#like i get that quote and it's a nice sentiment but it's not quite my story yanno?

[abalidoth]

god made me nonbinary for the same reason that a big ol bucket of undifferentiated Legos is always way more fun to a kid than a kit where you build some specific diorama of a media property

[heliads]

Hellloooo!!! I don’t wanna add to your workload so if this just piles on, please delete it! 😅😊 I just had an idea for a newt x reader fic where they’re in an established relationship in the Glade and during a bonfire one night the boys all ask newt questions about what it’s like to date reader and how it feels and newt just answers with the upmost sweetness. Reader overhears and fluff ensues!!!!

fluff ensues has got to be one of my favorite plot descriptions. like yeah it absolutely will do that (and no worries, nothing will stop the workload from being! newt just helps make it better <3)

masterlist

Newt is aware that he is a little bit luckier than most. This is a sentiment that he never thought he’d be caught dead believing. Not in the Glade. Not in the Maze. Not anywhere in this surreal mess of a place. Yet it’s on repeat in his head on a day to day basis nonetheless, ticking off the hours like an alarm clock consisting solely of his blessings. 

Newt didn’t think he’d have that much to brag about. No memories means no history he can mention to his equally luckless friends. Still, he’s got one important victory in his life that no one else can even dream of, and that’s the fact that he’s dating Y/N. Yeah, that certainly sets him apart in the world of good things given to kids who can’t quite convince themselves they deserve them. 

Some would say that Newt is being a little dramatic. He would argue that his response is perfectly within reason. One girl has been sent up in all the months that anyone’s been in the Glade, one girl and one girl alone, and she just happened to choose him. Around here, that’s grounds for being nominated for sainthood. 

Newt isn’t going to act like he’s not just over the moon every time he thinks about the whole situation. Against all odds, Y/N fell in love with him. That’s so unreal that Newt has to pinch himself every hour on the hour just to make sure it isn’t a dream. He never tries too hard, though. Just in case. 

He didn’t have many thoughts on love before she came up. There wasn’t really time now, was there? It was just him and the scores of other stragglers making do in their bloody terrible world. You don’t spend much time lingering over potential sweethearts when the closest thing to a Romeo is Gally yelling at everyone in the Glade except his friends.

Not great dating material, to say the least. Even when Y/N came up that one month, though, he still hadn’t fallen for her from the start. He liked her, obviously, she was nice and didn’t test his patience, but he was perfectly content to keep her as a friend, just that. Great expectations have a way of letting you down. Newt’s learned that if you keep your eyes on the ground, stop looking up at the sun and stars, you’ll be able to deal with it a little easier when all your brightest aspirations go away.

He’d done that before and he planned on doing it again. Even as time passed and he realized that his heart had a funny way of speeding up whenever she was nearby, when it occurred to him that his daily routines always had a way of working in chances to see her, Newt forced himself to ignore everything. Maybe he liked the way the morning sunlight always played on Y/N’s face, maybe he could have spent hours wondering over the way her eyes sparkle when she laughs. It was nothing that he could ever commit to treasuring above anything else.

It took several rounds of self-talk and about a dozen different interventions staged by his friends for Newt to get up the courage to tell Y/N how he felt. Hell, it took at least half of those interventions for him to even admit how he felt to himself. Newt had been internalizing for so long that bringing some of those emotions to the forefront of his attention was damned near impossible. Minho, Alby, and a few others, however, were so sick of seeing him ‘mope around like a lovesick fool,’ to quote them specifically, that they were dedicated to the task of getting him in order.

It worked, too. Newt had run through what could have been a hundred speech variations in his head, all mentioning her character or her sense of humor or any one of the millions of things he liked about her best. In the end, he didn’t choose a single one. The second Newt pulled Y/N away from a crowd of their friends for ‘something he needed to say in private,’ every single whirlwind of thoughts storming through his head came to an abrupt stop. He totally blanked out. 

Newt wouldn’t even know that he managed to force any words out at all were it not for the fact that the effects of that interaction are quite obvious. Somehow, Y/N ended up returning his affections, and they’ve been doing pretty well ever since. Newt doesn’t like counting his eggs before they hatch and all that, but he’d go so far as to say that he doesn’t see it ever breaking down for quite some time, if ever. They’re alright. They’re great, and they’re happy, and in a place like this, you take that and run with it for as long as you can. Maybe it’ll ruin itself someday, but Newt plans on pushing that off to the distant future for forever and a day.

In the meantime, Newt gets to think about how lucky he is. Despite the fact that Y/N’s apparently been crushing on him for just as long as he started liking her, and despite the fact that Frypan proclaims on a daily basis that he’s never seen two shanks more alike, Newt still feels like all of this is just one great coincidence. Maybe it was never supposed to happen, but it did, and he’s going to love that and her for as long as he can.

She’s waiting for him now, he thinks. Work is over for the day, and there’s a Bonfire Night happening this evening too, courtesy of the shivering Greenie fresh out of the Box who still can’t seem to keep his shock from showing. The fool to whom this celebration is owed looks like he’s going to keel over, what from the way he keeps half doing a backbend from continually craning his neck up to stare at the Walls, but the rest of them can get drunk and fuck around and generally have a good time. 

Greenies never appreciate their Bonfire Nights enough anyway. It’s up to the rest of the Gladers to show them what it’s like to have fun. Who knows the next time they’ll be able to stop stressing over the ruins of their lives anyway? Newt’s heard half a dozen Gladers proclaim that they only live bonfire to bonfire anyway. They might as well prove it tonight.

Newt meets Y/N on the outskirts of the bonfire just as the dark starts to fall. Dusk kicks up its heels, keeping watch over the revels and hiding the sun, which can never bear to see whatever mistakes they’re going to make next. Y/N holds out a hand to him, one Newt gladly accepts.

“I can’t believe it’s been six months now since I first showed up,” she grins, gesturing towards the Box with her free hand, “Feels like just yesterday.”

Newt snorts. “Time flies when you’re having fun, huh? Trust me, the Greenie Days get faster and faster. I swear I just finished touring the last kid, and now we’ve got another one to keep pestering us with questions.”

Y/N shakes her head, considering this. “Nah, I think this one will be better. He’s too scared to speak above a whisper. If you try, you can just ignore him.”

Newt chuckles. “I’m not supposed to be bullying the Greenies. Alby says I’m meant to set a good example.”

“I saw Alby telling Minho to trip the new kid to see if he’d finally make a sound if he bit the dirt,” Y/N comments, “I don’t think kindness is really in our books.”

Newt arches a brow. “I could see that happening. Did it work?”

“No,” Y/N says, disappointed, “Kid was so scared to move a muscle that he didn’t fall at all. Just kind of stopped walking like he’d hit a wall instead of Minho’s ankle.”

Newt tries to bite back a smile. He’s only half successful. “Shame. That would have been fun to see.”

Y/N laughs. “That’s what I said. Anyways, they’re all over there, near the fire. I think the next strategy is to give the kid some of Gally’s brew in the hopes that it’ll coax something out of him other than his dinner.”

Newt shudders. “Best of luck to him.”

“And to me,” Y/N replies, “I think I’m going to get a glass of my own. See you in a second.”

Newt waves a casual hand in goodbye, watching as his girlfriend weaves through the steadily forming crowds of Gladers in an attempt to track down a drink. He takes a seat near an overturned log, staring into the fire as it disappears into sparks. Six months since Y/N appeared in the Box, so it’s been indeed.

Newt can’t decide whether that feels like a long time or not nearly long enough. Y/N’s changed him in almost every way, that much is obvious. Sometimes, in meeting someone you know will impact you forever, you almost want them to have been around for much longer. Strangers aren’t meant to become your best friends, not until you’ve known them for years and you have scores of memories to share. You want to give them decades in your mind, centuries, as a sign that they’ve been so important to you. Mere months aren’t enough. Surely it should be more.

It isn’t, and maybe that’s for the best. Newt has no memories save for when he came up his own share of months ago. All his friends are new, all his enemies still more recent. Maybe the girl he loves has only been in his life for a short time, but his recorded life is short indeed. Everything is modern. That’s just how it is.

Newt becomes aware of eyes on him and realizes that he might not be the only one reminiscing about when Y/N came up in the maze. A few Gladers have come up by Newt’s side, steadily appearing out of the gloom and smoke to stare at him.

Newt glances at them questioningly, and a few moments later the bravest of them dares to voice their collective thoughts. “What’s it like dating Y/N?” The boy asks, “you know, since she’s the only girl?”

Newt smiles to himself. “It’s great,” he says.

This clearly isn’t the response the other boy wants. “Yeah,” he repeats, “but what’s it like? It’s not like the rest of us have our own girlfriends to compare it with.”

Newt bites back a laugh. “Well,” he begins, noticing out of the corner of his eyes that the other boys draw closer to him expectantly, “it’s like having a best friend, but even better. She’s someone I can talk to at any time, but I don’t have to worry about seeming uncool or weird around her. Y/N knows exactly who I am, the good and the bad, but she’s chosen to be with me anyway. It makes you feel like you can do anything.”

The boy nods, accepting this. “Are you ever worried that she’s going to get tired of you and leave you for someone else?”

“If you’re asking me if I’m worried about competition,” Newt says slowly, “I’d say, don’t think you even have a chance. She’s my girlfriend, you bloody shank, not some object you can steal away. Anyway, obviously I’d like it if she stayed with me a while longer, but I’m not scared, no. I know that we’re happy, and that’s enough.”

The boy’s face flushes scarlet when Newt calls him out, but he seems to have made his peace with it at the end. Newt’s half expecting more questions, but all of a sudden they scatter to the corners of the celebration. A few moments later, the cause of the disturbance becomes obvious:  Y/N herself takes a seat next to him, glass in hand.

“It seems like you had a score of admirers,” she says, lips twitching up into a smile.

Newt groans. “More like your admirers, trust me. They wanted to ask about what it was like to date you. Not something I thought I’d be discussing with the Slicers-in-training, but why not?”

Y/N laughs. “Oh, I know. I have to say, though, it was very sweet. Being with me makes you feel like you can do anything?”

Newt feels his entire face heat up, and he briefly ponders launching himself into the fire to escape it. “I didn’t realize you were eavesdropping. That’s rude, you know.”

Y/N just grins. “I do apologize. It was very sweet, though. I appreciated it.”

Newt rolls his eyes, but he can’t keep a smile off of his face for long. “Does that mean you won’t leave me for some random boy who showed up a few months ago?”

“I’ll consider it,” she assures him, “like you said, though, I wouldn’t worry much. I happen to like being with you quite a bit as well.”

Newt reaches over, wrapping an arm around her shoulders to pull her close. Y/N leans her head on his shoulder, and they stay there for quite some time, watching the embers of the fire curl into ribbons of smoke up in the darkest reaches of the sky. The bonfire dances, their friends shout and clap and laugh all around them, and through it, they keep going. All is well.

tmr tag list: @rogueanschel, @ellobruv, @retvenkos, @neewtmas, @thatfangirl42, @hiya-its-amber, @gods-fools-heroes, @hope92100, @23victoria, @w1shes43, @ilovexavierthrope, @fadedver

[veren-cos]

Astarion x Reader (Bg3)

Gn reader with chronic pain

This one is pretty recent but lmk if I made any mistakes! Not proof read.

Astarion sauntered into the room after a successful night of hunting. He was hyper aware of everything from his latest feed, so the minute you made a move he noticed you were off.

And off you were, you looked like a wreck. You were in the same spot on the bed as when he left — hours ago. "Darling, are you alright?" There was concern in his voice.

You took the blanket and threw it over your face. Astarion's expression crinkled. He sat down next to where you lay, "My love, what's wrong?" He went to run his fingers through your hair but you pushed an arm out to nudge him away. He took a short pause, "I can't know what's wrong unless you speak to me."

You let out a groan, "I don't want to talk about it." There was a something in your voice that Astarion couldn't quite pinpoint.

"Then I won't make you, but please don't push me away."

You were a sucker for contact- holding hands, hugs, light kisses. Anything and everything he'd allow. He tried reaching his hand out again, and you let him.

"I'm sorry" it was barely above a whisper.

He hesitated a bit but his hand kept a steady pace on your head. "Whatever for? You haven't done anything wrong." He laughed a bit, "unless you were causing mischief without me today."

"I'm sorry you have to put up with me." You tighten your grip on the blanket covering your face, avoiding his. You just knew that he was going to look at you with pity. Pity? Anger maybe. Something serious, and you didn't want to deal with that. You felt bad enough, everything ached... Nothing was going right today.

"Put up with you?" Astarion was baffled, "Darling I look at you as pure perfection. You are who I desire to be with, the one who I will spend the rest of my days. How could I ever 'put up with you'?" He even does the quotes with his hands for dramatic flair, not that you could quite see it. "It is you in which my love knows no bounds. Nothing could keep me away from you, as long as you'll have me. I dont get why you cant just care for yourself a little more? You are certainly deserving of it."

This wasn't the response you thought you'd get at all. Your body shook, wanting to cry from the seering pain and his sentiment. "I am not deserving of this. Of any of your affection. I care for you. You are so. Perfect. And I am far from that. I hurt. Constantly. I know you know this, and that you don't mind. But I don't want this for you. You deserve someone who doesn't just curl up in bed all day the second something hurts a bit more than normal. You deserve someone who will... be there! I can't be there. Not all the time. I'm barely here for myself! I just sit here, ignoring everything my body is telling me because I refuse to get help! I refuse to get help from anyone. But i especially refuse to get help from you. Astarion, I can't handle the guilt."

You sit up, much regretting that choice, but doing it regardless to make a point. You took a dramatic breath, "Why cant i take care of myself, you ask? Because i dont care about myself! I loath every minute i spend in this body. Every day! And i cant fathom why you care about me."

He takes a moment, staring into your eyes as he contemplates what to respond. "Darling. My love. Is that what this is about?" You turn to look away but he took your face to make you look at him once again. "I know you are in pain. And I am here for you. I need you to know this. I dont care about anything else. I just want to be here for you. I know I can't take it away, believe me if I could, I would. But you need to tell me when this happens. If nothing else I can just whisper in your ear. Sweet little nothings to get you to sleep, hm?"

And that he did. Astarion laid you back down again, joining you under the covers. As much as you wanted to put up a fight, your body gave out on you. He was cold. He always was, but it felt nice against your skin. He pulled you into a loose hug, carefully avoiding places you flinched at. You reciprocated the gesture, wrapping your arms around his waist. He was working basically as a elven ice-pack, and you adjusted his hands to wherever the pain was. "Thank you."

"..."

"I'll try. I'll talk to you more." When you were done, he placed a kiss on your forehead as he nuzzled in.

"There is nothing to thank. It's what I'm here for. I love you." He let out an icy breath.

"I love you too."

He smiled, "Now go to sleep, you'll feel better in the morning. I promise. And we will lay right here until you do, I won't let you go."

[tinystepsforward]

i've still been keeping tabs on what's happening at automattic. a couple of things i've observed:

toni schneider (who is a man btw), the interim ceo, has been quite open with staff in ways that mean they generally seem relieved to have him leading the company for now. i've heard people speak optimistically about him from all parts of the spectrum (by which i mean: staff who are trans tumblr users right through to staff who are "anti-woke" or whatever and were absolutely intolerable to work with as a trans person), which seems like... a good sign? maybe.

this relative transparency includes things like weekly updates from an executive level, as well as openly saying that he did have to directly speak to matt and encourage him to, you know, stop posting.

matt is back to his usual milquetoast blogging, and replied to someone on mastodon about the AI issue saying he'd comment on it when he's back in may, so whatever toni said to him seems to have worked for him keeping out of it for now.

people have no idea what it's gonna look like when matt's back.

the best case scenario is that schneider manages to create a significant enough boost in morale and productivity that "it'd be nice if we just kept him" becomes a sentiment that isn't held just by the rank and file. i don't know how likely that is, but there's a sense of cautious hope and of making the most of this reprieve from matt's increasingly erratic decisions no matter what.

the tumblr staff statement was approved by schneider and hr, so i am also hopeful they won't face repercussions. what they said might seem pretty mild from the outside, or carefully worded, but it's pretty clear to me and to most people who've worked at companies like this that it's a pretty bold one.

i'll quote a friend:

keep reminding the more histrionic elements out there that: 1. there really are trans people, INCLUDING TRANS WOMEN, in the fight here. 2. we don't have nearly the power they seem to think we do. 3. we're fighting anyway. was the statement we wrote enough? fuck no. does it fix everything? fuck no. but we literally called out the CEO, and got the greenlight for it from the interim CEO. i don't know where this will end, but that's not nothing.

i'm not sure automattic deserves the immense honor of having this many of its brave, dedicated trans staff put effort into trying to make it better. but it has them, and it would be wise to do its best to keep them. so many of us — even me, even now — believe in the ideals that drew us to the work automattic does, and hope that it can return to them. we will see!

other things i want to say:

the wellbeing of my friends on staff is my priority. i am interested primarily in their safety, and won't pressure them to give me goss. the ways i've spoken publicly are already pretty scary to people who might worry about retaliation against them just for being known to be my friend.

this is a regular personal blog. i'll keep updating if there's shit to update about, but i also don't work at automattic any more (thank fuck, again), have a life, and am not interested in declaring matt my specific nemesis or otherwise acting purely out of spite.

some of youse really deeply do not understand companies, the internet, generative ai, or pretty much anything else i've said. that's okay — big tech in particular is fucked up on purpose bc it benefits those in power to have it be incomprehensible! but maybe it's not a great position from which to get mad at me specifically or at staff for idk not personally assassinating matt.

got tired of blocking transphobes so i've turned anons off. i'll probably flick them back on eventually.

[oh-no-its-bird]

after reading your izuna tobi time travel rambles I can't help but think about them just crashing the middle of a council meeting 😭 everyone is shook, and absolutely flabbergasted and ngl they kind of just.. Want the two to stay? (Well, mostly Tobi's old subordinates/students because they feel partially sad and sentimental and OH MY GOD IS THAT FOURTEEN YEAR OLD TOBIRAMA?!?) And then the psycho Hashirama timeline is just amazinggg I can't stop thinking about it you're actually infecting my brain bro

NO BC IVE BEEN THINKING NONSTOP ABOUT THAT EXACT SCENARIO LATLEY MYSELF !! The brain worms are spreading...

(Cont. From this post for those without context)

Every other time Tobirama and Izuna enter a world where it's modern Konoha, they start taking bets about which one of them died there. Funny bit where Izuna says smthn about how there quote, "aren't nearly enough crazy nightmare trees and brainwashed people for you to have died here" (bc 9 times out of 10 in worlds where Tobirama dies Hashirama loses it to a spectacular degree that leaves a VERY visable mark on Konoha)

Actually, taking that thought, it could be fun if they got dropped into a seemingly normal Konoha only to find out that hey Tobirama did die in this one, but it seems to be the 1 out of 10 that Hashi was able to stay sane

Only nope!! Surprise attack!! He's just really really good at pretending to be normal and when they try to leave he plays his hand, lots of fire and explosions ensue and they just barley escape

Izuna and Tobirama are SO tired of people trying to force them to stay in places, theyve had Madara do it they've had Hashirama do it, maybe they even had alternate versions of eachother do it. They !! Want !! To go !! Home !!!!

Also you can't tell me that seeing a young version of them specifically would hit Madara/Hashi harder than any revived adult version could. They're lowkey the "idealized" versions of their brothers, still small and in need of being protected, not consumed with anger and burdened by the things they've done and seen in the war. They're silly little guys!! And they're slamming on ALL the "Oh god I need to protect my little brother" buttons, it's sooo bad

Anyways, them crashing into a council meeting after quite a few different rounds of dimension hopping. Meaning they really don't give a shit ab destroying anything bc they've already come to the conclusion that it's too late to be worrying ab any potential side effects of fucking with possible time lines.

They're immediatley diving across the table making grabby hands at their friendly ball of interdimensional light as it floats off, trying to go for it as soon as they land before it wanders off and they're left having to hunt for it.

I need you to picture these 2 kids just DIVING across a table of important clan people shouting smthn ab DO NOT TOUCH THAT FUCKING LIGHT

They miss it and it dissapears through a wall rip

Maybe they end up slamming into it trying to catch it for comedy effect actually

Other than just sentimentality there's also definatley a tactical standpoint of trying to get them to stay

That's THE Senju Tobirama, second Hokage, white demon and inventor of a fuck ton of jutsus. And also Izuna, who is much less known here to his (by now used to it in these kinds of world) displeasure

All young and untrained and perfect for grooming into a loyal konoha shinobi, ready to grow into his prime by careful hands who knows exactly what he could become

How much more terrifying could he be, if trained specifically by someone who knows his talents, shown his own research to build off of and given all sorts of modern tools he never had before

And also Izuna is still there and he's so fucking sick of being underestimated rn guys what the fuck he's cool too

Anyways the second Tobirama and Izuna hear "hahaha maybe you should stay a little longer..." they're BOLTING

They've heard that song and dance like 20 times now they know the warning signs and you seem nice but they are NOT risking another 'secret yandere' situation again, goodbye.

Their only saving grace is that respect and sentimentality does win out here in letting them go without too much arguing, no matter how valuable they might be. Got lucky this time around, might not be so lucky the next

[veryace-ficrecs]

Tim Drake & Jason Todd Fic Recs

This list will include all ratings and tags, so read at your own discretion! :)

Optimally Sentimental by sprx77 - Rated T

Jason feels the tension fall completely out of his shoulders. Babyest bird is not feeling unsafe, right now; Tim doesn’t get this bitchy around people unless he trusts them. Random civilians and corporate fuckwits, they get soft-spoken, laughing Timothy Drake. Anyone Tim’s not quite comfortable with-- people he has to impress, like the Justice League-- get the world’s most perfect and efficient Robin. Seriously, it’s terrifying. He wears his competency like a sword and doesn’t bother with a shield. So, a snarky Tim-- a Tim who lashes out, without regard for if he’ll be hit back-- is a trusting Tim. A comfortable Tim.

Voicemails About Vital Organs by AshWinterGray - Rated T

Tim's missing spleen comes back to haunt him, and Jason is the only Bat and Family Member available to deal with the problem. There are some realizations, and Tam is just so do with these idiots.

Marlboro Reds and Birthday Wishes by crowclxb - Rated T

Tim can't ever remember the quotes he thinks describe his feelings. Also, everyone forgot his birthday. Not Jason, though. Tim just doesn't know that.

Swaddled in Warmth During Cold Times by melennui (orphan_account) - Rated G

Tim is chilly in the manor, but it's summer and it shouldn't be cold. To remedy this, he makes a hammock and gains a nice moment with his brother too.

i cry with anger / i have done no crime by CosmoKid - Rated M

They replaced him. Talia had told him that, taunted him with the grainy photos of a scrawny little kid in the Robin costume. A tiny little runt of a kid, dwarfed by the looming presence beside him. Fuck, did Bruce just hang around a pre-k and grab the first unfortunate kid whose parents were running late for pick up. Except no, Bruce replaced him with the rich little brat next door. The better, upgraded version of him; the newer, the shinier, the better version. The kid Bruce wanted Jason to be. The Robin Bruce really wanted. Timothy Jackson Drake.

take a chance on me by destiny919 - Rated T

"Hey, Stalker," Jason says without lowering his binoculars. Tim creeps out from behind the air conditioning unit and lets out a put-upon sigh that doesn't really fit a ten-year-old.

bright smile (and they can't see behind it) by AstraEllis - Rated T

Now that Jason's come home and actually spending time with his family, Tim figures his job is done. He kept Batman from self destructing, he was a halfway decent Robin, and Jason's home now. They're whole again, and they don't need Tim. Jason has some things to say about this assumption.

personal space by lawltam - Rated G

Tim gets hit with Ivy's pollen. He doesn't even check who he sent his outgoing help message to until he stumbles downstairs and spots Jason.

Adopt A Rescue! by sardonic_sprite - Rated G

I'm Bean. I'm very shy, but sweet, and I loove snuggles! I get very scared without my big brother, so we need to get a home together!  I'm Hunter. I don't trust very easy, but I'm very smart. We may not be litter-mates, but Bean is my brother and we stick together no matter what!   "Bean" had squirmed back out from underneath "Hunter" and was pawing at the glass again, looking right at Bruce. But he wasn't just pawing at the glass, he seemed to be making a pattern... "Oh, my God."

Breaking and Entering by Terranpheum - Rated T

Tim isn’t having a good day when he decides to use one of Red Hood’s safe houses as a rest stop. Only, the safe house seems a lot more comfortable than normal and isn’t as empty as he was hoping it was.

and i'm so sick of seventeen by Anonymous - Rated T

“You know this is bizarre, right?” “Jason, I’m just asking for a tiny favor—” “Tim, last week I watched you synthesize, in real time, a whole new organic compound for one of Crane’s toxins, on the fly, with half your guts hanging outside your body. How are you failing eleventh grade chemistry?” (Or; Tim gets Jason to help him with his chemistry homework. They bond.)

carry you home in my teeth by windupclock - Rated G

Jason takes his helmet off before he goes to deal with his replacement. He’s not expecting a hug. He gets one.

Only One Thing by Lulu_Rythmea - Rated T

"You're a great hugger, kiddo. 10/10 would hug again." "... you will? Really?" "Yeah, baby bird. Whenever you want." How far was that promise meant to go? OR: The fan-made sequel to destiny919's "Last Request".

hit me like a shooting star (so i can make a wish) by Ms_Trickster - Rated G

“He broke my camera!” Tim wails, incensed. “Not a crack, not a dent; it’s nothing but a pile of glass because he broke it!” “And his ankle,” Robin adds. “And my ankle!” “...I accidentally hit him with my car,” Batman reluctantly offers when Dr. Thompkins raises her eyebrow at him, causing her to choke on her next breath. (Or: One evening while birdwatching, a ten year old Tim Drake gets run over by the Batmobile.)

Whiplash by Lunette3002 - Rated T

When Barbara called to tell Tim that one of his safehouses had been broken into, he wasn't expecting to find an unconscious Red Hood. OR Words like "whiplash" can have two meanings :)

Bridges Not Yet Burned by Kgraces - Rated T

Somehow, they keep coming back to this: Tim, Jason, and a Batarang

Little Overlooked Dreams by Lunette3002 - Rated G

Tim weighed his options. He was alone at night in some alleyway in Gotham. He had nothing except the clothes left on the ground by someone and the cloak wrapped around his skinny shoulders. His camera was nowhere in sight. His backpack was gone too. He brought the device to his ear. “Hello?” Whatever talking had been on the other end of the line immediately cut off at his hesitant greeting. “Who is this?”

[amemberoftheosc]

Thoughts on TPOT 13

I thought it was a really great episode and I was glad to see all the character development and interactions that they had! It was silly and stuff and I liked that I think they did my favorite characters pretty well and the character arcs are going well!

[Spoilers ahead!]

It was great to see Firey and Leafy on their Dreamier Island! Aha, oh my gosh, it's ever dreamier than OG Dream Island! It was sad however to see that the storm that One brought to the island, perhaps a test before doing the real damage(?), kill Leafy yet somehow spare Firey And the end credit scene! He looked so sad :< Like, his head going down told it all We needed no words, he is alone and I don't know how he's supposed to get Leafy back! Is her supposed to just travel to the mainland to recover her? That sounds even more lonely than just being there on the island I hope that Leafy somehow is able to come back to him They really seemed like they were having fun together and putting the past behind them!

Now onto the meat and bones, the challenge! Sweet little challenge and I loved what they did with the dragon dodging the fireballs using that classical dodging movement! And oof! That conversation between Golf Ball and Donut? Man, they both had some good points I must say Someone has got to show Golf Ball that she needs the support of her team in order to win! Her statements about wanting victory and feeling as though her efforts are in vain are good to hear It shows that she does care, it's just she doesn't know how to show it Reminds me of Nickel from I.I before S3 and S2 ep15 came actually However, I believe she has gotten some character growth! After all, she seemed to care about finding Basket Ball and even said to her team that they should go to Basket Ball's factory, not hers! Lastly, I found Golf Ball thinking that Tennis Ball was going to save her was sweet I've been taking a liking to Tengolf and I just found that sweet of her to think Now the rejoiners! Thanks to One for making it so TWO contestants rejoin! And yippie! Pencil and Liy made it out on top and that's amazing ^^ I find them kind of like foils of each other really Because, even though Liy didn't choose to rejoin her old team, everyone on her old team is glad to see her back She is also mostly vibing and chilling with her team Meanwhile Pencil out here, getting rejected from Ice Cube and Book, getting sassy, and then putting Ice Cube's and Book's team UFE! Talk about revenge, maybe Ice Cube could learn a thing or two from Pencil Ah that reminds me, I found Ice Cube taking Book away from Pencil and stating that they would rather be on separate teams from Pencil and actually conversing with Book made me happy! Since they had a nice bond during the beginning of BFB but then eventually drifted, even into TPOT But now, they're talking again!!!

Robot Flower's arc has been something I can't recall that well but she changed a herself a little bit to be like how Flower was in BFDI and then One worsened it! Oh the mayhem and destruction And then Basket Ball agreeing to One to get Robot Flower back and Robot Flower seeing who they were on the screen, thinking: "Huh, that was me?" And then Basket Ball going: "No, that wasn't you. I missed you" And Robot Flower appreciating the sentiment The quotes aren't quite correct but I tried lol Also, side notes, Pillow locking Golf Ball and Donut outside on the hotel roof time just reminded me of a reverse Seven Minutes in Heaven lol And now it reminding me of a fic where two people get trapped in a closet so they can work out their bickering and differences (it was a DDLC fic lol, Sayori and Monika trap Natsuki and Yuri inside it if I remember correctly) When I saw the Game Cube Book picked up I was like :O I thought it was pretty cool seeing it! Also, I saw someone comment that what One wants is Two's powers, which makes sense The "not powerful enough" comment and stuff I think that's all I have for this episode and I'm glad to have done my thoughts on an OSC episode again ^^

[hunter-sylvester]

I just watched Metal Lords again for the first time in two years and I loved it! I was a little worried that I was just hyping it up more than it deserved bc I was three years younger when I first watched it, but no, it really is that good! I had so much fun and laughed so hard, it was awesome. And I wanted to tell you because you're one of the very few people I know who watched that movie and liked it too. I fully support your obsession with it. Have a nice day!^^

Hell yeah! I love to hear it 🤘

I know I call Metal Lords a "shitty Netflix movie" sometimes as a joke, but that's really more self deprecating than anything because I love it so much. It is really a damn good movie. And I think at this point it's safe to say it's an underrated one too. But I guess a movie about metalheads isn't really likely to appeal to the normie masses.

I'm glad you did want to tell me! I'm always happy to hear about people enjoying Metal Lords. Or sometimes even when people hate it, it's kinda funny to read lmao. And I'm glad you support my obsession lol /gen. I try not to be too embarrassed about my sheer mentally ill attachment to that fuckin' film. Because at the end of the day, this world is harsh so we should all get whatever comfort and enjoyment we can out of things when it doesn't hurt anybody. Which is a sentiment that for some reason reminded me of a quote from an interview, so I went looking for it again:

"Metal is unironic. [...] Especially young people today, we're all quite ironic. We all hide a little bit behind irony. [...] I don't think Hunter fully gets that and I don't think he's interested in that. And I think he's interested in something being felt with your whole chest and with your whole heart. And metal is 100% that." - Adrian Greensmith on why Hunter Sylvester likes metal so much.

Which I guess is basically what I'm trying to do. To just love things (such as Metal Lords) fully and unironically.

[marumarielle]

https://www.tumblr.com/chaisshitposts/733934617202180096/in-other-news-ive-gotten-a-bit-of-a

(I'm the anon who talked about how there should be ethics when it comes to manifesting, Ill be calling myself the ‼️ anon now)

To the anon who thinks EIYPO is shitty, i agree with that sentiment and have found a way to believe the law without the whole victim blaming and solipsism issue. And this is for u if I believe in the law, I think the person who's post I linked has a good view on this matter.

TW: mentions of abuse, s.a., & unfavorable households

This cleared up everything for me so nicely! Tysm ‼️ anon! I've been feeling really conflicted about it ever since I learned about it so the post you've given me made me feel lighter in a way.

Expanding on this thought, yes, our environment as we grow up shapes our pattern of thinking, our belief system, our perspective in life, money, literally everything. This is why there are people who have these unfavorable thought patterns and are even being taught to tolerate such things (and I speak from experience).

"I do not like the argument that trauma and circumstances were unconsciously manifested by those who've experienced it. if anything, those circumstances were forcefully manifested by their environment that they grew up in." ----Chai

What I quoted from Chai is so well said because I was born in a quite aggressive and limiting household and I took those limiting beliefs as I grew up. Those beliefs forcefully manifested by my environment I ended up living by. So, it's truly not my fault because those beliefs were forced upon me by the environment I grew up in. And, It's not your fault either for having unfavorable experiences (e.g., abusers, s.a., etc...)

When I grew up and found out about Law of Assumption and this whole EIYPO thing I honestly felt so guilty (which is why I'm so unsure of it). "If they act bad to you, it's because you assumed so!" So I felt "It was me? I did that? I never wanted it though...?" I ended up experiencing this period of blaming myself for how people treated me and tolerating mistreatment. Hell, I was even so obsessed with how people viewed me I forgot about how I view myself.

If you ever experienced that period of blaming yourself before, just know that you're not alone and know that I was able to get out of it. I leaned more on the psychology side of this conflict, learning that my trauma isn't my fault but the assaulter's. It took time, of course, renewing and getting rid of such beliefs.

So now: what do I do with EIYPO? honestly? not much. I just assume that people treat me kindly which is the opposite of what I assumed when I was younger.

What's the takeaway?: Don't let others convince you that it was your fault because of EIYPO. It never was your fault. I highly recommend you reading the post ‼️ anon gave because I couldn't have said it better than Chai did. Also, all credits to Chai since this whole post is just me expanding on its post!

[kaigarax]

Passion

Bachira Meguru x Reader

Quote: "Fall in love with someone you'd die for."

“I knew you or I would’ve died. Or maybe even both of us. Yet I cried when the moment came. I cried so desperately that I didn’t think I’d ever stop. And I cried, not just because you died for me but because I knew that I’d never get the chance to see you smile again.”

‘Click.’

“Now ain’t that just some of the sappiest garbage I’ve heard in awhile.” Ego Jinpachi exclaimed.

“Really?” Bachira asked, “I thought it was quite sweet.”

Ego sighed, “and that sentiment is why you will die in the arena.”

“Then I guess that would make two of us.” You said softly as you gave him a slight nudge of acknowledgment.

Ego eyed the two of you from the top of his mug before taking a deep gulp. There might’ve been a ‘tsk’ of the tongue or a rolling of his eyes if the two of you had been able to see it. But, alas, at least the hard man had enough decency to keep some of his harsh criticisms to himself. Especially as the modestly dressed capital woman, Anri, smiled, her voice gentle as she agreed, “I quite liked that speech as well from last year’s Victor.”

“And that,” Ego said, pointing to her accusingly, “is why District 7 hasn’t had a Victor in almost twenty years now. Half hearted effort and pointless sentiments.”

Ego and Anri shared a look. It was accusatory, annoyed and almost desperate. Yes, Bachira figured, that was definitely desperation. What he couldn’t figure out, on the other hand, was why?

“Well?” Ego asked expectantly.

Now you and Bachira shared a look.

Bachira wondered if the man would get up to leave after clearly being outnumbered in this argument but he had sat in place. Tapping his fingers impatiently while his eyes burned holes into the heads of this year's two tributes, yourself and Bachira. Almost as if he were waiting for everyone else to leave his compartment.

You leaned towards Bachira, your warmth serving as a gentle reminder that he wouldn’t be alone going into this. The two of you had never been that close (actually Bachira never had friends in the first place) but he found it… nice? No. The moment was too somber for it to be nice. Then perhaps comforting?

Yes. That was it.

It was comforting.

---

“Oh, Bachira,” You looked at him from your place at the window sill, “you’re still up?” The moonlight made you seem almost ghostly, the warm hue from this morning long forgotten. Your hair looked clean and shiny as it hung uninhibited by anything as it usually did, freely framing your features and face. Bachira might have even thought you pretty if not for the tired look in your eyes. No, that was a lie. He thought you were pretty. In fact, he always thought you were pretty, even when covered from head to toe in dirt.

“Yeah,” he nodded, “you can’t either.”

You patted the spot across from you, “if the constant poking and prodding wasn’t enough to keep me up then the cameras and loud voices from this afternoon definitely were.”

Bachira grinned, propping himself up onto the window sill and across from you, “that and the looming threat of imminent death.”

“Ah yes, imminent death. How could that have slipped my mind.”

“Don’t blame yourself,” he chuckled, “it happens to the best of us.”

Your tired eyes looked up at him, shining silver in the moonlight.

There was a book in your hands, tucked tightly to your chest. It was old and tattered and almost reminded Bachira of something. Though he wasn’t all too sure of what that ‘something’ might’ve been.

“You’re sweaty.” You said.

“I prefer to call it a post workout glow~”

“Well, at least you’re able to do something productive with your excess energy.”

“What do you do?” Bachira asked, “to work out the nerves and relax?”

“Back at home I used to read but it definitely doesn't seem to have the same effect out here.”

“You could always come and work out with me.”

“While a very kind offer I think I’ll have to decline. I’m afraid I’d be too sore. I’m nowhere near as fit as you so working out too much can only do me harm in the arena.” You turned to look out the window, “the moon’s quite beautiful tonight, isn’t it.”

“Yeah,” Bachira smiled, his eyes locking onto your awe stricken expression, “it is. It sucks that it takes us entering into a death arena to finally appreciate it though.”

You laughed, “very true, Mr. Bachira.”

“So what’s your book about?”

“It’s a romance novel.”

“Oh~” Bachira moved so that the two of you were sitting side by side instead of across from one another, “exciting.”

You leaned against the boy despite him still being sticky from his workout, “more sad than exciting, actually.”

“How so?”

“Well, it’s a story similar to our own. A girl volunteers for her sister and ends up falling in love with the boy that ended up having to come with her.” You smiled, “of course, the boy is already in love with her by the time the story begins.”

“Do they make it? The couple?”

“I don’t know.”

“What! Why not?”

“Because I’ve always been too scared to read the end. Better to speculate about the ending, ya know.”

Bachira could only shrug in response.

He certainly didn’t think being stuck in suspense was fun. In fact, even the thought of not knowing the ending was enough to keep him up for the rest of the night. He’d have to find a way to wrestle that book from you and read the ending himself before the end of the night. Not that he’d have to.

The edge of his hand brushes up against yours.

“Do you think it ends happily?” Asks Bachira.

Your hand stays right there. Not jerking away from his own but not close enough to be touching.

You shake your head, “no.”

You don’t move to take his hand and he doesn't move to take yours either.

“Ya know,” you begin, “I used to always think about this moment when I was younger. Though I never really thought that I’d actually be standing up here.”

“Me neither.” Says Bachira, though if he thinks back hard he doesn't think he ever really had a guess of if he'd ever be here or not. It was never really something he’d ever let cross his mind. Not when he was all his mother seemed to have.

“Well, out of everyone I could’ve been paired with, I’m happy it’s you.”

Bachira smiled, “me too.”

“No wait. I'll take that back.”

“What? No take backs!”

“Yes, take backs.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want you to die.”

And with that he definitely wouldn’t be able to sleep for the rest of the night. How could he when you were so close.

And for a while, you and him no longer speak. But it’s okay. Neither of you need to speak right now. Not when there are no more words that need to be shared. There can never be anything more shared without an important line being crossed. A line that should never be crossed. Afterall, while the two of you could be allies entering the arena you would have to eventually fight the other.

Most certainly at least one of you would have to die.

Bachira smiles, watching as you slowly lean your head on the side of the window. He debates going to grab a blanket to cover you when you fall asleep but decides against it. Even if you did find a safe haven here you would be very uncomfortable the morning after. Instead, he’ll take you back to your bed.

Your heart seems to be louder than the large clock in the middle of the room as Bachira finally looks to stare out the window.

You were right.

The moon is very beautiful tonight.

---

“And how about you, Mr. Bachira?” Asks the announcer, his voice filled with excitement and joy, “any special ladies in your life.”

“Well, there does happen to be one that I’ve stumbled across recently.”

“Oh, do tell! Do tell!”

Bachira turns to look at the camera, giving his warmest and most dashing smile. Of course he obviously does it for the cameras and guidance but a small part, a teeny tiny miniscule part, does it for you. He isn’t all too sure why but he knows deep down that there’s a part in his chest that wants yours to race as well.

“Getting the chance to know her has to be the absolute best time of my life.”

“Wow! Quite the praise this young lady has received!” The announcer leans in, curiosity both a professional interviewer and curious onlooker seem to mix in, “and what has she done to earn such praise?”

Bachira grins, not one of those dashing smiles but a genuine smile that goes along with his fluttering stomach, “that’s for me to know and you to wonder.”

The crowd applauds loudly as Bachia makes his way back to where you’re standing. The rest of the Tributes eye him for a moment before looking back at the crowd and current interview.

The back of your hand brushes against his.

“You did well.” You say quietly.

Bachira smiles, “thank you Miss. (L/n).”

---

“Don’t get too close with her, Bachira.” Says Ego, his voice methodical and cold.

‘Of course,’ he thinks but instead he answers, “why not?” despite already knowing the answer.

Ego rolls his eyes, seemingly done with holding himself back, “because it’ll only complicate things when the two of you are in the arena. While it’s a good idea in front of the crowd but you shouldn’t be doing something like that when the cameras can’t see you.”

“And if I want to?”

The cold man sighs, “then it’s your funeral I’ll be attending.”

---

It’s quite enough to hear a pin drop, Bachira thinks as he quietly sits beside you waiting for the moment he’s called to be judged. He’s shivering ever so slightly in his seat, though from the cold or nervousness he isn’t too sure.

One girl is staring at her hands, as if trying to recount all the knowledge that she’s acquired throughout the span of her life. Another boy is looking up at the sky, seeming to be praying to a deity that is unknown to Bachira. And then there’s you, leaning towards him, with a book in hand. It’s the same one that you were reading that night on the window sill. Actually, it’s the one he’s always seen you with.

Bachira thinks that you’ve likely reread that book at least a hundred times by now.

He’s actually had a chance to borrow it from you. Only for an hour of course but that was enough. Not enough to read the book but enough for him to learn about you. Like all your favourite lines in the book that you’ve underlined or the parts that you’ve reread so many times that the words on those pages have begun to fade.

He knows that you dot your eyes with small circles instead of simple dots as seen from the little notes you’ve written in the corners of the pages; and how you’re horrible at writing poems as seen evident from all the cringey words written between the margins and lines. But he likes them. In fact he had even-

“District 7. Bachira Meguru.” Says the cold robotic voice of the announcer. Though, humorously, Bachira thinks it might have more emotion than the current District 7 Victor.

“Good luck.” You say, breaking the silence of the room.

Everyone turns to look at the two of you, almost as if they know something the two of you don’t.

Bachira does his best to give you that daredevil grin he remembered you saying you liked, “of course. You too, Miss (L/n).”

And he feels rather invigorated as he enters the room to be tested. Not just because he knows he'll do well but because you wished him luck.

It’s weird.

Why would such a thing make him so happy in the first place?

Bachira isn’t all too sure why.

No. He takes that back.

The two of you are the only ones to wish someone luck. Or at least the only people that he’s heard.

---

On the eve of entering the arena Bachira finds you back in your spot on the window sill.

You look back, hearing his footsteps as he makes his way towards you.

Silently, you scooch over.

He takes a seat directly beside you, not bothering to leave any space.

Tonight, he will ignore everything his mind has been telling him. Tonight he listens to his heart. Tonight, he chooses to sit beside you.

You’re warm, like always. And he’s sweaty but you still lean towards him tonight, finally resting your head on his shoulder.

“Are you scared?” You ask.

“No,” Bachia answers, “and yes.”

“Me too.”

“But I think you have a pretty good chance at winning.”

You laugh, “you’re only saying that.”

“I’m not.”

“Oh. And what makes you say that Mr. Bachira?” You ask, doing your best to mimic the announcer from what feels like so many nights ago.

“Because you’re smart.”

And you can only laugh in response. Bachira knows it’s because you don’t believe him but it's true. Even if you don’t think so, he knows it’s true. Afterall he doubts he’d be here if it wasn’t for you.

His heart aches and his stomach is doing that weird fluttering thing again.

Is it the Capital food? It’s been doing that ever since he got on the train and doesn't seem to be stopping any time soon. He had considered seeing a doctor but didn’t want any rumors starting over it. He didn’t want anything to get in the way of him getting sponsors like a sickness so common among the sick.

But maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if those sponsors instead chose to look at you.

His hand brushes up against yours.

“May the odds be ever in your favour, Bachira.”

“Call me Meguru.”

“Okay,” you say in that soft voice that he remembers you speaking at the end of the reaping, “Meguru.”

And suddenly his heart feels warm again. Of course, this time he knows for certain why.

His heart had said it.

His smile and his eyes had said it.

The crowd had said it.

Even he had said it before his mind finally realised it.

He finally grabs your hand. It feels so small and tiny on its own. So unprepared for what's to come. But that’s not what he’s thinking of. He knows for certain that it doesn't matter. Not just because you’re smart but because you have him.

“I love you (Y/n).”

Fall in love with someone you’d die for.

[ackermanbitch]

Teenage Dirtbag (Peter Parker x Fem!Reader) Part 6.5?

a/n: so this is honestly just filler (which is why it's so SHORT) before the part of the fic that takes place during the beginning of homecoming. i dont see the point in writing for the rest of civil war when realistically this is as far as reader would be involved. also not using (y/n) bc i dont like it anymore :D

warnings: arguing?? but it's kind of funny, reader being very much tony's daughter and repressing very real and important emotions

pt1, pt2, pt3, pt4, pt5

word count: 730 (augh its so short im sorry, next chapter will be the normal length dw )

"Ross wants you in juvie, and honestly, I can't totally blame him! You were assisting war criminals. War. Criminals."

The teen groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose and trying to lean as far away from the boy sitting next to her, wondering why the hell he chose to sit right there when there was an entire private plane for him to roam. "Why didn't you have this conversation with me before I left?" She whispered angrily, adjusting the phone in her hand to speak directly into the microphone.

Regardless of where Peter sat, he would've heard Tony's yapping through the phone in response to being interrupted during a lecture.

"Oh I'm sorry my scolding doesn't line up with your schedule young lady, but this is the only time I could fit in to talk to you, what between all the meetings I'm having in an attempt to keep you out of jail!"

"Can't you, I don't know- tell them I happened to be going for a-... a nice stroll? Walked into the crossfire by mis-" She stumbled over her words, eyes darting to Peter who snorted at her idea before she even finished. He quickly cleared his throat, head turning away so quickly she thought he might've pulled something.

Tony brought his palm up to his forehead, some measly attempt to soothe his growing migraine, "This is not a joke, we're talking about you potentially doing prison time-"

"I've hardly done anything deserving a real charge Dad, they just think I'm going to do something and I obviously won't, seeing as my team of 'war criminals' are in fucking Alcatraz-"

"One, you need to watch your damn language and two, you think I don't know that? Of course I think these allegations are a load of bullshit, it doesn't make it any easier to shut them down." Tony sighed, checking the time on his phone before bringing it back to his ear. "Listen, I have to go, call me when you land and don't let Happy fall asleep. Can't have you two teenagers unsupervised on my private plane."

She glanced at Happy's snoring figure on the other side of the jet, "Yeah, sure, he's wide awake. Love you, bye." She deadpanned, hanging up before Tony could finish reciprocating the sentiment.

She may have forced a mask of indifference, even carelessness, when faced with the consequences but behind all that, her brain felt like a fucking circus. A circus with multiple tornado sirens going off, fires and mass hysteria. Oh, and every clown wore her face. Her stupid, 'rebel against dad' at any chance, war criminal assisting face. She'd rather end up in prison than have to face her dad again. What if he never forgives her for this, what if he never moves on, what if this isn't like every other time she's done something stupid, this could change the course of her li-

"You're not.. actually gonna go to jail, right?" Peter interrupted her raging thoughts, giving her quite the worried stare.

She sighed, fiddling with her phone, "No, he would never let that happen. Not with his troupe of lawyers. I'll get let off with a 'hefty warning'," She emphasized with air quotes, "AKA forty torturous minutes of Cap telling me how I need to make better choices. Though he's stuck in the clink right now so I don't know."

She tried to hide the slight shake to her voice, how it sounded more like she was convincing herself rather than explaining it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Don't tell Mr. Stark I said this but uh- Y'know, he's Captain America, he'll probably break out of there in no time."

She slowly turned her head to look at him, slowly letting a smile break out across her face. "Yeah, maybe. He's pretty crazy. Suuuch a rebellious guy, very anti-government."

Peter shrugged with a hopeful smile, "I don't know, this whole thing started over him not wanting to sign a peace treaty, that seems extremely anti-government."

"I guess you're right Parker, as always." She grinned, ignoring his flushed cheeks at her compliment and letting her eyes drift to Happy.

"You got a marker?"

--

taglist: @preciousbabypeter @lily-sinclair-2006 @b-barnes04 @ink-stained-eyes

[tomorrowxtogether]

YEONJUN: “I never want to forget that I can’t take anything for granted”

TOMORROW X TOGETHER The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION comeback interview

2023.02.06

Everything, everywhere is full of passion. It’s cheerful. Friendly. This is YEONJUN’s world.

You brought a book of poetry for the gift exchange you held with the other members for your holiday Weverse Live.

YEONJUN: I’m not a heavy reader but I got inspired after seeing some nice quotes and poems on social media. And I thought it would be nice to show them to those who are having a hard time around me. I think I’m good at using wordplay in my lyrics but not so much at incorporating my emotions, so I thought poetry books might help.

The lyrics you wrote for the track “Farewell, Neverland” off the latest album are sentimental.

YEONJUN: And yet it wasn’t particularly difficult. I always watch a lot of movies and have a good imagination. My MBTI has N, after all. (laughs) I’ve had a rich imagination ever since I was young so I used to imagine myself as a movie character and act like one. I wrote the lyrics to “Farewell, Neverland” by picturing myself as one of the boys who wants to play with Peter Pan. They don’t want to grow up but they have no choice but to leave Neverland if they’re going to keep developing and moving forward. I wrote it from the perspective of resisting Peter Pan’s temptation.

Conversely, the lead single “Sugar Rush Ride” and the song “Devil by the Window” explore what temptation and giving into it looks like. I’d say you tried recording with some new vocal styles that you never used before.

YEONJUN: You know, if you’re tempting someone you don’t just say, (dryly) “Come here.” You have to say it in a sly and sexy voice. (laughs) So I went over the top for some parts, abandoning my normal self and getting into the role of the devil, then for other parts I really exaggerated my vocals and tried to make the expressions as strong as possible.

What was it like writing lyrics for “Happy Fools” (feat. Coi Leray)? I was curious to see if there would be a moment you give into temptation, seeing as you’re usually so hardworking.YEONJUN: I really sympathize with the idea of wanting to have fun, so I kept that in mind while writing the lyrics. But, to be honest, even when I’ve had a hard time, the worst it ever gets is I can’t concentrate quite as well or I practice a little less. I never once completely gave up on anything. So you’re saying you’ve always done everything you have to. (laughs) Don’t you ever feel like blowing everything off, even just occasionally?YEONJUN: Even if I thought about it, I don’t think I could actually go through with it. It’s already such an inborn habit and just the way I work. What if you magically had one day where you’re allowed to live life however you want—a day where you won’t get tired for tomorrow no matter what you do and it won’t have any effect on all the effort you’ve put in so far?YEONJUN: (laughs) Could I have that? (After thinking it over) I’d probably just do something fun, I guess? Hang out with friends, go somewhere cool to listen to some music. But that’s not something I absolutely crave anyway. Why’s that?YEONJUN: I’m so ambitious and eager that it outweighs any inconveniences. This job is my pride and joy. I’m pretty easygoing but I also have a lot of dignity. (laughs) I want to keep feeling proud when it comes to my work. It’s interesting to see your photos in that sense. You usually aim for perfection, even under pressure, but you look so natural when you have your picture taken—like you don’t even notice anyone’s looking.YEONJUN: I always enjoy photoshoots. Today’s shoot for Weverse Magazine was no exception. I feel enough pressure on a day-to-day basis so I try to have some confidence when I’m doing a shoot. And anyway, it’s the real deal. It’s like how actors really try to become another person rather than just read lines from a script. It’s the same with me: When I’m doing a shoot or on stage, I’m not just making facial expressions and striking attractive poses—I’m usually trying to become the kind of person who fits in with the given mood.

That helped make the Daydream version of the concept photos for the new album memorable. Whereas showing off your bare chest and back could’ve been burdensome, you make it look like a breeze, and you stuck out your tongue in a unique way.YEONJUN: I was okay with showing some skin. I think everything from the background to the outfits, hair and makeup were perfectly orchestrated to set the mood. I think they really helped sell the particular idea of dreaminess for the Daydream version. But I also worried that taking off my top would come across as leaning too hard into sex appeal. As I understood it, it was never meant to be like that. It should be really clear from how I’m sticking out my tongue, but it’s meant to be mischievous. Mysterious but mischievous. So I was trying to convey a mix of feelings. You worked yourself very naturally into the atmosphere of your concerts during last year’s ACT: LOVESICK world tour and at Lollapalooza. You really couldn’t hide your excitement over the festival atmosphere at Lollapalooza.YEONJUN: You’re right. It was a valuable time to reflect on why I do this line of work. I got started in this because of how much I love the stage. Is there an area you want to explore more of? In an earlier interview in Weverse Magazine, you said you wanted to try writing more intense lyrics, and you said in a vlog you recorded while in the US that you used all your energy on the Lollapalooza stage and even said, “This is what a performance is.”YEONJUN: We can’t do everything we want in the course of our everyday lives. There’s so many restrictions. But when it comes to the stage, I can do anything I want. So I think I want to do whatever I want to the fullest no matter what people say. That’s true for music, performing and photoshoots, too. So you must’ve been really energized while interacting with MOA from so many different countries.YEONJUN: It meant a lot because I’m the kind of person who wants to experience everything. I was especially amazed how the mood and energy differed between cities. I was impressed how calm and extremely focused on the concert itself they were in Japan, and then Southeast Asia they sang along really passionately to the songs and were jumping up and down. In the US they sang and danced in front of us however they wanted without feeling self-conscious. After Lollapalooza, I really thought I just want to be a massive rock star. (laughs) So I tried writing songs that everyone could dance to and have fun and just enjoy themselves to.

You continuously contribute to the music and lyrics of the songs on your albums. Can we expect to hear some songs that are about your personal stories?YEONJUN: I still want to work on it a bit more before I reveal anything to MOA. I’m the type of person that cannot show if I’m not confident or if I’m not fully ready. (laughs) You’re quite the perfectionist. (laughs) Because of the nature of your job, though, it’s always the case that you have to have something to show by a specified time. How do you deal with that? I’m thinking especially about how you have to play many different roles, like when you performed “Lonely Boy (The tattoo on my ring finger)” at 2022 MAMA last year and the dance covers you did at 2022 SBS Gayo Daejeon.YEONJUN: In my personal opinion, none of those performances were perfect. I just tried to put on performances that were as close to perfection as possible. I just practiced as much as I could until time was up. I didn’t want to feel anxious right before I got up on stage and worry about whether I could do a good enough job. In the end, I tried my best and did it all without any mistakes. (laughs) I’m surprised someone with such a strong stage presence is so hard on himself. You garner a lot of attention, too: You earned the nickname 4th Gen It Boy and now have over 12 million followers on Instagram.YEONJUN: I do love myself and have high self-esteem, but apart from that, I’ve never felt fully satisfied with myself. I’m always finding something I could be doing better. Aside from the title you mentioned, I trained for this job long enough that I always feel like I need to be doing better.

That makes me think of the lyrics to “Tinnitus (Wanna be a rock),” which you helped write. Do you ever feel like you’re “just a rock” after spending so much time thinking and putting in the effort?YEONJUN: I’m sure every artist has that feeling at some point. As an artist, I’m always following a big dream when I work, but sometimes when I see myself I feel like I’m not good enough and I feel useless—like I’m nothing. That’s what I was thinking about when I wrote those lyrics. So you’re always aiming higher.YEONJUN: I want to be a role model and to be able to have a good influence on people. My friend told me a really good story yesterday. Apparently, a friend of a friend is my fan. When that MOA saw I had written “study hard” when I signed their CD, that was enough to get past being bullied, study hard and make it into the university program this friend wanted. I just wrote that short message. When I heard that, I thought, I’m at a place now where I can change a person’s life. What about this job could be more rewarding than that? You don’t hold any prejudices and you respect everyone for who they are. For example, you wore a skirt and made a post saying boys can wear skirts too, and when you first saw iced tea with a shot of espresso and confirmed that that person ordered it that way on purpose, you responded, “Okay then, no problem.”YEONJUN: I try not to hold prejudices. I fell into some preconceived notions in the past, but the world keeps changing and there’s still a lot more that needs to change. So I took a careful look at myself, didn’t really like what I saw and thought I better not let myself get stuck in those mindsets. Are you always fully conscious of what’s happening around you? I recall on Weverse Live when HUENINGKAI was feeling camera-shy because of his messy hair but MOA really wanted to see him and you carefully smoothed over that situation.YEONJUN: I try but I don’t know if I’m doing a very good job. (laughs) I try to organize my thoughts by priority at least. I start by talking about what needs to be taken care of immediately and wait a little to bring up other things when there’s an opportunity. I also take each of the members’ styles into consideration. They’re all very different. (laughs) I felt a lot of pressure last year to get us more in sync and practicing more when we had to get a lot of performances ready in a short time because I tend to be ambitious about wanting to do a good job. But it takes some time for everyone to get on the same page and that’s just the way it is. So I talked about the most pressing issues first and waited to talk about the other parts till the next time and we got in sync that way.

I imagine spending so much time together during the world tour must have made it a major turning point for the group, too.

YEONJUN: We definitely had more of a chance to talk. Things have always been good between us, but we got even better at being open with each other than before. I think it can actually be harder to be open with someone the more time you spend together and the closer you are. I tried to be more open, too, and we all tried really hard on the things we felt were important or necessary. That’s how we got better.

In an interview with GQ last year, you said, “We have to try harder so we can be extremely good.” That seems to be your default attitude toward both the other members and toward MOA.

YEONJUN: I think you can always do better, no matter how good you already are. I know I have my weaknesses but I can always do better despite that. I think, if you have your thoughts set on some specific standard, you’re done for. And I’m always YEONJUN from TOMORROW X TOGETHER before just YEONJUN. I couldn’t have done any of the things it took to get me to where I am today on my own. The label helped and because I have the other members and MOA with me, we can all shine brighter.

Is that why you’re always showing the people around you how grateful you are? You shared the heartfelt messages you wrote to the staff you work with on Weverse and you even got snacks for hosts Jjoonijjoon and the rest of SBS’s Inkigayo staff.

YEONJUN: I think it’s really important to be grateful. I really hate when I take things for granted. I think I’ll fail as both a person and as an artist the moment I start taking others for granted. We’re going to get more and more the more we grow, and I never want to forget that I can’t take those things for granted. I think I need to be a person first and an artist second.

Personally, the lyrics to “Tinnitus (Wanna be a rock)” made me think of the movie Everything Everywhere All at Once. If you could pick one version of yourself from the multiverse, like in the movie, which YEONJUN would you choose?

YEONJUN: Me? I’m just … I’m happy the way things are now. (laughs) I hope I would be a happy YEONJUN. If it’s good, it’s good. (laughs) I want the YEONJUN who lives in a world where everyone’s happy and worry-free.

I wonder if that happy YEONJUN is doing the same work that you do.

YEONJUN: Yep.

[is-it-offwithyourhead]

Is it OWMH for being completely oblivious? Questionable decisions have gone wholesome.

- an update by 🎤

For context on the situation I have found myself in. It was later that very same night where I had asked a few online gaming pals on tips for apology gifts. Immediately, they ask if the recipient is important to me. I'd like to think Vil, can be considered important to myself for many reasons. Does not cross my mind how this could sound to someone else. Immediately, they shoot out with items like flowers and jewelry, something sentimental if I could. It does sound like things Vil would like at the front.

The next day, I get the permission to skip and bring a plus one. I intercept Rook Hunt in the morning and invite him to leave campus with me. Getting him to come along was the easy part; now we're talking about Vil, a little back and forth. It turns out I know more personal details about Vil than i initially thought.

Rook takes me to a tailor place first to get a suit. I'm not surprised, a bit bizarre, but hey. Our next destination is something I planned, a jewlery place that would provide me the ability to get something engraved in-store. I pick out a pricey amethyst set because it's Vil. Quite frankly, I thought it was downright stunning, so I got his name on it, done.

We head back to campus, boom.. finish with the hard part, or so I thought. Now Rook was doing my hair in Pomefiore while the order of flowers came in time for class to end. I figure he's looking out for me; no one wants to be scolded for looking messy by the staff. I got the new suit on by now.

Which, it finally dawns on my bird brain, everyone is convinced I am asking someone, aka Vil, out. I'm trying not to have a heart attack, I'm convinced I'm going to get skewered on a stick for what looks like a publicity stunt. There's even a crowd looking at me.

Outcome lads, it would shock you. I immediately take a deep breath; Vil is coming at any second now. There's no running away or even changing forms to skaddle. I'm holding my flowers in one hand, the jewelry in the other in a nice little box. Vil enters; I'm practically one foot in the grave, Rook is absolutely delighted and even takes a picture of Vil immediately during this moment.

I'm keeping it brisk, I say I'm sorry for yesterday morning while presenting the items. Rook in the corner of my eye, giving me rapid gestures to continue. I can see Vil is likely to regret having ever met me, I would, too, for this. But no, that does not happen. He smiles at me, and he laughs softly, I feel my heart racing in a multitude of ways. He tells me, and I quote, "You really are a lost case.. I accept your apology, you silly bird."

He takes my offering of peace while I'm trying not to stutter like a fool. I think this whole ordeal is gonna blow over and am willing to accept my L. Until a few hours later, I'm scrolling social media when I see a familiar set of jewelry on a certain someone's personal account. Vil posted a picture of what I had gifted him with, with the caption "My silly bird." Mission failed successfully, I suppose.

[omahasnakes]

2023: I used to be with it, but then they changed what it was. Now what I’m with isn’t it anymore and what’s it seems weird and scary. It’ll happen to you!

I always interpreted the word “scary” in this quote in the sense that old people fear change. Not that an actively racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, authoritarian segment of our society would loudly gain power in all areas, including popular music. But here we are, it’s 2023!

**This is my ongoing series of trying to understand popular music by listening to the Billboard year end music chart for every year, so far 1996-2023.**

Also before I go too far in clutching my pearls, this is the Billboard music chart, not exactly an unimpeachable and incorruptible measure of the public will. But it’s annoying when an artist dominates the chart simply because some people think it’s a good thing, actually, that he used a racial slur.

This year was so tough to deal with that I ended up using the process of elimination. After removing five old Christmas standards and 17 songs that offended my every sensibility, I was left with 78 songs. Then I took out the songs that were simply silly. I already talked about “Bad Habit” and “Unholy” in the 2022 chart, so I removed those too. I don’t care for the sentiments being expressed in “Kill Bill” or “bad idea right?” so they’ll go next. I don’t like how they’re pronouncing “liar” in “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2.”

Also, why are we as a society still fucking with Drake?

Album of the Year: notwithstanding what I mentioned earlier, it’s SOS by SZA. Solid jams T to B. She also gets…

Song of the Year: “Snooze” by SZA. A shallow field this year, but try listening to this a few dozen times and I think you’ll agree it’s a jam.

“Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift. Half of this is a really good song. I first heard it while shopping in a going-out-of-business Bed Bath and Beyond while trying to get used to being alone. It seemed appropriate, other than the part about anyone still being around to care.

“Fast Car” covered by Luke Combs. Someone whose opinion (especially in matters of music) I consider sacrosanct told me that they don’t care for any version of this song. I was floored. This is an ok cover; I don’t hate it. And if you’re worried that he destroys the queer reading, he refers to himself as working “in the market as a checkout girl.”

“Creepin’” by Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, and 21 Savage. Do I get points for instantly placing the generous sample of “Boadicea” by Enya? Something about the sample doesn’t seem to fit quite right rhythmically, but I’m no musician, so what do I know?

“golden hour” by JVKE. My sister played it for me on the piano and asked if I was familiar with it, so then I had to take it off my makeout playlist.

“Tennessee Orange” by Megan Moroney. “I met somebody. He’s got blue eyes.” Wink wink. I said WINK! WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SAY THAT IS THAT HE IS WHITE. BUT I’M BEING SUBTLE ABOUT IT. GET IT?!?! This wasn’t even one of the songs I thought was offensive. This is just run-of-the-mill for modern country music.

“Wait in the Truck” by HARDY with Lainey Wilson. What a nasty, empty-souled fantasy of vigilantism.

Country music barometer: 29%

Songs partially or completely in Spanish: 9%

Songs performed in English by South Korean artists: 2%

A music video from 2023 to include: Here’s “As it Was” by Harry Styles. I really like the spinning platform. I give the same grace to Harry Styles that I give to all the pop girlies. It’s fine. They’re fine. Frankly, it’s kind of nice when compared to our other options this year.

https://youtu.be/H5v3kku4y6Q?si=yH00pTg6KVPtDVGf

[magpie-moon]

I was conceived without thought

In the last bitter moments of a fruitless marriage 

some say it was at the airport

a flight to somewhere without the other

but only the perpetrators know for sure

I am ashes and fire and rain

Air and water

And red-brown leaves barely hanging onto skeletal trees

I was born to rage and wrath

a mother screaming

a baby crying

funny how I never fit the mold

I am warm nights and early sunsets

I won’t go outside

But the sentiment is always nice

I am hidden objects in odd places

I am a puzzle missing half its pieces

I am ink smeared across desperate fingertips

Impossible to scrub away

I was born to a mother

who sometimes forgot her child

alcohol is a thorough distraction

I am pages of unread books

An encyclopedia of useless quotes

A library of disconnected and mangled memories

Thoughts litter the ceiling like stringless balloons 

I am a too vivid photograph

My contrast turned all the way up; 

I am ear numbing static 

I was born to stepdad number one 

though he was more babysitter than parent

but back then I couldn’t tell the difference

I am nothing if not perfect

I am nothing if not wrong

I am nothing if not nothing at all

I was born for eggshell floors and soft footfalls

for clothes brushing skin in the darkness of a closet

for yelled accusations drifting across a terrified house

I am sunshine that tastes like sky

I am dust motes that feel like pixie dust

I am a fallen feather

Just along for the ride

I was born for summers spent in sticky heat

and long plane rides to anticipated destinations

for layovers in Phoenix

I am an underling to all that is just enough to make you wonder

But never enough to do anything more

I am the end of a dream

That feels all too real

That holds you hostage like blankets wrapped around your sweat-dampened legs at midnight on a Monday morning

I am the burnt toast that you still have to eat

The stuff your mother tells you will polish your teeth

I was born for fearful plane rides

I was told this was vacation

I never got to say goodbye

I never went back

I am a breath held in too long

a lamp that flickers more often than it shines

A door that shuts all on its own

Don’t worry: I am just a ghost

I was born to stepdad number two

he was neither babysitter nor parent

even then I knew that

he drank and fought

she met him blow for blow

and I didn’t exist

I am the pennies

Thrown into a decrepit wishing well

I won’t do what you expect me to

I was born an adult

a child who knew the ways of the world

I knew to cook

I knew not to clean (I never did it right)

I knew, by instinct, when leaving my room was alright

I knew what time to walk to school

I knew when to come home

I was eight years old

I am thousands of sticky notes stuck to a mirror

full of the impossible 

I am a twinge of pain that you can’t quite feel

But I am always there 

I was born for shut off water

for unpaid electric bills

for dogs who bit you if you weren’t careful

I am a song that you can’t remember

Lyrics that fill your parents with fear

‘are you okay. this music doesn’t sound like you’re okay’

I am fine. I promise 

I was born for a road trip that wouldn’t end

for a backwater catholic school (it could have been worse)

for a different hotel every other night

I am the words that won’t come out

The thought you won’t speak

The stupid idea you’re glad you never voiced

I was born for forgetting the return

I assume it was a long arduous one

full of cats smuggled into pet-free hotels

I am wet, raw weather

I am unable to get warm

I am colder than you ever thought possible 

I was born to a townhouse

we lied about the address  

they found out eventually

I am that kid

Who won’t come out of their closet

I’d sleep in there if I could

I am a small, safe, dark place

The kind that feels like home

I was born to eviction

and if objects were memories

I’d have none

no one told me we weren’t coming back

‘just pack your bags; fill them with clothes’

I am an instrument that doesn’t sound right

Doesn’t matter how many times you take me to get fixed

I still don’t sound like you want me to

I was born again in a homeless shelter

a grandparent paid for private school

but no one knew how bad it was

not even me

I am thousands of blankets

Piled high on top of you on a cold night

I seem good in theory

But I will suffocate you 

I am sorry

I was born to be picked up one day

in the middle of fourth grade

by my grandparents

I am an old car 

That no one wants to drive

But everyone keeps around because I haven’t really broken down yet

When I get close

Someone comes and patches up my fatal wounds with band-aids 

And tells not to be sad

And tells me not to worry

I was born for it not to occur to me that would not see my mother again

until much later

I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a relief

I am obsessive

Easy distracted

Oblivious and headless

I can’t see five feet in front of me

But I jump anyway

I was born once more, a couple weeks later in Vienna 

to a father who didn’t know me, or care to

a sister who knew better than me, in all things

a stepmother who liked the idea of mothering better than being a mother

I am not easily impressed

But somehow I am fascinated by everything 

I start millions of projects

I never finish 

Even when I want to

I was born for anxiety

it knots my stomach

makes me nauseous

and everyone thought I was bulimic 

but no

just anxious (I feel better now, really, I do)

I am a Christmas tree kept up a little too long

With cracked paper ornaments held together by glitter and glue

I look great from a distance

And then you see me up close

And I am falling apart

A fire waiting to happen

I was born again to move back to Texas

back to my grandparents

It hit like a train I heard from miles away

but refused to acknowledge 

I swear I saw it coming; the snide remarks made it apparent

It shouldn’t have hurt as much as it did

I am metamorphosis

Caught between one world and another

Tug of war

And no one’s winning

I was born once more in sixth grade

And everyone thought me sweet

I had no backbone and I didn’t know anything

I am blood and bone

A snake in need of shedding

I am too tight for my skin

I can’t make myself fit

I was born for seventh grade

when I discovered sarcasm

and when I learned that people who were too nice

lost themselves to others

I was tired of being lost

I still am

I am falling asleep at a desk at two am

And forcing yourself awake to work on one more thing

I am exhaustion 

The inability to keep your eyes open even though you sleep all day

I was born for eighth grade

I let myself fall without reserve

they had dimples and smiled like the sun

they blinded me and I couldn’t look away

I didn’t really want to

I am a vulture waiting for someone to push me off a cliff

Waiting for someone to make me fly 

I am stagnant now

Powerless and reckless

What I do won’t matter

So why not do everything

I was born again for ninth grade

and nothing turned out well this year 

I’ve forgotten the sky

and I’ve forgotten the people who live under it

I am overwhelmed

but I still feel nothing

funny how that works

I am grey and blue and black

The bruises that came from nowhere

That you only notice when a dull pain shoots through your limb

‘where did you come from’

But there’s no good answer

I am alive

And I suppose that’s all that matters

[fandomfluffandfuck]

Re: fall out boy question

YES! I feel mostly the same way tbh! The main way I rank my favourite to least favourite is which songs end up most in the top 10 but then I also put a lot of weight on the sentimental value of it, part of the reason why I quite often rank new fall out over their older stuff is not because it’s better music but because I have so many memories associated with the newer albums as I listened to them (save rock and roll, American Beauty American psycho and Mania) religiously throughout highschool and they got me through a hell of a lot of teenage angst. But it’s amazing how well it actually stands up to scrutiny versus like Twenty One Pilots who I also listened to during my angst phase and although Vessel is a good album it doesn’t even hold a candle to something like Save Rock and Roll.

It’s only recently that I’ve actually started to listen and enjoy a lot of the older stuff because my music taste has shifted slightly (not majorly) but I definitely slept on Take This to Your Grave and even to some extent Infinity on High and Folie (heinous I know) and they’re just chefs kiss.

All the albums have their own merits and my rankings are so fucking messy cuz they’re more based on my feelings than the music itself. Basically my ranking if it was based on sentimental value would be totally different to ranking based on which has the “best” music (even though I stand by the fact they’ve never released a bad song let alone a bad album *cough* panic at the disco with Viva Las Vengeance *cough*)

related to this

Oh, nice! I can see that. And, yeah, I feel you--Fall Out Boy has a lot of sentimental meaning to me, too. I dealt with a shit ton of mental health problems growing up (ans I still deal with them), and their music definitely helped me through all that as well as through the regular, non-disordered teenage angst, lmao. Though, I will forever have a soft spot for SRAR because that was my introductory album to FOB. I was too young to have heard their pre-haitus stuff as it came out. I've since gone back and fallen in love with all the older stuff and a fuck ton of their solo projects, but, yeah, the stuff I was there for on the ground floor has some extra memories.

Also, my own high school memory of them is that I decided I didn't give a fuck about if other people found it cringy or not, I just had to do it... I had a FOB lyric as my senior quote, "you are what you love, not who loves you," from SRAR.

I also listened to a lot of TØP and P!ATD, but I never got fully into them the way I did with FOB (and, to some extent, MCR).

I'm glad you've gone back and listened! I love, love, love the old stuff. I personally have a music taste that's ALL OVER THE PLACE, and I feel like FOB gets most of the credit for it. They introduced from a whole new world away from radio pop, country hits, or classic rock. It's not just that their albums sound different, but because I got so into FOB and they all talk about their different musical backgrounds over the years, I began to consume all these different genres. Treating it like music recommendations. And I especially started listening to hardcore since that's where their roots lie. I fell in love. Hardcore, rock, metal, punk, etc. All the little sub genres of each, too. Nu metal, black metal, heavy metal, metalcore, etc., etc. I love it.

That's fair, though, rankings are often messy and all over the place anyway. Everyone has their own ears and opinions.

(I bought Viva Las Vengeance on CD before I listened and... I was pretty disappointed. I think it's good pop, and I don't mind pop music. Not at all! It's just not what I was expecting from Panic! Even as a follow-up to Pray For The Wicked, which was pretty pop-ish, too. Although, I must admit that the theory that the song "Local God" is a letter to Ryan Ross makes me actually love that song, lol.)

Thanks for giving me an excuse to rant about music, lmao.