#much vibrancy into the other members
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critrolestats · 9 months ago
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New Blood, Old Regards
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Thanks to @eyeofthenewt1 for this art piece!
Greetings! Although the Stats Team is still in a state of retirement, we’ve periodically updated several of our Campaign 3 Running Stats categories and galleries thanks to the efforts of a new team of data collectors. This team, consisting of Archivists Astral, Ethereal, Fey, and Shadow, have been preparing since the beginning of the year to launch their own site, and that day has come! With that, we’re pleased to present:
The Omen Archive
Although they have been providing CritRoleStats updates for our Campaign 3 records, their site will be its own thing with its own tools, toys, and focuses, such as graphics derived from their own databases of data. Please visit them at their website, reach out to them, and check them out on their various social media pages:
Website: https://www.omenarchive.com/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/omenarchive
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/omenarchive.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omen_archive/
Tumblr: https://omenarchive.tumblr.com/ ( @omenarchive )
CritRoleStats will continue to update our databases and running stats pages with the data we receive from the Omen Archive until the end of the campaign, so that anyone from academics to casual fans have access to a complete catalogue of three campaigns worth of data. After that, our site will be completely (accessibly) archived, and our legacy will be carried on entirely by projects like the Omen Archive.
Thanks Are In Order
Outside of our final livecast, we realize we went out without the proper thanks to the community members who helped us grow. We’d like to take this opportunity to give credit where we feel it’s due.
We’d like to thank the team at Critical Role for their support over the years, with special thanks to Dani Carr for both her wonderful spirit, tenacious work ethic, and the marvelous send-off she gave us.
We’d like to thank the creators in the community. Thank you to the artist community for letting us feature your wonderful talent to give vibrancy to the numbers and words we’ve filled. Thank you to the information gathering community, from the wiki workers to the meta analysts, for giving your time to help make Critical Role more accessible. Thank you to the academics for finding value we didn’t know we had in our work. Thank you to everyone who creates in this community, whether your medium is music, words, stats, or art; whether you share for a large audience or for the joy of your private home or table; whether you encourage others with high presence, or quietly inspire and support from the shadows. Your creation makes the world a more interesting place.
We’d like to thank both our patrons and our Ko-Fi supporters for allowing us to carry on for as long as we have, and to make sure our work can continue to reach those who want to be informed and inspired. Thank you to our regular visitors, as well; traffic is supportive in several ways!
Thank you to those who have been with us, whether it’s the very beginning, sometime in the middle, or even if you’re tuning in just now. Your patronage and your expression of value in our work has been a blessing. (Thanks for the 1d4.) We’d also like to thank everyone who has continued to visit the site in spite of the lack of regular content creation on our part, and are grateful that so many of you are still finding use in the previous campaigns’ worth of data, as well as the current one.
We love you all very much. Now, back to retirement!
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hwnglx · 2 months ago
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pick a pile - which enhypen member (hyung line) is your ideal boyfriend?
thought of a fun idea where i could look into which enhypen member (hyung line) would be your ideal boyfriend. remember to please take the reading lightly and for fun! breathe slowly, take your time and use your intuition to go with the pile that speaks to you the most. take what resonates, leave what doesn't. 𓆩♡𓆪
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➳❥ pile 1
sim jaeyun
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shuffled song: take one to the head by sabrina claudio
you immediately strike me as quite mature. regardless of your age, you might already have a good amount of crucial life experience; maybe you're an old soul caught in a younger body. or you've just been through certain things in life, which have shaped you into this wise and complex soul. either way, there seems to be wisdom and knowledge, as well as this profound understanding of life within you. you ask the meaningful and deeper questions in life. jake is a boyfriend, who enjoys relationships which transform him for the better. he likes people who can have a significant impact on him and his life; i can see you having the potential to amuse jake with not only your ability to talk about the deeper and more serious topics in life, but also your natural charm. it seems like you have this aura about you, where people just feel drawn to you automatically. jake loves meeting people who just cause this sensation in him, where he feels attracted right at first glance.
regardless of which gender you identify as, you seem to embrace your feminine qualities quite beautifully. you're very attractive, and have this nice balance between empathy, emotionality and sensuality, but also fiery vibrancy and a strong presence. these are traits jake feels drawn to easily; again, he just loooves someone who makes an impression on him. he loves people who stand out in the crowd. whether it's because of your emotional intelligence, your talent and hard work in a certain field (maybe artistically), or this intriguing passion you radiate.. you are quite the force to be reckoned with, and jake would probably agree with me on that.
even despite all the ways in which you draw attention to yourself, you also seem to be someone who does enjoy the quiet and more intimate times. you do need breaks to calm down; jake is a boyfriend who also very much likes to focus on his lovers only, and spend time with them while away from everyone else. i can see you two spending the day together just cuddling, watching movies, getting to know each other on an even deeper level. jake is a guy who definitely enjoys his quality time, and likes bonding over it. so he'd love to recharge his energy by spending quality time with you on his off days; it'd just be this dynamic of calm and peaceful, but also hot and steamy times whenever you two feel like it.
in addition, you might be a person who doesn't like letting go of what's dear to them; whether that is material things, or the people you hold close to your heart. jake himself can have this complex duality where, he is possessive and quite obsessive over his lovers himself, but can also have his impulsive ways. however, if he comes together with a dedicted partner who remains committed to him throughout all trials, this will ignite the spark within him to stick by their side as well. this stable approach you could potentially bring into the relationship, could be of huge benefit to someone like jake, whose mars in libra often strikes me as significant. he gives me the energy of a person who values the concept of give and take, where if someone treats him a certain way, he will want to give it back to them. i can see you two coming together as an experience where, you can bond over your similarities and bring out the better in each other, in order to create a connection based on a stable and firm ground, consisting of real trust.
➳❥ pile 2
park sunghoon
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shuffled song: me after you by paul kim
you might be a person who likes the idea of having a boyfriend, who's ready to be the provider and protector in your life. someone mature, dependable and reliable, who steps up to take charge and lead the relationship. perhaps you also don't mind the thought of more traditional roles within a romantic connection, and enjoy the concept of a domestic life.
do you feel like you'd benefit from a more stable and strong figure by your side sometimes? you might be someone who's in possession of a more sensitive, soft and easily hurt heart. you might also be someone self-critical, and could have a tendency to overthink or get nervous and anxious about trivial things. (don't be so hard on yourself <3) sunghoon is a boyfriend who puts a lot of importance into establishing emotionally intimate bonds with his lovers. he's also a person who can display this soothing source of comfort and peace for his partners. he's good at making people feel listened to, and cared about.
sunghoon would be a person who's ready to listen to whatever you have to say, someone who'd always have an open ear to allow you to vent and let out your worries or frustrations. whether that's through the phone, in person; he'd help you feel supported and looked after, he'd be this rock-like existence that brings you a lot of strength and stability in life. you could lean on him comfortably, feel like you've found your person, someone who you could tell your deepest, darkest secrets to without any second thoughts. he'd not only be a boyfriend who'd want to know you like no other, but he would want to understand you like no other.
“tell me more.”
“it's a long story though..”
“for you, i have all the time in the world.”
you could also enjoy quiet and relaxing times together with him. perhaps you are a person who leans on the more introverted and reserved side, or just need your peace at the end of the day, and would like someone you could, basically be alone together with. sunghoon would love intimate dates where it's just you two, in a dimly candle lit room, watching a romantic movie, with the rest of the world masked out. he'd truly enjoy feeling only your presence next to him, and your heart would feel at ease. because you would feel comfortable knowing the person next to you is someone who loves you and takes you for who you are in your entirety. as i said in my ideal type reading, it's like having a lifelong bestfriend.
furthermore, you could be a person, who can take some time with developing trust and warming up to people. sunghoon is a patient lover, who doesn't rush into relationships, and not only takes his own time, but also allows the other party to be slower when it comes to matters like letting down their walls. he usually enjoys relationships which go on for a long period; preferably forever, if only they could. therefore, he wouldn't be rash or overwhelming in his approach at all; he would respect, as well as protect your personal boundaries, and let you take your time with getting to know each other.
lastly, sunghoon would be a boyfriend who'd be up to defend you against whoever dares to come at you. you seem like someone who might've dealt with their share of challenges and obstacles in life till now (i keep feeling like you've just felt quite alone in your difficulties..) and might be a person who'd like for their partner to speak and stand up for them when the situation calls for it sometimes. maybe you're just tired of fighting on your own. sunghoon is a boyfriend who absolutely would place himself in front of the person he loves, in order to protect them from any harm. (i heard the chorus of grenade by bruno mars in my head) he'd be a boyfriend who wouldn't want to leave you to deal with any struggle on your own, and would put in effort to ensure you feel secure, sheltered and guarded; basically in safest of hands, when you're with him.
➳❥ pile 3
lee heeseung
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shuffled song: the wisp sings by winter aid
heeseung is a diligent and mindful boyfriend who carries a lot of high expectations, not only towards his partner, but especially himself. whenever i read for him, i get a lot of insecurities and doubts concerning the romantic aspect of his life.. he's someone who defines so much of his own worth and value by what he can do for people. so best believe if you get to a place of dating him, he'll be immensely focused on pleasing and satisfying you. his significant other will be the main thing occupying his mind; he'll be obsessed about you. like all he'd think about is; “what can i buy for y/n? was my gift or date idea good enough? how did they react? what more can i do for them, so they feel happy in this connection, i'm worried they feel bored.” he'll have all these questions in his mind constantly. i feel like you two might share this tendency to hyperfixate on the people you love. you might share this pronounced earthy and airy energy, where both of you can be prone to overthinking, but at the same time, go through life expecting a lot from yourself, as well as the people around you. hard-workers in several different ways. you yourself might also not be the type to be easily satisfied.
heeseung seems to carry a level of mistrust towards his lovers; he can get worried he isn't enough for them, and they might end up filling the potential lack of emotional fulfilment in their relationship, with someone else. he wants to provide you with everything you need in life; whether that's material matters, or emotionally. he can often feel like he isn't doing that, no matter how much effort he puts into the connection, it's never truly enough.. however, i can tell you are a person who's keen on remaining committed and dedicated to the people you love. you carry a lot of understanding and acceptance, you don't read as someone extremely judgemental or overly strict. if you love someone (which i feel doesn't happen as often.. you don't fall in love quickly, but once you do ->) you love them with everything they come with. you're aware you yourself aren't perfect, and are willing to work on yourselves together. you want the relationship to consist of a foundation of trust and tolerance towards each other's shortcomings; you want to grow and improve together. you aren't the type to have eyes for anyone else once you enter a serious commitment. you seem very caring and giving towards the people you cherish. if one person pours into your cup generously, you will make sure you pour into their cup as well. i can tell you'd be a good addition to heeseung's life, in a way where you could soothe his worries and anxious mindset in this regard.
i also believe your conflict-resolving skills will be good together. i think you two could get into plenty of arguments; however instead of allowing them to drag you down or negatively impact the relationship, the conflicts will aid you in getting to know each other on a deeper level. you aren't the type to throw the towel once you two had a falling-out, but instead, you'll look back on yourself and think about how you can use this situation to improve your behaviour and attitude. you'd both be eager to recognise the mistakes each of you made. i can see both of you teaching each other how to apologise, how to own up to your faults, and enrich each other's lives with the cooperative and understanding mindset you both bring to the table. despite your potential and likely up and down's, you'd both balance each other out in a way where i can see a lot of growth and comfort in this connection.
➳❥ pile 4
park jeongseong
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shuffled song: so beautiful by dpr ian
jay has quite the dynamic personality, which also showcases itself as him as a boyfriend. he's someone who's incredibly passionate, very enthusiastic and ambitious, but in relationships, he truly values stability and a firm ground. he wants a person who also puts importance into starting a romantic connection based on a foundation of trust and dedication. jay seems to have had some rather unfavourable experiences regarding someone's loyalty, which have resulted in him having the tendency to get suspicious more easily than others. therefore, he wants a person he can fully invest his trust into with no doubt. he wants someone who holds him as a priority just the way he himself would see you as up there on his list of most important people in his life. although in this reading, i very much tapped into jay's energy moreso than yours; i do sense that you are a person who wants to stay committed once you've found a person you see as worth it.
being in a relationship with jay; you can expect him to be quite solid. he can quickly pressure himself to be the best he can be for you, put a lot of the responsibility on his back automatically. he can be so strict with himself that he can lose himself in all the practical thinking and easily disconnect from his emotions. he wants someone who can nurture his emotional side more, would love to have an empathetic, emotionally intelligent, as well as understanding partner who's more in tune with their feelings than he is. are you perhaps a water sign? or do you have any significant water placements? you might be quite in touch with your more “feminine” side. (as in softer, more emotional and nurturing) even if not, you seem to be someone who has the ability to make people feel understood and comfortable. there's this very loving and caring side to you, which would balance jay's more rational approach nicely. he himself has an abundance of emotions, it's just a side of him that doesn't always find its way out as much. as a cancer moon for example, i think a cancer sun or venus would make a beautiful fit for him.
i get the energy, that you're also someone who's quite loyal and committed to the dear people in your life. you might be someone who prefers a small but close circle of friends, or someone who prefers more intimate settings in general. maybe you get overwhelmed or overstimulated quickly, and don't like masses of people. do you have a strenuous job? or one that requires you to see people a lot? there's this desire for rest and quiet here, which i don't feel is only reserved for jay.
this is something i've mentioned a lot, but jay is another person who seems to truly want a source of peace and comfort in his life. he wants this person he can come back home to at the end of the day, to spend some relaxing and soothing times with. he wants you to feel like his break, essentially. even if he's had a stressful, physically and mentally exhausting day; he wants to be able to meet you afterwards, and feel like all the stress is relieved by just a hug. i can see you having the potential to become a person who grants him that. i can feel you having a deep soul, who reflects and introspects a lot. maybe you're even more of a loner deep down, or more of an introvert (i do feel you might be an ambivert who does well in both settings; but needs that quiet time to shut off and recharge) jay would love to have a person like you in his life. you could bond over your similarities in that manner, and give each other what both of you crave in your lifes; passion, stability, dedication and peace.
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bullet-prooflove · 4 months ago
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The Farm: Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto x Reader
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Tagging: @kmc1989 @wabi-sabi1090 @lostinwonderland314 @turtle-cant-communicate @fallout-girl219
Companion Piece to:
Pears - It starts when Carmy makes an order he doesn't remember.
Mornings - Carmy sleeps better with you around.
Bubble - You have no idea that you saved Carmy's life.
Crazy, Stupid, Fucked Up World (NSFW) - Carmy tells you he lvoes you for the first time.
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Carmy loves spending days at the farm, he loves walking through the fields, his fingertips skating over the fresh produce that you’ve been cultivating. He loves the vibrance in the colours. The depths of the green, the brilliance of the red, the pops of yellow. He loves all of it, each and every fucking thing.
More than anything he adores the flavours. The rich burst of texture on his tongue as he bites into a blueberry he’s picked fresh from the bushel, the crispness of a ripe tomato he’s plucked from the vine, the crunch of lettuce between his teeth as the taste floods his senses.
Being here inspires him, it has from the moment he’d stumbled onto the eight acre property in search of somewhere to get fresh produce at a decent rate. You’d found him, sitting cross legged in the middle of one of your fields, sketching out a new idea when you sat down next to him, thinking he was a member of the homeless community.
“I can make you a bag up if you want.” You’d said softly. “I know how hard it can be to get fresh stuff when you’re sleeping rough.”
He turned his head towards you then, his brows furrowing into a frown.
“I’m not homeless…” He’d said looking down at himself  in a ratty white t-shirt and sneakers that have seen much better days. “Fuck, do I look homeless?”
“You kinda do.” You agree before you take his hand in yours and drop a couple of blueberries onto his palm. He pops one into his mouth and he swears he’s never tasted anything as good as that single piece of fruit. “It’s all organic, free from GMOs…”
“You can taste it.” He says, eating other blueberry and then another.
You give him some of the overstock to take home with him that night. Some strawberries and raspberries, along with the leafy greens you’ve been growing. He stares at the colours, using the small artist’s set Luca gave him before he left New York to capture their essence as he designs dishes around their flavour palette.
The next time you see him, he’s tossed out the white t-shirt and the sneakers. He’s wearing a soft grey sweater and a pair of jeans Mikey left him instead. His hair is freshly washed and he’s used a little of that moisturiser that Sugar’s been trying to shove down his throat for the past couple of months. He feels better than he has in years and he thinks it’s because of the fruit. He’s been stagnant since coming to Chicago, focusing on keeping his head above water. There hasn’t been time to relax, to take joy in the things around him.
“That’s really sad.” You tell him as you sit beside him once again in what becomes his favourite field. “That you lost your joy.”
“I don’t think that I ever had any to begin with.” He tells you as he stares out across the plush greenery. “I don’t think I feel things the way that other people do, everything feels muted, it has for a long time.”
“I’m sorry.” You say quietly.
And he shrugs his shoulders because at this point he doesn’t know any different. It started back in New York under the tuition of David Fields. The constant barrage of abuse he suffered, it fractured something deep inside of him. His self-esteem had  withered away with under every comment until there was nothing left but this trembling mess.
“Do you worry you’ll never get it back?” You ask him, studying the profile of his face.
“I did.” He tells you before he tilts his head to look at you. His vibrant blue eyes capture yours and you don’t think you’ve ever seen a colour as beautiful as that. “But then I came here and it’s like something inside me just woke up. I’m starting to feel things again, so yea that’s what’s happening right now.”
“I’m glad the farm could help you like that.” You say sincerely.
“I’m guessing the farm helps a lot of people like that.” He says, gesturing to some of the folks out harvesting in the field. “I looked you up, read about some of the mental health programs you run. You’ve got a good rep.”
“Do what you can, for who you can, where you can, am I right?” You say and he thinks that’s one hell of a philosophy to live by in your day to day.
He considers that now as he watches you in the field. You’re wearing yellow wellies over black leggings because it’s potato season and you always get a little muddy. You have his baseball cap turned backwards on your head, your hair spilling out underneath.
It’s in that moment he realises just how truly happy he is, how happy he’s been over the past year and he knows that’s because of this place, because of you.
You’re surprised a couple of minutes later when his arms wrap around your waist. He buries his face into the crook of your neck inhaling the scent of earth that clings to your skin as he draws you back into the shelter of his firm chest.
“What’s up Bear?” You ask as he snuggles in close, his lips ghosting over skin.
“Nothing.” He whispers. “I just fucking love you.”
“That’s good baby…” You smile as you tilt your head towards him. “Because I fucking love you too.”
Love Carmy? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.
Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee
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ginxyy · 2 months ago
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Loving the Leader
My soulmate Seungcheol
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The first time I met Seungcheol, it was in the bustling corridors of our shared world, a place filled with laughter and the melodic harmonies of dreams taking flight. He was the anchoring force within the chaotic swirl of music, his laughter like the sun cutting through clouds on a gloomy day. As the leader of Seventeen, he commanded respect effortlessly, his presence unfolding like a well-rehearsed choreography that required no practice. Yet, beneath that authoritative exterior lay a man who could turn ordinary moments into the sweetest memories.
Our journey began quietly, in shared glances that seemed to dance as subtly as the morning light filtering through the curtains. I was there, in the background, often invisible, but somehow, every time I stepped into the same space as Seungcheol, I could feel the vibrancy of his energy wrapping around me like a soft, warm blanket. He would tease me about my propensity to get lost in thought, stating that I was as easily distracted as one of his younger members. In his trademark bossy manner, he’d chastise me playfully for the meals I skipped, insisting that I needed to eat to keep up with his whirlwind lifestyle.
“It’s not just me. The boys need you as much as I do,” he would say, his tone half-serious, half-mischievous, his brow furrowing just enough to let me know he meant what he said.
Every meal with Seungcheol became a ritual in caring. He’d whip up something simple yet delicious, his hands deftly moving through the kitchen while I would sit at the table, my heart swelling at the sight. Watching him in the kitchen felt like witnessing a performance a show of domesticity that weaved through the air with comforting aromas and animated banter. “A leader cannot run on empty,” he'd tease, as I picked at my food, and I could hardly deny the truth. There was something inherently nurturing about him, something that made me feel like the mothering presence in a fraternal household. His authority melted seamlessly into affection, pushing me to look after the other members, too.
Days flowed in and out like waves, each one richer than the last, each moment like an emotion wrapped in silk and presented with a flourish. Our evenings often found us sprawled on the couch, both exhausted after long days. Seungcheol would pick up a guitar, fingers lightly brushing the strings, filling the air with melodies that encapsulated all the unsaid words blooming between us. I’d lean my head against his shoulder, letting the music carry me away, feeling so acutely that here, in this intimate cocoon, we truly belonged to one another.
But love is never devoid of challenges. The busyness of our lives often pulled us in different directions. While he strategized for a performance, I’d be coaching the younger members on concepts of “emotional coordination” as he liked to call it emphasizing that each song needed a tale, a muscle of emotion that could only be expressed when they truly felt it. It was important work, but nothing could compare to the time I craved with him.
One chilly evening, months into our relationship, Seungcheol surprised me with a chance to escape the bustling world for a quiet evening under the stars. We drove to a secluded hilltop, our laughter echoing within the silence that enveloped us as we sat atop the car, taking in the sprawling view of the city that felt like an artist’s palette scattered with jewels. “Just look at how beautiful this is,” he said, his voice soft, and I couldn’t help but steal a glance at him bathed in moonlight, his eyes sparkled with dreams and warmth.
“I think it’s even more beautiful up here with you,” I admitted, feeling a blush creeping into my cheeks. I’d never been particularly good with words, but he understood me without the need for elaborate sentences his confident smile told me he appreciated my shyness, just as much as he appreciated this stolen moment.
Our fingers found each other, intertwining with a familiarity that spoke of comfort and longing alike. The stars above twinkled mischievously, providing an audience to our unspoken vows. In that beautiful expanse, he turned towards me, brushing a stray hair from my face and leaning in closer, our breaths mingling in the cold night air. I closed my eyes as he whispered my name like a prayer, and then, the world fell away. It was just us, and the world became a canvas upon which we painted our love.
As we navigated the intricacies of our burgeoning relationship, he would take me to practices. Positioned in the background, it often felt like I was both a part of the team and above it. I watched him lead with grace, his voice commanding yet soothing, and I could hardly help but beam with affection, feeling proud of the man who balanced responsibility with joy.
“But remember,” he’d remind me with a mock-seriousness. “If I’m the leader, you’re basically the mom.” I would laugh, playfully rolling my eyes, but somewhere deep down, I realized he was right. There was a symbiotic rhythm to this dance we had choreographed a push and pull, him bringing out the best in me while I made sure he didn’t forget his own needs amidst the chaos.
Over time, my heart burgeoned, nourished by his attention, his playful authority, and the undeniable tenderness that lay beneath his bossy exterior. Our love was not just a whisper of romance but a resounding promise the kind that binds souls through thick and thin.
Life became less of a challenge and more of a waltz with Seungcheol, beautifully imperfect yet profoundly deep. With every meal shared, every laugh exchanged, and every stolen kiss under the star-lit sky, I understood what it truly meant to be in love with a man like him. Together, we flowed as seamlessly as harmonies in his songs, crafting our unique symphony. And in my heart, I couldn’t help but feel whether he led us through the chaos or simply held my hand amidst the mundane that we were not just two people lost in love but a tightly-knit team ready to face the world together.
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steamed-yakosobaa · 3 months ago
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Cute Yumiko oneshot with the rest of the ADA before I post the most horrific traumatizing shit ever!!!!!!
FEATURING: Osamu Dazai , Doppo Kunikida , Kyouka , Edogawa Ranpo , ATSUSHI MY BELOVED, AND KINDA KUNIZAI IMPLICATIONS BUT IDK…??
Onion’s notes: Can I have a brother like Atsushi please (No Arcturus you don’t count.)
The streets of Yokohama were alive with color and light, lanterns glowing softly above the bustling crowd, the scent of festival food wafting through the air. The Armed Detective Agency was out in full force, each member dressed in traditional kimonos, blending into the sea of festival-goers.
Yumiko was practically glued to Atsushi’s side, her eyes wide in wonder as she took in the sights. It was her first festival, her first real glimpse of life outside the sterile confines of the lab where she had grown up. She hadn’t even known about holidays like this, where people gathered to celebrate with fireworks and food. The vibrancy of it all overwhelmed her senses, but in the best way. Suiren was so wrong. This was amazing.
“Are you okay, Yumiko?” Atsushi asked gently, looking down at her with his usual protective concern.
Yumiko nodded quickly, her kimono fluttering slightly as she moved. “Yes! It’s… it’s amazing. I didn’t think the outside world was this… alive.”
Atsushi smiled, relieved to see her enjoying herself. “It is. But if it gets too much, let me know, okay? We can take a break.”
Yumiko was about to respond when a certain suicidal brunette voice chimed in. “Wow, Atsushi, you’re like a real big brother now, huh? All responsible and everything.”
Kunikida adjusted his glasses, giving Dazai a sidelong glance. “Stop teasing him, Dazai. We’re here to make sure everyone has a good time, especially Yumiko.”
“Oh, come on, Kunikida, lighten up! It’s a festival! Let’s make the most of it before we go back to all that boring paperwork.”
Yumiko looked up at Atsushi, tilting her head. “Is it always like this with them?”
Atsushi sighed, giving her a knowing smile. “Pretty much.”
Nearby, Ranpo was already munching on a bag of festival snacks, giving Yumiko a casual wave. “You’ll get used to it. Trust me, this is a normal day.”
Yumiko blinked at the display of odd behavior, unsure whether to laugh or be confused. But before she could dwell on it, Kyoka approached with a small smile, holding out a candied apple. “Here. I thought you might want to try one.”
Yumiko hesitated before accepting the treat, her eyes lighting up at the sweet taste. “It’s really good,” she said, her voice filled with excitement.
Kyoka nodded, standing beside her. “There are lots of good things here. You should try the takoyaki next.”
“We’ll get you all the snacks you want,” Atsushi promised, watching her enjoy herself. He glanced at the others, feeling a warmth in his chest as they all came together to make Yumiko’s first festival a memorable one.
As they moved through the festival grounds, Yumiko found herself laughing more than she had in a long time. Maybe for the first time ever, even. Dazai attempted to win a plush toy for her at a game stall but ended up failing spectacularly, much to Kunikida’s exasperation. Ranpo gave her tips on how to win at the goldfish scooping game, while Atsushi and Kyoka helped her try out different festival foods.
“Are festivals always like this?” Yumiko asked as they found a quiet spot near the waterfront, where they were planning to watch the fireworks.
Atsushi chuckled. “Not always this chaotic, but it’s always fun.”
“Especially with this group,” Kunikida muttered, trying to keep Ranpo from wandering off.
Yumiko smiled softly, feeling something warm and comforting bloom in her chest. It wasn’t just the festival itself that made her happy—it was the fact that she was here, with people who cared about her. She had spent so long feeling isolated, like she didn’t belong anywhere. But now, surrounded by her new family at the Armed Detective Agency, she finally felt like she had a place.
As the fireworks began to light up the night sky, Yumiko practically jumped before she realized that it wasn’t what she thought it was. Her eyes widened in awe. She had never seen anything like it—colors bursting across the sky, reflecting in the water below. It felt like magic.
“They’re so beautiful,” she whispered as she shifted back into her fox form and jumped into Atsushi’s shoulder pikachu style.
Atsushi smiled at her. “I’m glad you like them. I knew you’d enjoy this.”
Dazai, lying on the grass nearby, grinned lazily. “It’s the perfect ending to the night, don’t you think?”
“Except for all the noise,” Kunikida complained, though there was a fond smile tugging at his lips.
Yumiko looked around at them, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. She turned to Atsushi, her voice soft but sincere. “Thank you, Atsushi-nii. For bringing me here. For… everything.”
Atsushi’s expression softened as he reached out to ruffle her hair in a brotherly manner. “You don’t have to thank me, Yumiko. I’m just happy you’re here with us.”
“Yeah!” Ranpo chimed in, still munching on snacks. “You’re part of the family now, Yumiko. No more labs, no more bad guys. Just us.”
Kyoka nodded in agreement, her quiet presence reassuring. “You’ll always have us.”
Yumiko blinked, her heart swelling with warmth. For the first time in a long while, she felt safe. She wasn’t just surviving anymore—she was living. And as the final firework burst into a brilliant display above them, Yumiko knew she had found something even more precious than freedom.
She had found her family.
@probably-haven
@thetasteofbeautyandlove
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the-bramble--patch · 2 years ago
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I’ve been seeing a few posts on minimalism going around, one being @bisquitt’s post on sustainability and minimalism—how the two terms shouldn’t be conflated, and how real sustainability is about anti-capitalism in the forms of reuse, repair, and community interdependence. Another is @allstrangeandwonderful’s post on how Minimalism is an aesthetic based around coping in the "corporate hellscape" we live in—contemporary designers gravitate towards neutral colors as a respite from the warlike corporate use of color to catch the attention of a consumer (See Mina Le's video on this concept also. She offers up a few possible reasons for this trend towards "greige" interiors, one being the inundation from advertising we experience in our everyday lives).
I wanted to talk about these concepts and tie in some other things I’ve been seeing around.
Imo, minimalism is anti-consumerist, but not anti-capitalist. The lifestyle and aesthetic is intended to address the systemic problem of living in a consumerist society on an individual level. Instead of ending the capitalist system that thrusts consumerism on us all, it suggests that minimalists create a safe space away from consumerism. It is not interested in changing the system, only the individual. What really drove this home for me was watching The Financial Diet on YouTube interview The Minimalists, the guys who kicked off the trend. She keeps trying to ask them about the underlying issues Minimalism acts as a band-aid for, and they keep dodging her questions.
The lifestyle choices bisquitt offers up as sustainable are typically lumped under the umbrella of Solarpunk: “fixing shit around your house. thrifting. patching clothes and handing them down. a community garden. potluck dinner parties. farmer’s markets. a barter system among friends and neighbors. kindness. love among community members.“ These things do not conform to the minimalist aesthetic tenets of order, function, and simplicity. They are often vibrant, mismatched, and chaotic, messy even (see my post on solarpunk aesthetics here). This is because solarpunk aims to solve the same issues minimalism does, but on a societal level. Solarpunk is working towards a utopian future of degrowth, where the forces that Minimalism is in opposition to will no longer exist. This allows for everyday people to reclaim vibrancy from corporations. That busyness is only desirable in a world where capitalism isn't such a burden. Solarpunk advocates for simplicity in all but design, instead of the other way around.
Another thing is the separation between meaning and function present in Minimalism. Minimalism is often associated with deriving pleasure from experiences, not things. The physical space is deprioritized (I know the movement is about changing the physical space, but the idea is that the physical space just makes your life more efficient) for a kind of zen outlook about mind over matter. Solarpunk is much more holistic in its recognition that inner peace comes from a play between the external and internal worlds—from connection and respect for people, things, and resources. Instead of removing meaning and beauty from a space to prioritize the mind, Solarpunk instills it, to elicit interaction with the world instead of a retreat from it. Thus, Solarpunk rolls meaning and function into one: a visibly mended shirt is both functional (the hole is gone), and meaningful (it says much more about the politics of the wearer than one mended invisibly). Another example is the bottle walls commonly used in Earthships: Making the bottles visible is beautiful, and it communicates that the builder is interested in using sustainable material.
In short, minimalism is individualist while Solarpunk is collectivist, and the aesthetics of each reflect that. Retreating from a broken society will not fix said society. Sustainability needs to be solved on a societal level, so minimalism as a solution to overconsumption just isn't gonna cut it.
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glimmervoi · 1 year ago
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A SEALED FATE: EMERALDS AND BLOOD | II - Trust
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Masterlist
Emeralds and Blood Masterlist
TW: Brief mention of SA
Notes: I'm not the happiest with this, but I have revised this chapter literally so much that it was driving me crazy every time I saw the draft on my tabs. It's not as good as I wanted but I hope you enjoy
The northern wing of the castle was breathtakingly beautiful.
As the experienced maid that had been tasked with helping you swung open the grand double doors, silently welcoming you into the northern section, your jaw dropped in utter amazement.
The entire wing, as far as your eyes could discern, was bathed in a regal palette of purple and gold. Tall arched windows welcomed ample winter sunlight, casting a radiant glow that accentuated the opulent hues around you.
The air carried a delicate hint of jasmine, wrapping you in its comforting embrace, while the warmth enveloped you, though you couldn't spot any fireplaces nearby. Even in the hallway, the ambiance was strikingly beautiful. You wondered how beautiful the bedrooms would be if even the hallway was so grand.
The older maid was patient as you marveled at your surroundings. Although she remained silent, her eyes conveyed a cautious warmth, perhaps anticipating your reaction to the grandeur of the northern wing.
As you took in your surroundings, a pang of jealousy shot through you. It dawned on you that this wasn't a space meant for your enjoyment. As a maid, your role was clear: to clean and tend to the needs of the royal family and their guests.
You couldn't imagine having a portrait of yourself painted while reclining on one of the plush purple chairs against the wall. Lounging in front of the large windows, watching the gardeners work, or sipping from a crystal glass of wine as you strolled down the halls were luxuries reserved for those of a higher status than your own.
It was a bitter realization, feeling trapped by the circumstances of your birth. Coming from a poor, starving village where everyone wore rags and rationed out old, nearly inedible food, it was hard to think about the lavishness that surrounded you now.
This was just a fragment of the entire castle. Sanria had mentioned other wings, each with its own distinct sections. The sheer enormity of the castle, dedicated solely to the King, Queen, and their seven sons, left you speechless.
Swallowing hard, your initial awe gave way to a disquieting sensation. The older maid's gaze conveyed a sense of empathy, and you couldn't help but wonder if she had experienced a similar whirlwind of emotions upon first setting foot in one of the castle's wings, however long ago that may have been.
"Sorry, I'm ready to continue," you murmured softly, clasping your hands together in front of you. The maid nodded in understanding, resuming her unhurried stride deeper into the wing. At the far end, a carpeted staircase awaited.
You couldn't help but wonder about the extent of this wing, contemplating how many floors it might hold and how many stairs you'd need to ascend to reach your destination. However, just before the staircase, the woman halted.
Before you loomed a pair of large double doors, painted a pristine white. With a gentle fist, the woman knocked three times. You heard movement from within, followed by the creaking of the door as it swung open.
Standing before you was a plump, redheaded maid with captivating blue eyes. She possessed a vibrancy and warmth that seemed to radiate from her, a stark contrast to the more subdued demeanor of the castle's other staff members you had encountered so far.
Granted, your interactions with the staff had been limited, but this maid's presence was undeniably noteworthy.
"Claudia, hello!" The redheaded maid greeted cheerily, placing a hand on her hip as she glanced over at you, giving you a quick once-over. "Brought me a new, unfortunate soul?" she quipped.
A slight furrow creased your brow at her remark, a knot forming in your stomach. Claudia nodded once and gestured with her hand, conveying some silent message that the redhead seemed to understand.
"Alright, thank you, Claudia," the redhead said, patting her arm gently. "Why don't you go get some lunch before Sanria asks you for yet another thing? She'll run you into the ground if given the opportunity, but you already know that." With a nod towards the exit of the wing, she dismissed Claudia.
You were taken aback by the younger maid's statements about Sanria. From the way Sanria herself spoke, it seemed she commanded utmost respect, running a tight ship. This casual remark painted a different picture.
Claudia seemed unfazed by the redhead's comment, offering her a smile before bidding you a farewell with a small wave as she brushed past. You observed her as she slowly made her way out of the wing, closing the large doors behind her and  leaving you alone with the redhead.
A brief silence lingered between you, both of you sizing each other up. Then, the redhead extended her hand. "Nice to meet you, my name is Rae," she introduced herself with a warm smile.
You hesitantly accepted her handshake, about to reciprocate with your own introduction when she preemptively cut you off, squeezing your hand firmly. "I already know your name; Angellica stopped by while you were cleaning yourself up," she interjected matter-of-factly.
"Oh," you deadpanned, slightly caught off guard. She released your hand and brushed an imaginary speck of dust from her apron before moving further out of  the room from which she had emerged before shutting the door behind her.
"Right, well, this floor has already been finished, and the other housemaids have moved on to the other floors," Rae informed you, nodding towards the stairs. "Why don't we head to the second floor and see what needs to be finished there?"
She didn't wait for your response, already beginning to make her way towards the stairs with her hands clasped behind her back. You quietly trailed behind her, feeling uncertain about her. After all, she had casually referred to you as an "unfortunate soul," suggesting she might not be particularly close with Sanria.
However, that didn't automatically make her trustworthy. Just because she didn't constantly sing Sanria's praises didn't mean she didn't gossip to the head maid. The last thing you needed was to engage in idle chatter with her, only for it to circle back to your new boss.
You were unsure of what repercussions might await you if you brought Sanria's wrath upon yourself, but you knew that being fired wasn't the worst fate one could suffer in this castle.
As you both ascended the stairs, Rae cast a glance back at you. "So, has anyone explained anything to you other than the contract you signed with Sanria?" she inquired.
You shook your head. "Only one thing, that I am a morning shift maid. I assume that means there will be night maids that I'll end up meeting?"
Rae nodded as you rounded the corner to climb the second flight of stairs. "Yes, there are actually a few different kinds of maids here," she explained, gesturing to herself. "We have one of the easier tasks."
Reaching the top of the stairs to the second floor, you were once again struck by its beauty. It mirrored the first floor, albeit in reverse, yet it still managed to surprise you.
This floor was abuzz with activity. Many maids in the hallway engaged in dusting, polishing, and sweeping. Their heads lifted as you and Rae passed by, their gazes curious yet guarded. You offered them small smiles, hoping to show that you weren’t there to cause any trouble, but their lips remained downturned at the corners.
You turned back to Rae, who continued to guide you down the long hall. "What do you mean, different kinds of maids?" you inquired, tilting your head in curiosity. You hadn't been informed of any specific duties beyond your morning shift, so the mention of other types of maids intrigued you. Perhaps there were kitchen maids, given that you hadn't been told anything about cooking responsibilities. Rae had just confirmed the existence of night maids. What else could there be?
She didn't respond immediately, instead slowing her pace as you reached a set of double doors that were slightly ajar. With two brisk knocks, she pushed her way inside without waiting for a response. You followed hesitantly, glancing around the room.
The room consisted of a large, sturdy wooden table as its centerpiece, adorned with a decently sized vase of winter flowers. Around it, approximately ten chairs were neatly arranged. Along the walls stood various shelves filled with books and what appeared to be wooden boxes. In stark contrast to the hallway's opulence, the room seemed rather plain, prompting your curiosity about its purpose. It felt as though wealthy people simply had rooms for the sake of having them, and you couldn't imagine this one serving any practical function.
At the far end of the room, a tall maid stood with a feather duster in hand, gazing out of a large window. Her attention seemed fixed on something outside, and as you approached her, you thought you caught a glimpse of a figure moving into the woods bordering the castle.
"Esther," Rae called out, placing a hand on her shoulder. Esther turned around, her green eyes wide and her cheeks visibly pale. Rae's expression shifted into one you couldn't quite decipher.
"Sorry, I became distracted," Esther breathed, her gaze averted. She pushed a stray strand of light brown hair away from her face, her eyes remaining fixed on the ground as she moved away from the window.
"It's alright," Rae responded, her voice gentle. Beneath the kindness, however, there was a subtle undertone that caused you to tense your shoulders slightly. "I have a new maid with me today. I can finish this room with her, show her the ropes."
"Alright," Esther murmured, hastening to the silver cart positioned next to one of the bookshelves by the window. But before she could proceed, Rae intervened.
"If you wouldn't mind fetching a new cart? Your setup is perfect, and I'd like to demonstrate it to our new maid," Rae requested, gesturing towards you. Esther's gaze briefly flickered up to your face before returning to the floor.
"Of course," Esther replied, placing the duster atop the cart before hurrying out of the room, gently closing the doors behind her.
You observed Rae, finding the interaction a bit strange. While the redhead didn't radiate the same strictness or cruelty as Sanria, the other maids seemed to hold her in high regard.
She hadn't shown any signs of volatility in her exchanges with the two maids present, even making a remark about Sanria to the older maid who had escorted you to her. You couldn't help but wonder about her standing among the staff.
Shaking off the speculation, you approached Rae as she motioned you over to the silver cart. It was laden with various piles of rags of different fabrics, a feather duster, a couple of dark jars, a bucket, mop, and broom.
The cart was meticulously organized, making it a breeze to locate everything you needed. You silently thanked Esther for making your first task easier by ensuring everything was readily accessible on the cart.
"This is your cleaning cart," Rae explained, her hand resting on a stack of rougher-looking rags. "Two maids usually share a cart and work on a task together, but Esther's partner is..." Rae paused, her expression darkening momentarily.
"Esther is currently handling solo tasks today, which is why she was assigned an easier room," Rae continued, lifting one of the rags. "I noticed the curiosity on your face when you entered this room. You were probably wondering about its purpose and why it's not as ornate as the grand hall we just left."
She didn't pause for your response. "This room serves as a space for informal meetings. While the women prefer the more luxurious rooms, such as the northern sunroom, the men typically gather here. It boasts a larger table for cards and drinks, with less fragile furniture in case things get rowdy."
"I'm not sure if you were informed, but in a week's time, the annual winter ball will take place in this castle," Rae's eyes lit up, and a faint smile played on her lips. She seemed to hold a deep fondness for the winter ball.
"The ballroom will be teeming with lords and ladies, dukes and duchesses, and influential socialites. Among the four seasonal balls, the winter ball reigns supreme in grandeur. And, of course, a week following the ball is Yule, so any guests who returned home for the week will come back for the Yule celebration."
"It sounds intriguing," you replied, allowing your imagination to conjure images of the ball. Silk gowns swaying gracefully, the soft glow of candles illuminating the dance floor beneath the winter moonlight.
But then, a twinge of envy pricked at your chest. You swiftly banished the images, determined not to let jealousy cloud your first day at the castle. Rae observed you closely, and you offered a faint smile.
"So, tell me about the other maids," you prompted, arching an eyebrow at her. "You mentioned there were different kinds, and that we have the easier job. What other roles are there in this castle?"
Rae hummed, her gaze lingering on you for a moment longer before she picked up the feather duster from the top of the cart. As she began to dust off the furniture, you grabbed the broom and followed behind her, working on the floor as she spoke.
"We're just cleaners. We wear the blue dress with the white apron, which marks us as such. Of course, if a member of the royal family or a guest requests something, we're expected to oblige. But there's another group of maids specifically designated for such tasks. They're the service maids."
"The service maids don a black dress, which looks more formal than ours, and they reside in different quarters closer to the southern wing. That's where the royal family stays. The nightmaids are split between our wing and the southern wing, as they handle a variety of duties."
"There are also the kitchen maids, responsible for all the cooking. They even handle meals for us, so I wouldn't advise getting on their bad side. They have the power to withhold food, and Sanria won't intervene. Despite not wearing fancy uniforms, they're crucial. They ensure the family's content during meals and prepare vast amounts of food for special events."
"Lastly, the Queen's maids." Rae paused her dusting, her expression turning serious. "Remember this as long as you're here. The Queen handpicks a select group of young women. They're by her side almost constantly, treated almost like royalty themselves. I'm not sure what their exact duties entail during the day, but they're the ones-"
She paused, swallowing hard and taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Just be careful. Don't try to befriend them. Don't even look at them. You'll know if you've come across one, even if the Queen isn't around, because they wear a much more modest, all-white version of our uniform. They wear veils to hide their faces, and they do not speak. They're completely silent."
A chill ran down your spine, and you halted in your sweeping. Uncertain of how to respond, you simply listened. A handpicked group of maids dressed in all white who didn't speak—it sounded like something out of the ghost stories the village boys used to tell to send shivers down your spine.
"It's only your first day, but mistakes here aren't tolerated, no matter the reason," Rae continued in a hushed tone, stepping closer. "I've been stuck here for the last eleven years, and I've seen countless faces pass through. Most of them don't make it out. I've seen girls like you suffer awful, awful fates because they weren't warned."
Your mouth fell open slightly in surprise. Rae had been at the castle for eleven years. That meant she had renewed her contract twice. But why? The thought churned in your stomach with anxiety. What if she had to stay because there was nothing else outside of the castle? What if, in five years, you couldn't find anything else either?
Her mention of seeing so many faces... Just how high was the turnover here? You knew it wouldn't be a fairytale life when you embarked on the journey to the castle, but as your day progressed, you were beginning to realize just how harsh things could be.
You studied Rae intently for a long moment. She didn't seem like she was trying to deceive you. Her face radiated sincerity. You didn't want to end up as just another face to her, someone who couldn't even make it past the first week. Trusting her could be beneficial. Any help was appreciated at this point.
"Alright," you breathed, your grip tightening on the wooden handle of the broom. "I trust you. What else can you tell me so that I don't end up in the dungeons on my first day?"
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You collapsed onto your bed, the exhaustion seeping into your bones. The frame groaned beneath you, a reminder of its age and the countless occupants it had hosted before you. 
Eagerly you kicked off your boots, relishing the relief as your bare, sore feet met the floor. Your stomach protested loudly, reminding you of the lunch you had missed. It growled like an angry bear, demanding to be fed.
As the other maids trickled into the sleeping chambers, bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, you couldn't help but notice a subtle change in their demeanor. Away from Sanria's watchful eyes, they seemed...happier.
In the softly lit chamber, the room filled with a gentle hum of conversation as the other maids settled into their beds. Some wasted no time shedding their stiff uniforms, exchanging them for the comfort of their brown dresses with audible sighs of relief. Others like you lingered on the edge of their beds, methodically unlacing their boots with careful hands.
Across the room, Rae and Esther engaged in quiet conversation, their voices a soothing backdrop to the evening's tranquility. You observed them for a moment, reflecting on the day's events and the information that Rae had shared with you during your cleaning duties on the third floor of the northern wing.
Your thoughts drifted to the woman you had witnessed being reprimanded by Sanria earlier in the day. Esther's sister, Kassie, had borne the brunt of the punishment. Like you and Esther, they hailed from a humble village, seeking refuge in the castle's employment to forge a better life for themselves.
In the subdued atmosphere of the sleeping quarters, the weight of the day's events  hung heavy in the air. As you prepared to retire for the night, the somber reality of Kassie's fate weighed on your mind like a leaden burden.
Her tragic encounter with a Duke, fueled by alcohol and privilege, had left her with a heavy price to pay—a pregnancy and subsequent incarceration in the dungeons, while her assailant escaped unscathed, shielded by his social status.
The maids, united by a shared sense of injustice, had rallied to Kassie's aid, attempting to whisk her away from the castle's confines before her condition became too evident. Yet, their efforts were thwarted by Angellica's. She had witnessed Kassie attempting to leave, leading to the painful confrontation you had witnessed earlier.
Esther's tears spoke volumes of the deep bond she shared with her sister, her sorrow pulling at your heart. In that moment, you couldn't help but empathize with her anguish, imagining the pain of losing a beloved sibling of your own under such unjust circumstances. You did not have any siblings, but if you did, you imagined it would be worse than taking an arrow to the chest.
Turning away, you gave Esther and Rae the privacy they deserved, focusing instead on the simple task of preparing for bed. As you examined the brown dress laid out before you, its rough texture served as a reminder of the modest life that you would spend the next five years living — a life that, however meager, offered a respite from the harsh realities of the world beyond.
As you wondered about the possibility of any maids venturing beyond the castle walls for a rare night out, your attention was drawn to the pair of leather flats resting on the floor beside the dress. They looked uncomfortable and flimsy, as though they would fall apart after the third use.
Desiring a bit of privacy to strip out of your uniform, you scanned the sleeping quarters for a secluded spot to change into the plain brown dress. The bathing room, though dimly lit and currently occupied by others preparing for a nighttime bath, seemed like the best option despite the lack of privacy it offered.
Just as you contemplated making your way over, a slender brunette interrupted  your thoughts. Clad in a black dress adorned with a white apron, she exuded an air of grace and warmth that immediately put you at ease. Her gentle smile seemed genuine, and you were almost instantly filled with a sense of trust.
“There aren’t any other spaces for you to change,” she murmured, her voice gentle as she addressed your unspoken dilemma. A furrow formed on your brow, and you opened your mouth to ask how she guessed your predicament so effortlessly.
“You’re probably wondering how I knew, right?” she chimed, her brown eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. You nodded, slightly taken aback by the ability to guess so accurately. Were your thoughts truly that transparent? If so, navigating life within the castle walls seemed more daunting than you initially imagined.
“Every new maid struggles with that,” she reassured you, gesturing around the bustling sleeping quarters. “It can be a bit embarrassing the first few times. You get used to it though. Also, you were gripping the dress as you looked around, and I figured it wasn’t because you were super happy about having it.”
“Ah,” you responded with a small smile, glancing down at the dress in your hands. Reluctantly, you accepted the inevitability of changing in the presence of others. If this seasoned service maid’s insight was any indication, adapting to this aspect of castle life would be just one of many adjustments you’d have to make.
“Like I said, you’ll get used to it,” Alice reiterated with a comforting smile, extending her hand in greeting. “My name is Alice, by the way. I’m a service maid, but I dropped by to speak with Rae.”
You accepted her hand, reciprocating the gesture with a friendly shake. “I assume you already know my name, too?” you inquired, recalling how Angellica had informed Rae of your identity even before you had signed your contract.
Alice nodded, releasing your hand. “Rae and I are not supervisors of our stations, but we’re just underneath. When Sanria and Iseul get a new employee, we find out right away too.”
Rae had described Iseul to you earlier. She was the head of the service maids and was just as cruel as Sanria. Despite her youth, she carried herself with an air of authority, often condescending to even the most experienced maids. Supposedly, Sanria had helped her secure the position after the former head of service passed away from old age.
“You won't see me very often, as I have different responsibilities throughout my day. If you need anything, however, you can find me in the southern servants' chambers around mealtimes and after dinner. You’re allowed to enter even if you’re not a service maid, as long as you’re not doing something you’re not supposed to,” Alice explained, clasping her hands together again. “See you around?”
You nodded, expressing your gratitude. Alice then turned and made her way to Esther and Rae, where she crouched down in front of the crying woman, offering her comforting words.
Feeling a sense of reassurance from Alice's kindness, you settled back onto your bed. Now, you had two people looking out for you. You stared down at your dress, frowning slightly at the thought of wearing it.
Despite the kindness of Rae and Alice, an uneasy feeling lingered in your stomach. While you had grown to trust Rae a bit more, the revelation that she was directly under Sanria added a new layer of complexity to your situation. It made you question whether this newfound trust was entirely warranted.
As the winter ball approached, followed closely by the yule celebration, you couldn't shake off the sense of impending trouble. The increased activity meant more opportunities for mistakes and of course, more chances to face the consequences.
With a soft sigh, you reflected on your decision to sign Sanria’s contract. While you understood the necessity of being at the castle, you couldn't help but regret your choice. The more you learned about the inner workings of the castle, the more apparent it became that avoiding trouble would be a challenge.
Every turn seemed to present a new risk, and despite Rae's assistance, you knew that you couldn't rely on her to shield you from every potential misstep. Inevitably, you would make mistakes, and the thought weighed heavily on your mind.
Five years never looked so long.
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abbysimsfun · 6 months ago
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Sims In Bloom: Generation 1 Pt. 8 (Tragedy Strikes!)
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Summer was warm and less rainy than usual, and one evening after school shortly after Henford Day, Heather, Holly, and River went over to the Pancakes’ house to do homework and play until supper. But Bob was called in to work last minute, leaving Eliza to make enough grilled cheese to feed six kids, herself, Bob's mother Agatha Crumpcakes, and Agatha's wife Agnes.
Eliza was by far the less domesticated parent in the Pancakes household – she loved her kids, but she loved working out and going out on the town just as much. Daisy appreciated how her best friend could drag her out of her homebody shell from time to time, but her zest for the fast life meant she was the last person who should have been using the old stove that Bob had tinkered with too many times to count.
Bob was a pro and could use the old dials, but the flames jumped so quickly, Eliza was stunned. She tried to put out the fire but inhaled too much smoke, pushing Kash from the flames with her dying breath. Bob rushed home to find his wife gone and the Nesbitt kids consoling his devastated children, with his stunned mother and stepmother getting medical attention in an ambulance.
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Daisy was devastated by the loss of her friend, but she and Neal offered Bob all the help he might need, and never said no to the kids when they wanted their friends over. River and Kash played games for hours, Everett and Heather loved to rank their favourite animals, and Malia was drawn to Holly's generous spirit. The Nesbitts and Pancakes were good friends; Eliza's death wouldn't change that.
As Ralph and Tut both got older, the family had to spend more time travelling to Brindleton Bay. Henford was too small for a vet clinic and most of the nearby practitioners focused on livestock, not dogs and cats. Brindleton Bay to the northeast was a quiet, coastal town built on fishing – a factor that drew thousands of strays from all over Simlandia for the abundance of food. But as the fishing industry shifted and changed, so did the vibrancy of the town. Young people left, and older families died off, but thanks to the strays, the animal hospital and shelter drew sims from all over to add four-legged family members.
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The first time Heather joined her parents, as she stepped inside the animal hospital she was practically mesmerized. Instantly, she knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life – she wanted to help other families with sick pets, just as the vets at Brindleton Pawspital did for Ralph and Tut. Her parents were enthusiastic supporters of her dream from the start, but they told her she would need to work hard to raise money if she dreamed of buying a clinic of her own one day. They both did well in their careers and had every intention of helping her, but the last thing they wanted was their daughter to expect not to pull her own weight.
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Would Heather continue on a path toward becoming a veterinarian, or change her mind as she got older? ->
<- Previous Chapter | From the Beginning
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writing-ca-ira · 2 years ago
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HASARDER — PART 1
YJ/Teen Titans Dick Grayson x Reader
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Prologue << MASTERLIST >> Part 2
Dick Grayson is no stranger to death, but that doesn’t make it any harder to deal with. As it turns out, however, the grieving process for you would prove to take an interesting twist when Tim calls him with some shocking news.
The reader is gender neutral.
Contains: civilian reader, mentions of death (your death), mentions of a dead body (your dead body), spoilers: you’re actually alive… kinda, I’m probably forgetting something.
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“Does the hurt ever go away?”
“I wish I could say yes… but it will get better over time. For you. That, I can promise.”
Dick felt his grip on the picture frame get weaker and weaker. Had he not snapped out of his thoughts a moment sooner, it would’ve slipped out of his hands and clattered on the floor, shattering the glass in the process. The mere thought of that happening caused his stomach to churn, guilt eating away at his heart despite managing to avoid that outcome. To ensure the safety of the picture frame (well, more importantly, the photo within it), he gingerly placed it back in its rightful place on top of his nightstand, right next to his old digital alarm clock and bedside lamp.
You keep thinking..."If only I'd done something differently,” Bruce’s voice echoed in his head. “If only I could've...warned them." But there isn't anything you could've done. There isn't anything either of us could've done.
That conversation happened years ago; over a decade by now. Back when Dick was still processing the death of his parents, and when Bruce was there to help him through it. Despite the consolation those words provided in the moment, he never expected them to carry such weight throughout his life.
There isn’t anything you could’ve done.
His eyes drifted back to the picture frame. The photo within it was taken 4 years ago, during his sophomore year of high school at Gotham High. He still remembers the crisp autumn air against his skin, the red and orange leaves scattered on the ground, and the chocolate flavored milkshake he was halfway through. There was a giant smile on his face, his blue eyes sparkling with such joy and vibrancy.
It’s because you were right next to him.
The photo caught you mid-laugh, your eyes crinkling with happiness. You had haphazardly thrown up a peace sign with one hand while holding your own drink in the other. Though you were too busy laughing to notice, Dick had snaked his arm behind your head to give you bunny ears, which caused you to playfully throw leaves at him when you found out afterwards.
Thinking about that day still causes a fond smile to tug at his lips. Wally had to bail on their plans that day due to a date he forgot about with Artemis, so Dick found himself in the Cave to hand out with you instead. That’s how you two ended up walking around Happy Harbor — your idea, if he recalls correctly — exploring random shops and goofing around outside.
Had that really been 4 years ago?
Whatever warmness that flooded his chest while reminiscing on the past was immediately extinguished by the coldness of reality. It’s been 2 years without you now. The anniversary of your death was a week and a half ago, which was when he found himself so filled with grief that he could barely even get out of bed. It took all of the senior members of the team to rouse him out of his depressive episode; much like the year before.
You were gone. He still wasn’t used to saying that. Even with the time that’s passed since you died, he can feel his heart drop whenever he thinks about it, as though he’s learning about your death for the first time. The tears still wouldn’t stop, and neither would the nights filled with feverish dreams of your face.
If only I could’ve done something differently.
Of course, Bruce was right all those years ago; there wasn’t anything he could’ve done. Much like with his parents, Jason, and now the recently deceased Tula (all whom he still has nightmares of to this day), there was logically nothing he could’ve done to save you. He was all the way in Santa Prisca leading a covert mission when he received a distress call from your phone in Happy Harbor. All he could do was make sure someone was en route to your coordinates — which led to the Happy Harbor boardwalk — and pray you were safe.
But by the time Aquagirl and Tempest got there, it was too late.
Learning about what happened to you was hard for Dick. The ringing in his ears blocked out every sound except for his own shaky breaths, and he could barely even stand without feeling dizzy. But he managed to fight through his state of shock and despair to listen to the report. You were caught in a domestic dispute gone deadly at the Happy Harbor health clinic. A man stormed into the clinic to take back his kid from his ex-wife, who was there for a check-up. Things escalated, and the man shot and killed his wife, threatening the doctor in the room if she didn’t let his son go with him.
You happened to be in the next room over. Hearing the gunshot must’ve made you spring into action, making a 911 call along with the distress call to the team. The doctor that was with the son said that you snuck up behind the man and lunged at him, yelling at her and the kid to run. There was signs of a struggle in the room, but you unfortunately weren’t the one to walk out of there alive.
The man was neutralized by police around 3 to 4 minutes after your estimated time of death. If you hadn’t had your scuffle with him, it’s possible that he could’ve grabbed his son and escaped before the cops arrived. Your face was on the news after that, journalists proclaiming you to be a hero that sacrificed their life.
Except you should’ve never had to in the first place.
It’s not fair, Dick decided. Why did you, the one who wasn’t supposed to be risking their life, have to die because of some other people’s marital problems?! You weren’t even a hero; you were just a normal civilian going about your daily life. So why did you have to die like this?!
Even thinking about it caused his eyes to sting from frustrated tears, his jaw tightening as his fists clenched at his sides. If that guy wasn’t shot down by the cops, lord only knows what Dick would’ve done to him. The fact that he couldn’t even see justice for your death — your murder — get delivered also feeds into his anger. God, why couldn’t he just be there to at least get justice for you himself?!
Justice and revenge aren’t the same thing.
God, he hated it when Bruce was right.
There was nothing he could’ve done. There was nothing anyone could’ve done. Everything happened to fast; from the man barging into the clinic, to the shouting between him and his ex-wife, to the gunshot, to you calling 911 and sneaking up on the man, to the struggle that happened for a solid minute or so, to the gunshot that ultimately ended your life. All of that happened in under 10 minutes, according to the timeline, and that just wasn’t enough time for someone to come help you.
“There isn’t anything you could’ve done,” he had to solemnly tell Tula and Garth, who were both blaming themselves for not being there. Tula Zeta’d in from Atlantis, while Garth had to go on foot from Mount Justice. They were the only ones who weren’t on a mission at the time; the only ones who could respond to your distress call. But no matter how fast they moved, they just couldn’t be there in time.
A buzzing noise snapped him out of his thoughts. It caused enough surprise to him that his shoulders jolted upwards, his heart completely skipping a beat. He soon realized that it was his phone buzzing. Someone was calling him.
Shakily reaching for his phone (which was unceremoniously tossed onto his bed), he held it closer to his face to read the caller ID. Ah, Tim. It was a bit unusual for his successor to give him a call (he was a bit too socially awkward for that), but anytime he did, it would make Dick feel special. In fact, maybe a conversation with Tim would help clear his head a bit.
He cleared his throat as a small test for his voice, then hit accept and held the phone up to his ear. “Hey, Tim. What’s up?”
“Dick—! I… it’s—” Panic was evident in Tim’s voice. Hearing his shaky words on the other end caused Dick’s brows to furrow. At first, he thought that there was something going on with Batman and Robin, but he remembered that it was Tim who called Dick, and not Robin who called Nightwing. So, did that mean something happened at the Manor?
“Tim,” Dick softly began, though with slight urgency in his tone, “is everything okay?”
“They’re… I’m— I don’t…” an uneven puff of air could be heard before the teen tried again. “I’m really sorry, Dick, I didn’t mean to poke around!! It’s just that Ba— Br— B had been spending so much time away from the Manor and the Cave, and I wanted to know what he was doing, a-and I used the Bat Computer and found the file about everything, and— a-and…!!”
Dick had to raise his voice a bit to interject. “Tim!! Tim, calm down… what are you talking about? What’s wrong?”
For a moment, all Dick got was a shuddery breath as a reply. Before he could repeat his question, however, Tim finally responded. “Don’t… don’t get your hopes up, alright? Promise me you won’t get your hopes up.”
“… Okay,” Dick decided after a moment of hesitation. “I won’t.”
There was a long pause. Anticipation and apprehension was building up in Dick’s chest, his heart thumping against his rib cage. It seemed as though Tim was trying to carefully choose his words; trying to find the best way possible to break whatever news he had.
But nothing in the world could prepare Dick for the next few words that came out of Tim’s mouth. “There’s another (Y/N).”
Everything in Dick’s body stopped working.
From his heart to his mind, his hearing to his vision, Dick felt as though he was shutting down. He almost let the phone slip out of his hands entirely, the blood in his veins feeling cold as ice and causing his limbs to tremble. Even trying to get air in his lungs was a tough task, despite his mouth hanging open. The room was spinning for him, and the ringing in his ears almost blocked out Tim’s panicked ramblings entirely.
There’s another (Y/N).
What…
What did he mean by that?
“I-I know how close they are to you, Dick,” Tim practically wailed. “I know how close they are to the team… I didn’t know that Bruce was hiding this from you— I-I-I don’t even know if I should’ve told you… oh, god, Dick… is Bruce going to fire me—?”
Dick swallowed thickly, hoping to get rid of the lump in his throat. Despite his tongue feeling like sand, he spoke up anyway. “What do you mean by another (Y/N)?”
Tim sputtered out something completely incomprehensible to Dick. It was hard to tell if the poor kid was scared of what he knows, scared of Bruce finding out, or scared of both. Either way, Dick knew that he wasn’t going to learn anything from Tim in this state. He bit the inside of his cheek before dawning the most imperative voice he can muster in the moment.
“Tim,” he lowly chided. “Give me a report.”
That got Tim to his frantic rambling of nonsense. Getting him to think of this like a mission debriefing would calm him down, Dick figured. And, from the deep breaths the former Robin could hear on the other end, he knew he was right.
“Someone was taken in by the police a week ago,” Tim started, his cracking voice taking a factual tone. “Said their name was (Y/N) (L/N). Cops ran that name through their database and found (Y/N)’s death certificate. This (Y/N) was confused, ‘n started saying weird stuff about… something called the Titans.”
“Titans,” Dick echoed. It was meant to be a question, but came out more as a statement.
Tim hummed. “Titans. A… supposed team of young superheroes, o-or something. I don’t know, the report didn’t really…” he trailed off, possibly realizing he was rambling again. “Tests were ran. Their DNA is an exact match to the real (Y/N)— but when they… they checked (Y/N)’s grave a-a couple of days ago…”
The thought of someone digging up your grave made him clench his teeth together. They went through with something like that and he didn’t even know? Who gave them permission?!
Probably Batman, he bitterly thought.
“They’re still there, Dick,” said Tim. “(Y/N)’s body is still there. But this other (Y/N) is an exact copy..!!”
Dick’s freehand was digging into the flesh of his other arm. “Cadmus?”
“Isn’t involved.”
“How do you know for sure?”
“No biological trace of Cadmus’ synthetic enhancements in this (Y/N)’s bloodstream. No psychic trace of Genomorphs in their mind, either. This (Y/N)…” Tim struggled with his words for a moment, “is natural. Genuine.”
Genuine. Dick couldn’t believe what he was hearing. There was another version of you walking this earth, supposedly confused about your own death, and Batman was planning to hide this from him? No, even worse, Bruce was planning to his this from him?!
No biological trace… no psychic trace…
All of these people to run tests, and yet he still didn’t know?
“Send me the file,” he monotonously demanded.
There was a small pause on the other end before Tim’s fragile voice spoke up. “What… are you going to do?”
“… I don’t know,” Dick answered, a tired sigh escaping his lips. It was an honest answer; what was he supposed to do after learning this? There was a (Y/N) alive out there, but not his (Y/N)…
“Are…” Tim trailed off, then tried again, “are you mad at me?”
“No—!!” Dick’s answer was quick. When he heard the sharp intake of breath on the other line, he realized that he might’ve spooked the poor boy, so he took on a softer tone. “No, Tim. It was good that you… brought this to my attention. Why would I be mad at you?”
“Bruce is going to be mad,” Tim practically whispered. “I shouldn’t of gone through his stuff… and… he would’ve wanted me to keep this all from you…”
Dick took a few moments to think of his response. “Well, you made the right choice telling me. He shouldn’t be keeping secrets like this in the first place.” Definitely not secrets that revolve around you…
“… ‘M sending the file now.” Distant clicking noises could be heard through the call, and then Tim followed up with, “I’m… sorry that Bruce didn’t let you know.”
“It’s not your fault, Tim,” was Dick’s soft reply. “He’s always been like that. Thinking it would protect us, or something.”
Protect us. The words were like acid on Dick’s tongue. Using secrets as protection always made Dick feel sick to his stomach. Looking at the past couple of years, Bruce’s secrets have done anything but protect others. They drove Dick away from him, they put Jason six feet under, and now…
God, why wasn’t Dick the first person to know about this other (Y/N)?
Maybe it was selfish of him to think that. He wasn’t your only friend, so the rest of the Team had just as much as a right to know as he did. But he still should’ve known. He should’ve been involved with the investigation; he knows you better than anyone. And Bruce knows this.
“You… gonna be okay?”
Tim’s voice pulled him back to reality. With a weak cough, Dick wet his lips and said, “yeah. I’ll be alright. Just gonna read over the file for myself and… figure out what to do from there.” An awkward pause, then he continued. “Thank you for this, Tim. Call me if anything else comes up.”
“Yeah… yeah, of course. I-I will.”
And, with that, the call ended.
His hand dropped to his side, the phone in his hand almost slipping from his grip. This couldn’t be real. None of this could be real. You were dead, yet… you were back. Someone with your face was out there talking about some other team… the Titans, and he was just now finding out about this.
After a week, he bitterly recalled.
Taking a final glance at the picture frame, his eyes scanned over your face. This new supposed (Y/N) wasn’t you. It couldn’t be you. The memory of your dull, lifeless face at the morgue still haunts him to this day, causing a chill to run up his spine and his hair to stand on end. Dick knows what death looks like, and you were, without a doubt, dead.
So, who was masquerading as his dead friend?
The answer seemed to be simple; you were masquerading as his dead friend. But… not you. Even if your DNA was an exact match, and Cadmus didn’t have any involvement, whoever you were, you weren’t his (Y/N). He’d like to believe that his (Y/N) would demand to see him, to assure him that you were still alive. You wouldn’t have let him go an entire week without knowing, leaving him to mourn someone that was still alive. As far as he concerned, this new (Y/N) was a stranger.
But, that just led him back to square one; who was this stranger?
Guess I’m about to find out.
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dokries · 3 months ago
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seventeen as flowers - kwon soonyoung
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series masterlist | blog masterlist
a/n: this is hoshi's part! if i'm being honest, it was so hard to find pictures that fit together so bear with me...anyway, i hope you enjoy! and yes, both of the flowers having spider in their name is both on purpose and coincidental—stream spider by hoshi <3 edit: I ACCIDENTALLY UPLOADED THIS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE QUEUED 😭😭😭 jun will be out on the 5th 😭
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i. spider flowers / bee plants (true love, “elope with me”; joy, vibrancy of life)
while i was reading about this flower, i saw something that talked about how in creative works, and how it shows themes of originality and boldness, something hoshi shows through his choreographies. his unique way of thinking and approaching the world, and most importantly dance, has a way of captivating those who watch, which is something i greatly admire. while we’re on the topic of dance, hoshi’s passion for it is truly inspiring, and it’s obvious he was born to be on stage—like it’s his true love. if i’m not wrong, he’s mentioned staying on stage for many years to come, and i think he definitely has the potential to.
a more lighthearted reason why a spider flower reminds me of hoshi is how much life he brings with him to wherever he goes. it’s obvious in his interactions with his fellow members (even if he’s arguing with seungkwan half the time) because you can see the fond looks they give him when he gets a random energy boost or does something silly. he is so admired by all of them and of course, carats. hoshi’s infectious smile and personality brings so much joy to the people around him, something i’m sure we all appreciate.
ii. golden / yellow spider lilies (wealth, richness; courage, love, wisdom)
for those who watch anime, they’re probably familiar with the red variety of this flower, a flower that symbolizes love for dead ones and is generally a bad sign for those in the piece of media. and yes, it’s ironic how both the flowers for hoshi have spider in the name considering his solo song but i think it fits well…partially for that reason, of course but because of the meanings of the yellow ones. i want to first talk about just the appearance of these beautiful flowers. to me, they look so intricate, like something that has to belong in a painting (and i hope there is many!), with the way they seem to reach out to the world, they remind me of interpretive dance in a weird way that i can’t really explain (disclaimer: i cannot dance for the life of me). they’re a picture i would want to keep forever, and dance has a way of immortalizing symbols and feelings.
when it comes to the meanings, it should be quite obvious that seventeen as a whole is rich. like, come on. however, richness doesn’t have to be only about wealth; it can be present in other places as well, just like in hoshi’s personality and his art. i believe that hoshi is as natural as he can get, and there is so much he has to say, it’s amazing. hoshi is someone who can both be a shoulder to lean on, as well as a strict teacher. going back to the “reaching out” this flower embodies for me, i think it can be applied to seventeen’s reach over the globe to carats and non-fans alike: the effect their work has on the world. his journey from his trainee days to now gives him the knowledge that only comes with time and truly attests to how courageous he is for sticking to this. hoshi is someone who loves his job and members, and i hope it stays that way.
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taglist: @kookiedesi @m00n1sms @icyminghao @starshuas @shuoast @weird-bookworm @effielumiere
send in an ask or comment to be added!
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sixminutestoriesblog · 1 year ago
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cardinals
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In the dead of winter, surrounded by monochrome colors for months on end, there's something about a little bird bursting with song, vigor and the most obnoxious red color he can wear that can't help but lift even the darkest of moods. These cheery little chaps, duded up in reds that would make Santa feel embarrassed of his drab colors are year round residents who don't migrate, picking one spot and adapting to the ecosystem there, so they're one of the few birds that don't head south when the cold weather starts to set in. They also don't molt their flashy summer feathers in exchange for drabber colors that will blend in with the winter foliage. Because of this, the bright red cardinal has become a symbol of winter and winter holidays, unabashedly popping past the empty colors filling up our windows and doorways, splashing his vibrancy for all to enjoy. Well, the male does. The female cardinal is a much softer brown, busy blending in with the scenery while her flashy husband is out drawing all the attention. As the one nest sitting, this works out better for her. Flashy though her mate may be, he's loyal to her and cardinals are known for staying together once they're paired up for the rest of their lives, raising their children as a couple and even staying together out of mating season. Not all cardinals, mind you. These feisty little birds can split up to chose someone else if it suits them and there's no guarantee that the bright boi caring for his lady's chicks is caring for his own kids. Cardinals are social creatures though and once they find a group they like, and a mate they like, they're usually very content to stay put that way.
Cardinals are native to the Americas, ranging from southern Canada all the way down to central America. They've also been introduced to Hawai'i and Bermuda. As such, most of the folklore surrounding them comes from the Americas. I did find some for other countries, like China, Japan, Italy and England but given the lack of them having even heard of these birds until later as well as the fact that they have their own 'red birds' that aren't cardinals but people might confuse, I'm just going to focus on what developed in the Americas when it comes to superstitions and folklore for the cardinal.
The first of these is that when settlers came to the New World from the old they saw these jaunty little fellows and immediately went religious. Cardinals are named 'cardinals' after the Roman Catholic priests of the same name. Europeans saw the bright red feathers that matched the color of the priests' robes and the little tufted 'mohawk' the bird sports that seemed to resemble the red hats the priests wore and from that point on the bird was an official member of the Catholic clergy!
Birds in general have long been associated with the afterlife and there's a saying that "when cardinals appear, angels are near". Cardinals are also believed to be the souls of ancestors by some groups or send by the spirits of the dead and in parts of the US to see a cardinal meant that a loved one was letting you know they had died and you could expect a call to inform you of it soon. Unlike some harbingers of death however, cardinals were meant to offer hope and comfort during this time, promising that the living were loved by the newly departed. The Cherokee believed that cardinals carried the souls of the departed to the afterlife.
Cardinals signaled more than a loved one passing however. The Choctaw tell the story of how a red bird helped a man woo his love. Since cardinals are often monogamous they've come to stand for love and loyalty and their red color associated them with passion. Seeing a cardinal while you're single could mean that love is just around the corner for you. If you're not interested in romance, hearing the song of the social little cardinal means that you'll have a visitor soon.
Both certain Native American tribes and Appalachian folklore say that cardinals have the ability to predict rain with their singing. Hearing a cardinal's song in the morning, meant rain by that night.
The Cherokee tell the story of how the cardinal got his brilliant red color by helping Wolf pick off the hardened dung that Raccoon had smeared across his eyes while he slept, making him unable to open them. Once the helpful bird had picked away at the hardened mess enough for Wolf to finally see, Wolf told the bird of a nearby stone that had red streaks of color on it that the bird could go and paint himself with. Red paint symbolized war, success, strength and spiritual protection. In other Cherokee stories, the red bird was the transformed daughter of the Sun, who had died from snakebite but was brought back from the land of the dead in a box. While inside the box, she begged the men carrying her back to the land of the living to give her food or water but they ignored her because they'd been ordered not to open the box until they were safely back. Then the girl said she was smothering and, fearing she might die again, they cracked the box open. The second they did, a bit of red flew swiftly out of the box and away. The Sun's daughter had become a cardinal. In some of the stories, humanity lost their immortality because they let her escape.
Cardinals are symbols of hope, life, energy, love and family. This cheerful little bird really does do it all.
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imomisoplays · 2 months ago
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Brunch Plate
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Sul sul, tombler!
I’m back with the last household in my gameplay rotation – the Ito-Landgraab family featuring Nanami Ito. My Nanami used to live with Kiyoshi and Aria, and grew up together with their daughters Stella and Vienna. She went to Foxbury University to study Computer Science, and later entered the tech guru career. Nanami was still living with Kiyoshi and Aria even after the twins graduated and moved out; matter fact it was a few years back when she met Malcolm Landgraab and agreed to be in a so-called traditional marriage and have kids. The twins, Kieran and Sean are born the following year.
Fast forward a few years later, the twins are well into their tenacious toddler phase, yet Nanami and Malcolm’s marriage is distant. Just when they both consider to come off clean to Malcolm’s parents, they are hit with two consecutively horrible news: when taking a respective vacation on Mt. Komorebi and Henford-on-Bagley, Geoffrey had died after falling off a cliff while climbing, while Nancy perished after a fierce attack by a rabid rabbit (pun intended). Just like that, the only people who forced Malcolm to “marry a nice girl and bear a heir for the family” is gone. Which brings us to today: Malcolm and Nanami is still married by the papers, but he spent half of his week with them and the other half in his other properties. Don’t get him wrong – Malcolm is a good father, it's just that he (and Nanami) is not a good spouse.
I did warn you Nanami’s family drama would be juicy, didn’t I? 🍵
Anyway, let’s just start with the cooking process. Life in the desert is good, and since the twins have their own nanny, Nanami’s mornings started off later than for other people. Hence, today’s menu brunch plate fits perfectly for Nanami’s lifestyle. Additional point for it being easy enough for the twins to feed themselves with. The cc recipe is made by @oni28 (click here to download it). Please be aware that you would need to install Oni’s Recipe Pack Mod which is updated regularly on their Patreon page.
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Brunch is a portmanteau of breakfast and lunch, and is usually eaten during late mornings. It originated in England in the late 1800s, but gained popularity in the United States in the 1930s. Although the menu features a wide range of foods, some common brunch items include: eggs, either fried eggs, eggs Benedict, or omelets; bread, most popular being French toast or pancakes; fruit or vegetables for vibrancy; a sweet touch of pastry for sweetness; and alcohol… for emotional support, I guess.
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I feel like I need to take 1,000 screenshots from this angle just because of how much I struggled to place all those items on the shelf. I don't know about you but placing clutters in Sims 4 will forever be my Achilles' heels 😔
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Cutting the store-brought bread into slices. Another chance, we will make bread from scratch with Nanami, I promise!
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Chopping the tomatoes, because girl have to stay healthy and eat enough fiber.
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EGGS! It’s always sunny-side-up in Philadelphia Oasis Springs!
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Really love how chonky everything looks. Might be biased but one could never go wrong with a plate of toast and egg.
Also, another close-up of my Nanami. She is always so fun to makeover in CAS! Growing up, she was very punk with her red and black attire (Wei WuXian incarnate -- toast of Emperor's Smile if you get that reference!) – dark eyeshadows, fishnets, and piercings! So much piercings. As she grew older she took most of them off, but keep one in her right brows for sentimental purposes. Nowadays she enjoys her comfy boho style.
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I have yet to find the perfect photoshoot place for this house, but this will do for now!
And one more picture – a sneak-peek of the next member of the Ito-Landgraab household, if I may. This is Kieran! He just woke up from his morning nap, just in time for some brunch plate. Better leave some for your twin brother too! Until then, dag dag!
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P.S. I realized later that I had ReShade off for this post, hence the colors look less dreamy and more... desert-y. You'll see what I mean when you compare this post with my other posts. P.S.S. Definition and detailed information of brunch is taken from this article, this article, and this Wiki page.
Imomiso's note: This post is originally posted on the now deleted blog.
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hwnglx · 2 years ago
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Jungkook’s likes and dislikes of his future partner ?
i don't really feel comfortable looking into his dislikes about them, but thought i'd look into some potential green and red flags in their relationship. haven't read for them in months.
jungkook's future relationship - green + red flags
based on tarot. i do not know these idols personally. energies are always changing. what i say is NOT straight fact. pls take it with a grain of salt!
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queofw, kingofw&queofsw, knofc, fool&moon
+ an incredibly well balanced relationship. they will complete and compliment each other beautifully, also bond over their similarities. especially when it comes to their ambitions, their fiery and creative sides. jungkook will gain a lot of confidence from his fs' existence and vice versa. i can see him feeling very inspired by his fs' existence creatively. maybe expect some love songs in the future.. he'll be good at writing about his love for them, i think. also his fs in particular, will benefit a lot from jungkook's warmth and vibrance. they might've been through a fair share of disappointment already, which turned them a little closed off at first. jk will be very good at breaking down those walls and opening up their heart, gaining their trust.
they will also just be very lovey dovey and cute with each other, a lot of romance. kinda like this long-lasting couple that everyone is jealous of, since everyday they seem to be just as in love with each other as when they first met. the romantic air will not die down for years it seems.. jungkook is a libra venus, so he'll probably find a lot of fulfilment in sweeping his fs off their feet. i can see him putting a lot of effort into planning the most beautiful dates.
there will also once again, be a great balance between lighthearted and carefree times, but also moments where they'll engage in deeper conversations. they'll truly enjoy each others company and have a lot of fun together, but connect to each other beyond the surface, on an emotional level as well. take away each others fears, light the way in times of darkness. the fact i only got court cards and major arcana really gives me this impression that their relationship will be extremely important for the both of them, it will definitely play a big role in their lives. they'll have a meaningful and longlasting impact on each other.
aceofsw, 7ofc, 9ofw&6ofc, 8ofw&magic
- the main problem i see here, is jungkook's fs struggling to deal with his incredible amount of fame. their partner being in the public eye and having so much going on, will overwhelm them for sure. as i stated before, his fs seems to have dealt with some past bad experiences already, which might've caused them some trust issues. a lot of overthinking. "i trust you, but i'm worried i'll get hurt again." is what i keep hearing. tbh, i do not see jungkook engaging in any infidelity. i actually see him remaining pretty loyal, his fs will just be in their head a lot. they're aware he's a very charismatic guy many people swoon over, so there's this sense of insecurity und worry when he's away. they basically don't like the thought of people looking at him a little too much, if that makes sense lol? maybe some of you know that feeling, i definitely do. "that girl smiled at you for a little too long, don't ya think?" kinda vibes lmao, or they'll feel all weird over jungkook just being his usual charming self with others, maybe confront him over it. they probably have some possessive tendencies and need to work on their ability to fully trust.
btw, i see this pattern for a lot of bangtan's future spouses, which is interesting. it seems they're aware of the set of unique difficulties dating a member comes with. many of them are worried over the members getting seduced by the fame and popularity, which is kinda inevitable with a bg as big as bts, i guess. however so far, most of them seem keen on staying faithful once they settle down 👏🏻
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living-in-a-fantasia · 6 months ago
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Giant Reef-Mermaid
(Mer polychroma)
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-> This is the most common species of Mermaid found in Fantasia! Not to be confused with Sirens.
- The species is formed by females for the most part – the biggest ones tend to transition into males for a couple of months during the mating season (usually during colder months). During such time, they tend to lose the vibrancy of their scales andbtheir colors turn into more of a pastel.
- Pups are all born male, too! As they gain their adult coloration, they turn into females (3-4 years after birth).
- The scales of Merfolk are coated with a very small amount of magic that makes them look like your greatest desire when looked at out of the water - that's how they lure sailors to their deaths (unlike Sirens, they can't use voices due to a lack of vocal chords).
- They're territorial and live in large groups (unlike their fresh water relatives), so its very rare to find one alone out in the open, where they're too exposed to the dangers of the ocean. When they feel the need to migrate, they swim very close to each other.
- Their bite can cause the prey to be paralyzed for a couple of minutes so they can easily drown and eat without much of a fight.
- Pups look like sand/rocks so they can easily hide! They're born very small and as a group oriented species, all of the members take cate of pups - though is easier for them to hide so other predators can't have an easy snack. Pup's venom is stringer than adults! It's their only way of defense for their first or so year, until their teeth and claws grow stronger.
- Don't lay eggs, their birth are live ones. Also, they usually birth one or two pups at a time - and by "at a time" I mean, a female can have babies every 4 years or so, when her prior one is already grown enough.
- Unlike Sirens, Mermaids are actually a thing. While both are Constance's creation, Sirens are people that are turned into sea monsters, while all kinds of Mermaids are simply born like this and have been for milions of years.
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cosmica-galaxy · 1 year ago
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How would your Oc’s (including Mimics) react to the human having multiple tattoos and piercings.
Camron would be fascinated! Wow!! Humans can paint their skin?! He thought that it was just an alliance member thing! What did they use to do it? A paintbrush? Pressurized paint? W-Whu...HUH? THEY USE A NEEDLE THAT STABS THEM 50 TO 3,000 TIMES PER MINUTE?!?! HOW CAN THEY ENDURE THAT??? However, the piercings are also shocking to him. You push THAT (the whole thing) through your CARTILAGE!? Humans are surprising in so many ways..holy shit. DJ would find the designs sick and awesome, but would also have the same reaction as Camron once he finds out that the human stabbed their skin with a needle multiple THOUSAND TIMES to just get the ink to set into their own flesh. It's pretty metal, not gonna lie! Even the elite members think it's pretty cool! He idly traces the designs sometimes, with the human's permission of course, as he thinks about how cool it would be to get "tattooed" like that. He also likes the piercings, though he internally wonders if they ever get infected or not. They look painful when he watches them shift around through your flesh. Vee would probably be the most impressed by the fact that you endured the sheer amount of pain during getting your tattoos. Especially in nerve sensitive areas, like your neck or your back. He doesn't really think about the designs of the tattoos, but more along the line of WHY you got them. Is it just another one of those "human things" that Vee will have limited understanding of? Still...it does look pretty cool. Makes you look tougher. However, he can't help but laugh at the thought of you trying to look intimidating while he holds your struggling form effortlessly off the ground. It's all for show. The piercings don't help, but at least your taste in accessories aren't horrible. They won't prevent him from picking you up, though. Haha! Buddy is enthralled by the colors and the designs of the markings in your skin. It's normal for alphas to grow markings when they become leaders of the pack, it's like a badge of authority. But he has never seen designs so...intricate and unique. The vibrancy of the colors...the swirls and slight scarring in your skin...it just makes him purr and rub up against the human in approval. At least you look like an alpha! He doesn't really understand the piercings, however. Maybe those are just a "human thing". Pal has issues detecting your tattoos, but he likes feeling the places where your piercings go! He's quite shocked that a human would pierce their own skin and stick things into it. Judging by feel alone, the designs of the accessories are rather detailed and they would probably be stunning if he had the proper eyes to view them with. While he can see the extent of what is in his surroundings, paint and other various things that are thinly applied to smooth surfaces will go undetected. So it's sad that he can see your tattoos. But thank you for letting him feel your piercings!
Fiend is intrigued by the designs and shapes that were STABBED into your skin. It makes him a little jealous that such works of art were merged directly into your body. Which just made you that much more wonderful to stare at. PRAY that you don't have a tramp stamp, because if Fiend ever finds out, he will flirt with you about it non-stop until you will want to kill him with a brick. You're pericings are also nice to look at. Do you think you can stab the skin on the top of your head so he can put antennas in it? . . .?? What's that look for??!
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yibocheeks · 2 years ago
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Wu Ming Promo Tour - Guangzhou Interviews (translations)
Some parts were difficult to hear on the recordings I found, these are the parts related to Yibo for the videos I could find. (Note that this contains some spoilers.)
1st Showing:
They start by asking Yibo to say "Happy new year, gong hei fat choy" in Cantonese, which he learns from an audience member.
Then it is audience Q+A. One audience member says this is her 4th time watching, and each time she will notice more details. One thing she is curious about is why Yibo doesn't spit out the shell when he eats the drunken shrimp.
Cheng Er: The small river shrimp from Ningbo can be eaten without spitting out the shell.
MC: Yibo do you remember how many you ate?
Yibo: It should have been...a lot. When you soaked it in the wine, it would still be jumping and then you put it in your mouth.
MC: Very fresh, so whether or not you spit out the shell, did you ever this discuss this? Or did it happen naturally
Yibo: We didn't really think much about this matter. It was also my first time eating it. Before eating, it was a bit hard to stomach initially.
MC: In the shrimp there was also the colour of red, what were your thoughts behind this?
Cheng Er: Some methods of making this dish will use fermented tofu brine, which gave it this colour. In our movie, it did also contribute to the imagery - even within a dark scene there would be this conflicting vibrance, where the red is reminiscent of blood, like the persistence and struggles of Yibo's character or the people of that time.
Another audience member says this is her 2nd time watching. The question she has is why Tony Leung and Wang Yibo's characters fought so fiercely, weren't they friends/comrades? Then she wonders about the camera perspective chosen at that time, was it to indicate that perhaps there was an enemy watching their fight?
Cheng Er: Yes, through watching the second time, you've answered your own question. Through your question it seems you've spoiled this detail for other people
The audience member: But we've all already watched it, how can it be a spoiler! (laughs)
Next audience member says this is her first time. When Yibo was on the truck with Tony Leung, she wonders why Yibo would make such a symbol with his hand. Then when she saw Tony Leung's slight smile, she wondered if they were making secret signals at each other.
Cheng Er: I think that it's because there were Japanese people there, in the second half of the movie Yibo tries to win Mori Hiroyuki's character's trust...I think you should turn your attention to the fact that this was a part where Yibo performed very well.
(audience chimes in their agreement)
MC: Many of our audience members have been scared by this smile of Yibo's. So in that scene, did you discuss with the director what kind of smile to use?
Yibo: Before filming that scene, I felt a lot of pressure. Because the director would tell me beforehand that we would film this scene, that I would have to prepare the gaze that I needed for that scene. Because Mr. Leung is also quite a bit older and it was a scene in the rain (audience laughs and Yibo bows and apologizes), because the rain was quite heavy and it was cold, so I didn't want us to have to film multiple takes because of me, so I felt quite a lot of pressure.
Next audience member says this is her first time to watch. She compliments Director Cheng Er and then asks Yibo when he had a crying scene, through what state of mind was he able to give such a moving performance?
Yibo turns to Cheng Er, likely to confirm which scene it is that the audience member is referring to.
Yibo: Are you asking about...(audience member clarifies, it is when he's reading the newspaper, the scene where Ms Fang dies)...ah I know (which scene it is). When I'm performing these sort of emotions, I would use my own experiences and emotions and listen to music to help find these emotions.
2nd Showing:
MC: Let's ask if our two leads have anything they would like to say to the audience.
Cheng Er: I’m really grateful for such enthuasiastic movie fans. Thank you to the audience. Thank you to Wang Yibo's movie fans who have supported Wu Ming. And thank you to those passersby movie fans who are not yet fans of Wang Yibo, for your love of Wu Ming. I am very moved. I wanted to say a bit more on the previous question about Wang Yibo's performance. Because everyone (here) has actually seen Wu Ming, whether you're Yibo's fan or our movie's fan or just a passerby who happened to choose this movie, I believe that our cast's efforts, including Wang Yibo's efforts, will live up to expectations. We wholeheartedly filmed each scene and every scene detail. This includes Wang Yibo's efforts. He was very attentive, including that scene with Tony Leung in the rain, Yibo would be very uneasy. That rain was heavy, it would soak your clothes immediately. He and Tony Leung and the other actors had plastic wrap around their bodies, because the rain was so heavy. Yibo was very uneasy because he was worried that he might bother Tony Leung to have to refilm another take. So I said, yes there could be this issue, so why don't we prepare beforehand. Because of his preparations, we were able to film the scene within four takes, within four takes we were able to capture Yibo's demeanour and gaze in that scene. I'm very grateful for such a talented actor. Because you've all seen the film, I dare to say such a thing. Recently I don't even dare to say too much praise because (fans: praise him more!)...I hope that those who have actually seen the movie can sincerely spread their honest opinions about the movie's situation and quality.
Yibo: After hearing the feedback from the audience, I feel very moved. We worked hard to film a good movie to show to everyone. That the audience is willing to further discuss the details and characters within the movie and would be willing to rewatch it shows that our efforts have been seen, I'm very happy, thank you.
The MC asks them to share their thoughts now that the movie has been showing for a couple of days.
Yibo: I also feel moved to be able to interact with the audience like this.
An audience member asks Yibo what was a difficulty that he faced.
Yibo: Without exaggerating, I think everyday I felt a lot of pressure. You could say that this was the most pressure I've felt in my life up until this point. We would film from 3pm to 5-6am everyday in a very quiet atmosphere. My co-actors were all incredible actors, so I felt a lot of pressure, but this pressure also helped me to better fulfill my role.
MC asks if Cheng Er could see the pressure that Yibo felt, or if after filming that the pressure would be relieved?
Cheng Er: That wouldn't be the case, because once I appeared then he would feel pressure.
MC: So the root cause of this pressure is with you?
Cheng Er: Right. So although after filming he felt very content, but during the filming he was under pressure. I am aware of his persistent efforts, the way he immersed himself fully. The outcome that you all see in the film is through his efforts. So actually earlier I should have added another feeling that I have, towards Yibo I have a feeling of pride. I really feel proud for Yibo's performance.
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A lot of audience members brought dolls to watch the movie and the MC points this out. Cheng Er and MC point out the dolls. They point out an audience member holding a doll. This audience member asks 1) What was the first scene or character that inspired the film for Cheng Er? 2) When filming the emotional scenes, which scenes moved Yibo?
Cheng Er: I remember clearly the first scene I wrote, which was 11 lines. "A crippled dog walks past the ruins." This was how I started writing the story.
Yibo has trouble following up after this and so the audience member repeats her question. The MC gives some examples and asks how he might have prepared himself.
Yibo: I would be very calm/quiet, like when I was reading the newspaper, in order to feel more troubled I might listen to certain music or think of more emotional situations to try to grasp this emotion. In the scene with Mr. Leung, it felt quite complicated, because it was another scene with Mr. Leung. I would prepare beforehand because I would be worried that my shortcomings might cause us to film multiple takes, so I felt pressured.
MC asks about the doll, the audience member shares that the doll is dressed up like Secretary Ye. Yibo nods. MC asks if this is a gift for Yibo, if it needs to be given to him and Yibo laughs. Audience member says she had originally just wanted to quietly check off a fan moment with her doll. MC suggests that she can hand the doll to the staff member to pass to Yibo so he can get a closer look at it. The staff member passes it to Yibo, who holds it for a moment before returning it to the audience member.
Next audience member makes note of how Yibo's character is cruel in some scenes, and asks why he wasn't cruel all the way to the end.
Cheng Er: So you want Yibo to be a villain from beginning to end next time?
(audience yells yes and Yibo smiles)
Next audience member asks about the fight scenes, were there any accidental injuries? (I can't hear her question very well in the video)
Yibo: We had practiced these fight scenes for a long time because we had to make them realistic, but I wasn't injured, thank you (for asking).
MC asks the two to give their final thoughts.
Cheng Er: I am very moved and excited. I'm very grateful to the audience and their supportive feedback. Everyone in the Wu Ming cast has wholeheartedly tried to make a sincere film. So everyone has worked together to bring something that is worthy of being shown to the audience. Even though Yibo says he wasn't injured during the fight scenes, say for instance...ah but don't be too (worried) this all happened in the past...for instance every night he would be able to film four or five takes of the long fight scenes, we didn't film it in cuts so it was very difficult. Yibo would film the fights from beginning to end, so towards the end his knuckles might be worn. He would go back to take care of it. He has a very hard-to-find and valuable earnestness.
Yibo: I am very happy to hear the audience's feedback, that everyone genuinely likes the movie and would think a lot about this movie. I'm surprised that everyone wants this villain role to last until the end. In some sense I've accomplished one of my own dreams. I've said from early on that I would like to try the villain role and in Wu Ming, in some ways I've been able to try this.
Other clips of final words:
Another showing where an audience member asks about the scene with Yibo’s scary smile, whether he had thought to imitate the Joker.
Yibo: I really like Heath Ledger’s Joker. So for you to compare me to him, I am very happy. But in that scene, we did not try to imitate or use any reference. That scene left quite an impression. After the first day of filming we weren’t able to keep any of the footage. I felt a lot of pressure because had filmed from afternoon until the next morning but were unable to use any of the footage. So under that pressure I returned to my room, then returned the next day to complete the filming with this feeling.
Yibo: After seeing so many people like the movie I feel moved. Before in our promos we spoke about exchanging sincerity with sincerity, and to be able to do so in such close proximity, I really feel grateful for everyone acknowledging my performance, I will continue to work hard.
Cheng Er: Honest feedback can help creators to improve and create better films, but one shouldn’t lie or spread malicious slander. From a different perspective, the opinions on a movie are not important and are irrelevant for society. So no matter how you lie or slander, I think it is irrelevant. One thing that is important that I want to mention, is that the habit of lying or being malicious is something that will fester. It will extend to other areas. Today you may have received money to spread lies about a movie, tomorrow you may say something else for the sake of profit. Just like what we just watched, for the sake of profit we might experience so much suffering. I don’t think that we should casually lie or be so malicious over a movie, because this habit will fester. Although these actions may be detrimental for Bona Film Group and for me, it really doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter for the world. But once it festers, it will eventually harm the individual.
Yibo: Just like Cheng Er said, a movie is just a movie. Maybe after watching a movie you would be left with many thoughts, but you will still continue on with your life. With our movie we hope to exchange sincerity with sincerity. We wholeheartedly filmed this movie and sincerely hope that everyone may like it and sincerely appreciate it. Of course after watching the movie you can not like it, that's not a problem. Exchange sincerity with sincerity. Thank you.
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