#taste of chaos 2007

[zzombiegrrrl]

so in 2007, when my mom was stationed in Florida on a naval base, she had the chance to go to Taste of Chaos with her boyfriend. They had extra tickets, and she didn't have work the next day so she thought it would be a good time. At that concert, she saw The Used, 30 seconds to Mars, and Saosin.

And now, 17 years later, I have that hoodie.

one of my favorites, it is such a cool thing I have and proof that my mom was cool LOL

[fameandfiction]

IMAGINE PART I: “This Is What You Signed Up For, Babe” — Reneé Rapp x Reader

— Unfiltered Couple Chaos Meets Affectionate Soft Moments.

Requested

[A Tuesday that feels like a Sunday. Neither of you knows what time it is. That’s the point.]

Reneé bursts into the kitchen like a raccoon who found the Fountain of Youth and then immediately bathed in it. Hair wild. Hoodie six sizes too big. Mismatched socks. A granola bar already in her mouth and a second one clenched in her fist like it insulted her ancestors.

You don’t even flinch. This is normal. This is home.

“Did you feed my emotional support basil?” she asks with a mouth full of oats.

You blink. “Your what.”

“My basil. He's on the windowsill. He vibes. He's sensitive.”

You glance at the sad, sun-starved plant. “I watered him yesterday.”

Reneé gasps. “Without consulting me? That's a co-parenting violation.”

You raise a brow. “You're right. Next time I’ll schedule a custody meeting with the herb garden.”

She dramatically slides onto the counter, legs swinging like a 2007 Disney Channel character. “Apology accepted.”

[Moments later – Living room chaos]

Reneé is attempting yoga. By which you mean, she’s lying on the carpet in child’s pose complaining about her “existential hip pain.”

You sit on the couch, sipping tea and scrolling. She's been on the floor for fifteen minutes.

“You know what’s criminal?” she says, voice muffled by the rug. “That I can’t nap professionally.”

“You basically do,” you deadpan. “You got up at noon.”

“I was preserving my beauty.”

“You woke up looking like you fought a pillow and lost.”

She lifts her head to glare at you. “Don’t start with me, bedhead.”

You smirk, already anticipating her revenge. She will, without question, pour cold water on you in the shower tomorrow.

[Later – Kitchen again, chaotic snack o’clock]

You’re trying to make something resembling a meal. Reneé is perched on the kitchen island like a gremlin, stealing ingredients as you chop.

“Babe,” you warn. “If you eat one more piece of cheese I will revoke your tasting privileges.”

She pops another cube in her mouth and stares at you with zero remorse. “You knew what this was.”

“I did,” you sigh, tossing her a cracker. “Unfortunately, I did.”

She catches it, victorious. “That’s called relationship synergy.”

[FaceTime with her mom – Reneé sitting in your lap]

You’re both crammed on the couch, wrapped in a throw blanket. Reneé’s mom is saying something about a family gathering and Reneé keeps interrupting to stroke your hair in a dramatic, Shakespearean way.

“Tell her you love me more than life,” Reneé stage-whispers.

You give her a look. “Your mom didn’t even ask about that.”

“She needs to know.”

You speak into the phone: “Hi, yes. I do love your daughter. But she’s trying to brush my hair with a fork.”

Reneé beams. “Ariel-style, bitch.”

Her mom sighs, but she's smiling too.

[9PM – The bathroom ritual]

This is sacred territory. Neither of you speaks during the Getting Ready To Rot In Bed portion of the night. It’s too serious.

She’s brushing her teeth aggressively, muttering something about capitalism. You’re doing your skincare. Both of you are in ugly t-shirts and socks with holes.

She spits into the sink and grins at you in the mirror. “Hey. I love you more than I love TikTok.”

“That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

You bump hips. She bumps back. This is your love language now.

[10PM – Bed]

The room is dark, cold, and quiet except for your whisper-arguing about who forgot to refill the humidifier.

“She’s dying,” Reneé whines, gesturing at the appliance like it’s a person.

“You’re projecting,” you murmur, nuzzling into the blanket. “She’s fine.”

“You’re fine,” she grumbles, crawling under the covers and immediately tangling herself around you like a needy boa constrictor. “I need your thigh.”

“Excuse me?”

“Let me put my leg over yours. For balance. And emotional security.”

You lift the blanket in offering. “Come get what’s yours.”

She snorts and practically tackles you. You both giggle. It’s stupid. It’s perfect.

[A few hours later – 2AM fever dream energy]

You're both awake again. Why? Who knows. All you know is Reneé’s voice is in your ear saying:

“Do you think if aliens watch us they’d be like, wow lesbians really just... exist like this?”

You blink into the darkness. “What did I do in my past life to deserve you?”

She whispers, dead serious: “You must’ve saved a lesbian from a house fire.”

You lose it. She’s laughing into your neck, hair everywhere, breath warm, and it feels like a private joke the universe will never understand.

[The next morning – Twitter post]

📱 @/yourusername I love her so much it’s disgusting. she just asked if I think ghosts have skincare routines

🩷 @/reneerapp quote tweet: ghosts deserve self care too. you’re so judgemental

🧠 @/wlwchronicles they’re not just dating. they’re possessed by mutual obsession and stupid tenderness. this is what sapphic dreams are made of.

This is your shared universe now — where love sounds like insults, forehead kisses are currency, and morning breath debates count as emotional intimacy. You wanted domestic unhinged, and this is what domestic unhinged looks like.

Requested

[mononijikayu]

pied piper — gojo satoru.

he couldn't let you slip away now, not after you had already left such a lasting impression on him. the taste of sin lingered on his lips from that fateful encounter, and he craved more of your sweet essence. he was willing to risk everything, even the ire of principal gakuganji, to have you by his side. with a sense of determination burning in his heart, gojo satoru resolved to lead you astray like a pied piper, guiding you down a path of forbidden desire and unbridled passion. and he was confident that you would follow, unable to resist the allure of his magnetic charm and the promise of untold ecstasy.

Genre: Pre - Hidden Inventory Arc, 2006 - 2007;

Warning/s: Romance, Love at First Sight, Strangers to Lovers, Colleagues to Lovers, Pet Names, Banter, Fluff, Comedy, Profanity, NSFW, R-18, Smut, Explicit Sex, Making Out, Unprotected Sex, Aftercare;

masterlist

listen: pied piper by bts

note: everyone is a year older in this fic, so both gojo and you are eighteen when this happened!!! i debated a lot if I was going to keep the smut but well, it is valentines day. i might as well give you a hurrah before i become a bit inactive once my uni break closes and i return to uni. this is the last for 2024's valentines day!!! happy valentines day everyone!!!

YOU DIDN’T KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR LIFE WOULD CHANGE DURING THIS MISSION. As you faced off against the formidable opponent, the air crackled with tension, thick with the malevolent aura emanating from the curse. Despite the gravity of the situation, your attention was inexplicably drawn to the white-haired boy with the ridiculous dark glasses observing from the building opposite you.

His gaze was intense, and you couldn't help but narrow your eyes in uncertainty as you continued to battle the curse with your double-edged spear. With each strike, the curse let out a heinous cry, its grotesque form writhing in agony before disappearing into oblivion.

This mission wasn't originally yours; Utahime-senpai had asked for your help to cover it, sensing her exhaustion from her previous assignment. Without hesitation, you had agreed and rushed to the field, determined to fulfill your duty.

But as you fought, you couldn't shake the feeling of being watched by the mysterious white-haired boy. His presence was distracting, his cheers of encouragement ringing in your ears as you faced the relentless onslaught of the curse's attacks. Despite the chaos around you, his gaze remained fixed on you, igniting a spark of curiosity and uncertainty within you like never before.

As you battled the curse, the weight of the white haired boy's intense gaze seemed to linger, as if it bore into your very soul. Each time you landed a blow, his cheers echoed in your mind, driving you to push harder against the relentless onslaught of the curse's attacks. Amidst the chaos of the battlefield, his unwavering focus on you filled you with a mixture of intrigue and unease, stirring emotions you had never experienced before.

As you turned your attention to the building where the white-haired boy had been observing, you were taken aback by what you saw next. With a rush of adrenaline, he leaped from rooftop to rooftop, closing the distance between you in a daring display of agility. Your eyes widened in surprise as you watched him descend gracefully, his smirk growing wider with each passing moment.

You couldn't help but let out a startled scream as he landed with perfect precision, his bravado emanating from every inch of his tall, imposing figure. His confident demeanor only seemed to grow as he approached you, his dark uniform perfectly in place despite the acrobatic display.

He was definitely a student, you realized, his presence exuding an air of youthful confidence and energy. You found yourself wondering about his origins—was he from Tokyo or Fukuoka? It seemed he was pondering the same question as he observed you with equal curiosity.

As he drew nearer, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness, his towering height casting a long shadow over you. You took a step back instinctively, the moonlight casting an ethereal glow over the scene. Beads of sweat formed on your brow as he adjusted his dark-rimmed glasses, his gaze fixed firmly on you amidst the moonlit backdrop..

"Hey there, tough fighter," he called out, his voice laced with amusement. "That was quite the show you put on back there."

“You could have died!” You retorted, pointing to where he was and where he is now. “Do you not, do you not see where you jumped from? You could have died right in front of me too!”

“You have really funny reactions.” The white haired boy says, almost excitedly. “I like that!”

“That is so fucked to say.”

“Ohhhhh, you kiss your mom with that foul mouth?”

“And what is it to you, creep?”

He snickers. “Everything to me, doll.”

You eyed him warily, still unsure of his intentions. "Who are you?" you asked, keeping your guard up.

He chuckled, unfazed by your cautious demeanor. "Just a curious observer, doll." he replied cryptically. "I couldn't help but be impressed by your skills. You've got quite the talent for handling curses."

You frowned, finding his flattery both unsettling and intriguing. "What do you want?" you pressed, unable to shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye.

His smirk widened, and he took a step closer, his gaze never leaving yours. "I want to see more of what you can do," he said, his voice low and enticing. "How about we team up for the next mission? I promise it'll be worth your while."

You frowned, your skepticism evident. “I don’t even know you.”

He raised a brow at your incredulous response. “What do you mean you don’t know me?”

“First of all, you look like a creep,” you retorted, your tone laced with suspicion.

“Am not,” he countered with a playful grin.

“You were watching me throughout my mission, clapping and cheering like you know me. But I don’t know you, and not to mention, I could have been killed!” you exclaimed, your frustration bubbling to the surface. “And you were just watching.”

He chuckled at your reaction, seemingly unfazed by your pointed remarks. “Nah, you wouldn’t.”

“What do you mean I wouldn’t?” you demanded, your frustration mounting as you awaited his response.

“You seem strong,” he remarked, his grin unwavering as he gazed at you with bright blue eyes that seemed to gleam in the moonlight. His hands remained casually tucked in his pockets, exuding an air of confidence.

Your brows furrowed at his compliment. “Is there a problem with that?”

“No,” he responded nonchalantly, his grin still in place. “But it makes me intrigued about you. And I wanna know more.”

“You sound like a brat,” you retorted, your tone sharp as you narrowed your eyes at him.

“That sounds like a compliment coming from you,” he teased, unfazed by your glare.

“It’s not,” you clarified, your expression serious as you adjusted your grip on your spear. “Who are you? What do you want from me?”

He chuckled softly, the moonlight casting a faint glow on his features as he stepped closer to you. "My name is Gojo Satoru," he introduced himself, his tone surprisingly sincere despite his earlier playful demeanor. 

As you lowered your weapon and studied Satoru Gojo, a wave of memories washed over you, triggered by the mention of his name. You recalled the countless times Utahime-senpai had returned from missions, regaling you with tales of the infamous sorcerer known for his unconventional methods and unpredictable behavior. According to her, Gojo Satoru was the epitome of chaos, a force of nature that caused her no end of frustration and stress.

You couldn't help but wonder if your experience teaming up with him would mirror Utahime-senpai's encounters. Would he prove to be as infuriating and exasperating as she had described? Or would you discover a different side to him, one that defied expectations and challenged your preconceived notions?

Utahime-senpai often spoke of Gojo Satoru and his friend Geto Suguru as a formidable pair to contend with in the world of Jujutsu sorcery. They were renowned for their power and skill, often entrusted with missions that surpassed the typical assignments given to others, including Utahime-senpai herself. It was a testament to their strength and reputation within the Jujutsu world.

As you reflected on Utahime-senpai's words, you couldn't help but acknowledge the truth in them. Gojo Satoru's imposing presence and undeniable power were evident in every interaction you had with him. He exuded confidence and authority, carrying himself with the assurance of someone who knew their capabilities.

Despite his formidable reputation, you knew there was more to Gojo Satoru than just his strength. He was a member of the esteemed Gojo family, a lineage known for producing powerful Jujutsu sorcerers. His tall stature and commanding presence only served to reinforce his status as a force to be reckoned with.

However, beneath his intimidating exterior, you sensed a complexity to him that intrigued you. There was a depth to his character that went beyond his power, a side of him that you were curious to explore further. But you also understood the potential ramifications of getting involved with someone like Gojo Satoru. His power and influence could easily overshadow your own, leaving you feeling insignificant in comparison.

Despite these reservations, you couldn't deny the allure of someone like Gojo Satoru. His presence commanded attention, drawing you in with an irresistible magnetism that left you captivated. But as you navigated the complexities of your interactions with him, you couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Gojo Satoru than met the eye.

“What do you say?” He smiles at her, lowering his glasses once more. His blue eyes pierced her once more. She gulped. “Humor me?”

“You’re so—”

Satoru Gojo's phone suddenly buzzed loudly with an incoming call, and he swiftly retrieved it from his pocket, glancing at the screen. He gave you a look, as though he was asking for a moment. You rolled your eyes at his dramatics. You didn’t know it then but the phone ID revealed Suguru Geto's name, his bestest friend. You would meet him later, that was certain. But you didn’t know that yet. Instead, you knew the sense of urgency to have that call happen in that moment. 

He looks at you, a bit flustered. “Do you mind?”

You furrowed your brows. THis would be a perfect opportunity to escape and leave. “.....Not at all.”

Gojo grins. “Perfect!”

With a quick press, he accepted the call and brought the phone to his ear.

"Suguruuuuuuu! What's up?" Gojo Satoru inquired, his usual carefree demeanor continued to echo in his voice. He sounded almost like a child then. “You missing me already?”

"Satoru, we need to go. Now," Suguru's voice conveyed a sense of urgency that immediately grabbed Satoru's attention. 

Perplexed tones etched across his face, Satoru asked, "What's going on? Why the rush?"

"It's Yaga. He's onto us," Suguru revealed, the gravity of the situation evident in his voice. “Shoko says he’s doing room inspections! Come and find me already!”

Your brows furrowed. You heard of Yaga Masamichi. From what you’ve heard, he was a strict individual. But nicer perhaps than principal Gakuganji. Yet he was highly respected. Utahime-senpai says that he's someone that could control the two strongest sorcerers right now.  whose scrutiny they couldn't afford.

Gojo Satoru's brows furrowed as he processed Suguru's words. The implications of Yaga discovering that they ran away to go and buy the new magazine Waka Inoue was modeling for, they’d be cooked. It was after curfew at the dorms after all. And Shoko could only do so much in distracting Yaga–sensei. 

"We can't let him interfere. I'm on my way," Satoru affirmed, his mind already calculating the fastest route to their meeting point. “Just stay where I left you!”

Suguru's response was a curt, "Hurry already, Satoru. I'm not going to suffer another lecture because of you!"

With a sense of urgency in the air, Satoru swiftly ended the call and pocketed his phone. Suguru's urgent tone had triggered a cascade of events, and they knew they had to act swiftly to avoid detection by Yaga Masamichi. Time was of the essence, and Satoru wasted no time in springing into action, his mind already racing with plans to evade their superior's scrutiny.

However, as he turned back to look at you, a mischievous grin spread across his face. "I hope you won't be a stranger the next time I see you," he remarked playfully, his tone light despite the seriousness of the situation.

You couldn't help but argue back, frustration evident in your voice. "You don't even know me!"

Satoru laughed in response, his laughter ringing out amidst the tension. "No, I won't," he agreed, his grin widening.

Raising a skeptical brow, you challenged him. "And how sure are you of that?"

"Because I'm your pied piper," he replied with a grin, his blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "And you'll follow me, doll."

You couldn't help but snicker at his confident remark. "You can try, you creep."

He tutted in mock offense, smirking at you. "Not a creep."

"Oh? And what are you to me?" you countered, curious despite yourself.

"Your future boyfriend," he quipped with a wink before disappearing into the night, leaving you to ponder his words in the wake of his departure.

You blinked at his words.

You couldn’t process it.

But when you do, you blushed.

“What do you mean by that?”

THE NEXT TIME YOU MEET GOJO SATORU, IT WAS AT THE SISTER SCHOOL GOODWILL EVENT. As you stood beside Atsuya Kusakabe, you couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of your stomach. The presence of Gojo Satoru, Geto Suguru, and Shoko Ieiri looming before you sent a shiver down your spine. Their formidable reputation preceded them, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of intimidation wash over you.

To your right stood the first years of Kyoto, their gaze fixed on you and the other first years of Tokyo, Haibara Yu and Nanami Kento. The tension between the two groups was palpable, each side silently sizing up the other in anticipation of the upcoming challenge.

However, it was Gojo Satoru who commanded your attention the most. His white hair stood out in stark contrast against the sea of students, his piercing blue eyes locking onto yours with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue. His grin, though seemingly friendly, sent a chill down your spine, his gaze seemingly capable of seeing right through you.

Beside you, Kusakabe whispered in concern, his brows furrowed as he observed Gojo's intense scrutiny. "Why is he looking at you like that?" he murmured, his voice tinged with apprehension. "He seems so intimidating... It's creeping me out."

You swallowed hard, your nerves on edge as you tried to mask your own unease. "You don't want to know, Atsuya," you replied tersely, your lips pressed into a thin line as you avoided making eye contact with Gojo. The last thing you needed was to draw any more attention to yourself in this already tense situation.

Kusakabe glanced at you, concern etched on his face. "Is there something I should know?"

You shook your head subtly, your gaze still fixed on the formidable figure of Gojo Satoru. "It's nothing, Atsuya. Let's just focus on the task at hand."

As Yaga-sensei's voice resonated across the courtyard, signaling the start of the Goodwill event, the tension became palpable. Students from both Tokyo and Kyoto exchanged nervous glances, sizing each other up for the imminent challenge.

During the introductions, you found yourself drawn to Geto Suguru's quiet confidence and genuine kindness. In a sea of unfamiliar faces, his presence provided a reassuring anchor, and you couldn't help but feel a budding admiration for the Kyoto sorcerer.

Observing Shoko Ieiri, you recognized echoes of Utahime-senpai in her demeanor—reserved yet poised. Considering the potential camaraderie between them, you made a mental note to introduce the two sorceresses, sensing the possibility of a strong friendship.

However, when it was time to greet Gojo Satoru, a wave of discomfort washed over you. His initially innocent smile quickly morphed into a smirk that sent chills down your spine. The glint of mischief in his eyes was unsettling, and you couldn't shake the feeling of being scrutinized.

Maintaining a polite demeanor, you exchanged greetings with Gojo Satoru, attempting to mask the unease simmering beneath the surface. Stepping away, you sought to put some distance between yourself and the enigmatic sorcerer, hoping to avoid any further unsettling encounters during the Goodwill event. You didn’t want to interact with him more than you had to. 

But the gods had other plans.

You wanted to scream into the void.

You sighed, looking at him in front of you.

“You missed me already, doll?”

You groaned. “Not you again.”

“Oh, but it is me again!”

As the team battle unfolded, the air crackled with tension as spells clashed and movements blurred in a flurry of action. Atsuya, as the elder of the third years, reluctantly took on the role of leading the charge, a responsibility he openly despised. You couldn't help but stifle a giggle at his visible frown, finding amusement in his discomfort. Despite his aversion to leadership, however, you knew that Atsuya was a capable leader, and you trusted him with your life.

Amidst the chaos of battle, you found yourself locked in a fierce confrontation with none other than Gojo himself. His Six Eyes bore into you with a mix of challenge and curiosity, sparking a determination within you to prove yourself in combat.

"Atsuya, go!" you called out to your friend, your voice carrying a serious tone as you glanced over at him. "I'll handle this!"

"I can't just leave you here!" Atsuya protested, his brows furrowing in concern.

"Yes, you can," you retorted firmly, frustration bubbling to the surface. "You know they'll gain more points if they defeat us with a bigger curse. None of us can lead them there. Go!"

With a reluctant nod, Atsuya finally relented and dashed off to join the fray. "Damn you, you stubborn idiot!" he shouted back at you over his shoulder as he hurried away.

"You can yap on about it later!" you called after him, your attention fully focused on preparing to face Gojo Satoru head-on. Ready to prove your mettle, you readied your spear and braced yourself for the coming confrontation.

“Don’t tell me I have a love rival.” Gojo Satoru exclaimed back at you. “Already? It’s only been a couple of months!”

As Gojo Satoru frowned at you with a hint of playful jealousy in his expression, you couldn't help but blink in surprise. His words caught you off guard, and a rush of heat flooded your cheeks as you processed his implications.

"Idiot, he's not my lover," you retorted, your voice tinged with embarrassment. "And also, I haven't accepted you as anything!"

To your surprise, Gojo gasped dramatically, feigning hurt. "Do you not care about my feelings right now?" he exclaimed in mock dismay, his expression comically exaggerated. "I thought we had something special!"

Rolling your eyes at his theatrics, you shook your head in exasperation. "Just shut up and fight already!" you snapped, feeling flustered by the unexpected turn in conversation. Raising your spear defensively, you focused your attention on the task at hand, determined to push aside any distractions and focus on the battle ahead.

As you unleashed your cursed technique, a surge of power pulsed through you, and the world around you seemed to come to a standstill. Time itself bent to your will, freezing everything in its tracks, including Gojo Satoru. His eyes widened in surprise as he found himself unable to move, trapped in the temporal stasis you had created.

In that frozen moment, you seized the opportunity, rushing towards him with determination etched on your face. Your spear gleamed in the dim light, poised to strike with precision. With each step, you closed the distance between you and Gojo, your heart pounding in your chest as adrenaline surged through your veins.

But just as you were about to deliver the finishing blow, time began to unfurl once more, and Gojo's eyes snapped back into motion. With lightning-fast reflexes, he blocked your attack with his arms, the impact sending a shockwave rippling through the air.

You glared at him, unfazed by his sudden resurgence. Despite the interruption, you maintained your focus, the anticipation crackling in the air as you pressed forward with your assault. With each movement, your actions were fluid and precise, navigating the battlefield with expert skill and unwavering determination.

“You can stop time.” He says it ever so nonchalantly as he moves opposite you. He looks excited at the thought. “I’d not seen someone who could do that.”

You narrow your eyes at him, wary of his sudden interest. "And you can control six eyes," you retort, keeping your guard up as you face him.

Gojo's grin widens at your response, his excitement palpable as he revels in the thrill of the battle. "True," he acknowledges, his gaze never wavering from yours. "But your technique is truly remarkable. It's not often I encounter someone with such unique abilities."

Despite your wariness, a sense of pride swells within you at his compliment. You may not trust him entirely, but his recognition of your skills is undeniably gratifying. "I don't plan on showing it off to anyone else," you reply, your tone firm as you assert your determination to keep your abilities hidden from prying eyes.

Gojo chuckles, a playful glint dancing in his eyes as he takes a step closer. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me," he reassures you, his grin bordering on mischievous. "But I can't promise I won't be tempted to challenge you again in the future."

You meet his gaze head-on, a flicker of amusement crossing your features. "You're welcome to try," you challenge, a hint of defiance lacing your words as you prepare for whatever comes next in this unpredictable encounter.

As the whitish-blue energy emitted from you, the world around you seemed to slow to a crawl. Time itself bent to your will, your cursed technique designed to confuse Gojo's Six Eyes and gain the upper hand in the battle. With a surge of energy, you invoked your technique, causing the air to crackle with anticipation as you prepared to launch your next attack.

Swiftly, you rushed towards Gojo, your spear poised for a strike. But Gojo, ever the formidable opponent, anticipated your move, dodging your attack with lightning-fast reflexes. In the frozen moment, you focused all of your concentration on him, analyzing his movements and calculating your next move with precision and skill.

With determination burning in your veins, you aimed your spear at his defenses, ready to strike with lethal force. The air hummed with energy as you unleash your attack, your movements fluid and precise as you sought to break through Gojo's defenses and emerge victorious in this epic clash of wills.

Even as time seemed to stand still, Gojo's unparalleled skill and formidable abilities allowed him to break free from your temporal grasp. His six eyes scanned your every move with unwavering focus, enabling him to anticipate and counter your attacks with lightning-fast reflexes. With effortless grace, he parried your strikes with precision, effectively neutralizing your offensive maneuvers.

Despite this setback, you refused to waver in your determination. Fueled by an unyielding resolve, you continued to press forward, undeterred by the formidable opponent standing before you. As time resumed its normal flow, the intensity of the clash between you and Gojo only grew, each of you unleashing a relentless barrage of attacks in a desperate bid for victory. The air crackled with energy as the battle raged on, the outcome hanging in the balance as you fought tooth and nail for supremacy on the battlefield.

As the battle reached its climax, you and Gojo exchanged fierce blows, each strike resonating with the force of your determination. With each clash of your weapons, the courtyard seemed to tremble under the weight of your confrontation.

Amidst the chaos of the battle, Gojo's voice cut through the air, filled with a mixture of amusement and admiration. "You're quite the fighter," he remarked, his tone tinged with genuine respect.

You gritted your teeth, your focus unwavering as you continued to press forward. "Save your compliments for after I defeat you," you retorted, your voice laced with determination.

Gojo chuckled, the sound reverberating through the air. "Confidence suits you," he replied, his six eyes gleaming with anticipation. "But don't underestimate me."

With renewed determination, you launched yourself into another flurry of attacks, each strike fueled by the intensity of your desire to emerge victorious. The clash of your weapons echoed through the courtyard, a symphony of steel and determination as you fought tooth and nail for supremacy.

Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against you, you refused to back down, drawing upon every ounce of your strength and resolve to overcome the formidable opponent standing before you. With each strike and evasion, you could feel yourself growing stronger, more attuned to the flow of battle as you sought to outmaneuver Gojo at every turn.

As the battle raged on, the tension in the air reached its peak, the outcome hanging in the balance as you and Gojo locked horns in a battle of wills. With the fate of the Goodwill event hanging in the balance, you steeled yourself for the final push, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in your quest for victory.

It was as if the courtyard seemed to hold its breath, heavy anticipation pressuring thick in the air. With every strike and parry, you and Gojo danced around each other in a mesmerizing display of skill and determination.

Suddenly, Gojo's expression shifted, a glint of excitement flickering in his eyes as he launched a powerful attack. With lightning-fast reflexes, you countered his move, deflecting his strike with precision and skill. The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air, shaking the very ground beneath your feet.

In response, you unleashed a devastating barrage of attacks, your movements fueled by a surge of adrenaline and determination. With each strike, you pushed yourself to the limit, channeling all of your energy into overpowering Gojo and emerging victorious.

As the battle raged on, the courtyard became a whirlwind of motion and energy, the clash of your weapons echoing through the air. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against you, you refused to back down, drawing upon every ounce of strength and skill at your disposal.

You watched as the dust settled and the echoes of your clash faded. It was over. You smiled as you stood victorious, your chest heaving with exertion as you surveyed the battlefield. The adrenaline coursing through your veins slowly began to ebb away, leaving behind a profound sense of accomplishment and pride.

With a mixture of relief and satisfaction washing over you, you allowed yourself a moment to catch your breath. The weight of the battle lifted from your shoulders, replaced by a surge of elation at your hard-won victory. Despite the exhaustion that gnawed at your muscles and bones, you couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline-fueled excitement coursing through your veins. 

You could feel the rustling movements of your defeated opponent. Gojo Satoru was too good at drawing your attention back to the fallen figure of Gojo Satoru. His eyes met yours with a mixture of awe and admiration, his expression a stark contrast to the confident smirk you had grown accustomed to.

"I..." His voice was barely above a whisper as he struggled to rise to his feet, his gaze unwavering as it bore into yours. "You're strong too, huh."

You raised a brow, taken aback by the unexpected compliment. His words hung in the air, lingering between you like an unspoken challenge.

"Yeah, what of it?" you replied, your tone tinged with a hint of defiance.

"Marry me," he blurted out, the words tumbling from his lips in a rush of emotion.

Your eyes widened in disbelief, stunned into silence by his sudden proposal. The world seemed to come to a standstill as you processed his unexpected declaration.

"What?" you stammered, unable to comprehend the gravity of his words.

"I'm serious," he insisted, his gaze never wavering as he looked up at you from where he lay on the ground.

You couldn't help but burst into laughter at the absurdity of the situation, the tension of the battle giving way to a wave of amusement. "You're serious? You just met me, Gojo. Don't you think you're moving a little too fast?"

He grinned up at you, undeterred by your skepticism. "Hey, when you know, you know. And I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

You shook your head incredulously at his persistence. "You're insane, you know that?"

“Well, I did say it.” He exclaimed at you. “I’m your pied piper.”

“Good luck making that happen, Gojo.”

“Oh trust me, it will.”

As Gojo leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eye, you braced yourself for whatever ridiculous stunt he had planned next. But nothing could have prepared you for the sudden warmth of his lips pressing against yours. Your eyes widened in shock at the unexpected gesture, your mind reeling with confusion and surprise.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still as you grappled with the intensity of the moment. Gojo's lips were warm against yours, his touch gentle yet firm as he held you close. And then, in an instant, it was over, leaving you breathless and flustered in its wake.

As he pulled away, a smug grin played on his lips, his eyes dancing with amusement at your stunned expression. "I couldn't help it," he confessed, his voice low and husky. "You just look so pretty when you're flustered."

You could feel the heat rising to your cheeks, your entire face flushing scarlet as you struggled to regain your composure. "You... you're impossible," you stammered, your words coming out in a breathless whisper.

Gojo chuckled at your reaction, a playful sparkle in his eyes as he looked at you. "I'll take that as a compliment," he replied, his grin widening at your flustered state.

The next day, you called in sick for the individual games.

You couldn’t handle it, seeing Gojo Satoru again.

You really wanted to curse out Gojo Satoru, you really did.

Because now you realize, you can’t stop thinking about him.

Your heart flutters at the thought of seeing him smile at you.

But most of all, you think about when you’ll kiss him again.

THE NEXT TIME YOU BOTH SEE EACH OTHER, YOU WANTED TO RUN AWAY. Months had passed between that kiss and yet, you kept thinking of him. He started getting busier these past few months, the higher ups giving him more and more missions on his own.  As the evening progressed, you couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled deep within your bones. Each time you glanced in his direction, you felt a wave of heat wash over you, your palms growing clammy as beads of sweat formed on your forehead. It was as if his mere presence had a magnetic pull, drawing your attention like a moth to a flame.

Sitting across from his table, you could feel his eyes on you, boring into your very soul with an intensity that left you breathless. Despite the lively chatter and laughter that filled the banquet hall, you couldn't escape the sensation of being watched, the weight of his gaze hanging heavy in the air like a suffocating fog.

Beside you, Atsuya attempted to engage you in conversation, his voice a distant echo against the backdrop of your racing thoughts. You struggled to focus on his words, your mind consumed by the overwhelming presence of Gojo Satoru.

The speeches being delivered by the higher-ups faded into background noise as your attention remained fixated on him. Normally, you would have been attentive, eager to absorb every word spoken by the esteemed guests. However, tonight was different. Tonight, your mind was clouded with thoughts of him, your senses heightened by his proximity.

Principal Gakuganji's quizzes at important functions flashed in the back of your mind, a reminder of the need to remain sharp and focused. Yet, despite your best efforts, you couldn't shake the feeling of being enveloped by his gaze, his Six Eyes piercing through you like daggers throughout the night.

Your eyes inadvertently met those of Gojo Satoru, who stood across the room, his gaze fixed on you with an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. Despite the lively atmosphere of the banquet, you couldn't help but feel a sense of unease under the weight of his unwavering stare.

As the evening wore on, you couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, the sensation of Gojo's gaze following your every move. Each time you glanced in his direction, you found his eyes locked on yours, a knowing smirk playing on his lips as if he could sense your discomfort.

Despite your best efforts to focus on the festivities, you couldn't deny the effect his presence had on you. The way he looked at you, with a mixture of amusement and intrigue, stirred a whirlwind of emotions within you, leaving you feeling flustered and off-balance.

With each passing moment, the intensity of his gaze seemed to grow, until you found yourself unable to concentrate on anything else. Every time you tried to engage in conversation with others, you couldn't shake the feeling of his eyes on you, his presence looming over you like a lingering shadow. But you knew just as much, you couldn’t help yourself to look at him too. To yearn for him too. 

As Gojo Satoru's gaze locked onto yours, a pristine smile graced his lips, sending a shiver down your spine. You knew that look all too well, and it filled you with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. His small wave caught you off guard, and you couldn't help but blink in surprise before quickly averting your gaze, feeling your cheeks flush with embarrassment.

Beside you, Atsuya noticed your sudden change in demeanor and leaned in, concern etched across his features. "Are you alright?" he whispered, his voice filled with worry.

You nodded hastily, your panicked tones barely audible as you whispered back, "I'm fine, just... a bit overwhelmed."

As you turned away from Gojo, you could feel his gaze lingering on you, his eyes following your every move with a predatory intensity. His smile only widened as he observed your flustered state, a knowing glint in his eyes as if he found your discomfort amusing.

Meanwhile, Gojo Satoru's thoughts were consumed by you. It had been so long since the Goodwill event, and he couldn't shake the memory of your fierce determination and unwavering strength in battle. Despite his attempts to reach out to you, you had refused to call him back, leaving him longing for more.

He couldn't let you slip away now, not after you had already left such a lasting impression on him. The taste of sin lingered on his lips from that fateful encounter, and he craved more of your sweet essence. He was willing to risk everything, even the ire of Principal Gakuganji, to have you by his side. With a sense of determination burning in his heart, Gojo Satoru resolved to lead you astray like a pied piper, guiding you down a path of forbidden desire and unbridled passion. And he was confident that you would follow, unable to resist the allure of his magnetic charm and the promise of untold ecstasy.

Soon after that, you excused yourself to the restroom, you couldn't shake the feeling of Gojo Satoru's gaze burning into your back. You hurriedly made your way through the crowded hallways, the sound of your footsteps echoing in the silence of your mind. With each passing moment, the anticipation gnawed at your insides, the weight of his unspoken desires heavy on your shoulders.

Moments later, you found yourself standing in front of the bathroom mirror, your hands trembling as you tried to steady your nerves. The events of the evening swirled in your mind, a whirlwind of emotions threatening to consume you whole. You took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm raging within you, but the turmoil refused to relent.

Just then, the door swung open, and Gojo Satoru stepped into the restroom, his presence filling the space with an intensity that left you breathless. His bright blue eyes bore into yours, a silent plea echoing in their depths as he closed the distance between you.

"We need to talk," He said softly, his voice barely above a whisper as he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from your face.

You nodded, unable to find the words to express the tumultuous emotions coursing through your veins. The air crackled with tension as you stood face to face, the space between you charged with an electric energy that defied explanation.

"I can't stop thinking about you," he confessed, his voice thick with emotion as he cupped your face in his hands. "I've tried to stay away, to wait for you. But I can't resist you any longer. And I know…I know you can’t do it anymore too.”

A surge of warmth flooded your chest at his words, your heart pounding in rhythm with his as you leaned into his touch. Without another word, he closed the distance between you, his lips capturing yours in a searing kiss that left you gasping for air.

In that moment, the world fell away, and all that mattered was the intoxicating taste of his lips against yours, the heat of his touch searing into your skin as you lost yourself in the blissful oblivion of his embrace. He pushes you against the vibrant marble walls, your hands getting lost in his snow locks. You couldn’t breathe, but neither could he. It doesn’t matter. 

He wanted to be ruined by you.

He wanted to ruin all of you. 

You bit his lower lip harshly.

You wanted to tease him.

You wanted to draw him in. 

He kisses you deeper. 

You wanted more too.

The sound of footsteps echoed faintly in the hallway outside, mingling with the distant hum of conversation as people moved about, oblivious to the intimate moment unfolding behind closed doors. Yet, despite the faint cacophony of activity, the bathroom felt like a sanctuary, cocooning you and Gojo Satoru in a bubble of privacy where time seemed to stand still.

With each passing second, the outside world faded into the background, the only sound that mattered was the soft, steady rhythm of your breath mingling with his. The air crackled with an electric energy, charged with the anticipation of what was to come.

In the intimate confines of the restroom, you and Gojo stood locked in a silent embrace, your bodies pressed together as if drawn by an invisible force. The world outside seemed to melt away, leaving only the two of you suspended in a timeless moment of shared desire.

Despite the faint awareness of the world beyond the bathroom door, it was as if nothing else existed outside the bubble of intimacy you had created. The sound of people coming and going served as a distant backdrop to the palpable tension that hung in the air, heightening the intensity of the connection between you and Gojo with each passing moment.

His heart was racing as he looked at you standing in front of him. Your hair was messy, and your face flushed with excitement. He reached out and grabbed you by the waist, pulling you closer to him. Your lips met again, and this time, there was no holding back. When you parted lips, it didn’t last very long. You came back as soon as your lungs filled with enough air to sustain that hunger. Your hands roaming all over each other's bodies. 

As you broke apart for a moment, you whispered in his ear, "I want you so bad right now."

Without any further words exchanged, Gojo Satoru began to unbutton your blouse, revealing your soft, smooth skin underneath. He trailed kisses down your neck, leaving a trail of warmth in his wake. His hands found their way through your body, and he cupped your flesh in his palms. You moaned into his mouth, feeling his hot breath against your skin. Satoru moved his hand lower, removing your trousers with endless ease. With one swift motion, he pulled it up, exposing your legs to the cool air of the bathroom. He couldn't help but grin at how beautiful you looked in nothing but your underwear.

The rest of your clothes came off quickly after that, and soon you were naked together in the small space. You had never done anything like this before, but you both knew what you wanted from each other. As you lay on the floor of the bathroom, Satoru felt you move beneath him. He slid his fingers through your hair, gently stroking your scalp as he kissed your neck.

You arched your back, giving him better access to your body. He let out a deep groan, feeling your heat and wetness against his hand. You continued to make love in the cramped space, the sounds of your passion echoing throughout the empty alleyway. It was intense and intimate, something neither of you would ever forget.

His hands were only warm for you.

He was ruining you, you were ruining him.

But every touch was forgiveness.

Every touch was life blossoming over and over.

You can’t live without the pied piper leading you.

Nor could he live without you, following him.

You wrapped your arms around him.

He squeezes his hold on you tighter.

“I love you.” He whispers on your neck.

You smile. “I know.”

extra: back at Jujutsu High

As you lay entwined with Gojo Satoru in the aftermath of your passionate encounter, the air was thick with the lingering scent of your shared desire. The room was bathed in a warm, hazy glow, the soft light casting shadows across the walls as you basked in the aftermath of your lovemaking.

The night had been a whirlwind of fervent kisses and eager exploration, each touch igniting a fire within you that burned with an insatiable hunger. It had been a greedy night, filled with a longing that consumed you both, yet left you yearning for more.

But as the hours passed and the intensity of your passion began to ebb, a sense of exhaustion settled over you, weighing heavily on your limbs and clouding your thoughts. You could feel the ache of exertion in every muscle, the physical manifestation of your fervent lovemaking.

Yet, despite the weariness that threatened to consume you, Gojo's care and attentiveness never wavered. With gentle hands, he helped you clean yourself, washing away the traces of your shared desire with a tenderness that left you breathless.

He made sure you were fed and hydrated, tending to your needs with a thoughtfulness that touched your heart. His massages were soothing, his touch gentle yet firm as he worked out the knots of tension that lingered in your body.

Despite his efforts to comfort you, sleep eluded you both, the lingering adrenaline of your passion keeping you awake long into the night. You lay beside him, your bodies intertwined in a tangle of limbs, lost in the quiet intimacy of the moment.

As the minutes stretched into hours, you found solace in the warmth of his embrace, the steady rhythm of his breathing lulling you into a sense of peace. In that moment, surrounded by nothing but the quiet sanctuary of his dorm, you felt a profound sense of contentment wash over you, knowing that you were exactly where you were meant to be.

Both of you settled deeper and deeper in each other’s flesh.  The world didn’t exist beyond the confines of this bed, both of you want to believe. It was too enjoyable to be comfortable with each other, abandoning the world. Silence enveloped the room, broken only by the sound of your steady breaths mingling in the air. Satoru’s bright blue eyes searched for yours, a softness replacing the usual mischief in his gaze.

"I meant what I said before," He finally began, his voice echoing every essence of sincerity."I want to marry you"

You felt a pang of warmth and uncertainty grip your heart at his words. "But we're so young," you protested softly, the weight of his proposal settling heavily on your shoulders.

Gojo's expression softened as he reached out to gently brush a stray strand of hair from your face. "I know we are," he admitted, his thumb tracing delicate patterns along your cheek. "But I'm serious about this. I've never felt this way about anyone before."

You met his gaze, searching for any hint of doubt in his eyes, but all you found was unwavering sincerity. With a deep breath, you nodded slowly, a flicker of hope igniting within you.

"Okay," you whispered, your voice barely above a breath. "But I need time to think."

Gojo's lips curled into a tender smile as he leaned in to kiss you softly, his lips conveying a depth of emotion words could never express. "I'll wait for you," he murmured against your skin, his breath warm against your cheek. "I'll wait for as long as it takes."

As you melted into his embrace, a sense of peace washed over you, knowing that no matter what the future held, you had found someone who would stand by your side through it all. and in that moment, as you lay together in the quiet sanctuary of his dorm, surrounded by nothing but each other's love, you knew that everything would be okay.

You never felt more comfortable in your entire life.

Being in his arms felt like finally coming home.

The world could wait, you think to yourself.

Right now, being together — it's all that you want.

[goodoldfashionedengineer]

TUA Tumblr Simulator pt. 2

Find more here: pt. 1

—

💩is-reginald-hargreeves-dead-now Follow

10/01/2007

NO

💩is-reginald-hargreeves-dead-now Follow

21/03/2019

YES, HE'S DEAD NOW!!!

938,649 notes

🤲health-and-goodness Follow

RIP Sir Reginald Hargreeves

🌄chanceschances Follow

HA, no

FUCK Reginald Hargreeves, all my homies HATE Reginald Hargreeves

256,803 notes

🏰study-hall-monitor Follow

Wait, how old is Reginald Hargreeves? Did he not age? Seriously, look at this photo from 2002 and look at this photo from this year

🦕dino-nuggiez Follow

If you were on Facebook, they'd say he was a lizard person

🐊florida-shaped-being Follow

Fortunately, we're on Tumblr

Which means that people will say he's a crab person

🎃helloqueen Follow

🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀🦀

🍁chaos-is-my-peanutbutter Follow

You fools

OBVIOUSLY he's an alien

👾codey-for-everyone Follow

Wait. Omg. It makes sense!

It would also explain their powers, think about it!

You're an absolute genius, I can't believe no one has ever thought about that before!

🍁chaos-is-my-peanutbutter Follow

Lmao I think you're taking this too seriously buddy

🖍️memecent-van-go Follow

You are ALL wrong

He is actually created in a lab by the government and they said he "died" to surprise us with the biggest April Fool's prank in the history of mankind next week

498,737 notes

🪩 traumallama Follow

Congratulations to all the Hargreeves siblings, I am very happy for you. May you lead a very peaceful and cheerful life now that your dickhead father is gone

🌌 jupiters-moons Follow

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

🌨️ twirlingandwhirling Follow

I just feel bad for The Séance. Wouldn't like to have my abusive dad following me around

👥 lurkeringlurrlurr Follow

By that logic his dead brother, The Horror, would also be following him around

🌌 jupiters-moons Follow

Their names are Klaus and Ben.

🚵 rolly-molly Follow

Can we go back to The Séance thing? I mean, his power is that he can see ghosts iirc, who is to say he can't see Ben? (Also, seriously, The Horror? That must be so bad for a child)

👥 lurkeringlurrlurr Follow

Sure, I guess it wouldn't be impossible

But if *I* had my dead brother following me around all the time, I think I'd lose my sanity

9,734 notes

🪷sweet-sweet-sweeter Follow

Why Reginald Hargreeves kinda hot ngl

🥐food-up-with-this-croissant Follow

Dude, he JUST died

🪷sweet-sweet-sweeter Follow

What? I like old guys!

🌾crying-in-bed Follow

Tumblr user not simping over a white rich dude challenge: FAILED ❌

👾codey-for-everyone Follow

Also he's probably an alien

🪷sweet-sweet-sweeter Follow

Even better for the monsterfuckers

🐍nessiesmuse Follow

The monsterfuckers don't want him either

💟singthissong Follow

Abi, I say this as your friend, your mutual...

Get a better taste in men

🪷sweet-sweet-sweeter Follow

Maybe when I can afford rent, food and bills with one job I will

5,679 notes

☂️brellies-fan Follow

Is that Number Five, aka, The Boy, the one who disappeared 17 years ago?! Why does he still look like 13!? What's happening?!

1,139,580 notes

[cherrylng]

Best "Emo" Disc 50 - Part 5 - Further Seems Forever, Thursday, Burning Airlines, The Used [ROCKIN'ON (April 2007)]

『THE MOON IS DOWN』 FURTHER SEEMS FOREVER 【March 2001】 The first album by Further Seems Forever, whose sound even hints at the fact that ‘after the break-up of Florida's legendary Christian hardcore band Strongarm, four of its members formed the band with current Dashboard Confessional vocalist Chris Carrabba as the band's lead singer’. Unlike the Strongarm era, when the basic structure of drums/bass was hardcore itself, they built an even thicker wall of sound and fortified themselves with it, this work conveys an airy mode of breaking down all walls with their own hands and wishing to connect to any genre. The title track of this album and “Snowbirds And Townies” feature chord work that brings to life heartbreaking sadness, and Chris' vocals, which take you beyond the world of pop rather than the heavy dark world, easily clear the “prescribed performance” of emo while at the same time presenting an unshakable “golden rule.” The band's dignified sound was needed at a time when emo was in turmoil, but after repeated member changes, they disbanded in January last year. What a shame. (Tomoki Takahashi)

『FULL COLLAPSE』 THURSDAY 【April 2001】 Thursday is a band that emerged early on in the New York & New Jersey scene. They have released four albums to date, but I think this second one is still their masterpiece. Vocalist Jeff Rickley raised his fist with his painfully thin (now he's finally grown into a visible physique) body, and always embodied the sorrow, haste, and impulse that the band portrays in their albums. However, for example, “Understanding in a Car Crash” was written based on a friend's accident, but the melody line swings so naively that it is often compared to the Cure, and the sound is also more refined than other bands whose sound tends to be monotonous and hard-edged. This was their originality, and it also seemed to make the band's spirit freer. They have evolved the format of hardcore punk itself by expressing the complex and fragile emotions of facing death, loss, and despair, and still having to move forward despite the feelings of helplessness. (Akemi Nakamura)

『IDENTIKIT』 BURNING AIRLINES 【May 2001】 Regarding their sound, Yoshiyuki Suzuki once left a very intriguing quote, which I will use with a slight modification because there is nothing better than that. In other words, it is as if the spirit of Fugazi and the pop sensibility of XTC were fused together by a demon. Can the essence of both really be compatible? But you'll know it when you hear it. Their music is full of surprises, yet catchy, unrestrained, and at the same time has a neat beauty similar to a mathematical formula, with reason and instinct, intellect and impulse are two sides of the same coin, and it is filled with thrills and excitement that will make your spine tingle. The band was formed in 1998 around J. Robbins, the leader of Jawbox. This is their second album, released in 2001, but their first album, with its slightly brighter melody, was also excellent. Unfortunately, these are the only two albums they have released. After the band broke up, J formed the Channels with his wife. They released an EP on Desoto and the first album on their ally [label] Dischord, but shortly afterwards their child was diagnosed with a serious illness and the band was forced to stop. For more information, please visit the Desoto Records website. (Tomoko Nakagome)

『THE USED』 THE USED 【June 2002】 The Used are headliners again for this year's 'Taste of Chaos Tour', currently taking place in the USA. Six years after their debut, they are still making an impact on the post-hardcore scene, especially as the originators of screamo.

Formed in Orem, Utah, in the mid-90s, they were kicked out of their home for not following the Mormon teachings, had no money to buy drumsticks even if they wanted to record, were kicked out for being too loud to play live, and became addicted to drugs…… This is the story of how they had to escape from the cage of Orem in order to survive, and it is actually a boring and common story that is repeated countless times in rural America. However, they produced this debut album even though they had not yet performed live 20 times. Passion ignited by the friction and discord of oppression. This deformed, twisted sound, but with a solitary beauty, more than anything else tells us why such an ordinary story did not have an ordinary ending.

For example, what was interesting about watching the Warped Tour around 2002 was that the bands stimulated each other, and at an incredible speed, they took in new inspiration and developed and expanded in order to give their own bands their own characteristics. It was similar to the hip-hop scene, and I think it was also important that it was born as an extension of the mainstream mixture, but discovering new sounds was the driving force of this scene. I think that's why the scene had the stamina to survive in the mainstream, from metal to disco.

This album was also an album that took the scene one step further with such a discovery. From “Maybe Memories,” with its metal guitars, dry drums, and screams that seem to say, "Let me out of here," to the pop singalong number “The Taste of Ink.” This song is about living every day as if you were dead thinking, ‘today might be the end’, but believing that you know ‘that day’ will come. If there is a theme running through the whole album, this might be it. Hopes and fears that this might be their first and last chance. The days when we believed that even if we were at rock bottom, we could always get out. The pain of being trapped in a cage of boredom, trapped and unable to escape, sometimes in heavy guitar sounds, sometimes in screams, sometimes in the pain of distortion and high tension, as in one of their best-known songs, “A Box Full of Sharp Objects”. Bert McCracken's vocal style changes rapidly, and the lyrics scream that today is the time to shine, more than yesterday. Then there is the falsetto voice on “Blue and Yellow” and the acoustic guitar and strings in “On My Own” are also beautiful. The boring everyday life in their eyes. The desire to convey these emotions in a realistic way by any means possible broke the rules and was beautifully sublimated in this album. In 2004, they released their second album, “In Love and Death”. (Akemi Nakamura)

Translator's Note: I think in terms of history, to say that without the existence of Warped Tour, there wouldn't be a catalyst responsible for the second generation of the "emo" movement is an understatement. Somewhat ironically and unsurprisingly, The Used hated being called an "emo" or "screamo" band, and it was only until 2017 that Bert McCracken finally accepted that their band was emo after all.

Please do support me via my ko-fi! ☕

[eurovision-revisited]

Eurovision 2007 - Number 61 - Les Fatals Picards - "L'amour à La Française"

I love a chaotic national final and very few national finals have been as chaotic as Eurovision 2007 : et si on gagnait, France Télévisions new idea for selecting their Eurovision contender. I'll go into the final in more detail later, but suffice to say - it's nuts and one of the best things I've seen.

The winners emerging, clawing their way out of the chaos were Les Fatals Picards, one of the two contenders picked by public TV channel France 3 as their candidates. They were a group of five men from (I presume) Picardy and since the 1990s, they'd been writing, performing and touring their own comedic and parodic songs across France. Their style was alt-rock, light-punk, a hint of ska and a lot of tongues firmly wedged in cheeks.

In 2007 they would go on to release their third album with one of the all time great titles, Pamplemousse Mécanique, a record which Discogs classifies as chanson/punk. First though they'd submitted a song to the French national final as for the first time in a few years, France Télévisions had an open call for submissions. L'amour à la Française (Love, French Style) was one of the ten picked from more than 1,500 entries.

In the band's own words, it was a song meant to combine French romance and punk, for beginners. It's really a song about Parisien cliché finding time to mention in its Franglais patois, the Eiffel Tour, Les Champs Elysées, Chanel handbags, the Seine and the Moulin Rouge. A pastiche of everything non-French people picture when they think of France.

It is a lot of fun, swinging from wistful memories of times lost to melodramatic declarations of love to swinging through les rues de Paris with the giddy pulse of love flowing through their veins. If this had been a year packed full of ballads, the song would have stood a mile for it's gentle punk charm and the fact they seem to have a ball on stage with their faux fur, angel wings and pink neckerchiefs.

They went into Eurovision with high hopes. They're quoted as saying France has been humiliated and flouted for 30 years by countries that deserve less. It is time for France to shine the torch of European culture with blue, white and red (the colours of the French flag). The colours of love.

Alas 2007 was a year after 2006 and everyone was trying something new. The ballads and the pop were being dumped in favour of rock, metal, and anything and everything else. If anything Les Fatals Picards were just too lightweight among all of this. They also had the misfortune of being from one of the Big Four countries and hence never gaining the advantage of trial by semi-final.

They finished twenty-second and even more ignominiously, in a tie with Scooch. Their sudden rise to fame was a little bit too much for them and founder member Ivan Callot left a few months after Eurovision. The band, though, continued and rode that fame to record deals and many more albums. Their latest was earlier this year (2024). Here's a live performance of one of their more recent songs Les Playmobils Complotistes (The Conspiratorial Playmobil) - which should give you a taste of the more regular output.

[justlikebullets]

the used performing at the taste of chaos tour 2007 in sydney, australia (x)

[chorusfm]

Bert McCracken Announces Book

The Used’s Bert McCracken will release In Love and Death: The Lost Notebook later this year. The full press release is below. The Used frontman Bert McCracken is proud to announce the upcoming release of his book, In Love and Death: The Lost Notebook.  Inside is home to his intimate, long-lost artifact — composed of handwritten lyrics, poems, sketches, and personal reflections from nearly twenty years ago — will be available in a signed, limited edition beginning late Fall 2025, along with an unsigned non-slipcase standard edition in stores worldwide. Signed preorders are available now exclusively at rarebirdlit.com. Originally thought to be lost forever, McCracken’s personal notebook — used during the creation of The Used’s seminal 2004 album In Love and Death — resurfaced unexpectedly online and was safely returned to him after two decades. Now, for the first time, McCracken opens the pages to share the raw thoughts and formative writings that would evolve into some of the band’s most beloved songs. “This notebook is a time capsule,” McCracken says. “It’s a snapshot of who I was, what I went through, and how those emotions turned into the music we made. Getting it back brought a rush of memories—pain, joy, chaos, and everything in between.” More than a behind-the-scenes look at one of emo’s most influential records, In Love and Death: The Lost Notebook is an artifact of emotional honesty and artistic fearlessness. Alongside raw, unfiltered entries from McCracken’s early twenties are evocative doodles, scraps of lyrics, and deeply personal reflections on grief, addiction, creativity and resilience. “I never thought I’d publish a book—unless it was weird, postmodern fiction,” McCracken reflects. “But when I found this notebook again, I knew I had to share it. I was fearless then. And there’s magic in what survived.” About the Author Bert McCracken is the lead singer and lyricist of the multi-platinum rock band The Used. Known for his powerful voice and unflinching emotional honesty, McCracken has been a major influence in alternative music for over two decades. In Love and Death: The Lost Notebook is his first published book. About The Used  The Used helped define the sound of a generation with their chaotic and melodic cacophony. The band Billboard praised for its “knack for crafting brutal yet crowd-pleasing anthems” and The New York Times called “weird and catchy and unexpectedly funny” stood tall against the tests of time and trends, now 25 years into its journey stronger and more passionately purposeful than ever. “The Used’s colorfully unhinged post-hardcore became a vital part of the scene responsible for breaking bands like My Chemical Romance [and] Fall Out Boy,” wrote Kerrang!. Songs like “The Taste of Ink,” “Pretty Handsome Awkward,” “The Bird and the Worm,” and “I Caught Fire” incite massive singalongs in theaters and clubs, at Vans Warped Tour, and at huge festivals worldwide. Over 25 years, they’ve scored four Billboard 200 Top 10 debuts and ten Billboard Hot 100singles. The Used (2002) and In Love and Death (2004) are certified platinum in the United States, and Lies for the Liars (2007) went gold. Each record is celebrated in 2025 on The Used’s massive 25th-anniversary tour, which features each landmark album played in full across three nights in each city. McCracken and bassist Jeph Howard co-founded The Used in Utah in 2000. Drummer Dan Whitesides joined nearly 20 years ago, and guitarist Joey Bradford has been with the band since 2018. The original incarnation of The Used was born from the conservative isolation, myopic boredom, and restless angst of their crucial formative years spent some 45 miles from Salt Lake City in Orem, Utah.  --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/news/bert-mccracken-announces-book/

[callsign-owl]

Collateral Damage

This is a continuation of The List

Trigger Warning: Eating Disorder, mention of death

London, United Kingdom - December 2007

The room was quiet. Owl lay sprawled on his bed, buried under his blanket that felt too heavy and yet not heavy enough. He drifted in and out of consciousness, his body too worn down to fully wake, his mind too restless to fully sleep. His head swam with fragments of thought and sensation, none of them clear or coherent. There was no time, no structure. Just a strange, dreamlike haze that blurred the edges of reality. Owl's body ached in places he didn’t even know could hurt.  Yet the physical pain was easier to endure than the strange, undefinable churn of emotions that sat like a heavy stone in his chest. It was all a swirling, undefined mess.

There was at least one thing Owl knew for certain: despite the chaos he’d caused, despite Percy’s anger, despite the pain, he couldn’t bring himself to regret what he’d done. The escape had been fleeting, yes, but it had been real. For a few brief hours, the weight of everything had lifted. Even now, as he lay there feeling like he’d been wrung out and left to dry, he couldn’t wish it away. Not even knowing how close to disaster he had come managed to change it. Owl wasn’t proud of what he’d done. But he couldn’t regret it either.

Another wave of exhaustion washed over Owl, pulling him back into that strange, liminal state. The hours passed in fragments, disjointed and uneven, and Owl stayed where he was, caught in the in-between, unsure if he wanted to wake or if he wanted to sink deeper into the haze.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Percy’s chest rose and fell with measured breaths as he moved towards the refrigerator, his usual polished demeanor crumbling at the edges. The door swung open with a faint hiss, bathing Percy in its cold, fluorescent glow. His eyes scanned the shelves, not really registering what he was looking at. This wasn’t about hunger or taste. It was about control.

Percy’s grabbed several containers filled with leftovers from Crhistmas dinner: roast turkey, potatoes and stuffing . He set it all down on the table before turning back to the fridge. His movements were mechanical, as he added more and more to the growing spread. His hands worked with an urgency that belied the calm expression on his face, as though he were assembling the pieces of a puzzle only he could see.

Soon the table was crowded with food. Percy stared at it for a moment, as the weight of his emotions pressed down on him. Then he sat down, grabbed a fork and began to eat. The first bites were slow and deliberate. But soon the pace quickened, the rhythm of his movements growing more frantic as he shoveled food into his mouth. Percy’s polished demeanor was gone, replaced by something raw and primal.

Percy wasn’t savoring the food. He barely even tasted it. Each bite was a distraction, a way to drown out the cacophony of thoughts swirling in his mind. Owl’s pale, glassy-eyed face haunted him, the image burned into his memory no matter how much he tried to push it away. The helplessness he’d felt, the fear, the anger—it all bubbled up inside him, threatening to spill over and consume him. Percy chewed and swallowed mechanically, his body working on autopilot as his mind spiraled. His stomach began to protest, the tightness in his abdomen growing with every bite. But he didn’t stop. He couldn’t. The act of eating was a fleeting sense of control in a world that felt increasingly chaotic.

As Percy continued eating, his breathing grew heavier, his body straining against the sheer volume of food he was consuming. His shirt, already stretched tightly over his large frame, dug into his skin as his stomach expanded. Percy shifted uncomfortably in his chair, but he didn’t stop. The discomfort was almost welcome—a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil he couldn’t put into words.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Percy slowed. His hand trembled as he set the fork down, his breaths coming in shallow, uneven gasps. He leaned back in the chair, the wooden chair creaking ominously beneath his weight. His stomach was painfully full, the pressure almost unbearable, and yet the emptiness inside him remained.

For a fleeting, shameful moment, Percy’s thoughts turned bitter. This is *redacted*’s fault. The words slithered through his mind uninvited, cold and venomous. If Owl hadn’t acted like a fool, if he hadn’t put himself in danger, Percy wouldn’t be here now, struggling to breathe, drowning in emotions he didn’t want to feel. Why do I keep doing this? Why do I care so much? The thought twisted in his gut, more painful than the food pressing against his stomach.

Percy's bitterness was quickly replaced by guilt. He hated himself for even thinking it. It wasn’t Owl’s fault—not entirely, at least. Percy had chosen to go after him, chosen to bring him back, chosen to sit by his side all night. Because, for better or worse, Owl mattered to him. Percy had always prided himself on control: control over his image, his actions, his emotions. But Owl… Owl unraveled him. He made Percy feel things he didn’t want to feel, dragged him into chaos he didn’t know how to navigate.

Percy closed his eyes, letting out a slow, measured breath, and tried to push the guilt and frustration away. It didn’t work. Why can’t he just get his act together? The thought came again. Percy hated himself for it, but he couldn’t deny that it was there. He hated the way Owl’s pain seeped into his own life, disrupting the careful order he’d built for himself. He hated the way he couldn’t just walk away, couldn’t turn his back and let Owl figure it out on his own. But most of all, he hated the part of himself that would never stop caring, no matter how much he tried to bury it. Percy had spent his entire life perfecting the art of detachment, of keeping people at arm’s length. But Owl… Owl had always been the exception. His little brother, with his sharp edges and reckless defiance, had wormed his way past Percy’s carefully constructed walls long ago. And no matter how much Percy tried, he couldn’t shut him out. Percy’s chest ached, not from the physical strain but from the weight of everything he couldn’t control: Owl’s pain, his own emotions, the gnawing fear that one day he wouldn’t be able to save him. That he’d fail. The thought clawed at him relentlessly, refusing to be silenced no matter how much he tried to push it away.

With a sharp exhale, Percy pushed himself up from the chair, his stomach protesting the sudden movement with a wave of discomfort. He grimaced but he didn’t let it stop him. He made his way to Owl’s room.  When Percy reached the door, he hesitated, his hand hovering just above the handle. He knew Owl likely didn’t want to see him but that didn’t matter. Percy needed to see him, needed to know that he was still breathing. He turned the knob and stepped inside without bothering to knock. Owl was still lying in bed, buried under his blanket, his eyes half-lidded and glassy but open. He looked up sluggishly at Percy’s entrance, his expression flickering with a mix of confusion and irritation.

“What do you want now?” Owl croaked, his voice rough and hoarse.

Percy ignored the sharp edge in Owl’s tone, closing the door quietly behind him. He moved to the side of the bed and pulled the chair closer, sitting down heavily with a faint wince. “I just wanted to check on you,” Percy said simply, his voice softer than usual.

Owl snorted weakly. “You’re wasting your time,” he muttered. “I’m fine.”

“Fine?” Percy repeated, his tone sharper than intended. “Do you even hear yourself? You nearly killed yourself and you call that fine?”

“I’m still here, aren’t I?” Owl replied flatly.

Percy exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “Do you have any idea what it was like, finding you like that? Do you even care what you’re putting me through?”

Owl’s lips twitched into a faint, bitter smirk. “What, am I ruining your perfect little world?” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Sorry to inconvenience you, dear brother.”

“You know what, *redacted*?” Percy said, his voice low and controlled, the edge unmistakable. “Yes. You are inconvenient. You’re exhausting, reckless and infuriating. You are a mess and a goddamn disaster. But you’re my disaster. And no matter how much you piss me off, no matter how much you make me want to strangle you, I can’t just walk away. As much as I would love to.”

Owl blinked, being caught off guard by the raw intensity in Percy’s voice. For a moment, he seemed to falter, his usual defiance wavering. “Why?” he muttered, his voice quieter now, almost unsure.

Percy let out a sharp frustrated exhale. “Because you’re my brother, you idiot,” he said, his tone softer but no less exasperated. "And you don’t get to push me away just because you’re too scared to let someone care.”

Owl flinched at the words and looked away. “I don’t need you to care,” he muttered, though the faint quiver in his voice betrayed him.

“Maybe not,” Percy said, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. “But you’re stuck with me anyway. So get used to it.”

Continue reading here

[moviesmusicmore22]

January’s 15-Movie Watchlist: Comfort, Chaos, and a Little Sci-Fi

The 15-Movie Challenge (AKA: Who Let Me Do This?)

At some point, I decided that this was the year I would finally watch movies instead of just saying “I need to watch that” and then rewatching The Batman for the fifth time.

But why set a normal, reasonable goal when I could make my life difficult? So, I committed to watching 15 movies per month. That’s 180 movies a year. Was this ambitious? Yes. Was this smart? We’ll find out.

Now, before anyone calls me out—rewatches are allowed in this challenge. Because while the main goal is to expand my movie catalog and finally watch all the films I’ve been meaning to, I also live in reality. And in reality, sometimes I need the cinematic equivalent of a weighted blanket (hello, Cadet Kelly).

Last January, I only watched seven movies. This January? I crushed 15. That’s double last year’s effort, which makes me feel like I deserve a trophy (or at least a participation ribbon). One of my highlights? Finally seeing Interstellar in IMAX, which is 100% the correct way to watch it unless you want Christopher Nolan to personally shake his head at you.

But if I learned anything from this month, it’s this:

I watch movies based entirely on vibes.

Some people watch movies by carefully curating a “to-watch” list. Some people follow a director’s filmography in order. I, however, choose movies like I’m picking songs for a playlist. If I’m feeling existential dread, am I picking a heavy art film? Absolutely not. I’m putting on Cow Belles like it’s an emotional support blanket. However, if the vibes demand a full-on spiral into the void, that’s when I cue up Inside.

So, let’s break it down: what I rewatched, what I saw for the first time, and what I learned about my highly specific and completely unpredictable taste in film.

1. The Rewatch Club: Nostalgia, Comfort, and Good Choices

There’s something about revisiting a favorite film that just hits differently—whether it’s soaking up a great performance, singing along to a soundtrack, or reliving childhood joy with fresh eyes. My rewatches this month included a mix of childhood staples and modern favorites:

• The Batman (2022) (5/5) → Robert Pattinson’s broody eyeliner-wearing Batman? Absolutely still a 10/10 choice. This wasn’t even an intentional rewatch—it was just on around me, and suddenly, I was fully invested.

• Bo Burnham: Inside (2021) (5/5) → Sometimes you just need a little existential dread with a catchy beat. I love this special for how weirdly relatable it is, and the songs? Still fantastic.

• Wicked (2024) (4.5/5) → Okay, I may have rewatched this too soon after seeing it in theaters, but it’s Wicked. It’s fun. Let me live.

• Jump In! (2007) (3/5) → Look, I loved this movie as a kid. And it still has some solid moments! But now, as an adult, I see it differently—not in a bad way, just with new eyes. It’s a fun, nostalgic watch, but I no longer think double dutch is the height of drama.

Takeaway: “Rewatches are comfort food for the brain. Even if a movie doesn’t fully hold up the same way (Jump In!), it’s still worth revisiting just for the vibes.”

2. First-Time Watches: Expanding the Catalogue

The real challenge of this month was watching movies I hadn’t seen before, and… let’s just say it was a mixed bag.

• Interstellar (2014) (4/5) → A mind-bending, visually stunning experience. Seeing it in IMAX was the right call because this movie is just massive in every way. My brain struggled to keep up with wormholes at 11 PM, but hey, we got there.

• It’s What’s Inside (2024) (3/5) → This started as a casual “eh, why not” Netflix watch. By the end? I was full-on shook. The twist really elevated it from just “cool concept” to “oh wowww.”

• Saturday Night (2024) (2.5/5) → This one just… didn’t hit. I wanted to like it. Maybe I missed something.

• The Brutalist (2024) (4/5) → I made the mistake of watching this on my birthday without checking trigger warnings first, and let’s just say… that was a choice.

Takeaway: “Turns out, I’m not an easy critic when it comes to new movies. My rewatches averaged 4.14/5, while my new watches sat around 3.3/5. Maybe I’m just more skeptical of unfamiliar films, or maybe they just weren’t hitting the same.”

3. What My Watchlist Says About Me

Looking at my choices, a few patterns emerge:

• I lean toward stress relief movies. (Cadet Kelly, Jump In!, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron)

• I like a solid drama but not when I’m overwhelmed. (Interstellar, The Brutalist, Bad Education)

• I appreciate a good surprise. (It’s What’s Inside)

• If a movie involves existential crisis + great music, I’m there. (Inside, Wicked)

This month was full of stress, and I can see my comfort picks scattered throughout my watchlist like little lifelines.

4. What’s Next?

I have no idea what I’ll watch in February, but I’m feeling a fun mystery—maybe something in the Knives Out family (but not Knives Out itself because I’ve seen it).

The one film I know I want to watch soon? Past Lives. I’ve been meaning to get to it, and I feel like it’ll fit my vibes at some point.

Will I keep up this 15-movie-a-year challenge? Hopefully! I’m going with the flow and hoping for the best. And if not… I’ll adjust.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Talk Movies!

If you’ve made it this far, first of all—thank you for indulging my deep dive into my movie-watching habits. Now I have questions for you:

What’s the best movie you watched in January?

Do you find yourself rewatching more, or are you always looking for new films?

Have you ever watched something for the first time and thought, Wow, this is just okay when everyone else hyped it up?

Let me know—I love seeing what other people watch and why!

[rottingrard]

Tags (Part one because there is A LOT)

People

Although this blog is primarily about Gerard, other people show up too sometimes

Gerard Way

Frank Iero

Frerard

Ray Toro

Rayrard

Mikey Way

Alicia Way

Andy Hurley

Bert McCracken

Another tag for Bert McCracken cuz I kept spelling his last name wrong and I'm too lazy to edit it lol sorry Bert

Gerbert

Adam Lazzara

Gerard's mom Donna

Grant Morrison

Bandit

Lola

Mario

Geoff Rickley

Danger Days Characters

party poison

Fun Ghoul

Jet Star

Kobra Kid

Eras

bullets

revenge

raccon

blue raccoon

teal roots

red black head

beige top black bottom

taste of chaos

lotms

black parade

pro rev

the black parade is dead!

NME awards

danger days

redhead

2010 San Diego Comic Con

blonde

hesitant alien

post mcr

wizard

reunion

When I can't tell (feel free to tell me)

Years

child

high school

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Types of Photos

Live Photos

Out and About

oh (collection of photos that make me hard)

Photos with fans

Photoshoot

Backstage

Awards

Comic Con

Panel

Scans

Selfie

Signing

New Years

Home

Mirror

Instagram

Close up

High

Driver's license

[piratefalls]

Listening to Demi Lovato’s Revamped album that just dropped and holy shit she collabed with Bert McCracken from The Used and I’m just. Absolutely fucking delighted. I saw The Used in 2007 on the Taste of Chaos tour (spectacular lineup btw) and it’s like the pop and emo collab I would have loved when I was 16. (And also love now at 33, lol.)

[writesvani]

GET TO KNOW YOUR MUTUALS | TAG GAME

thank you kiki (@jungkoode) for tagging me you menace to society!!! this seems so fun i had no choice but to participate. let’s dive in before i start rethinking my life choices.

What’s the origin of your blog title?

As for this question—“writes” is self-explanatory because, well, I write (shocking, I know). “Vani” is a pen name, not a nickname—she's the mysterious alter ego who comes out when the Google Docs are open and the trauma needs fictionalizing. It’s loosely connected to my real name, but no one in real life calls me that (and if they did, I’d simply vanish into the void).

Favorite fandoms:

Favorite fandoms? Buckle up. BTS (ARMY forever), Haikyuu (yes, I would die for Oikawa), Naruto (childhood trauma but make it ninja), FORMULA 1—if you watch F1, please DM me so we can scream about tire strategies and dramatic team radios. Also MotoGP (because two wheels = double the chaos), The Hunger Games (Team Katniss always), Divergent (we don’t talk about Allegiant), FC Barcelona (Visca Barça, obviously), Marvel (I MISS U TONY) and like… a thousand others. I’m everywhere. I have no peace.

OTP(s)/shipname:

Favorite ships? Okay, so I claim I don’t really ship people... until I do. It’s a vibe thing, alright? I rarely focus on romantic dynamics (brain said emotional damage only), but when I do ship, it’s elite. Chuck & Blair? Toxic royalty. Mark & Lexie? I’m still grieving. Satoru & Suguru? Pain. Just pain. And Zendaya & Tom Holland—listen, I never ship real people… except them. Because they are goals and my exceptions list has exactly one entry.

Favorite color:

Sage green (respect her), burgundy red (like elegant blood), and literally any shade of pink. Baby pink? Love. Hot pink? Iconic. Millennial pink? Still thriving. If a color screams “soft but also might ruin your life,” I’m into it.

Favorite game:

I was never much of a gamer—like, gaming culture never really grabbed me by the soul. I know the basics: COD, LoL, Overwatch... and like three more if I’m caffeinated enough. BUT my one true gaming love? Sims 4. And yes, I use the Wicked Whims mod. This is not a family-friendly household. Everyone’s hot. Everyone’s dramatic. Everyone’s fucking. It’s chaos and I thrive in it.

Song stuck in your head:

Currently playing in the chaotic concert that is my brain: “Uh Uh” by Clavish on repeat like I owe it money, “Maria” by Justin Bieber for literally no reason (???) and “Cyclone” by T-Pain because apparently 2007 never left my soul. I don’t know what’s going on with my music taste lately—it's giving Spotify possessed by multiple personalities.

Weirdest habit/trait?

IDK if this is weird but… maladaptive daydreaming? Yeah, I’m in deep. Like, wake up, make coffee, light a cig, put on earphones, cue the most unhinged playlist ever—and suddenly I’m pacing through my apartment like I’m in a music video directed by delusion. Full-blown cinematic universe in my head. Sometimes I pause and think, “am I okay?” (Answer: no, but I’m committed). Also? I hate eating in front of people unless we’re close enough to trauma bond. Otherwise, I will simply starve in silence, thanks.

Hobbies:

My hobbies? Writing, reading, going out (yes, that is a hobby—don’t fight me), and shopping… which I’ve mentioned, like, 47 times already because it’s basically a personality trait at this point. I love socializing so if there’s a group activity? I’m in. Board games? I’ll crush you. Sports? I’ll pretend I know the rules. Going to church? Sure, let’s vibe with God. I’m that friend—the “down for anything, shows up to everything, will not say no” type. Just invite me and watch me thrive.

If you work, what’s your profession?

Currently living my double life as a full-time law student by day and a barista by... also day, because capitalism. Serving legal knowledge AND oat milk lattes with equal finesse. Lady in the streets, freak in the sheets and a menace in the courtroom. Catch me quoting constitutional law while foaming milk like a pro. It’s called range, look it up.

If you could have any job you wish, what would it be?

Well, I’d be a journalist, but my country is so freaking corrupted that you can't get a job in that field unless you're willing to play unethical games or have some shady connections. So, here I am, dreaming of headlines while sipping overpriced coffee and side-eyeing the system. It's a vibe. Truly, a vibe.

Something you’re good at:

I’m good at anything I do... just kidding. But I’ve got a pretty wide range of things I can do and I’m a quick learner. Like, I can pick up languages faster than most people change their socks, I can write emotionally devastating angst like it's my side hustle, and my latte art is chef's kiss. Cocktails? Perfectly mixed, always. Also, I’m lowkey a badminton master—shhh, it’s my secret talent. I can probably also do a cartwheel, solve a Rubik's cube, and give unsolicited advice like a pro (just say the word). I’m versatile, what can I say? I'm also reaaaaally good at working under stress.

Something you’re bad at:

I’m really bad at volleyball and basketball, even though they’re some of my favorite sports. Truly tragic. I’m also a terrible singer, and it’s extra painful because my mom is a literal singer and can belt out notes like an angel. I’m bad at making good decisions, but honestly, who isn’t? It’s a mood. Oh, and let’s not talk about my drawing skills—I can’t draw for shit. I can barely make a stick figure look good. It’s like the universe said, “here’s all the talent, except the ones you want.”

Something you love:

I love my family and best friends—they’re my ride or die. Like, genuinely close to them. Also, The Weeknd? Absolutely obsessed. Fun fact: my entire end-of-high-school essay was about him and his life and work (yes, I’m that extra). I also have a special place in my heart for emotionally constipated characters because, let’s be real, we all secretly love that angst. And yes, I’ve mentioned it before, but I really love latte art. Coffee is life—especially the first cup in the morning, that’s when I’m most alive. Oh, and summer and spring? Don’t even get me started—sunshine and flowers (tulips the most) are my whole vibe.

Something you could talk about for hours off the cuff:

My fics. No seriously—I’m not joking. I could go on and on and ON. My best friend is probably one eye twitch away from losing it but he tolerates the chaos because, well, he loves me (and he knows I’m iconic). I also spiral over politics, CAPITALISM (yes, all caps), and traveling—drop me in a random country and I will thrive. Favorite memories? I romanticize the past like it’s my full-time job. Also, Yoongi’s lyrics? Don’t even get me started unless you have 7 business days to spare. Honestly, I’m super talkative and can have a full conversation about anything. It’s genuinely hard not to find a common topic with me. Try me.

Something you hate:

Slow walkers—why are you moving like the floor is lava? Judgmental people—congrats on being miserable, I guess? People who interrupt me mid-sentence? No. Just no. Bugs? Absolutely not. Bridges? Every time I walk or drive over one, my brain whispers “this is it, this is how we go.” Also, corruption—because apparently some people wake up and choose evil and bad vibes.

Something you collect:

I collect books and purses like a classy little rat. I think I already mentioned my shopping addiction—retail therapy is my religion—and purses? I’m WEAK. I see a cute bag and suddenly I have zero self-control. Oh, and let’s not forget my most tragic collection: emotionally unavailable men. Cue "My Collection" by Future playing in the background while I stare out the window dramatically.

Something you forget:

DON’T HATE ME but I forget dates like it’s my side hustle. Birthdays? Anniversaries? National “Don’t Forget” Day? All gone. It’s not personal—I just live in a mental fog 24/7. I also always forget to pack something for a trip, even though I make detailed lists like I’m preparing for war. And calling back? Yeah… about that. I’ll always text back like a responsible adult™ but calls? They enter the void. I love you, I just forget you exist temporarily.

What’s your love language?

Words of appreciation. I’m not gonna lie—it’s deeply tied to a lot of childhood trauma and, yeah, borderline insecurities. When people express their appreciation for me, it hits different, like a little piece of healing. It’s not always easy to ask for it, but it means the world when it’s genuine.

Favorite movie/show:

My all-time favorite movies? Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan—because who doesn’t love a good psychological unraveling? Honestly, I’m all about psychological thrillers, the more mind-bending, the better. As for shows, Gossip Girl and Sex and the City are timeless, and let’s not forget The Originals—that’s my comfort show. But don’t even get me started on Scandal, because Olivia Pope is a queen, and I will die on that hill.

Favorite food:

Mashed potatoes. What more can I say? I could eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I'd be content. Literally, just give me a bowl of mashed potatoes and I’m living my best life. I don't need anything else—it's a whole meal, a vibe, and my soul food all in one.

Favorite animal:

Koalas and wolves. Koalas are ridiculously cute, and wolves? They're just straight-up cool. It’s the perfect combo of adorable and badass, and I’m all for it.

Are you musical?

I know how to play the piano, but I don't really do it much. It's not that I'm not musical at all, I just prefer vibing out to music rather than making it myself. Sometimes, it’s just better to let the tunes wash over you.

What were you like as a child?

As a child, I was a know-it-all. I preferred hanging with the adults because I thought I was “too good” for the kids. But things weren’t as perfect as they seemed—I was messed up from my parents’ divorce, chubby, and insecure. I was the best kid in class, though. High school came along, and I suddenly got “pretty and hot,” which led me to become friends with the popular, problematic squad. That’s when I became really dependent on male validation. I grew out of the know-it-all phase, but I was drinking and smoking like it was an Olympic sport. Thankfully, I’m good now, but it was a wild ride.

Favorite subject at school?

Rhetoric, linguistics, and literature. I’ve always loved playing with words and understanding how language works. Those subjects were my jam—they felt like puzzles waiting to be solved.

Least favorite subject?

Math, physics, chemistry... anything connected to those subjects? Please, no. Give me a page full of words to play with, not numbers and elements. I’d rather dive into a good book than try to figure out what X equals or how molecules bond.

What’s your best character trait?

I guess I’m pretty empathetic, and I see that as a solid trait. I tend to approach things from a very objective standpoint too, which helps me keep a clear head when emotions run high.

What’s your worst character trait?

Thanks to my objectivity, I can be pretty harsh, which sometimes ends up hurting others. It's a bit of a double-edged sword. I’m also extremely stubborn and usually don’t take advice—I just do whatever I want, even if it’s bad for me.

If you could change any detail of your day right now what would it be?

Honestly, I wish I had a home-cooked meal waiting for me every time I stumble back from work/uni. It’s the little things, you know? Like, someone just magically knew I was going to be dead tired and prepared food for me. I miss that so much since moving out. Now I have to deal with microwaving things and pretending it’s a “gourmet experience.” I miss my family—someone just made the meal because they cared. Meanwhile, I’m over here with frozen pizza and existential dread.

If you could travel in time who would you like to meet?

First, I want to meet my mom when she was a kid, just so I can hug her and say, “It'll be okay.” Then, I want to meet my grandpa from my dad’s side, who died before I was born, because apparently, my dad was super close to him, and I just need to see if he was as cool as my dad says he was (and possibly steal some life wisdom). Next up: I want to go to music festivals with my uncle when he was a teen. I feel like that would be one chaotic, unforgettable experience. Then, obviously, Tupac and Kurt Cobain—imagine the conversation! And last but not least, Alexander the Great—because let’s be real, meeting a conqueror would be a flex. Like, “Yeah, I met a historical legend, no biggie.” I’m just out here trying to gather an all-star team of dead legends for a party in the afterlife.

Recommend one of your favorite fanfics (spread the love):

READ MATILDA BY @babystrcandy . That fic singlehandedly resurrected my fanfic-writing corpse. I read it, cried like I just got dumped via text, lit a dramatic cigarette like I was in a French indie film, stared at the wall for five minutes, and then sat in front of my laptop at 2AM like some caffeinated, emotionally unstable cryptid and started writing again. So if I ever publish a novel, blame @babystrcandy . Actually—thank them. But also blame them.

♡

I'm tagging @saatorus and @kooverses to do this too because chaos loves company, but honestly—everyone's invited. If you’ve read this far, consider yourself tagged. I’m lurking in the replies like a nosy aunt at a family gathering, so don’t disappoint me. I will be reading your answers like it's my full-time job.

[lethimfertilise]

A Perfect Storm of 2007-2008

The same book I referred several days ago - Nate Silver’s The Signal and the Noise: The Art and Science of Prediction - returned be back in 2007-2008.  The rollercoaster of those years  was my first taste of such extreme market volatility. In just a few months, prices of fertilisers, phosphate rock, and sulphur soared to record highs, took a brief pause in the summer, and then collapsed spectacularly from September onwards.

So, what drove that wild ride? To me, there were three or four key factors that created this perfect storm.

First, crude oil prices. In mid-2008, oil surged to over $140 per barrel, driven by booming global demand and geopolitical tensions. With energy being a cornerstone of fertiliser production, the ripple effect was inevitable. Higher oil prices meant higher costs for producers-and ultimately, higher prices for buyers.

Second, grain markets. Global grain inventories were at historic lows after several years of strong demand and poor harvests. Countries like India, Vietnam, and Russia imposed export restrictions on key staples like rice and wheat, tightening global supplies and sending prices soaring. Fertiliser demand naturally followed, as farmers scrambled to boost yields.

Third, commodities as an asset class. 2007-2008 marked the peak of speculative mania. Hedge funds and institutional investors flocked to commodities, betting on rising prices. I still remember that feeling of triumph when we looked at the pile of granular sulphur we’d stored in Brazil. But we were late to liquidate, and the market turned faster than we could react. With low interest rates and a weakening US dollar, commodities seemed like the perfect hedge against inflation - until they weren’t.

And finally, emotionally driven trading. Around 90% of trades at the time were pure speculation. Trading houses were snapping up anything they could get their hands on-fertilisers, raw materials, you name it. The frenzy created chaos and, inevitably, defaults. Even one of India’s DOF-authorised agencies reportedly failed to fulfil obligations in a urea import tender.

What did we learn from all this? The 2007-2008 boom wasn’t just about supply and demand. It was a cocktail of high energy prices, speculative money, supply chain bottlenecks, and emotionally charged trading decisions. A true "perfect storm” - one that reshaped the fertiliser market and left a trail of hard lessons for those of us who lived through it.

#imstory #market #fertilisers #fertilizers #india #crisis #memories #agriculture #agricommodities #grain #brazil #india #vietnam #russia #oil  

[heroicmultiverse]

//Playlist has been updated, but since it's a fairly big update, I'm going to go ahead and just list the entire tracklist under a read more

A Fifth of Beethoven by Walter Murphy [from Loki (2021)]

A-Punk by Vampire Weekend [from Scott Pilgrim Takes Off]

Agatha All Along by Kathryn Hahn [from WandaVision]

Alive by Battle Tapes [from Invincible (2021)]

Alive by Warbly Jets [from Spider-Man (2018)]

All Out Of Love by Air Supply [from Deadpool 2]

All the Stars by Kendrick Lamar and SZA [from Black Panther (2018)]

Angel by Depeche Mode [from Injustice: Gods Among Us]

Angel of the Morning by Juice Newton [from Deadpool (2016)]

Another Winter by Anamanaguchi [from Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game]

As the World Caves In by Matt Maltese [from Amaranth's "The Suicide Squad" GMV]

The Avengers by Alan Silvestri [from The Avengers/Avengers Assemble (2012)]

Back in Black by AC/DC [from Iron Man (2008), Megamind and Spider-Man: Far From Home]

Bad Reputation by Joan Jett [from Kick-Ass]

Bangarang by Skrillex (ft. Sirah) [from Deadpool 2]

Barracuda by Heart [from The Boys and Birds of Prey (2020)]

Big Energy by Latto [from She-Hulk: Attorney at Law]

Big Shot by Billy Joel [from The Boys]

Black Betty by Spiderbait [from TMNT (2007) and Birds of Prey (2020)]

Black Sheep by Metric (ft. Brie Larson) [from Scott Pilgrim vs The World and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off]

Blinding Lights by The Weeknd [from Ms. Marvel (2022)]

Blitzkrieg Bop by The Ramones [from Spider-Man: Homecoming]

Bloom by NECRY TALKIE [from Scott Pilgrim Takes Off]

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen [from Suicide Squad (2016)]

Bones by Imagine Dragons [from The Boys]

Brace for Chaos by Epic Games [from Fortnite: Battle Royale]

Brand New Day by Neil Patrick Harris [from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog]

Bulletproof Love by Method Man [from Luke Cage (2016)]

Burning by Yeah Yeah Yeahs [from Echo (2024)]

Business by Eminem [from Shazam!: Fury of the Gods]

Can I Kick It? by A Tribe Called Quest [from Luke Cage (2016) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem]

Celebrity Skin by Hole [from Captain Marvel (2019)]

Centerfold by The J. Geils Band [from Echo (2024)]

Cherry Bomb by The Runaways [from Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and The Boys]

Clint Eastwood by Gorillaz [from Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League]

Come Baby Come by K7 [from Suicide Squad (2016)]

Come and Get Your Love by Redbone [from Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3]

Crazy On You by Heart [from Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series, Captain Marvel (2019) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3]

Creep (Acoustic Version) by Radiohead [from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3]

Dancing With Myself by The Donnas [from Gen V]

Danny Phantom Theme (Extended Version) by Guy Moon [from Danny Phantom]

The Dark One by Anamanaguchi [from Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game]

THE DAY by Porno Graffiti [from My Hero Academia]

Deadpool Rap (2013) by Teamheadkick [Deadpool fan song]

Deadpool Rap (2016) by Teamheadkick [from Deadpool (2016)]

Deadpool Rap (X-Force Remix) by Teamheadkick [from Deadpool 2]

Dear Mr. Fantasy by Traffic [from Avengers: Endgame]

Diabolical Invincible Me by Brandon Yates [from Death Battle: Omni-Man vs Homelander]

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap by AC/DC [from Suicide Squad (2016)]

Dirty Work by Steely Dan [from The Suicide Squad (2021)]

Do Ya Wanna Taste It by Wig Wam [from Peacemaker (2022)]

Dog Days Are Over by Florence + the Machine [from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3]

Don't Stop Me Now by Queen [from Shazam! (2019)]

Dragula by Rob Zombie [from Echo (2024)]

Dream On by Aerosmith [from The Boys]

Elevate by DJ Khalil (ft. Denzel Curry, Cordae, SwaVay, and Trevor Rich) [from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse]

Everything You Ever by Neil Patrick Harris & Felicia Day [from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog]

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor [from Big Hero 6]

The Final Countdown by Europe [from Guardians of the Galaxy (2021)]

Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash [from The Suicide Squad (2021)]

Garbage Truck by Sex Bob-omb [from Scott Pilgrim vs The World]

God Save the Queen by The Sex Pistols [from The Boys]

Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen [from Zack Snyder's Justice League]

Hate to Say I Told You So by The Hives [from Invincible (2021)]

Hazy Shade of Winter by Gerard Way (ft. Ray Toro) [from The Umbrella Academy and Gen V]

Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs [from Gen V]

Heart Shaped Box by Nirvana [from The Boys]

Heathens by Twenty One Pilots [from Suicide Squad (2016)]

Hero by Chad Kroeger (ft. Josey Scott) [from Spider-Man (2002)]

Hero by Jessie J [from Kick-Ass 2]

Highway to Hell by AC/DC [from Iron Man 2 and Megamind]

Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar [from Lego DC Super-Villains and Birds of Prey (2020)]

Holding Out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler [from Loki (2021) and Guardians of the Galaxy (2021)]

Hooked On A Feeling by Blue Swede [from Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Guardians of the Galaxy (2015)]

The Hot Wind Blowing by Jamie Christopherson (ft. Ferry Corsten) [from Death Battle: Hulk vs Doomsday]

House of the Rising Sun by The Animals [from Suicide Squad (2016)]

Hurt by Johnny Cash [from Logan]

Hypnotize by The Notorious B.I.G. [from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and The Boys]

I Feel Fine Pt. 1 by Sex Bob-omb [from Scott Pilgrim Takes Off]

I Feel Fine Pt. 2 by Sex Bob-omb [from Scott Pilgrim Takes Off]

I Fought the Law by The Clash [from Lego DC Super-Villains]

I Wanna Rock by Twisted Sister [from The Boys]

I'm Ready by Jaden Smith [from Spider-Man: Miles Morales]

Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin [from Thor: Ragnarok]

Immortals by Fall Out Boy [from Big Hero 6]

In the Meantime by Spacehog [from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3]

The Incredits by Michael Giacchino [from The Incredibles]

Intergalactic by Beastie Boys [from The Marvels]

Invaders Must Die by The Prodigy [from Scott Pilgrim vs The World]

Iron Man by Black Sabbath [from Iron Man (2008)]

Is She With You? by Junkie XL [from Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice]

It's Getting Boring By The Sea by Blood Red Shoes [from Scott Pilgrim vs The World]

It's On Again by Alicia Keys (ft. Kendrick Lamar) [from The Amazing Spider-Man 2]

It's Tricky (DJ Fresh Remix) by Run-DMC [from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016)]

Joker and the Thief by Wolfmother [from Lego DC Super-Villains]

Just A Girl by No Doubt [from Captain Marvel (2019)]

Kick Ass (We Are Young) by MIKA vs RedOne [from Kick-Ass]

Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue [from Guardians of the Galaxy (2021)]

King's Dead by Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future and James Blake [from Black Panther (2018)]

Kryptonite by Three Doors Down

Last One Standing by Skylar Grey, Polo G, Mozzy & Eminem [from Venom: Let There Be Carnage]

Left Hand Free by Alt-J [from Captain America: Civil War]

Like A Prayer by Madonna [from Deadpool & Wolverine]

Live to Rise by Soundgarden [from The Avengers/Avengers Assemble (2012)]

Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi [from Ms. Marvel (2022)]

London Calling by The Clash [from The Boys]

The Magic Number by De la Soul [from Spider-Man: No Way Home]

Main Title by Danny Elfman [from Spider-Man (2002)]

Mama Said Knock You Out (Undefeated Remix) by LL Cool J [from Deadpool 2]

The Man Comes Around by Johnny Cash [from Logan]

Merc with a Mouth by Teamheadkick [Deadpool fan song]

Mercy by Muse [from Batman: Arkham Knight]

Monster by Reckless Love [from Peacemaker (2022)]

My Life As A Teenage Robot Theme (Extended Version) by Peter Lurye [from My Life As A Teenage Robot]

My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up) by Fall Out Boy [from Big Hero 6]

Neat Neat Neat by The Damned [from The Boys]

Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley [from The Lego Batman Movie, The Boys, and Guardians of the Galaxy (2021)]

No Diggity by Blackstreet, Dr. Dre and Queen Pen [from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem]

No More Heroes (Billy Butcher vs Hero Killer Stain) by Brandon Yayes [The Boys/My Hero Academia fan song]

No Sleep Till Brooklyn by Beastie Boys [from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3]

Nobody Speak by DJ Shadow (ft. Run the Jewels) [from Deadpool 2]

Nothing Else Matters by Metallica [from Gen V]

November Rain by Guns N Roses [from Thor: Love and Thunder]

Oh No!! by Grandson [from The Suicide Squad (2021)]

Only Happy When it Rains by Garbage [from Captain Marvel (2019)]

Orange Shirt by Sex Bob-omb [from Scott Pilgrim Takes Off]

Paradise City by Guns N Roses [from Thor: Love and Thunder]

Paranoid by Black Sabbath [from Suicide Squad (2016)]

The Passenger by Iggy Pop [from The Boys]

Peace Sign by Kenshi Yonezu [from My Hero Academia]

People Who Died by The Jim Carroll Band [from The Suicide Squad (2021)]

Pizza Power by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time]

Police Truck by Dead Kennedys [from Scott Pilgrim Takes Off]

Portals by Alan Silvestri [from Avengers: Endgame]

Pressure by Billy Joel [from The Boys]

Psycho Killer by Talking Heads [from The Boys]

Pumped Up Kicks by John Murphy (ft. Ralph Saez) [from Peacemaker (2022)]

Purple Lamborghini by Skrillex (ft. Rick Ross) [from Suicide Squad (2016)]

Push Push (Lady Lightning) by Bang Camaro [from Peacemaker (2022)]

Rain by Grandson & Jessie Reyez [from The Suicide Squad (2021)]

Ramona by Beck [from Scott Pilgrim vs The World]

Red Flag by Billy Talent [from TMNT (2007)]

Remember by Ember McLain [from Danny Phantom]

Remember the Name: Deku by Triple-Q [Mashup featuring You Say Run from My Hero Academia]

Reptile's Theme by Skrillex [from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)]

Rock You Like A Hurricane by Scorpions [from Avengers (2020) and The Boys]

The Rubberband Man by The Spinners [from Avengers: Infinity War]

Save You With My Love by Dan Conklin [from DC Super-Hero Girls (2019)]

Scarface (Push It To The Limit) by Paul Engemann [from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem]

Scott Pilgrim by Plumtree [from Scott Pilgrim vs The World and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off]

Scott Pilgrim Anthem by Anamanaguchi [from Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game]

Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes [from Suicide Squad (2016)]

Shame on a N***a by Wu-Tang Clan [from Luke Cage (2016)]

Shell Shocked by Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa, and Ty Dolla $ign (ft. Kill the Noise and Madsonik) [from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)]

Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC [from Iron Man 2 and The Avengers/Avengers Assemble (2012)]

Short Change Hero by The Heavy [from Batman: Arkham City]

Should I Stay or Should I Go? by The Clash [from Iron Man 2]

Since You Been Gone by Rainbow [from Guardians of the Galaxy (2021) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3]

Space Oddity by David Bowie [from Venom: The Last Dance]

St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion) by John Parr [from Deadpool: No Good Deed and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse]

Stone Cold Crazy by Queen [from Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series]

Stop! by Jane's Addiction [from The Boys]

Streets Ignite by Epic Games [from Fortnite: Battle Royale]

Subboss Theme by Anamanaguchi [from Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off]

Sucker for Pain by Various Artists [from Suicide Squad (2016)]

Sucker's Prayer by The Decemberists [from The Suicide Squad (2021)]

Suite from X2 by John Ottman [from X2: X-Men United]

Sunflower by Post Malone and Swae Lee [from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse]

Superman March by John Williams [from Superman: The Motion Picture]

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics [from X-Men: Apocalypse]

Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones [from Suicide Squad (2016) and The Boys]

Teen Titans by Puffy AmiYumi [from Teen Titans (2003)]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Theme by CD9 [from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016)]

That's Life by Frank Sinatra [from Joker (2019)]

Theme from Spiderman by The Ramones

This Is My Time by Jaden Smith [from Spider-Man: Miles Morales]

Threshold by Sex Bob-omb [from Scott Pilgrim vs The World]

Tick Tick Boom by The Hives [from Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League]

Tom Tom by Holy Fuck [from Invincible (2021)]

United States of Whatever by Liam Lynch [from Scott Pilgrim Takes Off]

Venom by Eminem [from Venom (2018)]

Voodoo Child (Slight Return) by Jimi Hendrix [from WandaVision]

Walking on the Sun by Smash Mouth [from The Boys]

Warriors by Imagine Dragons [from Wonder Woman (2017)]

Way Down We Go by KALEO [from Logan]

We Ain't Came to Lose by Raekwon & Ghostface Killah [from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge]

We Are Sex Bob-omb by Sex Bob-omb [from Scott Pilgrim vs The World]

We Run This by Missy Elliott [from She-Hulk: Attorney at Law]

Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N Roses [from Megamind and Thor: Love and Thunder]

Welcome to the Party by Diplo, Lil Pump & French Montana (ft. Zhavia Ward) [from Deadpool 2]

What We're All About by Sum 41 [from Spider-Man (2002)]

What's Up Danger by Blackway & Black Caviar [from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse]

When You're Mine by Jason Charles Miller [from DC Super-Hero Girls (2019)]

Where We Come From by Lecrae [from Spider-Man: Miles Morales]

Whistle for the Choir by The Fratellis [from The Suicide Squad (2021)]

White Room by Cream [from Joker (2019)]

Without Me by Eminem [from Suicide Squad (2016)]

Wreak Havoc by Skylar Grey [from Suicide Squad (2016)]

X Gon' Give It To Ya by DMX [from Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2]

X-Men by Powerglove [from X-Men: The Animated Series]

[thinktosee]

THAILAND – A BRIEF CULTURAL IMMERSION

Bangkok or the City of Angels, is an unpolished gem set within the alluvial crust of the great Chao Phraya Delta. Whatever our fertile imagination conceives in the realm of human civilization – culture, food, entertainment and learning, Thai society offers an almost perfect mirror image. In this Land of Smiles, Buddhist doctrine, including the faith in how the world is, rather than what it should be, predominates. Familial connections thereon are supposed to encompass the whole society. Hence, no quarrel or enemy is permanent. Mutuality of interests determines every relationship. In this respect, we have much to learn from Thailand and Thais. 

On account of the disruption to my scheduled visit to Israel last month due to the hostilities generated by the Oct 7 terror attack emanating from Gaza, I was thrust several days later into the warm embrace of Bangkok. It was not to be my first visit however. Over the decades, my family and I had travelled to Thailand for vacation. Sara and David had very fond memories of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, which we visited in 2006 and 2007. 

Post-Covid Bangkok is ramping up the buzz. Tourists have returned by the millions – the Suvarnabhumi Airport is cluttered at any time of the day and night. Construction activity within the city centre is a growing nuisance no doubt, but a necessary and desired product of economic development which creates employment across the board. 

As our imagination and expectation evolved from the pre to post Covid, so too has Bangkok. Once a haven for the most extreme forms of exploitative and fleshy entertainment, Bangkok today seems more intent on just being chill, like a meditating Buddha. Its many culinary attractions have been given added focus and also a wider palette. For those who know, Thai food is Heavenly. But wait, since post-Covid, there has been a significant uptick in the number of food outlets and restaurants across town. Of course, there are some or perhaps many who visit Bangkok for the legalized weed, which is easily accessible from the numerous “green” outlets splattered across the city centre. But food is my thing, and I suspect this is what coincides with the runaway imagination of most visitors – stuffing ourselves to our heart’s pleasure without any need for hallucinogens.

I do not encourage recommendations for food outlets, especially in Bangkok. What I do propose however is for the visitor to explore the many Sois or Lanes connecting to Sukhumvit Road. The finest foods may be found in them – Thai, Western, Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Korean and so on. For Chinese and Thai-Chinese food, most folks, I gather, make their way to Chinatown. Everyone is an individual and every taste bud is different, I suppose. So, please seek out an outlet which you will find heavenly and in doing so, reinforces your imagination and expectation of Bangkok and Thailand. 

One other thing, contrary to the old colonial mindset depicting the oriental as inscrutable, the Thais are just what we see however – gracious, helpful and friendly. They do live by the Dharma. 

Bangkok is the unpolished gem whose beauty can never be refined by a single hand. To see it at its finest, one has to immerse in the culture and society. 

Sawasdee.