#part of me wants to refine them into actual shorts too

[mothstvrnz]

Shoto Todoroki x Fem!Reader

Just a lil’ thing of karaoke with 1-A!

Note: Uses of Izuku+Uraraka and Denki+Jiro ships! For the sake of the story, Reader's quirk has to do with singing.

Quirk: Siren Drawbacks: Headaches and sore throat if overused

Essentially she can control people with her voice, similar to a Siren. Her voice lures people in when she wants to, and can even brainwash them in a sense as long as she's singing, similar to the way Shinso only brainwashes when he wants. Because of her quirk, she's grown to love singing; she was in elementary choir, her middle school's choir, and helped Jiro with singing in their concert.

If you guys want, I'd happily refine said quirk and turn it into a full thing (maybe even start my first series with said quirk?)

NOTICE: Please refrain from copying the quirk concept!

・┆✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ┆・

🐞The attending classmates are you, Shoto, Mina, Yaomomo, Ejiro, Izuku, Ochako, Denki, Kyoka, and Katsuki 

🐞 Katsuki is so against going to do karaoke with you guys, claiming he needs to go to bed early

🐞”Oh c'mon, you're only staying home because you know karaoke is one of the things you're bad at.” You'd challenge Katsuki. “The hell? Of course not! What time we goin’ to the damn karaoke place?”

🐞Yaomomo pays for everyone, food, and drinks purely for the sake of wanting to treat her friends

🐞Izuku and Ochako would totally sing most of their songs together since they're so lovey-dovey It actually hurts, but their most memorable song is totally ‘A Whole New World’ from ‘Aladdin’

🐞Kiri and Mina are total icons with music, but I can see them singing two pretty dang memorable song, ‘Sunroof’ by ‘Nicky your, and Dazy’

🐞Katsuki is single, but he's got his best friend Eijrio, even if it was against Katsuki’s wishes, I can see them singing ‘You're Gonna Go Far Kid’ by ‘The Offspring’. He may have denied having fun, but you could absolutely see him jamming out, even got photo evidence of his trademark smik when he's happy

🐞Kyoka and Denki are so stupid sweet, it's annoying. They TOTALLY sing ‘Electric Love’ by ‘BØRNS’. I KNOW, I KNOW it's predictable and kinda basic but you can't rip this HC out of my arms no matter how badly you want to

🐞I can see you and Shoto singing something from 'The Neighborhood', and he does so good without knowing all the words, it's actually a little upsetting. I could see it being memorable if you both sang ‘Sweater Weather’, but instead of the original, you sang a cover by ‘Kurt Hugo Schneider, and Alyson Stoner’

🐞There's of course your couples singing together, but then everyone gets to do their own thing as well

🐞You can fight me on this, but Jiro sang ‘I Kissed a Girl’ by ‘Katy Perry’. This may or may not have been directed at you (teehee)

🐞 Yaomomo SLAYED ‘Lovely’ by ‘Billie Eilish and Khalid’, and you can't change my mind. You also can't change my mind that this is her favorite song

🐞Kiri and Denki started singing ‘California Gurls’ by ‘Katy Perry’ then everyone, besides Katsuki, joined. He sat back recording you idiots sing loudly. Shoto didn't know any words but he was trying his hardest because you were having so much fun(🥲)

🐞Another song that you and Shoto sang together since he didn't want to go alone, was something NOBODY in that room expected him to know all the words to; ‘Teenage Dream’ by ‘Stephan Dawes’

🐞Of course everyone had memorable songs they sang, but there were a few especially memorable parts in each song.

🐞You and Shoto had the most memorable moment out of everyone, and you'd hold onto the special moment until you died

 “Me in my little high waisted shorts, oh.” “You know what I think about, and what I think about. One love, two mouths, one love, one house. No shirt, no blouse, just us to find out. Nothing I wouldn't want to tell you about, no.” “‘Cuz it's too cold for you here, and now, so let me hold both your hands in the holes of my sweater.”

Apparently Mina recorded it and planned to never delete it

🐞Izuku and Ochako had an incredibly memorable part while signing, which had to be the towards the end. He was shaking while singing while Ochako was clearly having a great time

“Don't you dare close your eyes.” “A hundred thousand things to see.” “Hold your breath, it gets better.” “I'm like a shooting star, I've come so far, I can't go back to where I used to be.” “A whole new world, every turn a surprise, with new horizons to pursue.” “Every moment, red-letter,” “I'll chase them anywhere, there's time to spare, let me share this whole new world with you.”

Mina also got their entire singing on video as well, and when Deku found out, he was a blushing mess

🐞Kirishima and Mina were in their own little world while they sang Sunroof. Their smiles were so genuine and silly it's hard to forget when they sang the beginning of the song

“I got my head out the sunroof, I'm blasting our favorite tunes. I've only got one thing on my mind, you got me stuck on the thought of you! You makin’ me feel brand new, you're more than a sunshine in my eyes. You got those pretty eyes In your head, and you know it. You got me dancin’ in my bed so let me show it!”

They sang the entire song together, and even though they didn't sing the best, the memory of them being so undeniably happy is hard to forget

🐞Jiro and Denki were supposed to sing together, but for the most part Jiro sang alone while Denki joined for the chorus and stared at her with unfiltered adoration in his eyes. Especially when Jiro sang just before the chorus and changed ‘her’ to him throughout the song 

“Rushing through me. Feel your energy rushing through me. Feel your energy rushing through me.” “Baby you're like lightning in a bottle, I can't let you go now that I got it, and all I need is to be struck by your electric love!”

When Jiro hit that final high note, all Kaminari could focus on was his beautiful girlfriend doing her favorite thing; singing

🐞You can't convince me otherwise that Mina and you didn't destroy on some kind of rap song because that's what you both sing when together. You both had decided on ‘Best Friend’ by ‘Saweetie and Doja Cat’, in reality, because of how BADLY you guys slayed this, the whole song was memorable

(I highly reccomend you listen to this song while reading! It makes it so much better)

“That my best friend, she a real bad bitch. Got her own money, she 'on't need no nig'. On the dance floor, she had two-three drinks. Now she twerkin', she throw it out and come back in.” “That's my best friend, she a real bad bitch. Drive her own car, she 'on't need no Lyft, In the strip club, know my girl gon' tip. Now she twerkin', she throw it out and come back in. Beep-beep, is that my bestie in a Tessie? Fresh blow out, skin on tan, ooh, she ready.” “Bitch, you look goodt, with a T at the end I'ma hype her every time, that my motherfuckin' friend!" “She been down since the jellies and the Volvos, got me steppin' out that Jeep, got Manolo's. When we pull up to the scene, they be filled with jealousy. If a bitch get finicky, she gon' bring that energy.” “Pop, pop, pop!” “I hit her phone with the tea, like, ‘Bitch, guess what?’ All the rich ass boys wanna fuck on us! All this ass sittin' up, you can look, don't touch. In our bag, bust some bands every time we link up!” “That my best friend, she a real bad bitch. Got her own money, she 'on't need no nig'. On the dance floor, she had two, three drinks. Now she twerkin', she throw it out and come back in." “That's my best friend, she a real bad bitch. Drive her own car, she 'on't need no Lyft, In the strip club, know my girl gon' tip. Now she twerkin', she throw it out and come back in.” “That my best friend, if you need a freak I ain't dumb, but motherfucker, she my Tweedledee. If she ride for me, she 'on't need a key. If you sideways, she'll straighten you if need to be, and she so bad that I just can't take that bitch nowhere. She off her fifth shot, said, ‘Mmm-mmm, don't go there’. Bitch, break her back, she protect and attack. Get that strap like them buckle, foot on neck, give no air. Whole world wanna be us, and my main bitch, she my day-one. On my way, bitch, let you get drunk. Let's celebrate 'cause we the baddest in the club!” “That my best friend, she a real bad bitch. Got her own money, she 'on't need no nig'. On the dance floor, she had two, three drinks. Now she twerkin', she throw it out and come back in.” “That's my best friend, she a real bad bitch, drive her own car, she 'on't need no Lyft. In the strip club, know my girl gon' tip. Now she twerkin', she throw it out and come back in!” “Ha, best friend, you the baddest and you know it. Uh-oh, girl, I think our booty growin'! Fuck it up in the mirror, hit them poses, best friend, damn, you motherfuckin' glowin'. Best friend, damn, your wrist look like it's frozen. Uh-oh, girl, I think our booty growin'. Fuck it up in the mirror, hit them poses. Best friend, you my motherfuckin' soulmate”

It's safe to say Deku was beyond shocked at the song's vulgar language, because music like this isn't something he listens to often. Shoto was confused on so many levels, what did you mean when you said ‘your wrist looks like it's frozen’? Why were so many words left unfinished, like, why not say ‘dont’, instead of ‘ont’? What does ‘ont’ even mean? Eijiro was afraid you were stealing his girlfriend, and would be lying if he said he wasn't at least a little genuinely worried. Katsuki was grumbling the entire time because of the ‘stupid’ song, even though he's listened to Doja Cat multiple times. Jiro cheered you both on while making it look like she was throwing money, Denki was shocked you knew all the words of all people, and finally, Momo and Ochako sat giggling and a little shocked

🐞Everyone had such a good time, but nothing could beat the excitement you girls had while singing ‘Hot N Cold’ by ‘Katy Perry’. Best part was definitely the chorus at the end of the song

“Someone, call the doctor, got a case of love bipolar! Stuck on a rollercoaster, can't get off this ride! You change your mind, like a girl changes clothes. ‘Cause you're hot, then you're cold! You're yes, then you're no! You're in, then you're out! You're up, then you're down! You're wrong when it's right, it's black and it's white. We fight, we break up, we kiss, we make up!”

Shoto was confused about the song, once again, but he loved that you seemed so happy. Kirishima being the loving boyfriend he is, recorded you all having a blast. Katsuki may or may not have nodded along to the song because he knew all the words, but you wouldn't catch him dead admitting that

・┆✦ʚ♡ɞ✦ ┆・

A/N: I actually really enjoyed writing this! Lmk if y’all want more Headcannon type fics :D

-

Take this shit post I found in my drafts lmfao

[seekers-who-are-lovers]

Because today is the airing of the first episode of the Emerald Witch arc, Animate released a write-up about Rie Kugumiya and Chikahiro Kobayashi about recording in German language and Siggy and Wolfram’s relationship compared to Sebastian and Ciel’s tried and tested one. These are only selected passages. (Note: Roughly translated from an app, so please be aware of some differences.)

──We heard that there are scenes spoken in German in the production. How was that?

Kugimiya: It was incredibly difficult! It was a unique experience. The moment the teacher taught us the pronunciation in our ears, we had to immediately put it into the mic because we could only remember it for such a short time. In fact, there was a day dedicated just to recording in German...

Kobayashi: It took longer than the main part.

Kugimiya: The actors with German lines all gathered, and the teacher was with us the whole time during the recording. Well, even though we say teacher, it was actually one of the actors (laughs).

Kobayashi: It was Wataru Komada. Because he was an actor, he specifically guided us on where to put the emotion and how to express it, standing next to us and teaching with a "One, two, three!" approach, which was a great help.

Kugimiya: Really! In the end, in the studio, phrases like "Danke (thank you)" and "Ja! (yes!)" became trendy (laughs).

Kobayashi: Exactly! Everyone wanted to say the things they knew, like "Ja! Ja! Ja!" (laughs).

Kugimiya: Ja! Ja! Ja! (Laughs). In the end, that's the only part that stayed with me (laughs).

Kobayashi: Everyone said random things, and not much stayed with me as knowledge (laughs).

In your message at the time of the cast announcement, you mentioned, “There is a different atmosphere between Sebastian and Ciel, and the difference in the atmosphere between the two pairs is good.” Specifically, where did you feel the difference?

Kobayashi: Wolfram and Sullivan are still in development and not yet complete, but they appear very refined. In contrast, Sebastian and Ciel have developed a longstanding trust and mutual utilization relationship. Sullivan shows great interest in this maturely developed Sebastian, telling Wolfram, "You should learn too!" However, Wolfram feels jealous about it.

It seems like they are learning the "butler and master relationship" from Sebastian and Ciel. The relationship, which is of a completely different type, feels very endearing. However, I also feel that there is no need to forcefully aim to achieve the completed relationship like Sebastian and Ciel.

─What are your thoughts on these two types of master-servant relationships, Ms. Kugimiya?

Kugimiya: I feel deeply that Wolfram is watching over and supporting with great affection, but his approach is somewhat simple. Listening to the current story, I thought, "Perhaps whatever Sullivan hasn't taught Wolfram, Wolfram doesn't know, so he can't teach it either."

Sebastian, on the other hand, is sophisticated in everything, with a gentle yet strict manner, saying, "Knowledge is not a burden, so it's good to know," guiding you along the way. He teaches, "It's embarrassing not to know this. As a lady," leading and guiding in that aspect. I feel the way Wolfram and Sebastian are is completely different. If anything, I get the sense that Wolfram would probably listen to everything Sullivan says.

Kobayashi: Ah, that's right.

Kugimiya: On the other hand, I feel that Sebastian is the kind of butler who elevates his master, saying, "A master should be like this."

For Sullivan, it's such a new concept that it makes him excited and increases his thirst for knowledge, making him think, "I want to know more about this new world!" However, he also loves Wolfram, who is simple, warm, and gentle. They are completely different, but I think both of them are really wonderful.

Also, it seems like Sullivan might think, "He can't do without me," in relation to Wolfram. Although Wolfram completely protects Sullivan as an adult, I feel there might be parts where, surprisingly, Sullivan is the one who mentally supports Wolfram.

Another article is focused on both butlers, S and Wolfram. Daisuke Ono has an interesting revelation on this arc.

Ono: If the "Boarding School Arc" is very colorful and pop, expressing the brighter parts of "Black Butler," then the "Emerald Witch Arc" emphasizes the dark, heavy, and serious aspects of "Black Butler." I love bright stories, but when it comes to "Black Butler," I especially enjoy the darker stories. In the "Green Witch Arc," there are some memorable scenes between Sebastian and Ciel, and as a performer, I was eager to play them. When I found out it would be animated, I was delighted, thinking, "I get to perform that scene!"

Kobayashi: You were performing with that kind of passion.

Ono: For me, it was a reward.

And of course the struggle with German language.

A while ago, there was a mention of German, but how was the actual recording?

Ono: Sebastian has had numerous opportunities to speak languages other than Japanese, such as French and Latin. Additionally, because he is a butler, there is a very high standard set for him to perform everything perfectly. I approach each session with the intention of producing foreign language sounds in Sebastian's tone, not just simply voicing them, so I'm always desperately trying my best.

― It's a dilemma because Sebastian is perfect...!

Ono: For this reason, I am grateful to have professionals teaching and supervising me each time. This time, (voice actor) Wataru Komada, who is from Germany, supervised the German language for us. What I received from him, as someone working in the same voice acting field, was not just about vocalizing but also adding emotion and intensity to it. That made it surprisingly easier than just tracing the sound. Even though German was difficult as a language, it might have been the easiest among the foreign languages I've spoken so far.

Wow!

Ono: When I spoke in German, Komada-kun praised me saying, “Ono-san’s voice suits German! It balances pressure and elegance, which is very German-like.” I got extremely carried away. “Well, yeah,” I said (laughs).

Kobayashi: You got carried away (laughs).

Ono: But, I was really happy. Being taught by someone native made me realize that if you put passion into it, it can be conveyed.

Kobayashi: My German part was just a word or two, but Komada-kun stood next to me and kindly taught me, saying, “If you produce a dirtier, more muffled sound than the one you’re making now, it’ll sound more German.” I just parroted Komada-kun and did the German part (laughs). Thank you so much, Professor Komada! I’m full of gratitude.

Ono: I thought Wolfram’s “Ja” was really good while I was listening. Komada-kun also listened to Yoshihiro-kun’s performance and said, “Ja, ja, ja.”

Kobayashi: During that recording, everyone was saying, “Ja, ja” (laughs).

I think I can relate. 😈

[anneangel]

Tolkien said that one of the things he didn't like about LotR was that the book was too short.

In a way I agree with him, because I found the ending so rushed [others always say "that evil" is destroyed in the middle of the book and everything after is just an long epilogue] and yet I found it rushed. And I wanted a lot of the appendices to be narrated chapters, it was interesting to see what the lives of each member of the Fellowship were like in the appendices, but I wanted chapters about.

And I would also like to have seen, narrated chapters, of the Battle of Dale, with Brand (Son of Bain, son of Bard) and Dáin fighting three days against enemy armies and dying. I wish had read a narrative of Thranduill and Celeborn uniting in Mirkwood and destroying Dul Guldur once and for all, and then dividing the region between them. When LotR informs that the others would not come to battle because they already had war at their gates, I wanted the plot to split to show this in other parts.

A better development of the romance between some characters would also be interesting, the Tale of Aragorn and Arwen already makes me cry every time I read it, but I feel like it would be more interesting as a narrative than an appendix. If their marriage went on for another 100 pages I wouldn't mind. And I would like Arwen and Elrond's conversations not to be just subtext.

Faramir and Éowyn, I really love them as a couple, but I think more pages dedicated to their romance would also be interesting. Sam and Rose? I would have liked it more if we had more mentions of the girl throughout the journey, if Sam mentioned her more often throughout the plot, so maybe the end wouldn't seem so sudden. When I say that don't like the development of the "love pairings" in LotR, it's not that I don't like the characters or the ships, but that the narrative wasn't enough for me. Don't get me wrong, I love LotR. But I wanted there to be more to be "narrated" than "told" or "implied" or "pointed out in the appendices."

Yes, I also thought the book was too short. There is a lot between the lines that could come to light more. It could have been another thousand pages. And perhaps it still wasn't enough. How could anyone think that LotR is a very long book?

Maybe that's the problem with Tolkien creating such a complex Universe with such interesting characters: no matter how long the book was, it would never be enough. Because as a fan, I would always want more and more of it. More immersion at all points. Is it always like this with authors who create universes that seem so incredible to read? And when it's gone, it's not enough to fill the void.

And all the posthumous books, like The Silmarillion, or Unfinished Tales (and others), with the tone of "organized drafts" and "told" instead of narrated most of the time, weren't enough for me. I still wanted so much more. And I never will have it. Don't get me wrong, I liked the posthumous books, I think Christopher Tolkien did a good work. But still, when reading, I always asked myself "if this had been published by Tolkien during his lifetime, would it have been like this? What would he have changed yet? What would he have more refined?".

Because, as much as other fans like to see posthumous books as a "canonical" part of the work, like complements. I can only see as unfinished drafts, which it truly are. No matter how well organized are, even The Silmarillion is just a draft organized in the best way, Christopher T says this.

The letters don't count for me either, because Tolkien changed his mind about several things, just like in the drafts.

So I feel that, although the Tolkien Universe is vast, there are a lot of drafts and letters, and little work is actually completed. I liked the posthumous books and the fact that they expanded the universe even further and provided more information. But it becomes a “vicious cycle”, as the information contained there also brings more desire for it be narrated by Tolkien himself in an book he finished (but will never be! Unfortunately).

And that saddens me. Because I wanted so much more. And Tolkien didn't live long enough to give it. In the end, it's a mix of happiness for what Tolkien gave, and sadness for what he still could have given.

[fayesemblemring]

I never posted my Engage design headcanons in one proper comprehensive place, have I?

All the dragons have pointy ears. I'm sorry but that's a requirement for dragons. I'm ok with them being only a little pointy and still resembling humans more, but come on. Regular ears on dragons just feels wrong.

Way too many for Alear.

Present Alear's male design has his hair and eye colors swapped. Only a matter of personal preference, really.

May actually be the case in canon, but Past Alear's hair and eyes are a darker tone of red compared to how they are in the present. You know, just to further visually show how dead inside they are.

Inversely, Xeno Alear's hair and eyes are a lighter shade of blue compared to Present and Emblem Alear's. Lumera's hair color, more precisely.

As a Corrupted Alear's red hair and eyes start glowing. The more Emblems they reawaken the more they start looking like Corrupted Morion from the strain, complete with face cracks and blank red eye by the end of it.

Both of Emblem Alear's eyes become red when Engaging. Their partner gains blue eyes instead. (Unrelated but I like calling the form someone gets when engaging with Alear their Eternal form)

Alear done but the Veyle section is almost as long!

take that fucking collar and ankle chains off of her I swear to god

Xeno Veyle has short hair, wears a hood similar to Eveyle except its design is meant to not stand out instead of looking, well, evil. Also while Main Veyle prefers her tome, she favors her dagger. All of this based on my view of her as a stern, aloof leader who's trying her best to help while remaining undercover from the like, two lines we get about her.

Fell Princess Veyle (as in, postgame Veyle but before she becomes the Fell Queen) has an outfit a bit more practical to move around (since she's mainly spending her time in Gradlon and that place is hell to navigate) and also starts incorporating a bit of black into her outfit.

Oh boy. Fell Queen Veyle. For starters she obviously looks more regal and refined (also she's an adult by this point), her new dress has black as its primary color while still being welcoming and she obviously wears a different crown compared to Eveyle. Speaking of her,after accepting her as part of herself and merging with her in an hypothetical final Engage DLC I'll hopefully talk about in a future post, one of her eyes becomes red as proof of it. The opposite of Alear's red eye, in fact.

Four Winds

Let's not kid ourselves, their designs are recolors at most because IS didn't want to make new assets for them. So!

Zelestia's battle outfit is much more clothed, warm and comfy because you CANNOT convince me she would wear the same skimpy clothing as Zephia.

Similar case with Gregory. Either a similarly cozy outfit or something to make him not stand out. Heck, maybe even some armor. Either way, no way that man goes in a fight with his chest almost bare.

Madeline's armor is way more practical, with no ribbons in sight and probably taking some cues from Mauvier's outfit. Let's be honest, she probably outgrew ribbons years ago.

Conflicted on whether or not Nel should have gotten partially white hair. On one hand it would make sense given that's what happened to Alear, but at the same time her design is already peak and I finding myself liking her regular hair way more, so...

[maxdibert]

Hi Max, how do you personally view fandom etiquette, and what's your prefered way to engage with fandom spaces?

Some people might say your "antagonism" and critical opinions bring negativity to fandom, which goes against some people's idea of fandom etiquette. (Not mine) Do you agree with them?

No, I don't agree with that sentiment at all. Suppressing critical opinions in the name of "fandom etiquette" only serves to reinforce echo chambers and groupthink. When we stop expressing dissenting views, we risk cultivating an environment where conformity is rewarded over genuine discourse, much like how political regimes have historically silenced criticism to maintain control.

Consider the political sphere: throughout history, many significant social and political movements—from the civil rights movement in the United States to the protests during the Arab Spring—were driven by people who dared to voice unpopular opinions. These critical voices challenged the status quo and paved the way for meaningful change. Similarly, in social debates, it is only through open, critical dialogue that we can challenge prevailing narratives and encourage a more nuanced understanding of issues.

By being openly critical, even if it means facing backlash or being labeled as antagonistic, we promote a culture where ideas are contested, refined, and improved upon. The problem isn't with having strong opinions; it's with an environment that discourages debate, thereby stifling progress. In fandom, just as in any other community, fostering diversity of thought is essential to prevent intellectual stagnation and to ensure that no single perspective dominates without scrutiny.

In short, true engagement—whether in politics, society, or fandom—demands that we embrace the discomfort that comes with honest critique. Only by challenging ideas, regardless of how unpopular they might be, can we hope to build a more robust and dynamic community.

In other words: Those who complain that I'm "bringing a bad vibe" aren't really upset about the atmosphere itself—they're upset because my polarized, confrontational opinions threaten their carefully maintained stance of neutrality or centrism on controversial topics. It forces them to choose a side, and that pristine image of people who don't get involved and who supposedly "respect everyone" starts to crack because, deep down, they actually have clear opinions—they just don't want to reveal them. I've seen people insinuate things about me, and it's funny how my opinions always trigger the same reaction: these people are more interested in keeping the fandom "united" than in acknowledging evidence—like, for example, that a character is an abuser or a crappy bully.

I don't like centrist people at all; I'd rather have folks with opinions that are completely opposite to mine, expressed openly, than those who never commit to a stance out of fear or because they need to preserve an image of unbreakable morality.

As for "fandom etiquette," honestly, I don't give a damn. I don't care if people come to argue with me, insult me, or hurl hateful comments my way because it doesn't affect me. I'm publishing my opinions in a public space where the algorithm might expose them to anyone, and I have comments and reblogs enabled. Why should I complain if someone responds? Wouldn't it be a bit cynical and absurd on my part to leave the door of my house wide open and then complain when people come in? If you don't want people entering your house, then close it. If you don't close it, why complain?

That's my mindset. If I didn't want to interact with certain people, I'd simply block or ban them, or restrict interactions only to my mutuals or followers. And honestly, I appreciate people who have the guts to speak their minds directly—there's nothing worse than folks who clearly can't stand you but won't say it out loud because they're too concerned about their public image.

[kimbureh]

idk man, online fandom is just not the place for me.

"reblog my art/writing!!!11" "I'll block people who only like my stuff but don't reblog"

this is so intense. I have zero interest in talking to people who are trying to bully me into promoting them. It's as if people are saying:

"If you don't comment on people's fanwork, fandom will die because of you, specifically"

I get it, attention is nice. I'm a creator too. And it's true that current social media isn't conducive of creating and maintaining communities. But you don't build a community with aggression against your own audience.

I don't wanna hang out with people who yell at me about how they don't get enough attention. You're blaming the audience when the real problem goes way, way deeper, and this behavior of prioritizing content promotion over actual human connection is actually part of the issue. Urging people to reblog your stuff may grant you exposure, but it sure doesn't make you any friendships, at least not mine.

-

A few years back, I wanted to refine my comedic writing and started a whacky Fallout 4 blog long after the fandom had seen its peak. I knew there wouldn't be a large audience, but I wanted to see what would happen. Long story short, I regularly invited my followers to send asks I would answer in-character, and honestly had so much fun. I never bullied my audience for only liking and not reblogging. To the contrary; I respect my audience and their prerogative to decide for themselves what they do want to share on their blogs and what they don't. It's *their* blogs. I cannot grasp the audacity of some creators to demand space on people's personal blogs. I really can't.

I only had the Fallout blog for like 8 months and got more audience attention than I could deal with at times. I had such a blast, getting asks, replying to them, building in-jokes with my followers. I ended the blog with a small event and was met with a flood of lovely comments and good-byes. Today, four years later, I post on that blog maybe one or two times a year. And even though most of my followers unfollowed me when I ended the blog, I still get the occasional lovely comment. After four years, people still remember the great time we had.

Good thing I didn't block all those wonderful people who mainly liked but didn't reblog. Word got around nonetheless. I found the audience I was looking for. Dunno if I would have had the same relaxed experience with a crowd who was bullied into the interaction.

-

idk, man. What is online fandom?

I don't like how we treat each other. Fandom is not a marketplace. I am not selling myself or my creations, I want to treat you better than a simple customer. At its heart, fandom is a gift economy. You don't owe me a thing. If you don't want to give freely, I won't take it with force. I respect you and myself too much for that.

I think we can still find our people in fandom, without exploiting our audience as market-criers.

[janis-imiike]

꩜ Janis's pov.

It's absurd how everyone seems to be having fun in high school. Everyone, except me.

It's not like i enjoy playing the victim or anything like that, believe me, i hate it. But i just can't be part of it all, i've never been able to.

If you sit down at lunch and see all those people at their tables, with their tribes and their types, you can clearly place them perfectly. Damian would get along great with the theater people, i know that, and he knows it too, but for some reason, he decided he would sit with me, and it's been like that for years.

What i want to get at is that he's funny, he tells good jokes, has refined taste in everything, and is always in tune with the world; anyone could make friends with him.

Cady too, she was shy at first, but her personality makes you realize how intelligent she is. Who would've thought that a person from Africa could bake cookies better than yours? She got along with the mathletes, the plastics, and probably anyone else she wanted to. She would always have somewhere to go.

This morning, while having my coffee, i reflected on how bizarre this is. Where do you go when you're the last piece of a strange puzzle that no longer fits anywhere? People know this; they look at you with a mixture of pity and disgust. I know what they think, even though they believe i don't.

I'm a lesbian, slow, dumb, short, and have anger management issues. At least, that's how everyone would describe me. Do i agree with that? Deep down, yes. Despite my countless efforts a few years ago, it seems like things only got worse, since for most people i "snapped." And that's fine, actually, it's great. It keeps everyone away from me, no stupid questions, no one trying to be my friend, and most importantly, no one touching me.

I hate touch. I can't handle it, it feels like it hurts every time someone tries to hug me. I can with Damian; i trust my life with him. Cady? Well, I’ve gotten used to it, but she’s not exactly the type of person i would lie in her lap at 3 a.m. to ask for affection. Honestly? Not either of them.

I only managed it once, with one person, but she's no longer around, not like she was before, and that hurts more than any lack of a hug. I wish i felt worthy of being hugged, loved, and believing that someone could truly love me. But love? It's for brave, kind, sweet people who are willing to accept it, and i am none of those things.

[bitchfitch]

Life changing moments had a habit of looking like every other one that surrounded them until you could see them in hindsight. Adi had never given that idea much thought until he was scrolling through half a year's worth of exchanged messages while sat in a hospital room.

Well-Eadowed tipped 20$

Well-Eadowed: Sent something in advance for your time. What's the brand of those yoga pants you were wearing at the start of yesterday's stream? I've never been able to find any that properly accommodated both a tail and a dick lol.

Adi vaguely remembered that he had been slouched in the back of a classroom auditorium when he got the message. One of his classmates had looked at him weird when he hiked up his hoody and shirt just enough to be able to get a picture of the brand name printed on his waistband.

LilacKitten: Here's the logo, I can never tell if that fourth letter is an O or an A. I think I got them at that boutique on 55th that caters to familiens?

from there their conversation had drifted from the yoga pants to the general difficulty of finding clothes that fit the descendants of the familiars who were turned into people before the practice was banned, to formal fashion and the fact Mr.Eadowed had an invitation to his ex-husband's wedding.

Well-Eadowed: He's being an asshole since we broke up on bad terms and wants to rub it in my face that I was the only one of his cucks that dropped him when we found out about the rampant adaultery. I've already RSVPed to waste two spots at his tables but I don't think I'm actually going.

LilacKitten: It's against site policy to offer a service without being asked first, but I can make time in my schedule if you want an escort for that night. I don't know what he looks like, but I do know what I look like.

LilacKitten: And also what I'm willing to do to screw someone like that over. Seriously what's his problem?

Well-Eadowed: What are you willing to do?

LilacKitten: hm. As much PDA as we can get away with before it becomes a crime. I will also gladly pretend to be your much more adoring new piece of ass or whatever other act you think will get under his skin the most.

Well-Eadowed: Would you be comfortable telling the truth that I was paying you for your time? Part of the reason I didn't give Brice another chance is he treated me like an ATM. I wouldn't have minded if he had actually given a shit about me or did half the labor your offering to do.

Adi had hesitated to respond, both because the professor had finally showed up, and because he hoped to someday be colleagues with the sort of people who had the money to get this messy. He didn't want a potential first-step employer's first impression of him to be him vapidly hanging off the arm of a man who was; A. Willing to publicly hire an expensive whore for a party specifically to piss off his ex, and B. Who would make his username on a pimping platform a joke about his wealth and or his dick size.

Unfortunately the chance for refined mischief had been too alluring.

LilacKitten: I'm in.

Well-Eadowed: You're a gift.

In hindsight, it should have been obvious the fact that the familien who had the money to pull this shit and who would choose a usermame with Ead in it was none other then the only famous non entertainer familien Adi knew about.

Eadwulf Norwich. A short, green eyed ginger with pricked ears and a fluffy tail that seemed to never stop wagging despite him being well into his middle ages. Also known as the man who, through owning the largest realistate firm in this hemisphere, owned most of the state and a good portion of the rest of the country.

Adi had dreamed of meeting him one day. At an interview or during one of the lectures he gave at the college he was alumni too and was Adi was currently attending (He hadn't chosen this college just because of Mr.Norwich's rumoured habit of picking his interns via casual conversations after those lectures, but that had contributed heavily to his decision.) Eadwulf Norwich was a legend in business circles both for how quickly he built his empire and for how he seemed to always be on a new magazine or giving another interview about success like he was a movie star instead of an overly charismatic land lord.

Adi hadn't wanted to meet him like this. He had no shame in doing sex work, it was usually fun, it paid his bills, and gave him all the flexibility he needed to excell in his classes, but that didn't make it prestigious. He got lucky being born pretty. The rest was the same work anyone with half his brains could do and so it wouldn't impress a man like The Eadwulf Norwich.

Adi had arrived at the hotel up the road from where the wedding three hours before it was slated to begin. Exactly on time to come face to face with the closest thing to a hero he'd ever had, before being escorted by a makeup artist to where what looked like a full salon had already been set up in the main bathroom of the suite.

Eadwulf (he had rejected being called Mr. Norwich the instant he heard the words. Said it made him feel dated and like people would mistake him for a Brit instead of the Welsh man he was.) had still been in a T-shirt and jeans while he bickered with someone on the phone about how "this was a great idea" and "none of the caller's business anyways" and "can't he just be a pal and bring a third person by to make sure the party Really got going?"

Adi would later learn that the man on the other end of the line was Alistar Yeats, CFO of Marked Territory Realistate, Eadwulf's best friend, and husband to the demon called Haze. Looking back on it, Adi did wish Haze had come but not everything can be perfect about a day.

When the call ended, presumably because Alistar's patience wore thin, Eadwulf had come into the bathroom to lean on the counter while the stylist worked to color match Adi's pinkish purple skin instead of just using the foundation Adi had brought with him.

"Ok, so when Brice and I got married we both refused to wear white because we'd worn white to our previous weddings and lost those marriages blah blah, point is he wore this greeny-blue suit that looked awful. He had bought it from a sketch and hadn't seen it in person til the day of." he reached into the closet beside the walk in shower. "So I got this made from the measurements you gave me. It's a little rushed, but-" he pulled a satin garment bag out, "- it should still out do his by such a massive margin that the details won't matter."

Adi had had to fight to not snort at the situation, the stylist had been in the middle of applying his lashes and he hadn't wanted to mess her up. "Classy, Eadwulf. Are we going to acknowledge it or let him simmer in it?"

"If he or anyone asks you bought this on your own at Macy's or something."

The tux had been a deep pine green shot with a barely lighter sapphire blue, had a waist coat with a neckline so deep that it only buttoned up to Adi's navel, and which was intended to be worn with a button-less button-up shirt to make a point of how much of Adi's chest and upper abs it showed off on purpose. It was not a garment that came from a Macy's in any dimension that a Macy's might exist.

"Did he really wear this to your wedding?" Adi had asked while he let Eadwulf do the honor of fastening the thin golden choker with its small bowtie charm around his neck.

"Something like it. Yeah. His was supposed to just be a regular cut tux but something got lost in translation and he ended up with the tiny vest and tried to make it work by leaving his shirt open," he steps back with his hands on Adi's hips to scrutinize his reflection from about shoulder height. "Obviously it looks a lot better on you."

"I feel I may have an advantage he didn't," Adi smiled at their reflection. Eadwulf had chosen a deep maroon tweed tux for himself, his nest of curly hair in the same messy bun it had been when Adi arrived, and he had a shiny gold bowtie to match the necklace he'd gotten for Adi.

It was a bit cliche, really. The cat in the forward outfit that pushed the line between white-tie and porno intro, and the dog in a classic New England style that managed to look more expensive despite its comparative simplicity.

But Adi supposed cliches got that way for a reason. They did look very good together.

"Genetics?" Eadwulf had asked like he'd never considered that having a suit made to fit like this would have a very different result from one that ended up like it on accident.

In hindsight he probably hadn't.

The only Wedding Adi had ever been to in his life was that of his dearly disowned sister when he was at most eight. If you counted the half dozen child siblings and the priest as Gem had always insisted everyone did, there had been a grand total of 14 guests. It was held in the local park and ended when the bride and groom found out you had to schedule these things with whoever was in charge of the park instead of just showing up and doing it.

The Wedding he went to with Eadwulf felt like it deserved to be in a different classification of event all together. There were hundreds of guests, maybe well over a thousand if you counted the small army of wait staff that bustled around the sprawling convention hall. TVs hung from the whitewashed brick walls displaying live captioned footage from the party that was caught by whole camera crews scuttling about with gear that looked to weigh as much as Adi did.

Every detail was lux and hand picked, from the legs on the tables being custom welded iron to bare the newlyweds initials, to the meals that were chosen for each individual guest instead of a menu or one size fits all option. (Adi had wondered if that decision was made to justify giving Eadwulf a plate of predominantly over seasoned vegetables, something Brice clearly knew he wouldn't like.)

It was the sort of wedding little kids dreamed about before they knew how money worked, and which bigger kids strived to achieve because obtaining it meant they'd truly made it in life.

Eadwulf was a tad too short in comparison to Adi's 6'4 plus the heels for them to comfortably link arms like many of the other couples that surrounded them, but Adi leaving a hand on Eadwulf's shoulder and accepting his arm wrapped around the small of his back in return had worked just as well. Plus it looked good every time the camera was on them. Eadwulf with his ever present grin would be leaning that little bit forward to talk to the group that congregated around them like iron filings to a magnet, and Adi would be stood straight backed with his face schooled into elegant nonchalance as he looked down his nose at the conversation before him.

A man who had not a single thing to worry about and the piece of art he'd bought to bring along for the night. Exactly what Eadwulf had payed for.

Disappointingly though, it had taken until the very end of the night for anything interesting to happen. The pre ceremony, ceremony, and reception all went seamlessly from the perspective of the guest, but behind the scenes had clearly been some sort of nightmare as Brice hunted them down in the driveway right as everyone was beggining to leave.

"What's Wrong With You?" he'd shoved Adi away to get in Eadwulf's face, something Adi forgave instantly because it meant he had a front row seat and that Brice had already filed him away as a non person he could say anything in front of.

"What's wrong with you?" Eadwulf had returned the accusation, "I just attended a lovely wedding."

"You brought That here," he pointed an accusing finger Adi's way

"His name is Lilac."

"Shut up. Why did you Do this? We're you trying to fucking Ruin my wedding for a Second time?"

"I didn't ruin it the first-"

"All everyone wanted to talk about was your stupid whore and your stupid fucking everything and what we used to have and -and"

"And what?" Eadwulf had his arms crossed over his chest, his ears pinned back in just wrong enough of a position for Adi to know he was faking it. "How much you screwed us out of a good thing?"

That had been enough to get the floodgates open. Brice sobbed as he crashed against Eadwulf's front and wrapped him in a clinging hug that was hesitantly returned.

" 'M sorry- I'm so so sorry Eady. I-" he broke off into another hitch of ugly sobs

"You fucked up, I know," he pet his hand over the back of Brice's hair before nodding Adi towards their waiting car. "I was away too often, you worked too long, temptations were everywhere etcetera. It was easy to keep it a secret since it always happened on the other side of the world.

"But you know what else I'll always know, Bea?"

Brice had looked up from Eadwulf's shoulder with so much hope.

"I will never make another decision as good as the one to leave You." He shoved out of Brice's hold and had taken his place in the back passenger side seat before the newly wed could even process the heart break.

Adi had to bite his lip to muffle his laugh until the door was slammed shut and the driver taking off without questioning that that was what he should do in this situation.

"That was so Mean!" he covered his mouth as he cackled, Eadwulf joining him in laughing a half breath later.

"I promise he deserved it- Fuck that felt good!" he clapped his hands together, "Shame I had to lie for it. Best decision I've ever made was getting you in on this. None of that would have gone half as smoothly if I had to do it on my own or with basically Anyone else."

"Bah, I just stood there and looked pretty-"

"Which is a skill! Your ability to just-" he does an awful job of mimicking Adi's pouty half glare, "At someone until they get self conscious and fuck off is Amazing. I've Never seen half those people look so judged! And Ive testified in court against a few of them!" he worries his lip for a moment as he makes a decision, "I know your schedule is probably packed tight, but if you have the availability I would love to keep this ball moving. I've given up on finding a partner for real since Brice put me off of love in general, so I have no one to go to these parties with or to be seen with when I'm out and about. It'll pay Handsomely, don't worry about that, and we'll get a contract worked out to make sure it doesn't have long term effects on your earning potential and-"

"Deal," Adi cut him off, he knew he was getting in over his head, but at the time it had felt like the best idea in the world.

[magistralucis]

what happens in the sanctum stays in the sanctum... maybe 😳 [Trazyn/Orikan snippet]

(Excerpt from the second chapter of Viridian. Simple and straightforward, two lovers getting down to business after thousands of words of foreplay. Chapter is mostly done; I've not been very well recently so progress is slow, but we're getting there.

Literally nothing about this snippet is SFW. Please be mindful reading 😆)

-----------

In hindsight, the Way had not been his finest choice in life as an oracle; when Orikan broke his vow he suffered little as a result, but he truly hadn't sworn it with the intent of breaking it. He had looked out for himself, he had tried to be indifferent. But fast-forward two decades and Orikan was regularly making love to an overlord, guiding his hot flesh inside his body until the lord was begging to spend, so suffice to say that part of his life plan had been nixed for good. Oh, the soul's ironies, the curious twists of fate.

"Trazyn…"

As soon as the archivist was made comfortable Orikan fell upon him again with kisses, his lips roaming from throat to lip to forehead. Trazyn's hair was most exquisitely mussed about the temples and he kissed that too, nigh clutching the lord's head to his chest. By this point Orikan's inner robes were barely hanging on from his shoulders, and he laughed breathlessly as Trazyn rifled and sucked his bare bosoms, leaving the tips glistening when he finally pulled away. "The lord archivist asks me to take a seat." He said, panting slightly as he felt how firm and keen Trazyn was beneath his hand. "Shall I take you now, then? Should I lead on?"

"Yes, do." Trazyn's eyes were fair glazed with lust. His index traced the metagold glyphs on Orikan's chest, toying with the hardened tip of one nipple. "You can do anything you like with me, dear one."

A smile quirked the astromancer's lips. "A dangerous thing to say to a cryptek, my lord, you'd risk anything?"

Trazyn nodded, too short of breath to speak. Orikan bent down to kiss him again, linking the fingers of both their hands and gently pinning Trazyn in place. He was just raising his hips to get into position when he spotted a slip of cloth trailing from his pocket - Trazyn's blindfold, quite forgotten since they'd stepped foot into the sanctum - and a refined desire bloomed in his heart. "Allow me."

He gently guided the overlord's wrists above his head. "Now what's this?" Trazyn laughed muzzily, glancing upwards as Orikan began to bind his wrists with the cloth. The posture made him arch his back further, his robes sliding from his chest and accentuating the hollow of his sternum. "Keep my hands to myself, I see. Have I been too eager, little one, is this a punishment?"

"You made a promise and I hold you to it." Orikan deadpanned, though his eyes glittered with mischief: the knot was so loose that Trazyn could escape it with a tug, they both knew it was just play. His fingers paced slowly down the dip of Trazyn's chest. "No, it's not. You've been very good, actually, I didn't think you'd hold out for so long."

Trazyn puffed out a laugh. Oh, ye of little faith. He held back the faintest moan as Orikan's hand slid down past his belly, stopping just short of his quivering arousal. "There's one thing in this sanctum more precious than anything else inside it, and he already belongs to me. Why would I stray to anything else?"

Orikan felt a great tenderness overtake him. "Trazyn."

There was no reason to delay any longer. The Diviner moored a knee beside each of Trazyn's thighs to straddle him, then sat back to show off his sex, parted like a seashell and glistening. Primal heat radiated from it, his small opening clenching and unclenching with anticipation. Trazyn blushed and struggled weakly against his bonds, wanting to caress the taut muscles of Orikan's thighs. They were his only Immortals' inheritance, but how lovely and powerful they were, how well he wrestled with them indeed. "Orikan, sweet Orikan. Pray have mercy on an old man."

"Not that old." Orikan coaxed as he slid himself slowly over the erection, his juices slicking it in slow hot drips. (They had a slew of other lubricating products - scented oils, warming balms, salves to tighten or loosen as desired - but they never actually remembered to use them, so easy they were to arouse.) The nether lips brushed against the leaking tip in a kiss, paused to let their fluids mingle; Orikan then grasped the arousal and guided it to his entrance, and embraced it with a steady plunge, savouring the lord's heated moan as they were finally united. "Oh, oh."

Trazyn normally liked to take his time with this part, nudging the tip of his member again and again between Orikan's lips and smiling leisurely at the other's frustration. Oh, how the tables were turned, and how sweetly did the overlord sigh, breathless and languorous and luxuriant. "Darling."

They had missed this so terribly.

[veintrry]

TAINT THIS PAPER WITH LOVE

writer!kunikuzushi x gn!reader, fluff, romance, love letter, nervous kuni bcs feelings.

part one (wink wink)

an: RAHHHHHHHH

Writing was something that had come so easily to Kuni, till he had to write a letter that would appeal to you. When did this pen feel so awkward in-between his fingers? And just when did these string of words he wrote sound so foreign to him... Love isn't easy to express.

Kunikuzushi doesn't think he has ever felt so uncomfortable at his desk, staring at a blank paper, blinking in hopes it would write itself with heart melting words that would make you grin. Yet, that never happens.

He lets out an exasperated sigh. This was far worse than some writers block. The words- Well, the feelings were so easy to sense, but to put them down on paper? It seemed like an impossible task. Folding over, he groans into his hand as his elbow stays rested on the dark wood of the desk, it's polish still refined.

Why did he have to give himself such a short time period too? A day, just a day. No, not even 24 hours, way less. He picks up the pen again, his thumb on the top as he repeatedly pushes it down letting the sound fill the room as he thinks. Just let your mind wander...

And it does. Like it always does, his thoughts trail back to you. Not actual words or things that may describe you but visual images of you or at least the vague image of you. He didn't care before but much to his dislike his ability to visualise things isn't as potent as he'd like. Yet, he still can see fragments, the lines of your smile, the depth of your eyes and the way you move. There were smaller details he took note of, the shape of your ear, the style of your hair and the state of your nails.

He wishes he could just translate this onto paper.

There was a gentleness he felt with you when he wasn't freaking out about these emotions. There was a calm that he absorbs but he fears at the same time, worrying there was a storm arriving and he'd be the cause of it. But, asking you to come again tomorrow, that was a ray of light from the gloomy clouds, it sprouted hope. Maybe. Just maybe. There is no storm.

He lets his head fall back, staring at the ceiling pointlessly before sighing. He's being doing that a lot lately.

...Technically, this wouldn't be his first time addressing a letter towards you, though the past times he's done it he was unaware of the fact you'd be receiving it. Maybe, he could try to do the same? Just harbour the same emotions, Kuni. Don't think, just write.

If you were in front of me, what would I want to say?

_

Familiar bells jingle, declaring the entrance of someone new and each time he hears the sound his eyes shoot up. He can't tell if he's anticipating your arrival in excitement or fear. Whichever one it is, he knows that one thing for sure is that he feels nervous. Insanely so, that he barely can keep himself occupied writing others letters.

He thought actually finishing the letter was bad, but waiting to give it to you is even worse. So. Much. Worse.

He's beginning to think his chest is going to explode from the anxiety. Though, there is some joy to it, as if he is looking forward to your expression.

Biting his bottom lip, he rests his chin on the palm of his hand, almost daydreaming about it. Surely, your reaction will be positive? Your past letters were from him on purpose so you'll like this. What if it's a lukewarm reception? What if he doesn't make you understand how he feels and the words he had repeated a multitude of times and the phrases he's crafted a thousand times don't work? There's a million thoughts in his minds and none of them are reassuring. He can feel his stomach being stirred like a cauldron of the worse concoctions and it's making him sick.

Till the bell rings.

Would you think it's weird if he ever told you that he began to recognise your footsteps? He'll keep that to himself. A hand is placed gently on the envelope holding his feelings, though the fingers that wrap around the folds are almost possessive, unsure if they should allow this letter to be given away. Unsure if he should offer his emotions just to get shot down. Yeah, maybe this is a bad idea and he should just-

Two knocks resound from beside him, he turns to you, your hand above his desk as your finger taps the wood.

"I'm here."

You're smiling.

Curse this world.

"You took your time." My tone comes out dry, almost scolding in a way. You give me a sheepish smile. "I didn't want to seem too eager." So in turn he was the one made to do so when he had been waiting for you impatiently.

He simply gives you a hum of acknowledgment, then sits there for a while. You don't move, awaiting to be given your letter but he doesn't seem to budge. A hesitant voice comes out, "Uhm, Kuni?" Archons, how he cherished the sound of his name rolling off your tongue. Indigo eyes spare you a glance, encouraging you to continue. "The letter...?" Would it be stupid to say he hoped you forgot.

"The letter. Right, right..."

Despite his words he seems to hesitate before finally letting out a deep breath as his hand reaches to the storage below the desk and pulls out a perfectly folded envelope. He turns his head away, just slightly, handing it to you wordlessly and without a glance spared towards you.

On the other hand, you were left admiring the envelope. It was nothing special, yet the contents of it were.

You take it excitedly, the pads of your thumb and index rppessed against the smooth texture of it. Your hand moves and your fingers begin to open it. This catches his attention. He quickly turns to you with an expression of disbelief and a hint of redness on his ears. "You're going to open it here?! At least open it outside of the store..."

You tilt your head slightly, "Why?" You continue speaking, conveying your reason, "It's better if I do it in front of you, right? That way you can get my honest reaction." The tone you speak in is somewhat teasing as though to say that this is a way of seeing just how well he did.

He opens his mouth, attempting to rebuttal, though all that comes out are incoherent noises, earning a chuckle from you. A defeated sigh leaves his mouth and he turns away once more, his other hand waving you off as in to quickly open it already and you oblige with ease.

The next few minutes are silent. Sure, there was the slight rustling of papers when the wind of the turning fan met them and the sounds of breathing, but it almost blended into the background as you read his letter...

"Dear moron,

I love you.

I wanted to get that out of the way, just to make this clear. Writing this or at least, trying to, has been a hindrance. I keep trying to form words I think you'd like. I keep trying to make this appealing to you, but just what do you like? I know you have a rather odd way of thinking, I know your taste in books and I know that you're dense. Immensely so. Maybe I am too. I also know you like me. If I'm right, which I don't doubt I am considering your little trick with those letters... I'm free after this.

Yours truly,

Kuni. (ps. turn the paper around, loser.)"

And you do so, you do just that and turn the letter around to where you find more writing, this time lengthier and clearly written with a different intent. Your words glaze over each word, intaking the tone and you swear you can almost hear it. You peek over the letter gazing at the violet-haired man but hiss face is turned away yet, the corner of your lips quirk up seeing the red of his ears.

It feels like you're taking a century to read what he wrote, he had stolen a few glances but the moment you turn the letter he fully committed to averting his gaze, a hand to his mouth as he muttered curses, his mind flooded with what the hell you could be thinking right now.

Two knocks sound out, you've tapped his desk again. As he is about to turn around there's a warm blow of air at his ears and he feels his ears rumble at just the proximity of your breath. "You're really forward." He couldn't tell if you were being sarcastic or not but that was the last thing on his mind as he finally faces you, seeing so close to him. He doesn't think you've ever worn such an expression before. If anyone else was looking they'd think you were up to no good and he'd have to agree, though, he can tell there's some glee in your eyes. "I could say the same for you... Then, is that a yes?"

"No." He swears he feels his heart sink.

"It's a definite yes."

Kuni begins to regret ever giving you that letter, "You jest too much." You let out a sound of agreement, "Yeah, but you don't seem to dislike it." Taunting. How fitting of you.

Though, he can't help but focus on the fact that you actually agreed to this... especially when you're donning such a prideful appearance too. Even if you're teasing him more than you ought to, he doesn't mind, in fact, he thinks he likes it. It just means he's closer to you now. "I don't. It means you really like me. Don't you?" There's a moments hesitation from you as you observe the change on his demeanour, a playful smirk on his lips as his eyes glimmer with a certain amusement. Earning a gentle nod from you, you reaffirm his words.

"I do."

back contents of the letter;

"Sometimes I believe you're killing me just by merely being around me. It feels as though you're making me go through torture each time you let me catch a glimpse of you. I begin to think that you must be driving me insane because there's no other way I can explain this. But, you're divine. To me, you are everything and more. I don't think I could ever put into words the way I honour you, that smile of yours, your voice that puts my thoughts to a halt and has me anticipating the next time I'll get to hear you.

I wish I was closer to you, as close as I can be. I wish to express my love easier, to tell you it how it is without worrying about you'll take it. Tell me, is the only way to explain how I feel sappy words and deep analogies? You like me, right. You have letters from me. But they're different from this. This is truly from me. My words aren't sophisticated or smart, they don't pierce your heart at my ability to deduce what you want to hear. This is a mess, uncollected and disorganised. Yet, I don't want to sell you a fantasy. My love for you is a frenzy, much like the one you set my heart on, so I won't pretend to be tame. I want you, I love you. That's how it is, and I intend to devote myself to proving that to you it I must, because when I tell you that I like you it's not just an overused phrase but the closest way I can tell you how I feel even if it only shows an inkling of it.

Maybe I'm not right for you. But I want to be."

[flamerunn3r]

Ok making this as a new post bc I adjusted a couple of minor things on these. In the order I drew them in, heres the great p5u au design post finalized after working on these on and off for like 5 months

This is my own personal interpretations but is also somewhat speculative in nature. I'm mostly trying to use already established characterizations and arena epilogue set ups as a branching off point but there might be stuff I've missed or forgotten (i also haven't played dancing yet sorry if there's something in there I hadn't accounted for). This is kind of like if I took the creative reigns on the story where I'd continue with it. Only the investigation team for now but maybe I'll do the shadow ops at some point.

Yu Narukami

He's currently either attending school as a journalism student in the city or just starting out as one. Enthusiastic about his field but still tries to find the time to keep up with his friends and visit Inaba when he's free. I felt journalism made alot of sense for him with the themes of persona 4. I liked the sport jacket and turtleneck but wanted something different so the scarf was chosen to keep the same kind of silhouette. I made the collar on the winter coat large and I feel like Narukami's large uniform collar is a key part of his design. and I wanted to call back to that in his casual outfit. The summer outfit I kept close to his summer outfit from p4. I mostly wanted to keep his outfits smart and simple. For his meta verse outfit I really wanted to go all out with the bancho (kingpin) stuff and other delinquent tropes. I lengthened the uniform coat a little because I wanted it to look like a tokko-fuku. Alot of smaller detail inspiration was taken from Izanagi. The lenses in the mask are supposed to mimic glasses. I'd imagine he'd take off the mask the same way he throws off his glasses at the end of P4.

Teddie

I can't imagine him leaving Inaba and the TV world behind. Still staying in Inaba and working largely the same job. He's got his own place now albeit small (still a step up from the closet though). At some point the IT asked Mitsuru to pull some strings so he actually has a legal personhood now. The animal hoodie is something that came to me spontaneously but I knew I needed to include it. I really that his normal outfit in 4 keeps the white and red of the bear costume in the outfit so I tried to keep the colour scheme here too. Most of his later outfits are less flashy and more casual so I tried to continue that trend. I didn't want to lose the rose from the corsage completely so I included a rose pattern in the second shirt. Alot of his outfits feature light blue so I wanted to feature that. (I considered making the hoodie light blue initially) I don't think he'd have a metaverse outfit he'd just use the bear costume.

Naoto Shirogane

I'm under the assumption Naoto is still presenting masculinely to the general public as of p5 but I may be mistaken. (If I'm wrong I'd still probably largely keep the outfits largely similar to this.) Naoto's still working as a detective and I don't think that's ever really going to change. One thing that a hypothetical p5u would have to address is what Naoto and the shadow ops would have been doing during the events of persona 5 but I haven't worked that out yet

I feel alot of the appeal of Naoto's design is the kind of boy detective fashion. I went at this design with the intention of kind of refining that into something a little more adult while still keeping in a similar vein. I did have to ditch the pageboy hat unfortunately as I felt it made them look too young. These outfits were kind of designed as pseudo work clothes which is why I tried to make them a bit more formal. Something I consider notable about Naoto's design that I deliberately avoided here was the rolled up pant legs. It's very obvious in 4 it's done because Naoto is short but I feel like Naoto would start getting that either custom made or tailored to fit. I was initially going to forgo the blazer on the summer outfit but the design felt empty without it. Naoto having a noir detective themed metaverse outfit is an idea I'd had for years but I tried to incorporate design elements that were princely. I alot of the inspiration was from Sam Spade specifically. Deliberately made similarities to Akechi's white crow design. The band around the hat is supposed to invoke the similar one on the old page boy hat.

Yukiko Amagi

Still working at her families in but is taking online schooling during the less busy seasons. She's mostly happy where she is but is keeping her options open. Occasionally makes visits to other ryokans out of town for ideas for her families own inn, as well as an opportunity to for her to sight-see.

The headband was included in her design in p4 as a like retro design thing but I find it too important of a marker of her design to remove it. I understand the why they went with the hairstyle they did for her golden epilogue but I feel it just ends up making her look way older then she is. I thought her having her hair up would be a nice change since she does it so rarely and settled on a ponytail. Tried changing the bangs but the ones she already had just felt right. I wanted her clothes to carry this kind of air of sophistication so I tried to keep them relatively simple and sleek. She's wearing pants in the winter outfit but I chose the longer coat to keep a similar skirt silhouette. The choker was largely inspired by the scarf she has in her winter outfit. Despite being a different colour the cardigan was also chosen to tie back somewhat to the sweater she wears with her school uniform.

In some side material it's mentioned that Yukiko has an interest in western fashion and aesthetics (part of what made the castle manifest the way it did) and I wanted to lean on that in some way for her metaverse design. I ended up going with a masquerade ball theme. I tried to keep the dress to something simple and easy to move in. The gloves and boots take inspiration from her persona in terms of design and size. I wanted to incorporate elements from her work kimono as well hence the ribbon around the torso and flower patterning. Probably the most unsure of this one of the metaverse designs so far. Especially the colours (considered making the reds pinks initially). Might revisit this one.

Rise Kujikawa

Canonically still making music as an idol as of p5. She thankfully has a little more time to herself now then she did at the height of her popularity but shes still enjoying herself and her career.

I really liked her epilogue design having her hair down because it feels alot more relaxed. I feel she probably stop wearing the pigtails as regularly outside of work as time goes on. I went for a more casual relaxed style for her in for her general casual wear, but I still wanted a kind of cute vibe.

Wanted her to have two metaverse outfits mostly because I wanted her to have this little magical girl transformation thing when she fights. But I also think it kind of emphasizes her thing in arena with Himiko about having different sides of herself. Tried to keep them visually similar. General coloursheme of these were inspired by the album cover she has in p5 bc I really liked the kind of more mature vibe to it then weve been shown with her previous idol stuff.

Himiko kind of has this like emphasis on a lack of mobility with the mermaid dress so I ended up using this with Rise as well bc I thought it would be fitting for a navigator. I based the battle outfit mostly on her idol oufits from the anime and DaN. I was really unsure the direction to go with for the mask but I wanted it to be two-toned to emphasize the multiple faces thing again and I like what I ended up with.

Yosuke Hanamura

Studying in the city and struggling to juggle college and a part time job. I'm unsure on what he'd major in but he's paying his own way through college. He's working at either a Junes branch or a Triple Seven or something. I think he's rooming with someone in a rented apartment currently (either Narukami or someone outside the IT. Leaning towards the latter)

I'm trying to go for outfits that are like flashy but still pretty casual and I think I did an alright job. Darker colour pallete in his outfits here then the p4 ones but I think it works. The headphones being wireless was an immediate obvious design choice I thought of as a way to show the difference in time period (sounds weird to talk about it like that since its like 5 years difference but it is what it is/)

I went for this kind of tropey ninja/super hero thing with his metaverse outfit. The primarily black colour was something I also chose for this reason. The tools on the belt are also kind of typical in this regard. The headphones were something I felt was integral to his design so I had to include them. Charge suggested the googles as a mask idea and I think it works really well.

Kanji Tatsumi

Continuing the family business as well as expanding to sell his work online. Generally doing fairly well for himself, rightfully confident in his work. I feel like he's probably tried out a few things when it comes to his personal style before settling where he is now. Has gone back and forth quite a few times on his hair but eventually decided on keeping in black.

Going to be honest I sketched this out after Naoto's but ended up psyching myself out of working on it for a while. Anyway I went at this with this kind of idea of trying to like soften the though guy aspect of Kanji's appearance without losing them. I did try out a couple of other hairstyles but I couldn't come up with something else that felt right.

The Metaverse Design was initially going to have more samurai inspiration but it ended up only coming through with the mask in the end. Deliberately harkening back to his initial design with this but I feel like it's warrented because Kanji's fashion in 4 is as much a facade to keep people away as it is just his own personal taste.

Chie Satonaka

Still pursuing police work around the Yasoinaba area. I think all the IT are signed on with the Shadow Operatives in case of emergency but Chie is more actively involved with the Operatives then the rest of the IT as she actively asks and tries to be. Still talks to Akihiko fairly regularly as well (mostly exchanging texts).

Generally with her everyday outfits I mostly wanted to keep it sporty but relaxed. Deliberately made these a little less overtly feminine then her p4 outfits because I feel like she'd grow more confident in herself not being as feminine as her peers. Tried to keep an article of clothing the same between the two of these outfits to call back to the jersey she was wearing in 4. I considered having her not continue to dye her hair but I didn't feel like Chie once I changed her hair colour so it gets to stay the same.

Her metaverse outfit takes inspiration from kung fu uniforms, particularly the pants. The chest plate is styled after a hotoke dou albeit shortened. Charge also came up with the mask for this one; a blindfold to invoke the idea of a uber competent blinded martial artist, the fabric here is sheer though. The shoes on this design are not necessarily finalized as they are not technically part of the outfit. They are her weapons and would change as such like in the rpg.

Ok that's all for now. Glad to finally have this done

[e-s-willswriting]

So, You've Seen a Bad Play: An Essay

Yesterday I went to see a show.

It was a student production my friend was involved in. I’ve seen student productions in the past and overall, I have been very impressed with them. They’re a showcase for budding talent and intriguing ideas, even if aspects need to be refined. I can’t say any of the shows I’ve seen are bad (all that comes to mind was a production of Measure for Measure, but it was simply that I hadn’t studied the text itself. The production was great and had intriguing fight choreography).

Part of me felt I would do an actual review of the thing, but for the sake of privacy for those involved, I felt I’d rather not. But I still wanted to discuss it, nonetheless.

It was a small-scale production by someone who was not from an Arts and Humanities background, but a medical sciences background. I really respect when artists incorporate their studies and careers, even those unrelated to creative fields, into their work. In my student workshops I’d read one text about a pilot written by someone who was a trainee pilot, and another time I’d read a book that, even if I didn’t like the text, I loved the details that came from the writer being an archivist and imbuing that into the text. It adds a real richness to those aspects that can only be gained from hands on experience, and I love that. I feared that the work I was going to see might be too technical, that aspects may go over my head, but I hoped to go in and appreciate it even if I didn’t fully get it.

I didn’t get it.

But not for those reasons.

Let me set the scene. I’m sat in the back row on pretty standard fold-up chairs with limited visibility due to those in the front two rows, sipping a complimentary cider that came with the ticket I paid for (much needed). Tiny studio room. The writer gets up, only gives an epilepsy warning and promptly sits back down. I make a mental note of how unceremonious of a welcome that is, if you could call it one, but pass it off. Play begins.

In short, the next hour was an incredibly poorly written production. Character arcs were non-existent, things would be introduced then promptly dropped, they wanted to deal with too many environmental and political messages for an hour runtime and all of them fell flat, scenes were poorly established, and the messaging felt non-existent.

But it’s not like I can’t praise aspects of the show. The actors hard carried the production despite the abysmal script they had to work with. If I saw them in another production, I’m sure they could absolutely kill it. And there were interesting things that could have worked if fully incorporated. There was a musical accompaniment for one (1) scene that was very well done and pleasant to listen to and then she just sat in the corner quietly for the rest of the show not to be used again (like multiple aspects of the script, established and ditched). There was a cool little red beep under one of the characters’ tops to act as their heart. They really tried to do things with what little they had.

As a creative, it feels weird to be a critic. Especially one to a student production. I'm always having to clarify that I understand that making stuff is hard because I do it too. Perhaps I'm only harsh because I'm affirming to myself what I want to see out of my own works. I see a thing, I think ‘this could have been better’. and I think about how I'd apply those lessons to my works. It only comes from a deep love for the medium that my critiques are harsh. I’ll always look for good, even in things I don’t like (even if it’s just ‘I think the concept is cool’) because there’s very few things that are wholly bad. Hell, some terrible things can at least be entertaining, which I don’t deny this production was (if not for the reasons it intended). I am a firm believer that one of the worst things a story can be is boring.

I’m particularly harsh on this production because I sincerely believe it was AI-generated.

What doesn’t help is the show all but confirmed it, with an almost 5 minute long in-universe advert for a hospital. Multiple AI voices (man 1 to woman 2) saying effectively the same thing. All it served was to establish setting.

Here’s roughly how I would have done it, in about 30 seconds:

A man walks out in a white coat. He puts on blue gloves and a face mask, and hurriedly walks off stage as CHARACTER A walks on, nervously pacing the hall of the hospital.

There. Done.

Could my friend have told me it was AI-generated?  Sure. Thing is, they didn’t know for certain, only that they were paid to work in it (thank God) but thus under contractual obligation to finish the production for pay (they’re a uni student, any money’s good!) And by the time they’d told us to get tickets, they’d come to realize just how bad it would be, and it was too late at that point (student productions can be under tight time constraints).

Thing is, I believe one of the core issues of AI is consent, or lack thereof. I believe that as a consumer, I should have had the right to know what content was involved in this production, and it was up to the production itself to disclose that. Just as people deserve to know any potential content warnings and epilepsy warnings for a show and to make the educated choice to engage with that material as a consumer, I think they also deserve to know if a production uses (or is entirely made with) AI.

Sure it's not going to harm them if they're seeing it, but don't they deserve to know? Because what if next door, there's a small self-produced play written by humans that could change their lives and speak to their souls? Don't they deserve to know that it was made by a person, honestly produced by them?

Little on the webpage communicated that it was AI generated, and the text only appears as such now after I’ve seen the play. If I had known the play used AI, and seemingly was entirely written in it, I would have not paid to see this show. Simple as. I want to support shows written by people.

But now I must grapple with the fact that I paid money to see something made with a tool I have extreme ethical complaints against as an artist and consumer. I have seen one 15-minute play (Caryl Churchill’s What If If Only, a quarter of the runtime) and a free production by Mamoru Iriguchi (What You See/What You Don’t See) and I would much rather have paid the ticket price for those shows which I absolutely loved, than to have seen this seemingly AI production once.

And I think that’s why I wanted to write this blogpost. To remind people that as consumers, we deserve to know if a production uses AI machine learning software. We deserve informed choices. AI probably won't leave anytime soon and might significantly help certain sectors, but right now it’s a wild west and often not used for these purposes to sincerely help people and provide accurate information. And there are those that assume that it democratizes the writing process. On the surface, yes. My mum could put in a prompt and get a script. But the love of labour? No. Not now, not ever. AI devalues artistic processes, and it's insulting to a medium that's withstood all of human history to effectively be told that a robot can recreate it.

But no, it can't replicate heart. It can't replicate real human experience.

In a strange way, seeing this production is somewhat affirming. I struggle with writing. Sometimes it’s just the act of getting up to write after a long day or a late night. Other days it’s harder stages (editing for example). At some points it’s having the ideas and having little way to communicate them. At times it’s just the isolation of it all and the compulsion to just scroll through my phone- I’ve written best when I’m working with others at times, even if those people aren’t writers!

Writing for me has been a struggle, and it’s a struggle I’m still overcoming. I’m still discovering who I am as a writer, what works for me, what stuff I want to produce. And there’s those times when I manage a good session, or an idea burns in me like fuel, or I make people’s eyes light up with the stuff I’m producing. That’s when I know the reasons I struggle. It’s because I can’t suppress the urge to make stuff, and I don’t want to live a life I’d regret in not at least trying to make cool things.

I’ll probably make bad things. First drafts and such that aren’t good. I’ve made bad things in the past, absolutely!

But I chose that struggle.

And if this play can exist and be produced, then the only thing really holding me back is myself. Seeing things like this galvanizes me to push on and make the things I care about.

And I will them with my own hands.

[sleeplesssmol]

Thank you for replying so fast! It’s really interesting that Vertin really did make such a gamble. Speaking of which, what is with the two moons? Is that the Storm Syndrome of the era? How is it related to the pop art thing we see happen?

Full disclosure before this: I adore Vernetto and I’m very much writing from the perspective of Vernetto Real, haha. So: I feel like Vertin and Sonetto’s relationship changes quite a bit throughout the story. In chapter 3, Vertin is the one who pursues Sonetto, but the dynamic is reversed (ha) later on. I often feel like Vertin has trouble identifying her own emotions regarding other people, and it makes me wonder if maybe she had a crush on Sonetto without realizing it when they were kids, giving her all sorts of things in an attempt to bond with her. It didn’t really work because Sonetto was so scared of anything from the outside, despite her natural curiosity. Then the breakaway happened, there was no chance for things to progress, and Vertin “moved on”.

I feel like it breaks Vertin’s heart to see Sonetto shut down her natural curiosity and interest in the outside world due to the Foundation’s indoctrination, but at the same time, Vertin doesn’t want to force her to change her views. Instead I think she is incredibly supportive and proud of Sonetto whenever she makes strides in the direction of independence. And of course she’s always happy to enable Sonetto when she wants to try things (I really cannot imagine a world where Vertin turned down Sonetto’s cheek kissing practice or bridge invitation!).

Also, do we know if the prologue is the first time Vertin and Sonetto have met each other since the breakaway, or if they’ve seen each other in between? Things like Sonetto’s birthday letter would maybe imply that it’s not the first time, right?

I want to know the last bit as much as you 😂 I'm assuming they stayed in touch but there isn't much to go off of. I really want to know what happened between the break away event and the intro.

Sonetto, how did you get from "damn it Vertin" to this puppy? Also, despite Sonetto scolding Vertin, she will still accept the gifts and never outright ignores her. If Vertin calls, she'll answer and I think that says something about her too.

Vertin once mentioned to Madam Z she knew she could depend on her because on that night long ago, she saw that madam z was not part of Constantine's game by the look in her eyes. She also doesn't force people to make choices they really don't want. For example, she gives Regulus options in the Suitcase after everything as proof of this. Like if Regulus wanted, she could have joined the Foundation which would make sense considering the whole experiment thing but they really are alike so that didn't happen. She stayed.

Going off of this, I think Vertin has high emotional intelligence but doesn't necessarily know the correct action to take. Especially since they were kids back then. Maybe she saw that curious spark Sonetto displays now and wanted to fuel it, hoping to bond over shared interests? Her perception is highlighted throughout the story. Perhaps she knew Sonetto doesn't actually hate her despite her frustrations? Gremlin energy. You love and you hate them.

As for the Storm Syndrome, yes I think the moons were a side effect of the Storm but I couldn't tell you exactly what it represented 🤔

From a shipping perspective, I l'm happy with any content with Vertin in it lol. As for the analysis of shipping dynamics, I like comparing opposite dynamics since it helps me refine the point I'm trying to make. On this case, it'd be Schneider.

While seeing Schneider's effect on Vertin is straightforward, Sonetto's true influence stood out to me when I backtracked.

From the moment they met, Schneider is described with a sort of romantic or pretty language. From her face to her scent, she's directly described in a delicate but deadly light. It really feels like she made a shift in Vertin's world in the short time they knew each other.

The context she thinks about Sonetto isn't highlighted with the same romanticism she applies to Schneieder, but she constantly appears in Vertin's thoughts. In Sonetto's case it's the small things that Vertin's always noticed but never forgets. Sonetto lives in her head rent free from her dreams (artificial somnambulism) to memories from their days as children.

From all the way back in the intro, Vertin makes references to their school days when she meets Sonetto. Like the way Sonetto looks up at the sky and takes a deep breath before combat or the determined expression is the same kind she makes before an exam. While Schneider made a huge impact in a moment, Sonetto's presence quietly persisted in her mind for a long time.

In simpler terms:

Schneider was the one who shook her world.

Sonetto is her Roman Empire.

I might have more dynamics to work with in the future and this is subject to change as the character develop but I hope this is useful for your story! Good luck! 👍

[phyriaxi]

Another ask separate from my rq, are there any artists or other influences that have inspired your art that you'd like to share?

ohh boy, this is definitely a question I can ramble about (apologies in advance for the long text!!)

Short Answer (a list of lasting artistic influences):

Movies/animanga: How to Train Your Dragon, Avatar (not ATLA, sorry) , Evangelion, Pinch Point (by VLANCAT), Land of the Lustrous, Tower of God, CSM, Tokyo Ghoul, 86 EIGHTY-SIX

Games: Arknights, Cytus II (rip art team..), Honkai Impact 3rd, Destiny 2

artists/illustrators/animators: Shilin, Ishida Sui, yasutatsu, WOOMA, par0llel, suzumesakiii, Dino_illus, liduke, ligton1225, Curie Lu, 96yottea, many many others... I could write nearly every Arknights illustrator as well and still not be satisfied ..

Music: classical music, Ado, KIVA, Eve (the MVs..!), i think i need to stop listing things now because it'll never end

Long Answer (rambling):

when it comes to art, i am definitely inspired by other visual artists, but i am also very inspired by the world around me as well as creators of other types of media. i'm extremely lucky to have grown up in a lively, diverse city with a wonderfully creative family, so the art and music of my family and environment plays a large part in my artistic preferences!! Something I have really wanted to integrate more deeply into my art is the contrast between new and old, grungy and refined... it reflects a lot of the conflicts that make up what I consider to be "me." Also, I just really like the vibe of chaotic industrial zones and rusty metal combined with a shining city in the distance, lol.

Regarding particularly influential media: pretty much anyone who's taken a glance at my blog will know immediately that Arknights is one of my biggest influences. it's basically all i draw nowadays... whenever I'm not thinking about Responsibilities and Adult Life i'm usually thinking about either Arknights or Ado (<3).

before Arknights, I spent a long time drawing fanart and fan-characters inspired by How to Train Your Dragon. Both the visual and musical aspects of that series still have a very dear place in my heart, even if I don't engage much with the community anymore. I actually only really started drawing not-dragons about 3 or 4 years ago at this point. Something I have been thinking about a lot recently is how I can go back to drawing more creatures alongside my humanoid subjects, since it's not something I've done very much recently.

Gradually I began to find more friends in the art community, and I think I'm very influenced by those people as well! It isn't a competition, of course, but being around people who are also pushing to improve is a big motivator when I am feeling low on passion. "I want to stand together with them at the top of world one day", is how I often feel. I really want to work on a collaborative project with other artists someday as well. Trying to build my skill is partially because I want to better express my ideas, but also because I want to inspire and be inspired by other creators. :D I think my art has been evolving at a pretty good pace recently because of these motivators.. the friends and regulars (including you, burstfoot!!) that visit my blog regularly here really motivate me too!!

and lastly, I'm at a point in my life where I feel that if I can't get this art thing off the ground, I will probably have to give up on pursuing it properly soon... so it's partially desperation that is inspiring me to change and try new ways of expression as well :,]

[ thank you for the ask!! ]

[lilac-udon]

Alien stage thoughts

I saw many hate round 7, the plot is logically this result is understandable and very valid, however it’s not a good aftertaste for the audience . I guess I give some critique? I did make a post about the story, logically I think till should die. the story always seems interesting to me because I feel it’s not standard, not taking usual paths. for me I think it’s cool too see creative goes to places ppl never goes before and explore more unusual none traditional plots , which I think that’s why round 6 is big, usually no one will write it like that. ( ivan a side character being this devoted and etc) However I also did consider if this is a writer flaw . story wise round 7 is confusing and depressing . how I see my love for ivan because he is the most in depth character, simple straight forward of lover boy angst over his love. he’s story is full, refined, understandable. I said this also led characters unbalanced of sua, , till and mizi who especially is the mc is out of focus, and results many cheering for till who ivan put his effort on that the audience can attach their feelings to . What I was expecting was more story of till however we doesn’t get it( and logically we shouldn’t bc he isn’t the mc), it make till felt hollow. They really put too much insight for ivan where luka till mizi etc all just glanced through their activities. Another problem of alst , they always add more explanation and info out of the video which sua and ivan is actually quite different from only viewing the mvs. Paid content and post to explain the motive that you completely can not get from videos, however ivan gets a lot in his videos time. Was too hype for till to be a complex character but he met his end before anything. I can only see them all alive in some ways to save this part for the explanation.

so I was looking at others criticism and I do agree about some, mostly about the ship, like it’s logical what had happened , but viewing ppl opinions I do agree, the series was heavily depending on selling their official ship, and their mismatch pairing of the final give viewers bad taste ,confusion and mostly sadness, the lack of mizi internal really made till became the main character everyone voting for … the ambiguity of timeline. So yeah the video is short and you can’t put all the information you want to say. I do see this happening however it just sad, my worries is they make them all alive but that really hurts the writing a little, viv always like to be sad, is my joy to read and see people idea after round 6, now everyone is dead ah , also joke on u I love my ship dead :) I’m just concerned about the story continuity

half way in the story??? And half of them is dead????????

Oh there’s one thing I dislike about… the art book gives us what the author explained of what is what… ugh

Add I’m gonna add here so no one see at first sight, it a joke I love them: till has such a miserable life, abuse, and harass two time before death

But the overall video is hype I love it but the story just a bit sad, but for till that pretty nice too I guess, he can finally leave this horrible world

[milflewis]

for the fic writer asks - 4, 26, 28, 49!

4. What detail in [insert fic] are you really proud of?

i can’t believe i’m mentioning this fic but i got to rep The Agenda 💪.

this bit: “Vettel. God, he’s been inside of you, Mark, get over yourself. Mark’s deliberate ignorance of the fact that everyone and their mother knows Sebastian fucked Mark, and not just metaphorically, gets rather tedious sometimes.” is smth i will Always Always stand by. like the thought of seb in his redbull i eat shenanigans for snacks inbetween my gremlin sex shithousery being the top and the one to fuck The Mark Webber is so delicious to me and should be talked about more imo

or mb the bit in my valewis fic where valtteri had chocolates in his pocket to give to lewis that lewis finds. a little callback to when lewis said he used to carry around sweets and not let himself eat them bc of self discipline and control and all that jazz

26. Would you rather write a fic that had no dialogue or one that was only dialogue?

ohhh v interesting question! i think i’d be better and find it easier to write a fic with no dialogue with all the set up and the surroundings and actions that ppl do to talk about so i’m going to go with only dialogue bc i love a challenge!

28. Does anyone read your fics before you post them? If so, who?

if they’re for here, then generally not. bc i just write and post pretty much in the same go. pump and dump bby. but anything that’s any longer then most of the time yeah. it’s often @effervescentdragon or @lewishamil10n. or @tinytauris if it’s yukierre. @vettelgp has read a good few of mine too! i’ve had a few other ppl proof read things or just let me talk at them so they could poke holes at what i’m trying to say to fix it up and refine it who have done it bc of that Specific Ship or Story. i’m a bit of a slut for ppl who’ll read my fic i won’t lie. the little boosts of validation help sustain me and keep pushing while i’m in the middle of Slogging Thru The Writing Part

49. What are you currently working on? Share a few lines if you’re up for it!

i’ve been trying to get back into writing my pacific rim au recently. life and all it’s complications, esp my recurring inability to sit down and actually write, has been making this difficult but i’ve been pecking away at it. i’ve started a short spin off fic ft. prosenna so i’m playing in the sandbox and trying to relearn the feel of it but without the pressure of the monster og fic if that makes sense? (tumblr recently ate most of this side fic but nevertheless we persevere 🫡)

“Maybe — maybe I’ll start a garden.”

“A garden.”

“Yes. Somewhere — somewhere quiet. Go back to Europe. The edges of a city. I think I would like a cat.”

Aryton’s breathing is quiet until: “I’ve always wanted a dog.”

Alain laughs. Something settles hot and heavy in the bottom of his gut when Aryton continues. “They can get on. Sometimes.”

“Sometimes,” he replies, softly. “That’s true.”