#lyx talks

[skxtchyghost]

time blindness is so real because what do you mean christmas is in 4 days halloween was just a few days ago hello

[lyxthen]

Look, I'm a Mexican, and my country is kind of economically dependent on the US. Trump winning means we are likely going to get a lot of trade restrictions, not even addressing the fact that our family members living in the US are going to be put in genuine grave danger (more than they already are, because the US government wouldn't recognize human rights unless its held at gunpoint), particularly if they are undocumented. The world is going to suffer this, maybe just as much, if not more, than you are.

Still.

I don't want to see any of you blaming Palestinians, or Arabs, or Muslims, or black people, or trans people, or third party voters, or whatever scapegoat minority you pick, for this outcome. This is not their fault. You know whose fault it is? Trump's and the people who voted for him. The American establishment that allowed him to run for president at all. I don't want to see you being angry at leftists for "putting their moral purity before harm reduction" because that is redirecting the righteous anger you should be feeling toward the US government toward its victims. It's victim blaming rethoric.

It makes me ashamed to see so many people falling for it, quick to blame leftists for the USA's steady decline into fascism, instead of blaming, oh I don't know, the fucking fascists running your fucking country. Get real.

[nevospitanniy]

we say it a lot but I mean it this time. barking

[lyx-writes]

☆𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳☆

Fairy Tail

One Punch Man

Eyeshield 21 (Manga only)

Persona 5 (Original and Tactica)

Persona 4 (Original only)

Persona 3 (No FemC content and characters at the moment, I've only played Reload)

Trauma Center (UTK, UTK 2, and Second Opinion)

Telltale's The Walking Dead Game (Seasons 1-4)

Coffee Talk (1 and 2)

[lyx456]

Magnus Protocol episode 8 thoughts:

-not gonna lie i didn't understand anything from the beginning of the statement and a bit aftet that so I will have to google translate it later probably

-from the things I got tho: WOOOOO LIMINAL SPACES BABYYYYY

-the statement was pretty creepy I always liked the lonely parts in previous ones so it was fun to hear something similar again

-I didn't check the trigger warnings this time so the cannibalism took me by surprise

-I would too jump out of a window rather then get eaten alive so based

-Alice my beloved

-okay so we still don't know wtf is Gwen supposed to do now after the promotion got it

-Colin got a mental health leave?? Didn't expect that good for him

-HOLY FUCK GERRY SOUNDS SO HAPPY IT ACTUALLY MADE ME TEAR UP MY BOY 😭 like I am going insane I think hearing him talk about painting and laughing and crap broke me

-also hello Gertrude I did not expect to hear you like at all for some reason (Gigi is a sweet nickname i guess you better treat Gerry well here or i swear to god)

-I knew some stuff from the arg so no surprises there about the experiments and Gerry and Sam being part of them

-I FUCKING KNEW IT CELIA IS SO NOT FROM THIS WORLD SHE KNOWS CRAP

- GEORGIE 🥰

[nhyhu]

hi i just learned that luo yunxi voices viktor in chinese

[alyxovert]

i reaaally hate it when people give "tough love." even if they disclaim that they don't mean it in a hurtful way, it is always going to be hurtful. and it's even worse when they make fair points 😔

[brightest-stars-if]

f!Lux has been getting more hype because you have been more open about her route, talking about all the exciting things that will happen, the whole Elysia storyline, etc. You've made her route seem more attractive than m!Lux who you don't talk about often. Ngl it is a bit disappointing to see as a m!Lyx romancer but oh well.

As a note of advice, anon, I would suggest not entering people’s inboxes passive aggressively. The “but oh well” was not necessary, nor was it appreciated.

But you brought up some things here that I want to reply to, so here we are.

Firstly, yes, you are correct that recently I’ve made more posts about f!Lux. Because I’ve gotten more asks about her. That isn’t something I just decided on. And if you go back further in my blog, you’ll see that I’ve also answered a large amount of m!Lux asks as well.

Secondly, I’ve spoken more about more elements in f!Lux’s route because they’re evident from the beginning. The misogyny she faces, her relationship with her mother, etc, are all things that are apparent to the player from Chapter 1. m!Lux’s story elements haven’t been fully revealed yet, which is why I haven’t spoken about them as much.

Thirdly, on the Elysia thing, I’ve mentioned her mostly around the topic of Isolde, not Lux. My blog is not only about Lux and the MC — I speak about other characters as well. And Isolde’s character revolves around the loss of Elysia. I will also point out how I’ve addressed that both female and male Lux will have different specialized dynamics with Isolde if their MC is named Elysia.

Lastly, I understand that if you’re newer to the blog, you would feel that I have shafted m!Lux in favor of f!Lux, but that’s just not the case. I resent the idea that I would favor one over the other, to be completely honest. With that being said, I do understand where your seeming resentment is coming from. m!Lux will have his time in the sun, just be patient.

[gizkasparadise]

2023 wrapped: cdrama edition!

taking a page from @dangermousie and doing an overview of all the cdramas i watched this year (i'll do one for kdramas later)! listed in order of least favorite to most favorite. favorite =/= objectively best/most well-made. just the ones i had the most fun watching.

15 have a crush on you. oh dear lord. this drama should be a case study for what happens when a bad drama has charismatic actors and they keep you trapped hostage. i watched this whole damn thing hating every minute of it on behalf of the poor female lead who definitely deserved better. the ending? absolutely batshit, and not in a fun way. one of the weirdest, worst endings ive seen since with you

14 back from the brink. too kitschy for me, i didn't last long on this one (i think 2 eps lol).

13 gone with the rain. i wanted to like this one because i love sean sun and troll general is exactly what i want out of life. but i didn't like the weird daydream asides, constant animal noise sound effects, and i found everyone kind of off-putting in a non-watchable way, so i peaced out really quick--ep 4ish

12 here we meet again. i love janice wu. i continue to try out her dramas hoping for something to grab me again. this one was pretty boring/too focused on the work element and not the rest of it.

11 exclusive fairytale. i have a secret weakness for youth-to-working-life dramas, so tried this one out. flat, not a lot of chemistry, and very color-by-numbers. the show was clearly made to vehicle jun, and that's okay, but not my thing

10 the starry love. i wanted to like this one because the side characters were fun and i loved the male lead/prince of heaven and all his awkward "please leave by 9" energy. but it bored me overall and unlike most folks i had no interest in the demon secondary ship. i dropped around ep 10

9 my journey to you. it kills me to rank this one so low because it was my most anticipated cdrama this year, but i just couldn't get into it. the pacing was too slow for me, and i couldn't stand how everyone talked to each other (long. pauses. and then. staring. and then. whispers. always the. whispers). i dropped this around midway

8 the love you give me. the chemistry between the leads was cute and it was a decent modern romance. started losing me around the midpoint when the paternity reveal hit and the ML got way into boundary crossing because of it

7 circle of love. objectively not a good drama. in fact, a toxic and batshit drama that has probably made me a worse person for watching it. but gd did my messy ass enjoy the trainwreck.

6 road home. you really got to be in the mood for this one, but it's a nice, understated and slow melo romance. but def not a bingeable show since it takes its time with everything

5 wonderland of love. another drama that i dont think is objectively great, but two competent schemers/martial artists trying to one-up each other is like ship catnip for me and this was a show that lived or died by its ship. surprisingly tame for the screenwriter, and had a happy ending! popcorn watch.

4 till the end of the moon. me and this drama were in a bad romance, which i suppose is thematically appropriate. i hated parts of it, i was super invested in others. the post-dream human arc was giving wuthering heights tragic obsession incredibleness. even with its flaws, i think most of cdramaland is in agreement that lyx/tantai jin stole the ML competition this year. great gowns, beautiful gowns

3 story of kunning palace. i adored the characters in this drama! even when the plot was losing my interest, everyone was cast so well and had so much charisma that i stayed pretty hooked from ep 10ish on. absolutely loved the mean high school theatre director wreck that was xie wei, as well as the other (imo) true love interest of the show, princess leyang. the desperate speech about being like iron is gonna live rent-free in my head

& then 1&2 are way ahead of the others for me this year/a very close race between them!

2 a journey to love. i love this drama so much!!! i have not skipped or speed watched a single scene which for me is a huge feat! great character work across the board -- even the side characters have a lot of nuance and interesting dynamics between them. beautiful fight scenes. great ost. one of the best, most balanced main couples ive seen in a show. it's gonna break my heart in a few eps when it ends, but i'll be happy about it

1 lost you forever (s1). this drama came out of NOWHERE and the vicegrip it had on me while it was airing!!! my favorite FL this year (although a journey to love's ruyi is a close second), and just a ton of fun while also being quietly devastating in parts. i loved how lived in and tired the FL felt, enjoyed the various flavors of mess from her love interests, and enjoyed how extra it could go while still giving us really grounded and complicated characters. this drama gets extra points for converting me on several actors i did not think that highly of before the show.

overall, despite how many i dropped (lol writing it out made me realize i dropped so, so many), cdramas delivered for me this year! my top two are on my short list for favorite dramas, period. everyone go watch a journey to love and lost you forever if you havent yet!!!

AWARDS

Favorite ship: definitely goes to ruyi and yuanzhou from a journey to love. it's just nice to see a couple that mutually supports each other's murders

Favorite FL: xiaoyao from lost you forever with ruyi from journey to love as a very close runner-up. i am here for this year's theme of competent, jaded ladies trying to reclaim their lives

Favorite ML: objectively, tantai jin from till the end of the moon should win this, but story of kunning palace's xie wei was just so entertainingly grumpy, petty, and unhinged which is a winning combo for me.

Favorite 2FL: princess yang ying from a journey to love. she's doing amazing and im proud of her!!

Favorite 2ML: technically third male lead, but xiang liu from lost you forever was my favorite to watch and had the best tuxedo mask exits

Best Cast: a journey to love, i literally adore all of them, even the ones i hate

Best Blood Cough: tantai jin, you beautiful bastard who needs a bib

[ab--nalka]

You used base64? I thought it was something else?!

I can’t believe we have a Pleiades ARG going on rn

Hey hey hey! It's Loaf! We gotta stop the Sun and Moon from--

okay yeah no I'll just get to the point and stop fucking around HELP

but yeah I made this hc in a convo I had with @monsterhatdoodles a long while ago (about.. 3-4 weeks ago? I don't remember HELPP)

The original idea was that Ades would knock on Dero's door at an ungodly hour, injured from 'you-know-what' and just barely hold himself up until he'd open it, then collapse to the ground. Dero would then take him to a clinic, and he'd stay there for a month comatose, then wake up, freak tf out (nosocomephobia amirite) and.... yeah the rest I can't spoil yet because me and Star may just add it to the rp at this point if she wants to HELPPP

I mean, it was supposed to be a fic, a comic even. I just got impatient hehehe ;) (I'M SO SORRY ABAHAHAHSHSSHHA)

[skxtchyghost]

@manliestman GOT ME MY FUCKING RIDDLER SUIT I AM SCREAMING I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AAAAAAA

IT'S SO SO COOL I'M SOBBING

(this is my idiot btw)

Suit is from EdwardCosDesign on Etsy!

Quality is pretty good, the fabric isn't too thin and it fits well too. Jacket's a little small but I can still wear it.

Customer service on the other hand.. Not good at all,,

[ab--n]

Chapter 1: Shifting and Moping for Lost Hope part 1

After having less than the recommended number of hours of sleep, I went to tell DK my conversation with Chocomonio. Him obviously being concerned.

“So what you’re saying is that this ‘Chocomonio’ person told you that two rooms have vents that connect to each other. I supposed that makes sense. Dero and Celeernyx did mention a way of transportation…”

“Okay I’m getting tired DK, Who are these people?”

“Verin, calm down. They're also Participants.”

“Ugh, Yeah sorry. I just feel like absolute trash.”

So one day until the poison kicks in and kills everybody but us four…. Wait.. didn’t Monodoo say that two rooms will be unaffected?

“DK… are you aware of how many rooms there are?”

“At least four.”

“Two rooms will be spared of poison.”

“And we were put in groups of four… 16 in total”

As silence falls between me and DK. we’ve come to a horrible realization.

What if Monodoo makes us continue killing each other?

“HEY!!! Archie found something. Looks like a key! Come here, Dolly and Archie will be waiting!!” Dolly yelled, thank god she was here. Morale would have dropped much quicker if she wasn't.

“We’re coming!!... Come on DK”

“... I’ll be following.”

Without DK I ran to where Archie and Dolly were. As I looked over them I saw a red key. It looks off though, Like it was taken straight out of a children's book.

“I found it near the monitor, It appeared overnight.”

“Dolly can see that. It wasn't here yesterday.”

Maybe Monodoo put it there? But how can he get in here? I have too many questions and no answers.

 “Let's use the key already! Dolly wants out of here!”

“Dolly, please wait! For all we know it could be a trap!” Archie pleaded.

“Well we don't know if we dont try!!”  

“Fine… let's go to the door first.”

Archie,Dolly and Me went to the door locking us here. It really doesn't make sense, I mean a key looking like it was stolen from a cartoon can open an attack proof metal door?-

*CREAK*

“….What?! How did it open?” I yelled.

“Look, Verin I don’t know either! The key looked really fake so I thought it was a trap!” Archie tried to explain

“Yay, The door opened! Wait for Dolly, Dolly will get Sir Dragon Knight!”

.....

So… we are out? 

.....

“DOTTY, I SWEAR TO NOVA, OR VOID OR WHOEVER, JUST STOP BOTHERING BLOSSOM DEE!!”

I turned my head as I saw 12? Maybe 10 more people come out of metal doors like ours, they must be the other participants.

“Okay! Dolly is back with DK! Hmm? Who are they?”

Suddenly DK pops out behind her.

“Those are the other participants Dolly, now if you will excuse me, I need to talk to somebody.”

"DK... Are you ok?" I questioned

"Yes, Now please leave me alone..."

I don’t know for sure… but DK is acting weird, I should leave him alone for now though. Maybe one of those guys that he mentioned wanted to talk?

Can I talk to Chocomoinio? I can see what it looks like now.

“Dolly, Archie. I also got places to be- Dolly, where’s Archie?”

“Archie went to Fylass, Dolly also wants to talk to someone soooo… Buh bye Verin!!”

And Dolly ran off, I wonder who does she want to talk to. But now’s not the time, I got to find Chocomonio!

As I traversed through the small crowd, then I heard a shout..

“Yo Veri! Where are you?” A familiar voice

“Choco? Is that you?” 

“Yep, and I’m right behind ya!”

Excited, I turned around quickly to see… a Yellow cat-like lady in a royal looking kimono, Not really what I expected…

“HI!!!!!!..Hmm? Oh ya fell for my facade? Wait let me turn back.”

Suddenly a blackish goo covered the lady and transformed into a small puffball with pink hair and lots of eyes…that are also pink.

“Here I am in all my glory! Sooo.. how’s it been going?”

“Not the best. I’m also confused… I mean did everyone get those weird keys?”

“Yeah, Techno found ours when she was on night watch. I have no idea where she is. I think she also switched ‘bodies’ with Lyx”

Man, there are so many names to keep track of. And why did Choco do air quotes when referring to those two guys switching bodies?

“Hey! while the more mature guys find out whatever is happening, wanna explore and talk to the others?”

“What about you Choco?”

“I’ma annoy Blossom with Dotty. Those two seem to hate each other, Weeeellll maybe only Blossom hates Dotty. Welp, I’ll be taking my leave now. See you later Verin.”

Okay, I’m a bit far behind the social game. I should introduce myself to the rest of the group-

“Hey! Rotten orange peel!” A girl a bit shorter than me ran up to me out of breath. She looks like Knuckle Joe. I wonder what he's doing right now.

“Have you seen a blind purple bat-like girl with a broken leg?” She seems desperate…

“Jill, please don't refer to the girl as ‘Rotten orange peel’!”

“I Don’t Give A Shit, Vibrato! I’m trying to find Bliees!”

I.. should leave these two to argue, I’ll go find others to introduce myself to.

______________________________________________________________

Oof, sorry if this seems rushed. its been a stressful two months. part two will be coming soon I hope.

@monsterhatdoodles

@moon-mage

@loaflovesdoodling

@george228732

@ceoofmetagala

@cauliarty

@smaaenart

@ilikesillythingswooo

I think thats everyone, if I didnt tag you and your character is in this part then please dm me!

[plantsarepeopletoo]

Only Friends Music EP5 (part 2/2)

Part one covers the first half of Ep5, or you can find other episodes on my pinned comment.

This is a series of posts taking a closer look at the music of Only Friends. Reminder: Playing with the music is like body language, it moves with the conversation. Verbal says something either through lyrics or something like a song title.

[2/4 cont.]

Song: Miniboss by Lasse Lyx Scene: Concert, girl comes up to talk to Ray Type: Vocal, Playful

Starts as Sand says “You never paid attention to me” and continues playing without the guitar while Sand and Ray banter. The conversation is another hint that Sand has been watching Ray before they met. Or at least Sand has been paying attention to Ray. “If it wasn’t my glorious kindness for giving you a ride home that day, you wouldn’t even have spared me a glance.” Sand brings up the savior thing, and Ray makes a joke about giving generous tips to Sand. But Ray’s real test is money, with the music dispersing when Ray offers to give Sand money for the beer, and starting up again as Ray nods and lets Sand pay.

Song: Flo by Molife Scene: Girl talks to Ray at the concert Type: Vocal

Ray just goes with the flow and is polite to the girl talking to him. The song stops as Sand rejoins him with the beer. I wanted to add both pictures because of the difference in smiles.

Song: Night Love by JEKD  Scene: Song sung by band at concert Type: Vocal

Lyrics in the show:

I see you passing by, walking through the night And you are so beautiful, standing under that light Meeting you tonight, is it coincidental or fated But the loneliness we both share has now been sated On this dark night, I just want to keep you by my side On this long night, I fear someone might change your mind  I need you right now, let’s make the night mean something Night love, baby, it’s nightlife It’s about you and me in a sexy night Night love, baby, it’s nightlife Only you, my sexy lady

Another Thai song for Ray and Sand, another song with loneliness, another song with fear of someone else. Sand is fearing Mew and Ray’s relationship, even as Sand spends more time with Ray, building their relationship on uncertain and unspoken grounds. They’re building a sandcastle, easily kicked over or washed away by the waves.

[3/4]

Song: Minimal Meaning by Marten Moses Scene: Top and Mew hold hands in front of the host stand. Type: Verbal

Starts when the host glances at Top and Mew holding hands. Mew views it as judgment from the host, third time this song has played this episode. This is the second time this song has told us about Mew’s insecurities, and once with Top’s feeling of unease. 

Song: And So It Begins by Across the Great Valley Scene: Mew “Sees” Top with his other senses Type: Vocal

Mew lets go of his senses completely and just sees Top as he wants him to be. Mew’s Top is more expressive, smiles more, and seems softer.

Song: Window With A View by Sleepaway Camp Scene: Parking garage Sand talks about his dream Type: Vocal

Lyrics in show: 

One more night in my head Stirring up dust and kicking cobwebs Looking for a light I’ve never known Will be it be out in the wilderness or will it be homegrown

Lyrics not in show:

One more night with the dead I’ve been spending more time with them than the living And if you’re just the company that you keep I’ll stay where I am for eternity I don’t know If something’s going to come my way I don’t know But give me just a little taste ‘Cause I need something To hold onto I need more than just a window A window with a view And all this looking out Is just a symptom of a heart filled with doubt ‘Cause when I start looking in I can’t tell the end from the beginning I don’t know If something’s going to come my way I don’t know  But give me just a little taste I need something To hold onto I need more than just a window A window with a view

Sand is stagnant, kicking cobwebs in his head. He's doubtful, unable to take a step play for an audience, he's holding onto Ray even though he's afraid because Ray offers him a (ray of)light, a taste of something different.

This episode is all about Sand living his life by what he needs far more than what he wants, how every minute of the day is important and used to the fullest to save for the future and survive in the present. But this episode, and this song are about how that’s not always enough, “I need more than just a window, [I need] a window with a view” Sand is looking for something more, hope for the future and the dreams he thinks about in the quiet moments. Sand sits there with Ray and tells him of his dream and the song speaks of his uncertainty mixed with his need for something more, a whisper of a dream, a ray of hope.

Ray, in episode 6, accuses Sand of not caring about singing, that he only wants the money. Which is not completely wrong, and it isn't completely right. Sand does care about singing, but he's using it to live, and seems content with the money it brings in. He doesn't want to lose what he has in order to possibly start perusing a bigger dream. Sand doesn’t dare to take that next step and dream that he might play at those festivals.

The song ends when Sand yells “Huh” in the phone call and his real life intrudes on his dreams once again. 

Song: รักคุณเข้าแล้ว I’ve fallen for you by Micro  Scene: Ray sings on stage for Sand Type: Vocal

Lyrics heard and translated by the show [lyrics in brackets translated by me]:

I’ve fallen for you  I’ve truly fallen for you They say I’m unamicable Truth is I’m just shy around you I’ve fallen for you Now I’ve gone and fallen for you [It’s hard to flirt with you  I don’t dare take the risk I want to look again]  I look at you You turn around You nearly knock me off my feet I’ve fallen for you 

Ray has used singing and music to try to express and process his emotions and feelings in the show before, and this time he chooses this song to sing to Sand. He’s getting as close to a confession as he can right now, Ray’s been the one pushing their relationship to this point, and Sand’s been drawing lines in the sand (sorry?). Sand's trying to protect himself from Ray, but at the same time enjoying being around Ray. But this last line, defining who they are to each other, is the scariest line to cross. And one of the most important if they want to to fix their foundation.

A lyric that isn’t in the show is “Maybe I’ll sing a song to let you know (how I feel)” which is what he seems to be doing. Ray is uncertain, unable to move forward, but enjoying the past few days he's had with Sand. While Ray is up on stage singing this song, Sand’s mom figures them out and asks “I don’t think he’s just a friend” and Sand looks like he was going to deny it before he rethinks and says “I guess not, let's wait and see.” 

Song: With You It’s Different by Blue Topaz Scene: Mew and Top hug in apartment Type: Vocal

Mew sees that Top has posted their picture to Instagram, with the caption “One day with broken glasses kid”. Top says he never has posted anything like that with anyone before, and the music starts after Top hugs Mew and asks him to stay over. It’s the third time this song has played, second in this episode.

[4/4]

Song: The Faintest Touch by Howard Harper-Barnes  Scene: Top and Mew kiss Type: Vocal, Playful

While they kiss and awkwardly take off their own clothes, there is no music, which makes it a little more awkward to watch. The music that plays after Top asks Mew if he can see it disjointed and has no melody. Which given the themes of this and previous episodes about sight, senses, reading people, being high, and being bewitched, makes me wonder if the question should be “Are you bewitched by me?” 

As Top steps in closer to Mew, and the disjointed music settles into an orchestra piece right before Top says “I love you” and they kiss again. As Mew sits on the couch, the first notes of The Faintest Touch plays.

Song: Forbidden Love by OTE Scene: Sand’s house Type: Vocal

No lyrics in the show:

Laughs came so easily tonight You’re aware I’m prepared to keep you tight ‘Cause everything you did tonight I swear in every sense you did it right I’d like to keep this piece of mind Don’t wanna lose myself now In forbidden love My heart mends so easily tonight Just get it, get it right Gimme some now, gimme some more  (x4) Love felt so real to me tonight I’m aware I have to prepare to lose it right I like to hang with you Don’t wanna get into  Forbidden love Laughs came so easily tonight Just get it, get it right Gimme some now, gimme some more (x4) Forbidden love(x4)

Song plays at the scene change, sounding like it’s coming through a radio. Ray is on Sand’s balcony, and Sand gives him an edible. Even though there are no lyrics in the episode, they’re worth looking at. In the first verse, “Laughs came easily tonight,” It's easy for Sand and Ray to be together, they want to keep this relationship as it is, it feels good. It’s still forbidden love, Sand has told Ray multiple times that he can separate love and sex, that they should stay friends. Ray and Sand keep coming back to this forbidden love.

Love felt so real to me tonight I’m aware I have to prepare to lose it right

Song: Drifting Away by Mama Zula Scene: Boston, Nick, Sand, Ray party Type: Vocal

Lyrics heard in show: 

How long will I have to wait How long have we been too late Now I wish that we never met So that I didn't have to try to forget you

Full song lyrics:

Give me something Something good I'm wasted on the thought of you Head is spinning, I can't move Smoking eyes In a groove  No, I Can't can't get you of on my mind You're still Still, still with me all the time How long will I have to wait How long have we been too late Now I wish that we never met So that I didn't have to try to forget you Drifting away (I am) Drifting away Wasted youth Wasted love Once filled with potential but I wasted it I'm wasted on the thought of you Don't know how to cut me loose (Cut me loose) Can't can't get you of on my mind You're still Still, still with me all the time How long will I have to wait How long have we been too late Now I wish that we never met So that I didn't have to try to forget you How long will I have to wait How long have we been too late Now I wish that we never met So that I didn't have to try to forget you Drifting away (Now I'm) Drifting away Drifting away Drifting away

They edited the song, so the lyrics during the party ask the question: how long does it take to forget someone? It’s too late to have the conversation that they should have had, their relationship is too fragile. Boston wouldn’t be able to kick their sandcastle over and ruin everything. 

Themes of fading away have been around since episode 3, with Don’t Let Me Be This Way, played in the scene with Ray and Sand eating Sand’s railroad rice.

Oh God please don't Don't let me be this way, I Can't breathe, I can't I can't communicate, I Find every way To start another day and How many more Cycles before I Fade?

Then there are two mentions of fading away in Falling Through from Sand and Ray's motorcycle ride earlier in the episode.

You said that an angel will illuminate the sky But my reflection is slowly fading out In the vision of you and I … You said you were sorry but I know you had to leave And maybe that’s why I’ve been fading out At least that’s how I feel

But now, now we have the wish for the feelings to go away, wishing these feelings never had happened like in Tell Me Something New from the Sand and Mew kitchen scene at the beginning of the episode. 

In the last scene of this episode, Ray is going to watch their relationship drift away, unable to find the words to fix it.

Song: Trouble by Trouble The Eastern Plain Scene: Ray and Sand in bed Type: Vocal

Lyrics heard in show are edited:

You wait, but still it’s Trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble now

Full lyrics:

Oh hear, the ocean is near Where you dug a hole And buried my fear And we, scattered like trees Sometimes in line But I’m down all the time You wait, but still it’s  Trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble Too late, it’s all Trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble now Arrive late at the scene Nothing makes sense  Don’t know what you mean You can’t put all things aside There’s no way out and  God knows I’ve tried  For better, or worse it’s  Trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble So save your tears it’s  ‘Cause it’s trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble now You take all that is left Nothing to mourn And no looking back A sigh, we’re caught in the wind Where our story ends Another begins You wait, but still it’s Trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble  Too late, it’s all Trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble now

Song starts after Ray says happy birthday to Sand’s back. Sand has turned away, verbally and physically turned away from Ray and their fragile cracked relationship shatters. The words Sand has been dreading this whole time were thrown into his face, in a stronger relationship Sand would have the courage to ask Ray what Mew means to him. If they had fixed the foundations before, they would be able to talk.

Ray sees no way out, Sand sees nothing to mourn.

---

Thank you for @rocketturtle4 for editing and advice. Thank you @shouldiusemyname for being supportive!

Here's a link to my pinned comment to see other episodes. Thank you for reading!

[deng-yi-deng]

Cdrama: what I watched 2024

This year I got suuuuper picky and also pretty much stopped watching cdramas. Will this be my last wrap-up post ever? Tune in next year! Normally I keep a running draft review going that I can just post at the end of the year, but this year I forgot - which really signals my waning interest in cdramas generally - so my reviews are kinda vague.

No shade to folks who loved the big popular romance dramas but I completely gave them a pass. As a result, I had a great drama year - nothing under a 4/5 for this viewer!

Best drama this year: Heroes 天行健 (2024). Y'all slept on this one. Watch it now!! Even better than JoL2. Yes, you heard me. Shoutout to @lyxurious for reccing it to me. She has the best taste 💜

Mostly spoiler-free reviews of what I watched in the order I saw them under the cut

Follow Your Heart 颜心讥 4/5 (iQiyi)

(score includes extra credit for LYX bias)

Easy-watching, low-stakes, funny, and sweet. If I'm honest, one of the better plotted dramas that Luo Yunxi has been in. You know him as the beautiful crier, but his rom-com is not to be trifled with. Luo Yunxi is great as Jiang Xin Bai, the face-blind detective, but I was so happy to see Song Yi (Yan Nan Xing) in something where she wasn't playing a helpless girl or demure lady. It's the most enjoyable role I've seen her do apart from RuoRuo in JoL. Her comedy chops are also very solid, and she and Xixi were very cute together. The plot does falter a bit in the last 3/4 and slows down as they focus on the other couples, but then picks up and ends happily. Some great comedy characters - Jiang Xin Bai's mom is hilariously over the top - and fabulous performances by guest actors who play "Yan Nan Xing" when she shape-shifts. Also some good fight scenes! This is one I'd re-watch to de-stress.

Judge Dee's Mystery 大唐狄公案- (4)?/5 (Youku, Netflix)

Overall good, with movie-quality visuals, but I was disappointed by the last two mysteries which were simple and lacked oomf - I think the drama was split into two parts due to the new <40 rule, which would explain the fall off in momentum. As such I'm going to reserve a rating until the second half drops. Some of the individual mysteries - especially the one with Zhang Ruoyun - were fabulous. Acting was great from all the leads - don't believe anyone who tells you Ma Rong was annoying, she was not. The gender swap the writers did for that character totally worked for me. And I absolutely bought Zhou Yiwei as Di Renjie (though tbf I've only seen the Detective Dee movies).

Looking foward to s.2 (or part 2 however you want to count it)

Joy of Life 2 庆余年 4.5/5 (iQiyi)

Lots more people have reviewed or commented on this so I will be brief - I enjoyed the focus on politics and the machinations of the emperor, so this season really worked for me. I also thought Wu Xingjian did a great job as Yan Bing Yun, taking over from XZ. I loved the interactions between Fan Xian and Wang Qinian, adorable. There was one scene where the emperor and Fan Jian were talking/ploting/negotiating and the dialog and acting were so aaagh. so clever. I was kicking my feet and squealing. It is nice when a drama does not assume its audience is stupid. And of course we can't forget the 'power point' Fan Xian and Fan Si Zhe give about treasury bonds. Worst part: Uncle Wu doesn't show up until nearly the end ;_; looking forward to LOTS of Uncle Wu in s.3

Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty 2 To the West 唐朝诡事录·西行 4.5/5 (iQiyi)

Better than season 1 in production quality but particularly in terms of the mysteries themselves. Where s.1 gave us Scooby-gang like "the demon is just a guy in a mask" solutions, the mysteries here have a bit more to them, and plenty of cultural interest as they journey farther into the west, ending up in Dunhuang! Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming still have unbeatable chemistry, but I feel like LLF got the spotlight a bit more this season. I love them both, but hope my man Wuming doesn't get the short end of the stick again. Let's please not forget who the disciple of Di Renjie and all-around genius is?

S.3 they should head back to Chang'An and maybe??? get back to the original mystery of who is the worst royal in the capital!

Heroes 天行健 5/5 (Tencent, YouTube)

Some of the best and most entertaining storytelling in a cdrama that I've watched. The setting at the very end of the Qing, with the turbulence and uncertainty works perfectly to explore the question of who really is a hero, and for whom. And the fights! There are so many!! sometimes more than one per episode!!!! The characters are well written and well-acted. This drama cements Qin Junjie as one of my favorite actors now (having previously only seen him in Fox Volant). Also one of the few guys who can rock the queue and still be handsome. We follow three groups of characters as they try to find the pieces to a puzzle that will lead them to a treasure. One group is the old guard (royalty, the establishment), one the outsiders of the jianghu, and the third are the rebels - the new China. The stories and character relationships are woven together really well, and the pacing of each episode pushes you forward to the next, always wondering what will happen. I seriously did not think they could keep each episode as interesting as the last but they did - with twists that were surprising, but logical in hindsight. Each 'hero' is trying to find their place in the world and do what they think is best for their people - by following the rules, by breaking them, and by making new rules. It's as much a competition between philosophies as it is between individual groups or individual people. This drama is intelligent, but first of all it's entertaining. It understands exactly what it is and what it's trying to do and is very self-aware. Please please pay special attention to the opening credits because they change...(also kudos to the composer who so ably channeled Enrico Morricone when necessary.)

I Am Nobody 异人之下 4.5/5 (Youku, YouTube)

Though this came out in 2023 I didn't manage to watch it until the end of the summer (2024) and I'm glad I did. Pure fun. Hilarious, great concept and characters, well done all around. It gave me major KO One flashbacks - mostly because of the style of humor and the focus on 'teenagers' - but was completely it's own thing. Great characters with sweet and sometimes heartbreaking backstories. Bao Bao you deserve all the hugs forever 😭.

Highly recommended if you enjoy fun comic book style fights, clever storytelling, and slightly sophomoric humor with lots of heart.

Dramas I dropped:

Not as many this year, since I didn't even try any of the big popular idol dramas. Eternal Brotherhood lost me around the 2/3 mark but I can't explain why! It had a great plot, and I love Yang Xuwen, but maybe I just got distracted? When the second half comes out I'll probably try it again.

Kill Me, Love Me had a spectacularly plot-packed first couple episodes and then they put on the brakes. That kind of uneven pacing, and focus on secondary characters led me to drop around ep 9. Which was sad because I like all the actors and the plot seemed good, but I lost interest.

[sunbeams-bah-blog]

Could we get an ahsoka tano fictive? Preferably from the Clone Wars show but anything else is fine too! Tysm in advance :)

we really lvoe star wars so this ask got me really excited,ahsoka is one one my favorite characthers from the clone wars (and star wars in general ).So im really hoping that you will love her -sunny

Name:ahsoka tano,ashla,eos,Artemis

Age:14-19

Pronouns:she/they/xe/kit/lyx/light/froce/jedi/bug/venom/void/hir/star/ rebel/earth/hunter/leaf/hope/heal/crystal/bite/

li/lim/lim/lims/limself

kae/kaim/kais/kais/kaimself

dae/daem/daer/daers/daemself

vae/vaem/vaer/vaers/vaeself

fae/faer/faer/faers/faerself

ae/aer/aer/aers/aerself

ze/zem/zyr/zyrs/zemself

xe/xem/xyr/xyrs/xemself

bright/bright/brights/brights/brightself

star/stardust/stardusts/stardusts/stardustself

rot/bite/rots/bites/rotself

fa/ven/fangs/venoms/fangself

star/starboy/starboys/starboys/starboyself

skull/cross/bones/bones/skullself

pa/pack/packs/packs/packself

per/pero/protec/protecs/protecterself

pro/prot/protect/procets/protectself

Gender:polygender (views gender differntly do to being a Togruta)

Orientation:queer,gai,demisexual,on the aromantic spectrum

Other Labels:boygril/girlboy,polyamours,jedi/pagan

Species:Togruta

Source (if applicable):ahsoka tano from star wars the Clone Wars

Birthday:7 oktober

Role:protector,Hunter-Protector,Mischief Maker,Mood Booster,Optijective,

Likes:the clones,the jedi,going for walks in nature,pulling pranks/jokes on other sys members,

Dislikes:people talking down on her,grapes (the fruit),unkown older men,being cold and getting wet

Personality: ahsoka is a verry kind and caring person,she cares a lot about her family and is verry protective of them.She is know to get into fights with alters that are being mean or are hurting younger littles.She can be snarky, cocky, stubborn, reckless and often finds herself into trublle even when she is not looking for it.she bites people when she is really stressed,but will also softly/playfully bite people when she wants to play/feels really excited

Style:Spacecore,Rangercore,Adventurecore,Forestpunk,Neo-Celtic,Naturecore

Favorites:hunting,her family being safe,chocolate,the color blue

faceclaim under the cut

Faceclaim:

[darkandstormydolls]

In honor of national siblings day, here’s Leonora and Alexander being siblings! This scene occurs several years before the actual main story, when they’re both still dealing with the aftermath of their parents’ deaths

Leonora eased the door to the living room open. “Moo? I heard you were in here.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m here.” Alexander was sitting in the middle of the loveseat. Leonora thought he looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulder; he was slumped in on himself, head resting in his hands.

She settled into place next to him. “Are you alright?”

Alexander laughed bitterly. “Alright? Leo, I just lost my parents and now they’re asking me to take on the task of being responsible for the safety of the entire. Damn. Magical. World. I’m flippin’ fantastic.”

“You don’t have to be angry about it. I’m trying to help.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m having a rough time, okay?”

“You think I’m not? I lost just as much as you did.”

“Yeah, well, you’re…”

“I’m what?”

“I don’t know! You’re ‘Leonora Lamia, youngest necromancer the world has ever seen’ . I’m ‘Jacob and Camille’s kid’. And now you’re off in the Hollow doing whatever it is you do and I’m here with the weight of the Fires hanging over my head.”

Leonora was quiet for a moment. “That was uncalled for. We’re both struggling.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry. I just don’t know how to go through this.”

“Yes, well, let’s take it one step at a time.”

“That’s what I’ve been doing! I ‘one step at at time’ed my way through the funeral and I don’t know how much more I can handle!” Alexander buried his face deeper into his hands. “I keep thinking that I’m feeling overwhelmed and I want to talk to Mama about it but she’s not here.”

“I know. I know it’s hard. But I’m here. I know I’m not the same, but I’m here.”

“I just don’t know what to do! There’s so much.”

“Well, let’s break it down. You need to choose your circle, right?”

Alexander nodded.

“Alright, that’s one thing. And then we need to go through Mama and Daddy’s things. That’s one other thing. And that’s really just two things, right?”

“I guess. But two really big things.”

“They’ll seem smaller once you get started. Now, first things first; you don’t need to pick twenty people out of thin air. There’s still nine left over from before. And you know them. They’ll help. And you know more about the procedures for this kind of stuff than you think.”

“Will you be one of them?” Alexander asked hesitantly. Leonora shook her head.

“No. I belong at the Hollow.”

“Please? Leo, I need someone I can trust.”

“You can trust Lyx and Aino, right? They’d be better at this kind of thing. And I know you want necromancers to be involved again, but I’m not going to be one of those people. Someone who doesn’t share our last name deserves to be involved.”

“But I don’t know what to do.”

“Would it help if I made you a list? Of some of the people I think might be a good fit?”

“Yes please.

“And I’ll help you clean everything out. Can’t have you getting sentimental over every old dish towel or something anyways.”

“Really? You sure you don’t have too much to do back with your necromancy and things?”

“You know how seriously they take death there. Neither of us will be expected back at the Hollow for a month at the least. And besides, you’re my baby brother. I’d do anything for you.” Leonora paused and considered this for a moment. “In the ‘murder’ or ‘giving up an organ’ sense, of course. Not letting you finish my dessert.”

Alexander gave her a half smile. “Still your ‘baby’ brother? Really? Haven’t been updated to ‘younger’ yet? Or even ‘little’?”

“Never. You’re just a little baby.” She ruffled his hair affectionately.

“I’m a fully grown adult. Soon I’ll be the holder of what just may be the most powerful object in the Fires.”

“Still a baby. Forever and ever.” Leonora stood up. “Now, can we try and get at least one thing done? Look through one bookshelf?”

“Alright, fine. Maybe I can manage one.”