want to bother him, didn’t want to text him those three words because you knew he would stop everything for you, everything would be put on hold so that he could soothe you and you didn’t want to add that onto the ever-growing list of things to feel bad about. So you waited.

“Honey?” His voice reverberated off the walls, the sound of his gentle tone floated up the stairs. You didn’t have the energy to shout back, the sound of his boots hitting the wooden steps told you that it wouldn’t be long until he was by your side anyway. He took in the sight of the drawn curtains, the sight of you facing them, still in your t-shirt and underwear and you felt the bed dip behind you, the warmth of his body encompassing yours, his scent filling your scenes. 

“Something happen?” A gentle kiss placed to your shoulder blade, the feeling of his lungs emptying and filling behind your back soothing you. You shook your head, allowing a silence to draw over you both as Joel’s arms wrapped around your waist, tugging you further back into the curve of his body. He was always so patient with you, so tender.

“Scratch my back.”

Scratch my back, a cry for help. A promise made between two lovers. A rule established when you’d first started dating. Joel knew that you struggled with your mental health, you’d opened up to some extent, brushing him off with a ‘I’m having a tough day but I’ll be ok x’ text in the beginning, even then he gave you your space. 

One week in spring however, everything was not okay. He hadn’t heard from you in four days, no text and definitely no phone calls. At first he thought that this was your way of letting him know you were no longer interested and selfishly, he couldn’t let it end that way. So after days of mulling it over and chewing his bottom lip raw, he drove over to your apartment and that’s where he found you, dark circles engulfing your eyes, threatening to swallowing them whole, hair unwashed, apartment flooded in gloom.

He took a bath with you, washed your hair as best he could. The spring air still had a slight chill to it so he’d made sure your new set of pyjamas were on the radiator ready for bed and he laid with you in silence until you turned into his chest and he felt the wet of your tears seep into the fabric of his shirt. 

“You don’t have to talk to me.” He pressed a kiss into your hairline. “I don’t want you to ever feel like you have to talk to me, I mean obviously you can, when you feel comfortable and ready to but there is something I want you to do for me baby,” another soft kiss. Your eyes travelled up his face to finally look him in his eyes, those soft brown eyes that made you fall in love with him in the first place. All you could do was give a small nod, you would do anything he asked. “I want you to come up with a word or a phrase,” he continued, “so that when things get bad and you don’t feel like you can talk about it…” he trailed off, his hands drawing shapes up and down the length of your spine.

“Like a safe word?” He let out a huff of air at that, a small smile adorning his face.

“Yeah, kinda like a safe word, so I know that you’re safe,” his palm came to rest on your cheek, thumb cupping your jaw, “up here,” and his fingers tapped gently on the side of your temple.

“Scratch my back,” It was soft, the way it came out, tears threatening to spill over, “because if you promise to scratch mine, i’ll always scratch yours.” You couldn’t stop the tears from falling then, the last thing you wanted was for Joel to see you like this and to become his burden, but the way he’d shown you such care and compassion made your head feel a little less foggy, you wanted to promise that you could do that in return, that it wouldn’t just be him constantly looking after you.

“Oh sweet angel.” Both of his hands were cupping your cheeks now, pressing a light kiss to your nose and then your lips.

[randomsufff]

Ok fuck it- I keep seeing the Great Gatsby pop up (thanks Gravity Falls lmao) and recently saw The Great Gatsby on Broadway and I need to spill out my thoughts on this musical

I’ll hold off my grips with it compared to the book till the very end- since I know a lot of argument around this musical is that it’s an adaptation and the adaptors are liable for taking creative liberties. Which- yeah! That’s valid! But I’d argue that in order to adapt something successfully, if you’re gonna make huge (and I mean HUGE) changes to the source material, it’s gotta somewhat follow some reason that makes sense for the characters and/or adds some layer or depth to the story or else you get something like HBOs Velma. But more on that in either an entirely other post or later depending on how long this gets

Read bellow if you want a really fucking long, detailed description of the show and what I think it did right and very, very wrong.

I will say- as a TLDR rn- I thought the show was just…ok. Like- “yeah that show sure was a musical.” kind of ok. The good songs and amazing spectacle of a few of the numbers kinda cancel out the bad pacing and really questionable narrative choices the show made. Also- hearing Eva Noblezada sing live changed my life.

OK- so I’ll start out by saying- I believe we had basically all the original current cast except for Jordan Baker was played by Traci Elaine Lee (who was absolutely phenomenal so I’m not too sad about missing Samantha Pauly)

I really thought the show was ok. Like I don’t hate it vehemently but I don’t love it either. I feel like the only reason it’s so famous is because of its two powerhouse leads (Hot take? Maybe.) Anyways, I don’t know how to go about this so we’ll go list form

1) PACING WAS ATROCIOUS

Again, not even comparing it to the novel- the pacing felt really off and didn’t even make much sense story wise. Like we would rush past certain information and then linger on scenes that didn’t really need to be lingered on? At least to me, I felt like there was other stuff the show should have prioritized showing- CAUSE THATS THE THING WITH THIS SHOW- is that they TELL not SHOW a LOT of information- so it kinda just feels like you’re being tossed plot without experiencing it.

For example, literally as soon as the show starts, Nick and party goers just throw all the information about Gatsbys party and being mysterious at the beginning by telling us and not showing, like he never shown to be cryptically hanging around in the first like 20 minutes of the show (at least that I remember- there was a lot happening in the opening number 😭) . Which sucks because they did this REALLY COOL thing right before the show started where Gatsby was standing there and was immediately gone as soon as a screen passed. LIKE YOU COULDN’T HAVE THAT HAPPEN AGAIN WHEN THEYRE ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT HIM???

(Also- recently saw a rehearsal (?) video where Gatsby like actually opened the opening song “Roaring On”, and that would have been great if they kept that! Because looking back, I felt like Gatsby had the least amount of stage time. Which probably I sn’t actually true, but it really felt like it. Like where is the main guy??? His first appearance (after his little disappearing act) is like, 20 minutes into the show. Idk for something that’s called “The Great Gatsby” he sure wasn’t on stage a lot. )

Then a couple scene later, Gatsby reveals to Nick- a man he JUST MET FACE TO FACE- that he’s in deep love with his married cousin and asks him TO HIS FACE that he wants him to set up a meeting with her. And then they move on. Like???

If you watched the show, maybe this’ll make sence to you, maybe this won’t, but it feel like they rushed past everything in the original source material, and only expanded and talked at length the aspects they wrote in.

Also the ending was so. Incredibly. Rushed. Like we don’t even get to see Daisys reaction to killing/hitting Myrtle. As soon as the fight at the Plaza ends everything else happens in like 15 minutes. Are you kidding me. WE DONT GET TO SEE DAISY ACTUALLY HIT MYRTLE. They did the ol’ “Bright lights get shined at the audience as character pretends to get hit” but that’s it! Literally THE REASON why Gatsby is killed and we don’t get to see it or their reactions in the moment. They just… tell us what happened instead of showing it to us. (“Daisy tried to swerve to the next lane but there was a car coming- and then… she just peeled off. She’s packing now…” YOU COULDN’T SHOW THIS TO US???) No idea of how Daisy or Gatsby reacted immediately after, only the next day. No rambled and frightened dialogue of their game plan, no glimpse into Daisys psyche where it’s shown she’s not going to choose Gatsby after all. Nothing.

Oh! And guess how long Gatsbys funeral was? Like a minute long. Just Nick sitting next to a casket in the background while party goers, Jordan and Wolfsheim dismiss Gatsby with a throwaway line. Like bro… that’s your main lead character… shouldn’t you give him, idk , at least more than a minute on stage when he dies? And like yeah I get that that’s the point that he’s forgotten, but I thought it was going to be more prominent than that! Give me Nick standing solemnly next to a casket thats dead center on a completely empty stage while he narrates how no one showed up. How despite the riches and infamy, no one, not even Jays own father (cause literally no one was by the casket on stage but Nick) showed up for his funeral. Instead of weirdly dismissing it like it’s not important?

2) NICK AND JORDENS “RELATIONSHIP”

Nah this actually pisses me off because there’s literally no point in this being so highlighted when it literally goes fucking nowhere.

So their relationship arc goes like this: Jorden says relationships sucks because she wants to be an independent woman in the 20s. Nicks like, I am not looking for a relationship but if we were in one I’d let you do all those things. They flirt, almost kiss, flirt more, do kiss, Nick says “let’s get married /j” Jorden says “yeah let’s get married /srs”, they get ENGAGED, they fight after discussing if they inadvertently caused Myrtle’s death (Jorden intentionally let Myrtle know where they were going that night), break up, and never speak to each other the rest of the show.

HELLO? What the actual fuck was the point of this then? If you wanted to expand Jorden to be the independent, feminist, girlboss *cough lesbian cough* that she is, just let her stay single?? She doesn’t need to be with Nick if you want her to be a part of the main cast.

The main problem I have with this is that the musical put wayyyy too much emphasis on it. And it’s so funny because there’s this big, dramatic, movie-esc pause Nick does after he says “I don’t want to marry you”, and sorry to the people who genuinely gasped, but be fr, are we surprised??? Jordan has been saying from literally her first line that men/marriage sucks, and that she would never do that willingly- then when she get married to a guy she knows for, at most? 1-2 weeks (idk how long the musical take place over), I’m supposed to take that relationship seriously????

In fact, I felt like their relationship often overshadowed Gatsby and Daisys, which shouldn’t happen, because the whole fucking shows about Gatsby.

For example, they steamrolled Gatsby and Daisys reunion with a budding Jordan and Nick plotline, for some reason??? Like they literally show Gatsby and Daisy seeing each other, have them say a few sentences wistfully reminiscing their first meeting, then have them go inside the house while their silhouettes are shown talking while the audience stays with Nick and Jorden OUTSIDE as they joke and almost kiss each other. HUH??? How are you going to literally push your years-long, slow burn yearning MAIN ROMANCE reunion to the side for a budding relationship that came out of nowhere and frankly dosent need to exist? And since we’re not going book accurate, you can actually SHOW how Gatsby and Daisy fall back into each others orbit, how their conversation went. But no.

It got so bad that I honestly can’t tell if one of the themes of this musical is something about marriage because of how much they pushed the “married/ people in a relationship” dynamic. Like what are you trying to tell me? All marriages are doomed??? I don’t even know (mayhaps just me being aroace)

What grips me the most is that they don’t even get any closure. Like they literally never speak to each other after that night Myrtle is killed. (Mostly cause the show ends literally 5 minutes later). The whole show they put these two together, build up their romance, show them having cute and funny moments together… all for what? For nothing?

AND I DID LIKE THEM. They were a cute couple, and their chemistry and jokes together were funny and charming. Their dynamic was interesting too, with Jordan wearing the pants, so to speak, and insisting she maintain her freedom while in marriage/ a relationship which wasn’t heard of in the 20s. But for all that to end because Jorden didn’t want to tell the cops Gatsby and Daisy possible ran her over/they’re partially responsible??? Like they INVESTED. SO. MUCH. in this relationship (to the point where they got ENGAGED???) that it feels so stupid and dumb for it to end like “wow you’re heartless :c I don’t want to marry you anymore :ccc” “well too bad, L, you’re guilty too asshole. Bye.”

AND what really grinds my gears is that if they cut this whole shit out, or at least made it more in the background, it would give more time to flesh out the few other problems I have with this show

3) SONG… EFFICIENCY (?)

Ok last point that’s not as much of a complaint as the others, but it was still something that bothered me. Some of the songs just say nothing/ repeat stuff we already know. Mainly thinking of (and sorry to people who like these songs- I’m not saying they’re bad! They’re just not a lot of info there) “For Her”, “Go”, or “Shady”

Like “For Her”, he’s just saying “I did [list of things involved with his fame/money] for her” for 4 minutes and you don’t even know who “her” is until like, the last line. Like this could have been a perfect opportunity to deep dive into Gastbys upbringing/ past, but the most the musical goes into Gatsby’s past is that he was in the war. Like you don’t get the sense that this man worked his way literally from the ground up for this woman. It’s just so repetitive that, even though it was Jeremy Jordon, I was getting bored halfway through.

AGAIN, this is not slandering Jeremy Jordan (JJ stans please spare me), you could have the most amazing Broadway singer sing with the best technique, but if it’s a dull, repetitive song, PERSONALLY, I’d be bored. They could have just combined this with another song, or as I suggested, add more purpose to the song and maybe put it later in the musical.

Similarly, “Go” (and, AGAIN, love Jeremy and Eva) was super repetitive and could have just been reduced to dialogue.

And “Shady”, though also a really good song, frankly could have been cut out. For some reason the musical really wanted Wolfsheim to be a main antagonist/prominent character and gave him this song- but there’s nothing in it that wasn’t already implied in the first Act and it really has nothing to do with any of the other characters, other then a vague “Jay and Daisy” gotta keep their affair secret (which… yeah I think we know that, but also to compare that to… hiding dead bodies and minding your own business- it’s???? Idk what they were going for)

(Tbh- I conversed with my dad who also mainly wanted to see the show for Jermey Jordan and Eva Noblezada and he said that none of JJ songs were that memorable, which I kinda agree with. He’s a great singer, a very talented man, but the songs he was made to sing in this show were not it. Just nothing of substance or catchiness. Which SUCKS. Because how are you going to get someone like Jeremy Jordan and not have him sing an absolute banger? But weirdly, none of his songs (maybe except “Only Tea” which I really liked) stood out which I’m so disappointed about.)

—————————

Ok that’s all just as it’s own thing (mostly) NOW MY FUCKING PROBLEMS WITH IT COMPARED TO THE BOOK

1.B) NICK AND GATSBY’S FRIENDSHIP

THIS IS THE BIGGEST ONE- Nick and Gatsby friendship is so fucking integral to the original, and it feels like it didn’t even exist in the musical.

Like regardless on whether you ship them or see them as friends- Nick was Jays only fucking friend. He was the ONLY ONE who truly cared about him and went to his funeral when no one else did. In the book, Nick did So. Much. just because he wanted to for Gatsby. Gatsby had to ask Jorden to ask Nick to set up his tea meeting, he attempts to charm and lavish him in trips, and even tries to pay the man to get him to agree. But Nick refuses and is even offended that Gatsby would pay him money for such a thing and immediately accepts the night he finds out. And they actually hung out! Like a lot! At least before Jay asks him for the tea request. And though it could been because he wanted to make it easier for Nick to say yes, they were friendly with each other, and felt like actual pals. Nick genuinely was worried about Gatsby at the end, and even tried to warn him about what he was attempting to do multiple times.

In the musical that bond is just… not there. They rush past meeting each other, they never hang out one on one, and any interaction between them seemed slightly aggressive or politely concerned, like one would be to a stranger, which they technically are!!! The only reason he agrees to Gatsbys plan is basically petty revenge against Tom for punching Myrtle and being an asshole to Daisy/ in general. (Which- I feel like a move thats so out of character for Book!Nick cause he also dislikes Daisy.) Like Nick never learns Gatsbys backstory here (I don’t think he ever tells it, not even to the audience).

The “ you can’t repeat the past” line seemed more aggressively exasperated in delivery then the more soft concern for a close friend I initially read it as. And the “you’re worth more then whole rotten crowd put together” line didn’t really hit as hard because they don’t feel like close friends and nowhere in the show has Nick expresses this pedestal he puts Gatsby on like in the book.

Literally the only times they’re together alone is their initial meeting, and setting up for tea at Nicks. Every other time either Gatsby is with Daisy or Nicks with Jorden. They could have at least put together a cool ass montage of them hanging together, using those moving panels, going through diffrent activities as Jay introduces himself with his Oxford and army line, instead of dumping it all on him on their literal first meeting in his study.

(Also noted that they made it so Gastby owns the property Nick lives on and is renting it out for the man. Idk why they did this- to make it so Nick is indebted to Gatsby??? Also Gatsby vaguely threatens/ says something with a condescending/threatening aura (???) before Nick leaves after Jay ASKS A MAN .5 SECONDS AFTER MEETING HIM FOR THE FIRST TIME FACE TO FACE for the tea set up. Like there was a moment where he held onto Nicks hand as they shake goodbye, held his eye and said a line (I forgor) and kinda stood there staring him down before Nick awkwardly left. LIKE WHAT WAS THAT???? WHO ARE YOU???? WHY??? Literally doing everything to make sure no one can ship them)

2.B) THEY STRAIGHT-IFIED MY BOY.

NICK WHAT DID THEY DO TO YOU. It felt like they wanted to take away any whiff of an implication that this man is gay. Like literally no build up to Jay and Nicks friendship, no meaningful scenes between the two, going head first and completely committing to Jordan, AND THE MR MCKEE SCENE BEING LIKE THAT.

AND MR MCKEE, IM SO, SO SORRY WHAT THEY’VE DONE TO YOU. They made him to be some predator who harasses Nick the whole party scene. And this could have been so. easy. to fit into the queer lens if the actor who plays Nick (Noah J Ricketts, fucking what a talented man) acted interested in Mr.McKee but was actively restraining himself and trying not to engage in order to save face in front of Tom and Co. (Please, please, please- making a prayer circle and manifesting that one of the later actors does this down the line) But noooooo, Nick is shown to be mildly uncomfortable while McKee follows him around (in an unfortunately a banger of a song) EVEN THOUGH IN THE BOOK NICK ACTIVELY ENGAGES WITH HIM IN HOMOEROTIC DIALOGUE AND EVEN GOES TO BED WITHBNANJSBSJB

3.B) Jordan’s Purpose

Already touch this before but what the hell was the point of Jordan here. I love the “cool independent woman in the 20s” angle they were going for, but then why the hell would you immediately shackle her to a romantic relationship with Nick when that goes against literally everything she stands for. And I’m not saying she can’t get in relationships, but the speed in which SHE of ALL PEOPLE, was like “Yes I want to get married to you for real” make me…

Sure it was said in the novel that Nick and Jorden were together, but he was always flighty about her; saying he was attracted to her but also hated some of her qualities (dishonesty and heartlessness). It wasn’t the main focus like it was here (I can’t even remember much of their relationship in the book tbh) and they didn’t invest so much in it as they did in the musical that it didn’t feel out of nowhere or too much of a big deal when they broke up. Like it fr felt like the musical held up a “Gasp Now” sign when Nick said he doesn’t want to get married to her cause they wanted that moment to hit so hard for some reason???

AND. There was an ACTUAL PURPOSE to Jordan relationship with Nick in the book (a representation of the wealth he was attracted to then repulsed by [*cough* also contributing the “Nick is Queer” lens *cough*]) they… kinda? did it in the musical? And it would have been boosted by Nicks new naivety in the musical, but it falls short because they never speak again, or really explain Jordan’s value on wealth and herself is why it went wrong other then a “you’re heartless” line that feels out of nowhere. (Idk maybe I was too focused on how pointless that relationship felt that I failed to noticed if Nick had a Big RevelationTM here on Wealth and Jordan)

4.B) Character Differences

Some of them are great, like there’s more dimensions to some, but some character choices, I’m like- that goes against everything they’re supposed to represent in the book.

Like I found it so weird how willing Daisy was to run away with Gatsby in the musical when in the book it was more obvious, at least I read it so, that she was holding back a bit and was never going to run with Gatsby that far. Like wdym Gatsby could have had it all if he just ran with Daisy then, WDYM HE SAID NO BECAUSE OF HIS PRIDE???? HUH? WHERE did this priority of PRIDE come from???? When Daisy’s RIGHT. THERE. Like she was sobbing, begging him to run with her. In what universe would Gatsby turn that down???

Like many people say, this seems like it’s supposed to be a love story between Gatsby and Daisy, but in the book it’s pretty obvious how Daisy isn’t as committed to Gatsby then she is Tom cause of their Old vs New money.

And Myrtle? Why did she suddenly turn back to George? I felt like the only reason why that happened is cause the creators wanted shock and tragedy factor. Like “aw she finally found peace in where she is but oops now she’s dead”

And it would have been good if they actually showed why she thought this beyond the 3 minute song, cause that’s not enough time for someone who only chased after money to do a 180. Like, sure she figured Tom would just move on from her (YES EVERYONE CHEERED, GREAT CHARACTER MOMENT) but George isn’t shown to be that great either in his last moments with her. I mean he locked her in the house? Bathroom? and was pretty violent towards her. Sure we learn earlier that he’s doing a lot for her but we never SEE it. He sings to US the audience about his dream to move them out and live a nice life but not to HER which could have been a cute point of connection but nooooooo.

They also made Nick like, kinda naive. Like he really likes Daisy and Jorden and I guess Gastby (though it’s not shown) compared to his counterpart who know how money corrupts and kinda hates everyone (even Gatsby at points). Any I feel like they could have done well with making him naive to that fact, to really make this a tragedy (like Hadestown esc) but they fell short somehow. I think it’s cause the ending was so rushed. Like there wasn’t enough time to show the consequences of everyone’s actions and how hurt and changed he is. It all flys by in like 7 minutes.

—————————

Ok now we’re done being cynical- here are the good things I liked

1.C) The woman are 3-Dimensional yay/ Nicks also here

Myrtle’s song (Second-Hand Suit) is phenomenal. Great way to introduce more character and backstory to someone who originally had none.

Also, again, loved Jordan’s independence angle (if only they WENT SOMEWHERE WITH IT) and I lowkey loved the “well Tom cheats why can’t you” line and Daisy’s whole attitude as she one ups Tom in the dinner table scene. Also Daisy was already kinda complex in the book, but it really shows how turmoiled she is here and that’s interesting,

And despite how I kinda ragged on it, I really did like Nicks personality throughout the musical. He was sooo humorous in a way he wasn’t in the book. Also, thinking about it, his nativity is an interesting spin on his character that I really would have liked if it was executed properly.

2.C) The songs fucking slap

I can’t lie, most of these songs are bangers. I have half of the songs on loop. Not to mention the actors who sing them are absolutely incredible. I won’t lie, I was mostly interested in this musical cause of Jeremey and Eva; and Eva, holy shit, is an absolute powerhouse to witness live. I was So. Surprised by how effortlessly she sang notes and how clear and crisp they were (“Absolute Rose” was… idk what it was about that song, but I’m obsessed with how she sang that song, [except the “open” part? Idk it grates me for some reason???] even though it’s not my favorite song) Like she truly embodies Daisy Fay and it was incredible to see that in person.

However, the rest of the cast was so incredible too, ESPECIALLY MYRTLE (Chilina Kennedy). Holy Fuck is that woman amazing at singing. Her two songs she sang absolutely ate, like I’m obsessed with her voice. Wolfsheim (Eric Anderson) and George (Paul Whitty) also had amazing voices.

Also NICK??! Holy shit, I’m so sorry you’re not in like any promotional stuff cause you fucking killed it. The way I’m obsessed with how he sings “If only I’d knew then, that I would never be the same” in “Roaring On” and how he sings “The Met” is amazing

3.C) Visuals- kinda

Some of the visuals were ok tbh- kinda boring- but the ones that went big, WENT BIG. Of course “New Money”, “Roaring On” and “The Met” are the ones that stand out the most in my mind. “New Money” and “Roaring On” are exactly what you probably think it is, big dance numbers with sparks and huge lights. But I loved “The Met” cause the furniture slid around and literally moved around Nick while people drifted in and out of the room. It was just great to watch visually.

4.C) THE ENDING NUMBER HOLY SHIT

I. Love. Love. LOVE. How they brought back the opening number, and the theme of party goers going on from party to party to show how unimportant Gatsby was to the world, and how everyone moved on.

Like, Nick stood in the center of the stage, reciting the end of the book, in tears and voice cracking, as the ensemble in the back slowly get revealed and are just having a grand ol time looking for the next party. Just- chills. It was amazing conceptually and they pulled it off so well.

If the musical got nothing else in terms of structure going for it- at least they got the last minute right cause omg, I love when media has opposing moods in the same scene, and they did so well here.

—————————

Overall, yeah. Not horrible but I don’t love it. The lack in plot and nonsense relationships and complete disregard of the book didn’t totally ruin the musical cause I had a good time and liked the songs and such but I would not go back and re watch it.

I think of you know nothing about the book or anything about The Great Gatsby other then there’s a guy named Gatsby and he’s great and you just want a nice sounding show, you’ll probably like this, but people who are burdened by the knowledge of the book will be hung up on a lot of things I mentioned here.

Always, long ass post, congrats to anyone who actually read this real informal review. I haven’t gone into how this is a pretty bad adaptation, but I’ll have to do that in another post (if people want to see that) and another time cause this took my literal hours to type out.

(Tbh I might just do the adaptation essay anyways, cause I’ve written at least 4 papers on adaptation in media [and how Groundhog Day the musicals the best Movie to Musicals adaptation] and I love that shit)

[arsonisticscholar]

Your mxtx posts are getting to me. I am so intrigued by the fanart. So my question is

Where do I start? 👀

Ooooo heheheh

Sorry I kinda went on a rant there but I hope this helps lol

(Post typing I kinda went on a little rant but you can decide depending on the info I put in there, I’ll cut it for the sanity of my followers and I’ll separate the different sections a bit and highlight what each section talks about. Veeery mild spoilers but one is a plot ‘twist’ that gets exposed in the first book and one is a content warning so. But also they all have a bit of violence which gets graphic at times so keep that in mind)

Ok there’s three different series by mxtx in release order: scum villain self saving system(svsss) (idk the Chinese name oops) the grandmaster of demonic cultivation or mo dao zu shi (mdzs) Heaven officials blessing or tian guan ci fu (tgcf)

I won’t include major spoilers but there’s still stuff like typical trigger warnings that I might want to add

Ok there’s a few different ways you could read them depending on how familiar/comfortable with different things

~~~

The easiest thing to say no for reading is sex, and while there are no plot points that you’ll miss by skipping anything and only once has there been a sex scene outside of an extra chapter this still could be important for some so I just wanna be sensitive. If you’re not totally comfortable with sexy stuff or want to build up to it go in this order:

Heaven officials blessing (nothing explicit, some innuendos and references and implied and it does happen but it’s never descriptive at all, I wouldn’t feel morally objectionable if I gave it to a young teenager)

The grandmaster of demonic cultivation (explicit extra chapters, is not generally sex related during the main plot)

Scum villains self saving system (has an explicit sex scene during the main plot, has multiple sex scenes in extra chapters, and has casual references to sex and sex jokes throughout)

~~~

If you’re not super familiar with Chinese names or words (idk you’re nationality but I’m American and white and it took me a minute for sure) or if you’re not familiar with xianxia terms then read in this order

Scum villain (mostly sticks to courtesy names so only one name per character, doesn’t get too deep into politics, and doesn’t rely to heavily on genre knowledge for worldbuilding without explaining it)

Heaven officials blessing (has like three different names per character, gets pretty deep into those Heaven officials drama, but easy enough to follow once you know the characters, relies a little on the reader already being familiar with the genre but does enough of its own worldbuilding that it’s honestly fine if you were familiar with Chinese names then this would be the easiest to rawdogg and understand what’s happening)

Mo dao zu shi (uses both given and courtesy names and nicknames and every name under the Sun to refer to a character, gets suuuuper deep into inter-sect drama, and got a little hard to follow at points keeping track of family trees and which sect was where and that guys sister is who’s wife?? Might need a whiteboard idk, also most of the worldbuilding is around the politics and sects relationships so if you don’t know much about the genre might want to pull up the fandom wiki)

~~~

If you wanted to know the length of each series it’s

Scum villain (4 volumes, 3 main plot 1 extra chapters)

Mo dao zu shi (5 volumes (eng ver.) 4 1/2 main plot second half of 5 extra chapters I think? Or 4 main plot 1 extra chapters)

Heaven officials blessing (8 volumes, first 7 1/2 main plot ends the 8th vol with extras)

~~~

And ik you said you were curious about the fanart so if you’d like visuals to help decide,

Top left image: on the left is Luo Binghe, on the right is Shen Qingqiu/Shen Yuan/Shizun(just teacher but a lot of the time people in the fandom just call him shizun lmfao)

Top right image: on the left is Xie Lian, on the right is San Lang/Hua Cheng

Bottom image: on the left is Lan Zhan/Lan Wangji/Hanguang-Jun, on the right is Wei Ying/Wei Wuxian/Yiling patriarch

~~~

I personally read them Heaven officials blessing, Mo dao zu shi, scum villain

My favorite to least favorite is scum villain, Heaven officials blessing, Mo dao zu shi

The most popular are mo dao zu shi, Heaven officials blessing, scum villain

~~~

The content that exists for each series are:

Heaven officials blessing:the original completed book series, season 1&2 with 3 on the way of animated series, live action in production, audio drama with upcoming episodes, and a few volumes of comics

Mo dao zu shi: the original completed book series, a completed (but heavily sensored) live action show, season 1(?) of an animated series, completed(?) comic series

Scum villain: original completed books, season 1 of a 3D animated show, actually that’s it I’m starving

[rubyarerosies]

Shinjuku Gyeon

suna rintarou x f!reader

Shinjuku Gyeon looked glorious through your eyes, Suna only knows because you’ve been gawking tremendously, a subtle glow to your eyes shows him enough already. He questioned if there were stars in them from how infatuated you were.

People roam the parks regularly, he wonders if it’s a popular spot for spontaneous situations to occur. Would it be too cliche for you?

The pavilion sits across from where you both stand. Suna admires it quietly, and so do you. The park is where you visit frequently, but it still feels like treasure when you roam around. Everything is like gold in your eyes, you couldn’t tell if it were the serene display or because it was the place in which you met Suna.

You would pick the latter, because having known this place holds the beginning of a lovable journey for you, just makes it a whole lot more special.

Suna was intrigued by the current scene; a frantic girl who had just stepped on a plant, her worry entertaining him through his break. It was appalling at how upset you were over a simple plant, it looked to frail and small to flourish, so why was it a big deal?

He must have been too deep in thought about the situation that he didn’t recall hearing you first plea out to him, “hey! do u mind?”

You finger raised at the water bottle in his hand, a look of anticipation on your face. You must really feel guilty.

“It’s just a plant,” he retorts, “the rain will give it some water,”

To add more fire to the burning disdain in your chest, he popped the cap and drank a large amount mockingly. In addition, his sigh of relief made it worse.

“It’s summer,”

“Still a possibility,”

“Fucking annoying,” you sighed quietly.

“I heard that,” his eyebrow raises, “so mean to a person, but so sweet to a plant,”

“I said nothing,” you retorted, turning your head away, ignoring his disbelieving scoff, “just finish the water so I can fill the bottle up,”

So confidently demanding, he wonders if you were an empress in your past life. As he thought about that, he allowed himself to really inspect you. He confirmed himself that you definitely had the beauty for it, he can’t lie. And the attitude fits; therefore case closed.

He huffed out a breath, if you listened close enough, you would have probably heard a small chuckle leave alongside it.

Without further insisting, he passed your the bottle, letting you use the remainder, “for your friend,”

You let the sarcasm slip through your mind, celebrating internally that the plant had some hope of a future. As if you had just won a significant prize, you cheerily smiled (as if he didn’t intentionally try and mock your distress) “thanks,”

Suna didn’t know if that were his cue to leave or not, but his curiosity (once again) made him stay. You bent down a bit, and so he awkwardly looked away, finding the trees more interesting. The cherry blossoms were indeed interesting.

“Ok,” he heard you say, he turned around, taking a look at you smile. It showed him a light of achievement, you truly believed that water and hope would fulfill your wish of this plant growing the next time you see it, “thanks for the bottle, dude,”

“No problem,” the atmosphere continued in an awkward silent, both of you staring intently at the plant you both had just aided (well, majority of it being you, he just gave you water. still a plus in his book)

You had high hopes; the plant would sprout and show a beautiful flower, and you will bask in the nature of being its savior.

Suna just felt like his water went to waste. But you seemed very adamant that it didn’t, “you sure it will grow?”

He was met with a hum of knowing.

“Well then,” he uttered, “I’ll see you here next week to see, if it’s still lanky-looking, you owe me 5,”

Without an answer, he left. He smiled to himself, a trophy for his courage, he isn’t one to be bold, but it seemed like you couldn’t care if it was. His smile grew as he heard your words of challenging.

Once it was seen that he wouldn’t turn back, you looked at the plant once more, hands on hips as a way of showing authority over it, “you better grow.”

To the countless other people, they would see the growing plant as another decorator for this park. A simple plant that’s blossomed beautifully. However, you see it as a symbol of your relationship.

A small plant in which grew into a strong and healthy stem. Much like your relationship. As the plant grew, so did your relationship.

You both continued to meet up, cautiously watching how the plant grew (he ended up paying the 5 dollars) Once the plant had looked stabled enough to prosper more, Suna finally asked you out.

It’s end shows a flourished flower, you expect it to symbolize another stage of your relationship with Suna. You’re just hoping it’s not a child, not yet.

Suna was a few steps back, having taken the opportunity to take a video of you both during a sentimental moment.

You were smiling down at the plant as he continued to approach you slowly.

“Shinjuku Gyeon, national garden,” Suna turned the camera around to the show the vibrant nature of the cherry blossom trees. There were many trees which blocked the sky, adding a pink hue beneath its leaves.

He believed you looked outstanding in this eye-sore-of-a-scene. The tree and it’s flowers, path and it’s decorated surface, or the pond and it’s treasures beneath it never catches his eye. In this moment, Suna could only see you as you waved him over, exclaiming your excitement over the flower which started his journey with you.

The camera captured your ecstatic-self, “I’m proposing to you after this,”

His soft voice was accompanied by a smile behind the camera, the nerves in him escaping briefly as he matched your excitement at the thought of calling you his ‘fiancé’ alluded his mind.

“3 years and I finally have the courage to do so,” he scoffed at himself, “Hope you say yes, if not, it’s ok, I can wait til’ you eventually say it,”

“Hurry up you idiot!” He chucked at your random fit of annoyance, but he resumed calmly.

“Today’s a big day baby,” he whispered, “I love you,”

+

He posted the vid after you said yes. To his surprise, you cried more after seeing it. “No wonder you took your fucking time,”

“Don’t be mean, I’m your fiancée now,”

“You decided to put a ring on it,”

“And you decided to say yes,”

replies:

m_atsumu: CONGRATS YOU LOSER WOOP WOOP @ y/n goodluck w him 👍#bachelorswhen???

s_rintarou: gfys ur not invited

k_shinsuke: congratulations Rintarou and @ y/n! take care of yourselves

s_rintarou: thanks cap

m_osamu: took ur fucking time @ y/n he’s been planning this since ur first year anniversary

@ y/n: 😨

s_rintarou: no comment cause the missus is already crying at this

[m1ckeyb3rry]

LMAOOO nah dw abt embarrassing me it must be done….Id rather you see it than have me send it to someone who doesn’t match my freak and have them think im insane

Omg Karasu in the lead?? Guys…….Mira you’ve fr cultivated Karasu nation LMAOO but no you’re so right I remember seeing a poll awhile ago from someone and ofc there were the fan faves like Nagi Reo Kaiser as options and I was shocked to see Karasu there?? Ofc he was dead last in the results but not unexpected ig….also BAROU THIRD GUYS!!!! Barouism rising too??

No seriously Isagi would be sooo cooked if Nagi wasn’t there….trust I know that Nagi goal in u20 is gonna make him skyrocket I’m imagining all the edits to it now LMAO

It’s just the miraverse of content….new genre it’s called “would Mira watch this?” The parallels do go hard though I wasn’t expecting to find so many LOL

HAAHA SHIDOU lowk that’d be really funny….imagine like a 200k wc fic of Shidou shenanigans and sus quotes

Maybe I’ve been too desensitized because when you said too extreme I was expecting a lot more violence LMAO you got the perfect amount though I think when you said extreme I was thinking of Shidou level oops

NO FR?? Like he’s not gonna ever take the top spot but lowk I’ve grown to appreciate him….youre so right though LOLL closeted sweetheart >>> closeted asshole bro wait the grape candy scene was so cute I forgot to mention….its so funny how he kinda just gives it to her without saying anything about it like how people would do secret deals or something but no it’s just grape candy LMAOOO

THREE bro….the aura is crazy…to the dude who wanted your insta you should’ve been like “if you buy me a $50 cupcake I’ll give it to you” /j lowk investing in a bodyguard does not sound like a bad idea tho

OOOOOOH very excited for everything….also the whole masterlist layout for the oaeu>>>>>>>> the visuals look so CLEAN omg but guys look it’s aiku on Mira’s blog!!!! I saw the poll and have not touched it like wdym I’m supposed to choose???? Let’s see if I can be decisive for once but just know I was debating between tabieitaken and barou….speaking of im kinda curious to see which idea of mine will spark inspiration first LMAO take ur time tho im being so well fed with everything in the lineup so far

Im also laughing missing the cutoff is so funny to me because (unless I didn’t read something) it’s like if you didn’t safely get something in before the impending arrival of aiku you’re in for the long ride LMAOOOO

Ok actually real time update I just put them into a random generator to pick and voted LOL because there’s no way I’m deciding in time but I needed to show some opinion somehow….ok but anyways the main point I came back for was why is Nagi tied with your vote tracking option LMFAOOOOO I’m ngl I’ve never set up a poll here what’s the purpose of that…I just know that people aren’t supposed to pick it but I’m crying why does it have more votes than otoya and yuki

- Karasu anon

HAHA okay that is fair i will def keep you posted on any future typos 🤩 honestly they add to the experience though i mean what is a translator without occasional goofs (/j but also as someone who read a 1.5 million word novel translated online from korean #orv i am very used to wading through odd phrasing to get to the heart of a story so ngl sometimes my mind just skips over typos entirely and i don’t even notice)

unfortunately karasu nation has fallen…he’s in second now (w barou as a very close third) because SAE ITOSHI has a healthy lead 😭 honestly it was expected that man just has too many fans 😓 and most of the other characters on there aren’t AS popular (i’m sure there would’ve been more of a split if rin kaiser or isagi were included but honestly none of them were screaming oaeu to me…sae is kinda in the same category as them for me but he had strong oaeu potential hence why he’s included despite not being a miraverse all star like nagi karasu and barou)

I AM SOOO HYPE FOR THE EDITS PLSSS karasu and otoya edits from third selection?? nagi edits from the u20 game?? BAROU EDITS FROM THE U20 GAME 🤤⁉️ AHHH it’s going to be so good i just know those editors are going to cook up so many delicious concepts i’m actually hype (barely one more month we’re so close!!) and LMAOO no literally iirc nagi scored like four of the five goals against barou and naruhaya or something like if he hadn’t done that isagi would’ve had the naruhaya treatment and been out for good 😭 tik tok fans forgetting who the og goat of bllk was 😢 okay but honestly that’s why i love having nagi AND barou as my favs because one or the other is always up!! truly no losing there (and bllk bros automatically respect anyone who loves barou because most of them are barou glazers as if barou is ANYTHING like them 😒)

i guess part of it is also probably just kaneshiro using typical character archetypes too?? like girly dude white haired dude flirty dude etc etc the nagi dragon art was insane work though like what was the reason for that except to cater to us specifically

nah because yk i’d cook even for shidou 😭 but he would not be my first choice (or my second, or third, so on and so forth) HAHA he’s just a bit too chaotic plus like we’ve mentioned i don’t really find him too attractive even though ik some people do?? LMAOO omg idt i could ever write a character as violent as him especially not kiyora…like he’s chill for the most part just not hesitant to punch someone if needed i guess is how i interpreted it?? whereas shidou would just do it for funsies

I HAD FUN WRITING THE GRAPE CANDY SCENE IT JUST FELT SO HIM like the way he gives her a piece after she successfully swallows a pill as if she’s a dog or smth it’s just so innocent 😭 meanwhile reader is like “wow our tongues will match 😏” FBXJFKDS and him writing his number on the empty box so he doesn’t have to throw it away OR actually give her his number in person for fear of rejection…kiyora my underrated goat fr 🥹

JFNFJDDJSJ PLSSS just drop a quick “erm have i known you since you were four years old?? yeah i didn’t THINK so!!” and move on…i fear writing has made my standards very high hence why i’ve never been in a relationship but you’ll never catch me settling fr 🥱 if they’re not like bfb karasu or peregrine nagi or white butterfly hiori I DON’T WANT THEM 🤣 or ig someone like seabird sae would work too HAHA i’ll sacrifice the pining for a man w money and a sense of humor 🤩

OMG YAYYY I’M GLAD YOU LIKE IT i was inspired by those dollar store self help books as well as rom com movie covers when i was making it and i think it turned out well!! and then i saw one of the graphics accounts i follow had posted the green and purple hearts divider and i was like holy shit this is PERFECT it matches so so well w his entire aesthetic…also peep oliver and aiku being diff colors like his heterchromia 😮 LMAOO genuinely this is probably aiku’s first appearance on my blog (besides his cameo in the last part of fwtkac) but ahhh i’m trying to figure out which req to do next myself!! i have a few to choose from so there’s def a bit of variety…i’m thinking of your requests i’ll probably do chigiri?? because barou is part of the oaeu and idk if i feel connected enough to bachira to write for him yet 🙂‍↕️

NFJDBXSNK no because that’s literally what it is…after the gagamaru req my inbox was pretty stagnant in terms of new reqs so i was like ok let me just get these ones cleared out and then i’ll go back to posting my own things again as well 😭 literally the two hiori requests are from my 500 follower event so from back in JUNE like i need to wrap these up and post them 😭 but idm making the newer ones wait like they can go on the crazy oaeu ride w all of us in the meantime 😩

OMG WHO DID YOU END UP VOTING FOR (unless you want to keep it a secret because if so i understand 🫡) also omg that annoys me sm like fr a pet peeve…basically no one can see the results of a poll until they vote but that includes the creator of the poll?? so if you don’t want to skew the results you just make another option so you can keep track of the poll while it’s still open 🤩 but i absolutely HATE when people pick that option like are you seriously that desperate to know the answer that you pick the option that literally says it’s only for me?? it doesn’t matter what you put people will vote on it but it’s so annoying ughhhh i can’t stop putting it because i’m nosy and like to know what’s going on with the poll in real time but it fr irritates me that people pick it like literally just choose a random option if it’s that deep 😒 i think part of what annoys me is like it so clearly says don’t pick it…and then people still pick it…like were you all dropped on the heads as children or smth…ANYWAYS sorry i feel like i’m so chill normally but there’s random things that genuinely make me crash out for no reason 😭 ALSO POOR YUKI AND OTOYA they’re still behind the FOR MIRA ONLY OPTION (me rn: 🤬😡) atp i’m not going to do polls anymore…like damn sorry i tried to get you all involved why are you being stupid and illiterate rn

actually tbh it’s not that deep idk why it enrages me sm 😰 but uhhh i fear it does for some reason

[take-taker-taken]

Here to ask for some knife play in a future chapter 👉👈 Maybe some consensual non consent (pre-negotiate of course)?

OK - I’d already begun work on this and because of the subject matter, I knew it was going to turn out to be quite long. That means I’ll be splitting it into parts and so here’s part one - it’s a slow burn I’m afraid, but hopefully, it’ll at least whet your appetite.

WARNING - the chapters that comprise this ‘item’ in The List will contain CNC (consensual non-consent). It will mention rape. It will involve weapons. The sub will not always be treated / spoken to kindly. I will do further warning as appropriate as and when updates are posted.

Due to the CNC theme this part is largely centred around negotiation - and please read the notes at the end.

The List - CNC - Part One

You’re out for dinner, tucked away in a quiet corner of the restaurant when you tell him. “There’s something that I’ve been thinking about… I don’t think I marked it as a definite on my list, though.”

He sets his cutlery down and takes a sip of his drink. “Looking to expand your horizons, huh?” He says with a smile. “What’s on your mind?”

You take a deep breath, and then another bite of pasta which you chew slowly as he watches, as though searching your face for clues.

“It was what you said when we did the wax,” You begin quietly. “When you had the knife and you said about kidnapping me off the street.” You take a drink of your own and set the glass back down. “I’d like to try it - really ramp things up.”

He nods and takes his final bite of steak before setting his cutlery down. “OK. It’s easy enough to set that kind of thing up.”

You’re a little surprised at how flippant he sounds over what you’ve just asked for and so probe a little further. “What if I wanted something a bit extreme, though?”

He looks at you as he finishes chewing and then says, “I’d probably work you over with someone else. Give you hell, little girl.”

This piques your interest as it adds a dimension you hadn’t thought about previously. “Who would it be?” You ask, popping another bite into your mouth.

“Probably Shawn,” he answers. “He’s the one you know best, and probably the one I could work with the best.” He reaches across the table and gives your hand a squeeze. “Something heavy like that would need a lot of discussion and negotiation because we’d likely be going into the realm of CNC.”

The server appears then and clears your plates. You pay the bill and adjourn to the bar next door, into a cosy booth where you can cuddle up. Once you’re settled with drinks you hug his huge arm and say,

“What does CNC stand for?”

He kisses the top of your head. “It means consensual non-consent. Something like kidnapping would fall into that by its very nature.” You nod in acknowledgement, your face rubbing against his arm as he continues. “CNC play takes a lot of negotiation - least it should. It can get rough and be a bit of a head fuck.”

“I’ll do a bit of reading up on it,” You say as you pick up your drink.

Subject raised and under consideration, you begin to talk about other things but as promised you do some research over the next few days and it reinforces for you that this is definitely something that you want to explore.

—— A week later ——

“Sure unleashed a monster with that list of yours huh, cutie?” Shawn smiles and leans back in his seat. “We’re gonna cover a lot, here. By the end of the night you’ll probably feel like you’ve had a scene.”

Mark puts his arm around you, pulling you against him. “If you need a break just say the word, OK baby girl?”

“Yup. Chances are I’m going to end up horny just from talking about all this,” you confess and Shawn laughs.

“We’re not going to plan the scene in detail - that would defeat some of the object. This is just to get an idea of what everyone’s feeling and some limits because from what Mark told me, you’ve been imagining something pretty intense?”

You nod and jiggle your leg nervously, reaching over to pick up your wine glass. “He mentioned kidnapping me off the street at knifepoint - I really like the idea of that.”

Shawn grins. “Bag over the head, thrown in the back of a truck kinda thing?” Wide eyed, you nod and he replies, “It can be done but it can also be risky - only needs one person to spot it happening and call the police; next thing they’ve got a BOLO on the truck and you’re looking at a whole bunch of admin.”

“Never thought about that,” You say. “Having the police show up would definitely ruin the scene.”

“To say the least,” Mark says, leaning back and taking you with him. “There are other ways to kidnap, like having you taken from the house - that would probably work better because no one’s going to see anything around here.”

You start to wonder about details like, taking you from the house to where? And who would be taking you, and how? You’re brought back to the moment when Mark shifts, reaches into his jacket pocket and withdraws a piece of paper which he passes to Shawn. “This is her list,” he explains.

“Ohhh the list, huh?” The blonde replies with a smile. He scans down it and then looks at you. “There’s a lot on here that we could work into a scene like this… What do the dashes next to stuff mean?”

“Those are the ones we’ve done,” you reply.

“No face slapping yet?” Shawn comments and then gives you a conspiratorial wink. “The big man thinks you’re made of glass huh, cutie?”

You huff out a laugh. “He didn’t seem to think so the time we ticked being hit with a paddle off the list. I could barely sit the the next day.”

“Which you loved, as I remember.” Mark cuts in. “She can be quite the little pain slut,” He adds, giving your hair a tug.

“How does that work with something like this?” You look from one man to the other.

“How do you mean, baby girl?”

“Well, I’m guessing pain is going to get used in the scene…” You trail off while you wonder how to get your meaning across and both men wait patiently. “If I’m turned on by it, doesn’t that contradict the idea?”

“Not at all,” Mark says. “You’re supposed to enjoy a scene and we can use the fact that you’re getting off on it to our own ends.”

“How..?”

“We’re not giving away all our secrets, cutie.” Shawn chips in with a grin. “You’ve got name calling on here,” he adds, tapping the sheet of paper. “Anything off limits in terms of that?”

You know straight away how to answer that question. “I don’t want to be called stupid or dumb,” you say. “And nothing mean about my appearance.”

He nods and smiles. “No problem, cutie.”

“We use pretty tame name-calling already,” Mark supplies, giving your knee a squeeze. “Mostly she’s my little slut, so it’s pretty affectionate really.”

Your cheeks turn faintly pink at how matter-of-fact Mark sounds as he informs Shawn, but you’re really not prepared for what comes out of the blonde’s mouth next.

“Well if you’re looking to step things up with this scene, it’s not going to be so affectionate.” He says to you. “We’ll see how you do with getting told that you’re a set of holes and a cum dump.”

You exhale and feel heat flood your face as you bite your lip. The words have made your stomach roll over in that really pleasant way and Mark chuckles and gives you a squeeze.

Shawn waves a hand and looks mildly sheepish. “Sorry, cutie - I just wanted to throw that at you and see what happened.”

“Your colours are going to be more important than ever for this one, baby girl. You might not react to things the way you thought you were going to and there won’t be as much checking in as I’d normally do.” Mark takes hold of your chin and turns your face to him. “There are no penalties for using those colours, so if you feel like it for any reason - no matter how small - get ‘em said.”

“I promise,” You reply. “I get that what I’m asking for here is a bigger deal than everything else we’ve done.”

“Good. Now, we already know you want some knife play, and we have your list there to pull other things in.” He pauses and then gives you a smirk. “Get ready to blush some more because we need to talk about the sexual elements in all this. More specifically, what each of us is allowed to do with you so far as that.”

You do indeed blush so hard that your face tingles. “Hadn’t thought about it,” You manage to reply and then out of nowhere an image pops into your head. “Want you both,” You say quickly. “I mean… is that OK?”

“Want us both in what capacity, baby?” His voice is gentle and he gives you a quick kiss on top of your head. “I know you might find this embarrassing but you’re going to have to be explicit, OK?”

You nod and gulp down a couple of large mouthfuls of the wine. “I want… I think I’d want you both to take turns with me,” you say quietly.

“OK, cutie - what about oral?” Shawn’s perfectly relaxed and you marvel for a moment at how calm and matter of fact they are both are. Why can’t you be like that too? God this is all so surreal… Another mouthful of wine and you take a deep breath as you decide that you can be like that.

As if reading your mind, Mark speaks up. “There’s no judgement here, baby girl - we’ve both seen your list now and so we’re not likely to be shocked. Just remember this is all to make sure that this comes off as fun for everybody.”

“I think I’m getting there,” You reply with a small smile and then look at Shawn again. “Yes to oral - with both of you,” You add for Shawn’s benefit. “I - I want to put up a fight and be overpowered… want to be used.”

You see the two men exchange a glance and then Shawn gets up and comes to sit on the other side of you, slipping an arm around your shoulders. “You’re doing great, cutie - and I want to thank you for trusting me enough to let me be a part of what you two have.”

“A lot of the time it feels like something the three of us have - it’s nice.” You say as you shift slightly so that you can rest your head on his shoulder.

“That’s because y’all have me spoiled with the involvement you’ve given me.” He drops a kiss to the top of your head.

“It’s our pleasure,” Mark says. “We both love having you as part of the team, Shawn.”

The blonde grins. “Not getting all sappy on me are ya, big man?”

Mark reaches across you and slaps Shawn lightly across the back of the head. “Let’s stay on task here, OK?”

“Love you, too.” Shawn shifts so that he can look at you more directly and his expression becomes unusually serious. “Cutie, you’ve said you want to be overpowered and used - are we talking rape play, here?” He gives you a small smile. “I have no problem doing it,” He clarifies, “but something like that can be a huge mind fuck.”

“Maybe at first,” You reply nervously, feeling weird at discussing such a topic in the context of play. “I mean… I don’t know…” You close your eyes and try to focus your thoughts. “I think… I’ve kind of imagined it that I end up enjoying it - but is that too clichéd?”

“Doesn’t matter, baby girl.” Mark gives the back of your neck a comforting squeeze. “Ultimately the point is for us all to enjoy the scene. If we do it right then you’ll probably feel scared at times, or overwhelmed - again, that’s why those colours are so important.”

You nod and lean back against the couch - there’s so much whirling around your head and it doesn’t feel like you’ve even scratched the surface with this negotiation. Shawn notices your incoming fatigue and changes tack so that he’s asking you questions with yes or no answers while Mark helps you to elaborate where more clarification is needed.

After another hour or so of discussion, with only a few tangents having got the better of you all, it’s agreed that the groundwork has been laid and expectations are clear.

After all that, now it’s just a waiting game.

————

You get home from your run, start some laundry and then vacuum downstairs before heading up to shower and change. You pick out some cute matching underwear and then throw on some sweats and a t-shirt and grab the hairdryer. You blow dry your hair with the customary clonking yourself on the head with it once or twice and jumping when the cord dances in your peripheral vision. You set the tool down and then do a final brush through before tying it back - the laundry should be finishing up soon.

Suddenly you’re plunged into darkness and your head is snapped back, a hand covering your mouth firmly over the material as it’s pulled tighter. You don’t have time to scream but you frantically scrabble at your neck, trying to grab the covering and pull it away from your face. Even as your rational mind says, ‘It’s started - this is their abduction’, the bare concept of what’s happening still has you in panic mode and you try to scream and continue to struggle. Whatever’s over your head is rapidly twisted in order to keep it tight and you’re whirled round and shoved face first against the wall, your attacker’s body pressed up close against you.

“Keep the noise down and stop fucking struggling, bitch.”

Even in your panicked state, you recognise the voice as Shawn’s but it’s so different compared to what you’re used to. His voice is deep anyway but he’s gritting the words out, hissing them into your ear through the material, which distorts it further. Knowing for certain that it’s him means that you’ve relaxed by half a degree - just enough to know that you need to play your part. He takes his hand off your mouth but shifts so that his shoulder pins you to the wall just long enough for him to grab one of your arms and twist it up behind your back. You cry out in genuine pain and he eases the hold but you can still feel the threat of it - if he pushes your arm an inch then the pain will come back.

“What do you want?” You ask, your voice strained.

“Shut up,” He grabs your other arm and then finally releases the vicious hold, but only so that he can bind your wrists together. Not with leather cuffs as you might have expected, but it feels like he’s used cable ties.

You try again. “Money… there’s a safe downstairs - I can open it if you -”

“I said, shut up!” He drags you away from the wall and pulls you against his body, one hand settling at your throat and the other around your waist. This means that your tied-together hands are nestled close to his crotch and a thought flits through your head that you can feel denim, so he must be wearing jeans - funny, the things you think about. He squeezes lightly on your neck and you become aware of how hot your face feels with your head trapped inside this bag.

“I don’t want money.” The hand on your waist moves and he openly gropes you, squeezing your breast and then cupping you hard between the legs. “I got everything I came for right here.” You do your best to wriggle out of his hold but he just laughs low and grinds himself against your bound hands. “A little to the left… yeah, that’s it - show me what a good little whore you can be. You might as well get some practice in now.”

You instantly stop moving and clench your hands into fists. The front of the material over your head is damp from your breath and you wonder whether jerking your head back would hurt you, or him. You can’t run… his hand is still resting around your throat - his arm feels bare and you can smell his skin and even his fabric softener, though that might be the material (pillow case?) over your head.

“Aw, you not gonna struggle anymore?” He says in a mocking tone. You swallow and try to shift your hands up a bit so that they’re not pressing against his crotch and then you feel his mouth on your skin, where neck meets shoulder. He bites down gently and it takes a lot of willpower not to let any pleasure show. Instead you try to wriggle away and his hand instantly tightens on your throat.

“You and me are gonna take a little ride.” You feel his lips move against your neck as he speaks. “Keep that mouth shut, got it? We both know there’s nobody around to hear, but if you start up, it’s gonna piss me off and believe me you don’t want that.” He spins you around again and within seconds has thrown you up over his shoulder and you flail at this new level of helplessness. You think you nearly throw him off balance because he staggers just briefly and then barks out, “Fucking stop that or I’ll just toss you down the stairs!” Your brain catches up enough to realise that you really do need to keep still for this part and so you go limp. He takes a moment to adjust his hold and then says, “You move again and I’ll make sure I bash your head off everything I can find on the way out of here.”

You discover that being carried over someone’s shoulder down a flight of stairs, while unable to see, is not the most pleasant of experiences and you can’t stop a couple of genuine whimpers though you know that Shawn’s being careful. He shifts his hold slightly again as he moves down the last step and then the air changes and you realise that he’s carried you right outside so he must have left the door open when he came in.

He comes to a stop and you expect him to set you down again but he doesn’t, though he does start talking again. “Now, I would let you ride shotgun but with that bag over your head… probably not a good idea. So you’re going in the back where no one can see you.” He turns and one of his hands grips the back of your sweatpants. “One, two, hup!”

You realise as you start to move through the air that he’s throwing you into the back of his pick up and you brace yourself but land on something soft - feels like a pile of blankets - so he’s obviously lined the vehicle bed and you lay there on your side. You’re a bit surprised when you hear him follow you in and then he’s wrapping what feels like rope around your ankles. You begin to struggle again, trying to kick out at him.

“Let me go! People are coming over later and they’re expecting me to be home!” You feel one of your feet connect with him and so you draw your leg back again and deliver a second, much more purposeful kick. He curses and grabs your foot, digging his thumb and index finger into a pressure point and you shriek in pain. “Get off me!”

He manhandles you on to your front and spreads himself out, practically laying on top of you. “Pipe down before I start knocking teeth out, you little bitch!” His breath is warm on your skin as he threatens you and then he bites the side of your neck again, much harder than he did back in the house.

You cry out in pain and your first thought is that the bite is going to leave a hell of a mark. The rough treatment so far already has you turned on and you go still because ultimately you do want to be tied up. Shawn pushes himself up and then you feel him shift around so that he’s facing your feet while being astride your thighs. He goes back to work with the rope and you’re actually surprised by his efficiency because in what seems like a short minute he has you secured in a hogtie position.

He climbs off you and you try an experimental pull at the bonds but of course you can’t get out of it. You’re still breathing hard and whimper through clenched teeth as he rocks you on to your side and gropes you again.

“Can’t wait to unwrap all this,” He comments, closing a hand around one of your breasts. “Get hold of these tits properly. If I didn’t have a schedule to keep, I’d take you right here.”

“Please…” You keep your voice quiet, mindful of his earlier threat. “You don’t have to do this.”

He laughs, rolling you abruptly back on to your front before slapping the side of your thigh. “You’re right; I don’t.” He moves away and you hear him climbing down from the truck bed, boots crunching on the gravel. “I don’t,” He says again and you hear a clunk. “I sure want to, though.” He adds as he begins to pull the truck’s tonneau cover into place. “And I can’t wait for the party to get started.” He slides the cover home and you’re plunged into darkness.

Even though the cover muffles the sounds, you still hear him climb into the cab, slam the door and start the engine. Your heart is pounding and your brain is going a mile a minute, only to settle on the thought that it’s warm out and you don’t know how long you’re going to be in here. As if on cue, you feel a breeze and realise that Shawn’s truck must have AC into the back - thank god.

At first you try to keep track of the turns that he’s making in an attempt to figure out where he’s taking you but in your puddle of blankets it’s hard to feel things properly and of course he could be taking all kinds of turns just to disorientate you. Underneath everything else that’s going on, there’s a constant current of arousal - this is actually happening…

TTT

Previous | Next

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NOTES

OK - as I’ve done my best to present in the first part of this, CNC is usually considered to be edge play and it can be a major mind fuck. Serious negotiations need to be made for a CNC scene and participants should be ready for it to not go as planned, because you really don’t know how people are going to react to an intense experience.

The flippant little comment Shawn makes about someone seeing a ‘kidnap’ take place? Yeah… really not so flippant. I was once at an event and a couple there who were into edge play recounted a tale about the time they had set up an abduction scene with a third person and it was all going great until the police came knocking. Someone had seen them taking their ‘abductee’ into the venue and called the police. This resulted in the three of them being taken to the police station where they were immediately interviewed separately at great length. Of course, as the scene had been pre-negotiated they were all able to give the same full and accurate account that everything was consensual, what had been planned, etc. If my memory serves me correctly they had also all written an account as well, signed and dated, and sealed in separate envelopes. This helped them massively because the police were (quite rightly) keen to make sure that everyone involved was safe and happy. But yeah… mood killer to say the least.

I’ve taken some liberties with the kidnap. You shouldn’t ever leave someone alone while they’re in bondage, and really not hogtied in the back of a truck. Cramp is a thing, etc. So yeah - please don’t do as I’ve written.

So, yes. Planning is crucial. Ongoing enthusiastic consent from all parties is crucial. Safe words are crucial.

[oh-cosmia]

⚡️Lightning, for the ask! :3

have i ever added something i wouldn’t have added normally… heh

i mean. i created bernie parvez in the next chapter of DB because of you???

jkjk ok actual answers

generally the reasons i add something to a story i wouldn’t have otherwise are either because 1) i noticed that a random thing i mentioned in the middle of some dialogue or narration was kinda interesting and i wanted to elaborate on it or 2) because i’m making a little “gift” for someone (ie: any time in the future if i mention min wearing a wristband/watch it is for alex) or 3) it’s funny

in no more solos, min’s flashback to powell lake (specifically the convo between his and ryan’s dads) was entirely written on the spot. it wasn’t in the outline and for a while i wanted to cut it because tonewise and thematically it’s kinda just Off, i wasn’t even planning to incorporate mr akagi or mr park much at first (that may change). however the more i thought about it, the more i liked the wistfulness, i liked seeing a glimpse into how ryan and min’s families were affected, i liked writing mr akagi and mr park talking to each other as friends because it felt like a mirror to ryan and min.

i think lots of people talk about how important it is to cut unnecessary things from your art but i think it’s also important to leave room for unexpected things to stay… i figured if i was invested enough in that scene to write it out then probably at least one person would be invested in reading it

as for DBTTLOR, i’m not sure if this fits the question, but sometimes when I was writing moments of ryan being gay and oblivious in his head i tried to make up examples that would make my friends/second readers go “……..jesus” abdbdjfjfjjf if i can think of something that would make a specific person laugh then i’ll put it in even if its distracting abdhdjf i’m still very sad i had to cut min-gi’s Buff Reveal

send me a weather emoji ask about my WIPS!

[stormsinteacupsbubblesinbottles]

ok since im out of town visiting family:

New Mexico Gothic

The land of enchantment

it rains in the summer. why?

you look out at the scene around you. there is not a tree in sight. but theres a mountain. but its not a mountain… it looks like the top has been slashed off.

nowhere to hide out on these hills. nowhere to hide from it. but its out there. and somehow it hides from you.

every billboard has lawyers. “WIN.” “WIN BIG.” “LAW GIANT.” Injury lawyers if im to be specific. whats causing all these injuries.

driving. driving somewhere. but not home.

small pockets of towns. of people. they look abandoned but surely its not.

something was on this land. someone was here.

you walk with your cousin up a hill. you find an arrow head. where is the arrow? where is the bow? where is the archer? where is the prey? was it prey?

my sister loves the clouds. theres many clouds here, she names them off to me, there seems to be more here than back home.

I’ll add to this as i stay here lol

[trenchcoathunnybee08]

Ok so I just finished Hannibal a few weeks ago and I need to talk about the choice to use a Windego as the depiction of the Chesapeake Ripper (Hannibal) in Wills hallucinations.

I’m going through a horror / folklore phase and that’s what got me to start the show in the first place. I’m sure it’s probably been said since the show came out but still I’d like to add my two cents.

In most folklore the Windego is a cannibalistic spirit that possess a person via a bight or their dreams and then kills and eats its victims (other people)

⬆️ [i actually didn’t know this part. I had just looked I up while I was writing this out. If anyone want to add to this bit go ahead. I’d love to hear more]

In other versions it’s a person driven to starvation who resorts to cannibalism and is then warped and changed by the act. (Normally minors lost in caves or early American settlers who run out of supplies during their travels)

The choice to have the Ripper depicted as that in Will’s hallucinations has such an important role in the story. If you go off the two routes of the creation of these creatures you can see that in a way they fit with each of them respectively. (Hannibal and Will)

That scene in the prison where Will is the one growing the antlers is a great reference to the fact that he’d been almost “possessed” to kill Abagail but it was really Hannibal who did it. (Yes I know she wasn’t actually dead but at the time Will believed he might have done it) From his prospective Will has no idea what happened to her. Not really at least. He can’t trust himself completely and nobody els dose either. He’s been warped by this unseen entity and has done things he would have never thought he could do before meeting Hannibal. And given they reveal later Hannibal had been manipulating him to have episodes/seizures and the blackouts it’s even more of a reference to the whole “possession” aspect of the monsters origin.

On the flip with Hannibal you can easily see he’s a cannibal so that obviously gives the connection to the creature. Here’s the part where I think I might be reaching so just stick with me. Hannibal in season 2 tells Chiyoh that he didn’t kill his sister but he did eat her. Now I don’t know what happened. I haven’t seen any of the movies and I haven’t read the books so this part is purely my own theory’s and speculation.

The theory goes like this- he and his sister were taken (Where I have no idea) bad stuff happens and one of their captors killed Mischa and somehow Hannibal escapes. Between her death and his escape either he is driven to starvation and thus is changed or he killed his captor and eats her as a way of honoring her death. Personally I lean more for the first. (In both situations he eats her as a forme of keeping her with him either for survival or simply emotional) Thus he is changed and she was his first step onto this new path.

(For this I’ll be going off my first theory)

So the way I pictured it things go as such, Mischa dies, he eats her, and presumably she becomes his first, then he escapes. The man who Chiyoh was guarding was likely their captor and caused her death. Given we know he was a cannibal we can also assume the possibility that Mischa died and Hannibal was driven to either starvation and ate her or the man forced him to eat her. After Hannibal was likely still young so say he escapes, after he gets back home enlists the help of Chiyoh and they captured Mischa’s killer. Hannibal tried to kill the man but Chiyoh stops him and instead they imprisoned him. Hannibal leaves at some point after and goes to presumably Florence where he becomes El Mostró. We have a general idea of what follows.

All this is to say that in the case of Dr. Hannibal Lector he was likely turned to cannibalism due to the death of his sister and connects directly to one of the possible origins for these cannibalistic creatures.

In the case of Will Gram his connection is via “possession” or through his subconscious/dreams at the hands of Hannibal. Will might have already had a darkness in him but Hannibal most certainly was the catalyst for its eventual release in season 3. Will might not have become a full blown cannibal like Hannibal in the end but if they did survive the fall and they were at Bedelias home about to eat her leg he clearly isn’t against it anymore and thus he has been changed.

The choice to depict Hannibal as a Windego was a perfect literary choice not only character wise but simply thematically and story wise.

It’s just such a fitting thing to have him depicted as that creature and then to have them parallel him with Will in the prison growing the antlers!? Genius! The writing for this show is insane! Dont even get me started on the individual murders and throughout the show! The tree?! And mural killer ??!? I could go for hours on those !

I’ve only just finished it but it truly is full of such good writing. Absolutely beautiful.

[note: i have the name of the creature crossed out and mentioned as little as possible because supposedly saying it can attack the creature like whistling at night and I don’t need that even if I’m not very superstitious so there is a reason for that. It is entirely unrelated to this post though]

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[peemanne]

pee-man yakuza ost review: Kiwami 1 (IT MEANS EXTREME!!)

So since I did a little write-up on the original game's OST and I thought it'd be fun to do it with Kiwami's soundtrack, since I got the original's soundtrack fresh in my mind, and because I haven't actually played the Kiwamis yet. (i've been playing these games in the world's jankiest order don't question it).

So here we are! Since it's my first time fully listening to this, I decided to make this write up a little more complete. And by little more, I mean I wrote about just about every track available to me. Whoops.

I wrote and listened to this over the course of 3 nights, so I'll mark the "sessions" as such if you're curious. I'll also have hyperlinks to all the tracks in their titles for convenience.

This is gonna be a very subjective thing, and I'm gonna make a LOT of comparisons to the original work. I'm sure at least some of my opinions would change if I actually played them in their original, specifically Kiwami context, but for now, here are my thoughts on Yakuza Kiwami's soundtrack. (i don't think there are any major spoilers for most of this post!! though i'll be using a pastebin to talk about the final boss theme so keep that in mind)

it means extreme by the way

Session 1 Receive You Reborn

DUDE. 

I love this rendition so much. The revamped, heavy drums. The heavy guitar. THE VOCALIST. I can’t even understand Japanese but they add so so much to the track. I still haven’t played Kiwami myself but I know for a fact this ended up getting cut from the english release because of licensing funnies, and that just sucks, because this song ROCKS. A more than worthy rendition of the original, iconic theme. The lyrics actually make the song reflect into Nishiki instead of the original reflecting to Kiryu, which is just amazing. The lack of the “ROLLING EYES FALL” choir stings a little, sure, but it’s gonna take a lot more than that to take this track down. It’s so good. 

極龍の嘶き+ 極龍の胎動 (Roar of the Dragon Redux):

I’m assuming this is the main menu theme, and it’s pretty good at conveying the mood and atmosphere for the story, I feel. It’s quite the haunting melody, and I love those sirens at the very start, referencing the opening scene with Kiryu getting arrested. Pretty cooooooooool. 

Renewed Unrest:  (Remake of Unrest)

ok but listen to that bassline though. mmmmmmmm. 

The original Unrest track is one I’ll definitely remember: Yakuza 1’s atmosphere was one of its greatest strengths in my eyes, and that panic track solidified that a lot during those tense moments in the story. This remake is really good! It still has the strong atmospheric sound of the original, while giving it more instruments to work with. It tells you there’s danger right around the corner, but you don’t know when it’s gonna jump. 

迫 (Urgency): I think this is a blow to the city remake? I’m not confident in saying that. But hey, it’s another good, more tense panic theme. Not much to really say here, but I still like it. They use some unique instruments here (my dumbass only really noticed towards the end) and I think they’re awesome and add a lot to the (obvious) urgency of the track. 

Funk Goes On 極:

Kiwami!! It means extreme!! This is probably one of the more famous tracks in like… the whole series. I’m pretty sure most of its success is because of Majima Everywhere funnies. Anyways, I think the original wins out here, but Kiwami isn't bad at all. It’s definitely faster paced: whether or not you think that’s a good thing is up to preference, but it does make a distinction between the two. I’m much more preferable to the original’s rocky jazz. It feels more effortlessly badass, y’know? The techno in Kiwami isn’t bad, sure, but I feel it just lacks some of the punch the original had. 

Flirt With Bomb: (Remake of son of a gun)

Look how they massacred my boy… My son of a gun (2006)...

Alright, I’m not really being fair with this one, but I just vastly prefer the original. Still though, this is a solid track in its own right. It still gets the hype going, and I just love the buildup at the start. I like how they handled the techno here more than they did Funk Goes On Kiwami, honestly. But again, I just like son of a gun more. Like, way more. I’m getting sad just thinking about it. 

Scarlet Scar by Fierce Tiger: (Remake of Scarlet Scar)

Pretty sick, actually! I feel like this matches the original’s energy much more than the last two battle themes did. They even kept the original samples with unintelligible mouth noises and stuff!! And you gotta love those Y1 sirens, I love it when the tracks add that in. The original still feels like the heavier of the two, but this one still stands as an aggressive, raw track to match the Shimano Family’s brutishness. It's a bop either way, that's for sure.

Ideal For Violence: (Remake of Intelligence For Violence)

HELL YEAH DUDE!! 

I ADORE this track. I love the guitars. I love the little “YEAH YO!” at the start. I love those crass, vaguely drug-related (probably) unintelligible English vocals, and those guys yelling “YO! YO! YO!” with him. AND THAT SAX. That sax has been stuck in my mind for so long. I like the original Intelligence For Violence, sure, but Ideal is just amazing to me. Why does RGG keep giving Shindo the coolest tracks ever? Hell if I know, but I’m so glad this exists because of it.

Session 2

Get Over It

First completely original song I’m pretty sure, and comments are saying it’s the generic long battle theme. And I think it’s a pretty solid track! It does a good job at setting up the stakes and some of the tragedy of Y1’s fights, and again, I like some of those unique instruments they use. It’s almost trance-like in some sections. And that guitar section in the middle: that’s what really makes the track. It reminds me a lot of Solitude and that atmosphere of that track, and considering that’s one of my absolute favorite tracks in the series, that’s pretty high praise. It sounds dream-like, but still tense as hell and it really gets the blood pumping that way.

キワメシトキ (no translation sorry :C)

Apparently this is the theme for some prototype Extreme Heat/EX Boost/Install Super/Devil Trigger thing in Kiwami? Anyways, not really much to say here. The drums feel heavy I guess, but there’s just not much to this. Can’t imagine hearing it repeatedly either without getting at least somewhat annoyed at it. Meh. 

The End of the Dogma: (Remake of End of the Drama)

Alright, I’m feeling this one! I really like how they handled the techno here: the original feel can still definitely be felt strong, while still allowing it to crank it up a notch and be its own thing. The original still feels more raw, which honestly applies to almost all of the remakes, but this one hits hard in its own right. It’s those triple echoes, man. The WAH WAH WAH WAH WAH WAH WAH. I dig this one quite a bit! I’d personally put it on-par with the original. 

Pray Me ~Revive~:

they removed most of the unintelligible rap parts 0/10 remake

Look, I can excuse some songs just now quite matching the energy of the original, but I’m just not really on board with Revive. Of all the tracks in the original, Pray Me was probably the rawest sounding, angry track, and Revive tries to match it, but it just… doesn’t do it for me. There are some parts to like, of course: the more orchestral sounding sections near the end are pretty cool. But like…man. I just can’t help but feel a little let down by this one. It should feel like it’s more energetic, but it really doesn’t. It’s honestly not that bad, but compared to the original, it just can’t stand on its own. 

Receive You the madtype: (Remake of Receive You the Prototype)

CONFESSION: This is my least favorite of the Majima themes. There’s just something about it to me that I can’t really put my finger on. It just feels like it’s lacking something. Maybe Hyperactive and Subtype just spoiled me in regards to the more techno themes, I don’t know. It’s still good, don’t get me wrong, it’s probably one of the better tracks out of the OST so far, but man. I’m sorry I can’t explain it, I really am, but it just feels off to me. Cannot emphasize this enough, it’s still an actually pretty damn good song, but it’s just not for me personally with the competition it has to stand up to. Maybe I’ll warm up to it the more I listen to it like I did with Subtype, but for now, I think it’s the weakest Majima theme.

Virtical Point: (Remake of Turning Point)

I don’t know why they named it like that with the typo. Anyways, Turning Point is probably my favorite track in the original game, so I also walked into this one with pretty high expectations. And after listening to it, I honestly can’t really compare the two. But I can say I did quite like the track. I can feel the sorrow and the overall mood of the original more, but this one is literally just rave music. And I like Yakuza’s literally just rave music tracks, so… 

I can’t really say how much this would fit the big fight it plays in, because again, I haven't actually played the Kiwamis. But as a track, Virtical Point’s a hell of a vibe. I’m not saying it's completely devoid of that feeling the original had, the build-up sections are amazing, but I feel like they trade some of that for just pure techno blast. And I love those drops with the “FEEL THE FORCE” and “FEEL THE POWER''s. I’m glad this is probably what led them to create Rake Your Inside, which is very awesome and cool and swag.

End Point still better though don’t @ me 

Ogre Has Reborn: (Remake of Ogre Has Returned)

Don’t really know if this is gonna surprise anyone, but this is actually a remake of a Yakuza 3 track! Lau just used the generic boss theme in the original game. 

Anyways, this track’s interesting, because it sounds more… triumphant, more than anything? It’s really badass in a pretty unique way in that aspect. The first half conveys the intimidation part well, but the second half just sounds amazing. The original track does that too, and honestly I think it sounds better there, but here it feels more refined and even graceful. I dig the little Chinese motifs too, of course. Pretty dope track overall. It’s all ogre now.

The Wicked:

Another original track, and I can probably appreciate this one more than usual because I don’t have the nightmares it seems to be associated with. 

I quite like this one! Like the last track, it feels triumphant: it’s one last, herculean push to the finish line. The piano and string sections convey that really well, but it still exposes the wickedness of the other side. It still feels menacing, like evil itself. The choir actually fulfills both roles perfectly, too. The techno doesn’t feel too overbearing either, which can be a bit of a problem with the OST at times. 

Cool song that I’ll be glad to remember just as a cool song and not whatever nightmare boss fight Kiwami players had to sit through. 

Final Boss Theme pastebin: (spoilers, obviously)

Lunatic Warrior (Remake of Fiercest Warrior from Ishin!)WHERE’S THE “afloi” AT THE START????

Anyways, pretty cool track. It’s against some VERY stiff competition to me (I adore the Amon themes), and while I don’t think it’s quite as good as they are, this one still slaps. This is Kiryu and Amon’s (technically) first meeting, and it makes sense that it wouldn’t really be as menacing as stuff like K2’s Fiercest Warrior, for example. The main melody’s catchy and the choir remains amazing. And while it’s not AS menacing as some other Fiercest Warriors, it still fits that quota pretty well. This track has a lot of energy to it, which I appreciate. Plus they got the sirens back. I love the sirens. 

TAKUMI 2016 (Remake of TAKUMI 2009 from Yakuza 3)

I’ll have to admit that I wasn’t really a fan of the TAKUMI themes for a while, then I listened to 0’s again, and suddenly I think they’re awesome now. Anyways, this one’s definitely up there with 1988. This goes prettttyyyyyyyyy hard. I love the graceful mix of the traditional bits with the intense techno breaks: it makes for a pretty one-of-a-kind track while still being sick and feeling heavy. Pretty neat! 

Also it sounds like a song from one of the rhythm games I play (Rhythm Doctor) so it gets bonus points for reminding me of another game I really like. 

Amusing Octagon:

I knew this track from before this session because of a meme with Walter White complaining about not being able to play Yakuza Kiwami OST - 20 Amusing Octagon or something

It sounds like a Tekken track. Like, you could slap this onto some random character select screen and it’d probably fit perfectly. This hits pretty hard! It fits the colosseum vibe really well and just sounds great on top of that. It’s a fun track. Amusing, even. Maybe even Yakuza Kiwami OST - 20 Amusing Octagon or something

Session 3

Ruthless Octagon:

It’s a mean track. Ruthless, even. Maybe even uhhhhhh

I think Amusing’s the better Octagon here but this one’s decent too. I’m gonna assume this is what plays for final rounds, and it does a good job at conveying that last push feeling. It’s heavy, it gets the blood pumping, and again, fits the colosseum vibe like a glove. I've been told they used this for K2's colosseum too, and overall they made a pretty good choice for a track to bring back for it!

Set My Heart:

I have literally no idea what this plays for. It sounds like another character select screen to me. Anyways, really fun track! It’s short, sure, but it’s a funky little beat the whole time and doesn’t overstay its welcome. And I love those brass sections, making it even better. It’s just a short little vibe, and it doesn’t really need to be anything more than that. 

Everlasting Spirit:

This is randomly super catchy. Again, absolutely no idea what it plays for, but it’s a real earworm…

This sounds like something that would play while Kiryu busts a move with a completely straight face the whole time. I’d probably be dancing with him, too. Cool song! Gotta love that percussion. 

In a Dead Heat:

Now this one sounds like a customization menu theme for a racing game. Probably pocket circuit, if I’d have to guess. I really dig the guitar riffs they use here. It’s just a cool, short upbeat track to get you ready to very excitedly scream at toy cars. 

Beastie Beat:

so true beastie 

This one sounds really arcade-y, in a good way! It’s really fun and even feels a little nostalgic. Again, I dig the guitar riffs they use in this one. This definitely makes me want to very excitedly scream at toy cars. 

Smack In The Forest:

Sounds like a more intense version of the last track, like a final-lap scenario. It’s definitely more energetic and the guitar feels heavier. Something something scream at toy cars. Good track. I want to make out with pocket circuit fi

As a Memory:

I know for a FACT this plays in Yakuza 5. I can’t remember exactly when, but I’ve definitely heard it in there. Probably with Haruka. 

That aside, the track’s a little repetitive, but still pretty fun. It’s just a little something to maybe bop your head to for a few. I like the strong bassline throughout, it really adds a lot to the vibe. 

TONIGHT-restart from this night-【Full Spec Edition】:

I’m playing through 6 right now and I recently got to experience playing this song for the first time. You can’t do this to me RGG

It’s no secret Takaya Kuroda’s a great singer, but man… He really poured his soul out for this track. You can really just feel all the sorrow Kiryu’s had to bottle up. That chorus just hits so hard. 

those Y0 screenshots were a CHEAP SHOT AND YOU KNOW IT RGG. IT’S NOT FAIR DAMMIT 

意地桜 (Iji Sakura) 2000 [Full Spec Edition]:

I’ve listened to the Ishin version and I just like the more traditional, heartfelt ballad that one was, but this one just steers into a completely different direction and I just can’t dislike it for that. The instrumental is way more badass than it really has any right to be, lmao. This track makes me want to go outside and very angrily pluck out turnips from the ground. That chorus is just unbeatable in either version, and is very easily my favorite part of the song. Not really a karaoke song that I’ll be blasting on repeat, but it’s a pretty cool track nonetheless.

ばかみたい 哀愁 Baka Mitai ~Sorrow~ [Full Spec Edition]:

I had no idea Kiwami had a Baka Mitai remix! I was completely expecting to just skip this one because it’s… well, it’s Baka Mitai. Who in this community hasn’t heard it a million times? 

So it’s an acoustic cover with some strings slapped on there for good measure. I think the original still stands superior, but it’s still really neat that this gets to exist alongside it. It amplifies the sorrow a bit more (I mean I'd hope so from “Baka Mitai ~Sorrow~), and obviously Kuroda’s cover of Baka Mitai is legendary at this point. This was more or less destined to sound good no matter what, and again, it’s just really cool that this exists. 

Ishin spec still better though don’t @ me 

Moment de la Petite Sirene 刹那の人魚姫 (Heartbreak Mermaid) [Full Spec Edition]:

JAN! JAN! JAN! JAN!

This song caught me off-guard: it’s pretty damn good! I’m admittedly a sucker for this kind of music, and I honestly prefer this version to the original’s. It’s catchy, sounds a little nostalgic, and also has Spanish guitar. And Spanish guitar is always a win. The singer’s also pretty good, she really adds to the more laid back feeling this track has. It sounds like something I’d have blasting in my headphones while doing grocery shopping at 9AM. It just has that kind of vibe, I can’t really describe it in another way. 

ユーロde×3シャイン (x3 SHINE) [Full Spec Edition]:

Maybe a little too energetic for my tastes, I think the original does better here, but this isn’t a bad rendition. It’s just the chorus which is my problem, though. The original has such a memorable, fun chorus, but here it’s just not as strong. It might just be I find Yuki to be a way better vocalist, but eh. It feels like it loses itself a little with going all in with the energy. 

オトメタルmy life (Otometal my life) [Full Spec Edition]:

I love how split this track is. You got a guitar just FIGHTING FOR ITS LIFE in there, and Haruka just singing sweetly. No seriously, the instrumental’s so sick in this one. Haruka’s honestly a really good vocalist, and Kiryu just hyping his daughter up by putting his ALL into screaming for her is amazing as well. It’s so stupid, and it dedicates 100% effort to it anyways, and that results in this insane, fun karaoke song. Also completionists apparently hate this song for some reason, which I find very comedic. 

10/10. I thought it was “oatmeal” at first. Also made me forget this actually showed up in Yakuza 4 first. This one's cooler though

in conclusion and stuff

Overall, I'm pretty mixed on Kiwami's soundtrack. There are a couple of songs, while not bad, just don't really compare to the original. The techno direction isn't inherently bad (look at LJ, 0, LAD, those all have amazing music), but Kiwami can definitely go a little overboard with it, souring some songs.

That being said, Kiwami still has no shortage of just fantastic tracks. Ideal For Violence is literally the best thing ever, for example. The original tracks are pretty strong too, with Get Over It and The Wicked being tracks that really caught my attention. The karaoke selection's a nice little bonus too, basically being a remix selection, which is just fun.

Maybe I'd like Kiwami's soundtrack more if it didn't have to directly compare the whole thing to the original, but for what it's worth, I still think it has a very solid OST overall. RGG's composers are just on another level honestly

Since I had a lot of fun making this, I'll probably end up going wildly off-course for my original plan for these and just start doing full soundtrack write-ups. Oh well. I'll probably take a look at Kenzan's next, if that's the case. Until then, thanks for reading me ramble about video game osts for awhile :)

also i still promise i have swag please its not the only thing i listen to you have to believe me please don't leave pl

[scamanderishredmayniac]

Ten First Lines

I was tagged by @uefb thanks for the tag. I just realised I don’t really have many fics posted online, most of them are WIP and still in my drafts. Some will probably never see the light of day, and nearly all of them or at maybe just most of them are written for my own amusement or entertainment. Even with those in my drafts etc I still probably have less than 10. I’ll probably add a few Harry Potter fanfic as well as Fantastic beasts stuff just to make up numbers. I’ve also noticed while going through half the fics for this post, that I don’t even know where half the stories are going, most of them are just ideas my head throws at me, so they’re just a bunch of idea with unknown destinations. Just because the ideas seem good when they pop into my head. Lol! Anyway here goes.

Rules: Share the first lines of ten of your fanfics and tag ten people. If you’ve written fewer than 10 fics, don’t be shy and share anyway. If you’re an artist or meta-writer, feel free to find a way to participate if you’d like. :) (notice I took out the word recent, because if I just post ten lines of recent work only, then I’d have even less to share).

1. Fantastic Beats and Where to find them: Of Beasts and Monsters

Newt rubbed his face as he looked out over Paris from the rooftops of the crypt.

I have one chapter posted on ao3, and trying to write chapter 2, I’ve started it, but it’s not going well. Lol! Newt is keeping secrets from Tina, one she shouldn’t know about and could land him into trouble and cost him their relationship.

2. The Magizoologist And The Human Mini-beasts

Newt stood transfixed at the scene before him with regret.

I posted this one somewhere on tumblr, but can’t find it through the tags system. It was part of the fantastic beasts week event from 2020 I think. The prompt for that day was to do a Fantastic beasts crossover with something else. This was a one shot, crossover with Kindergarten cop. If anyone has seen that movie, you’ll recognise the scene straight away. This one was a fun write. I may make it into a full story instead of just a one shot in the future. We’ll see. Tina is poorly and Newt is made to take on one her cases, but Newt’s not sure he wants to, and questioning what he’s doing there.

3. Letters From Home

Tina woke to the sun streaming in through the window, the light dazzling her eyes as she fought to open them.

This one was for day 3 of the Fantastic beasts week 2020 challenge. While it is posted as a one shot, and can be read as a separate thing, it will eventually be a part of Fantastic beasts: of beasts and monsters. (I guess I’m cheating. Look it still counts ok). Tina gets a letter from Toliver after the Paris incident, Newt and Jacob try to comfort her.

4. Creatures

Newt and Leta were sitting in their usual place in the little room, where Newt had kept his creatures hidden from prying eyes.

This one was day 1 of my Newty November challenge, the word prompt had been creatures so I did a one shot here on tumblr. It should be somewhere floating around. I think I could find this one, so might share link to it some point. We’ll see. Its just a short little ficlet thing, where Newt and Leta are tending to a new creature they’ve just found.

5. Of magical creatures

Newt stood watching the group of people who would be his students for the next few weeks, perhaps a month or even a year.

This one lives in my drafts and still unsure weather I will actually post this one anywhere at the moment. I wrote this as a sort of fun bit of writing, more for myself than anything. I wanted to explore and AU where Newt is asked to teach and train a few adults on magizoology, as a career path at Hogwarts. Dumbledore is headmaster of the school and thinks there should be more magizoologists in the world, helping Newt’s cause, and suggests Newt uses the school to teach a selection of adult students.

6. Fantastic Beasts and where to find them: The Newt and The Salamander

The Scamander twins had been very close and had a strong bond growing up, but as of late things had changed.

This is one that will probably never see the light of day, and will probably stay in my drafts as a hidden story, just for my eyes only I think. I wrote this one for my own entertainment. As you can see another AU. It starts off with the incident with the jarvey and Newt’s expulsion from Hogwarts, as the catalyst for the twin’s fall out. But after the events of Paris Newt needs to stop running, and avoiding his sister and enlist her help to bring down Grindelwald. Bonds have been broken, but must be reforged in order to work together. Newt is guilt ridden, his sister is angry. They must put grudges and mistakes of the past behind them and work together.

7. The Ring

Newt tried hard to stand still as Theseus straightened his bow for the umpteenth time. He was starting to regret the whole thing.

This one is going to be a two part one shot, which is a work in progress that I’m half way through. It’s part of a February word prompt challenge I took up, but never really managed to finish on time. I was so busy with doing the challenge I was hosting, that I only managed to do this in dribs and drabs alongside the picture for part two and parts of the fic for part two.

8. The Dinner Date

Newt and Tina made their way to a table near the back of the restaurant, a waiter taking their coats and pulling out Tina’s chair for her as she made to sit down.

This is part two of The Ring, again from the same word prompt challenge. The story beginning above being the word prompt ring, and this one the word prompt being Dinner date. As I say I’m working on a fan art to go with this one. I thought i’d finished it, but realised there were mistakes to the artwork and need to fix it. And also realised I’d forgotten to add things to it, so I have to go back and fix the picture. Started the story to this one, but realised I need to fix a few things because I don’t know much about dating etiquettes, and now realised I’m going to have to change the plot a little. I actually started the ring one after realising I needed to change parts of this story. I needed to make this one interesting somehow, so the ring was my way of fixing the mistake on this one. The mistake to this story was supposed to help make things a bit more interesting, but after asking a friend’s advice, I realised it wouldn’t work. So the ring had to be a part of it to make it a bit more I don’t know. Give it back story I guess.

9. Halloween At Hogwarts

With it being the first of October, the weather was changing, and autumn was now in full bloom.

This is or was a spin off to another story I’m working on. Things are not going well at Hogwarts and it’s up to Harry and his friends to stop whatever is haunting the school. What starts of as a fun Halloween game, becomes a Halloween nightmare for the staff and students at Hogwarts. This is the first long fanfic I actually managed to finish. I’m really bad at finishing long stuff.

10. The Scrooge Of Hogwarts

The students had gone home for the holidays, which meant it would be peaceful and quiet at Hogwarts.

A one shot story in which Snape is visited by three spirits. A HP and Scrooge crossover, I wrote for Christmas. This was a fun one to write, some of my friends and colleagues thought it was a fun read too.

Wow ok I actually didn’t do too badly, I managed to at least find 8 Fantastic beasts related stuff to post first lines of. Not bad. I thought it would be less. From doing this little exercise, I have learned that just writing the first line of your story doesn’t promote it well. Especially if they’re short one liners. Eek! That’s why I added a little description after each one, to make them sound a little more interesting. Lol! Ouch!

Ok to tag 10 people, I’m not sure who to tag and don’t know if I know 10 people to tag. I’ll just tag one or two and then anyone else who wants to do it can do. I tag, @newt-and-salamander @afrenchaugurey @snapeysister (I don’t know if you do writing or not, but you can post pictures and fan art to stories you read if you like for the challenge). @themysteriousphoenix And that’s it, I can’t remember anyone else who writes. Sorry if I’ve missed anyone out. Even if I’ve not mentioned you, and you want to take part, then please do.

[catonatrain]

hi everyone first and foremost im very happy takao even got to the third round so i made a little doodle of him !! my silly orange basketball guy!!

i also need everyone to know that it is a challenge to find things to talk about without talking about my favorite takao scene but its ok!! that will not stop me!!

in the last two rounds, my friend and i have talked about who takao is, his basketball superpower, his personality, how he is OrangeTM, stuff from his character songs and more here and here!

for this post, im going to talk about random different moments from that i liked!!

look at him talking to this child, offering to get her balloon (by offering up his tall friend but that's beside the point)

2. theres a time where his partner midorima is having an extremely unlucky day, where hes getting drenched by water, dropping ceramic sculptures, getting choked by a scarf, barely avoiding getting crushed by construction material

when this happens, takao offers to stay with him because he says its dangerous to leave him alone! and midorima is being all huffy about it going like... you dont have to worry about me... in which takao is like of course i worry

he then goes to say like yeah cant have you dying!! in which midorima doesnt know how to react so takao is like haha im just hoping to see you get into funny situations and then midorima is like hmph thought so

and then takao is like sheesh he gets uncomfortable and confused when teammates worry about him (earlier takao told their other teammates about midorimas unlucky day so everyone was fretting over him)

and i just thought it was a little sweet that he did this!! he knows midorima doesnt know how to react to all this concern and attention so takao acts AnnoyingTM to make it a bit easier for him

and then afterwards takao does follow midorima home, choosing to make sure he's all safe rather than go to basketball practice

(also disclaimer that i dont know japanese-- im paraphrasing to the best of my ability when i did read someones translation of this a while back!!)

3. he has has a rivalry with the main character kuroko!! when he first goes up against kuroko, he says that midorima would say its fate that theyre going up against each other-- and then he adds that he believes in it too, despite the fact takao doesnt believe in fate

they even have a duet together and this is a line takao says about kuroko, once again talking about fate... his partners interest in astrology and fate was so strong it got takao believing in it too

I guess neither one of us wants to lose, huh? Should we call it fate? I’ll be the one to stop you

and look at them here off the basketball court being very silly together

4. i mentioned before that takaos basketball superpower is being able to see the basketeball court from a birds eye view; in one drama cd, midorima and him use the abillty to play a crane game and they win a whole bunch of goat plushies which i think is hilarious

5. look at him bking people around-- taking midorima out to hang out with others despite the fact midorima was scared to go out that day and and giving directions to tatsuya who got the worst directions ever

thank you everyone for reading!! as always if you give a vote for takao that'd make me super happy!

also because i worked hard on it, im going to show everyone this edit again :D

Bracket 4, Round 3

[fcntasmas-archive]

alright i’m biting the bullet here! i’m doing it!! if there are any artists interested in working on a buddie visual novel game (complete with choices, different endings, locked scenes and all that good stuff) with me i would. love to talk to you some more? this would be a totally free endeavor, which means two things: one, i’m not getting paid to program or write any of this (neither is @probieeddie, who’s graciously accepted to jump on ship as another writer) which consequently means two, i cannot offer you payment in anything but gratitude and welcoming arms into my passion project fjskaldf we would make $0 off of this (for intellectual property purposes, obvs) and it would eventually be a free-to-download and free-to-play game for the fandom, so! no money would come out of this for anyone! (if there was i promise i would pay you More than i could ever earn from this bc i know drawing is a whole hassle fjdlkjfs) anyway! below the read more is more information of the artistic components i’m looking for and if you see anything you’d feel comfortable contributing/being a part of, please DM me and we can talk some more and if you’re interested beyond that in being part of the project i’ll happily add you to our discord server!

CHARACTER DESIGNER-- filled by @nymika-arts

this is ideally one (1) person (for stylistic consistency) and would be in charge of drawing character sprites/portraits. this includes different poses/facial expressions for the same character sprite, but you will not be drawing anything under the waist, most likely. so if you have issues with full-body portraits -- you might enjoy this! legs are hard!

BACKGROUND ARTIST-- filled by @herosiris​

pretty straightforward!!! the artist who would take care to draw the background of the scenes: so, say, if they’re at the station, you’d draw the station, if they’re at a park for a call, you’d draw the park, etc etc. would work closely with the character designer just to make sure styles Vibed with each other.

GUI ARTIST/DESIGNER-- filled by @fruitydiaz​

the graphic user interface artist/designer would take care of making the game Unique Af -- so no boring old black text boxes, menu boxes, choices, stats, etc. whatever the user interacts with is your artistic playground. we’d get into specifics throughout the programming process. would most likely be working closely with me, for stylistic purposes and whatnot.

if any of these get a lot of interest/traction, i’ll most likely put up an application form or something to narrow down the search, maybe make it a two-person job if it gets to that point.

i cannot stress enough how SORRY i am i cannot pay you in anything but my gratitude and a welcome pass to a passion project. like. literally. no money. if nothing else i will be adding ko-fis to update posts and whatnot, so you may be able to get some tips out of that ;-;

and the game where it stands is at its very preliminary stages -- so you’d get a lot of input on where you’d like to see it go, what you think may not be working, etc etc. we’d be a whole Team, ok

anyway,,,, lmk if you’re interested!!! ily!! this is terrifying!! ok bye!!

[sandshadow9]

Can you elaborate on what aspects of the WoF worldbuilding you find to be underbaked? I'm interested in your point of view(and it's been a while since I've reread them so my memory isn't the freshest lol)

Thanks for ask @aspirationatwork! To prevent this from getting too long I’ll use bullet points and try to briefly describe my thoughts on the topic. OK here we go

- The animus magic system: Its origins are a mystery, it’s limitations (if any) are vague and undefined, and its inheritance is random. Someone else (maybe on the subreddit?) pointed out that Tui had to get rid of animus magic since she had basically written herself into a corner and made it too overpowered which I think is a valid point but I’m not happy about it.

- NightWing powers: Now I enjoy mind reading/prophecy powers a lot, but these powers stick out like a sore thumb compared to the abilities of the other tribes and we never really find out how the NightWings got them.

- The aging system: Need I say more?

- The naming system: Also very creative for Tui to give the humans the same naming system.

-Size of fruits and non-dragon animals: Just overall proportions of dragons vs the environment that seems to change every so often as fits the scene.  

- MudWing breeding night: Of all the scraps of MudWing lore Tui could have given us, this is what she came up with. 

- The Scorching: the biggest event in dragon history was left vague for a very long time, and then once an explanation was offered it was lame and only provided half the answers. It might have explained why the dragons conquered the continent but not really why they then differentiated into different Tribes.

- Inconsistent characterization and character arcs: While it maybe doesn’t fall into the “world building” category, character arcs are definitely an important part of story crafting, and I don’t think I need to provide specific examples. Every WOF fan has their own.

-Overall dragon culture and society: This is probably a personal bias, but the way the different dragon tribes live and work and rule are kind of brushed over in a lot of ways. I’m not expecting Lord of the Rings level detailed world-building here, but there are certain things that just don’t hold up when you think too deeply on them. Stuff like the IceWing Circles or how currency works (is it a bartering system? Do they use coins and gold?) or how the postal system works. 

Others can feel free to add other stuff or disagree, these are just what come to mind for me. But I do want to explain that I don’t say this to be hateful of the WOF books as that would be immensely hypocritical of me, a person who actively creates fan content for the series. Some part of me loves this series obviously, or else I wouldn’t have the passion to write for it, but it's the same love for it that makes all these things stick out to me. 

I also want to take this chance to explain a comment I made in my previous post: that it is very telling that Tui was given the suggestion to write a book about dragons rather than her coming up with the idea from scratch. Anyone who has created their own original story or even an AU has probably felt the universal experience of feeling overwhelmed with the details of how the world works and the characters they are writing about. This comes from a place of love and passion for what’s being created - and I just don’t think Tui has that love for WOF. 

I am sure she had a fun time writing it, or I hope she did, but I just don’t feel the love in the story. The characters are wishy washy since she doesn’t really love them. The world building is shaky because she probably hasn’t spent years daydreaming about it and turning it over in her head.

Anyway, this post is getting long enough. I’d like to know how others feel about this, but these are just my thoughts :3

[m1ckeyb3rry]

Bro said Isagi is too plain /j LMAOO ok but I kinda see what you mean?? Like maybe it’s because he’s got the most normal background out of everyone that unless you’re super interested in him it’s kinda hard to find something build off….like everyone at least has something unique about their background that adds a little extra depth (like injuries, medical things, bullying, etc) but he kinda just had the model life besides losing his match LMAO

Stop that ego idea Lowk…..no ok but I’m gonna read through that and imagine his bug eyes staring at me and lose it LMAOO

Ok but when you first told me you didn’t really like the itoshis I was kinda flabbergasted because I was like wait….is this the same person who wrote cherry tree????? If you hadn’t said anything I would’ve assumed you were a Rin fan because of how well it was written LMAO I was already super excited seeing the 6k wc but now after everything else I’m like oh yeah that’s on the lower side for Mira LMAOOOOO

NO FR please fill in the lore holes…..don’t let this end like jjk……I need to know…..you know they really should just hire us as oracles like we know what’s good!!!

I recently got badgered into watching haikyuu and it’s SO CHILL compared to bllk HAHAHA still enjoyable though!!!! But bllk honestly kinda reminds me of the kuroko’s basketball with the battle like aspects of it so I’m sure the hype will keep increasing!!!

Putting my trust in kaneshiro because he usually cooks!!! I’m ngl I’m kinda sick of seeing Kaiser Isagi and Rin though SHOW THE OTHERS

And THANK YOU WHAT A GOD SEND but OMGGG ITS THIS ARTIST!!! I RECOGNIZE THIS STYLE!! Pause I’ll translate this im gonna do Left to Right Top to Bottom

Karasu in Hiori’s Body:

1 - The one with his finger pointing up

Karasu: “The hell are ya lookin at?! There’s nothin to see here idiots!”

Someone else who I assume is Hiori: “Hey you shouldn’t use your middle finger…”

K: “HAH! IF YA LOOKED CLOSELY YOUD SEE IM USING MY INDEX FINGER!!! YOU SHOULD DO THINGS WITH MORE THOUGHT!!”

H: IM BEGGING YOU STOP WITH THAT FACE!!! YOURE DAMAGING MY IMAGE!!”

2 - the hair scene: He’s arranging his hair with a bunch of wax just like usual

3 - face pulling taunt image: Karasu is unsatisfied with Hiori’s stiff facial muscles and small mouth

K: This idiot’s mouth is so small he’s like a baby chick

4- With Isagi: Hiori usually assists him so when Isagi had to face him in a strength/muscle battle his brain glitched.

K: As if I’d let you move around

Hiori’s thoughts: Karasu-kun’s pretty dexterous huh, he’s already moving around.

5- smirking:

The immeasurable damage (to the heart) of a rare scene is very healing

K: As usual, when you fight on your own your feet get stuck. So mid.

H: ISAGI!! STAY COOL! THATS KARASU IN MY BODY!! I WOULD NEVER SAY THAT!! BREATHE ISAGI BREATHE!!

Hiori in Karasus body:

1- kicking: Even with a different physique, his dexterity allows him to continue playing without any problems. His only thoughts are “His legs are pretty long…I wonder if they’d break”

2- hair down:

Hiori, who doesn’t lift a finger to adjust his hair.

H: Does anyone have clippers or scissors? This hairs gettin in the way

K: Wait a damn minute ya dunce!!!

3- smiling:

H: Hahaha yer so dumb, what are ya even doing?

K: OTOYA’S FOAMIN AT THE MOUTH??!!!

4- With Otoya:

H: I couldn’t pass anywhere but there….sorry.

Text: A toxic looking face vs a sincere apology and behavior of someone who tries to compromise with others

Otoya: “…………..ah……..yeah……….its fine…..”

Everytime he says “I” (in a less aggressive tone) Otoya does a double take

Someone: Otoya’s got a hell of a lot of goosebumps!! And that face of rejection is insane!!!

- Karasu anon

i think a combo of that + him being too nice off field makes him a bit difficult for me in the same way yuki is but whereas yuki at least has medical trauma isagi is just chilling 😭 idk maybe one day i’ll be struck w inspiration for him 😰 but yeah out of everyone in bllk who i’ve written for i’d say he’s been the hardest character for me so far!!

NAH BECAUSE IT’S LOWKEY FIRE I CAN’T LIE…maybe young ego when he got enough sleep was fine af 🤔 imagine we get his backstory and he’s the most gorgeous man ever who literally puts yukimiya to shame HAHAHA that would crack me up…ego would be the ultimate side character to write about though because honestly i don’t even think there IS an ego nation 😭 there would be two readers fr (you and me)

LMAOO omg not the undercover itoshi non-fan 😭 pls i actually did start bllk for rin so i must give my king credit but he was a gateway drug to nagi and karasu fr…the day people stick more to his canon than fanon personality is the day i’ll wear my rin stan badge w pride ‼️ and YEAH i always forget that 6k is actually quite a lot of words…like people will post that they got carried away on a one shot and for them that’s like 1-3k words but for me getting carried away on a one shot atp means 15k+ 😩 anything between 5-10k is the normal range and anything less than 5k is quick and short!! but i’m also a wordy gal so 😰

i think i watched one ep of hq in 2020 and just couldn’t get into it!! i’ve heard good things abt it so no hate just wasn’t quite the show for me. i’ve also heard knb is good!! it’s another one i haven’t watched…tbh i’ve watched a very random assortment of animes 😭 but not that many unfortunately i’m not very good abt sitting down and watching tv it’s very rare for me to start a new show (one of my mutuals on here had to convince me to start bllk because otherwise i wouldn’t have…all because of a rin fanart i reblogged 😩)

I’M BORED OF THEM TOO maybe because none of them are my favs…i trust kaneshiro though all of the other matches have been super fun to read all at once so i’m sure it’ll be the same for bm vs pxg!!

MY TRANSLATING GOAT 😭🙏🏻 i hope it didn’t seem like i was trying to get you to do that or anything HAHA i just didn’t know if the caption was smth freaky or not…like pls don’t think i’m crazy i promise i have no idea what it says 👹