#the musical and that one horrifying bad end poll have me thinking about this again

[shimmeringweeds]

Pondering the thematic decision to rip the hope from our hands in the season one finale. The show begins soft and balanced. Then emotion comes crashing down hard before the expectation of hope rises again. Up and up and up and up......! just to be snatched away at the literal last minute.

Chasing elusive hope is a major theme of this story. So here I want to explore: how does hope relate to these character's fates?

To play with some thematic personification here, let’s reintroduce the Triple Star Warriors: Courage, obliterating fear (represented by Lu Guang); Justice, rekindling hope (represented by Cheng Xiaoshi); Wisdom, light the way (represented by Qiao Ling.) Do you remember what strongest attack of the Warrior of Justice is? "It's the heart of hope! Give me the power of Justice!"

Season two’s finale showed "Courage” desperately trying to defend "Justice," who is in danger of being lost. Meanwhile "Wisdom" is trapped in thought, keeping her light dim while desperately trying to find the justice, the truth, buried under hard facts.

Desperately. The word "desperation" comes from the Latin "de"-without, and "spes"- hope. 绝望 - the mandarin word for despair, also means “to give up hope.” Falling into despair means you have lost hope. To pick yourself back up out of that bleak darkness, that hole, takes courage. We say, "the only way out is up." But when you have the power to go back in time, accompanied by grief and regrets, how do you know what direction that is?

The hole of despair has multiple paths. Perhaps the only thing you can do by yourself is pick one direction and stubbornly stick to it. You're not wandering. You have a path, and with a little hope, you believe you've picked the right direction.

But actually, every path leads to an exit, good or bad, though all will be difficult to travel. Some are dark and ridden with traps and setbacks to prevent you from moving on. Many twist and turn, going up and down, connecting with other dangerous paths along the way. A few paths are safe but endless and steep. You pick one and you walk, you run, you fall, you get thrown back; but you've come so far you can't possibly start over. You're chasing this hope, specifically, and you want it. The thought of turning around and finding new hope is too much. So you persist. Is this persistence out of courage, or is it out of fear?

Which choice truly overcomes fear? Persisting desperately down a path of traps, facing regrets head on towards the hope and light you chose? or turning away, making peace, and beginning the steep, bittersweet climb towards a new life?

And how many carrots of hope will be dangled and snatched away in the process? How many times are you willing try? Won't giving up and turning around just drive you deeper and deeper into despair?

"The heart of hope. Give me the power of justice." If Cheng Xiaoshi is "Justice," then who is his heart of hope? and vice versa? You know, no one said you had to escape the hole of despair and regrets alone. Sometimes a friend or two jumps down after you.

To pursue justice takes courage. To side with justice takes more courage. In an unjust world, justice cannot exist without courage. Fear prevents justice from acting.

It's a good thing, then, that Courage is dead set on this path to protect Justice. Even better, Justice stands as a heart of hope on one side of Courage, while Wisdom lights the way on his other.

..... but, Justice will always follow the righteous path. Courage cannot determine what that is. Wisdom will always choose to shine her light on Justice and those who choose to follow him, wherever he may go. "Fear" can still guide Courage to look away from Wisdom's light, and betray what Justice stands for.

Justice rekindles hope. And Courage must face whatever hope Justice is want to bring.

[kpopfanfictrash]

No Strings (XI)

Author: kpopfanfictrash

Pairing: You / Jimin

Rating:  18+ (explicit sex)

Word Count: 7,086

Summary: It started off as such a simple question. How to know if you’re bad in bed? Of course when you asked, you didn’t imagine Jimin would actually answer. (This is an additional part to my series, No Strings, as requested in the poll for my follower milestone)

“I’m just saying,” Minsun says, spinning around on her stool. Taking a sip of her drink, she squints at the room. “If Namjoon were any klutzier, he would literally die.”

Fighting a smile, you tap your hand to the counter. “Oh?” you say, accepting the drink pushed your way. “You know what I think? I think you’re exaggerating.”

“I’m not, though.” Shaking her head, Minsun points a finger at the dance floor. “Look at him right now. He looks like a twelve-legged octopus taking a beginner’s tap class.”

“If he has twelve legs, he’s not an octopus.”

“Shut up, you get my point.”

Hiding a smile, you nod because she is right – Namjoon truly does have dismal coordination. Right now, he is semi-drunk, waving both hands like one of those blow-up dolls at a car dealer. He slinks towards the center, fruity drink in one hand and hair pushed back from his forehead. Namjoon is a good-looking dude, intelligent and a catch for anyone to date – he also tends to be the most ridiculous human on the planet, without quite meaning to be.

Trying not to laugh, you return to Minsun. This week has been long, to say the least. You have been working on this giant presentation at work for a month now, one which went over well this morning – and prompted Namjoon and you to force your friends out in celebration. You have been at the bar drinking since 5:00 pm, although more of your friends have trickled in along the way, joining the revelry.

Seokjin arrived a half-hour ago; he is now seated beside you, two shots deep at the bar. He is partly to blame for Namjoon’s current state of inebriation, having convinced him that being drunk makes him a better dancer, not worse. Hoseok is also here, but Hoseok – you roll your eyes at the sight – is a stupendous dancer and seems completely at ease out on the dance floor. His girlfriend, Vikki, must be around here somewhere. Normally, you would say she is with Katie but Namjoon and Katie broke up two months ago, a messy split which involved your co-worker’s ex-boyfriend.

Wincing, you return the drink to your lips. Namjoon was devastated after, although it seems as though he is finally back in the swing of things. At least, he is trying – judging from the wavy sprinkler move he is attempting out on the dance floor.

Minsun snorts, draining the rest of her glass. “Okay,” she says, hopping down from the counter. Adjusting her skirt, she winces at the motion – the fabric is bright magenta, shorter than yours. “I’m gonna go to the bathroom. Wait here, hold my purse.”

Minsun disappears, flouncing away and you swivel your hips at the bar, returning to nursing your drink. Music thumps through the air, raucous and loud enough to drown out the voices around you – or, almost loud enough.

“Hey there,” a guy says, sliding onto Minsun’s vacated stool.

You glance up from your drink. A new wave of people has entered and it is a struggle to remain on your chair with everyone crowding so close. The stranger is cute, speaking mathematically. He has full lips, a broad forehead and the type of hair which seems perpetually stuck-up in the back. Beyond that though, your generosity ends.

The way he stares at you is calculated, as though he has a dating playbook and is eighty percent sure – if he says and does the right thing – you will be fucking him by morning. There is something to his gaze, his smile; this man thinks he damn well owns this room and you would be lucky to have him.

It is hard for you not to roll your eyes, taking a sip of your drink.

The guy leans forward. “I’m sorry,” he says, placing a hand on your arm. His touch is light, not overly forceful – he has done this before, and often.

“Are you?” you say.

A flash of confusion crosses his face. “I – what?”

“You said sorry,” you say, arching a brow. “I asked you if you are.”

The guy stares, taken aback before he smiles. “Oh, I get it,” he laughs, leg brushing yours. “No, that was just an expression of speech. I think you’re beautiful and wanted to say hi.”

Your smile turns brittle, grip on your drink tightening. Your remark was facetious – it takes a special kind of oblivious to ignore the fact that you are unwanted. Leaning away, you glance again at the bar. Seokjin, Namjoon and Hoseok are out on the dance floor, Minsun has not reemerged from the bathroom – fuck women’s restrooms and their lines – but once she does, you know she will kick this guy to the curb.

“Anyways,” he announces – louder, as the next song begins. “I was wondering if there’s a mirror in your pants?”

You nearly choke on your drink. “I’m not wearing pants.” 

This is true, you are wearing a dress – albeit, not one as tight and short as Minsun, but a dress nonetheless.

Ignoring the warning in your eyes, the guy leans in to continue. “Well.” The guy has the audacity to wink. “I think you must have a mirror in your pants, since I can definitely see myself in them.”

A long moment passes while you attempt to regather your jaw from the ground. The pickup line is horrible, borderline offensive in its awfulness and you are about to go off when an arm settles over your shoulder.

“Thank the fucking lord that I found you.” Jimin exhales, pushing a hand through his hair. His hair returned to black sometime last summer, which was a welcome surprise. “I’ve been searching for you everywhere – and Y/N, listen. We really need to talk.”

The guy looks at Jimin, then you. “I’m sorry,” he says – although this time, the apology really does not sound genuine. “Who are you?”

“I’m sorry.” The corner of Jimin’s mouth lifts. “I’m Jimin. And you are?”

The man frowns. “Clint.”

“Well, Clint.” When Jimin smiles, his gaze remains cold. “To answer your question – I’m the dude who slept with Y/N two weeks ago. I’m also the dude who needs to tell her something important.” 

Closing his eyes, Jimin steels himself.  “Y/N.” Seriously, he reaches out for your knee.

“Yes?” you say, trying hard not to laugh.

“Okay.” Jimin opens his eyes. “So, it’s like this. About a month ago, I noticed my spunk had this weird smell. I kinda brushed it off, thought was nothing. I don’t know,” Jimin sighs, looking up at the ceiling. “I decided I needed to eat more pineapple, or something.”

You somehow manage to turn your laugh into a cough. “What are you trying to tell me?” you demand, mock-horrified. “Did you come all the way to this bar, just to say that –”

“Yes.” Dramatically, Jimin looks you in the eyes. “I have the clap,” he announces, loud enough for Clint to overhear. “Possibly several of them. And I probably gave them all to you – through my penis.”

“Alright. I’m out.” Clint nearly falls off the stool in his haste to escape.

Trying not to laugh, you take a sip your drink. Jimin grins, wriggling to fill the space in between you. “Hi, baby,” he greets you, kissing your gently. “How was work?”

Smiling back at him, you wrap both arms around his neck. “It was awful,” you say in between kisses. Moving closer, your hips brush his on the stool. “Better, now that you’re here.”

Jimin cannot help but smile. “Your flattery does wonders to my ego, babe. Have I ever said that, before?”

“No.” Sighing, you wrap your legs around his. “I’m sure it got lost in between all the compliments you say to yourself.”

“Hey!”

Laughing, you pull away long enough to boop Jimin on the nose. “You’re so cute,” you coo, stretching his cheeks. “When did you get so cute?”

Jimin growls. “Cute is for children,” he says. “Mostly, those between the ages of zero and five.”

“What happens after five?”

“They get precocious. There’s nothing worse than a precocious child, Y/N.”

Biting down on your lip, you try not to laugh. “Okay, grandpa,” you say, patting his cheek as you hop down from the stool. “Go grab a double shot to catch up to me. I hear Namjoon is already tearing it up the dance floor and I’ve been remiss, keeping away for so long.”

Jimin turns around to order and you rise on tip-toe, peering into the crowd. Minsun has not returned yet, which is strange. She left her purse behind and if she does not come back soon, you will need to drag it out on the dance floor with you. Namjoon’s flailing is awkward enough without multiple straps on your body for him to get stuck in.

“OH MY GOD!”

The voice is Minsun’s, shrieking over the sounds of the bar. Your head jerks sideways, nearly slipping in your haste to retrieve her. “Jimin!” you yelp, delving in between patrons. “Grab Minsun’s purse for me, okay?”

“GOT IT, HONEY!”

Minsun remains audible, yelling somewhere in the background. She must be yelling, to be heard over the music and as you shove through the crowd, you imagine the worst. Seokjin should be here too, chasing after his girlfriend because she is clearly either A) under attack, or B) drunk and yelling at a stranger and honestly, with Minsun, the latter is more probable. Then you skid around a tall, gangly someone and come face-to-face with your roommate.

Minsun seems livid. She is standing with Seokjin, arguing fiercely while he holds both hands before him; a metaphorical shield in their battle.

“Why!” she blurts, poking him hard in the chest. “Why won’t you let me buy fro-yo!”

Seokjin sputters, grabbing both her wrists with his hands. “Minsun,” he hisses, glancing around. “Babe, just a little bit quieter, okay? I want to talk about this!”

“No,” she yelps, wrenching free from his grasp. “I will not be quiet when my very freedom is being oppressed!” Minsun huffs, waving a hand and nearly knocking over Hoseok’s drink.

“Hey!” he yelps, jumping out of her reach.

“Sorry, Hobi!” Minsun returns to scowling at Seokjin. “My boyfriend is compromising my freedom, so I’m a LITTLE preoccupied!”

“Babe.” Seokjin exhales, rubbing his face with both hands.

Minsun inhales deeply, seeming ready to explode as you dart your way forward. “O-kay,” you say, sliding both arms around her waist. Minsun frowns at this, although she lets you pull her back. “What’s going on?” you say. “What’s, uh – what did Seokjin do?”

Seokjin rolls his eyes. "Why,” he demands. “Do you all assume I did something wrong?”

“Because it’s you,” you say, glancing at Minsun. “You said something to get Minsun pissed off, clearly. Something about… fro-yo?” you offer, remembering what Minsun was yelling.

Seokjin grits his teeth. Whatever he was about to say is interrupted by Jimin sidling up beside you. “Here, Minsun.” He bows, handing over her purse. “Your affects.”

Accepting this, Minsun tries not to scowl. “Thanks,” she tells Jimin, still seeming miffed in the process.

Her gaze moves to Seokjin, hurt and confused – this is enough that you frown, glancing between them. This seems like more than Minsun being drunk and hot-tempered. 

“Seriously,” you ask, glancing between them. “What the hell is going on?”

“Seokjin is an ass.” Minsun pouts. “That’s the short story.”

Jimin turns his laugh hastily into a cough. “Sorry, man,” he shrugs. “That was funny.”

Seokjin stares blankly at him. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.”

Minsun’s lips tug down at the corners. “I was coming out of the bathroom earlier and decided I wanted to get fro-yo. So, I reach into Seokjin’s pocket for his wallet –”

“Which I objected to,” Seokjin says.

“– I reach into Seokjin’s pocket for his wallet and he slaps my hand away!“ Minsun nearly knocks Hoseok’s drink over for a second time with her gesticulation. "And then,” she says, lower lip trembling, “he said to me… that if I wanted frozen food, I needed to buy it myself!“

You and Jimin both gasp in tandem.

"You…” Jimin stares. “You really said that to her, man?”

Seokjin glances around the circle, finding no comfort. “I...” He hesitates, shaking his head. “No, no – it wasn’t like that. I just… I don’t want Minsun going into my pants. That’s all.”

Now, you are the one staring. “Uh…” You wrinkle your brow. “Then, what were you two doing on the couch the other day? Did she drop a peanut in your crotch or something?”

“I just wanna eat drunk fro-yo,” Minsun huffs. “But my boyfriend is out here, calling me fat.”

Seokjin’s eyes bug out. “I – what?!” he yelps. “No! I never said that!”

Minsun swallows. “Just...” She exhales, burying her face in her hands. “Leave it. I don’t want to talk to you right now.”

“No, no, no.” Seokjin groans, moving quickly to wrap both arms around her. “You’ve got it all wrong, baby,” he sighs.

It is like watching a train wreck. You know you should look away, but find you cannot. When Jimin holds out your drink, you take a long sip.

"Ten bucks,” he whispers. Jimin’s arms slides around your waist, his lips brushing your ear. “Ten bucks Seokjin has a present for her in his back pocket, or something.”

Stifling a grin, you nod. Seokjin would never be rude to Minsun without good reason. You know this about him, even if you give Seokjin shit for it occasionally. He is whipped as hell for your roommate.

As though to prove this point, Seokjin squeezes Minsun tighter. “That’s not – I mean, well,” he exhales, closing his eyes. “Fuck.”

Minsun pulls back to look at him. “Well, what?” she demands. “What is it?”

“I think you’re perfect!” Seokjin winces at Minsun’s clear look of outrage. “ You can be big, small, whatever you want – you know, so long as you’re comfortable with your body and not unhealthy, or whatever, you can do whatever you want and I –”

“Dude.” Jimin coughs, drawing a finger across his throat.

"What are you even talking about?” Minsun gapes.

“You can’t go into my pocket!” Seokjin blurts.

Minsun blinks in surprise. “I don’t… I don’t even know how to respond to that.”

Seokjin’s cheeks flush, biting down on his lip. “Shit.” Groaning, he presses both hands to his face. “Fine! You want to know why you can’t go into my pocket?“

"Yes.” Minsun folds both arms over her chest. “Let me just prep myself before my boyfriend says that he doesn’t want me touching his dick anymore.”

“Because!” Seokjin huffs, reaching into his pocket. “Because of this, okay?” Yanking out a box, he forces Minsun’s eyes to widen. “I want to fucking marry you! Which you’re ruining, by the way, by making me propose to you in a bar!“

Somewhere in the background, In My Feelings by Drake plays while oblivious, drunk patrons grind out on the dance floor. They seem unconcerned with the fact that history is being made right in front of you – history, witnessed by only yourself, Jimin, Seokjin and Minsun. Hoseok disappeared sometime around the second time Minsun tried to knock over his drink.

Minsun blinks, taking an uncertain step backwards. "You… what?”

“I want to marry you!” Seokjin yells, stepping closer. “I want to marry you,” he says, softer this time. His hands find her elbows, tracing circles over her skin.

Minsun stares back at him, lips parted in shock. “I...” She falters, suddenly at a loss.

Seokjin smiles. “What,” he murmurs, pushing a hand through her hair. He is still holding onto the small, blue box with the other. “No smart answer, for me?”

Minsun inhales, as though she might yell at him – before she lifts on her toes and kisses him smack on the lips. Seokjin laughs, words muffled when he pulls her closer and sinks into the gesture.

“You jerk,” Minsun exclaims, pulling back. She scowls, starting to laugh but refusing to move. “How dare you propose to me like this – in a bar, no less!”

He huffs, yanking her closer. “I wasn’t going to,” Seokjin says. “I was going to propose to you tomorrow morning in bed and then you ruined it by stealing my wallet!”

Minsun grins. “When we’re married,“ she says, looping both arms around his neck. "I’ll have half of your wallet by law.”

“You’re such a gold-digger,” he teases, kissing her again.

“Your gold-digger.”

“So, is that a yes?”

“That’s a fuck yes,” Minsun says, grabbing his face and pulling him in for another kiss.

Seokjin responds eagerly, body moving against hers and you blink, suitably awkward when you realize where this is headed. 

Jimin reaches down, tugging on your shirt. “Uh… let’s go,” he says, grabbing your hand.

Tugging you behind him, he pulls you onto the dance floor and leaves your overly-fond-of-PDA best friends behind. The song has changed, rap belting over the speakers but in the corner by the bathroom, Minsun and Seokjin do not seem to care. They are still kissing when you leave, one hand tangled in Jimin’s. You keep glancing at him, since it has not escaped your notice that Jimin has not said anything since the proposal.

He smiled, sure. He laughed – but there is something to his gaze which is giving you pause. Jimin whirls suddenly around, pulling your body to his. “Let’s celebrate,” he half-yells, to be heard over the music.

“Celebrate what?” Your hands slide around his neck. “Minsun and Seokjin?”

“Yeah, sure.” Jimin bends, nuzzling the exposed lines of your throat. “But also, life. Being together. Freedom. Whatever you want.”

You nod, letting your hips sway with the music. The word freedom sticks in your mind; a double-edged sword in comparison to the others. As you dance, you chance another look to where Seokjin and Minsun were standing. They no longer are, having disappeared along with the change of music. You presume they are on their way to properly celebrate. It is not difficult to be happy for them. You have been there since the beginning, after all. You have seen their relationship blossom since college and you know this is the next logical step.

Still, something nags in the back of your mind. Jimin said freedom.

Pressing closer, you try to ignore this. Jimin is not always good with his words – hell, it took him long enough to admit he liked you. It has been on more than one occasion he has said the wrong thing, but his intentions are always good and he learns from his mistakes. Deep down, you know Jimin is happy. It is only – your arms tighten, fingers running through the fringe of his hair – sometimes, you wonder if he regrets this.

Perhaps regret is too strong a word. You are Jimin’s first relationship in nearly five years, after all. Not only that, you two are a relationship, in all italic sense of the word. You began dating by saying I love you and that is a lot of pressure for anyone, let alone a reformed playboy. Thinking this, you wince and turn your face into his shoulder.

This might be unfair, since Jimin says he loves you. You know this, and you know it is not okay to hold his lack of girlfriends against him. It is only that word – freedom ­– which worries you, because it makes you afraid Jimin thinks this is lacking. The belief is unfounded, to be sure. Jimin has never once mentioned as much to you. It is only occasionally, at times like tonight, or at family gatherings – when the subject of marriage or kids is brought up, Jimin goes unnaturally silent.

It is hard for you not to notice. Jimin tries his best to hide his discomfort but to you, it is obvious – of course it is. There is no one who knows Jimin better than you, no one who can read his small ticks and tells like you can. You know that talk makes him uncomfortable and honestly, you do not blame him. It must be difficult to go from absolute freedom to someone always knowing what he is doing. To go from not having to answer to anyone to always thinking about someone else. Being in a relationship is work and occasionally, it crosses your mind if Jimin thinks it is worth it.

Refusing to entertain such thoughts any longer, you burrow deeper into his embrace. Jimin loves you, you remind yourself. This is just your insecurities rearing their ugly head and you should not let them win when there is nothing to back them up. Jimin pulls you closer, bending his body as you soften.

“Jimin,” you say. 

Lowering your hands, you graze the soft threads of his t-shirt. It is hot outside, equally so on the dance floor because the AC can only compete with sweaty bodies for so long.

“Yes?” Jimin moves your hips with his own. 

In the corner of one eye, you see the rest of your friends convene on the edge of the dance floor. They have that look in their eyes – the tipsy, where-should-we-go-next kind of look which you have no desire to follow.

“Take me home?” you ask, propping your chin on Jimin’s chest.

He smiles, grabbing your hand as he nods in response. Some Reggaeton beat follows you outside the bar – the same, distant beat which seems to accompany every Reggaeton song – and Jimin interlaces his fingers with yours, pulling his phone from his pants. The night air is chillier, breeze whipping your hair while you take a step closer and drape Jimin’s arm around you.

Jimin squeezes you softly, ordering an Uber. When it arrives and you pile into the backseat, Jimin is silent as he stares out at the window. You end up offering your apartment address, remembering Seokjin said he wanted to propose to Minsun in bed. On the off-chance he still has something he planned about that, you certainly do not want to be around for the moment. Resting your head on the window, you stare at the night until Jimin shifts on the backseat beside you.

“You know that I love you, right?” he asks suddenly, breaking the quiet.

There are a million things which run through your mind. The scratchy cough of the car driver, the feel of your butt on the fabric and the steady itch of your seatbelt. Jimin’s hand closes over yours, warm on the leather. 

“Yeah,” you say, looking at him. “I know. You know I love you too, right?”

Jimin smiles, not quite reaching his eyes. “I know.”

When he does not add anything more, you nod. The backseat falls quiet again, you lower your head to the seat and Jimin moves nearer. “Okay,” he sighs. 

You smile, resting your eyes the entire way back to your place.

When the car door opens, cold air blows on your face and you protest, burying your face in his shoulder. Jimin chuckles, pushing the door open to drag you outside. 

“Come on,” Jimin says, wrapping his arm over your shoulders.

Grumbling under your breath, you let yourself be led up the walk. Before you know it, you are blinking outside the door to your apartment. Mutely, you hand over the key and Jimin lets you both in, stepping past the threshold to turn on your lights. You were right, it seems. Seokjin and Minsun went back to his place.

Yawning, you strip off your purse and fling this over a counter. Jimin has disappeared into the bathroom, leaving you alone in the front hall. After locking the door, you trudge to the couch and lower yourself to its cushions. You were so sleepy in the cab, as though you will fall right asleep – but now, you find yourself staring at the wildly printed fabric (chosen by Minsun), and feeling wide awake.

As soon you think this, Jimin jogs into the hall. “Righ’,” he demands, toothbrush half-hanging from his mouth. He pushes hair back from his forehead, continuing to brush. “Ai thou chu sh’d kno’ at –”

“Park,” you say, arching a brow. One by one, you kick off your heels to the floor. “I can’t understand a word you’re saying, which somewhat lessens the impact.”

Jimin pauses, nodding and disappearing again down the hall. “’ANG ON,” he yells, followed by the sounds of spitting and running water.

You kick your feet up behind you, lying like a lump on the sofa – your skirt is probably hiked up in the back, but you cannot bring yourself to care. It is too late and you are too tired. Jimin jogs again into the room.

“Okay,” he declares, sticking out his tongue to display newly minted freshness. “What I was trying to say –”

“Through a toothbrush.”

“– albeit, not in the most romantic of fashions, but what I was trying to say is that I love you, okay?”

Slowly, you sit up on the sofa. “Jimin,” you say gently. “I know this. Why do you keep repeating that?”

“Because.” He exhales, pushing both hands through his hair. It makes his t-shirt ride up, exposing a flat strip of stomach. You try not to overly ogle; no one likes being ogled when they are attempting to be serious.

“I’m really excited for Seokjin and Minsun – really, I am!” Jimin says. “They deserve happiness, but...” Walking closer, Jimin kneels at the end of the couch. He drapes both arms over the armrest, peering at you. “I don’t want you to feel as though I love you any less because I’m not proposing right now.”

Your eyes widen. “I – Jimin, I never thought that.”

“I know,” he says. You wrinkle your nose, making him smile. “You’re too good and too perfect to ever pressure me, I know.”

“Jimin, that’s not –”

“I know.” This last part is quieter, eyes shut so that the dark of his lashes brush cheekbones. “It’s just... something I think about every day, you know?”

His fingers trace over the couch, absent-minded. Swirl, angle, circle and line. “Jimin,” you whisper, gaze moving from his hand to his face. “What do you think about every day?”

His expression stills. “You. Me. The future. I think...” He inhales, a quick sound. “I think about it all the time. What it will be like to marry you. To wake up next you. To have kids with you. I want all that, Y/N. I don’t want you to think that I don’t.”

Instead of answering, you swallow. It does not seem as though he is finished yet, and you do not yet know what to say. This is the first time Jimin has confessed something like this to you.

He opens his eyes. “I have every intention of marrying you, Y/N. It’s just, for the first time in my life, I want to do things right. I want to plan, be ready for marriage because once I do – there’s no going back.” He scoots closer, tiny movements until his nose brushes yours. “I want to propose in a way you can’t say no to. Not in some dingy bar, where an overplayed Drake song is playing.”

“I don’t know,” you say, needlessly tormenting. “I kind of like that song.”

Jimin growls. “Fine, I’ll have that playing in the background.” He pauses, adjusting closer. “I just wanted to tell you, because – well, why shouldn’t I tell you what I’m thinking?”

Unable to stop yourself, you smile. “No,” you say, pressing a kiss to his lips. “I’m glad you did. I think about that stuff too, you know.”

“You do?” Jimin’s eyes crinkle. “What do you think about?”

Now you are realizing the balls it took Jimin to tell you all this because, while you daydream about the future quite frequently, it is another thing entirely to lay it all on the line. 

“Um,” you mumble, burying your head in the crook of the couch. “I think about what kind of place we’d get together.”

“Oh?” Jimin stands up from the floor. “What kind of place?”

You inhale when he kneels behind you on the couch, hands sliding smoothly up the backs of your legs. “I – I,” you whisper, trying not to move. “A cute apartment, at first. One where we didn’t have to worry about Minsun taking too long in the morning to shower – or Seokjin, for that matter. Where,” your breath hitches when Jimin’s hands slide a bit too far, “we could get ready in the morning together.”

“Mm?” Jimin’s crotch grazes your hips, letting you feel his hardening length through his jeans. He pushes your dress upwards until cold air hits your ass. “What else?”

“I...” You inhale when his thumbs hook the sides of your panties. Jimin’s weight rests on your legs, holding you firmly as you squirm underneath him. “I think it might be nice to live together for a bit, before we get… married.”

Jimin inhales at the word. Bending, he supports himself with both arms to brush a kiss to your neck. “You want to marry me?” he asks quietly, hips molding to yours. “Are you sure?”

Gently, you nod. “Pretty sure. I mean, Daniel Henney is kind of out of the question, so –” You laugh when Jimin huffs, and then make a much different noise when he smacks your ass with one hand.

“Oh, you like that, do you?” he says, massaging the same cheek with his palm. You nod again, curling your arms underneath you to face into the couch. “You like being a little brat,” Jimin growls, shifting his weight. “You like being spanked, hm?”

You try to move, try to turn over but Jimin just chuckles, grabbing hold of your waist. “No,” he exhales, keeping you there. With one finger, he gently trails the damp center of your panties. “Not yet. I want to see how wet I can make you like this.”

You are not sure what he means until Jimin grips the couch on either side of your head. Your dress remains bunched at your waist, his jeans still firmly buckled, but his cock is now obvious, pushing into your ass. It makes you squirm, hot and bothered beneath him.

“Jimin,” you moan, rutting your hips against cushions.

Chuckling, Jimin lowers his lips to your skin. “What, baby?” he asks, dragging the strap of your dress down your arm. “Do you want more?”

“Yes,” you whimper. Jimin presses gentle kisses to your ear, massaging the delicate skin with his tongue. Your thighs clench underneath him, hating how wet he can get you. All without touching, all without even eating you out. He can do this just by straddling you, by dry humping and kissing – you do not hate this fact about him. You only wish you could slam him into the couch and return the favor.

Jimin’s mouth curves into a smile. “Is my baby getting anxious?” he whispers, one hand sneaking beneath your dress. You gasp when he flicks over a nipple, playing with the bud until it hardens into his palm. Then, Jimin moves to the next, still kissing your neck and keeping you grinding into the couch.

You groan, arching your back and pressing your breasts into his hands. Jimin has wonderful, skilled fingers – something you have never failed before to appreciate. You cannot help but squirm underneath him, hips grappling for friction, your barely clothed crotch humping the fabric below. It is barely anything, but still, it is better than lying here drenched in your own arousal.

Jimin gently tugs your nipples before he retreats, rocking backwards as he sits on his heels. “Y/N,” he coos. When you glance over your shoulder, you see him remove his shirt. Jimin flexes before tossing this on the ground – always a show-off, even now. He grins at your expression. “What about a game?” Jimin suggests, seeing the drenched core of your panties.

Fuck, anything for him to touch you again. You narrow your eyes, attempting to appear in control. “What type of game?” you counter – as loftily as you can with your dress bunched around your waist. Jimin slides his hands to your ass, pushing your cheeks apart and massaging them gently. You nearly combust on the spot.

“I’ll ask you questions,” he says, arching a brow. 

His cheeks are flushed, chest rising and falling and you realize he is more turned on than he lets on. Gaze darting down, you see Jimin’s cock strain against the tight fabric of his jeans. Judging by that, he will not keep you waiting for long.

Seeing where you look, Jimin frowns. “I’ll ask the questions,” he repeats, lightly smacking your ass. “When you answer, I’ll reward you.”

“Sounds… fun,” you say with zero conviction.

Jimin grins. “Alright, first question.” Adjusting himself, he unbuckles his belt and pulls the leather through loops. “Should we have two sinks in our bathroom, or one?”

Rolling your eyes, you attempt to shift underneath him. “Two, duh.”

The corners of his mouth drop. “You don’t want to share?” Jimin whines.

“I think there will be enough sharing without us fighting over toothpaste stains, thanks.”

“Hm.” Jimin considers for a moment, then shrugs. “Good enough, here’s your reward.”

Dropping his belt on the ground, Jimin pulls your dress overhead. You let him, wriggling until the fabric joins his t-shirt and belt on the floor. You are left naked except for your panties, breasts pressed into the fabric of the couch in twin, hardened peaks.

“Is that it?” You rub your butt against his crotch. Jimin’s gaze darkens. “You’re not even going to touch me?”

“Not so fast,” he says, spreading your legs and dragging two fingers up the folds of your slit. Groaning, you press yourself into the palm of his hand. He keeps your panties on, although the material is flimsy, drenching his digits as they slip to either side.

“Next question,” he pants, tugging your panties sideways. “Do you want a cat or a dog?”

“Um...” You inhale, wriggling your hips – only to be rewarded with a sharp slap on your ass.

“Not until you answer!” Jimin sounds like he is grinning.

“Fine,” you huff, flopping still. “I want a cat. They’re fluffy and independent and just think how cute you’ll look when it deigns to sit on your lap.”

“Hm.” Jimin slips his thumb between your folds, rubbing a slow circle over your clit. You are so wet, you swear, grinding your hips against him in the hope of more friction. “Good.”

Abruptly, he removes his thumb from your clit – you do not protest for long, since he hooks both index fingers under your panties and tugs them down to your ankles. Jimin lifts himself up, removing them gently to toss to one side.

“Fuck,” he groans, when you are naked beneath him. “Turn over, baby, I want to see you.”

You oblige, shifting to press your butt to the couch. Keeping your gaze fixed on Jimin, you drop your legs to either side.

He swallows, hard. “Shit.”

You smile. “What are you waiting for?”

“Next question.” Jimin lowers himself to his stomach. His hands slide up your legs, pressing your knees to the couch. “Do you,” he pauses, blinking uncertainly. “Would you want… kids?”

You stop, staring at him with a lump in your throat. Jimin turns his head, pressing a gentle kiss to your knee. Feeling the sudden urge to see him when you say this, you grab his face and lift his lips to yours. 

“Yes,” you whisper, kissing him.

Jimin opens his mouth, one hand fisting into your hair. He groans, your chests pressing together, hips grinding against him. When Jimin reaches downto frantically unzip his jeans, you are already there. Slapping his fingers aside, you yank his pants past his ass.

“Y/N!” Jimin laughs when you push these down with your feet.

“Shut up,” you say, kissing him again. “I want your pants off.”

“Which you can do,” he informs, helping you out, “through less creative maneuvers.”

“That’s not why you love me, though.”

“I love you because you can take my pants off with your feet?”

“Yep, that’s it.” You laugh when Jimin sloppily kisses your collarbone. Your fingers scramble for his boxers, removing the last article of clothing. “Ah,” you sigh when his cock springs free. His hard length slaps the skin of his stomach. “There it is.”

Jimin smirks, lowering himself to your body. “Where do you want me?” he murmurs, dragging his cock up your slit. “Like this? Fucked into the couch?”

You whimper when he removes himself from your folds, sinking his index finger into the warmth of your cunt. “Ah,” you groan, pushing up while he slides slowly in and out. Jimin’s thumb rubs your clit, smirking above you.

“Or, you can flip over,” he murmurs, opening your lips in a kiss. “And be fucked from behind. Or...” His breath hitches when you start to mouth down his jaw. “Against the wall? Or, spooning – just slip between your legs and fuck you like that?”

“Ah,” you groan. Your hands fumble with his waist, stroking his cock in your hands. “Maybe tomorrow morning, baby. I want to see you.”

Jimin nods into the crook of your neck, letting you guide him to your opening. Wrapping both legs around his waist, you nudge up against him. Jimin’s cock brushes your folds, teasing while you dig your hands into his hair.

“Jimin,” you groan. “Just put it in me, already, I wanna come on your dick.”

Jimin’s gaze darkens and he reaches between your legs. “Fuck,” he hisses, positioning himself to thrust quickly inside. You gasp, jolted into the couch by the force . Jimin pauses, brushing a kiss to your forehead and letting you adjust. “Is that – are you…?”

“Yes,” you groan, tipping your head back to the arm rest. “Fuck, yes, right there, Jimin.”

He smirks, pulling himself higher to re-position himself on his knees. Jimin’s hands find your ankles, lifting your legs to drape over his shoulders. “Is that good,” he murmurs, bending to push himself deeper inside.

“Mmph,” you say, the new angle allowing him further. “Yeah, Jimin, just like that.”

Jimin’s hips roll, letting you feel him in his entirety. He withdraws, hovering a moment before pushing into you slowly. You bite on his shoulder, letting him fill you – sometimes, there are no words which capture the feel of Jimin like this. It takes everything you have not to combust simultaneously, breaking apart to let him in at the seams.

You concentrate on the feeling him fill you and try your best to remain sane. Jimin grabs your ankle, turning his head to kiss skin before gently pushing inside you again and loosening a groan from your lips.

“Oh,” you moan, both arms clasped around his neck.

Jimin thrusts harder, kissing you roughly. His tongue finds yours, hips rutting against you while your hands pull his hair. Each thrust brings him deeper, closer as you bite down on your lip.

“Jimin,” you whimper. “Oh, ah, Jimin!”

He chuckles, pressing you harder into the couch. “Fuck,” he breathes, gathering you closer and fucking you faster, hitting that spot deep inside you. “Y/N, fuck.”

Hair falls into his gaze, dark and sweaty while his muscles bunch, keeping himself up. Jimin falls onto one elbow, other hand slipping between your legs to ease over your clit.

“Shit, Jimin,” you gasp, clutching him harder. His fingers are quick, bringing you close to the edge while he continues to fill you. It is difficult to keep still; you arch against him, urging him closer, deeper while grinding yourself on his cock.

Jimin reaches down, adjusting your hips and suddenly – fuck – he is everywhere. Deep inside you, on top of you, his lips mouthing up the edge of your jaw to whisper words in your ear. How he loves you, how he needs you, how he wants you. How you complete him, how you are him and you are saying it back, tugging strands of his hair with your fingers. When you come, shattering apart, it is Jimin’s name on your lips.

“Jimin,” you groan, collapsing back on the couch. He continues a few, frantic thrusts before coming inside – you feel him shudder, gasping your name when he half-collapses above you. Smiling, you press a kiss to his shoulder, rubbing his back before he manages to pull out. Grabbing a tissue from the end table, Jimin cleans you up before collapsing back down.

He sighs, turning his head to lazily connect your lips to his. “You want all that?” he asks softly, returning your earlier conversation. Looping your ankles over his ass, you let him pancake on top of you.

“Yeah,” you whisper, nearly bursting with happiness. “Yeah, I do.”

“Good.” Jimin smiles, interlocking your fingers with his. “Because it’s all coming. Just not in a bar.”

[ No Strings Master List ]

© kpopfanfictrash, 2018. Do not copy or repost without permission.

[midnightiscoming-kasabian]

The S.L.P. is ready to play

As one of the vital cogs in Kasabian’s arena thumping juggernaut, Serge Pizzorno has conquered the planet. Now he's launching something altogether new. 

Let's do a quick poll. Are you allowed to call a song ‘Gary'? Or is it too weird, like naming your dog ‘David'? It's a big issue, but never fear: on his self-titled solo record under the moniker The S.L.P., our mate Serge Pizzorno has answered this age-old question. It turns out you can. After a friend told him about the viral satirical news story claiming there had been no babies named Gary born in Britain after 1992, Serge was inspired. The resulting track ‘Youngest Gary' is a buzzing, darkly comic weirdo anthem, drawn from the same musical well that Serge pulled ‘Vlad the Impaler'.

"It was obviously a nonsense story, but if it's not a love song, and I don't write many of those, then comedy is the thread," Serge says. "There's always an element of dark comedy, or a twist that makes me laugh. To call a song 'Vlad the Impaler' to me is funny. When I read that people take it seriously, then that's even funnier to me, but if you delve in you start to see these sort of Andy Kaufman-esque moves that we made."

The pop-culture element is crucial. When Serge filtered the plight of the Garys with his film fandom and some David Bowie glam, a narrative began to form.

"I love the film 'Children of Men' where the youngest person in the world is like 17, and there are no more babies being born," he explains, "and I liked the idea that Gary is 27, there's no more Garys, and he's this Ziggy Stardust sort of character who's just wandering about Camden. He's the youngest Gary, and he's trying to make it in a band."

Camden Town of the Damned can be bad enough without being the very last of your kind, but ‘Youngest Gary' doesn't stray too far into bleak territory. Serge is a benevolent god. Before all of this band malarkey, did he ever think about going into comedy writing?

"Oh, god, no!" He laughs, horrified. "No, fucking never."

There is, at the very least, a filmic element to The S.L.P. though. The album is framed by three tracks named in the style of TV or comic book title cards - ‘Meanwhile… in Geneva', ‘Meanwhile… at the Welcome Break', and ‘Meanwhile… in the Silent Nowhere'. Serge had originally written them for a film that was in development but which never came to fruition, and dug them out again when Kasabian decided to take their first ever summer off.

"I thought, it's sort of now or never really. I had this music that I just thought would stay on the hard drive for years if I didn't do something with," he says. "I had this kind of 'Meanwhile...' concept, this comic book thing of 'Meanwhile, in the Bat Cave...', 'Meanwhile in the lab...', and I thought that would be interesting. I felt like I could make that record."

Those three provided the impetus for the album as a whole, a series of James Bond-style cinematic theme tunes that set Serge off on a natural path to fill in the blanks around them.

"It was just pure experimentation, following the art and seeing where that would take me. Down the rabbit hole. Like, what's down here and what can I bring up back to the surface?" He laughs.

The ‘Meanwhile…' tracks tie the album together in a natural way, cycling in and out with a repeated orchestral refrain.

"I like the idea of this being an album, not an algorithm," he says. "The melody comes back, and as a listener, you close your eyes, and you're directing your own movie in your head. That's how I sort of see music, visually. So I wanted that melody to repeat, and give the sense that this is on a soundtrack from the early 70s and what film that would be. But everyone's got their own take on it, and I love that."

The drifting, dreamlike ‘Meanwhile… at the Welcome Break' also features Slowthai in one of the album's two heavy-hitting collaborations. Serge says it was important to him to have artists who he believes are ‘at the forefront' of the next wave of British music. ‘... the Welcome Break' is, Serge says, "a kind of Scott Walker, Morricone, huge cinematic piece. But then having [Slowthai] is like psychedelic poetry, there's a real twist."

The other big collaboration on ‘The S.L.P.' comes on lead single ‘Favourites', perhaps the most traditionally Kasabian-esque track on the album and which alternates between the perspectives of both parties in a failed relationship. It features a - to put it mildly - absolutely cracking sharp-tongued verse from Little Simz. She and Slowthai were, Serge says, "the number one choices" for the album. The very top-tier.

"I was so lucky to get both number ones, you know?" he says. "It could only have been them as well, by hook or by crook I'd have made it happen. Because I just think that they're the hope for the future."

For Serge, managing to swing his two dream feature artists on his first solo album opened up a world of possibility. Having originally planned for the record to have a more Jazz-directed sound, he found that bringing MCs onboard pushed ‘The S.L.P.' as both an album and a project to another level.

"I think now this world exists I can [continue building collaborations]. That's really exciting for me. I just needed to make it happen, I needed to start it somewhere," he says.

Speaking of the future, if all of this was meant to be Serge's downtime, a summer off from working with Kasabian before they kicked back into gear, then where does that leave him? Thankfully, becoming The S.L.P. has cleared his head just as well as a month on the beach - if not more so.

"Having stepped away from the band I can now see it so clearly, I now can hear what the next chapter is," Serge explains. "Whereas before, I had no idea and I needed to do something else to figure that out. But I now know, I can place pieces of music where they belong. I think that's amazing to have that."

Even now that he's got it all figured out, it doesn't sound like he's about to take that time off. After all, with the album done and dusted there's the small matter of the live show to consider.

"It's this need to create. And then at the end of it, you've got to answer for it," he laughs. "When I'm with the band there's a gang, you know, but now it's just me going 'yeah I've got an idea for the live show... I've got no idea if it's gonna work, but I've definitely got an idea'."

The heart of it, it seems, is trying to make people feel that sense of wonder that guides so much of the record.

"I think I just want people to come and see the show and kind of feel like 'I wasn't expecting this to happen'," he says. "Like the record, there'll be twists and turns, and there'll be an edge to it. I want people to feel on edge but in a really exciting way, like 'what is going to happen next?'"

It's about community, he says.

"When we started all those years ago, we just wanted to connect with as many people [as possible]. Everyone is welcome, and everyone can hear each other's stories and figure out how we're going to move forward.

Taken from the September issue of Dork. The S.L.P.'s self-titled debut album is out 30th August.

www.readdork.com

[snkpolls]

SnK S3E09 Poll Results (Manga Reader Version)

The poll closed with 494 responses. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Please note that this is the results of the manga reader poll. Anime only watchers are suggested not to read if you do not wish to be spoiled about certain events! Anime only viewers, click here to view your poll results!

RATE THE EPISODE 486 Responses

Nearly adapted completely verbatim from the manga, overall the episode ranking was very positive this week, with no votes for it being awful. Seems each week keeps getting better and better!

All in all, brilliant episode. 10/10 would watch again, despite giant exploding guts.

It was great, especially what they did with Rod Reiss 120 meters Titan. I feel this was executed better than the manga. Hopefully, WIT Studio continues this way with season 3 and the next seasons of Attack on Titan.

Best episode of the season so far in my opinion! Was about to have a heart attack towards the end tho when I thought they flew over the flashback:(

In my opinion it was the best episode of the season. The animation rivaled levi vs kenny from the first two episodes

Amazing! My fav episode so far. Can't see anything bad this episode, except for that cliffhanger.... RIP Kenny

The animation was like Titan steam, cause it blew my away

Incredible devotion to detail. Best looking episode so far!

This season honestly just keeps getting better and better. The first few eps were a little shocking with the rearrangements and pacing changes, but now I'm back to being a WIT stan.

Easily one of the top 8 episodes of the entire series for me, so far.

HOW ABOUT THAT BARRICADES ORCHESTRAL REARRANGE? 480 Responses

Overall the fandom was positively hyped hearing that new arrangements of Barricades in the background. Now we’re all just asking, “where is the damn ost!?”

I NEED THE OST IN MY POSSESSION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE PLEASE OH MY GOD.   The Barricades remix was incredible?!?!?!?!!?!?

Really good music

the soundtracks were amazing man

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING WERE YOUR FAVORITE OVERALL SCENES? 486 Responses

Overall, most voters were stoked to see Rod’s face reveal more than anything. Following closely after that is Historia declaring herself the ruler of the walls, Levi finding Kenny by the collapsed cave and the Survey Corps taking out Rod.

YAASSS! Historia just named herself queen! I loved that part!

One little niggling thing for me is that scene where Eren watches Mikasa lift barrels effortlessly. I liked how the focus on her strength was made obvious by showing a brief glimpse of episode 1 -the time Mikasa was NOT strong enough. It made my heart weep man.

GOD I LOVE THE REISS TITAN. SEEING IT ANIMATED WAS SO FUCKING SICK.

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING WERE YOUR FAVORITE MC CHARACTER INTERACTIONS? 483 Responses

Eren accidentally inferring that Levi is a tiny, old man was voted most enjoyable scene of the episode, followed closely by Levi regrettably telling Kenny that he’s done for. Historia being firm about her stance with Erwin was another highly voted scene, along with Eren putting his game face back on.

I really liked Historia's characterization in this episode. It was nice to see her standing her ground in front of Erwin and the scene where she defeats her father was the episode's highlight for me.

HOW COOL WAS IT TO SEE THE POV OF A MINDLESS TITAN? 485 Responses

Overall, respondents were pretty stoked to see how a pure titan senses other humans.

YOUR REACTION TO ROD’S TITAN’S FACE REVEAL? 484 Responses

44% of respondents agree that the animation of Rod’s gruesome face was simply “awesome!” 25% were disgusted and 21% saw nothing but nightmare fuel. Ultimately we can all agree WIT really did a good job on this one!

ADORE

It set my gag reflex off like crazy, that shit was so disgusting! IMAGINE THE SMELL.

Finally! Gruesome details like that are an important part of the SnK universe and shouldn't be left out.

I'm glad WIT finally had the guts to go all out with Rod's titan form. It was definitely needed.

As Zackly would say: beautiful

I love that kind of macabre things but holy cannoli, I flinched so hard after seeing it. BIG KUDOS to the guys who animated this, it was a disgusting perfection.

Awesome disgusting & horrifying

If I were one of the soldiers I would've just shit my pants right there

Horrifyingly awesome! Awesomely horrifying?! THERE WAS BOTH RECOIL AND DELIGHT.

Wow it was awesome! It was so good to see first his eyes and then how devastated his face was. He had holes for eyes and the blood was like tears which fits with what Ymir said about mindless titans - that is incredible suffering.

It was absolutely disgusting and everything I was hoping for! Amazing!

Seriously don't get why it has to be so gross

I loved Rod’s Titan. It’s the stuff of nightmares.

Oh cool! Oh god.

WHO DREW IT BETTER - ISAYAMA OR WIT? 484 Responses

While Isayama drew Levi’s wanted poster better in the eyes of the fandom, WIT won the vote for Erwin’s talented left-handed drawing of Rod. We all thought it was beautiful either way!

Erwin actually draws better than me AND I WENT TO DRAWING CLASS FFS

WHOSE GRAVE DO YOU THINK EREN WAS VISITING? 481 Responses

Over half of respondents believe that Eren was visiting Hannes’ grave sometime between the events of Clash and Uprising arcs. 28% believe he was paying respects to a member of the original Levi Squad, while 25% believe it wasn’t anyone notable. Some write in answers had creative ideas:

A brat, I hope he's dead

His hopes and dreams

Can’t be Hannes or Squad Levi because they haven’t had time since the expedition for funerals. I think it’s Marco’s and the funeral was for the Battle of Trost.

I think it was an unnamed soldier's grave, but I was really hoping for it to be Hannes'

No idea, maybe a random soldier from Trost? When they're in titan territory how can they even stop to pick up what's left of bodies? I know they did after they escaped Annie but I never bought it much.

Mine, for this episode has killed me dead

Carla's empty grave.

Marco or some of his other comrades

HOW MUCH DO YOU RELATE TO EREN PUNCHING HIMSELF? 483 Responses

Half of respondents feel like Eren punching himself is a big and relatable mood (or perhaps, some of you relate to wanting to punch him?). 33% sometimes feel this way while 16% apparently never get this frustrated with themselves.

Didn't really like the Eren punching himself bit but he did kinda need it.

i wANT TO HUG MY DEPRESSED SON :(

HOW DID YOU LIKE THOSE THROWBACK FLASHBACKS FROM SEASON 1? 484 Responses

44% of respondents have appreciated seeing the nostalgic look of Season 1 peppered in with the current animation. 27% think that it’s pretty surreal to see the differences put together, and 22% didn’t really care or notice either way.

It was great to remind us about times when everything seemed so simple...

All those flashbacks annoyed me to be honest.

I thought that they should have reanimated it at first, but then I realized it would require more work which takes too much time

It’s so cool to see how much the animation has improved

I miss season 1 character designs

Im crying, missing my thicc lines

WOULD YOU ACCEPT HISTORIA AS YOUR RULER? 485 Responses

The majority of voters would be thrilled to bow down to Historia and accept her rule. 22% wouldn’t mind, while a smaller percentage would rather nope out of that situation.

Historia can rule me anytime, anywhere ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Hisu could knock the shit out of me and I'd be thankful, honestly

Historia is bae

If anyone insults Historia i hope Rods titan guts fall on their head.

ROD IS A TINY OLD MAN. IS LEVI A TINY OLD MAN TOO? 483 Responses

41% of voters used this question to pay respects to Eren - who most definitely was shook by the realization that he used the words “tiny” and “old” in front of Levi. No respondents agree that Levi is old but everyone can agree that Levi is tiny.

Tiny old man is bestboi

WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT THE ADDED MOMENT WHERE EREN GAINS CONFIDENCE IN HIMSELF AGAIN? 479 Responses

Over half of voters believed the added scene was a good way to show Eren getting back on his feet after his meltdown. 14% agree that it got them hyped up for what’s coming. 10%, however, believe that the moment canceled out his previous behavior and didn’t make a lot of sense.

I liked it and he looked great but it did seem out of nowhere that he got he confidence back so quickly.

Huh? That was added?

It was awesome. I liked that part as it showed Eren's natural self and weaker state. He was relatable.

It felt out of place? Like it came out of nowhere.

Objectively, it was a great step in his character development. I just don't care about him, that's all.

I felt like he didnt really have to gain confidence to do his part, it was very shounen-like but I guess its ok

I wish my crises of confidence were that short

It negated his previous (and/or future) behaviour imo but DAMN SON HE‘S HANDSOME. RIP IN PEPPERONI MY OVARIES.

It's a little bit of hope that'll be crushed in the next arc.

makes me wonder how they’ll change (if at all) his ‘i’m not special, just the son of a special man’ moment later on with keith

WE FINALLY GOT TO SEE HOW TITANS SEEK OUT HUMANS WITH THEIR “6TH SENSE”! HEAT SENSORY! ARE YOU GLAD THAT ISAYAMA FINALLY ANSWERED OUR QUESTION WITH THIS EPISODE? 481 Responses

43% of voters appreciated the added detail, while ⅓ of voters were excited to finally have this sensory detail shown to us! A small percentage were unimpressed.

I think it's not heat, but actual human sensory.

But surly that would attract them to animals and so heat sensory can't be the ENTIRE process of detecting humans.

H E A T P A T H S

I'm pretty sure titan vision was 'souls' seen with PATHS and not heat detection or else titan would eat animals, at least that's what I thought when watching that scene

That still doesn't answer how and why titans differentiate between humans and other living things.

I knew it, but one question. Why do they need eyes if they got a sixth sense? Is the 6th sense an insurance if their eyes failed them? The 6th sense could be the work of PATHs lol...nah most likely heat detection.

P A T H S

We don’t know if it was heat sensory, but it was good.

DID THE RISE OF QUEEN HISTORIA MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS? 482 Responses

Nearly half of respondents got what they expected overall, while about 40% had their expectations exceeded. Just under 10% of voters weren’t very impressed with the way it was adapted. Overall, the love for Historia is very real.

Game of thrones "Mhysa" soundtrack just kept playing in my head when she proclaimed herself as the queen to the citizens. It was REALLY well done, I loved every minute of her scenes

Underwhelmed is a strong word. I think the scene in the manga was stronger, but the anime was still pretty good. The battle was absolutely great, I just feel her final declaration carried a bit more panache in the manga.

It was very okay

Historia really rocked. She is the true badass of this arc.

I was expecting a little more intense music, but yeah, that was fine the way they did it though.

Not a fan of the moment in the Manga, it felt shoehorned imo. Masterful adaptation, however

This is on me because the scene was done great but I wasn't as hyped as I thought I'd be which upset me because I've been waiting to see this for years.

THE SEIYUUS FOR ZEKE, REINER AND BERTOLT WERE REVEALED TO  BE IN THE NEXT EPISODE. HOW HYPED ARE YOU TO SEE THEM? 483 Responses

The vast majority of the fandom are excited to see Reiner and Bertolt come back to the screen along with their warchief, Zeke!

Gimme that warriors next episode!

I can't wait for next episode to see my babies Reiner and Berutoto ;__; Miss them

I love Pieck and hope she shows up next wieck.

I want Zeke already

ACKERDUO PARALLELS! HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT THEM SLICING AND DICING UP ROD’S GLAZED HAM TITAN IN UNISON? 481 Responses

The majority of voters were hyped to see Mikasa and Levi slicing up flesh. 23% were just happy for any parallels given some of the other things that were cut or minced up this season. A smaller percentage didn’t really care.

Ackerbrilliant!!

It amuses me how Ackermanns to Isayama are a different race of humans haha.

Ackerduo? More like Ackerdivas.

The Ackermans are such an eye-candy

Always a pleasure to see them in action 👌💯

imagine being that chill freefalling through the sky

as expected of Mikasa, don't care about Levi

I only care about Levi

HOW MANY OF YOU HAD HEART ATTACKS WHEN YOU THOUGHT KENNY’S FLASHBACKS WERE ONLY GOING TO HAPPEN IN A SPAN OF 10 SECONDS? 473 Responses

The vast majority of respondents were fooled for a few moments while watching the episode this week, worried that Levi and Kenny’s entire backstory got shoved into just a few moments. The preview eased our worries quickly enough though, thankfully! Many commenters weren’t fooled for a second, though:

I knew it was just a teaser for  next episode, not worried at all

Eh, I wasn't fooled by that, just a little confused. Nice addition to the scene though!

I wasn't ready for it to be in this episode! And yeah I began to panick like "they're not going to show us just that, right??" Still, I'm not ready to see the whole flashback thing next episode... 😭😭

I expected the flashbacks the next episode because of the episode titles.

I had a feeling that they were going to dedicate an episode or at least part of an episode to Kenny's flashbacks

I knew there was no way they'd do that, the thought never crossed my mind

I was more interested in seeing how they'd play out other important parts from them. They chose some great highlights to have people wondering what the deal with Kenny's past is while also making the transition into the full flashback feel less abrupt than in the manga, where I felt I had missed a chapter in between at first.

That thought never actually occurred to me. Pretty obvious that it was set-up for the next episode.

There's been too many heart-attack moments already. I've been reduced to a fandom grandma who sips her tea and says "Don't get your knickers in a twist, wait for it...

HOW DO YOU THINK THE STORY WOULD HAVE CHANGED IF EREN HAD BEEN EATEN IN THE CAVE? 206 Responses

You guys had some pretty interesting responses! Most people agree the story would have been effectively over and Paradis wiped out. We can't publish all of the responses, but here were some which stood out (or made us laugh):

Drastically! The people of Paradis would have their minds wiped, except for Mikasa and Levi. Historia would become a slave to the First King's "hide behind the walls" ideology. The SC would be disbanded and Erwin executed. So the whole island would be doomed when Marley invade again, and take Historia with the Founding Titan power away.

Pieck kills everyone

All the walldians would have died since there would be no way for the Survey Corps to take the Founding Titan and Attack Titan back from Historia or Rod Reiss and when the marleyans would have inevitably attacked, the walldians would have been erased from the face of the earth. Perhaps by an atomic bomb.

Levi for main protagonist!

Historia would have been controlled by the will of the First King and mind-wiped everyone. But not all things are lost. Levi and Mikasa would still be there, having all of their memories intact. Kenny and his squad would also still be alive, but Kenny would still not have much to live for anymore. Mikasa and Historia would have had a huge confrontation, with Mikasa almost killing Historia for eating Eren, but in the end, she can't bring over herself to kill her because Eren is ""alive"" within Historia now. Mikasa's liege to Eren will be slowly turning into a desire to protect Historia at all cost.

Erwin will be alive / Kenny will be alive / Berth will be alive / Sasha will be alive / Marlow will be alive / Moblit will be alive / Hanji will have their left eye / Zackly will be down with his shit machine

That's actually a great idea. Knowing where the author decided to take the plot, it wouldn't have worked, of course, but I would've loved to see the rest of the 104th taking over the story after Eren's death.

No future manbun eren :(

Historia might have more controll over the ability, If she becomes queen then the scouts will lose their hope for humanity. Mikasa will most likely be.... A little upset... Overall this question is difficult to answer because it creates a Senario with multiple different senarios within it. For example will historia become queen or remain in the scouts? It's just too difficult because of the different potential timelines created from this alternate event.

Zeke upon landing on Paradis: Where's Ereh?

I have never thought about that tbh. I guess we'd have no story at all, since the cycle of Titan inheritance would have not been broken and life would go back to as it was before the "story" started. Though Maria knows what Isayama had prepared for us in the upcoming manga chapters

they wouldve sold his organs on the black market

Oh wow, I never really thought of that. If Rod ate him then the story would probably end then and there because of the memory wipe (but a rebellion led by the Ackermans?? The possibilities are endless!). If Historia ate him then *maybe* she wouldn't do the memory wipe. It's interesting to speculate. The fate of the Survey Corps would come into question and that would become the focus of the story.

yea im not gonna write an alternate fanfiction for you

WHAT SCENE FROM THE PREVIEW ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO? 483 Responses

34% of voters are most looking forward to Levi and Kenny’s final heartbreaking exchange. 26% are excited to see Kenny’s backstory and his friendship with Uri unfold. 20% specifically are looking forward to Kenny and Uri’s first meeting. Where’s baby Levi!?

I'm not ready for Kenny's flashbacks next episode!! We're going to see small Levi and Kuchel and... I'm already crying 😭😭

AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH URIKEN MY FRAGILE GAY HEART WILL NOT SURVIVE THE NEXT EPISIDE ASDFGHJKLZXCVBNM

I want the WHOLE backstory of Kenny taking care of Levi IMMEDIATELY!!!

NEXT EPISODE MY MAN WILL DIE!! I CAN’T DO THISSSSS

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON THE EPISODE?

Beautiful animation, but I hope the next ep fills me with feels. I feel incredibly lackluster about Historia and her characterization this arc.

I always wondered in the manga how titan Rod didn't splatter his intestines on the Walls even without a skin. Like, it felt all too much clean, so anime made sense and a bit of splatter never hurt nobody! But with that scene, why WIT censors things like Levi killing humans??? They quite contradict themselves lol

Storyboards were handled by the man who storyboarded End of Eva and the Rebuilds, huh? Certainly paid off. I don't think his input was limited to storyboarding either, while easy to miss the first time around, Rod's agonized scream as he dies after Historia sees his memories is pretty disturbing and haunting. Very good stuff.

I'm sure that a lot of people will write about the battle against the Rod's titan and about Historia, so I will skip it. I have really nothing to add here except the fact that I really loved how strong, brave and mature Historia was in this episode.

Historia taking down her father gave me so many feels! I can't wait to see her get crowned and then punch Levi, he had such a heartwarming smile!

Historia is sooo fucking badass. I love Eren so much God bless his soul.

Erwin looked fucking great this episode.

Something about the anime didn't quite hit the mark, particularly in regards to the scene of Eren noticing the 3 kids and Armin giving him the pep talk. It's practically panel for panel, but the feel was just different somehow.

IT WAS A-MAZING! WE GOT THE SCENE WITH EREN INSULTING LEVI BY ACCIDENT (tho I was a bit disappointed that Levi didnt look as pissed as in the manga), WE GOT REALLY CREEPY UGLY ROD TITAN FACE, WE GOT KENNY AND LEVI MEETING, A SUPER COOL SEQUENCE OF EREN RUNNING TO GIVE ROD TITAN EXPLOSIVE CANDY, ARMIN WAS THERE, HISTORIA LOOKED COOL, ERWIN'S BLESSED ART SKILLS, IT HAD SO MANY GOOD STUFF

This episode was perfect in every way, except for Rod Reiss' giant fucking stomach just squelching onto the wall- yech!!! For a series with man eating monsters as its premise, nothing has ever made me feel as horrifyingly disgusted as that scene did. *shudder*

Seeing the serum bowl in the episode gave me chills OH MY GOOOOD I'M NOT MENTALLY READY FOR WHAT IS COMING

Historia was so good in this ep and the animation for the rod reiss titan was KILLER. WIT outdid themselves with that adaptation

RETURN TO SHIGANSHINA IS SO CLOSE I CAN ALMOST TASTE IT. I'VE SUFFERED THROUGH THIS ARC, NOW GIVE IT TO ME WIT. GIVE ME MY CHILDREN.

No additional thoughts but thanks for making this survey every week :p

WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY DISCUSS THE SERIES? 430 Responses

Thanks again to everyone who participated! We’ll see you again on Tuesday! 

[pseudowoodo]

for your eyes only

fandom: glee pairing: blaine/sebastian words: 1852 summary: Sebastian shows up uninvited to the McKinley Sadie Hawkins dance. Seblaine Week 2017 - Day 2: Spies/Undercover

AO3 link

Blaine is ninety percent sure Sam decided they should tell Finn about the Warblers during the dance so that they’ll be wearing suits and have an excuse to act like James Bond. Which is fine - his Daniel Craig impression is really improving.

Besides, he’s happy to do anything that will distract him from the dance itself and Sam’s rapidly evolving conspiracy theories have been perfect for that. Sam Evans is probably the only thing standing between him and a full blown Sadie Hawkins meltdown and he thinks Sam might know it. Because seriously, Sam’s the best.

So when he pulls Blaine away from Tina, wildly announcing a huge breakthrough in the case, Blaine doesn’t think he’d actually found anything. Even after everything that happened last year, even after looking Hunter in the mildly deranged eye, some part of him clung to the belief that the Warblers were still who they were when he’d left them; the guys that had helped him through the fallout of the last Sadie Hawkins dance.

He should really know better by now.

Sam leads him to Trent, standing nervously in the hallway, and the mere sight of Blaine is enough to make him break and tell them everything. Sam was right. Glee Club could actually be back.

Which is how they end up in the locker room, talking Finn through all the evidence Sam collected like they’re reporting back from an undercover mission. It’s so serious Sam even forgets his Daniel Craig impression.

Trent gets called in as the final evidence, entering at their signal looking appropriately pale and dramatic.

“Blaine and I joined the Warblers together,” he begins somberly. “It was a band of brothers, a group joined by harmony and honor. But then Blaine left and-”

“And then I happened.”

As one, their heads snap to where Sebastian is standing silhouetted in the doorway. Blaine can’t help but appreciate the drama.

“How did you find me?” Trent stutters, horrified.

Sebastian rolls his eyes. “Please. You’ve been a nervous wreck all day, it was obvious something was up. When you left early, I followed you.”

“Don’t let him bully you, Trent,” Finn says, pulling off a surprisingly legitimate teacher voice. “He can’t stop you from testifying.”

“Bullying?” Sebastian scoffs.

“Testifying?” Trent squeaks.

“Yeah,” Blaine says gently, ignoring Sebastian and exchanging a look with Sam. “That’s what you’re here for, right?”

“I just wanted to talk to you,” Trent says. “If I go public with this then the Warblers reputation is ruined forever. Years of honorable melodies and harmonies, all forgotten.”

“The Warblers lost any honor they had the day I threw that slushee,” Sebastian says, sounding almost bored. He shrugs under all their shocked looks. “I don’t know why you assume I’m here to stop him. It’s not like I took the drugs either.”

“Somehow I don’t believe you,” says Finn. He may be a joke as an authority figure, but Blaine knows from experience he can be intimidating when he want to be.

Sebastian remains unfazed. “Shockingly, I’m the only Warbler on an actual sports team, and those tend to be more alert to steroid use than show choirs. Hunter decided it wasn’t worth the risk.”

“But you performed at Sectionals.”

Sebastian smirks. “What can I say, the other guys needed drugs to get on my level.”

Blaine bites back a laugh and Sebastian definitely notices, eyes flicking to him before he says, “Look, after everything I did to you guys, I thought it’d be better for everyone if I took a step back this year. But apparently, the Warblers will sell their soul to anyone with a decent voice and a vision, which I’ve gotta say, makes me feel a whole lot less special.”

“Wait, so… you’re gonna help us?” Sam says slowly.

“Yup. Congratulations, you’re going to Regionals. Not that you deserve to. I mean, Gangnam Style? Really?”

Finn has the decency to look a little embarrassed, but he recovers. “So you’ll testify? Both of you?”

“If Sebastian’s testifying I don’t think I really need-” Trent starts before catching Sebastian’s glare. Blaine throws in his puppy eyes for good measure and Trent wilts. “Yeah. We will.”

“Great!” Finn says, letting out a relieved laugh while Sam offers Blaine his hand for a discrete high five. “Now I just need to figure out how to report this.”

He gives Sam a clap on the shoulder and gathers up all the evidence they’d given him before leaving the locker room, apparently intending to start immediately.

“Thank you,” Blaine says, focusing his earnestness on Trent because it seems like he needs it more. He’s still very aware of Sebastian in the corner of his eye. “This means a lot.”

“Yeah, thanks,” Sam joins with a blinding smile and usual bounding enthusiasm. He looks at Blaine and says, “I should get back to Brit, tell her the good news. You okay here?” Blaine nods. “Yeah, go have fun. You deserve it.”

Sam smiles and heads out, stopping to put a hand on Sebastian’s shoulder and say, “Seriously, thanks man.”

Blaine sees Sebastian grimace and tries not to laugh.

“They’re all going to hate us,” Trent says sharply once Sam is gone.

“Relax,” Sebastian says with a roll of his eyes. “They’ll just assume I put you up to it.”

“You’re doing the right thing, Trent,” Blaine says. “The Warblers will realize that eventually.”

“I just hate betraying them like this.”

“Hunter betrayed the Warblers. You’re saving them.”

“Yeah, that’s what they said about Brutus,” Trent says miserably. He heaves a dramatic sigh. “It was good seeing you, Blaine. Hopefully next time it’ll be under more auspicious circumstances.”

With that, Trent makes his dignified exit, leaving Blaine alone in the locker room with Sebastian.

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he testifies.”

“I’m not worried,” Blaine says truthfully. “It’s nice, what you’re doing for him. For all of them.”

Sebastian raises his eyebrows like he has no idea what Blaine’s talking about. “I’m doing this for me. Once Hunter gets expelled I’ll be able to finish my senior year in peace. I mean, you met him; he was barely tolerable before the roid rage.”

“Come on, just admit it,” Blaine says, teasing. “You love them.”

“Who, the Warblers? The Warblers would follow a potato if it promised them a Nationals trophy. They’re a Jonestown waiting to happen.”

"So it’s a good thing they got you looking out for them, huh?”

"Shut up, Anderson,” he says, mild.

Blaine jerks his head towards the door. “Come on. I’ll walk you out.”

They fall into step, taking their time as they make their way down the hallway.

It’s strange seeing Sebastian here. Blaine watches him unabashedly as he casts a critical eye over everything: the gum stuck to the floor, the bright yellow of the lockers, the graffitied club posters. The last time they’d been alone together they’d been walking the stately halls of Dalton and he’d been so full of guilt that he could barely look anyone in the eye, least of all Sebastian, who always seemed to see too much.

Funny how things changed. Just a few short months ago he thought he’d never be okay again. Now he knows he will. He might not be there yet, but it’s only a matter of time.

"So what’s with the suit?” Sebastian asks eventually. “Are you and the blonde bimbo just playing dress up again, because as good as this look is, I think I preferred the spandex.”

Blaine scoffs to keep from laughing. “I’ll have you know there’s a school dance going on. You’re welcome to stick around if you want.”

He offers without thinking, ingrained politeness kicking in automatically. He has a panicky hope that Sebastian’s reaction will be equally automatic, just a sneer and some comment about how spending too long in public schools is bad for his health.

But it’s not. He stops walking and considers Blaine for a moment before saying, “That depends. Do I get a dance?”

That’s how it went in the movies, he remembers. The spy ending up with the sexy informant. It makes him feel better, the idea that this is what’s supposed to happen.

"I think that can be arranged.”

It feels dangerous leading Sebastian into the gym, but that’s helpful, in a way. He doesn’t know if his heart is pounding because he’s about to dance with a boy at a Sadie Hawkins dance or if it’s because that boy is Sebastian Smythe. It’s easier, pretending it’s the second one. It might even be true.

"Is it normal for a school’s Glee Club to provide all the dance music?” Sebastian says, eyeing the stage doubtfully. “Could the school not do any better?”

"Hey, we’re national champions,” Blaine says with mock indignation. “And we work for free.”

“So am I going to get to hear you sing?”

"Sorry, you missed it.”

“What’d you sing? How bad should I feel for missing out?”

“I led an all male rendition of TLC’s No Scrubs,” he says primly.

Sebastian laughs, delighted. It’s a good look for him. “Wow, so really bad then.”

Ryder starts the next song, something slow. A dance for couples.

Sebastian offers his hand and raises his eyebrows. After a moments hesitation, Blaine takes it.

Logically, he knows there’s nothing to worry about. He’s knows he’s well liked, he even has the poll numbers to prove it, and it’s not like people don’t know he’s gay.

But it still felt safer dancing with Tina.

“You okay?” Sebastian asks, and looking up at him Blaine finds himself relaxing, just a bit. Because nothing about Sebastian has ever felt safe, and he’s never quite managed to care.

“Yeah. Let’s go.”

He catches Sam watching them from where he’s dancing with Britany, looking worried, and that relaxes him too, knowing that no matter what happens Sam will have his back.

Sebastian puts his hand on his waist and Blaine’s heart rate spikes, but no one seems to care. The only one giving them any dirty looks is Tina, which is deserved honestly. He’ll make it up to her later.

"You know, this isn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be,” Sebastian says after a moment.

“Wow, thanks.”

“No, really. I can barely even tell I’m in a public school gym.”

“You took quite the risk coming here, huh?”

Sebastian ignores the sarcasm. “Yeah, well, you’re worth it.”

Blaine ducks his head, pleased despite himself. “I’m glad you came,” he admits.

"Me too.”

And then it’s just nice. Swaying back and forth with a cute boy at his high school dance. This was how it was supposed to be.

When the song ends Sebastian let’s go, putting his hands in his pockets. “I should probably get going,” he says. “Long drive.”

Blaine nods. “Okay. And thanks. For everything.”

Sebastian hesitates and seems almost nervous as he says, “I’ll uh, see you around?”

Blaine doesn’t bother hiding his smile this time. “Definitely. I’ll call you. We can get coffee or something.”

“Looking forward to it.”

It feels like the start of something. Something good.

[douchebagbrainwaves]

AND YET BY FAR THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF ADVICE WE GIVE AT Y COMBINATOR USE APPLE LAPTOPS

The most common unscalable thing founders have to do is turn off the filters that usually prevent you from seeing them. The founders of Airbnb didn't realize at first how big a market they were tapping. They have an interesting business. You sense there is something afoot. Object-oriented programming is popular in big companies. All you'll learn is the words for things. But there are things you can do even better by offering the sub-concepts of object-oriented abstractions map neatly onto the domains of certain specific kinds of programs, like simulations and CAD systems. If you'd asked most 40 year olds in 2004 whether they'd like to publish their lives semi-publicly on the Internet, they'd have been horrified at the idea. I'd recommend meeting them if your schedule allows. It takes time to come across situations where you notice something missing. Inexperienced founders usually give competitors more credit than they deserve.

It was as if we'd created a Formula 1 racecar, not a sedan with giant rims and a fake spoiler bolted to the trunk. It wouldn't seem as interesting to build something that already existed. That's an interesting idea, you can get to one. My wife thinks I'm more forgiving than she is, but on how much it scrambles your brain. It's since grown to around 22,000. All they knew at first is that they have to be able to phrase it in terms of something the incumbents are overlooking. If they hadn't gone through that phase, they probably wouldn't have sold $10 million worth of watches when they did go on Kickstarter. If people have to choose between something that's cheap, heavily marketed, and appealing in the long term, which do you think most will choose?

It doesn't sound obviously mistaken. Then I looked at his face and realized he didn't understand. It seems likely that something similar happened in exit polls this year. The tree structure of large organizations sets an upper bound on freedom, not a sedan with giant rims and a fake spoiler bolted to the trunk. Then in the mid 2000s. Don't try to start Twitter. But the Collison brothers weren't going to wait. That's an interesting idea. He said he has learned much more in his own startup, go ahead and do that for as long as they could.

A few days ago I suddenly realized Microsoft was going to be entering a market that looks small but which will turn out to work will probably seem just as broken as those that don't. That may not have been a good startup idea. Usually this initial group of users is small, for the simple reason that if there were something that large numbers of people urgently needed and that could be described as a toy, that means it has everything an idea needs except being important. And since no one is going to be. He meant it more literally—that one should focus on quality of execution to a degree that in everyday life would be considered pathological. Which is exactly how I'd describe the way lions seem in the wild must feel better to a wide-ranging predator like a lion. The leaders have a little more power than other members of the tribe, but they weren't setting the terms of the debate then. The problem was not the 14 pages, but the experience of being your user. So a programmer working as programmers are meant to. Google nor Facebook were even supposed to be a contender again, this is the truth. Why doesn't someone make x?

This is the second half. Then there are the more sinister mutations, like linkjacking—posting a paraphrase of someone else's article and submitting that instead of the original. The most dangerous thing for the frontpage is stuff that's too easy to upvote. Thirty years later Facebook had the same shape. Startups building things for other startups as well. The most tempting format for stupid comments is the supposedly witty put-down, probably because put-downs are the easiest form of humor. And of course Apple has Microsoft on the run in music too, with TV and phones on the way. Microcomputers seemed like toys when Apple and Microsoft started working on them. Pretty soon you'll start noticing what makes the number go up, put a big piece of paper on your wall and every day plot the number of users, you can sometimes lead to uncomfortable conclusions. Life in a zoo is easier, but it isn't something that has to pervade every program you write.

I wanted. It's very dangerous to morale to start to depend on deals closing, not just because they so often don't, but because they felt it was really for them, a critical mass of users quickly. The most common unscalable thing founders have to do to get started is so nearly universal that it might be a good predictor. The question to ask about how they funded themselves with breakfast cereal. Try to get yourself into situations where the most urgent problems are ones you want to keep out more than bad people. This seems to me the leading theory to explain why the exit polls were so far off this year. And I know Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia didn't feel like they were en route to the big time as they were then called, but in retrospect that too was the optimal path to dominating microcomputer software. The two words are pulling in opposite directions. The danger of a distraction depends not on how long it is, but on how much it scrambles your brain. A few years ago. But barring emergencies you have a good deal of indirect control over what becomes the top idea in your mind.

He is the least suburban-golf-playing VC I know. You can also be at the end of California Ave in Palo Alto. Working for yourself doesn't have to mean starting a startup, of course. You can magnify the effect of a powerful language by using a style called bottom-up programming, where you write programs in multiple layers, the lower ones acting as programming languages for those above. So we are working on. Which means you have to build things that will become startups. The buildings are old though increasingly they are being torn down and replaced with generic McMansions and the trees are tall.

Thanks to Emmett Shear, Greg Mcadoo, Tiffani Ashley Bell, and Ariel Poler for sharing their expertise on this topic.