#third one is now my second most favorite outfit ever

[cozylittleartblog]

cute clothes ✨

[the-fluff-piece]

Moving in together

Finally, you found a flat and will live together!

How will this work out with monster three, Law and Smoker?

Modern world AU headcanon about moving and living to together. Sfw and funny

Also check out my masterlist

And headcanon masterlist

Zoro

Doesn't own furniture

He basically lived in Nami's closet, paying her full rent. One day he just left his stuff at your place and said "hope it's ok". Now his name is on the doorbell next to yours.

Cannot assemble ikea furniture. The orientation of wooden parts relative to the other parts is a mystery to him. The first week, you will sleep on a mattress on the floor

His clothes will fit in two drawers

He'll be running around the flat naked very often. You don't mind.

Will build a little gym in one corner and work out daily

Law

Previously lived in a basement, is overwhelmed by windows and high ceilings

Brings mostly generic furniture, but has a few Antique gems in his possession

Says things like "can't wait to have you in my bed for good" when you decide to sell yours and take his antique bed with beautiful wood carvings

Even though he doesn't seem excited about your big, fluffy blankets in pastels you'll soon find him as a blanket burrito on the couch

Cannot hide his grumpiness from you anymore, has to confront it by silently cuddling up to you

Sanji

All his stuff is second hand but in good condition, probably from flea markets

Has already planned your shared Home long before you brought it up

Has several breakdowns during moving because he is a perfectionist, needs lots of kisses and hugs and a cooking break to function again

The flat has an extra room which he loves to think of as the nursery, starting a loving family of his own is always on his mind since he met you

Luffy

Moves out from a strange flatting situation with his friends, basically brings them with him

Will hang the walls with posters of insects

Wakes up every morning full of energy listening to his favorite playlists, jumping through the flat. Since you taught him how to use the coffee maker, he at least serves you some coffee

your fridge is always either full of stuff - or empty. there is no in between.

Smoker

All his things are grey and generic. Except his old army stuff, that's army colored

he ist the most efficient mover ever. He carries your freezer up to the third floor without an elevator

He is confused by some of the stuff you bring with you. Why do you need all those stuffed animals? Shawls? Blankets? It's soft though. He likes to touch your soft things when he feels like no one's watching.

Other things openly excite him. Like all that underwear, your sexy outfits. Now he can look at all of them and suggest what you could wear for the next date...

[thoughtsonlou]

I just got back to my hotel after the Away From Home Festival and I needed to document my thoughts! This is the third festival in a row that I have attended and so far, this was my personal best experience. In Spain, I had planned poorly and ended up feeling dehydrated and sick, Italy was a travel nightmare (and the worst merch stand experience I have ever had), but Mexico was organized so well. Starting off, I actually got my bracelet this time (unlike Italy where most of them got thrown in the trash??). The merch line was short and efficient (I got a beautiful t-shirt—Louis’ merch never misses). The entire area was lively with colorful food stands, banners, lights, a giant AFHF sign in front of some stone. There was plenty of space, but it still felt like there were a lot of people there. The atmosphere was so chill, I loved it. Surprisingly, I never felt hot, the sun went down quickly and there was a gusty breeze most of the night.

Now for the music…

I completely missed Rodrigo Leal. I could hear Gibby while I went through the line outside (and I saw him later getting photos with fans). I thought he sounded great. I listen to some of his songs sometimes. Reverend and the Makers were better than I thought they would be. The lead singer fumbling with the Mexican flag was a bit comical, but they sounded tight as a group. Honestly, Dylan was kind of my favorite (of the openers). I didn’t really vibe with her music before the concert, but she was great on stage, and I respect that she cut all the Harry stuff. She added a rock edge to her more pop-y songs, and it changed them for the better. I don’t know she was just so charismatic on stage I dug it. Kevin Kaarl was clearly adored by the audience. Unfortunately, I don’t speak a word of Spanish, so I did not understand anything (and may have taken a bit of a snooze on the ground during his set). However, that is not to say I thought he was bad, quite the opposite. It was a nice change of pace, and his voice was moving. I love the DMA’s and were stoked that they were performing this year. They did not disappoint. I was a little distracted because Oli was like fifteen feet away from me singing along and dancing it was really cute 😊. It was so cool to have such a big band there at Louis’ festival. Ooooh the lineup was certainly my favorite of all the AFHFs I have been to so far. Spain is a close second, but I truly loved every act here, and in the case of Dylan, found her way more compelling in person.

Now for Louis…

He is pretty isn’t he. I can’t believe he essentially wore the poster as his outfit. His hair was perfect, and his skin glistening.

My top five songs from the night (in order of the setlist) were: MEGAMIX—All this time is the perfect song argue with the wall, and the live album made me appreciate the intro and transition between att and sibwawc even more than before, I though all of those sounds were prerecorded track, but I saw Steve messing with one of those sound board thingies in real time… neat! WALLS—this song just makes me emotional, especially when the crowd is so into it like they were tonight. BACK TO YOU—as much as I love a sappy moment, a festival set should be energetic and fun, and that’s what back to you is, she had me jumpin’. SATURDAYS—I admire that he has the confidence to sing alone at the microphone with hardly any backing instrumental for that long, it is so pretty, but when that build up pays off it is soooo good, the wall of sound was really taking the pain away on this Saturday. SILVER TONGUES—trust I meant it when I said, ‘I don’t feel like going home,’ what a jovial song I’m smiling just thinking about it, this song fills me with warmth!!

The instrumental outro is sick, and I can never remember what it sounds like, so that was fun to hear. I was trying not to be a grouch about the 1d songs, but why is night changes there for real? If he replaced it with We Made It, or HEADLINE?!?!?! this would be a darn good setlist. Drag me down is actually pretty good in my opinion. Where do Broken Hearts Go is fine live, but I dislike it in principle (if you’re going to sing a 1d cover, at least pick one you wrote on?).

The worst part of the night was when Chris walked right in front of me during night changes.

The best part of the night was going balls to the walls during Silver Tongues.

Truly the night (especially Louis’ set) flew by! I had a great time and cannot wait to see what is in store for next year :)

[ravencoloredroses]

Twenty One Questions

Nyx x Reader

Summary: Nyx and Reader have been on a couple of dates, but they don’t really know much about each other.

Warnings: none :)

Word Count: 2,013

——————————————————————————

Most of the first dates I’ve ever been on ended poorly. Either the guy was a total creep with a foot fetish or he was way out of my league and knew it, both options never lead to a second date. The first second date I ever had was with Nyx. It was a complete shock to me when he first asked me out, he was just so fucking handsome. Walking into the restaurant to meet him, I thought he was going to be exactly like the other guys I went on dates with… I could not have been more wrong.

At the end of our first date he asked if he could walk me home. I normally would have said no, but I didn’t get any indication that Nyx had bad intentions, so I said yes. When we reached my house, he didn’t try to kiss me, instead he held my hand and looked me in the eyes as he asked, “When can I see you again?”

Now I’m getting ready for our third date, but Nyx wouldn’t tell me where we are going. He did tell me to dress casually, so I just picked out a pair of jeans and a sweater. I hear a knock at the door and rush downstairs to answer it. Nyx is smiling from ear to ear while holding a shopping bag full of snacks and balancing an assortment of pillows and blankets “Nyx! What is all this?” I ask, stepping aside to let him in. He’s laughing as he passes me.

“This is our date tonight!” He says excitedly while setting his things down on the couch. He’s wearing loose sweat pants and a simple cotton t-shirt. A striking contrast from his normal fashion. When his hands are finally free, I throw my arms around him for a hug. We haven’t actually kissed yet, so a hello hug is fine for now. “I told you to dress comfy.” He takes a step back to examine my outfit. “Jeans are not comfy.” He pouts.

“Tell you what. Why don’t you set up whatever it is you brought all these for... ” I gesture to the mountain of pillows. “While I go change.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Nyx laughs while he watches me scurry up the stairs to change. I practically sprint over to my closet and take off my jeans to replace them with my favorite pair of leggings. I decide to keep my sweater on because it was kinda chilly downstairs.

When I hurry back to the living room I pause on the stairs. Nyx has drug the dining room chairs in and placed blankets overtop of them to create a fort. He peeks his head out of the ‘door’ when we hears me. “Whatcha think?”

“It’s- It’s amazing!” I say as he makes his way over to me. “How did you do that so fast?”

He laughs and shyly rubs the back of his neck. “I’ve had practice. My uncles and I used to make them a lot when I was growing up.” I’m left speechless while I admire his work. “Come on, it’s so much better on the inside.” Nyx grabs my hand to lead me over to the fort. He lifts up the blanket and I duck my head to climb inside. He doesn’t drop my hand as he joins me. He’s right. The inside is so much better. There is just enough space for both of us to sit comfortably even surrounded by pillows.

I didn’t know what Nyx planned for our date so I didn’t think too much about what we’d be doing. Now that I know it’s just gonna be us eating and talking all night, I’m struggling to find things to talk about. I know a little bit about Nyx, enough to know that I really like him, but I don’t know much else.

“I’ve been thinking….” I look over to Nyx nervously. He gives my hand a light squeeze encouraging me to continue. “I don’t know all that much about you, but I really want to. ”

“You know, I was just thinking that. I want to get to know you too Y/N. How about we play 21 questions?” When I look at him confused, he explains. “We ask 21 questions and we take turns answering them.”

I turn my body to face him and smile widely. “That sounds fun! Do you want to go first?”

He gives a nod and thinks for a moment. “What’s your favorite color?”

“That’s an easy one.” I laugh a little. “Blue.”

Nyx matches my laugh. “We’ll start off easy and go from there. Mine’s blue as well.”

I could have been more specific… My favorite color isn’t just blue. It’s the same shade as his eye color, but that might be too much to admit to right now.

“My turn?” I ask and Nyx nods. “Hmmm. Are you a morning or a night person?”

“Definitely a night person, but I don’t mind mornings because I have to get up early and train. What about you?”

“I’m the same way! Well, minus the training part. I’m totally a night person, but I like mornings too!”

Nyx looks down at where our hands are still connected. “Would you want to join me at training some time?”

“Is that one of your questions?” I ask, most definitely blushing, so I try to laugh it off.

“I guess that depends on your answer.” He swiftly replies.

My god this boy is gonna drive me crazy. I give his hand a light squeeze. “I would love to join you for training, Nyx.”

“Well then. I guess it’s your turn.”

“Ummm. Where’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?”

“The Winter Court. It’s so beautiful. What’s yours?”

I suddenly regret asking that question. Staring at our linked hands calms me and helps avoid his eye. “I’ve, um. I’ve actually never been out of the Night Court…”

“I’ll take you to the Winter Court. You’ll love it.” Nyx says in a low voice and my eyes shoot up to his, but he must mistake my shocked expression because he starts to back track. “Only if you want to, of course. I would never want you to feel like-“

“Nyx.” I stop his rambling. “I’ve always wanted to go to the Winter Court. I would be honored if you would let me join you.” His shoulders sag in relief and I realize how nervous we both are. “How about we rapid fire the questions off?” I ask, hoping that if we get through these questions faster we can get rid of the nerves.

“I love that idea.” Nyx smiles brightly. “Is it my turn?” I nod and wait for him to think of a question.

“What’s your biggest pet peeve?”

“Loud chewers.” I shudder just think about it.

“Mine is walking in the house with shoes on.”

“Do you have any hidden talents?”

“Nope. Not a single one.” He looks at me expectantly.

“I can say the alphabet backwards in under two seconds.” I say shyly.

“What?!? Okay, you have to show me.”

“We’re rapid firing, remember?” I crack a smile.

“Fine, but don’t think I’ll forget about it.” He points a finger at me and matches my smile. “Any bad habits?”

I sigh and look down. “I bite my nails.”

Nyx loosens his grip on my hand and turns it over to examine my finger nails. I want to pull away, but I don’t want to hide from him. This whole date is about getting to know eachother. My breath gets caught in my throat when Nyx pulls my hand up to his mouth and kisses my knuckles.

“Mine is eating my boogers.” He says seriously. I jerk my hand away from his and then he bursts into laughter. “I’m just kidding! It was a joke!”

“It better be.” I do my best to hide my smile, but I can’t resist laughing along with Nyx.

“It is! I promise! I was just trying to get you to laugh. I think it worked.” He grabs my hand again. “My bad habit is actually slouching. My dad is always correcting my posture.” He makes a point to sit up straight and it looks painfully uncomfortable, so it doesn’t take long before he’s back to his usual position.

“What’s your love language?” I blurt out without thinking and immediately regret it. This is something I’m curious about, but it’s not really a third date type of question. Thankfully Nyx doesn’t seem to think so.

“I think mine is physically touch, but I’ve never really had the opportunity to explore the others.”

“That’s mine!” I lift up our joint hands. “I figured it was yours too, but I wanted to ask.” I also want to ask what his comment about ‘not having the opportunity to explore the other love languages’ means, but I’m too afraid.

“Biggest fear?” Nyx pulls my attention back to him.

“Bats.” My shoulders shake at the thought.

“Really?” Nyx asks, clearly amused and I nod. “Mine is death.”

“That’s understandable. What about the top thing on your bucket list?”

“Having a family.”

“Mine is becoming a mother.”

Our eyes meet again and something clicks in my head. I thought that I just liked Nyx, turns out these questions made me realize that it’s so much more than that. I’ve only known Nyx for a short period of time, but it feels like we’ve known eachother our whole lives. Like we’re supposed to be together. We just kind of stare at each other for a while. Neither of us daring to speak and ruin the moment.

I wish I could know what Nyx was thinking because I can see the gears turning, but I have no idea where his head is at. Does he feel the same way? I hope he does. It feels like he does or else he wouldn’t be here with me, right?

I decide to be brave and then us back to the game. “It’s um.. It’s your turn.” Nyx shuffles closer to me little by little until our knees are touching. My breathing stops as he lifts his free hand to rest against my cheek. He looks between my eyes, gauging my reaction. Nyx pushes a strand of hair behind my ear and smoothes his thumb over my cheek which doesn’t help my breathing situation, but I don’t want him to stop. Unknowingly, I lean into his hand. Yeah, both of our love languages are definitely physical touch. We haven’t dropped eye contact, but I notice that he is much closer now than he was a few seconds ago. Only when his face is inches from mine does he whisper his question.

“Can I kiss you?”

“Yes.” I don’t hesitate and neither does he before his lips fall onto mine. Nyx releases my hand and uses his to cup both sides of my face as I begin to kiss back. My hands fly up around his neck and play with the back of his hair.

It doesn’t take long for our kiss to deepen. I push up onto my knees and Nyx soon follows. Our bodies fit perfectly together, especially when his hands roam around my body then finally settle onto my waist. Feeling bold, my tongue licks across his bottom lip and he lets me in. We aren’t fighting for dominance, we are exploring eachother and taking our time to do it.

Eventually, when we have to break away for air, Nyx kisses my nose, which makes me giggle, and then presses our foreheads together.

“Do you want to finish the questions?” I ask while trying to catch my breath.

“Not really.” Nyx caresses my cheek.

“Good. Me neither.” I move closer as he leans back.

“Don’t think I’ll forget about the alphabet thing.” He smirks. I dramatically sigh and roll my eyes, but I’m thankful that he didn’t lean back for other reasons.

“Now.” Nyx draws my attention back to him and I notice he’s leaning in again. “Where were we?”

[nodulemodule]

Hey!! Do you mind sharing with us your Shadamy headcannons for both the in game universe and your AU?

Abso-fucking-lutely!

There’s a lot of overlap between my au and general headcannons in terms of the ship itself so I’m just lumping it into all one category

I never enjoyed the idea of Sonic being jealous or made as a bad guy or something in order for Shadamy to happen. Sonic is a G, he is the third wheel, he’s the best man at the wedding. They’re all cool.

Shadow doesn’t like sweets at all. He likes his coffee sickeningly bitter and rarely eats anything sugary. However, the second he meets Amy it’s as if sweetness starts seeping it’s way into everything Shadow eats or makes. He doesn’t even realize at first until his friends remark on how much better the coffee he makes tastes. This was a detail in the au and those who noticed get extra points.

Amy is absolutely floored everytime shadow gets a new outfit. (Or I guess any outfit in general) Every. Single. Time. Shadow is too, but is way better at hiding it. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t screaming internally everytime Amy gets a costume change.

Shadow does absolutely nothing to try and calm Amy down during her bursts of fury. He thinks it’s cute and would rather watch her beat some guy to a pulp in admiration.

Rouge was the first to realize Shadow liked Amy after Omega pointed out his heart rate increasing. Rouge was surprisingly oblivious beforehand but very proud after.

Silver was the last to be told about them because he cannot keep a secret to save his life.

Amy is one of the few to make Shadow laugh. Usually not on purpose. And Shadow has a very loud evil supervillain laugh that is intimidating to most but Amy finds absolutely charming.

Shadow still will not let Amy live up the time she mistook Shadow for Sonic. Perhaps in the early days this moment annoyed or bothered him, but now he just finds it hilarious.

Shadow would definitely give someone a death glare for messing with Amy, but only when she’s not looking as to not embarrass her. Amy, however, will go full sicko mode on your ass in front of the entire Walmart.

Shadows favorite features about Amy are her smile and hair.

Amy’s favorite features about Shadow are his height and the tired lines around his eyes that I imagine are there.

Shadow is an early bird who helps drag Amy out of bed and also the night owl that helps her wobble her way back.

Shadow doesn’t believe in Tarot but endures it for Amy’s sake. This annoys her until she realizes that means he doesn’t actually know how it works and totally uses that to lie to him.

Shadow taught her to ride a motorcycle and once she starts riding it on her own he thinks it’s the most amazing thing he has ever seen

[hopkei]

Happy 6th fantastics anniversary!!!! Pls share your top 6 fanta visual (any member) 🙌🙌

first of all, how dare you. second of all, this is the meanest thing anyone has ever done to me.

third of all, hOW DARE YOU.

this is actually truly impossible for me and i wouldnt even be able to easily narrow down my 6 top looks for each member individually........ HOWEVER!!! i will do this only in honor of fanta 6yr anniversary but let it be know it was uNDER DURESS!!!!!!!🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪 and my top fanta visuals change almost hourly so do not hold me to this😭

but without further ado, hopkei's top 6 fanta visuals!!! (in no particular order)

ok starting off, picking a single keito look is actually impossible for me. i cannot do it. i WILL NOT do it. but to give a general preference i'll go with June 2024 smart magazine Keito!! i generally love dark hair over his forehead and kinda curly/textured hair keichan!!! and this outfit with the sweater and cut pants is soooo beautiful;;;;;;

but also i like choker keito in this Medery shoot with jyutaro, BTTM gray highlights keito, my phone bg keito, my icon keito, pink bear got boost keito, tv guide blonde hair keito.........the list goes on forever leave me alone;;;;

next is October 2022 JELLY covershoot YuseSota!!!!! while i do typically prefer yusei with darker hair, this blonde with the roots showing hits different..... my copy of this magazine is one of my actual pRIZED POSSESSIONS and is the magazine that i definitely spent the most money and time to get. i literally had to order it thru a proxy in taiwan bc it was so hard for me to find;;;;;; and the pose on the cover with sotasota resting his chin on yuseis head is soooo cute and in the behind the scenes video he playfully puts his hands in front of yuseis face and just.....yusesota my beloveds;;;;;

2022 December Nylon taiki!!!! ive said before that the pic on the right is my all time favorite pic of taiki (dont look at me like that) the duality of soft cutie taiki vs hot handsome taiki takes me oUT and this entire shoot is sO GOOD.

this might be cheating but. photobook leiya.... just...... photobook leiyaaaaa....... boyfriend of all time, fantas resident sexy man, he is TOO POWERFUL

next, Fanta's covershoot for 2023 December Gianna Boyfriend!! god i love this shoot so much, all of their outfits and styling were incredible and the way they also took lots of silly photos for the whole spread;;;; gianna i owe you my life🙇‍♂️🙇‍♂️

and last but certainly not least!!! yusei, taiki, keito, and sota's 2021 christmas Disney visit!!! i am not joking i must have watched that 9 second instagram video more than i've watched anything else in my life. there is nothing that brings me more happiness and joy and warmth. the hats, the disney, the 'so-chan! aaa!!' noise that yusei makes, sotasota in glasses mask and jack skellington hat. keito flipping his dog ears. paradise. perfection. there is nothing in the world to me except this.

.........

ok that was painful;;; so to assuage my broken heart, the honorable mentions that hurt me the most to eliminate!!!!

headband turtleneck earrings shota

peppermint yum nacchan

any picture of nacchan close enough to see his freckles

every single raining scene in the hey darlin mv

3.26.22 sawa

stage beret sotasota

ar magazine sekasota

andboy fanta

2023 october gianna yusei

red bg red hair temporal transition sota

now never ask me to do this again orz

[toruq]

im sending u these ones specifically bc i know ur less connected to ur mc than to anne muhahaha >:333

12. What does your character look like? Which hairstyle and make up do you prefer on them?

13. What is your character's name? Do you wish to change it, if the function ever makes its way into the game?

14. How do you dress your character? Do you coordinate the outfits between Rider and Horse?

and if u feel like it im curious about these:

23. Which Druid Circle do you prefer? Is there a reason for your preference? Is it tied to the Soul Rider of the Circle?

20. What part of the Main Story is your favorite?

11. How many horses do you own in total? Did it use to be more, or are you still missing a few?

04. Which Horse was your first purchase? Do you still own that horse, and what did you name it?

05. Which Horse is your favorite? Do you own said horse, or are you simply dreaming of buying it?

juni you must hate me or something

under the cut because there's so much to answer (mostly about my mc that i neglect so hard)

12. What does your character look like? Which hairstyle and make up do you prefer on them?

ok, here is ida. i draw her based on the old player model but in the new player model she looks a bit different. I use this chunky highlight hair because it somewhat hides the fact that her ears stick out now when wearing a hat/helmet (this pisses me off the most about the new characters). but she used to have this black hair, and of course dark eye makeup. it's a lot like what i do irl

13. What is your character's name? Do you wish to change it, if the function ever makes its way into the game?

Ida Riverwood! I don't ever want to change it. I actually really like it and I'm surprised my kid self was smart enough to choose that

14. How do you dress your character? Do you coordinate the outfits between Rider and Horse?

you can kinda see how i dress her in those pics of her, usually a dark color scheme and yes I coordinate it with the horse. I actually dress her in a lot of sweaters and typically with proper breeches and tall boots and helmet as if it were a regular english outfit irl. I occasionally dress her and her horse in western gear, or use streetwear if she's off the horse

23. Which Druid Circle do you prefer? Is there a reason for your preference? Is it tied to the Soul Rider of the Circle?

you may be surprised, but I like the moon circle just a smidgen more than the sun circle, though they are in close competition. I just love the aspects of both of them, visions & teleportation. I find it so interesting and quite applicable to real life, at least personally, because of how I experience life with PTSD. it is easy to convey my mind through comics about the powers of these circles.

20. What part of the Main Story is your favorite?

oh my, if you can count the storyline in SSL as a predecessor to SSO, i would say Anne's first trip to Pandoria to save Concorde. in SSO, it's surprising but seeing Anne without saving her must have been my favorite. I was disappointed with the actual saving Anne quest, but seeing Pandoria for the first time in SSO was an experience I won't forget, even though I prefer the atmosphere of Pandoria in SSL

11. How many horses do you own in total? Did it use to be more, or are you still missing a few?

oh my. 64. I once sold the green whinfell because i found it so ugly. But I felt so bad and rebought it a year or two ago.

04. Which Horse was your first purchase? Do you still own that horse, and what did you name it?

this little POS, Carrotwinner. I still have him. pic taken just now

05. Which Horse is your favorite? Do you own said horse, or are you simply dreaming of buying it?

can you logically ask me this question Juni?

just kidding, my favorite (purchasable) horse is this little guy, and I'm so lucky to have him. I think he was either the second or third old fjord I bought, and I have three. the white one, and orange thing I also have.

[genork-the-fandork]

Fissure

Word Count: 494 Prompt: Mystery Labyrinth Featured Characters: Shinigami A/N: Some major liberties have been taken with this one. It's simply a theory of what might have happened after we leave Shinigami. I'm probably totally wrong, but all I can hope is that Kodaka won't come after me, haha. Anyway, I love Shinigami, and though she's not quite my top favorite (more like second from the top, perhaps), I wanted to give her something to make up for that ending. Here's to our favorite death god! @raincodeweek

All alone again. As a death god was meant to be.

It was boring as hell. HA! HELL!

Nothing was mysteriful anymore. Shinigami knew it was because she'd given Yuma the out. Was it so wrong that she'd hoped, somewhere deep down, that he wouldn't take it? That it would just be the two of them, trying to find a way out of the Mystery Labyrinth? Find a way around reaping the soul of the culprit? Out of everyone she had ever formed a contract with, he had definitely been her favorite. Even if their entire relationship was based on a lie.

She sighed, twirling a strand of her pink-and-white hair. There was no point returning to the Book of Death. It was unlikely anyone interesting was going to open it now. After Yuma, there was no one who was going to be quite so entertaining.

If a death god was capable of love, Shinigami liked to think she had found something akin to it in Yuma.

Floating over to the entrance of the Mystery Labyrinth, Shinigami touched down on the ground for the first time in centuries. It felt weird, putting all of her weight on her feet. She turned to the Labyrinth and stared up at it. The manifestation of Kanai Ward's Ultimate Secret. What would happen to this place, now that all had been revealed? She hadn't reaped Makoto's soul, but surely this labyrinth would have to disappear now that the truth had been revealed?

Wait a minute.

Shinigami summoned her scythe and stared at it. She tapped the blade on the ground beneath her feet. A fissure appeared at the point of contact. With a grin, Shinigami leapt into the air, swinging the scythe up, up, up—and with a violent swing down, she hit the labyrinth with as much force as she could. Much like the fissure below her, the entire labyrinth, including the giant skull affixed to the front, cracked right down the middle. She cheered as the Mystery Labyrinth collapsed, along with all of the secrets that only she and one other person remembered. A third would only remember if the universe decided it was right.

What a shame that she had a tendency to ignore the universe.

She rested her scythe on her shoulder and watched the Labyrinth crumble into nothingness. There was no point in a Mystery Labyrinth that had been solved, for the most part, where the truth had been revealed to the entirety of Kanai Ward. Kanai Ward's Ultimate Secret was not quite so secret anymore. It never would be again. Not after everything Yuma had done to find the truth.

"Guess I'll have to take a peek in the human world," she mused to herself. "Though I might want to find a different outfit. Would hate for Master to recognize me right away."

If Shinigami had anything to say about it, all hell was about to break loose. In a good way.

[thequeenofnightmares]

My new Jurdan fanfic is up!

How The King Of Elfhame Got His First Tattoo.

Jude and Cardan can't keep their hands off each other, and all of their wild antics eventually gives Cardan an idea . . . something that will show the world his devotion to Jude.

—

“Mm—” I bit down on the rest of the sound as Cardan’s tongue grazed the hollow at my throat. His breath was hot on my skin. He was too good at this.

We had been kissing for nearly an hour, having quietly snuck free from the revel happening a few paces away in the woods. His hands had roamed all over me by now. My cheeks were flushed and my lips felt raw, and still I wanted more.

I stifled another sound as Cardan blew a breath into my ear. He was going to keep kissing me like this until I let myself moan, I realized.

I knew he liked when I made noises; and he knew that I would do anything to keep from giving him the satisfaction of hearing them. This all made for a playful and dangerous game; but, if I was being honest, it was my favorite game to play.

Cardan reached back to twine his fingers in my hair, his other hand toying with the golden kamarband at my bare waist.

It was maybe the most Elfhame outfit I’d ever worn to a revel; my midriff was left exposed, the gold and black embossed bralette that covered my breasts hardly more than a whisper against my skin. My shimmering golden sarong, tied delicately to a large ring of gold on the side of my thigh, was now hitched up scandalously high as Cardan pulled one of my legs up to hook around his waist. His fingers thrummed through the laces of my sandals, tied up high on my calf, as he stroked a finger down my leg.

I might have looked like a woodland sprite, had it not been for the crown of gold atop my head that marked me as Cardan’s Queen.

My queen, he’d called me all night. And, I’ll admit, I rather liked it.

His fingers tickled my skin, trailing across the kamarband, then down, then up, then across again. They left gooseflesh in their wake. I stifled another noise. I could feel his smile against my throat.

His hands were his third favorite things to use to make me act this way. His second was his tongue.

But I had weapons, too. And I also liked to hear his noises.

I moved against him, undulating my hips to match a sway in the music from the revel behind us. He sucked air in through his teeth and pressed his fingers tighter, pulling my leg closer around his waist. His lips moved back to my mouth. I allowed him one deep kiss before lacing my fingers through the curls at the back of his neck and guiding his mouth back to my throat. He obliged me.

With my head thrown back, I breathed heavily a few times to make him think I was going to moan. His body melted against mine, forging itself against me as if he could absorb the sounds he thought I was about to make. He continued his ministrations on my neck, traveling down and up, up and down, more passionately than he had before. Certain that he was about to win.

I smiled, then moved my hand to gently grasp his throat. He was panting as I pushed his head aside. And bit down on his neck.

It was just as hard as he always liked it, and enough that he rasped out a gasping breath before he caught himself from going further.

But I wanted to hear him louder.

—

Read the rest on AO3!

[wolfkitty42]

My Thoughts On The 2023 HoYoFair.

Wow. This year was full of utter gems. I'm just going to link a couple of the ones I especially enjoyed, and put my thoughts on them below.

I was extremely hyped up for Shadows in the Sand. It's always been a quest I enjoyed, and Jeht is by far one of my favorite npcs. (Although I hope some day she won't just be an npc... Make her playable, Mihoyo!) While I felt like the short was a little rushed, it was still a wonderful tribute to the quest. I love the reveal at the end with Jeht removing her mask. It was also nice to see Lumine!

I was also very hyped up for Times Changed after seeing teaser images for it. I adore Lumine's new outfit! I didn't really enjoy the short that much, but I admire the quality of the animation. If you're looking for Genshin fan animations to watch, try this one!

When I saw PROGENITOR: Albedo had gotten a second episode, I was thrilled! For those who haven't seen any of this series, I highly recommend checking it out. Here's hoping we'll see a third episode next year!

I actually only got onto the stream right before Riptide started. I love this song! The animation is beautiful and I think the singing and lyrics fits Childe's personality very well. Check it out!

Writing on the Wall is genuinely one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard. Up until hearing this, I have been a Kaveh hater. Sorry! Haikaveh just didn't really appeal to me that much, and... That was pretty much all of the widespread Kaveh content I had seen. I knew Kaveh had more nuance in his character, but I felt very unmotivated to look into him.

That being said, this song helped clarify what I knew about him. I started crying halfway through the song. (And okay I'm sick with a cold so my eyes are already leaking 24/7, but still!) Writing on the Wall perfectly captures the feeling of losing motivation to finish your art. At least for me, I used to often find myself making paintings for friends. This became incredibly demotivating over time because I felt like I had to perfect details and I lost the sense of fun in drawing. Over the past year and a half, I've been trying to draw for myself more.

This song spoke to me so much. The lyric about the architect remaining inside their buildings especially stood out to me. You can see an artist in any of their works. Even if there's no written signature, every stroke and line is a signature in itself.

So... Am I converted to being a Kaveh fan now? Honestly, I'm not sure. That being said, I do have a c6 Kaveh... (cough cough Baizhu pulls x3). Maybe I'll finally try building him.

[yeonju-nymphea]

⋆☁˚ bottle episode | c.bg

pairing: choi beomgyu x gn!reader. genre: fluff. wc: 1k. warnings: mentions of food and poop

summary: home is where the heart is. sometimes that home is shared with others.

"Oh, sorry, " The loud creaks of the rooftop door almost drowns out their voice, "I didn't think anyone would be up here." 

Beomgyu turned around and there you were, dressed in what you would call your most unflattering outfit, even if Beomgyu would argue otherwise. But, before he could say anything back, you disappeared. The sound of your footsteps faint, almost undetectable, yet Beomgyu's ears were ringing at the sound.

Beomgyu doesn't believe in love at first sight, but if he did, that was the moment he knew that he would do anything to be madly and deeply in love with you. Ever since seeing you in the harsh backlighting of the stairwell, he couldn't get you out of his mind.

Finding himself gravitating towards the rooftop more and more, in hopes that he'll run into you up there. The rooftop became his third home, the first and second being his apartment a few floors down and his best friends.

Months and months past, and Beomgyu would find himself going up there whenever his schedule permitted it, sitting at the dingy patio set he found and cleaned up at the roof, surrounded by the sounds of city night life, basking in the light of the stars above him, and in the company of the plants he brought up; the whole universe embracing him in its arms. 

The rooftop, unbeknownst to Beomgyu, had a second resident. Someone who found the old patio set and brought it up there, someone who watered the plants that they assumed their owner had abandoned, and someone who couldn't get the muffled sound of the man strumming his guitar through the doorway.

You had wished you didn't run away so fast, but now found yourself unable to stop thinking about the red-haired man whose voice you have never heard. And even though it has been months since you've run into him, you found yourself going back towards the rooftop. Praying to the universe, maybe this time I'll see him again; and until the universe answers your prayers, you'll continue to make the roof your home. 

"This is my favorite place in the whole world!" Beomgyu exclaimed. His hair wasn't red anymore, recently dyed brown. And there, following him close behind in complete awe, the rooftop's 2nd resident. 

"This is your favorite place?" To which Beomgyu nodded, the excitement almost radiating off of him.

"Look, there's my plants," he points to the 2 plants you've been watering, "Thursday and Sputnik, I'm usually not good with keeping plants alive but somehow these 2 lived. Here, if you stand right here you can get a great view of-"

You let Beomgyu ramble on. You met him 2 months ago, he was friends with your best friend's cousin, around the time you gave up hope on the red-haired man on the roof, and yet he was the man you were looking for this entire time. Funny. You start laughing to yourself.

"-if the time's right the stars seem a little bit brighter up here." He pauses as he hears your laughter and turns to grab your arms, "what's so funny?"

"You know that's my patio set, I found it at a garage sale. I think Thursday and Sputnik like it."

"Wha-what do you mean?" Beomgyu's excitement turned to confusion.

"And if you look right over there, you can see the fountain. It's pretty late so you'll think no one would be over there, but this one couple goes by the fountain every week to stargaze." You take a glance over to Beomgyu. You can see his eyes darting around as he's trying to understand what you said to him. "Beomgyu, I'm the one that's been watering Thursday and Sputnik. I'm also guessing you're the red-haired man I ran into when I first moved here."

It all clicked. "You were wearing a hoodie with Robert Patterson on it right?"

The rooftop quickly jumped Beomgyu's list, from his 3rd home to his 2nd.

A secret sanctuary and neither of its residents dared to share it with anyone else. You guys did everything up there. You built Lego flowers, made pillow forts, ate takeout from the restaurant across the street. You celebrated everything and anything you could up there.

~

"Happy birthday to you!" Beomgyu grabs Robert and gives him a kiss right on his forehead as he squeezes him a little too tightly.

"Beomgyu stop! You're hurting him!" You quickly tug Robert out of his grip. "My poor Robert, being abused by his aggressive dad."

Beomgyu softly taps Robert's stuffed duck head, "It's okay Robert told me he likes tight hugs."

~

Confetti showers you as you open up the rooftop door, and you're greeted to the sight of Beomgyu holding out a bunch of brown balloons.

"What's all this for?" You ask, grabbing the balloons as Beomgyu starts to struggle to put a party hat, also brown, on you.

"You pooped today!" Beomgyu's excitement is comical.

"This is for my poop?"

"You've been constipated for a week, I think this is a perfect time to celebrate." The patio table was covered in food and treats, a lot of cheeses, spicy ramen, and takeout from the curry restaurant that always makes you poop.

~

Beomgyu blows out the candles on his cake. "Congrats on Masters," it said. The rooftop, now decorated with fairy lights and lanterns, was covered with pictures of League of Legends Champions, printed from a printer that desperately needs a new cartridge.

"Thank you so much," Beomgyu pulls you into a hug, one as tight as the one he gave Robert on his birthday, "You really didn't have to do this."

"You've been staying up all night for weeks trying to climb, of course we were gonna celebrate it." Reassuring Beomgyu that this isn't a stupid celebration to have.

Of course, it was a stupid celebration to have. But as long as you were celebrating together, all the stupid things don't feel so stupid. The stupid little rooftop the both of you put your entire hearts into for months.

It was your home.

The multiple plants you guys take care of together(Beomgyu isn't very good at watering them), the pieces of random decorations and furniture you left up there(2 chairs covered in a Twilight blanket and pillows you treat as your sofa), and the photo album, almost bursting with the number of photos you guys have taken up there.

Eventually, both of your leases end, and with that ends the time you shared on the rooftop. All of the stupid celebrations you've had, people watching, stargazing, movie binges; left as a fond memory of the rooftop you two shared. The rooftop was now empty. To the innocent bystander it seemed like nothing happened up there, it just always the old dingy rooftop of an overpriced apartment building.

But to the rooftop's couple, it was the best story they have could ever told.

[otisbdriftwood-injail]

now i know luigi is everyone’s favorite one to misinterpret but lets get real for a second here.

if you could only comprehend what “treating you right” means to him, you would have ran by now.

first of all the closest he will ever get to treating anyone “right” is when he gets protective over his siblings because theyre just an extension of himself so how dare anyone fuck with them (him). thats his job. and then when hes done, he gets right back to sucker punching pavi for staring at him weird or making fun of amber for wearing a skanky outfit.

second of all if you think my man ever willingly talks about his feelings, you’re funny coz he’d rather shoot himself. he’s pathetic and he can’t control those emotions, hence why he can only express them in uncontrollable outbursts that are the extremes of everything. and yes this includes good emotions too. when hes happy he will still be mean and grin at you with a blank stare and talk at 200 mph about the most incomprehensible shit.

third of all when he wants to be nice during sex, his self centered ass will actually look you in the eye and get you off too, he will fuck you extra rough after you tell him you’ve been sleeping around coz you missed him and beat you choke you slap you extra hard because thats how he shows he cares. he will let you take care of him but in the same way a nurse would jerk off a poor pathetic incapable patient while he’s only half conscious. he will let you step on him in your most expensive stilettos and rip his stitches open. he will use you in your sleep when he gets home drunk and high because once he latched onto you he will just take you whenever he wants. he will be physically abusing you like he’s your daddy and you will be emotionally abusing him like you’re his mommy. he will get turned on by seeing you in pain, he will press on the bruises he gave you, he will claw at your fresh cuts to make them bleed even more, he will yank your hair, and he will make you get down on your knees and step on your face in steel toed boots.

and by you i mean me.

fourth of all. you think mr misogyny would ever be mentally capable of doing all this with a woman?

[glasshouses-and-stones]

Writerblr Interview

Thank you for tagging me @willtheweaver

-

Short stories, novels, or poems?

I read and write all three! Short stories are what I mostly dabble in (and finish), though.

What genre do you prefer reading?

Romance, mostly, because of fanfics. For novels, I read more murder mystery and horror than anything. Oh, and classics. I take recs!!

What genre do you prefer writing?

Romance, mostly. All of my stories and novel ideas focus on queer romance, and occasionally they'll be set in a universe that is considered fantasy or magical realism.

Are you a planner or write-as-I-go kind of person?

I don't think I've ever outlined a story before (which might explain why none of my novels are finished...) I definitely write as I go.

What music do you listen to when writing?

I don't really listen to music while I write. Though, songs often inspire my writing. Artists like Taylor Swift and Conan Gray—pining songs, mainly. I take recs on songs, too!

Fave books/movies?

My favorite movie is Inside Man starring Denzel Washington (I love him). I'm not a huge movie watcher; I mostly binge shows. Some of my favorites are Murdoch Mysteries, IASIP, White Collar, MacGyver, Leverage, and Leverage Redemption. Some of my fav books are Magpie Murders, Tender is the Night, The Great Gatsby, Under the Whispering Door, You & Me, Everything for You, etc.

Any current WIPs?

So, so many. Help.

If someone were to make a cartoon out of you, what would your standard outfit be?

Probably some jeans, a hoodie, and some converse. And all of my jewelry and accessories.

Create a character description of yourself

I politely decline...

Do you like incorporating actual people you know into your writing?

I'm sure I am subconsciously, but I've only purposely based a character off of someone I've know irl once. And they don't know and never will know.

Are you kill-happy with your characters?

My characters tend to stay alive once they're introduced into a story. Except this one guy, but he was built different, so.

Coffee or tea while writing?

Both! I love either. I prefer hot for both.

Slow or fast writer?

It depends on what I'm writing. Right now, it's reaaaaaally slow.

Where/who/what do you draw inspiration from?

Anything, really. Music a lot. Others' writing. Shows. Real life situations. Once, I wrote a story based off of a dream I had. A lot of the time, I just get hit with random ideas.

If you were put in a fantasy world, what would you be?

I'd be the librarian that runs the library where the MCs come in to get information from the ancient texts. I'd give them a hard time for no reason >:)

Most fav book cliche?

These are more tropes, but: Friends/enemies/rivals/roommates/teammates to lovers, slowburn, pining (esp mutual), Didn't Know They Were Dating, single parent, polyamory (a couple slowly adopts a third), etc.

Least fav book cliche?

Arranged marriage, marriage of convenience, one bed, rule 63 (for fics), meet cutes, established relationship, second chance/getting back together/breaking up and making up, etc.

Fave scene to write?

Anything with romantic/sexual tension! I love the prolonged eye contact, subtle touches, unspoken words, and awkward silence!

Most productive time of day for writing?

At night while I'm laying in my bed trying to go to sleep. In the bathtub. On the bus in the mornings. And anytime I can't physically write and save my ideas!

Reason for writing?

If I don't, the ideas will take over my brain and become my personality, and we can't have that.

-

Tag list: @willowseed, @kedkd, @the-golden-comet, @agirlandherquill, @floweryprosegarden, @charlesjosephwrites, @riveriafalll @chayscribbles, @zackprincebooks, @dyoniawrites, +open tag!

[discocandles]

Danger verse characters and their favorite super bowl show.

Firstly, our titular bitchular himself, Henry Hart:

Henry would say Bruno mars, but couldn't tell you anything about the performance other than "it's cool". He could be talking about the Coldplay show which both Beyoncé and Bruno mars were in, but he could also just really like the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

(Note: credit for titular bitchular goes to Athena P. Thanks for the notable quotable queen)

Next up, and needing financial compensation for This bullshit, Charlotte Page:

Charlotte's favorite performance is Prince, and she shouldn't have to explain herself on that, as it is one of of not the best halftime show ever. Beyoncé is a close second, as it is one of the only other ones she believes comes close.

Third, our lovable buckethead, Jasper Dunlop:

Jasper knows most all of the halftime shows, and it's a tie between Lady Gaga and Madonna for him, which somehow surprised some people thinking he'd say Katy Perry). He responds to those allegations with "fair, but she didn't impress me. Madonna and Lady Gaga impressed me. In both spectacle and singing."

Up next, Wait are you causing daddy issues? You're not even a father, Ray Manchester:

So I was thinking *NSYNC and Aerosmith, but then I remembered, and the answer is obvious. Ray's favorite halftime is Janet Jackson, and it's not just for the controversial part, surprisingly. But it does help it be the favorite. It definitely helps.

(Note: listen if you have no clue what I'm talking about, that's fair. The performer had a wardrobe malfunction and the nfl basically tore down her career after. Look it up.)

Next, sorry, you did fuckin what now?, Schwoz:

So unlike canon, I will be kind-ish to schwoz, and say his favorite is The blues brothers(and he likes the movie too), and he likes the aged rockers era. Source: schwoz's outfit in the bttf ripoff.

Behold, our iconic queen: Piper Hart

Beyoncé, easy. No one may speak to her when Beyoncé's performance at the super dome is playing. And I'd be remiss not to mention that Piper was foaming at the mouth over Rihanna's performance. But it doesn't beat Beyoncé.

Disclaimer: I've watched 5 episodes of danger force max. I love the four kids' vibes but can't find the episodes anywhere. So with that said,Its time to go into unknown territory:

Wow this girl's more scrambled than my scrambled fucking eggs, Mika Macklin:

Shakira & J. Lo. I feel like Mika's really likes Spanish music(I dunno she just gives me that vibe), and the vibes of the shakira & j lo show is just a bunch of fun and I think that's what draws her to it.

Ah yes the boy, Bose o'Brian. I have no other way to describe him:

Listen, Left Shark who forgot their choreography resonates with Bose. Also the amount of brightly colored spectacle and "I forgot Katy Perry did that in the show." seems very Bose to me.

Up next, the one I feel like I know the least about, Miles Macklin:

so miles feels like he'd take the easiest answer that takes little to no explanation. So I think it'd be the hip-hop medley with dr. Dre & co, bc all you really need to know is that it was about damn time.

Wait, this isn't my snarky lesbian bff? Fr?, Chapa de Silva:

I was tempted to say that Chapa doesn't care about super bowl halftimes, but that's quitter talk. Her favorite is Bruce Springsteen, and she will sometimes quote it when fighting or after a fight and no one knows why bolt is talking about guacamole. but if it's 3am and she wants to watch something stupid, Chapa would watch the Indiana Jones show(yes that exists and it's as bad as you think it is).

[moved-to-cinnamon-phrog]

001 FOR THR ASK THING I NEED TO KNOW

Here have this incoherent ramble <333

Favorite character: DON’T MAKE ME CHOOSE! AAAAAAAAAA

When I first got into it I really liked Duck, then I grew to really like Yellow, but now… I can’t choose no matter the situation. They’re all my lovely skrungly gremlins, I love them equally, yet in… different ways? Same love, but… different reasons.

Least Favorite character: …………………..the larvae creature from webseries 3. Real ones will get it.

5 Favorite ships (canon or non-canon):

********DEEPLY INHALES********

Well. You know I don’t… se the characters the same ways that you do. Of course, specifically Yellow and his age. And I deeply respect you for your views, as well as your ships.

I… I quite like fluffybird. It’s nice, ‘classic’. It realy got me into the fandom and I fiit funny. Red and Duck are like those two friends where they both get up  to mad shit when unattended together. Old man yells at old man. Wonderful. Noit much can be said that hasn’t been said already, really. And also, along with that, lately I’ve really been liking….. imma call it rubberduck.

Kind of fruity to longingly look at a picture of your dead mate, hand on your heart, while sitting on his bed and singing longingly about your old life together. Kinda fruity to wear his overcoat and be so grief-stricken that you grab a shovel to dig him up.

Third, uh…. LOVEBUG! I’m as sucker for LoveBug because realistically Warren could NOT pull Shrignold but it’s funny to imagine the most homophobic little insect falling for the grossest ickiest boy ever and believing him  to be a miracle sent from Malcolm himself.

…………………………………………I’m also a PaperWiresandClockwork enthusiast because I believe in ‘make love, not war’. I don’t like seeing people fight over Padlock and DigitalTime, it’s kind of…. Uncomfortable? Especially when genders are brought up. From my own pansexual perspective I see no problem why Tony shouldn’t be with either of them. Unless he’s related to one or one was actually a child, which isn’t likely. Also TimeChild is their son <3 he has his Clock Dad’s posh accent, his Computer Dad’s technological advancement, and his Paper Mum’s creativity.

Fifth….. Lesley and Roy. I like the idea of them being bitter eldritch divorces fighting over the custody of their creations [and son], but I also like their Padlock-esque darkness, where they beat the shit out of eachother and end up fine a second later.

Character I find most attractive: ………again, Christ, don’t make me choose between these cringefail grimy loser men……. With their stupid cute mullet and old man twead dress sense and a literal nudist.

Character I would marry: ………….there’s three of them…………… I can have three wives…………. Wow…………………….

Character I would be best friends with: Hmm… Sketchbook. She seems really chill in comparison to the other teachers and I think I’d get along with them. Also Grampa Chooch [my name for Transport Guy]. Because he’s funny. But in all honesty I want to be friends with all of them because they’re all  so dear to my heart <3

A random thought: Yum yum yum

An unpopular opinion: uh…………………… creativity is creativity, as long as it’s not illegal or would be deemed illegal if it was real.

My Canon OTP: 1920 [Roy and Lesley’s shipname, which I like a lot so props to whoever came up with it]

My Non-canon OTP: ………..FluffyBird has not been officially confirmed, it is basically confirmed but not properly. Also RubberDuck.

Most Badass Character: Duck. I don’t even need to explain he’s just so slay. The serve. Go girl give us nothing.

Most Epic Villain: Lesley. Sorry Roy but she is absolutely serving in that outfit. The reveal. The absolute glamour.

Pairing I am not a fan of: uh………. I’m pretty chill with it. I’m even chill with Claire. I’m  just not fond of incestuous/predatory ships. At all. In fact they can go into the greasefire.

Character I feel the writers screwed up (in one way or another): …no one? They’re all done pretty well to me, there’s not much to add here.

Favourite Friendship: Red and Yellow. Despite me literally F/O-ing the Three of Them, I like Yellow and Red being friends to each other, friends so tight they share a love. Slay.

Character I most identify with: …the reason I love the three is how deeply I relate to all, but all in different ways.

Red because of his deep need to find others ‘like him’, but when he does… they end up not liking him. As a foster child, who never knew much of my own family at all, but then meeting my dad’s side it just… it gets me in the gut every time.

With Duck, it’s the annoyance. I can be annoying, I can awfully blunt, and unknowingly mean without ever even knowing it.

With Yellow… it’s the constant bashing he gets for being him and for accidental mishaps. He just wants to create, be it music or paintings, but nobody wants to let him flourish, they won’t let him think. Sometimes it hurts when I try to think, when it’s too loud or I’m overstimulated.

Character I wish I could be: OATS. REAL ONES’LL GET IT.

[rainydawgradioblog]

Yuja Wang Left Me Gobsmacked

Photo Credits: Brandon Patoc

I often aim for some shred of originality when writing these concert reviews, however, I fear raving about Yuja Wang is a tale as old as time in the concert hall sphere. Wang has a reputation that precedes her, as one of the most critically acclaimed pianists of our time with a palpable star power. Her recordings have floated around my playlist for years, and I was awestruck when I saw videos of her iconic bows, where it seems her head might even brush the piano keys. It nearly goes without saying that I was profoundly excited when I heard she was coming to the concert hall nearest and dearest to my heart. This was the first time I had ever seen a solo recital as a part of the Seattle Symphony’s season, and it was like nothing I’d experienced before. This was my version of what I imagine to be a Swiftie's experience at a Taylor Swift concert, with the unique joy of fangirling.

I’ll admit, I was particularly excited to see what Wang would be wearing, as I have always adored her sense of style. She didn’t disappoint, with not one, but two stunning dresses. One, a full-length teal gown, and the other, a shorter bedazzled cocktail dress paired with impossibly tall Loubitins. I take the time to describe her outfits in an attempt to impart just how dazzling she is and to revel a bit in the fangirl lifestyle. Moving on to the good stuff though, the program was really a sight to behold. I was introduced to French composer Oliver Messiaen with a few selections from his Twenty Contemplations on the Infant Jesus. Upon reading that title, I was a bit skeptical, thinking that it was about to be something akin to 17th-century sacred music. However, Messiaen has a modern impressionist sound that I was really quite fond of, especially with “The Kiss of the Infant Jesus,” where Wang would bring forth complex chords, which then settled on my ears like a light snow. In addition to the Messiaen, Wang also played Scriabin’s Sonata No. 8 and Debussy’s L’isle Joyeuse, so truly a feast for those hungry for complex tonal relationships. 

After Wang emerged in her second outfit of the evening, she endeavored to play all four of Chopin’s ballades. As a Chopin fangirl (there is a picture of him hanging in my living room), seeing Yuja Wang perform some of my favorite pieces made for exponential fangirling, fangirling squared if you will. The ballades were listed in order on the program, but my ears immediately pricked up as she chose to play Ballade No. 2 first. No. 2 is perhaps my favorite of the four, so my confusion regarding the order quickly faded into excitement. She then played the other three with impeccable technique and feeling, but the order now escapes my memory because soon after, I was gobsmacked by the seven encores that she played.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the way that recitals of the classical tradition typically go, one can count on an encore after the main program, and perhaps sometimes a second or third can be squeezed out if the audience continues to clap for an obscene amount of time. The first two encores performed by Wang were pieces that were unfamiliar to me, with a Phillip Glass etude and a movement of a Samuel Barber sonata. I knew things were getting real with the third encore, which was a rousing piano arrangement of Arturo Marquez’s Danzon No.2. I was shocked when she came back for a fourth, with “The Lark” by the father of Russian music, Mikhail Glinka. The fifth encore had me absolutely giddy, with a piano arrangement of the third movement of Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, which I wouldn’t have thought possible for human hands. When she returned for a sixth, it seemed the room might break out into chaos, and she played yet another insane piano arrangement, this time, of Shostakovich’s 8th string quartet. By the seventh encore, I was seeing God. It was a beautiful way to wrap up the evening, with Chopin’s Nocturne No. 8, the audience was in rapture by the restrained beauty, and it seemed things had gone full circle. There’s nothing quite like the internal pride felt at being able to identify 5/7 of Wang’s encores on the fly, and the determination to expand my brain’s repertoire so that one day, I may identify all seven. 

I hope you, dear blawg reader, have gathered how much this show rocked my world. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and my most heartfelt thanks go out to the Seattle Symphony and my beautiful city.