#the vibes of the whole show are so charming and fun and warm

[pien-art]

constance hardbroom. her autism has bewitched me.

[bananababblegigglemuffin]

Claw and Order: Romance Unit

CHAPTER 1: The Doctor Will See You Now

The small waiting room of Tranquil Health Clinic buzzed with the kind of energy only found in places where people were either nervously anticipating a doctor’s visit or just trying to distract themselves from the possibility of imminent doom. Magazines from two years ago littered the coffee table, a collection of diet tips and home remedies that hadn’t aged well. A tattered, dusty potted plant sat in the corner, as if it had been fighting a losing battle for attention.

In the midst of this chaotic calm sat Emma Turner, a thirty-something writer who had just realized she was dangerously low on inspiration. She tapped her foot nervously, glancing at her watch for the third time in five minutes. A doctor’s appointment wasn’t her idea of a creative breakthrough, but her headache had been persistent for days. At least, she mused, this might provide material for her next novel—a romantic comedy about the perils of modern life.

Her musings were interrupted by the arrival of Wade Wilson, known to some as the “Merc with a Mouth.” Clad in his signature red and black suit, Wade swaggered into the room, practically glowing with an obnoxious charisma that was equal parts charming and infuriating.

“Hey, look! It’s the waiting room for the world’s most boring reality show,” he quipped, plopping down beside her. “I give it a solid 2 out of 10. Needs more explosions.”

Emma shot him a bemused look. “You know this isn’t a movie set, right?”

“Not yet,” he replied, winking. “But I’m thinking of pitching it. How about Waiting Room Warriors? It’ll be a hit!”

Just then, Johnny Storm, a.k.a. the Human Torch, burst in through the door with all the grace of a flaming comet. “Wade! Emma! Sorry I’m late! You wouldn’t believe the traffic. I had to stop and help a cat out of a tree. Seriously, it was like a scene from a cheesy rom-com.”

Wade scoffed. “You? Helping a cat? I’m pretty sure that’s a violation of your cool guy contract.”

“Hey, I can be heroic when I want to be,” Johnny retorted, crossing his arms. “You’ve seen me save the world, right?”

Emma raised an eyebrow. “If by ‘save the world’ you mean setting fire to it half the time, then yes.”

“Touché,” Johnny grinned, taking a seat across from her. “But at least I do it in style. How about you, Emma? Still writing the next great American novel?”

“I’m trying, but inspiration’s a little hard to come by when you’re stuck in a waiting room with Deadpool and a human torch,” she said, motioning to both of them.

Wade’s eyes widened. “So, what you’re saying is you want me to explode something to get your creative juices flowing? I can do that!”

Before she could respond, the door to the examination room swung open, and Dr. Logan Howlett, the clinic’s rather disheveled but undeniably charming physician, stepped out. His hair was a chaotic tumble of dark strands, and his scrubs looked as if they’d seen a few too many late nights. But there was something captivating about him—perhaps it was the way his eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.

“Emma Turner?” he called, scanning the room until his gaze landed on her. “Come on in. Let’s see what’s going on with that headache of yours.”

Emma stood, her heart racing for reasons she couldn’t quite understand. “Nice to meet you, Dr. Howlett.”

“Please, call me Logan,” he said, offering a warm smile that could melt glaciers. “I promise I’m much more fun than this place suggests.”

As she followed him into the examination room, Wade leaned over to Johnny, whispering conspiratorially. “Think she’s going to fall for him? He’s got that brooding doctor thing down to a science.”

“Only if she’s into the whole ‘mysterious and slightly disheveled’ vibe,” Johnny replied, watching Emma disappear behind the door. “But hey, she could do worse. At least he’s not a total creep.”

Inside the examination room, Emma took a seat on the examination table, suddenly feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. Logan was now leaning against the counter, a casual ease to his posture that made her feel oddly comfortable.

“So, what seems to be the problem?” he asked, pulling out his stethoscope.

“My head has been pounding for a few days now,” she replied, trying to ignore how handsome he looked in his scrubs. “I thought it might be stress, but honestly, it could just be that I’m surrounded by too many people with questionable life choices.”

Logan chuckled, the sound warm and infectious. “Ah, the perils of modern society. A cure for that is hard to come by, but I can at least help with the headache.” He leaned closer, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Any other symptoms? Nausea? Sensitivity to light?”

“Nope, just a persistent headache and occasional existential dread,” she joked, surprised at her own boldness.

“Classic combo,” he replied with a smirk. “I recommend lots of water, maybe some rest, and if that doesn’t work, I could prescribe something stronger. Or… we could just blow up a waiting room together. Your choice.”

Emma laughed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “Blowing up a waiting room sounds a little extreme, don’t you think?”

“Hey, you only live once, right?” Logan quipped, standing back to assess her. “But in all seriousness, I think you might be a little dehydrated. I’ll get you some water, and let’s see if that helps.”

As he turned to fetch a cup from the sink, Emma found herself captivated by the way he moved, an effortless grace that made her heart race. She’d never been one to crush easily, but something about him stirred something inside her that she hadn’t felt in years.

“Thanks for being so… well, easy to talk to,” she said, surprising herself with her own vulnerability.

Logan paused, looking back at her with a curious smile. “That’s my job. But it’s nice to hear I’m succeeding. Not everyone enjoys talking about their headaches.”

“I’m usually a lot more interesting than this,” she said, waving a hand as if to dismiss her own complaints. “I write romance novels, you know. It’s all about the tension and the build-up.”

“Tension and build-up? Sounds like you’ve got a plot twist waiting to happen,” Logan said, handing her the water. “I bet you could write a compelling story about a patient who falls for their doctor. Might make a nice change from the usual ‘meet-cute’ in a coffee shop.”

Emma raised her eyebrows, her heart skipping a beat. “Are you suggesting I base a character on you?”

“Only if you promise to make me more dashing than I really am,” he said with a playful grin.

“Deal,” she said, unable to suppress her laughter. “But only if you promise to read it when I’m done.”

“Now that’s a deal I can get behind,” he replied, looking into her eyes with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

Just then, the door burst open again, revealing Wade and Johnny, who had decided to perform an impromptu check-up of their own. “So, how’s it going in here?” Wade asked, peering over Emma’s shoulder. “Did you find a tumor or is she just being melodramatic?”

Logan rolled his eyes, but the corner of his mouth twitched with amusement. “Just a headache, Wade. Nothing that requires your… unique expertise.”

“Pfft, just a headache? Come on! Where’s the fun in that?” Wade exclaimed. “We should stage an intervention! Emma, do you want me to whip up a batch of my special Deadpool elixir? It’s guaranteed to cure any ailment—or at least make you forget about it for a few hours.”

“Sounds like a plan!” Johnny chimed in. “Plus, it’ll definitely make for some great Instagram content. ‘Writer gets cured by Deadpool’s magic juice!’”

Emma shook her head, unable to contain her laughter. “As tempting as that sounds, I think I’ll stick to the water for now.”

“Boring!” Wade lamented dramatically, throwing his arms up in the air. “I’m starting to think you don’t appreciate my brilliance.”

“Or your questionable taste in ‘cures,’” Emma shot back, feeling more at ease with both Logan and her outrageous friends.

Logan leaned against the counter, crossing his arms with a knowing smile. “I think we all appreciate Wade’s unique charm, even if it’s just for entertainment value.”

As the banter continued, Emma couldn’t help but feel a spark of something special in the air. It was as if the universe had conspired to throw her into a chaotic whirlwind of humor, friendship, and maybe—just maybe—something more.

“So, what do you do for fun, Emma?” Logan asked, his voice drawing her attention back to him.

“I write, obviously. But I also like to explore new places, discover hidden gems in the city, and… well, occasionally save cats from trees,” she said with a smirk, recalling Johnny’s earlier story.

“Well, if you ever need a partner in crime for your next

adventure, count me in,” Logan said, his expression sincere.

Emma’s heart fluttered. “I might just take you up on that.”

“Great! We can be like Batman and Robin, only with fewer capes and more coffee,” he replied, chuckling.

“Speaking of coffee,” Wade interjected, leaning in with a conspiratorial glint in his eye. “How about we all grab some after this? I promise I won’t set anything on fire… unless Johnny does it first.”

“Hey!” Johnny protested, throwing his hands up. “I can be responsible! Sometimes.”

Logan raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “I think I’ll pass on the fire hazard. But coffee sounds good. You’re welcome to join us, Emma, if you’re up for it.”

“Sure! Why not?” she replied, her excitement bubbling. The thought of spending more time with Logan sent a thrill through her.

Wade grinned, rubbing his hands together. ��Perfect! The gang’s back together. Now we just need a theme song. Something catchy. How about ‘Eye of the Tiger’? It’s motivational!”

“Or maybe ‘I Will Survive,’” Johnny suggested, a playful smirk on his face. “Because let’s be honest, we’re gonna need it after spending time with you.”

Emma laughed, shaking her head. “You two are impossible.”

As the banter continued, the camaraderie between them made Emma feel at ease. It was refreshing, and for the first time in a while, she found herself forgetting about her headache and simply enjoying the moment.

“Well, Emma,” Logan said, turning his attention back to her. “I’ll just wrap up a quick examination, and then we can get out of here.”

“Sounds good,” she replied, a smile lingering on her lips.

Logan examined her briefly, checking her vitals and nodding in approval. “Everything looks normal. I’ll just jot down a prescription for some pain relief, and you’ll be on your way.”

“Pain relief? Or ‘pain relief’?” Wade asked, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

“Trust me, it’s the legal kind,” Logan deadpanned, shaking his head. “Though I can’t speak for Wade’s concoctions.”

“Touché!” Wade exclaimed. “But you’re missing out on the fun, Doc. Life’s too short to be serious all the time.”

As Logan handed Emma the prescription, their fingers brushed against each other, sending an unexpected jolt of electricity between them. Emma looked up, caught in his gaze, and for a moment, the world outside faded away.

“Thanks, Logan,” she said softly, her heart racing.

“Anytime, Emma,” he replied, his voice low and genuine.

With a wink, Wade broke the moment. “Well, now that the doctor has made his diagnosis, can we get to the fun part? Coffee and chaos, here we come!”

As they stepped out of the examination room, the energy shifted, the air crackling with possibilities. Emma felt buoyant, her headache momentarily forgotten. She had no idea where this day would lead her, but she was ready for the adventure.

Together, the four of them exited the clinic, the chaotic charm of their friendship promising a day filled with laughter and unexpected moments. Little did Emma know, this was only the beginning of something much bigger than she could have ever imagined.

As they made their way to the café down the street, the laughter and teasing continued, punctuated by Wade’s outrageous antics and Johnny’s flamboyant storytelling. Emma found herself falling into a comfortable rhythm with Logan, stealing glances at him as he interacted with her friends.

“Okay, but for real,” Wade said, stopping abruptly as they reached the café. “Do we order something weird? Like a ‘Wade Wilson Special’? I feel like it needs a special name.”

“Can we just order coffee?” Emma replied, stifling a laugh. “I’m not sure the world is ready for a ‘Wade Wilson Special.’”

“Too late! I already filed the paperwork!” Wade declared dramatically, striking a pose as if he were the star of a one-man show.

Logan chuckled, shaking his head. “Let’s just keep it simple. Coffee, pastries, and no superhero-inspired concoctions, okay?”

Johnny grinned. “What about a ‘Johnny Storm Delight’? That sounds much better!”

Emma rolled her eyes. “You two are impossible.”

As they settled at a table outside, the sun casting a warm glow around them, Emma felt a sense of belonging she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Between the chaos and camaraderie, her heart danced with the thrill of new connections—and the fluttering hope that perhaps there was something more with Logan.

As they waited for their orders, Emma leaned back in her chair, feeling the energy of the moment envelop her. “So, what’s the plan for today? Other than avoiding creating a public disturbance, of course.”

“Adventure!” Wade exclaimed, flinging his arms wide. “We could take over a local park, or maybe we could hunt for the best donut in the city. Or both!”

“I’m in for donuts,” Johnny said, his eyes sparkling. “Count me in!”

Logan chuckled, his gaze shifting to Emma. “What about you? Any preference for our impromptu adventure?”

Emma bit her lip, her mind racing with possibilities. “How about we find the weirdest little spot in the city? You know, the kind of place that feels like it belongs in a story?”

“I love it! A treasure hunt for hidden gems,” Johnny agreed, grinning.

“Then it’s settled,” Logan said, his eyes brightening. “Let’s make some memories.”

As their orders arrived—much to Wade’s delight, who insisted on commandeering the best pastry—Emma felt the warmth of friendship wash over her, mingled with the undeniable spark she felt whenever Logan was near. It was a dizzying mix of excitement and possibility, and for the first time in ages, she felt truly alive.

After a few rounds of banter and some delicious treats, they finished their coffee and set off on their adventure. Emma found herself walking beside Logan, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they exchanged stories of their lives.

“So, tell me about your writing,” Logan asked, genuinely interested. “What do you like to write about?”

Emma hesitated for a moment, then decided to share. “I focus on romance—mostly. I like to explore the messiness of relationships, the quirks that make us who we are. I guess I’m trying to find a bit of magic in the mundane.”

“That’s a beautiful way to look at it,” Logan replied, his tone sincere. “There’s magic in the everyday if you know where to look.”

As they continued to stroll, Emma felt a connection growing between them. The playful teasing from Wade and Johnny faded into the background, leaving her and Logan wrapped in their own little world.

“Okay, I think we need a challenge,” Wade declared, suddenly appearing beside them with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Let’s see who can find the weirdest spot in the next hour!”

Emma exchanged a glance with Logan, a silent agreement passing between them. “You’re on,” she said, a smile spreading across her face.

With that, the group split up, each taking a different route, all in the name of friendly competition. Emma and Logan wandered through the streets, playfully poking fun at random shops and quirky buildings, their laughter echoing off the brick walls.

“I think we just passed the ‘World’s Largest Ball of Twine,’” Logan joked, glancing back at the nondescript building they had just passed. “Definitely a contender.”

Emma laughed, shaking her head. “We should’ve taken a picture. I bet it would’ve made a great addition to my next book!”

As they turned a corner, a charming little bookstore caught their attention. Its windows were filled with mismatched books and cozy displays. “What about here?” Emma suggested, her eyes lighting up.

“Perfect! Let’s see what treasures await inside,” Logan replied, holding the door open for her.

Inside, the scent of aged paper and the faint sound of a cat purring enveloped them. Emma wandered through the aisles, running her fingers along the spines of the books, her heart swelling with a sense of belonging.

“Do you have a favorite genre?” Logan asked, joining her in the fiction section.

“Romance, of course,” she said, glancing at him. “But I’m also a sucker for thrillers. It’s all about the balance, right?”

“Absolutely,” he replied, his gaze intense. “I think there’s something romantic about danger, don’t you? It adds that extra layer of tension.”

Emma felt her pulse quicken at his words. “Definitely. It’s all about the thrill of the chase.”

Just then, Wade and Johnny burst in, looking triumphant. “You’re not going to believe what we found!” Wade declared, holding up a bizarrely shaped ceramic cat statue. “This beauty is going to be the centerpiece of my collection!”

Johnny rolled his eyes. “That’s not weird; it’s just tacky.”

“Who are you to judge my taste?” Wade shot back. “You’re wearing flame-printed pants!”

Logan and Emma exchanged amused glances, their laughter blending with the playful banter of their friends. “We found a bookstore,” Logan said, motioning to the shelves around them. “What do you think?”

“Bookstores are great, but have you seen this?” Wade exclaimed, waving the cat statue in the air. “It’s a conversation starter!”

Emma couldn’t help but smile at the absurdity of it all. The chaos, the laughter, the camaraderie—it felt like a scene from one of her novels, and she was

living it.

“Okay, okay, let’s make a deal,” Johnny suggested, raising a finger. “We’ll vote on the weirdest item, and the winner gets to choose our next adventure.”

“Fine by me,” Emma replied, excitement bubbling within her.

After a brief deliberation, they all voted, laughter ringing out as they debated the merits of Wade’s cat versus the various oddities they found in the bookstore. In the end, it was Logan’s suggestion to combine their findings into a new, bizarre creation that sealed the deal—Wade’s cat would wear Johnny’s flame pants and Emma’s latest novel would serve as the backdrop.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the city, Emma felt a sense of joy that she hadn’t expected. This day had turned out to be an unexpected whirlwind of laughter, friendship, and a glimmer of something more with Logan.

As they left the bookstore, Wade announced, “Time for our next adventure! But first, we need to document this for Instagram!”

Logan chuckled. “What’s the plan? A group photo with the weird cat?”

“Absolutely!” Wade declared, his camera already at the ready.

As they all gathered for the photo, Emma found herself standing next to Logan, their shoulders brushing against each other. She could feel the warmth radiating from him, and her heart raced in anticipation.

“Say ‘cheese’!” Wade called out, and they all smiled, capturing the moment forever.

As the photo was taken, Emma couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something wonderful. Surrounded by friends, laughter, and the thrill of new possibilities, she felt alive in a way she hadn’t in years.

With her friends by her side and the charm of the day lingering in the air, Emma couldn’t help but believe that life had a way of leading you exactly where you needed to be. And perhaps, just perhaps, it was leading her to a budding romance with Dr. Logan Howlett.

As they made their way to their next destination, Emma felt a sense of hope blossoming in her heart. The adventure was only just beginning, and she was ready to embrace whatever came next.

end.

Author: Let me now any ideas y'all have comments are much much appreciated

[zorya-reads]

Princess in Practice | Book Review.

The Rosewood Chronicles, Book Two

Let me just start by saying, I devoured this book in four sittings—similar to the first one, Undercover Princess. That’s right, folks, this series is the cure for the dreaded reading slump. If it’s not obvious due to it being a pretty light read, but for me, this was perfect to end the days crammed with stress and studies.

I’ll admit, I approached Undercover Princess with expectations so low, that they were practically burrowing underground: This was confirmed by the first two-thirds of the book. The prequel, however, helped me warm up to the characters, who felt more like old friends than cardboard cutouts this time around (Don't get me wrong! They're still cardboards, but we're making slight improvements). The prequel seemed to have matured a bit more than what we had with Undercover Princess, which was way more :sparkles_sparkles: and Barbie-charm school. (Not that this isn’t still the case. Oh God.)

Characters

I was surprised by how clear the internal conflicts are from Jamie’s and Ellie’s side, which I didn’t remember during my initial read at the age of seven. I loved seeing how Ellie’s insecurities were showing through sometimes.  But especially Jamie’s character managed to keep me at the edge of the page countless times: I often found myself unsure of how he would react to various situations, creating a sort of puzzle-solving experience, trying to piece together the pieces of his personality. To me, this created a sort of parallel between the character and me as a reader, as it effectively mirrored Lottie’s perspective. She, too, is constantly trying to figure Jamie out, and her uncertainty allowed me to share in her confusion and curiosity. With this in mind, I adored the Jamie-and-Lottie side of the triangle, which had the most screen time and exploration this time around. (Revisiting their dynamic totally reminded me why my seven-year-old self shipped them. LOL) However, the focus on Jamie and Lottie came at the expense of Ellie and Lottie’s relationship, which felt underdeveloped in this book (or just cringe and rushed), and I especially wish that we had more of Ellie here. 

Aside from our charming trio: While I’ve started to appreciate the characters, they’re still flatter than a pancake. Most characters are plot devices, and it’s painfully obvious with Lola, Mickey, and the newly introduced character, Percy (oh wow, Percy’s important later? Groundbreaking!). Fingers crossed for some actual internal conflicts and growth because right now, they’re all vibes, no substance.

Plot, Themes

Another thing that surprised me, especially given my lack of prior knowledge and very very low expectations, was how it revisited and intricately wove scenes from the first book. These moments, which previously felt incomplete or unclear, began to make sense with the new information we gained, resolving many of the questions I had lingering after book one.  This finally convinced me that the series was carefully constructed as a whole rather than just an arbitrary extension of the first book—something I had strongly doubted back then. (Is it too obvious that I wasn’t a fan of the writing in the first book? Oops.) The theme of family, which is central to the narrative, was executed particularly well in both parts one and two: My favourite scene was the Halloween party, where the author brilliantly blended the fun, energy, and passage of time with the growing danger that shadows the story … candy, sweets and chocolate. :D The holiday spirit created a perfect backdrop for a shift in tone, and when Binah suggests a séance, to progress the subplot, it fits amazingly. Lottie and the gang sneaking off to perform was amazing to showcase Lottie’s disregard for her duty as well—tied in beautifully with the family theme. It was a chef’s kiss moment for me, truly! However, as much as I enjoyed the first two parts, the exploration of Lottie’s past, which climaxes in part two, loses momentum in part three. Here, I felt there was missed potential. For example, the opportunity to delve deeper into Lola and Mickey’s father to explore Lottie’s emotional aftermath, was largely overlooked. This left the resolution feeling incomplete.

minor pet peeve

Speaking of wasted potential, I’m still fuming over how chapters 34 and 35 weren’t expanded on. These chapters could have served as a major continuation of the book’s opening. I was genuinely interested in the looming threat to Lottie’s identity being exposed and how that would be resolved, especially given the underlying tension with Ollie. They didn’t even properly address it during their encounter from earlier in the book, which left this plotline badly. (And considering the underlying family theme it makes zero sense to not explore this further????) And don’t even get me started on Jamie and Lottie’s concerns about leaving Ellie unattended. Jamie’s dilemma, in particular, was practically begging for a few more pages, yet it barely got any attention. While the scene itself was intriguing, its placement immediately before another field trip completely disrupted the pacing, making it feel out of place. In fact, you could have removed the entire Ollie plotline from the book, and nothing would have changed. Personally, I’m still grateful for it—just a little—but I really, really, REALLY hope it gets the attention it deserves in the following books. Because as it stands, this was just not it.

Personal Thoughts

A personal revelation I found interesting was how wildly inaccurate my memory of the book was upon rereading it. Take the Lollie kiss scene, for instance. I vividly remember it happening because—apparently—both were poisoned, and while Ingrid was present, leading to the awkward aftermath. Honestly, I have NO FUCKING IDEA how my 7-year-old self managed to comprehend it that way. My best guess is that when I first read it with my mom, we got through only part of the book before stopping, and because we were reading at a much slower pace than I would’ve on my own, I likely grew bored with the story — I distinctly recall hating the whole Leviathan aspect. (Still do, Still do. My new most favourite evil evil idiot evil corp.) So, I probably sped through the rest of the book just to get it over with, which would also explain why I don't remember anything about the third book. Rereading it almost a decade later, however, really allowed me the space to understand the story more. It’s funny how much context and nuance can get lost on a younger reader, and how much more can be appreciated with time … or by actually READING than skimming.

I watched some of the promotional material for the books, and honestly, you can feel how much Glynn adores her characters and the world she’s built. (I mean, she was a boarding school student, so that checks out. But even then, Lottie gives off major self-insert vibes, doesn’t she?) However, it’s still evident that the book deal happened because of her YouTube platform, not because of her penmanship. And, yeah, that shows.

And while the writing is "questionable at times," I’ve somehow started having fun with it—though mostly in an “aww, look at my very naive younger self” kind of way—not taking it seriously at all. And on that level? It works. It’s ridiculous, addictive, and a total blast, so yeah, I’ll definitely be sticking around until book five.

Considering how surprised I was by a spoiler/twist I recently stumbled upon regarding book three, I’m pretty sure I’ll be going into the next book of the series completely blind. But I’m super excited about it, and can't wait to see where the story takes me next. *wink wink*

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[cosmic-ships]

.: Charmed & Guarded :.

A Jamie and Kaden fic (listen he's like a crush or whatever-)

Words: 1,538 (I don't know how this happened. Help? lol)

Summary: A café meeting and a need to act "tough"

CW: Sickening banter.

Per Josh's suggestion, Kaden agreed to meet Jamie at a cosy little café tucked away in the city. Kaden arrived first, their nerves a jumbled mess. They fidgeted with their snake bite piercings, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. When Jamie walked in, Kaden couldn't help but notice his hipster vibe, complete with a fedora and tattoos peeking out from under his rolled-up sleeves.

Kaden had heard quite a bit about this Jamie guy, he seemed pretty nice and outgoing but some people have mentioned that Jamie sometimes has a tendency to be manipulative and make friends with others solely to benefit himself. He apparently has a very intimidating energy when he's very quiet, people usually see a spark of something maybe a little darker in his eyes, Kaden would keep their guard up as best as they could at least for the time being.

Jamie spotted Kaden and approached with a confident stride, his GoPro in hand. "Hey, you must be Kaden," he said, a friendly smile playing on his lips as he extended a hand.

Kaden shook his hand, trying to keep their cool despite the butterflies in their stomach, okay nobody mentioned that he was insanely attractive… "Yeah, that's me. And you're Jamie, the filmmaker wannabe right?" They gestured towards the camera.

Jamie chuckled softly, his laugh was distinctive and somewhat deep, matching his baritone speaking voice. It started with a breathy chuckle, The sound was warm and rich, carrying a sense of genuine amusement… "Guilty as charged. I like to capture moments, you know? Might use them for my future masterpiece." His eyes twinkled with enthusiasm, and he didn't miss the slight blush that crept onto Kaden's cheeks.

"So, you just record people without asking?" Kaden challenged, crossing their arms in a defensive posture, but their eyes betrayed a flicker of intrigue.

Jamie's smirk widened, finding Kaden's feisty demeanour endearing. "I always ask permission. Consider this my way of getting to know someone. It's like showing you my sketchbook." He held up the GoPro. "Besides, it's not every day I meet someone as interesting as yourself." Jamie clearly eyed Kaden up and down.

Kaden scoffed, but their lips curved into a small, involuntary smile. "Interesting, huh? Flattery won't get you anywhere with me, you know." They started heading towards the counter to order their drinks.

Jamie laughed heartily, the sound filling the café, His laugh felt unrestrained and natural, giving off a sense of authenticity and sincerity, it was endearing and infectious and it was taking everything for Kaden to not smile themselves… "Duly noted. So, tell me about yourself, Kaden. What gets your motor running?"

Kaden raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in their eyes. "Well, I'm not sure this is the place to discuss my… preferences, especially with a stranger." They took a sip of their coffee, deliberately avoiding Jamie's gaze.

Kaden was a little worried, they weren't very good at the whole casual conversation bit, they hated when a conversation led to nowhere and died before it even really began, it was always like that, especially whenever Josh introduced them to someone new, it never worked out. Kaden always wondered why Josh did that, maybe he felt sorry for them, they really didn't have many friends or maybe he thought Kaden needed a date or something. Either way, Kaden was surprised when the conversation flowed effortlessly, with Jamie's easygoing nature balancing their own guarded yet sometimes flirtatious or sarcastic responses, they easily matched each other's energy and could keep up with one another.

As they parted ways, Jamie smiled at Kaden. "This was fun. Let's do it again sometime, minus the camera if it makes you uncomfortable."

"I've yet to make a decision on that.." Kaden playfully rolled their eyes despite the smirk tugged to their lips.

"Which? The camera or seeing me again?" Jamie asked, his brow raising quizzically.

Kaden couldn't help but grin, "See you around Jamie."

Back at his apartment, Jamie sat surrounded by screens, reviewing the day's footage. He paused as Kaden's image filled the frame, their purple hair contrasting against the café's muted décor. A soft grin spread across Jamie's face as he replayed scenes of Kaden's reactions, their sassy retorts, and the subtle signs of interest they tried so hard to hide.

"You're cute when you're trying to act tough," Jamie murmured to himself, watching as Kaden fidgeted with their piercings. The way Kaden's eyes lit up when talking about their passions made Jamie's heart skip a beat. "And that blush…" Jamie paused the video, zooming in on Kaden's face. "It's like you're wearing your emotions on your sleeve, even when you're trying so hard not to."

He stopped on a frame where Kaden was laughing freely, their guard down for just a moment. "There you are," Jamie whispered out softly. "That's the real you, isn't it? The you that doesn't hide behind walls and barbs."

He let the footage roll, each interaction revealing more about Kaden—their passion for life, their intelligence, and yes, even their vulnerability. Jamie felt a pull towards Kaden that he hadn't experienced in a long time. It wasn't just physical attraction; it was an appreciation for the person they were.

"I think I might have just found my muse," Jamie mused aloud, his fingers dancing over the keyboard as he saved the clips featuring Kaden. He couldn't wait to see where this might lead, both on and off the camera.

Jamie turned off the screens and sat in the darkness of his apartment, the afterglow of their meeting still lingering. He knew then that he wanted to get to know Kaden better, to understand the stories behind those guarded eyes, and maybe, just maybe, capture their essence on film in a way that only true connection could allow.

With a newfound sense of purpose, Jamie picked up his phone and typed a message to Kaden, keeping it simple and to the point:

<- Had a great time today. Would love to hang out again, camera-free if you prefer. –Jamie

He hit send before he could second-guess himself, hoping that Kaden felt the same spark of potential that he did. Now, all he could do was wait for a response, the anticipation making his heart race with the possibilities that lay ahead.

Jamie's phone dinged and for a second, all he could do was stare at it. After what felt like minutes but were mere seconds, Jamie grabbed his phone and opened it.

-> Firstly, I'm going to ring Josh's neck for giving you my number. Secondly, next time we hang out I'm going to bring my own camera. see how you like it! >: D"

Jamie read Kaden's message with a growing smile. He could practically hear their playful tone and saw the smirk on their face as they typed. Picking up his phone, he quickly tapped out a reply, his thumbs flying over the screen with practised ease.

<- lol, I'll be sure to warn Josh about the impending neck-ringing. 😄 And I'm all for a role reversal! Just remember, turnabout is fair play. But hey, I'm glad you want to hang out again. How about we meet up at that bookstore downtown? It's got a great vibe, and I promise, no cameras unless you change your mind and want to document our adventure. Looking forward to it!

Jamie hit send, his anticipation building. He enjoyed the banter with Kaden and was genuinely excited about the prospect of spending more time together, exploring shared interests and discovering new ones. The bookstore seemed like the perfect setting for their next encounter—neutral ground where they could both feel comfortable and at ease. Now, he could only hope that Kaden would agree.

Jamie's phone buzzed a short while later, and he eagerly checked the notification. Kaden's response was waiting for him, and he opened it with bated breath.

-> A bookstore, huh? Sounds like a trap to learn more about me. But I like books, so I'll take my chances. No cameras got it. But if I catch you sneaking in a GoPro, I swear I'll… actually, I'll probably just tease you mercilessly about it~ Set a date and time, and I'll be there.

Jamie chuckled at Kaden's message, relieved and thrilled by their acceptance. He appreciated Kaden's sharp wit and the way they kept him on his toes. Typing out his reply, he made sure to maintain the playful energy between them.

<- No traps, I promise, just a mutual love for books. Maybe I should sneak my camera in— your teasing is becoming one of my favourite things about you. How about Friday at 7 PM? Does that work for you? Also, just so we're clear, the only thing I'll be sneaking in is my undivided attention. See you then, Kaden. -Jamie

-> What did I tell you? Flattery will get you nowhere with me ;3

<- How about food? would that get me somewhere? ;)

-> See ya on Friday at 7.

Jamie read Kaden's latest messages, a wide grin spreading across his face. Kaden's attempt at playing hard to get was adorable, and he loved how Kaden's texts ended with a definitive agreement to meet up. It was clear that beneath the surface, Kaden was warming up to him, and that thought sent a ripple of excitement through Jamie.

Friday couldn't come soon enough.

Tagging people. Sorry!!!: @deathnot-e || @Kylilah || @heatobrienswife

@faerie-circle-ships || @dragonsmooch || @mauls-waifu || @mahitosoulmate

[kuroppiii]

DON’T FILE THOSE DIVORCE PAPERS. but i thought emma was boring i desperately need ur full take geek out plz tell me what I don’t see

i would NEVER divorce you pookie??

(us actually)

everyone gets film freaky in their own way!!! its ok!!!

two film essay posts in less than 24 hrs by ro, someone needs to sedate me or something

( sort of spoilers for emma (2020) under the cut , but nothing explicit , really )

!!! disclaimer i think to really fw regency-ish movies, kind of inherently calls for being into things like their original source material. and trust!! i know its not for everyone!!!

personally, i'm actually a big fan of reading those old and classical kind of books. as in, i have a full, clothbound, BOX SET, of jane austen's novels (emma being one of them). my literature teacher recommended me to read pride and prejudice ONCE and i've been hooked ever since.

yknow people joke that back then that it was all "oh my god you can't show your ankles!!!" and yeah, that's pretty much what it's like when you get down to reading novels from that time 😭 but that's what makes it so entertaining for me! the bridgerton series (which i also really like by association) is an easy example of this. i once saw someone say bridgerton plays out like a kdrama and YES!! that's the level of yearning and pining and slow burn i feed off of

upfront, i liked the movie–even from when its first trailer came out–because its aesthetics visually were just so nice. like yes!!! pastels!! pretty flowers!!! hats with feathers!! tea parties!!! big poofy dresses!!! (and anya taylor joy)

but it was when i watched it for a second time, i found a lot of why i like this specific adaptation of emma is because i think it really got across the vibe of jane austen's writing–especially the humor.

ok now stay with me: i'm not saying you have to read the whole original novel to get it, bc basically i would summarize the reason why the humor is so dry (when usually you would think this rich and old-fashioned vibe of a story should be much more over-the-top and dramatic) is because jane austen was always trying to make fun of all the social constructs of her time. especially for women! (heavy on how her works were ones of satire!)

like it all plays out so bare-bones that you just can't ignore how ridiculous everything sounds, which is what austen felt about all the rules and expectations emma and the other characters were trying to uphold the whole story. i also find that kind of humor from the movie very charming in a simple way, too.

the whole vibe of watching the movie and its characters is very much unserious, and it's a personal favorite in that watching it and listening to the soundtrack makes me feel ok to wallow in my emotions like the characters do. it's very cathardic in that way to me. but yeah by no means is it very action-packed or even conventionally "dramatic", so i get how it can wind up boring.

the character development of emma is always so interesting to me though. it's subtle, especially on the first watch, but it always warms my heart when she goes from thinking she's got everything figured out, to seeing the value of true friendship in harriet and even mrs. bates (MY FAV CHARACTER I CANNOT LIE SHE'S SO FUNNY), and that making her more open to questioning her and her life more, including not being as perfect as she once thought she was.

and that's really why we get that payoff with her and knightley, because he's known her all this time but when she finally recognizes her imperfections and embraces them, that newly found self-awareness us what pushes him over the edge in love. then we get that BEAUTIFUL confession scene under the tree. 🤭🌳

it very much fits the genre of a "romantic" movie, in that it romanticizes everything. but not to the point where it lets you forget what everyone's wants were, and that there were genuine struggles grappling with all those societal rules at the same time.

bc at the end of the day those rules were efforts meant to promote values that could hopefully lead a life of morality, responsibility/duty, and respect to others and yourself (arguably there are rules we face today that try to promote the same things, but they just look much different than rules about showing your ankles lol). i think in emma it's interesting to see just how each character tries to navigate those rules to get what they want out of life from them, and i think it's just a very beautifully-made film overall as well.

[ducktracy]

It really is a shame that Daffy’s positive traits would slowly be more and more downplayed over the years (I think even his characteristic “WOO-HOO!” would be solely used by McKimson either after or even starting in the early 50’s?) because he makes for SUCH an enthralling character when he’s not typecasted as just “the guy that loses (to bugs bunny)”

YEAH… i AM happy to report that i’ve been considerably warming up to what i call Chuck’s Duck™️ (which is slightly unfair because Freleng’s duck falls under this category. but Chuck Duck is fun to say and works in its immediacy with its connotations), especially given that the… less “glowing” traits of his Daffy have been present long before the sudden transformation of Rabbit Fire (which isn’t really that sudden of a transformation. he even HOOHOOs in that one!)—Bob Clampett’s duck is often touted as the very antithesis of Chuck’s Duck, but what’s so different between The Great Piggy Bank Robbery and Drip-Along Daffy? Duck Dodgers? Piggy Bank has him acting as some big hot shot he is completely unqualified for—he’s egotistical! he’s a craven little coward! you could argue that this even goes back as far as something as Scalp Trouble (from 1939!) which also has him acting as a big shot authority figure who thinks he’s the greatest, only to spend a part of the cartoon cowering off screen when the climax happens

BUT to directly address your ask, i was rewatching Tom Turk and Daffy (of course) and reflecting on how Daffy is pretty insensitive in that one, but there is still this reigning innocence via oblivion that the later entries really don’t embrace as much. which is such a shame! because it makes for an incredibly captivating balance. A Pest in the House falls into a similar category—so much so that i’ve seen people show confusion as to whether or not his heckling is purposeful. it’s not! and neither is his assaulting of the turkey in Tom Turk! he’s just that unaware, but his lack of awareness is almost endearing in these shorts. it’s usually the butt of the joke later on

i have so many thoughts about Daffy and how he is characterized (and mischaracterized!) that i’ve come full circle and am completely blanking here because there’s just so much i could say, and too much for my mind to comprehend! i’ve softened on my opinion is the Bugs and Daffy shorts in recent years, particularly when accepting that the shorts are clearly made for Daffy. you do not watch a Bugs and Daffy pair-up because you want to view the intensely interesting antics of Bugs Bunny. you save that for Yosemite Sam or Elmer or whichever else adversary he runs into. Daffy unequivocally takes the spotlight—Bugs is just something for him to react to, and so that’s sort of subdued my prickliness towards those shorts realizing the directors still very much loved Daffy. not to imply they ever would feel the opposite, but it can feel suffocating with the whole “Daffy is such a stooge isn’t he. LAUGH” vibe.

I’M SO FRUSTRATED BECAUSE I LOVE THIS ASK. and i have so many more in depth thoughts about this that aren’t coming to mind and it’s making me so mad. maybe that’s more motivation for me to speed through my reviews so i can get to the shorts where i can express my feelings in a more collected manner. but for now, did leave these thoughts about Ali Baba Bunny a few months ago that somewhat applies to this ask. maybe. but i really really really strongly agree with you, and am definitely thankful for McKimson’s duck sticking with “tradition” throughout the ‘50s. i’ve always enjoyed his take on Daffy and felt he strikes a really strong balance between that sort of “innocence” and being a bit of a hard ass, while still maintaining his charm and charisma that i feel is lost in some of the later Chuck/Friz efforts (at least for me).

[memurfevur-archive]

A question for the mun; May I ask what are your favorite trolls in the ftc as a whole?

Oh geez, I feel like this is always changing for me because I keep getting to know amazing new people and amazing new characters. I think I'll just name a few blogs and list my favorites from there, as I don't think I can pick out of the entire community when it's full of people I also don't know or haven't interacted with (yet!).

Quite a few of them belong to my partner @mageofspacemultiverse as I've known those the longest and have quite a few ships between us. A few of my favorite characters from him are Zomson, Hidelord, Devaron, and Pixcel. Each character of his is unique and has interesting backstories and personality, and yet every one of them is so on-brand for his blog.

From @thestarlightbrigade I have always adored Deltra and MY LIL MAN HIBUKI. Special shout out to Iiboye too. Lots of edgy angsty characters but each one is a specific flavor that never gets tiring. Avery's vibe is I'm shaking him by the shoulders and biting him affectionately. That is to say, he's a fun guy and silly to talk to. Prepare to get cat-gif'd.

@stuckstucktrolls I thirsted after Viktor since day 1 bruh. He's the Troll I am most familiar with besides Teagan. Creative characters and also very pretty, the lot of them. Cool cat boy cryptid gets the seal of approval from royal moth cryptid.

@goddesstrolls Kairos and Kairne. Ik Kairne isn't on the blog anymore but I thought he was pretty damn neat tbh. One of the first characters I knew Bast by. Also um... my (ex)wife Akidis, I love her to bits and pieces, and my male-wife Darvai. Buff women and bastard men run this blog, and all the world build and narratives Bast has come up with over the years are SO -chefs kiss- .

@miks-fantrolls Antemh <3 Sticking him under a microscope fr. I don't know a lot about anyone else, but maybe that'll change sometime. I don't know a lot about Mik but I personally think he's cool af. Mik if you're reading this I'm staring at you with wet pathetic eyes and offering you an egg in these trying times.

@roetrolls Veylin <3 She makes my heart happy. Also Franky, I would give him the world. Mallum is up there, too. Roe makes a lot of characters that are compelling, friend-shaped, and possesses you with the Funny Horrors (aka I can't stop laughing every time I see 'Dominion' on a street sign or pub. Like, it's the kind of joy that's like 'I know that guy! That guy belongs to this really cool person that I look up to! How silly that he has a bar named after him!' )

@sasster ...................... Redivi.................. Look, one could argue and say it's because he's a vampire and I'm absolutely a vampire simp 100%. But. But he's *terrifying* and that's a big reason why he's a favorite Chase Troll of mine. Compelling, scary, but recognizable as people we may know in our every day lives. An ever so loved face and name, but there's always something behind the scenes that we can't see. There's a performance for the world, while on back stage the true colors show. Mind you, I am extremely behind in the lore of the blog, but that guy? Man. That guy.

@windy-trickster -slaps the top of this guy's blog- This blog can fit so many funky lil dudes filled with unique lore and fantastic personalities and oh my god the angst. My favorites among them are Doleos, Rastho, and Althor. Windy is a creative writer and puts SO much love into his characters. Like for real, it's always a pleasure listening to him talk about them. It's clear he puts in a lot of love and effort into his guys, and I think y'all should go and see that for yourself.

@askthehiddencaste Shuska and Ashoal. I feel like Shuska is the face of the blog (i mean, the entire theme is a library, so), and she's such a charming character. Warm, friendly, but she's STRONG in spirit. Ashoal and Shuska are the two I'm most familiar with aside from Heliel (I want that goopy man carnally). Kanny has a lot of fascinating characters that all feel like a natural family to me. I could hang out with their characters and feel right at home.

@experimental-failures The only one I'm familiar with is Nix, so I guess he's my favorite by proxy-- BUT! I've always thought Nix was very neat. He feels like a guy I can run into out on the street irl. He feels so real to me, and it's always a pleasure.

@the-rainbow-overflow Elnric and Viroxa. Two very interesting characters for vastly different reasons, lol! I love the alternate timeline stuff Elnric has going on, and I feel soft for this guy mostly because it's the first Troll I knew Dusk by. Viroxa is... oh boy, god damn, a bastard? Such a manipulative and cunning guy where the ends justify the means, and I am OBSESSED. Bonus points that he's a scientist guy, ya know? We all love unhinged scientists. Kissing him on the cheek even if he may take my lips as donation and sew it onto someone else. Special mention to Makona as well, I am unwell about HISStory of Violence <3

@trollbreak Um, Bladed, teehee -twirls hair- Jonah has SOOO many lil guys. Silly lil guys! Some of these silly lil guys commit murder and treason! Some of them will give you plushies and Autism Creature stare at you as a means of friendship. Heehoo is my ultimate favorite, and Bladed is close second, but I adore Jonah and all of their characters.

@clown-fuckers-r-us Montague!!!! MONTAGUE!!!! MY BELOVED!!! CRYING WEEPING AAAAAAAA-- ahem. So um Montague is my favorite, he's so cool? I'm so invested in his story and not just because I have a ship going with that guy but his concept is so intresting??? A Purple with anger issues, rich and privileged but kind and loving-- now ruined by a broken mind and psyche, his one scrap of salvation that keeps him from fully losing himself being the memory of a lover that he hasn't seen since before the war on Limebloods... You should definitely go share some love with Bun, the mun of the blog; she's an AMAZING person, truly a wonderful friend, and one of the most nicest people I know.

@moonlit-trolls Tythus by far. It's been SO neat seeing Tythus grow and develop as a character. Moona and I made Ptillo and Tythus together, and while Tythus had some shaky beginnings as Moona was figuring him out, it definitely solidified and paid off in the end. Tythus is a compelling villain imo with complex goals and ambitions. Not to mention what a SILVER FOX HE IS GOD DAMN. You go girl, make that man hot and pathetic <3

I'm running out of steam for this post; if you're not listed on here it doesn't mean I don't have favorites or that I don't like you. There's A LOT of trolls to keep track of in the community and a lot of members too. Everyone has such amazing characters that I cannot possibly list them all off. Keep doing what you're doing, and remember that even if it feels a little pointless at times or that nobody cares, there ARE people who enjoy the content you put out-- whether its art, writing, silly little tidbits, or whatever else! There's people out there who will think about you over the smallest of things and smile, people who will think about you and your characters and feel inspired, people who may be too shy to interact but love and appreciate you and what you do. Whether you're a big or small blog or something in between, thank you for being part of the FTC.

[unproduciblesmackdown]

Tonight’s bill is a big one! Little Shop of Horrors at the @GuthrieTheater! Break a leg to the entire cast and crew! And a special “Welcome to Minnesota” to the wonderful @will_roland! pic.twitter.com/5Nsq3i2ykr

— Joe (@joescranium) June 29, 2024

followed by this review:

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at the Guthrie Theater Hosted by the Guthrie Theater

A strange and unusual new plant is being featured on the Guthrie Theater’s Wurtele Thrust Stage and it’s got an appetite for blood. Yes, Little Shop of Horrors is back on the Twin Cities stage in flashy, yet campy, fashion. The 1980’s classic musical based on the 1960 film of the same name, tells the story of a down-on-his-luck florist, Seymour, who spends his days in a florist shop in Skid Row, tinkering with odd plants and counting down the days until the store closes from lack of customers. Without warning (and with the help of a total eclipse of the sun), his luck changes when he stumbles across a “strange and unusual” plant that, when placed in the shop window catches the eye of passersby. Feeling like the tides are turning, Seymour’s boss, Mr. Mushnik, demands that he take care of the plant at whatever costs to keep business booming.

Sounding like an easy task for him, Seymour attempts to perk up the little plant, Audrey II as he has named it, but there is one catch: Audrey II prefers a different kind of plant food. Blood, and lots of it. Running out of fingers to prick, Seymour must turn to other methods to feed the plant and as Audrey II grows, so does the admiration of the people around him, including his co-worker Audrey. Though she is a nice girl, her dentist boyfriend is anything but. Torn between the new found fame of having such a strange plant that requires extreme measures to keep alive and the love he has for Audrey and a life he dreams they could have, Seymour must make a serious of decisions that will affect every single resident of Skid Row….and perhaps the world. While Little Shop of Horrors has been produced hundreds, if not thousands, of times throughout the decades, the Guthrie has taken a new approach to their production. Instead of basing Audrey II off of a normal Venus fly trap, they have opted to base it on the aptly named Corpse Flower. A flower that only blooms every few years and when it does, omits a startlingly grotesque smell. Seemingly the perfect flower to base a man-eating plant off of and maybe not so coincidently, the Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota has one on display periodically when it is set to bloom. Not only has the Guthrie changed the type of flower but they have leaned very heavily into the B-Movie vibe of the story that seems to be scrubbed away in most productions. Even though the production is flashy, loud, and a spectacle to watch, it carries a fresh campy-ness that makes the show feel fresh and new. Even for patrons who think they know what to expect will find a plethora of fun surprises waiting behind the doors of Mushnik’s florist shop. Bringing charm and nerdiness aplenty to the role of Seymour is Broadway actor, Will Roland. Known for his roles in Dear Evan Hansen and Be More Chill, Roland tackles Seymour with his iconic comedic timing but offers a large splash of humanity across his whole performance. He brings out the raw emotions that Seymour feels with every breath and note. Whether he is elated with the success he has stumbled into or horrified at the lengths he has to go to, to maintain that success. Roland takes us on that journey with ease and it is a treat to enjoy, even if he does have to get a tad murderous.

Standing side by side with Roland every step of the way is China Brickey who brings Audrey to life with incredible vigor and camp. If there is anyone in this production that throws themself fully into the B-Movie vibe of the show, it is Brickey. She is hilarious, heart warming, and heartbreaking all at once. Brickey clearly knows the precedent that actors before her have brought to Audrey but she doesn’t give a recreation of any of them. She breathes her own life into the role and her delivery is sensational. The physicality and facial expressions that she is able to deliver, especially in the final moments of the show, are beyond impressive and memorable. Playing off one another with such ease, Roland and Brickey have such chemistry together as Seymour and Audrey and that is shown to high acclaim when they deliver their truly show stopping edition of Suddenly Seymour. Suffice to say, it may be one of the best performances of the song in recent memory. The delivery that they bring to the tune is both goofy and touching but it ends on such a triumphant note that the audience was practically jumping out of their seats to laud Roland and Brickey’s dynamic performance. It is worth the price of admission just for this moment. It would be unfair to single out one other member of the company who certainly delivers some of the highlights of the show. David Darrow. Embodying the sadistic and maniacal dentist, Orin D.D.S., Darrow is an absolute star. From his mischievous laughs as he inhales copious amounts of nitrous oxide to his aggressive and abusive attitude towards anyone, and everyone, he deems his victims…um…patients. There is no shortage of devilishness in Darrow’s performance and even though the audience despises him and waits for his inevitable demise, they can’t seem to lap up enough of his performance. While his main role is portraying Orin, Darrow takes on a slew of other roles throughout the production and he nails every single one of them without missing a beat.

It seems to be a rare feat now days to have a complete smash hit show in this day and age but the Guthrie Theater’s production of Little Shop of Horrors is firing on every cylinder. There are laughs, spectacular musical numbers, and plenty of horror to go around. So grab your friends, family, neighbors, and anyone else that you wouldn’t mind sacrificing to an alien plant and check out this can’t miss show of the summer because, if the opening night crowd is any indication, the run is sure to sell out and fast. Oh and remember, whatever they offer you, don’t feed the plants (unless you want all of your dreams to come true).

[autisticempathydaemon]

Song I'm fixated on: 1am freestyle by Joji - I like listening to his music to relax and that song is really beautiful and sad. Idk what that says about me

Enneagram: my basic understanding is a six idk this system well

Video essays: not my thing, after about an hour I'm bored even if it's an interesting topic

Imaginary friend: I don't remember any specific ones but I can tell you about my first oc from elementary school which feels basically the same - she was a ninja and a cool older sister who was always traveling for secret missions... and that's about the extent of my memory

Fall asleep: usually I can just fall asleep after imagining the scenarios in my head, but when I really struggle I put in headphones and listen to classic ASMR

Name change: I'm pretty cool with my name but if I had to pick a new name I would probably pick something with deep symbolism. Thing is, I'm terrible at coming up with names so this would take forever

Favorite redacted vid: one of my favorite playlists is Vega, I just let him talk and talk and talk and get so relaxed. If I had to pick a video, questioning a sadistic demon is nice to listen to

No appeal: sorry not sorry.... it's hush. I don't get it.

Movie: frozen, but not of my own free will

Platonic redacted boy: Asher is cool, just not really my type. He's goofy asf so I think we could be friends

Sleepy ramble: I don't think I ramble when I'm tired...? To give you something when I'm drunk I ramble about how much I love my friends though

Gas station: I want either a mango arizona, the tropical citrus vitamin water, or a liquid death and chips

Favorite playlist: I have a chill/jazz/lofi playlist I've been playing a lot at work lately, easy listening type stuff

Guilty pleasure media: am I allowed to say redacted? If not, I secretly watch those dumb reality shows about rich people to make myself laugh

Hmmm… Something about you makes me want to put you in the DAMNily. I think you’d make good friends and integrate with them really well as Damien’s partner.

Type Sixes are characterized as being responsible, trustworthy, and loyal, aiming for security and support in their lives to aid them in achieving their dreams. Damien, and the family that you’d become a part of by being with him, would more than give you that. I also like the chill vibes you and your music choices give off, which I think would be a good counterbalance to Damien’s more driven temperament.

The two of you would have such a lovely life together built on trust, cooperation, and support. I could see the two of you quietly working side by side, sharing your playlist with Damien. I can see the whole group stopping by 7/11 for snacks at Damien’s behest and you two being the only ones that got any water. (He also strikes me as a Liquid Death fan.) I can see all y’all going out for drinks and Damien pretending to be done with the way you fawn over him and your friends but actually thinking it so charming and heart-warming.

Song:

We can talk here on the floor/ On the phone, if you prefer/ I'll be here until you're okay/ Let your words release your pain/ You and I will share the weight/ Growing stronger day by day/ It's so dark outside tonight/ Build a fire warm and bright/ And the wind, it howls and bites/ Bite it back with all your might

I like this song for y’all for two reasons. One, a song about trust and vulnerability, about only having to be the truest version of oneself fits Damien and any partner of his really well. Two, the soft, melodic cadence of Cavetown might appeal to you and be good for working!

Runner-ups:

In the same vein of you fitting in with the DAMNily, I think you and Huxley could be a good pair; he’d also be a good match for a Type Six. Outside of that vein, Aaron and you would be cute, because y’all would have the same taste in fun, comfort tv.

note: thank you for waiting 💕

Read this post and send me an ask if you’d like a match-up of your own! 💌

[devdirt]

It just felt like a lower quality "Bikini Bottom Day" &/or "The Whole Being Dead Thing" from the Spongebob Squarepants musical & the Beetlejuice Musical respectively.

BBD is about 8 minutes long, but it's the intro song to its show, just like how (I think) HDIH is supposed to be for HH? It introduces the MC being very optimistic, & the rest of the town doesn't match the MC's cheerful vibe, & there's some music/tone changes to the song (for Spongebob, it's to match to the other main characters' vibes for their introductions (Sandy's is noticably country-like, for example.)

I'd imagine the idea was supposed to be a mix of "Classic Disney 'I Want Song'" & probably the fun "tone?" changes in "The Whole Being Dead Thing," (since Viv seems to be a fan of the Beetlejuice musical) but didn't have the charm or catchiness they were hoping for.

The jokes in the full song & the short animated clip we have so far just don't land, for me anyways. Nearly all of them just seem to be general children's cartoon gross-out humor I thought we left to rot in the 2010's or so, but with a "I know about sex now that I'm all grown up!" sort of glee radiating off of the jokes from whoever wrote them.

I'm still gonna watch HH, even dumpster fires can keep you warm, after all. The person voicing Charlie did a lovely job, I'm hoping she'll get a much better song or two we can actually find getting stuck in our heads because a voice like that is asking for a great song to sing! Generally, I'm hoping for a diamond in the rough song to pop up in the series, HB seems to have a few gem songs of its own, so we know SOME good stuff can come from Viv &/or Spindlehorse.

Love the way you explained the comparisons to the other songs. It is 100% most definitely supposed to be a classic Disney "I want" song, I don't know if I like it as the intro though? We'll see.

Also pirate the fuck out of that show buddy. She doesn't deserve your money with the way she acts. I'll probably pirate an episode or two 🏴‍☠️🦜

[softlyapocalytpic]

Deacon

My interpretation of Deacon is very much in the camp of, “every good lie has a seed of truth”. Got no idea if that what makes a good lie, but I think it’s a fun story telling device so idc. I never want to take away from him being a liar because it feels like it’d be a disservice to his character, but from his dialogue it feels like there’s always that grain of truth. Rather than just flat out lies, he twists the truth. The only time it ever feels flat out is when you’re supposed to doubt him, (like that he’s been to Greenland or played cards with Mr. House). It’s wacky, outlandish, and he plays it straight because that’s apart of the joke.

Because at his heart he’s a goofball! I think that Deacon shows more of who he truly is than he realizes by the mere fact that he doesn’t really know who that is anymore. If you spend sometime time as the lie, when does it become the truth?

He’s so edgy in own head, but I think that his true colors show from his actions which are usually spent either a) protecting the people he loves, or b) keeping their spirits high. He may be cynical, but he doesn’t want to be. He admires optimism and hope and surrounds himself in it, and I think some of it rubs off on him when he isn’t looking.

How can he not? The way that I can hear his voice SPARKLE after you blow up the Institute… Like the whole world has just taken on a new brighter shade. But also the way that he fights, and he fights, and he fights even in the darkest hours of the Railroad. At times I think he feels beaten down and broken, like he couldn’t get up again, but then he looks at these beacons of hope like Dez, Glory, and everyone else and he can’t help it! While he definitely has the “man loses last bit hope he didn’t know he had” moment, he doesn’t stay in the darkness. He’s magnetized to the light. Something something a lantern in the dark hehe.

Piper

I’ve fallen in love a little bit with almost all of the Fallout 4 companions, and Piper is the latest 💞. I made a conscious effort to spend more time with her on my survival play through and she’s just so charming. Bethesda knew what they were doing and they got my pansexual ass hook, line, and sinker. She’s sweet, and awkward, and passionate, and quirky, and goofy, and driven. What’s there not love?

I think my Piper is definitely a reflection of what I’m feeling like in my early twenties, except a more fantasized “country girl in the big apple vibes” version. Life is an adventure, and oh fuck being an adult with responsibility is difficult. I care so much about my community yet feel so isolated for one reason or the other. She’s fighting for justice but doesn’t have it all together yet. She trips, stumbles, and is learning.

I think the biggest roadblock for loving her character had been the contradiction of being ostensibly pro-synth but also lambasting McDonough for being a synth publicly. However, when I took a look at that as a character arc I really began to appreciate her!

Piper’s point was never to promote synth hate, and I’m so compelled by her grappling and dealing with the fact that she did. That her constant strive to deliver the unabashed truth, along with her (rightful) disdain of McDonough as a person meant that she helped the paranoia. That she made synths the bad guys rather than the Institute at large. Her seeing the toll of a full out war with propaganda from all sides, and developing another layer to her belief system. An awareness of her words and how they effect people.

Cait

I know that for some character arcs it’s about learning to be okay in your own body, on your own, but it’s SO important to me that Cait ends her story with someone absolutely smitten for her. It doesn’t matter the gender (although I’m personally partial to a girlfriend for her), she needs someone to hold her. To be patient with her. To call her out on her shit when she’s being dumb, and stand by her through the roughest parts of her journey. I want her to feel warm, and safe, and held and to be surrounded by people who love and appreciate her.

Also want her to have a complicated relationship with drugs that isn’t easy, but that she feels like she has agency and choice over. That she doesn’t need to feel ashamed for her drug use! That sure she’s got baggage but she’s so worth carrying it. I want Cait to live an easy breezy life where she’s surrounded by laughter.

(Man I guess this was less meta and more me wanting to give Cait nice things lmao).

In such a bad mood after reading something that I won’t say more about because I don’t care for engaging in internet discourse! So instead I wanna post something positive! These are just some thoughts on a couple of the companions. Definitely not the full breadth of my thoughts, but I’m kinda just not in the mood to be critical right now. Just need something good to cheer me up. Hope it can do the same for you!

My interpretations generally tend towards the sweeter more optimistic end, and I’m aware of that. But I stand by them none-the-less. I want the wasteland to become a softer place, not a harder one, and I think that while characters start out in dark places they can be lifted out of that. Fallout already spends so much time really showing off the depths of the horrors of humanity and I think that it needs to foster hope. Hope and growth give meaning to the struggle. The violence may be pointless but then we can choose to be different. Idk y’all it’s nearly two in the morning and I just want some feel goods after being absolutely STEAMED.

If you wanna join in on the fun and add your own thoughts I’d love to hear them. About these guys or any others. I just picked a random three myself. It can be angsty! I just ask to keep things respectful and compassionate in how you talk about it.

[kingsofneon]

tagged by @xamaxenta

amazing to make fun of xam's fic titles but also be incomprehensible lol (i normally just access them via links lol)

RULES: make a new post with the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! then tag as many people as you have

31-ish kinktober reqs

45 general writing reqs

5 writing trades or smth

Maracebo + exhibitionism 

Marco/ace + loving bdsm

Cobydrake + fake aphrodisiac 

Sabolucci hate fucking

boop le boop

kiss n tell

Play this my way

prince charming in your mind's eye

put on a show for me

teacher's pet

when you have teeth and claws (be prepared to bleed for it)

dragonfucking au

cobyshanks fake aphrodisiac

Acebo + giving Marco nipple piercings

silvertongue!sabo

zoro/law/luffy demon law getting dicked down, dicking down?, his boys.

below the cut is literally just copy-pasted asks lolol

im sure i have more but i confess my docs are a messs so. god knows where anything else is. also soz but i dont want to tag anyone, if u want me to tag you just pretend i did cackles

everyone in the revo wants a piece of their chief

Haunted or Not, Here I Cum - Ace's porn reality show 

Fuck the Truth + Sabo asking why Ace came to watch

Acebo + giving Marco nipple piercings

Zolu + Zoro waking up hard and cuddly luffy doesn't help

+ cat!sanji Sanji + praise + Luffy getting Sanji a collar

servant tashigi and pirate princess nami / royalty/servant + library + angry

NamTash + FWB + Nightclub + quickie sex

NaVi + needy, clingy sex + dirty talk/spanking

Marco/Shanks + dirty talk/spanking

DraSabo + Sabo regaining his memories

Zolu + post workout sex in the crow's nest

MAS + wedding night

"Owner" Ace + MarSabo who are competitive and he has to teach them to be nice

Sabo/Ace + "Beg for it"

Marco's foot kink

Sabo asking Ace to tie him up

Ace + Marco or Sabo + "Don't come until I tell you to." + Ace has been teased all day but mar/sab like seeing him fucked up

Troublemaker Ace + Marco teaching him a lesson

Sabo waking up to Koala fucking him + ""aw nice of you to join us".

Saboala + bondage/muzzle/obedience bc Sabo fucks up

kinktober day #1 I'm just gonna be the 4th person who asks for Sabo being spanked until he begs 😂 (MAS, Marco does the spanking and Ace comforts him and encourages him to beg already)

may i ask for sabo with pussy and huge tits - double penetration and overstimulation, shanks and ace having their way with him, humiliating and fucking our pretty boy till he's a crying mess? pull his nipple piercings because fun? hmmm

somno with saboala cause sabo getting ridden within an inch of his life while sleeping sounds so good. just like koala being a bit of a shit and sabo getting all red faced and squirmy in his sleep, dreaming about being buried in warmth

marshanks oral/training mmmm. A little cockwarming vibe? Shanks "training" Marco to properly service him and just keeps Marco's mouth around his dick for ages. OH and if it's an exasperated "when will you learn?" moment, maybe also a ring gag? just, mouth open, warm hole, constantly available, good birdie

katalu, belly bulge. ., stretchy boys, but how does he make luffy actually *feel* it, seastone?? haki dick??? luffy being so used to his stretchiness that he's completely caught off-guard and punched out by getting stuffed like this *~*

NAMI/CONIS CHASTITY??? i'm imagining very bad girl/good girl temptation vibes, Conis kind of desperate to give it up but Nami playing it slick and cooing about how she knows the importance of chastity to Conis, so don't worry about it, you can sit this one out while I have all the fun....

forced to beg with sabo -////- pretty please. and koala?

ZoLu, exhibitionism: Luffy just can’t stay quiet so the whole crew can hear them fucking.

Zoro is amazed that Luffy can fit all three of his sabers.(It’s most probably been done before, but I haven’t read it so far!)

ZoLu Orgasm denial and Luffy is the one being denied~ Zoro being soft and horny because Luffy is someone that not even the world can deny anything from, yet he hands over that control to Zoro freely and I just cant stop thinking bout these boys since your tweet >0<

CNC with marsab? where Marco is trying to make him submit and sabo is a mouthy brat, but Marco will have to fuck out the anger out of him. feat sabo begging to be let go and Marco won't, sabo tearing up and Marco complimenting him how pretty he looks. mm

“I think you need to be spanked.” marcosabo if u r ok with it and has inspiration <333

“I wanna fuck you hard, right up against the window.” “Damn, if I’d known how much you liked to be watched I would’ve invited them sooner.” “That’s right, put your chest against the window and spread your legs, arch your back, and beg me to fuck you.” Marco fucking Sabo and Ace walking into and joining please

“oh please continue on my lap.” or “beg for it.” (with Marco saying beg for it. embarrassed / ashamed ace?) 👌 👌 👌

sabo is spanked by marco after losing a bet 😏

but no really he has too much pride to back out and marco is all too happy to have him over his knees willingly, maybe make him bend over the table and bring out a paddle 🤤 his ass is red nd bruised and he has to wear a short skirt for the rest of the day

[timeofjuly]

So sorry if this is intruding, but you stated that Mc is a charming person and in the fact that she was very sociable during high school and that gives me a funny headcannon that Mc has a wide variety of friends, some of them perhaps having a worse criminal record or did worse things having their positive biases towards her ( if that made sense?). Like she could tell them about her criminal record and that friend(s) could be like, " Oh, you were arrested for assault and battery? Girl, that's a fake a$$ crime no worries. " Or funnier yet friends who have cleaner records than even Quinn ( idk if she has ever done anything, I'm not sure), and know what about Mc's mistakes in life and still show warmth and kindness to her. Those friends possibly reacting to the hostility from the skeletons (perhaps showed in public by accident) with confusion and anger. MC seems like a person that's easy to like and easier to invest emotionally in. I know I am!

Not intruding at all! Ask me all of the questions, I love sharing my thoughts.

MC definitely has a very wide and varied social circle and I think, had addiction not been a massive part of her life, that that circle would be even larger. Unfortunately, mc actually lost a whole bunch of her childhood friends due to addiction; when your drug use goes from something your friends view as fun and casual into something ugly and serious, you burn a lot of bridges and people don’t want to be around you. Plus, the friends you do keep in your life tend to also be addicts, because you get to a stage where all you want to do is use and talk about using. It’s one of the reasons recovery can be so challenging: you’re literally constantly surrounded by drugs and people doing ‘em. I do have Plans for some of these friends to show up later on in the story, so stay tuned! “Oh, you were arrested for assault and battery? Girl, that's a fake a$$ crime no worries.” Is a very good representation of how blasé some of these friends will be lol

There’s definitely going to be a moment of realisation when certain skeletons see how mc interacts with others and think, we really screwed up here, like mc is funny??? And warm??? People like her??? Shit.

I have this idea in the back of my head that the skeletons are the first people to ever dislike mc on sight, like in her whole life lol. People haven’t liked her, sure, but it’s never been literally at first sight before. She has good vibes! That would be hard for a person to grapple with mentally and would be a bit of a reality check, and I think her friends would be baffled by it, too.

[sharkrocket]

Nine people you'd like to get to know better

Tagged by: @zu-zup! Thanks for tagging me, I feel so honored! 😁

Last song: I'm going to cheat a little a talk about some loose songs I would love to put on a Patho playlist but don't have enough songs to make a full playlist, I think people would be more interested in that ahaha

BODY/PRISON by HEALTH for Rubin - Okay so, my impression of Rubin is largely informed from his P1 version, and when he's going around dressed in leather like that and has a banging warehouse theme, my mind translated that into dark club music, and it's been stuck there every since. I keep joking about making a Rubin playlist but it's just HEALTH songs because their whole discography is just kinda like that.... Big recommend from me

Glass by Blood Cultures for my fashion model Rubin agenda - Man, this is harder to explain, but BASICALLY, I feel like Rubin would make a fantastic model. Not that he would be one in modern AU, but I think he has some traits that would be very good for an alternative fashion model. MAYBE I'LL ELABORATE ON THIS ONE DAY.... But anyway, this is the song I would love to see him do a runway walk to (Blood Cultures is fantastic btw, also a recommend)

Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes for Artemy - The lyrics are pretty self-explanatory.... a man struggles with growing up and his finding his place in life, and I feel like it's pretty fitting.... Love this song a lot

There There by Radiohead - SO I JOKED ABOUT SEEING HOW MANY RADIOHEAD SONGS I COULD SHOVE INTO PLAYLISTS, but I had a really complex Burda comic I was trying to plot in my head. Unfortunately, I think animation is the only way to really convey the vision, and that's a bit out of my league.... 😔 I can talk about it more if anyone is interested, though

I'm trying to create a creepy Polyhedron playlist just for fun, but I'm having some trouble finding the right vibes.... I feel pretty solid about these two though, they feel creepy enough:

Carol N°1 by Woodkid

Spring But Dark by Clark

Favorite color: I have lots! Big fondness for salmon pink and my art tends to run in on the warm, vibrant (sometimes neon) side

Currently watching: Trying to watch Bad and Crazy on Netflix but I'm not a huge TV show person unfortunately 😔 Too time consuming and most of the stuff I do wanna watch needs subtitles, which I can't pay attention to when I'm multi-tasking

Last movie: HOO BOY, I watched Marry My Dead Body on Netflix, and basically the premise is that an aggressively straight homophobic cop accidentally gets married to the ghost of a gay man, and they need to cooperate to solve a series of crimes and find the murderer. It's a fun premise and it's supposed to be an action comedy but I can definitely see how your mileage may vary depending on what's your sense of humor might be.... Not a super terrible movie, but ehhh....

Before that, I saw The Lure (Córki dancingu) which was more interesting to me.... It's supposed to be a modern retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, but with flesh eating mermaids and discothèque flair.... I know people have mixed feelings about this movie, but I enjoyed the style and music... The music is SO catchy

Currently reading: NOTHING AT THE MOMENT, I just returned some library books not too long ago, and these are my recommendations

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher - A sort of retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher from the POV of a nonbinary solider in fictional mid 1900s Europe... a VERY easy read.... The characters are charming and the narrator is really funny, witty and sarcastic... Reminds me a bit of Artemy in that regard... Good body horror to be had here

The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw - This is more a traditional, dark fairy tale narrative.... It's told from the POV of a man-eating mermaid who burns her husband's kingdom to the ground... She takes on a nonbinary Plague Doctor as her traveling companion and they roam together before stumbling across a village of children who keep dying and coming back to the life thanks to the aid of 3 surgeons who conceal more sinister purposes...

Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey - I enjoyed this one a lot.... A supernatural haunted house horror/drama where a woman returns to her childhood home to take care of the estate of her estranged dying mother while confronting the dark history that her father left in the basement.... Excellent characterizations and I was really invested in where the story was going

Sweet/spicy/savory: BIIIIGGGG savory person.... I like sweets but I love a good savory.... Fries and chips are a big weakness of mine

Relationship status: In a relationship! 🥰

Current obsession: I'm still drawing Patho, so that's still sitting on my mind.... I just finished watching a playthrough of Dave the Diver though, so that's been sitting on my mind too.... UNBELIEVABLY cute and charming.... Sort of scratches the same itch Animal Crossing does

Last thing I Googled: Different kinds of biological slimes.... I never thought about categorizing them before, but now I really want to know what qualifies as a slime

Currently working on: Portfolio stuff.... 😞 I want to leave my current job, so a necessary and time consuming evil, unfortunately

[linuxgamenews]

Immerse Yourself in the Charming Atmosphere of 6-Sided Stories

6-Sided Stories puzzle game launches with its hand-drawn tile challenges on Linux and Windows PC. DarZal Games has worked their magic to bring this creative title to life. Which is out now on Steam with a discount. Indie duo DarZal Games has just launched their latest project, 6-Sided Stories, and it’s a delightful escape for puzzle fans and chill-seekers alike. This cozy puzzler is now available with a 10% launch discount to make it even better.

A Cozy Crew of Adorable Characters

6-Sided Stories is the kind of puzzle game that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. With hand-drawn puzzles and soothing Lofi beats from indie artists, it’s perfect for kicking back and relaxing. The puzzles revolve around hexagonal tiles that you’ll flip, color, or rotate to uncover vibrant scenes. The best part? You’re not solving these puzzles alone. The title follows a group of lovable animal friends on their wholesome adventures through changing seasons. Whether it’s crunching through autumn leaves, building a snowman in a winter wonderland, or soaking up the summer sun, this quirky crew is here to brighten your day. So, say hello to the curious cat, the playful mouse, the bouncy dog, and a whole pigeon family ready to steal your heart.

Flip, Rotate, and Relax

Don’t worry if you’re new — 6-Sided Stories puzzles keeps things approachable and fun. There are three ways to interact with the hexagonal pieces: flip them horizontally, vertically, or change their colors. Each mechanic is introduced with beginner-friendly puzzles, so you’ll have time to practice before things get trickier. With over 40 puzzles to tackle, you’ll see the difficulty ramp up as smaller pieces and more flip combinations come into play. But even when the puzzles get tough, the “Hints” feature will nudge you in the right direction. Wiggling tiles that need attention so you can stay chill and stress-free.

6-Sided Stories hand-drawn puzzle | Launch Trailer

Chill Vibes, Lofi Beats

The Lofi soundtrack in 6-Sided Stories is a vibe all on its own. These independently produced tracks also create a relaxing atmosphere and are perfect for streaming. You can switch tracks anytime, and the title even shows you each song’s details so you can discover more from your favourite artists. Clicking the album art takes you straight to the artist’s SoundCloud or Bandcamp.

Why You’ll Like 6-Sided Stories puzzles

Over 40 unique puzzles that tell a heartwarming story of four animal friends.

Three ways to flip tiles: horizontal, vertical, and color changes.

Hints to keep things chill for players of all skill levels.

A streamer-friendly Lofi soundtrack you can also enjoy even after playing.

Seasonal scenes full of vibrant colors and cozy vibes.

There is also a Free Linux Demo on Steam. So you can try before you buy. 6-Sided Stories hand-drawn puzzles are live now on Steam. While offering a 10% launch discount, dropping the price to only $4.49 USD / £3.86 / 4,49€. So there’s no better time to dive in. It’s the perfect mix of puzzle-solving and feel - good moments — grab it, and let the good vibes roll. Supporting Linux and Windows PC.

[kylesvariouslistsandstuff]

I caught TRANSFORMERS ONE, finally... Absolutely dug it, I was the only one in the theater (Monday afternoon screening), I do feel it's like an equivalent to MUTANT MAYHEM in that it reinvents an '80s franchise on the big screen in a dynamic, fun new way.

I had already talked about its rather disappointing $24m opening weekend take, and having seen the movie and having seen audience reactions at the end of the screenings at my cinema job, I do think that it could perform well enough in subsequent weekends despite THE WILD ROBOT playing next to it within days... I still feel that Paramount should've given this one a mid-August release, right before the kids all went back to school. Would've given it time, I feel.

Some keep saying "It was that awful trailer!" I dunno, I don't think any kind of trailer would've saved this. TRANSFORMERS may be a big IP, but this was not only an animated feature (compare the openings to MUTANT MAYHEM and INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE's openings, which opened way lower than many of their live-action predecessors), but also a TF movie without people. A human character, some sort of avatar for the audience to experience the novelty and wonder of these giant transforming galactic robots.

It's also, much like some of those action animated movies - usually with some kind of space or sci-fi leaning to them, a different breed. While there's plenty of humor in the movie, it's a little more serious in parts, and very much like an old-school adventure. Whereas THE WILD ROBOT has the cute animals and the warm autumnal hues, this is a little colder, a little harder, and the entire cast is fighting metal machines. That might've been a roadblock for non-fans of the franchise.

The good news is, per The Hollywood Reporter... Paramount split the $75m budget with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures. "Their sourcea" say that they aren't worried about the film's performance, so maybe it won't be a write-down flop and we might even get a sequel.

Drifting away from box office talk, this movie made me really want a BIONICLE movie done on this scale and with this kind of scope.

And something more faithful to the source material and lore than the Miramax direct-to-video movies were, though those were not without their charms and merits. But if there were ever to be a new BIONICLE movie, even though Lego retired the franchise way back in 2010 (save for a brief revival in 2015), I would love to see it done like this. Beautiful retro-style CGI imagining that whole universe, but with a similar classic B-flick adventure movie vibe with fun, likable and even heartfelt robot characters.

Some of the writing in this movie reminded me of those BIONICLE DVD movies. You can tell the makers of those movies, especially MASK OF LIGHT - the first one from 2003, were going for that kinda old school sci-fi space robot movie kinda feel mixed with a little LORD OF THE RINGS. B-flick, a little cheesy, but in a fun way. I wish they had leaned into that more, because the two Matoran - Jaller and Takua - were portrayed as teen characters out of a Jetix show. LEGENDS OF METRU NUI and WEB OF SHADOWS go a little further into that, but I feel they're still undercooked and sorta trapped as direct-to-video films. I'd love for a new BIONICLE movie that marries elements from those with elements from TF ONE.

Anyways, hoping we get a TRANSFORMERS ONE Two, whatever they choose to call it.