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xysidhequeen · 2 months ago

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Hello! I JUST found you The King and His Red Knight series and I am OBSESSED! IT'S SO FREAKING CUTE!!!! Also, thank you for the new ship to my collection hahaha!

I have...so many questions? Not in-depth questions, but please don't feel like these are prompts. Absolutely no pushing on my end, and I hope this doesn't convey pressure. Just...SO EXCITED!!! So I'm figuratively FLAILING!

I LOVE THIS DEPICTION OF GOTHAM'S CITY SPIRIT. I've seen a few takes on this but yours might be my favorite. The DETAIL. The DISSONANCE because you could straight up imagine her in a horror movie, but it's also DANNY and his nonchalance carries over to the reader. 😂 But lol, he WOULD accidentally become King of Gotham. And Jason just essentially became the literal Gotham Knight! 😂🤣😂 As a result though, and actually you might have seen my comment for this, now I'm thinking about whether Amity Park has a city spirit because I remember it being a pretty old place too. And I get sad feelings because if Amity Park loves its hero the same way Gotham does, then how is Amity Park doing after their hero son and all adjacent hero-children were driven away? 😭

I kind of really understand Danny's depression. What his parents did was not only a betrayal, but they literally ruined his life and any chances at a future. The sheer depth of it is at least touched on in many fics where Danny revealed his identity, but I think the implications are distinctly FELT in an unsaid way in your fic. Because canonically, Jason is taken back into the Wayne Family's sphere in many ways. But if that happens here, Danny can never truly join Jason there unless all the secrets come out. Because all it takes is one photo of Danny in a Wayne gossip shot, and the GIW and/or Fentons are on their ass. It's the same mentioned at the beginning with Tucker and Sam. At the time, the best protection Danny could give was to stay away as his friends and family moved forward in life. He can't, but he won't let his spook stagnate with him. Thanks to his parents, Danny Fenton doesn't "exist" anymore, so there's no life where he can move forward with. No wonder he remained in his ghost form, he might as well be dead-dead at that point.

But they ARE doing a bunch of illegal stuff anyway. Is Danny going to be able to go to university? He's so smart, he deserves at least the choice. Even if not officially enrolled, I mean, would he find it appealing to just join classes? (Lol, Gotham Uni students and professors being like normal attendees but three times as much DONE so they REALLY don't register the new guy in class as anything other than another student there for the grind.)

Actual question: What's been going on with Vlad all this time? Did I miss a detail there? He's mentioned as an existence but what's been going on with him since the discovery that Maddie won't even accept her own son as a half-ghost, so he's probably right out. Is he still obsessed with Danny on some level? Or has the dynamic changed there with everything? If nothing else, he'll still be the sassy, creepy billionaire who speaks to Danny in incredibly condescending ways while needling all his weaknesses. (Which is another way of saying, go kick his ass, Jason!)

Just to clarify, Danny's abilities are still growing? Because that's so cool. Was there the implication that the crown and ring are actually binding his powers?

In which case, who would win? Trigon or Danny?

Has Danny done any business with forces like Doctor Fate and Klarion (Lords of Order and Chaos)? How would they fit in the schemes of the Infinite Realm?

Right now, most of the problems are navigating kingship and issues that can't simply be punched into oblivion, which I like and also think is the absolutely right choice to write it. It's both fun, and I like the suspense of Danny's true extent of power yet being unleashed. Actually, I even consider the issues with GIW and Joker to be issues that can't be punched into oblivion because those are tangled with (respectively) politics and emotional issues. My question is, will there ever be a straight-up villain that is a threat to Danny personally? Admittedly, the way his unique being is described gave my writer-brain a reflexive thought of "someone definitely wants that".

Which is a long way of saying, I have a craving for like that some kind of interdimensional villain looking to capture and enslave all the major forces of existence for one reason or another. And them going "yeesss, and I'll leave the Earth alone as long as you give me these remaining individuals for my collection, including the King of the Infinite Realms", and seeing Jason lose his shit.

Speaking of which, will Jason ALSO get to beat up a clown for his boyfriend? Freakshow has been mentioned? Any plans for him?

Lol, Mausoleum. How many extra rooms are there? Is there ghost magic playing with the dimensions? Will Gotham moving in mess with that? How do they even get mail if the building is supposed to be abandoned?

Actually, it IS mentioned they paid attention to the safe houses lecture. Do they have a bunch of other safe houses? Including up-and-up ones?

In the last chapter where Danny notes that Arkham's natural ambiance could effortlessly power Spectra and already WAS giving Nocturne a boost, can the same be said about the rest of DP's rogue gallery? All the weapons smuggling and ABUNDANCE of slippery targets in the maze that is Gotham for Skulker. The music/celebrity scene for Ember. The nightlife for Kitty. The doubtlessly countless illegal street races for Johnny, not to mention BATMOBILE at any given time. Not to mention, SHIPYARDS FOR BOXY! ALL THE SHIPPING BOXES AND CRATES!

Before, Tucker was able to eat Blood Blossoms. Now that he, Sam, and Jazz are more distinctly liminal, how do Blood Blossoms affect them? Is there a difference?

Does Jason know about Dan?

Daaaaahhh~! Danny threw a whole ass ball for Jason??? That's so fricking romantic.

Lol, did Dani like the duck candles?

Daaaahh~! Constantine is actually a worry-wart. X3 I love how, essentially, Danny has a job lined up for John after his death. "Lol, welcome to your afterlife, bitch! You're working for me for the rest of eternity! 😈" It feels like it's exactly what John deserves.

Speaking of which, can I say how much I feel Danny and Jason DESERVE each other? Just driving each other up the wall and giving each other as good as they got for the rest of existence hahaha!

Sorry for the very long spiel. Please just know that I LOVE your series and writing!

I feel like i was just brought back from the dead. Which for my followers may basically be the truth, I was on Tumblr to read a blog that does some great analysis for a different fandom I'm in and checked my notifs and saw this in my asks.

I'm sorry as I'm sure this was asked a very long time ago, but hopefully you won't be too upset at the delay for an answer. I'll try to touch on all your points.

One thing to remember with my writing process, most especially with fics, is i rarely plan. I have a rough mix of ideas and goals I want to hit with fics when I write and I let the characters drive me towards them. The exception here is Equilibrium which has an outlined plot. I also end up adding a lot of unintentional foreshadowing and deeper meanings subconsciously.

Warning, walls of text ahead.

I am always so happy, and surprised, how well my interpretation of Gotham's city spirit is recieved. Especially considering there is already a canonical version of Gotham the city spirit. Which is really cool (And super freaky and scary). I spent far more time than I normally would(as i said my writing is very intuitive and instinctive. I sit down and just. Write) thinking about how she would look, and trying to cram as much symbolism (because what could possibly be more of a symbol than the literal spirit of a city?) as I could into her appearance. There's even a refrence to Martha Wayne in her appearance, and technically a reference to Thomas AND Martha in that scene(in the fic the theater Danny goes to, that is the seat of Gotham's power, is the same theater the Wayne Family left and got mugged nearby. That event, that spawned Batman, is seen as such a pivotal moment for the city itself that Gotham's power shifted to make it the nexus). So Gotham is something I'm actually rather proud of, because I put in some real mental work to give her life and tie in a bunch of things. Her dissonance was also, miraculously, intentional. As is Danny's reactions to her. My fics in RK are comedy and fluff first, angst second. Danny and Jason being such funny little shits naturally helps with that, and with taking the edge off of a lot. I wanted Gotham to be undeniably creepy, I actually enjoy supernatural horror movies and I wanted some of that feel to Gotham when I wrote her. I wanted her to be frightening and creepy and something you don't want to see in your mirror at 3am in the dark. But I also wanted to use her to really show exactly how immune Danny is to that, that was important to me. Because Danny in my fic has Seen Some Shit. He's King of the Infinite Realms and every possible afterlife. He can't get scared because of a city spirit. So he had to approach it with a 'away she's kinda sweet' mindset. Which also does a lot to give you hints into how he likely approaches his subjects. No matter how frightening they might look, Danny won't see them as monsters. He's going to see them as who they are, and offer them comfort if that's what they need. Which is a core part of how I write Danny. He cares, so much. It's why he took Jason in, it's why he's willing to put himself out there again and possibly make enemies with the entire world just because his subjects are in danger. You'll notice that the people Danny sees as monsters are always living Humans. Because they act like monsters.

I'm addressing Amity in a different bullet point because I went on about Gotham and Danny so much. I didn't initially have any concrete plans for Amity Park to have a city ghost, although that is a natural conclusion to come to. It is a fairly sized city (I'd place it as a mid to large city because of the sky scrapers shown in the show, I've lived in several cities and only the large ones have buildings like that, small cities do not grow up, they sprawl outwards. At least in the south). Combined with the amount of ectoplasm released from the portal to hell the Fentons opened there should definitely be a city spirit. Now whether it's a newly born city spirit that hasn't entirely formed a sense of self yet, an existing one, or is Danny himself I haven't landed on as of yet. If we touch back on Amity this will be brought up inevitably.

Danny's abuse and the fall out from the Fentons and all of that trauma is implied throughout for a reason, the reason being that the fics are comedy and fluff focused. I can, and do, write angst and willingly will deep dive into a character's trauma but the focus of RK was always to be a bit of a balm. I wanted it to be fun while also providing Danny and Jason with a chance to heal together. But I'm incapable of writing depthless works, so I hint at and allude to what Danny went through as much as I can without shifting the tone. And also, Danny doesn't want to touch on his trauma or issues. He doesn't want to work through it. He's avoidant. (How does Jazz feel about this? Frustrated. She wants a drink) This will cause problems later. You can see his avoidance in how little he talks about it, and you can see it still affecting him in the fact that he's now more comfortable in his ghost form than his human form. And it says a lot about his self perception as well.

Onto the Wayne Family. Danny getting involved with them could cause problems, if he has a reason to be involved. I know a lot of fics get deeply involved with the Wayne Family (and I love that, i love those fics) however Danny really doesn't have the biggest interest in the Wayne Family as a whole. His main interest is Jason, Tim and eventually Damian. Dick he feels obliged towards because Jason cares, but that's not really Danny caring about him one way or another. (And this is yet another example of Danny and his trauma. He takes an interest in the child heroes, because he was one. Dick also was a child hero at one point, but he's an adult now and in Danny's mind this means he doesn't Need Danny. Danny needs to be needed.) I don't see Jason going in the direction of reintegration in this fic series, mostly because he already has a very stable support network (something that Jason did not have in UTRH) and he's a lot more secure in himself. And most importantly, Bruce and the Wayne Family are no longer the sole source of love and comfort for Jason. Jason spent his 'missing' years being loved and adored by So Many People. Yes, he's still devastated by his death, and Bruce's actions leading up to and following it but it's no longer a defining part of him. Actually at this point he's spent nearly as much time with Danny and everyone as he did with Bruce (I'm not checking the actual timeline, but it should be of a roughly similar amount of time) and during still formative years of his development. Jason doesn't Need Bruce to kill the Joker here the way he did in canon. Although it would do a lot to facilitate at least something like amicability here. But if Bruce wants a relationship with Jason (and whichever other batkids Danny steals from him) he would have to Work for it and it would take a Long Time before Jason is even willing to step foot in the manor, let alone drag Danny along and result in paparazzi catching a quick shot.

I'm breaking this up because I talk too much. But if anyone is going to be caught in a picture and plastered on a gossip column for hanging out with a Wayne it's most likely going to be Jazz. Feel free to guess why.

Danny is unlikely to go to Uni the normal way. He really doesn't even see himself as human, or living, anymore. He fully sees himself as a Hero first, King second and Danny third. He wouldn't be willing to split his responsibilities that far, he's only willing to even leave the IRs at all because they're building a portal so he can go back and forth without using his own power to do so. He will push for Jason to go though, because Danny is always going to try to make sure the people he cares for get their dreams even if he doesn't. However he may start 'shadowing' classes if he gets the chance. But that might take convincing from the rest of the Spook to have happen. Danny is very averse to being selfish in my fic, he's been a King for too long. (You are right though that even if he goes in his human form no one would care. He's not holding them hostage, they have better things to care about)

Vlad is doing creepy Vlad things in the background. Like building a shrine. He's not touched on because he is no longer a threat to Danny. Danny matched Vlad when he was 14, by now as a fully fledged adult with years to grow into his powers and self, along with the authorities given to him as King, Vlad can't stand up to him. He's been so thoroughly outclassed he's not going to try. Vlad is smart, and cunning for all he's mildly insane. He isn't going into a fight he knows he won't win. It doesn't help that Danny has been living in the GZ for years, and staying in his own seat of power which further skews the power dynamic there. However, now Danny is back in the world of the living and shaking things up. Maybe Vlad thinks he can slip his way in? And you know who isn't as strong as Danny but is ALSO a Halfa and is also someone Danny has strong emotional ties to? Jason. So if Vlad shows up it's unlikely he's going to be aiming directly at Danny. He knows better by now, but that doesn't mean he can't do Something if he shows up.

Danny's powers are still growing. His theorizing that he's tied into the IR is canon in the fics. Danny is smart, definitely take his theories seriously. As long as the IRs continue to grow, so will Danny. His power is, pardon the pun, infinite in its potential. He will never stop growing. I like writing him as OP. It means I have to think of other solutions to add tension since there's no actual threat that can stand up to Danny. The Ring and Crown don't really limit his powers, so much as they kind of smooth out the rough edges in a way? Normal Danny in ghost form is like a hurricane, all wild power and force of nature. The Ring and Crown kind of... clean that up a bit to give him a sense of gravitas and elegance. They make him a King, basically, and add Authority to him.

Danny would beat Trigon, hands down. Danny is a multiversal level threat, meaning he has the power to destroy multiple universes if he wanted to. Is he consciously aware of this? No. He'd have a whole meltdown if he realized the full extent of his power. Honestly I could see Danny fighting Trigon just because if he met Raven and befriended her. But also, I'm not as familiar with Raven's story besides what's shown in DCAM and Teen Titans(the OG show). So it's unlikely to happen.

He is familiar with the Lords of Order and Chaos. As an agent of Death who is also tied to Life he sees the intrinsic need for both, as life is chaotic by nature and death is its own form of order(all must come to her one day, no matter who they are.) But on a personal level he thinks Klarion is a funny kid and Doctor Fate is an annoying stick in the mud. But as always Danny is going to offer grace towards those he views as children, and he definitely sees Klarion as a child and Klarion's actions reinforce that belief. If they ever interact Danny is going to behave like an Uncle towards Klarion and at worst just throw him into a portal to have his fun in the IR where he can't really do too much damage. If he runs into DF he'd probably try to just leave if possible, as he respects DF but his general distaste towards adult living heroes is going to make him not want to deal with him. But I also am not exceedingly familiar with either of these characters so there's not a huge chance of them appearing in my fics.

I'm glad you enjoy that most of the issues Danny&Co approach aren't things he can punch away. It's the only way I can add tension since I prefer writing Danny as OP so I can focus on character growth. There are no villains in the fic series who will pose a physical threat to Danny himself. The only way to even the playing field are Fenton Tech weapons, which Danny is VERY familiar with and even if his parents made new ones, he's so familiar with them, their thought process and their inventions that he's going to be able to reverse engineer any of it in minutes. So even with those it would take a LOT for someone to be seen as a valid threat to Danny. However this doesn't mean they can't be a threat in other ways. They can threaten him politically(with his aims towards getting Ghosts recognized as sentient beings with rights) they can threaten his friends, they can even threaten people close to the people he cares about (Dick, Tim, Damian, Babs, Bruce, Tucker's family, Sam's family etc). He might physically have no equal, but that doesn't mean he lacks weaknesses.

I have no plans for an intergalactic threat in RK (Equilibrium on the other hand...) most of the threats Danny&Co will face are going to be ones that have already been mentioned in fic. (Bruce, to a very low extent, The Fentons, GIW, The American Government, The Justice League).

However Jsson would absolutely go apeshit if someone demanded Danny as a hostage.

Freakshow is lying VERY low and will not be making any in person appearances. Sadly. Jason WILL get to beat up a clown though.

There are enough rooms for the purpose of the plot LOL. Realistically i never did a full floor plan for it, because if I did I'd try to make it in the Sims and then I'd have a whole other set of problems. Currently there is no space magic other than what Gotham has done (which is shift things around underground to facilitate them digging that deep). However that is not going to stay true as more and more supernatural beings take up residence. As for how they get mail. Gotham. Gotham is how they get mail.

They do have more safe houses! Mostly in Gotham as that's home base, and they've been bought under a few different aliases by Sam, Tucker and Jazz. But they all remember Jason's lectures and also all remember how hurt Danny used to get and so they have several spots they can crash in or head to for first aid.

The other ghosts WILL love Gotham. That's as much as I'll say for that, and they will be appearing again.

Blood Blossoms still won't really affect Tucker, Sam or Jazz as none of them are dead. They'd have to be dead, or half dead half alive, for them to have an impact at least in this verse. However Tucker might end up with something like indigestion if he eats one again.

Jason knows Danny fought an evil future version of himself. He doesn't find this weird because. Well. How many times has someone from the Batfamily(actually any DC Hero) had to fight an evil version of themselves? He however is NOT aware Dan is being kept in a thermos in Clockwork's haunt. I have considered having Dan be a character in the fic, just because I think he and Danny as he is in the fic might be able to get along fairly well. But also I'm not sure if I want to bring in another character dealing with emotional trauma and baggage when we've got Danny and Jason and Tim will be absorbed into the group soon as well.

He did throw a ball. Danny is SO sweet to the people he cares about and wants to make them as happy as possible, and Jason was a rather sad kid. Danny can't stop spoiling him anymore because that behavior got ingrained so early in. And Danny did actually enjoy the ball, although that was mostly because Jason enjoyed it and wouldn't stop gushing about it for two weeks straight afterwards.

Dani loves the duck candles and now wants more of them. Constantine has learned that if he buys duck candles he can't expect to use them because Dani will, somehow, know and will, somehow, get in and steal them. He has no idea how she does this. He doesn't want to know actually and can she please stop stealing his candles? He needs those!

Constantine unwillingly cares a Lot about Danny (and Dani but he's less willing to admit that since she keeps stealing his candles). He feels rather like he's being held emotionally hostage here because he doesn't want to care about this chaotic, overpowered king of the dead who is also a traumatized young adult but no one Else seems to be stepping up to care so he guesses it's his problem now. (He knows about Nox. He is lying to himself he's got a soft heart)

Danny and Jason very much deserve each other in every meaning of that lol. They balance each other rather well, and both provide what the other desperately needs.

Sorry for my even longer response to your ask than what you asked, but I couldn't help myself. Also, thank you. You actually reignited a lot of my love for this series. I apologize for any typos.

#dp x dc #dpxdc #dc x dp #danny phantom #dp x dc crossover #jason todd #the king and his red knight #TKAHRK #mentally im a bit exhausted after writing all of that #but i also feel really good about it #this is going to make me reread my own fic #this reminded me why i wrote the fic in the first place #thank you

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whoops-im-obsessed · 2 years ago

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Has Matthew Duckett Crutchie changed your perception of other Crutchie's performances?

Omg I love this questionnn

I think the main way its changed my perception is the absolute depth Duckett adds to the character. It might just be because he's the only one I've seen live, but where, for example, AKB's Crutchie was 'a kid! :D', Matthew Duckett's Crutchie was 'a homeless disabled kid in 1899 forced to work to survive and terrified for the future'.

Don't get me wrong, I loved AKB's performance back in the day and still do, my obsession with this character was the whole reason I made a tumblr and an ao3, but watching it back now I don't get the levels of detail that I got from MD just standing there, yk?

Matthew got it. And I don't know how, but he made it so believable, he clearly understood the gravity of what these kids were going through and what they were trying to represent. Its like Mickey Mouse Disney vs Hunchback of Notre Dame off broadway Disney - they're both good, but one is happy-go-lucky and one is a deeper, darker commentary on serious events, that's the difference between performances. (And I think its quite likely a reflection of their experience, AKB has been in Disney shows since he was a kid and MD did Shakespeare and has lived experience of being disabled.)

As for how its changed my perception, its just given me a deeper appreciation for the character and his role in the show. I've been in the fandom space a long time and its so satisfying to see a depiction of Crutchie that gives us what we've been longing for. There is so much detail in MD's performance and it honestly made the show for me.

TL;DR: cast disabled actors.

And #letcrutchiesayfuck2k23

#newsies #newsies the musical #uksies #britsies #ask #newsies london #west endsies #newsies west end #crutchie morris #crutchie #crutchie newsies #matthew duckett #andrew keenan bolger

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leejenowrld · 3 months ago

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Girlll… Holy shit!! First of all, I did not see Chapter 7 come out so fast. But I’m sure you were just as excited to reveal this, as much as we were to read it.

The very beginning of this chapter left me breathless. I didn’t think it’d start with that level of emotional weight, but you just dove straight into it and it was so good. I honestly didn’t see that twist coming about Coach Suh sending Jeno to y/n all along, and the way you wrote that reveal? I actually had to pause for a second. That line “you don’t throw fire into fire and expect anything less than an inferno” like?? Oooh I felt thattt. It was such a powerful way to tie everything back, and it gave their relationship this whole new depth that I didn’t even realize was missing. I also really loved that you didn’t go the obvious route with the sex-like, it was right there, and you still made the moment about respect and intentions, and that made it so much more powerful. I loveee Coach Suh so much in that scene for seeing y/n, really seeing her, and not taking advantage when she was desperate.

Also—I don’t even have the words for how much I loved his monologue about y/n changing. “Now you’re not chasing ruin anymore. Now you’re chasing him.” That hit so hard. I had to reread that line a few times. There’s something so beautiful about being called out by someone who knows exactly who you were and who you’ve become, especially when love is what caused that shift. I’m obsessed!!😫

And then the investigation scene?? I had actual chills. It felt like watching a crime thriller unfold in real time. I was on my toes! You made every second feel urgent, like something was about to explode. The way you tied in the backstories of how players like Jihoon and Sunghoon (I also love how random your cast is btw😂 I haven’t forgotten Juyeon from the last chapter🤓) were crushed by the same system Jeno is fighting-my heart breaks for them. And the detail! Like y/n and Coach Suh going through everything—old game tapes, burner accounts, voicenotes—it was so immersive and so painfully real. I kept thinking, “This is it. This is the moment she becomes unstoppable. They don’t even know what about to come!!”

And the fact that y/n sends the report to Donghyuck first?? I loved that so much. There’s so much power in that choice, and it felt like a full-circle moment for both of them. It wasn’t about messy feelings or feeling seen anymore - it was about trust, and handing over the mic to someone who’s earned it. “I’d burn the whole league down if it meant saving him” - yeah, I’m never recovering from that.

This whole section was just layered, emotional, and so smartly written. It was so much more than just plot—it was about purpose, and sacrifice, and love in all its brutal, selfless forms. I had to reflect on this part separately, because this segment alone felt like a whole movie on its own!!

I absolutely love you😘!!

-💕

this message honestly feels like the dream reader reaction — the kind i imagined when i first started planning this arc. you’ve caught everything, absolutely everything, and it’s like you’ve stepped right into my brain because the way you’ve picked apart each layer and felt it in your bones is exactly what i wanted. you make me feel so seen with this. you’re so right, i was just as excited as you to reveal it. i was actually itching to drop this chapter because of how much weight it carries — not just for the plot, but for the characters’ internal worlds. i wanted that opening to punch like a fist to the ribs, no build-up, just immediate suffocation, and you felt it exactly as intended. that means so much to me.

the coach suh reveal especially — ahhh, i knew it would catch people off guard in the best way, and you said it perfectly. it’s not about throwing y/n into a savior role like she’s some pawn for jeno’s benefit. coach suh sees her, her strength and her choices, and he knows she’s not going to tolerate being used as anyone’s solution. she chooses to be there. she owns it. and you caught the nuance there — that it wasn’t just about physicality, it was about respect and understanding their fire. because they are fire, both of them, and you don’t survive fire by dousing it with water, you survive by giving it oxygen and letting it burn the way it needs to.

your note on the monologue has me grinning so wide because that line is one of my favourites in the whole chapter. it’s such a pivotal moment of truth, of recognising that y/n’s journey isn’t about destruction anymore, but about fight, purpose, him. it’s about how love doesn’t soften her, it sharpens her. it makes her unstoppable. and you felt that so clearly, it makes my heart ache in the best way.

and the investigation scene — i cannot even express how much it means that you caught the pacing and the tension exactly as i built it. you’re right, it’s a thriller moment, it’s meant to feel like you’re sitting at the edge of your seat, knowing the bomb is about to go off but not knowing which wire gets cut first. the voices, the tapes, the forgotten players like jihoon and sunghoon, all of it is there to show that this isn’t just jeno’s story. it’s a system, it’s a sickness, and she’s the scalpel now. also 😭😭 that made me laugh. i’m really trying to fit in as many idols as i can LMAOO tell me why juyeon was perfect for that role last chapter. he’s sexy as fuck and my tbz bias so i had to include him. the things i feel for that man… feral.

and when you mentioned y/n giving the report to donghyuck — my heart swelled. that’s exactly the full-circle i wanted. you nailed it. it’s not about mess or validation anymore. it’s about handing power to someone you trust to carry the truth. and i love that you saw that line about burning the whole league down for him because to me, that’s y/n’s purest declaration of love. not roses, not softness, but fire. absolute, consuming, unstoppable fire.

your reflection on this part made me genuinely emotional, because you saw it exactly as it was meant to be: a movie in itself. layered, textured, brutal but beautiful, about love and purpose and sacrifice in ways that go beyond just romance. you felt every pulse of it, every thread, and that is the highest praise i could ever ask for. i love you so much for this message. you’ve genuinely made my whole day, my whole week with this. you are the reason i write like this, the reason i pour so much into every layer, every line. and i swear to you, what’s coming next will make you feel all of this and more. we’re only getting started.

love uu. 🤍

#fic — backtoyou asks #fic — backtoyou #💕anon

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overflowchute · 7 months ago

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youtube

the turnaround i had on piza tower is still really funny to me, you have to understand that for years i was an absolute hater who didn't trust the project at all and was convinced it was a grift to be permanently in patreon development state

thing is, it was a not-quite-fan-game with a highly active social media account that became popular through various gifs and funny images etc. there were things like "we made a doom mod with the chars" and stuff. i just don't really trust that sort of presentation? felt tailor made for engagement. i got really frustrated when it came out and everyone wouldn't stop talking about it lol. like i just found it annoying. but eventually i was like "am i holding onto unnecessary hatred about something because i hate being wrong..." and eventually i did try it out

so the things that ended up making it work for me

it's wario inspired but plays very unlike a wario game. i like fangames but i dislike when the appeal feels like it's cynically copying smth popular 4 attention. pt is very good at being its own 2d action game and i appreciate that

the art style actually does fascinate me. thing is, i don't like how obsessive ppl are about the appearance of modern games confirming to "everything must look beautiful all the time". but pt actually has an element i find very interesting which is that it makes an art trade-off. pt's style is about insanely high framerates and very expressive animation. but AS AN EXCHANGE, the individual frames and art assets aren't hyper detailed. i think that's kinda neat. it's part of the "nickolodeon cartoon" art style vibes

it is legitimately one of those action games where at first you don't really know what you're doing and the challenges feel impossible, but as you get used to the kit it becomes second nature and you really do get better. it took a long time for me to p rank every level but it felt fun in the old game way instead of "i just want the achievements..." way. i really respect that sort of carefully balanced difficult action game density. where you do end up playing it for a sizable length of time but it's not just dragging you along with time filler, it's a game where the ranking wants to show you the depth of the gameplay you can ignore otherwise

so basically it's a game i was primed to hate, with presentation i felt was mostly cynical before i played it, that i assumed would fizzle out and never release - but in fact, did release, was actually a pretty good game in a genre i historically like, and had a good time with. so that was pretty cool

#narfsrandomthoughts #narfplaysagame #narfsopinions #Youtube

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baby-royalty · 2 years ago

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LORDT IT'S HAPPENED

I would like to thank so many people for seeing the good in me, and what I do, I would not be this well connected if it wasn't for your love.

In the space of six months I have found family, I have found ships I would go to Hell for, I have witnessed disasters, experienced loss, and discovered that I am incredibly capable of some truly remarkable things. I love to bring joy to people's lives, and I've learned that I mean the world to the people I look up to. Every morning I wake up grateful, under my refusal to get out of bed.

People obsess over numbers, I would have been happy at 30 followers, this is already too many. Whoops.

Consider this my little Follow Forever:

@malka-lisitsa You literally pushed me to be reborn onto a whole new blog with an entirely fresh start, and it's opened up doors to friendships I never could have imagined. You picked me up and placed me into an environment of love, and not a day goes by that I do not recognize how much you believed in me. You gave my Lizzy her mother, and you gave her hope. I could never ever ask for more. Obiche Tem.

@hybrid-royalty-main The father that took my other hand while mama made my beautiful graphics! Not a single day has gone by since this blog was born, where you haven't reminded me how loved I am. You've kept me focused, you've built my carrd, and you've been so patient with me! Every forehead kiss is cherished, you are by far the best feral crow-dad-hybrid a gremlin could ask for. Mwah.

@unsettledspirits BONUS MOM? Never expected that in a million years, but by god is my life a thousand times more complete with your beautiful energy in it. Our existence has been banned on several continents, so we must be doing something flawlessly. April is an inspiration, Marcel is an absolute icon, and Finn? You actually make him seem pretty cool, weird right? My fellow unhinged bestie, we are cut from the same violent cloth. I love you.

@kingmakercastle Revolutionary Lucien and his undying chaotic passion for everything capable of bringing disaster, my hero. My inspiration. Light of my life. No two days are the same, and you've brought me new viewpoints to so much in Lizzy's life, and I adore the chemistry you've inspired between Lizzy and her newest parent on the bandwagon. I am so grateful to have such a talent in my life, thank you for loving Lizzy so strongly because it's a whole entire mood.

@evolvingheartisms BABY. You have such a steady and in depth grasp on Stiles as the chaos boy that he is, and it's on a level of intricate detail that makes me smile every time I read your writing. Lizzy has been blessed with Mr Cheese in motherhood, I never expected it but it's the most beautiful concept in the WORLD. I love you so much, thank you for trusting Lizzy with so much, thank you for being here!

@stanfordprepped Oh my god yes. The first Winchester I ever imprinted on, what a fucking quality talent. You work so hard, I am so inspired by you, and I wish you all the best things in the world. You're balancing writing muses and you're parenting out there too, I honestly feel like that takes some kind of super power. I adore your writing energy, and your seamless talent for writing in and out of crack threads with me. Say hi to Lucifer for me.

And to the people I adore, the people I want to love more on, and the people that need to know I see them and adore them!! Here you all are: @touchedbydestiny Lizzy's sister, adored and delightful. I love writing with you, it's always a pleasure. @ungraciousknight You brave brave man, you've actually done so well to survive here, stellar oc my love. @northsalpha Hey you popped up to support me recently and I appreciate you like crazy! Expect me to harass your inbox its fine. @goodvampiire A new face, but a lovely one! You need to know I love your Caroline, she's adorable. @unbearablyindifferent QUEEN of passing the vibe check. Oh my god I love seeing you on my dash. Passion is unmatched. @freak1ish GORGEOUS blog. Oh my goodness, the muse and the aesthetic are so carefully crafted. Brilliant. @darkxdreamerx A new face! I appreciate how well you understand the world of building oc's, thank you for being here. @taintedbloodlines A super recent mutual, thank you for seeing my potential! @gonnabefamous Such a curious oc, I love what you've taken on, it's a really fun and different approach to Lizzy's universe. @ofdamages I know you're moving blogs but for now have this, I appreciate you so much and I wish you the best of things! @bloodiedbeau One of the very first people this blog started writing with, just an incredible talent for creating drama and suspense in formatting! Remarkable.

#Lizzybet's Follow Always And Forever #there's so many of you here look at that!#I am honestly so proud of this little creation!!

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raisedbythetv89 · 2 years ago

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Spoilers for Loki Season 2 Finale below: Comparing Spike and Loki’s redemption arcs:

This is such a rushed off the cuff analysis but Loki’s finale hit me really hard in the best way and it’s making me feel so many feelings and I know there is a lot of crossover between Spike & Loki fans (including that these characters got their longevity thanks to our absolute obsession and love for them - go us lol) so just wanted to put this out there for anyone losing their minds like I am

Both struggle to fit in and just want to be accepted and loved but are unable to find their place

LOVE their mammas like the ultimate mamma’s boys

When they’re not accepted they become mischievous trouble makers who are used and manipulated by a true evil for their own gains

They break free of that influence and become reluctant hero’s but are still morally grey and unpredictable (due to their love and connection to Dru and Thor)

Then they have a life changing soul searching event that alters them permanently that involves loving another as well as their mirror self (for Spike - Buffy is both. For Loki it’s both Mobius & Sylvie)

Rediscover the strength and depths of their power post transformation

Make a completely selfless and painful sacrifice for the ones the love to be safe and happy but also for the entire world/universe after they found the love and belonging they always sought. Putting the needs/well being of others before themselves cementing their transformation from selfish villain to truly selfless hero because giving everything up when you have nothing is easy but giving everything up when you finally have everything you’ve ever wanted is the hardest thing to do and they both do it and oh my god I’m so proud and so devastated and so emotional and what absolutely beautiful stories to witness.

Not my usual level of detail but I just don’t have the brain space at the moment and trying to be ok putting less than perfect things out into the world lol

#spike btvs #spike btvs meta #spuffy #mcu loki #mcu loki meta #meta #txt post #loki series #loki season 2 #redemption arc #villian to morally grey to hero #my lonely lovesick mamma’s boys 💜

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if-i-had-a-voice-i-would-sing · 2 years ago

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TBC 30 day challenge

Day 21: fav 1:1

As many others before me have said, this is a hard choice to make simply because of how meaningful every 1:1 I was lucky enough to get was to me. All of them felt profoundly intimate and personal, and all of them left their mark on my heart.

In terms of emotional significance, I’d find it very hard to rank them! However, in terms of bonus content, so to speak, of secret parts of the set and hidden character facets, I cannot deny that Kronos wins.

My Kronos 1:1 was in the evening show of my first double, back in June of this year, with Louis; it was absolutely breathtaking, and I was so thrilled to be experiencing it all that my face actually ached from smiling so much after the fact!

I’ll add a more in-depth discussion of the 1:1 itself under the cut, if anyone is interested.

First off, I’m obsessed with the set & mechanics that go into this 1:1. Exploring a hidden room by torchlight was exciting enough, but laying down under a car, being wheeled under it, only to find yourself looking at a labyrinth? That’s some next level detail! The plastic sheeting labyrinth, the Minotaur head, all of it was just so thrilling to experience.

And, of course, even with an incredible setup like that, it takes an equally wondrous performer to guide you through a 1:1, and Louis was that performer! I’ve read many accounts of this 1:1 as being a softer side of Kronos (at least from Louis), but for me it was as though he could tell that I could take the scares, and was testing me.

From the jump, he was very stern and severe, staring at me and growling whilst I tried the door, and continuing to glower at me even as I giggled at my foolishness - silly me, the door needs a key! Even whilst teasing me with the key, dangling it for me to take and then snatching it away at the last second, he never broke this deeply intimidating gaze that he’d locked me in, even as I giggled more and more until I finally caught the key.

As we sat down and prepared to lie under the car, he told me about someone he’d lost. It was confusing and vague, and mostly has been lost in my memory due to the general excitement of that day, but I know that he told me “I’m going to save her this time. I’ll do it right. This time I can keep her safe.” Apparently this little character detail is only present in Louis’ interpretation of the role, so I feel extra lucky to have experienced it! Who is this mystery woman? Who does the stone-faced Kronos care for enough to actually emote?

As though to make up for this flash of vulnerability, once we were under the car he gripped so tightly to my shoulder, and began making a shrieking, growling, hissing sound. Quietly at first, but growing, moving closer and closer as we journeyed under the car, until I could feel his lips against my ear, getting louder and louder until that rasping rattle was all there was. Just his inhuman screech and the labyrinth above us, foretelling my doom.

Then darkness. Hands gripping me, whirling me to my feet and beginning to push me through a labyrinth of transparent plastic sheets. The disorientation and flickering lights, all a perfect primer for the final jumpscare - Kronos has become the minotaur.

I got the feeling throughout that because of my early giggling, and my persistent grin, Kronos (or perhaps Louis) was testing my bravery, pushing me to see how frightening things could get before I broke. And break I did not! As a very hardened horror fan with no regard for my own safety, I was delighted the entire time, and even moreso when things got especially intense and spooky.

I’ve heard people say they full-on screamed at the minotaur jumpscare, and honestly I’m a little jealous! Instead my reaction was to stare up into those big dark eyes, and smile as widely as I could until the lights went out again. Then, after having my white mask placed back on my face, I stumbled out into the border of Mycenae.

While other 1:1s have felt more emotional, there is no doubt that Kronos’s 1:1 is a whole adventure, and it’s one that I wish I could be swept away by again.

#the burnt city #immersive theatre #punchdrunk #tbc 30 day challenge

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goriiblissxx · 2 months ago

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Here's mine!

I guess I'll go a little more in depth about my own takes on how my fake pep would be, so

★ CAN TALK ✅️ - It may be a bit incomprehensible and nothing more than a mix of garbled noises and frog croaking at first, this was especially the case during his first stages of life. But Fake Pep can talk more cohesively as he’s matured, even if it does come out reversed. [More on this later.]

★ MORE FRIENDLY THAN CRUEL ✅️ - As long as you don’t intentionally try to set him off or make him feel threatened in any way, Fake Pep’s surprisingly approachable and eager to be in one’s company. Though, be warned. He can get incredibly obsessive and clingy, and he can be much more energetic than your possible liking. So, don’t expect much personal space when he’s around.

★ DIGESTS ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING HE EATS ✅️ - Fake Pep’s stomach doesn’t contain any stomach acid, but rather a great amount of dough that’s much more viscous and gooey that is used for breaking down and digesting things to convert into more dough for him. He’s capable of digesting just about anything, with a few minor exceptions. The only things he can’t digest are minerals like metal.

★ DEVOTED TO PIZZAHEAD 50/50 - Before the tower’s collapse, Fake Pep was unaware of what Pizzahead’s intentions were and was usually the one involved and accompanying him for his plans and shenanigans. Though, after realizing the harm Pizzahead had put the real Peppino through, he had grown a distaste for him after the tower had fallen. He doesn’t want to put the person he idles most into any more danger.

★ MADE OUT OF DOUGH ✅️ - Fake Pep’s body is made up of pizza dough, making him incredibly stretchy and flexible. He was also created with frog DNA as well as DNA from Peppino.

★ LIVES AT PEPPINO’S ✅️ - After the tower’s collapse, it would leave Peppino to hesitantly take Fake Pep in, which he dreaded at first. Though, this does help the both of them equally. Fake Pep has somewhere to stay and can be around the real Peppino, meanwhile Peppino has someone who can help him around the restaurant and ward off any unwanted threats and pests.

★ MADE IN THE PIZZA TOWER ✅️ - As confirmed in the war level, it’s safe to say that Fake Pep was definitely developed in the tower by Pizzahead alongside the many other clones that are seen within that level.

★ TRAPPED IN PEPPINO’S PIZZA 2 ❌️ - While he does spend a lot of his time in Peppino’s Pizza 2, Fake Pep does often roam around outside the restaurant. Especially around Pig City and Noisette’s Cafe.

★ FRIENDS WITH NOISETTE ✅️ - As mentioned before, Fake Pep does frequent Noisette's Cafe. Noisette usually hooks him up with fresh ingredients for his pizzas or offers him food. She's one of her best friends and is also one of the only people he's properly talked to before the collapse of the tower.

★ ALMOST IMMORTAL ✅️ [TW for graphic details] - Given his anatomy and general structure and abilities, Fake Pep can survive almost anything that happens to him. Damage to limbs can easily be taken care of thanks to his doughy flesh and he can not be easily affected by water, fire or other harmful substances. However, there is one condition to his invulnerability. In terms of causing vital damage or killing him effectively, his head, and therefore his brain, is the key part to target for. Damage or destruction to the head or brain will prevent him from regenerating or reviving himself. However, decapitation doesn't count as killing him, as his brain will either regenerate his old body or repurpose another clone’s body as his own.

★ HIS PIZZA IS DANGEROUS TO LIFE 50/50 - Despite him and his restaurant's condition, Fake Pep's pizzas in terms of quality and taste are exactly on par with the original Peppino's. He doesn't mess around when it comes to pizza making, as he lives under the “nothing compares” motto that's practically embedded within him. Though, there have been times where he has concocted some rather “questionable” pizzas that could actually harm someone, usually it’s made from either more dangerous ingredients or from other clone matter. However, the odds are pretty low in that regard and his pizzas are almost always safe and edible.

★ TALKS IN “REVERSE” LANGUAGE ✅️ - A majority of the time, Fake Pep is only capable of speaking in reverse. However, he is known to repeat most phrases normally. Most of his closest people can understand him and get used to his speaking mannerisms.

★ HIS HAT IS PART OF HIS BODY ❌️ - His hat, much like the rest of his clothes, are removable. Though, his clothes can adjust and meld with his body as he shape shifts or melts in any way.

★ WAS BRUNO IN THE PAST ❌️ - Fake Pep and Bruno were both created and developed separately from each other. Bruno came about much differently than Fake Pep and is much more snobby and egotistical than the former.

F: make a bingo card with your character

Don't forget to hit the ask button!

#pizza tower #fake peppino #headcanon

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loosealcina · 2 years ago

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BENJAMIN BRITTEN'S PETER GRIMES AT LA SCALA, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

«L'enfer, c'est les autres». I know: I probably need to cut down on this famous phrases at the beginning of a report thing. I guarantee I will. But for now, it is what it is. Hell is other people. Absolutely no question about it. If you’re interested in solid evidence and/or verification, you can either have a go at Jean-Paul Sartre’s oeuvre (the most popular choice would be L'Être et le Néant [1943]; but the work that actually carries the line is a 1944 play named Huis clos) or turn to Benjamin Britten and Montagu Slater’s Peter Grimes (first performed at Sadler’s Wells [London] in 1945). If you plan to opt for the latter, you’ll sure appreciate the value of a detailed synopsis. Peter Grimes is a fisherman who is haunted by several ghosts. (Some of them, we know who they are and why they’re haunting him). The relationship between Peter Grimes and the community he is part of—a small fishing town, apparently separated from the rest of the world by a thick cocoon of shivery wind, heavy rain, and darkness—is complicated. When the curtain rises, the relationship is poor. Subsequently, it gets worse. When the curtain falls, it’s not even there—thanks to a tragic, violent (and nevertheless barely acknowledged) epilogue.

As for the latest: this materialization of Peter Grimes—a Robert Carsen/Simone Young offering with a cast headlined by Brandon Jovanovich (Peter Grimes), Nicole Car (Ellen Orford), and Ólafur Sigurdarson (Captain Balstrode)—came off as a positively stark, livid, sharp-edged illustration of the Tartarean truth discovered and proclaimed by Jean-Paul Sartre (and brought up few moments ago by myself). It was accurate on at least two levels. In spite of his emphatically independent/solitary persona, Peter is literally obsessed with what people may think or say about him. (That’s specifically consistent with Sartre’s in-depth theorization). On the other hand, a much more outward/flagrant notion of hell—think Dante Alighieri, or some competent horror movie of your choice—was definitely present. Robert Carsen’s staging as a whole (featuring sets/costumes by Gideon Davey, and lights by Robert Carsen himself and Peter van Praet) was rigorous, dry at heart, and somewhat understated. I think it was meant to do sort of what big cats usually do in the wild. Most of the time, it was the big cat slowly approaching his/her prey, making no sound, and trying to go unnoticed.

The attack/ambush moment consisted in a spectacular climax. (Maybe I should call it a turning point, but… I’ll stay with climax). In like one split second (I mean it), every single member of the audience was grabbed, and forcefully pulled onto the stage. You are Peter Grimes. Pure and simple. Plus, after a substantial, burdensome silence: you are one of those who put Peter Grimes through actual, excruciating hell, as well. And then… You’ve got to catch live whatever followed. I realize I’ve been talking for ages already, so I’m going to keep the rest as quick as I can. The orchestra conducted by Simone Young was moody, feisty, brawny, and fundamentally out there. They would gladly leap headfirst into forbidding, unexplored waters. For long stretches, violins were completely silent. Elsewhere, they were only producing eerie noises: a drone, a screech… (In the meantime, percussion [including a celesta], brass, and darker strings were having a field day with Benjamin Britten’s mercurial, ceaselessly imaginative style). At the height of the storm, a streak of brutal all-out solos—trumpet, trombone, and tuba—made the entire house shake (not a metaphor). Also, I wouldn’t call it a day before mentioning the creepiest viola since what John Cale did in “Venus in Furs” (1967) and the red plastic gas can turned drum that took over the lead of that harrowing search party of theirs. (In the end, simplicity is beautiful—even when you’re representing hell itself).

#opera #teatro alla scala #solitude #disease #night #north

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halogenwarrior · 2 years ago

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Interest in collaboration on long fanfic (sort of)?

Ok, I have mentioned this before, but I wanted to ask around here because I don't know where else to ask about this.

So I have this (untitled) fanfic of sorts of Final Fantasy VI, which I have a very extensive (like 90 pages long) outline for. I say "of sorts" because while I was fascinated by the characters and themes and how I would want to write them with more depth than could be given in a video game made long enough ago that there wasn't much physical space for content, I felt the limits of the world building designed first and foremost to be playable hindered me from creating something believable in the context of a long written work, so the story I have is essentially a "serial numbers filed off retelling" with the characters and world building elements being given different names (though with several changes to the order of events, etc. it would be hard to explain without explaining the whole outline). I have a very good sense of everything on a macro level, how I handle the characters and important scenes and what I'm overall going for.

Since I have no experience writing something besides poems, however, I worry about my ability to turn this from an outline into a fully fleshed out fic, particularly with aspects such as writing dialogue and deciding when and how to include the various beats of characterization and relationship development that I describe in the outline in a general sense. In addition, I am struggling with world building aspects that isn't directly tied into a plot point, i.e stuff that is there to make things feel more real and not have every detail be obviously important. And most of all I really care about the story and characters a lot, and I'm scared that if something were to happen to me all the work I've put into it would be for nothing if I didn't share it with anyone.

So I am just putting this out in the tag to see if anyone familiar with the game, and ideally with some writing experience and skill in the areas I highlighted, would be willing to talk with me about this or at least be willing to continue it on the unlikely chance that something horrible happens to me. Though I would absolutely rant about my blorbos for hours, I would love to just have someone to talk and obsess with the way everyone else does on this site without worrying about "spoiling" their future work.

#final fantasy vi #final fantasy 6 #ffvi

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dropthedemiurge · 2 months ago

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I was quite busy making all the posts after LFLS bluray with behind the scenes and commentary got into my hands but now I'm back! Eager to rant about one of my favourite episodes in the show!

= My theory about debuffs is really that there's only one valid Affection level that Myungha as a player can operate on: Yeowoon's Affection Level towards him. Of course, we've seen a very sad scene where it was shown that Yeowoon had -100 AL for himself but that was a hint-reward from the game, meanwhile Myungha actively works to collect Affection points from Yeowoon, and the debuffs happen because of negative points + the scale depends on how much into negative points Myungha is (comparing the strange leaf debuff with -5 or smth to him losing conscience on stairs here at -99, just like you guessed right).

And still, Yeowoon didn't hate him as much as he hated himself, 99 vs 100 :')) Fun fact: director said they also used -99 specifically to indicate the affection level scale to viewer, if it'd be -100 you could wonder whether it also can go -200 -300 or else.

I actually wonder what are your headcanons about why Myungha had such a destructive intimidating reputation of a fighter before :]

I'm going to put the rest under the read more so we don't hurt people's wrists when they scroll down xD

= Episode names are related to missions! In direct and non-direct way^^ 발전 means improvement, progress, development but not "gamedev" specifically, game development would be 개발. It's actually interesting how there's a perfect word that works with extra double meaning effect in English! Here, imo the title means again Myungha's progress with Yeowoon, with Yeowoon finally going into positive affection level and becoming his 'upgraded' clingy version.

= I actually don't remember the scene of hopping the wall well because I never noticed how Myungha actually had a cast(?) on his left leg. But he's clearly wearing it in bts video. (and I finally had an answer how Yeowoon could worry about Myungha's leg just by looking at it under the table and not hearing from others)

Ehem, I went to find the bts video and got distracted by the actors being absolutely cute and hilarious in their adlibs (Also there was a funny moment when Taevin thought a bug flew into his "cast" and he freaked out shaking his leg lol). Ehem, I'm back. And I guess he might've just sprained his ankle a little bit.

Sangwon, my beloved<3 I absolutely ADORE his smug "Hi~" every time. That's such a brilliant little detail from the actor that gives this character such fun personality. Also fun fact from cast interviews: Minsu (Sangwon's actor) would keep talking to director even right after they finish script reading, and he'd write a lot of in-depth analyse notes about his character, that's why Sangwon is so charming and he's not a simple third wheel love blocking side character like in many other shows.

= The "disease" in Korean is used in casual speech a lot. I'm not sure why were you looking for a different translation, but it's something like 'illness, being sick'. Any obsessive trait can be a 'disease/illness'. It's also often used in phrase like 'celebrity disease' (when you're full of yourself and think you're the biggest star), or being too nosy, or thinking the world revolves around you (that's the same word that Myungha said about Kyunghoon's sister at first when she thought he might be interested in her).

[Very random offtop: I also love roasting/teasing humor (with no negative feelings) with my friends, and I grew up in such companies - with all engineers and IT people in school and uni who love a good intellectual or worplay or simply witty jab, it was so joyful to bicker and everyone knew it wasn't serious - but then I reunited with my best friend since elementary school who went to study humanitarian and philology in uni. And I'm not trying to stereotype guys vs girls or tech vs culture, btw - she said her uni classmates were full of vicious sarcastic subtext or roasting each other and it felt like bullying. So for a couple of years we constantly hurt each other because our ways of communicating meant very different things, it took some adjusting. Which is a life lesson but also - I definitely feel you wanting more of this fun bickering energy in your life!]

>The show isn't really SAYING any of this at the moment. <

That's the fun part! This show is actually saying a lot on the level under the surface, and you can trust a lot of things that slowly get connected, like Sangwon being dismissed by his mom at school and immediately seeing Yeowoon with new shoes, to him rolling his eyes to the sky and skipping school to support Yeowoon (because it probable made him feel bad). A lot of scenes are connected to each other with invisible thread, CG and props, it's hard to tell if you don't know the language but there's also a lot of throwbacks/connections in the words they use; the way the actors use microexpressions in important scenes - it's also all very deliberate job that took them long analysis and in-depth thoughts as they shared... Which is not me saying all your headcanons are correct, I'm just saying if you want to guess something based on reactions – you should stop doubting yourself because there are almost no random choices or sloppy editing/acting decisions and this show doesn't feel the need to spell out every single thing to a viewer - but not to the point where you get confused :D Feel free to go wild with theories and interpretations! I love how you're already doing that.

= I would actually love seeing other people's affection of me above their heads, feels like a very useful thing that can save a lot of anxiety and stress that comes with communication's vague nature...

Yes! Blue shoes and Yeowoon changing his behavior so drastically also made me feel like it's a new evolution, character level up and unlocking of new interactions/etc :D Btw I'm not sure if you noticed or just wrote your reaction post this way, but Affection Level actually changed from 0 to 1 right when Yeowoon crossed the finish line. That's why Myungha had such an interesting relief-hope-joy face despite Yeowoon coming in third (yeah, subs were weird). Taevin said he thought a lot what should character feel and express, finally seeing Affection level going from 0 to 1.

And yes, Yeowoon starts talking more about romance too, implying about his hidden feelings and trying to stop Myungha from causing them if he doesn't mean it.

Director said the four characters eating together is her favourite scene in the show (if you don't count romance specifically) and I fully agree. The bickering! The caring! The love of friendship and found family! The romantic notes!

I already tagged you in my linguistic posts but briefly, Sangwon talks respectfully to Myungha but sometimes he slips and there's a form of question that can feel a bit rude, especially if you don't add honorific ending, and that's why Yeowoon was already 'hey, watch your tone!' over just one phrase, and Sangwon said 'did I talk rudely to you?" - "be rude (speak informally) only with me" - "I am already rude with you!" this is SO HILARIOUS I love all of them. It's perfectly normal between same age people tho, so it's not like Sangwon and Yeowoon are too rude to each other as well, frenemy perfectly describes them xD

= Yes, the guys were talking about Myungha 'leaning' on them or help holding him so he doesn't put more strain on his hurt leg. Hold him up? I wonder what'd be the best alternative in English.

= ALSO I JUST WANT TO SAY. YOU'RE A GENIUS!! I've never noticed the butterflies in the script or Myungha's journal, and I've been rewatching this show for so many times (I blame the poor quality of available videos online but now I got bluray discs and damn I can even see each scar and stubble on Myungha's face). I loved your interpretations - I know of different symbolism for butterflies so it was interesting to see your side of knowledge! There was also a flower in this Senior & Myungha in a Bar location at the very first episode, not sure if it's seen now, but it also had a nice meaning (which I forgot but I can look it up once you finish this show).

Yes, the questions are what Myungha gave his answers to and what pop up in the game! I think I also translated some of them - or maybe I can do it when I rewatch the show in better resolution if you're curious xD Not all of them appear as game elements/missions.

(also one stab for your roommate for breaking the glass you liked)

= It's funny how the translation was a bit weird but you interpreted it correctly in your reaction. Senior has said "the world happiness is a bit too vague, so the standard is important" (aka what exactly will make you or someone else happy? how do you measure or decide the happiness is reached or found? In a game, you need to gather or reach a specific quote for developers to announce that mission is completed).

Also offtop, this talk made me remember a moment from my other fandom that I really love – when after many hardships iKON released a song that was loved by entire country and it won "song of the year" award. leader B.I gave a speech and said "The word happiness is too vague, so I hope you guys feel like it is worth living every day". I don't know why but this phrase stuck with me and I felt the same gentle hope in Senior's words to Myungha. What is the standard of happiness to you? What small things can make you feel like every day is worth living?

You get it in your reaction, so I don't need to add anything else :D Actually, if you know Korean, you can guess what Senior tells Myungha next even with muffled effect. It doesn't feel like a huge spoiler or critical information to me, so I can tell you in replies if you want to continue theorizing? Or you can simply continue watching the show :D

= Tbh, Myungha was weirded out a little bit in first episode, to me he just strikes as a person who quickly adapts to situations - as we see him immediately get part-time jobs or quickly come up with white lies on the spot. But him not remembering who the senior is exactly adds a lot of fun mystery that surrounds the game and the debuffs and vague missions. I wish I could theorize about Myungha and the show ending but I know the direction the show is going to, so I might have to omit it x)

I didn't actually notice video game sound in the scene with Kyunghoon! :0 I might have to rewatch LFLS once again *fake reluctant sigh* There is constant waterish muffled sound though when Myungha transitions from game world to his memories/real world, it sounds the same every time, I think, yeah!

Again, to me Myungha didn't feel guilty for lying but rather it was the bittersweet feeling of not having enough time, he's reminded again about some threat looming over him if he doesn't finish the mission in time so he can't really join Kyunghoon in joyfully planning hangouts in university. (because of how connected the scenes are one after another, penalty reminder > countdown > and then talking about future. LFLS really loves to hit us with the bitter layer in fun scenes huh)

Again, I tagged you in my retranslation/explanation for the fighting scenes with bullies for Myungha and Sangwon so I'm going to skip my comments but I love you pointing out how Kyunghoon is stepping out to protect Myungha! It really feels like an important change, and I didn't connect the dots fully before. Remember how Yeowoon also said he wants Myungha to lean on him and to be equal, while Myungha came in as everyone's protector ? Yeah. I LOVE THEM ALL

How much would you bet that blondie Joonho is actually closeted?xD With the way he reacts fiercely about any implications - very homophobic but something in those also tells me he could be contemplating this kiss and how it felt somewhen when he's alone and doesn't have to pose as Big Bad Bully :D My own headcanon lol

Or do other people see this as just a friendly interaction? Because things would not end well if my friend rubbed my head and used that tone with me. I'd see it as condescending for sure.

That's so fascinating! To me, Myungha gently patting Yeowoon's nape was a sign of care and teasing, he's like 'uwu yes, you're big and strong and will kill everyone for me'. Like you'd say to a kid who's making great great promises and really insisting they'd get you a moon for your next birthday. Like, it's very affectionate but not seriously believing in Yeowoon's words. Which can be seen as condescending but I don't read it at that level at all, there's no malice in his words or gesture that could make Yeowoon feel bad or offended - in my view. Maybe he'll pout a little because Myungha still can't step down from his guardian pedestal.

But it does feel like he's out of the loop. It feels more like he's invading their space. He's not part of the hierarchy of this group. The uniforms vs. plain shirt is visually depicting that as well.

I'm actually still contemplating Sangwon's role himself. On one hand, in first episode the gang boys said 'we should let Sangwon know when we're about to ambush someone cuz he doesn't like when we're doing things beside his back' which makes it feel like he's the true leader, and he was sitting down on a rooftop watching the bullying unfold after he was just hanging out with Kyunghoon, but also here it seems like he just comes and goes as he pleases, maybe looking for entertainment or respect from others, and the real chaos and fighting and bullying always comes from Joonho and the track boys he enables. (I just noticed everyone is looking at Sangwon with 'how dare you?' eyes and only Joonkyung is looking at his blondie brother in a worry. He does seem like he was an actual friend of Sangwon)

The bi lighting of Sangwon when he hears about the kiss and admits he has gay feelings himself!! Fascinating, isn't it? Tbh, in first script reading Minsu had a different reaction with the same words. When Joonho said "What the hell are you saying? (being on Myungha side and not his) You're not even a faggot." and in the show, Sangwon tilts his head and goes "I am a faggot, though?" but in first script reading it was more like Sangwon laughed at first and then self-realization came right at that moment (I can't post video in reblog but I'll try to describe). Same words, but with different intonation the translation would be "Faggot... that's me, though?" Which made me go feral, because the way he said the line give very different energies, and I kinda love that we didn't get 'Oh.' moment but instead got the badass unapologetic confession about his feelings like there's nothing shameful. Anyway, legendary moment.

In Korean, there isn't truly clear 'Si' sound, somehow it always comes with an "h", like 'Shi' so both Shia and Sia is correct in transcription, subtitles probably just didn't have glossary to write the name the same way every episode. The S sounds with a/y/i/e also why I'm struggling because my nickname in my Korean company has both clear "Sa" and less clear "Sha" but they don't have direct 'sha'! They always pronounce it as "shya/shia" and it drives me insane cuz it sounds like a 3yo kid says my name but it's my 50+yo boss.

Anyway, I have to go out in 10 minutes again so I'll try to wrap up quickly (why does it always take me a couple of hours to write my own comments on your comments lol? I'm sorry)

Yeowoon said that he's annoyed. Myungha says "he's been rude lately". Did he drop honorifics?

Yes, he did! Or more like, not honorifics this time, he says "You're annoying, Tae Myungha". And you don't address someone older than you in their full name without any honorific suffixes! It should be Myungha-hyung or Myungha-sunbaenim, but Yeowoon pouts and says "TAE MYUNGHA" imagine your parents scolding you by using your full name. Seriously, Yeowoon cares a lot about being polite to Myungha (to the point that he very rarely closes the distance and calls Myungha Hyung instead of Senior (unlike Sangwon who started immediately claiming Hyung)), he only drops to informal speech when Myungha keeps the distance despite all Yeowoon efforts to get closer (like when he asked who hurt Myungha and Myungha joked away, or the same here)

It's a bit of a kabedon moment with the tree. I'm enjoying it, because as confident as Myungha was when he kissed Joonho, he's not confident at all here. He's flustered.

LMAO FUN FACT Taevin specifically clarified that he has to close his mouth with a hand when Yeowoon kabedons Myungha against the tree, and immediately in the very first take he totally forgot to cover his mouth and just kept staring in Yeowoon's eyes like 🥺 and then tried to explain it as he was too surprised by the advances, oh boy, he's also down bad, even more than his own characters xD (again, can't put videos on tumblr reblog sigh...)

The messages will definitely appear again but also you made me cry with 'no trail that brings me to you.' too т___Т it's so bittersweet and sad but also beautiful.

I also have never known any symbolism for seagulls. Not in Korea, not in my own country. It's so interesting, I should definitely research more to see whether your interpretation has any meaning for Korean people!

Yeowoon says he now understands why Myungha likes the sea. Did Myungha say he liked the sea? I don't remember that. 🤔 It could be in an earlier episode, or I could have overlooked it.

I feel like they might've cut it out from the script later (let me consult my script book in Korean that I also bought - why do I feel ashamed but also ehem. I will check.) Because I'm also sure they didn't outright say Myungha liked sea but also the question "Sea or Mountains?" is a very popular 'personality division' question in Korea so it could be implied in the moment when Yeowoon says he likes mountains and wants to climb one (meaning Myungha preferred the second option).

I'm laughing at how much you're thinking whether the sound is water or not or if it means something or not xD Oh, to be obsessed with details~ I think this show is not specifically color coded too (but Myungha does always wear black shirt under his school uniform unlike others) but I might be wrong...

Let's gooo learn about Sangwon a bit more in the next episode! 👀👀 I will patiently wait for your next reaction~

Catching Up: Love for Love's Sake (Ep 4)

Other Reacts: Ep 1 Ep 2 Ep 3

Yes, it's 3:15 in the morning. Yes, I have to work tomorrow. No, I can't even sleep in because I have to interview a potential intern at 9 am. Plus, the kids will be home with me too since it's a school holiday. I don't care. I'm starting episode 4 anyways.

And yay! We've went back to the fight. I was hoping we would find out more about what happened.

Is this a new way for them to do the subtitle for "debuff/curse". I guess that's fine so that people who don't understand gaming get it. It feels a little late in the game for that though. Still, I loved this screenshot, because you can see the transition that's a bit gamified. And the purple aura energy is showing up on Yeowoon's arm.

We didn't have any debuffs last episode so I guess the debuff really does relate to affection of Myungha and not Yeowoon's personal affection. Fine. I'll exit my clown car theory about the debuffs....for now. Outside of my clown car, it makes sense that the debuff would show up now since Myungha's affection level just plummeted.

Myungha absorbs the debuff. Yeowoon is left in shock. He definitely is feeling rejected/slighted at this point.

Myungha is dragging Sangwon through the halls. Sangwon says "I'm not a kid." I'd be careful Sangwon. That line of thinking means he can hit you. I know Myungha knows how to fight, but I do wonder more and more every episode about "why" he fought. I'm already developing a lot of head canons on that score. Maybe we'll find out eventually though.

He's not going to hit him (not that I thought he ACTUALLY would anyways), because we now have a ringing sound. I'm guessing the debuff is having an effect. He absorbed all the bad purple energy, and it was STRONG this time base on his -99. Was the -99 in red last episode? If not, it should've been. Sorry, random thought.

Myungha falls down the stairs.

I've given up on the episode names being strictly related to missions. The gamer in me though is going to retranslate this as "progress". That feels better in gamification terms. Especially if it's talking about progress in the mission quest. I obviously have no clue whether that is right. Wait. Unless they're talking about aspects of the game being "in development" like new code/levels being written or the story being redeveloped/changed. Hmm. That actually feels likely. We'll stick with development.

KYUNGHOON! You're back. I missed you so much. I'm guessing they're having to skip class to go to the competition. Apparently, Myungha has hurt his leg. Kyunghoon struggles to get over the wall. Based on how Myungha hopped the wall, I'm guessing it's the right leg that's hurt. But Myungha's leg obviously wasn't THAT badly hurt. It didn't look like he tried to favor one leg more in the landing. Guess that could depend on the type of injury though. My perspective is probably skewed. I've dislocated kneecaps more times than I wish to recount. I definitely wouldn't have made it over the wall shortly after one of those times. My personality is such though that I'd have doubled down and probably hurt myself more while trying. Lol.

Sangwon is waiting on the other side of the wall. I loved his "hi". Kyunghoon asks if he was waiting. Myungha says it's a "disease". It works, but I wonder if there is a different translation of that word. They've used it several times. It was also used in a very similar way during Secret Relationships ("being nosy is a disease").

Sangwon says he was just late to school. It's coincidence that they met up. I love that he's somewhat "talking back" to Myungha. But I also have a very sarcastic/roast style sense of humor. These types of exchanges always make my day. I wish I had more of that energy in my life.

Kyunghoon asks about the shoes, and Sangwon realizes that he had made a mistake. I didn't mention it last episode as the post was already getting really long. But my guess is that Sangwon was upset about the shoes, because he thought that his mom gave them to Yeowoon. His mom had just been to the school after all, and it appears like they have a complicated relationship. I'm guessing there's a lack of affection there too based on Sangwon's reactions to Myungha's signs of care. This is all conjecture on my part. The show isn't really SAYING any of this at the moment.

But now he knows the shoes weren't from his mom. It's okay Sangwon. I made several bad calls in the last episode too. Sangwon decides to follow.

And just like that, we have a gaming party embarking on a quest.

Our trio notices that Yeowoon is standing instead of taking his place on the blocks. Is he wearing the blue shoes? It looks like it. Myungha is still outside of the love supremacy zone, but he yells Yeowoon's name. I'm taking note that his number is 251 just in case it pops back up at some point. I loved the sound effect as the camera circled around and Yeowoon realized his name was being called.

Yeowoon is recalculating his affection, and the number starts moving up fast. Lol. This feels very much like love indeed. Highs and lows and emotional turbulence. Some might say that's the fickle nature of teenage affection. I'd say that doesn't ever really change. But maybe that's just the nature of my personal relationship talking. Maybe it'd help if we had affection scores above our head so we'd both know when we screwed up. On second thought, I don't think I'd want to know my score. That feels like a recipe for disaster.

Yeowoon takes his place at the blocks with magic sparkles coming off of his blue shoes. The affection level keeps rising.

If this wasn't a "game", the new shoes would be disastrous in a competition. But as I've thought about it, I actually like that this feels like an equipment upgrade in a game. Higher tier equipment immediately leads to better outcomes in a game assuming you have the skills to use it.

The music reminds me of late 90s/early 2000s movies. I kind of love it since we're panning across Sangwon and Kyunghoon's faces, and it feels like a friend montage moment out of one of those types of "high school" movies. Ah nostalgia.

Affection level is back at 0. The subtitles say Yeowoon is second, but I'm guessing he's actually third. They announced two other names before him.

Yep, he's third place based on the next part of the dialogue. Myungha says he did well. Yeowoon is crying, but Myungha definitely doesn't understand the reason. Yeowoon is trying to figure out why Myungha is nice to him.

Poor boy is definitely dealing with romantic feelings now. I'm loving the romance driven emotional angst of it all. This is my cup of tea.

The coach interrupts. Yeowoon is still emotional, but Myungha says he'll wait. They can eat together afterwards. Yes, please do. I'm always going to be down for a shared meal.

Yay! Our whole crew is EATING together! And Yeowoon is smiling.

Yeowoon tells Myungha to eat too and gives him food. OMG - our affection level has crossed the zero threshold. We're now at 5. And it keeps climbing as he keeps giving Myungha food. Lol. Kyunghoon tells Myungha to eat slowly and Sangwon's face is priceless! He seems absolutely disgusted by Yeowoon's actions. We end on an affection level of 17 for now.

Sangwon and Yeowoon are bickering. I love it. so. much. Frenemy relationships are the best. I'm looking forward to seeing how this develops moving forward.

For those that like talks about linguistics, they said a bit about honorifics too. If I followed it correctly, Sangwon used more casual speech with Myungha and Yeowoon didn't like it. I could be mistaken though. Myungha really is the exasperated parent here. Lol. Cutie Kyunghoon helps Myungha out. He is worried that Yeowoon's feet might hurt since he ran with new shoes.

Yeowoon says he's fine, but he asks what happened to Myungha's leg.

🤣 This pout had me dying. For the game aspect, it really is like now that his "affection level" has went up, it's unlocked all kinds of new dialogue/expression options.

I wonder if Myungha realizes that his leg getting hurt was due to the purple energy. He's a smart cookie. I bet he's figured that out.

This whole scene just put me in a good mood.

Yeowoon offers to help "hold" Myungha. I'm betting there's a better translation of that. Kyunghoon used the term earlier too. I bet it has to do with letting Myungha lean on him or something like that rather than "hold" as I typically interpret. Myungha says he fine.

Yeowoon wants Myungha to rely on him too. This is a tricky situation. Yeowoon wants them to be EQUALS, but Myungha is definitely going to struggle with that. Myungha has taken on a caretaker role, and while those things aren't mutually exclusive, it can make things complex.

Yeowoon asks how Myungha knows his (shoe) size. Myungha says he let the fan (sis) pick it out, and that she wants to meet Yeowoon. Yeowoon doesn't seem happy about Myungha hanging out with her often, but he agrees to meet up with Si-a.

Yeowoon has essentially walked Myungha home. He tells him thank you which Myungha teases him about. But he says it again and leaves.

The entry light starts flickering and there are some jarring sounds. Ominous music plays, and Myungha's head is hurting.

OOOOOOH. It WAS development like "game in development". Exciting.

We're back at the bar from episode 1. Senior is asking Myungha questions.

I first noticed the three butterflies in the corner of the paper. It shouldn't be a surprise given my blog name that I'm likely to notice butterflies. They're a symbol of transformation and personal growth. Actually, they have different stages of development just like a game. A butterfly's development requires they insulate themselves from the world and focus on changing themselves before they can emerge in their final form. I don't know whether that has anything to do with this show or not though.

But these questions are interesting. Yes, I used my phone to translate. Though it kept giving slightly different translations depending on the angle I held it, I think I got the gist of it. One of the things says "like minded friends" which was what the quest said in episode 2. If I remember correctly, that was in Myungha's hand writing. So is senior having Myung-ha essentially write the game levels? I had said in an earlier episode that this was really a quest for Myungha's own happiness as well.

It WAS his writing. I love this shot. It feels like a magic dungeon with the candles and lighting. The shape of the glass is nice. I think it's a glencairn whiskey glass. Actually no. The base is wrong. It doesn't matter. The glass itself is probably not symbolic. I just find certain types of glassware pretty. As a fun side note, I used to drink everything (soda, milk, etc.) out of a red wine glass that I got while dumpster diving in college. I loved that beautiful glass. My roommate eventually broke it "on accident", but said it was "probably for the best" so that people didn't think I was drinking alcohol. Fun times 🙄.

It's late/early. I'm rambling. *Focus brain*

Senior is in white as the "heavenly" being with the power. Am I supposed to trust him? I don't. But it feels like he's God/angel coded.

"Will there be happiness to 29 year old Tae Myungha?"

"So the standard is very important." says Senior.

Myungha doesn't hear him clearly, and we can't hear his next line clearly either. He's muffled as if he's under water. It's the same sound as when he first entered the game world.

This feels important, and it feels mistranslated. Or at least like it was translated without the needed nuance. I need to pause anyways. I'm tired enough that I know I'll miss details if I keep going tonight.

(pause)

Ok. I've slept a few hours and hung out with the kids for a bit. I've mulled it over. I'm guessing that senior is really meaning that Myungha needs to be very careful about what goals/words he's using. Happy is a pretty vague term. I actually walked down the aisle to a song called "Different Kinds of Happy" from the movie Sweet Land. The idea/theme in that movie is that happiness can take different forms and mean different things to different people. In a game, if you don't have a clearly defined objective, then it's going to be difficult to meet it. So what does Myungha actually mean by "happy"?

But Myungha "can't hear" what senior is telling him. Myungha, and us by extension, are missing a critical piece of information. I'm guessing it has to do with the standard/clearer objective or that it's a warning of some kind.

We're back in the video game world. Myungha is looking at his notes.

AND OMG - YES! HOORAY! A time jump/alternate world that GETS how problematic it is for a 29 year old to be suddenly back in high school. The dialogue is clearly establishing that he IS 19 in this world. It's how I had resolved it mentally myself in episode 2. I love it when my head canons become actual canon.

Anyways, it's a good question. What CAN he do? Because "making someone happy" on a identity level scale really isn't easy. I would argue that it's not actually possible. That they have to strive for their own happiness as they accept themselves. It's not just circumstances that's driving Yeowoon's mental disdain for himself. New shoes are great, but they're not a long term solution. When you're dealing with suicidal ideation the other person has to "want" to live. A lot of times they don't even realize it until the moment. Yeah, it wasn't my grandfather's first attempt before he succeeded. My brother's neither. So far my brother has always decided he wanted to live and sought help in time.

I love that Myungha is being smart about this. He goes "What does he WANT me to do?" If you're playing a game, that's an important question. It's anticipating the game maker's design. I am noticing that the butterfly is on the journal paper here. But it's only one this time, and it's in the top right corner instead of the bottom corner.

Now THAT'S interesting. He doesn't remember "senior". There are a lot of fun implications in this development, but I'll have to stop for now. It looks like my husband has got off of work early today. It's a national holiday. I should've expected it. This will have to wait until after everyone is asleep tonight. I didn't get very far in this session, but it's fine. I really should've been working/writing anyways. I have five scripts due in the next two weeks.

(pause)

Well...the emoji tag game happened, and I got a wee bit carried away with it. I loved it so much. But then my brain was broke so it's taken a few days to get back here.

The fact that Myungha doesn't remember "senior" from his real life is a cool detail. I had said I thought it was in odd in episode 1 that he wasn't weirded out by the situation. It could mean that ONLY senior is obscured. Or it could mean that the facts of his "future" will slowly disappear as he creates a new story leaving him only with the 19 year old version of Myungha. There are a few other possibilities too, but I'll go with those two for now. I actually like the latter one in some ways. I don't remember if he recalled senior once he entered the video game during episode 1. That would provide evidence for which possible interpretations to keep moving forward. I might have to go back and check that out.

Regardless, we know this memory was jarring. The question is what triggered the memory.

We're down to 288 days left to complete our mission so a good bit of time has passed, and we're reminded that death is the penalty. We still don't know whose death we're talking about though.

We cut to Kyunghoon and Myungha walking down the hall together. Myungha is complaining that the teacher treats him like a thug. Kyunghoon proposes that they go to college together, drink together and have fun together in the future. I love the video game sound effects in the music/soundtrack.

OH! Random thought. I wonder if those sound effects show up at critical/specific moments. Is this like the rain drops in When It Rains or just a fun part of the soundtrack? Sound analysis is tricky for me, but it can add a lot to a show. And I LOVE it when sound is used symbolically. That would require an entire rewatch though as I'd have to focus just on the sound. I'll try to make note of it moving forward though to see if I can find a pattern. I can't promise I'll catch it every time though.

Hold up. We HAVE had a sound. The freaking water. I said before that it sounded like water when Myungha is shifting between worlds. That's definitely a specific sound at critical moments. Is that significant? Is it even water? Stop brain. You know your hearing can't be trusted. Move on.

Myungha is obviously uncomfortable here. Probably because he knows that he doesn't have that kind of time. He was just reminded of the countdown. It could also be because he didn't have that kind of life in the past. I don't know if he has those resources in the current videogame timeline either. Money isn't an obstacle for Kyunghoon. But it will be for Myungha and Yeowoon. But I figure it's that he feels like he's lying to Kyunghoon by agreeing to a future that may not exist. Yeowoon has already called him a liar after all.

Ah, the bullies are circling for blood. Frizzy blond guy asks Myungha if he's gay and is obviously intimidating Kyunghoon. Myungha says "I'm gay. So what." That's the confidence of someone who is very comfortable with themselves. I wonder if he was always that way, or if this is a manifestation of him already working through that part of his identity in the "real world".

Cutie Kyunghoon steps in between to protect Myungha 🙌🙌🙌. This is VERY important. Why? Because it's a dynamic shift. Myungha is collecting people in his life that care about him too and who will stand up for him even if it's risky. He's gathering "like minded friends" as well.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Myungha kisses the bully.

Should I be laughing? Probably not. This is a forced kiss. But AM I laughing? 100% yes. And all of the bully gang not knowing how to respond is epic.

Blond guy is rightfully angry, and Myungha just scolds him for swearing. What I love about this interaction is that it quickly and decidedly shifted who was the "victim" in this interaction.

Blond guy - Tak ...Joonho? It'll eventually stick with me. Anyways, he punches Myungha and we see Myungha deftly assert his dominance. He threatens to kiss him again.

This is the second interaction where Myungha has really shown this guy to be pretty pathetic. As he seems to be a leader in this "gang", he's probably not going to react to this well. He wouldn't be able to keep power over his bully gang if he ignored things like this. I'd expect backlash soon. He'll either take it out on his own members or start targeting people Myungha cares about (Yeowoon, Kyunghoon). Potentially both. If he comes after Myungha himself, it will be sneaky style. He can't (or shouldn't) risk another direct confrontation like this one. He's already lost twice.

Teacher intervenes. Apparently Myungha has got some type of cleaning duty punishment.

Yeowoon is on the other side of the window being cleaned. I'm trying to figure out if Yeowoon had heard about the fight or he just noticed Myungha's busted lip. Either way, his expressions here are KILLING me. They are so earnest and so different than what we had in previous episodes. The rise in affection level has definitely had an impact.

Myungha tries to brush it off, but Yeowoon won't let him. "Who hit you?" Myungha tells him he doesn't need to know.

Yeowoon gets very serious. Just like that earlier interaction with Kyunghoon, this is actually very important. Yeowoon is asking to be seen as an equal. As someone that Myungha can rely on. He's asking Myungha to trust him. Ooh interesting. Yeowoon dropped honorifics.

Yeowoon drags Myungha to the nurse's office. It's a reverse of care. Yeowoon taking care of Myungha. I mean, technically Yeowoon had intervened before. However, this is DIRECT care. Yeowoon asks if he's really not going to tell him. Myungha responds "What would you do if you knew?". Yeowoon - "I'll kill him". 🥹 Yes, I'm taking the threat as a squee worthy moment. There was no hesitation. Just a direct assertion of "you matter to me that much".

Myungha rubs his head.

I'm going to have to think about this one. Why is this man's physical affection so hard for me to interpret? This feels like a parent/child interaction to me. Which...is possible. Is he in guardian mode? Trying to calm Yeowoon down while acknowledging that he's grateful for Yeowoon caring about him? Or do other people see this as just a friendly interaction? Because things would not end well if my friend rubbed my head and used that tone with me. I'd see it as condescending for sure. But cultural differences could be in play here. I'm going with guardian mode.

Myungha says that rather than hit, it's more like we kissed. And Yeowoon's reaction is amazing.

Myungha is flustered by Yeowoon's reaction. Yeowoon has to be cycling through all kinds of feelings. One - this gives him hope. Two - Myungha was kissing someone besides him.

So many thoughts running through this boy's mind.

He says he should ask Tak Joonho. That means he DOES know who was involved, but he wanted Myungha to confide in him on his own. "Can men kiss too?" "I want to kiss him" while staring at Myungha's lips and putting on the ointment. Baby boy is down bad.

We cut to Sangwon coming towards the bully gang. There's the "hi" again. Love it. But it does feel like he's out of the loop. It feels more like he's invading their space. @dropthedemiurge I see what you meant now. He's not part of the hierarchy of this group. The uniforms vs. plain shirt is visually depicting that as well. That does make me have some questions about the earlier rooftop scene, but I'll hold them for now.

Did he come because he had heard about the fight? Or is this just part of his routine? He does seem to do whatever he wants. Case in point - he didn't come to class just because he didn't want to. Skipping seems to be a regular occurrence for him.

Tak Joonho says that he's going to teach Myungha/Kyunghoon a lesson. Sangwon is trying to put the pieces together. I do find it odd that Joonho is openly admitting that Myungha kissed him. I would've expected him to threaten the others and keep that quiet. Unless he's expecting Sangwon to commiserate with him and understand.

Not happening though. Sangwon is clearly on Myungha's side in this one. I figure he knows Tak Joonho enough to know he instigated whatever happened. The chuckling of the other students as Sangwon pushes back has got to raise Joonho's ire.

Tak Joonho thinks Sangwon is teasing him, but he's actually angry.

I'm rewording this line a little bit in my head to fit better with that sassy head tilt that just made me so happy. In some ways, it's a lot like Myungha earlier. "Yes. I am. What are you going to do about it?" It's a statement and a challenge.

Unlike Myungha, Sangwon does punch Joonho and IMMEDIATELY puts his hands back in his pockets. LMAO. That's a dominance signal right there. He knows Joonho isn't going to immediately punch back. He doesn't see him as a threat.

Joonho says he's holding back because he's rich. Sure you are. Keep telling yourself that. Kyunghoon seems to be pretty rich too, and you tease him just fine.

Note - I do realize that they've said that Sangwon can get away with everything due to his family. I'm sure it does play some role. But it's not everything. Sangwon is exuding dominance in this situation. He's even leaning in a mock little bow and saying "thank you" in a snarky tone. God, I love him and his self-confidence. He has grown on me so much, and I'm only halfway through this show.

Joonho asks if he can't see that he's outnumbered.

Sangwon (in other words): Bring it.

I'm sorry. I've tried to ignore that hideous wall color this entire show, but now we've added what has to be one of the ugliest arrangements known to mankind in front of it. I'm sure there are people who like that kind of thing, but it just makes me wonder why someone thought a feather duster was appealing. Normally I would be trying to figure out if the red meant something, but I just can't. It's an eyesore.

Is Si-a considered part of our gaming party now. I'm not sure. 🤔 They're collectively worrying about Sangwon though.

Si-a asks if Myungha wants to be a model for Swoony (the brand). The pay is better after all. Pay is always an enticing thing.

Myungha tells Si-a to buy him dinner. I'm confused. Why does he want Si-a to buy him dinner? 🤔 Myungha doesn't do things without a purpose. What's the catch?

LMAO. It's because Yeowoon is here. He's giving her the fangirl moment. Yes, she better buy the meal. A good one too.

Wait. Her name has an "h" sound? The subtitles now say "Shi-a". Did I miss that before? No. I'm pretty sure that's a change in subtitles.

Yeowoon looks ticked. My guess is that he thought he was going to get to eat with Myungha alone. He wouldn't be reacting like this if he had known it'd be a fangirl moment. Yeowoon is being very terse. Yes, he seems to be a more introverted, private person. But this is what you do when you're thrown for a loop. Myungha, you really need to give us introverts a heads up for these types of situations. Especially true if you gave us false expectations and now expect us to socialize with someone we are not comfortable around.

I'm still bitter over there being no food at the company meal that I drove two hours to yesterday. Don't promise me food and then give me a non-alcoholic beer instead. Shared meals are sacred. Oh...it's probably this kind of stuff that prompted the anon's "what's with you and food" question the other day. I get it now. Sorry anon. I didn't understand what you were asking.

I'm squirreling. None of that's really relevant. Yeowoon is just upset because he expected alone time with Myungha (pretty sure on that one), and he isn't getting it.

This conversation is awkward. Si-a signals Myungha to please help. Myungha asks Yeowoon if he has any questions. "Are you two close?" I've said all along that I love how direct Yeowoon is with Myungha. If he has questions, he is going to ask them. It's admirable, but lol. He's not looking at Si-a at all. Yeowoon is grilling Myungha.

Myungha responds playfully and tries to direct the conversation back to Si-a. I actually see that as a way of trying to include her in the conversation. He was trying to create a fan moment for her after all. Si-a says they're just colleagues which Yeowoon smiles about. But then Myungha protests that designation.

Yeowoon didn't like that at all. 🤣 "Are you closer to her than you are to me?" I love that Si-a can see this is important to Yeowoon. She's giving Myungha this look that's like "You idiot. Don't you dare make my blorbo upset!"

Myungha says "I only have Yeowoon in my heart" which makes Yeowoon beam. Si-a takes the opportunity to ask for an autograph. Si-a, I know I struggled with you in earlier episodes. I'm sorry. I can respect your non-toxic, supportive fangirl side.

"What do you think of when you run?" "I imagine there's a big crocodile chasing me." Well...that would be motivation I guess. I never imagined what was behind me when I ran. I was always focused on the finish line. Different things for different people I guess.

Ok Yeowoon. Let's not manifest that energy. There are too many trucks of doom in dramaland. And I've had two of my family members hit by vehicles. They survived, but they still have side effects. My brother got hit by a car while he was INSIDE a building.

Anyways, Yeowoon is saying that the vision has changed. He now imagines that someone is waiting for him at the finish line.

Sweet. I wish I knew what his personal affection was at this point though. We're seeing the impact of Myungha's affection level changing in his mannerisms and dialogue, but has it impacted how he sees himself?

Si-a says that's romantic, and Myungha breaks eye contact and visibly shifts. Lol. He felt that one.

We cut to them walking home. Yeowoon tries to ask Myungha about Joonho again, but Myungha says that Yeowoon isn't allowed to say kiss.

We got confirmation that Yeowoon thought it was going to be the two of them. Myungha chastises him a bit saying he needs friends. That's really not the point Myungha.

Yeowoon said that he's annoyed. Myungha says "he's been rude lately". Did he drop honorifics?

Yeowoon says "I want to go play with you". My kinky brain takes that line a completely different way that intended. But he's asking him out really. I LOVE this frame. There's a blinding light of love, but it's mostly over Yeowoon. Yeowoon knows he wants to kiss Myungha. He knows he wants to spend time with Myungha 1-1. Myungha still hasn't come to that realization yet.

It's an amusement park near the sea. Myungha seems hesitant, but he says yes. Wasn't Myungha's mom near the sea? I wonder if that's part of his hesitation. Yeah, there's definitely something there. This means something more to Myungha for some reason. But he's agreeing anyway.

Well hello. 👀 She's pretty. She was hidden initially in the frame, but they've now exposed her as she's asking Si-a for help. Who is she? Is this the person returned from abroad that Kyunghoon mentioned?

We're now in a dream sequence. 100%. "Do it with me too. The kiss."

Based on the game interface, this is Myungha's dream. Fun. Realization is coming. It's a bit of a kabedon moment with the tree. I'm enjoying it, because as confident as Myungha was when he kissed Joonho, he's not confident at all here. He's flustered.

Myungha wakes up.

Yeowoon has been sending him messages. Apparently he woke up early. If you get messages from me at 4 am, it means I haven't went to bed yet. Not unusual.

Myungha has a message from an unknown number. It's referencing children's day, mother's day, and teacher's day. Myungha isn't sure who it's from though. My immediate guess is his mom. But that doesn't make sense. He hasn't had contact with his mom since he was really little.

Is it the heavenly senior? We know information about the game comes to Myungha through his phone. "But no time for me to meet you." It's reminding me of the poem I wrote for my grandfather following his suicide. It wasn't about holidays/time, but about hiking trails. That was our thing. "But no trail that brings me to you." Crap. I'm crying again. This has been a week of tears in BL land. For the record, I cry very little in real life. But I bawl like a baby watching shows. It's cathartic in some ways. I can't analyze this properly. I'm going to read things into this that aren't there. I'm sure this will become a reoccurring event. I'll wait until the next message to figure it out.

Yeowoon came to pick Myungha up, and it looks like he paid for the bus fare for both of them. Cutie. Myungha may not realize it, but Yeowoon is definitely taking him on a date.

The mural next to the bus is of the sea. I could get a better angle this time. Phone keeps translating different based on angle, but it's better than last time. Something about sacred and beautiful love. Something about a lighthouse.

I love that Yeowoon quickly says "Look at the seagulls". There were birds on the mural too. Seagulls are a trip down memory lane for me. I got handed a bone during my oral qualification exams and asked what I could tell the professors about it. It was a seagull bone.

Seagulls have so many different symbolic meanings depending on culture. I know there are a few different takes in literature. There are also a lot of different meanings for them in Native American lore. Some positive, some negative. It depends on the tribe. A lot of it has to do with their ability to navigate in a storm and overcome obstacles if I remember correctly. There might have been something about the connection between physical and spiritual realms which would be interesting given the premise of this show. Like a bridge or messenger between the two. I don't know what they typically means in S. Korea though. I'll dive into that later.

Yeowoon says he should've brought shrimp chips. They're not my favorite, but my sous chef loves shrimp chips.

Oh. We're feeding them to the seagulls? I mean, they'll eat it. It's a fun experience for the human. It probably doesn't give them the nutrients they need.

Myungha asks if Yeowoon likes the sea. Yeowoon says he likes the mountains more. I love them both, but I live closer to the mountains. I've asked my kids this question before. One chose sea. One chose mountains. One chose "Wherever Uncle Zach is". Yeah, I'm not the only one who thinks my brother is awesome.

They're planning to climb mountains. Yeowoon wants to climb "Kongryung". Based on Myungha's reaction, that must be a hard climb. Based on Yeowoon's reaction, I'm guessing it's a long one. "I'm happy to be with you." Myungha doesn't seem sure how to process that.

Yeowoon asks if Myungha has been here before.

This feels like a lie. It's going to be interesting if lying becomes a thing for Myungha. Well-intentioned lies. But lies nonetheless. It might not be a lie though. That's just my gut talking.

They're planning on going to a clam kal-guksu place. I enjoy noodle soups, but I've never had clams in any capacity. They're not very common here. I have dissected one and done an experiment on heart rate for a class though. Not important.

Apparently, Yeowoon doesn't like seafood. And Myungha slips up. He's using information from the manuscript. Yeowoon is rightfully perplexed and then amused that Myungha knows this about him.

"Sometimes it feels like you're someone that knows me."

Yeah, that's probably going to hurt when he realizes Myungha has known about him all along.

All of Yeowoon's little smiles are killing me this episode.

Yeowoon says he now understands why Myungha likes the sea. Did Myungha say he liked the sea? I don't remember that. 🤔 It could be in an earlier episode, or I could have overlooked it. If he likes the sea though - is that why we have a water sound? Yes, I'm still stuck there. My brain is still obsessing over a sound that probably isn't even what I think it is. I curse my brain sometimes.

Yeowoon says "I've come to like it too". Cut away to them sitting on the stairs in their coordinating blue/green shirts.

There is so much I could say about that closing frame, but I know that I'm out of images. Anyways, we're halfway up the stairs. We're building the relationship. We're sitting side by side. We're equal...in this moment at least. There's no railings on this part. It'd be easy to fall off the sides.

The blue/green combo I find interesting, because it's a shift. These two characters have worn a lot of black & white. What does the shift mean? Is it part of their relationship developing or the changing levels of affection?

Is this show even color coded? I'll have to think about that. Because Sangwon also wears a white undershirt. He's definitely not a "heavenly human" type. Wait...is Myungha the ONLY one wearing a different color undershirt as part of their uniform? Is he the only one in black? I guess that makes senses. He's from a "different" world after all. But why black? Actually, Yeowoon's running outfit was in black too when he had the -100 value. So Myungha isn't the only one in black. Nevermind. I was overthinking again.

This was a fun episode. I'm loving that Yeowoon is so open and direct with his feelings. Myungha isn't there yet, but he's beginning to react. Now I just need to convince my brain that it's 4 am and it needs to just let the water sound go. IS IT WATER?!?

Don't tell me. Because if it is water, that means it's important. And if it's not water, I'll eventually realize it wasn't important.

For now, I'll just distract my brain with a more pressing question - what happened to Sangwon?

#love for love's sake #korean bl #love supremacy zone #love for love's sake comments #lfls

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kanerallels · 2 years ago

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Top 6 Reasons You Should Read the Tyme trilogy by Megan Morrison

Reread a fantasy series I love and appreciate, so now it's time for you guys to love and appreciate it too

It's a fairy tale retelling series. Which is always an endorsement in my mind, but here are some more reasons that's great in this series. The takes on the fairy tales are so cool and refreshing, and well executed-- Cinderella fighting for the working class, the Frog Prince going through a redemption arc where he becomes a better person, and the absolutely shaped storyline that Rapunzel has. And most of them (particularly books one and three) combine multiple fairy tales in such a smooth, natural way.

The world building is INCREDIBLE. The tiny details and the way the different countries are introduced are so cool!! And they really go into smaller details, like the main exports that keep the country going, or the traditions of each country when it comes to dealing with loss. The magic systems are SO COOL, too!!

The characters are all really well done-- they're beautifully developed, both as characters and their relationships with each other. Syrah (main character of book three) has one of the best redemption styles arcs I've ever seen where he goes from unlikeable jerk to a caring, kind individual. Even the villains have well thought out motivations and in depth backstories

The romances in each of the three books are PERFECT because you have a slow burn, a couple that get together in the same book but help each other grow in powerful ways, and a book where the main character doesn't get the girl. The trope breaking! The following of the tropes but in just the perfect way! The level to which I am obsessed with Jack and Rapunzel! It's INSANE

All of the books and their stories are deeply intwined. There are cameos and small details in each book that lead you back to the other three, details that pop out and blow your mind at a reread or even the first time around!

It's really funny and charming and delightful writing. And There are these fascinating implications of other stuff going on in the world you're reading about-- stuff that we'll probably never find out about, since the last book was released in 2019 and there's no sign of another, which is really sad

Anyways, this is a super good series, you won't regret it if you read it! Oh my stars and I didn't even mention SERGE MY BELOVED FAVORITE CHARACTER FOR SURE THE FAIRY GODFATHER LEGEND HIMSELF listen just. read this series. Good talk

#megan morrison #tyme series #transformed: the perils of the frog prince #grounded: the adventures of rapunzel #disenchanted: the trials of cinderella #fairy tale retelling #book recs

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sitp-recs · 3 years ago

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Our fandom icon @bluebutter-art is celebrating her birthday today and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to once again scream about this fantastic human and unbelievably talented artist. I’m sure I don’t need to tell anyone how gifted Blue is, and how she has created 90% of my all-time favourite Drarry artworks at this point - her depictions speak so deeply to my soul that they’ve easily become my personal headcanon for these characters, not only in terms of appearance, mannerisms, posture and gadgets, but also storytelling-wise. To me Blue is just like a fic writer in the sense she’s able to come up with these rich, vibrant, aesthetically gorgeous and tender love stories, and that’s without including a single line of dialogue if she so desires. Her work has such emotional depth and resonance it feels like I’m reading a 30k fic with exciting plots, charming characters, witty flirting and the gentlest, sexiest get together. It’s just so impressive - and quite unbelievable to think we’re this lucky to have someone like her in our fandom. I don’t know how Blue gets to tug at my poor heartstrings every.single.time with poignant character arcs, witty expressions and compelling physique 🥵

Beyond her undeniable skill, Blue is also joyful, enthusiastic and supportive presence in the fandom. She shares unconditional love for fic, creators and friends, and it’s always the best company to exchange fic recs and indulgent praise for Harry’s thighs or Draco’s hair these idiots in love. Blue darling, I’m so happy we got to become friends, I couldn’t be more excited about your return to the fandom. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible universes and work with us, I know I’m not alone when I tell you what a big role model and fandom legend you are. We are so lucky to have you around! I hope you have an incredibly day full of special moments, and I hope this little reclist will make you smile today 💜💙

6 Faves from 2021:

Dragontamers Drarry

I can’t even with soft tattooed boyfriends living in the wild and wow, that sunset is beyond perfection!!!! I wanna know all about Harry and Draco, and the life they built together out there, but at the same time I feel like Blue already told me their story with zero words, the talent! Love the vibes, the gorgeous lighting, the sense of comfort I get seeing them in their own little universe and doing what they love.

Far from the Tree | fic by aideomai

SPOILER ALERT: This art is as epic and breathtaking as the fic itself, Blue captured perfectly the satisfying sense of thrill that big reveal moment provides. BAMF swordsman Draco walking the walk of purpose is everything we deserve and I can almost taste Harry’s nosebleed watching that brilliant, god-like man confidently arriving to save the day. Absolutely brilliant!

Game On | fic by @pennygalleon

Perfect art for a perfect fic! I could cry at the delicious pub vibes, the look of challenge on their faces combined with the subtle interest in their body language, and the touching feet!!! Every time I look at this I feel so happy my chest expands. This masterpiece radiates SEXUAL TENSION in such a charming and witty way, once again Blue nails the fic vibes, and btw can’t rec this fic enough. Rivals to lovers ftw!

Ice Cream at Midnight

My favourite display of domesticity ever, this has been my personal Drarry headcanon since Blue posted it. Absolutely obsessed with the contrast in their tastes, the unimpressed expressions, Draco’s sexy glasses and delicate bony feet, Harry’s iconic killing thighs (maybe even literally?? who knows, not me but I’d love to 🤭). Nothing was ever the same after this magnificent Harry came to life, jfc I’m so hot for him

Slytherin Draco

Excuse me, why so handsome sir?? This breathtaking Slytherin Draco makes me swoon, he looks so regal and confident and THAT BESPOKE OUTFIT is so lush!!! I can’t believe the level of detail too, that look is so well crafted and thought out! The jewelry, the gloves, the rings!!! 🤯 my god, this Draco could step on my face and I’d thank him lol yes sir pls do come in and ruin my life. Anyone else getting Astolat vibes out of this art?

Sunkissed (Ron/Harry) | fic by @static-abyss

The softest Rarry art you’ll see today! Blue captured the tenderness and certainty of that scene so well, I love how deeply in love and content they look together, their smiles as if sharing a secret we’re not supposed to hear. Just peak romance, and for a rare pair I came to love thanks to this beautiful, gentle fic! Highly recommend if you haven’t read it yet.

5 Faves from 2022:

Auror Husbands

Everything I had to say about this art was written here. This is one of the best, most thoughtful and exciting gifts I’ve ever gotten and it made me salivate over Harry’s arms and thighs FOR DAYS. I couldn’t write a single thought for days and had to wax poetry throw 195258 different scenarios I came up with into Blue’s DMs instead, so embarrassing. I’m a hoe for one (1) man 😔

BAMF girlfriends at the Gala (Ginny/Pansy)

My god, they look so incredibly hot AND powerful together, I can’t even make a coherent comment. Just so.. obsessed with Ginny’s athletic physique and those sinful dresses and the easy intimacy they share! Where’s this action fic with badass girlfriends attending a gala undercover and saving the day??? @teacup-tai tell me you’ve seen this

Draco’s 42

The ultimate established relationship art! I’m so weak for domesticity it’s not even funny and this art explores soft intimacy in a whole new level, ugh it makes my heart ache. Draco in reading glasses, an ode to Turn in his hands, that perfect aristocratic nose and the soft content smile on his face are truly a sight to behold. I fell immediately, utterly in love with this and didn’t think twice before asking for Blue’s permission to use it as a banner for my Valentines Day recs.

Harry & James

This one hits right in the feels, father & son artworks always get me emotional af and this is such a beautiful homage to Harry and James. I love that Blue initially wanted to leave their identities in the open but went for that lovely Hedwig tattoo in the end, which hits in the solar plexus as much as the rest of it, so impossibly tender. Also…. That glorious light hitting his profile??? Superb

Surface Texture (Harry/Teddy) | fic by @the-starryknight

First of all, this fic is exquisite. I have a major soft spot for it (one of the very best Harry/Teddy shorts out there, go read it ASAP) so I felt personally attacked spoiled when I saw that Blue had created art for it. Early Christmas!!! The way she (again) captured the quiet, sexy, intimate vibes leaves me speechless over and over. Her serene and focused artist Teddy and confident model Harry in quiet display have me drooling, you can almost taste the low key tension between them and keep wondering when they’re about to snap 🔥

4 NSFW:

Almost Like Home | Full Version (fic by @thesleepiesthufflepuff)

I think this was the very first nsfw art of Blue’s I saw and I still remember being 100% obliterated by the beautiful and sensual intimacy of it. The scenario, the atmosphere, the look of utter abandonment on Harry’s face, the soft hand touching! It’s so very hot and tender, and a perfect way to illustrate this incredibly gentle fic with friends with benefits and pining!Draco, my jam. Once again the morning light just takes my breath away, it’s so ethereal!

Golden Hour

When I tell you I legit gasped out loud seeing this jaw-dropping bondage art, holy shit! Harry and Draco both look so powerful from different perspectives, the unflinching gaze and confident stance are killing me. I cannot handle the amount of BDE displayed here. Draco’s bulge smirk and tattoo are 🔥 and Harry’s sculpted like a greek god I mean, how’s that even possible? Would give anything to learn more about this universe and their lives in it!

I just know his bum

This comic is simply iconic, so funny and deliciously hot! I found that take on the glory hole trope really sweet, and Draco’s gorgeous tattoo is such a sight! Also, Ron’s and Hermione’s confused reaction at the end cackles me up, this is hilarious! Such a great way to explore identity porn, it could go many ways from there and I love that world of possibilities too.

No Better Love

Forget aftercare, Harry accioing a glass of water for Draco mid-sex is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen and the kind of smut tenderness I’m talking about 😔🙌 they both look so so gorgeous and in love I can’t look away, my heart bursts with warmth. Draco has never looked this good - sweating body and sweet fond smile riding Harry like a god, ugh that’s so very hot I’m combusting. You’re all welcome!!

3 Old(er) Gems:

Interrogation / Tumblr

Oh my, this Harry can lock me in a room anytime please and thank 🥵 I’m obsessed with his edgy, menacing look here. Talk about BDE, baby! And did you notice that hairy arm, the sexy tattoo, the shiny wedding ring?? That’s Auror Potter-Malfoy for you 🤌🏼

Sun and Moon (Atlas)

This gorgeous and poetic art isn’t as well known or loved as other Blue works and I decided to include it here as I’m sure it went off peoples radar. The ying yang aesthetics are striking, I love the detailed outfits, the vibrant colors and beautiful textures, their delicate intertwined hands! As a side note this art was based off a song that I love from this amazing album by Sleeping at Last, double kudos for that!

Wine Night

Still one of my personal favourites, I’m so soft for this brand of slice-of-life domesticity! Harry’s fond smile watching the people he loves the most together in the same room is a gorgeous portrayal of those moments of soft realization when we’re hit by the thought “god, I’m so lucky I get to be around these people”. This art captures perfectly the magic of those moments in time, and my heart is full and warm, right there with Harry’s.

2 Comics:

so rest your weary heart with me | Full Version

This is my all-time favorite Drarry comic alongside a series from Dustmouth, and hands down my favorite piece from last year’s Sudsfest. It’s still hard to talk about (or even look at) it without getting all choked up. Within just a few lovely, meaningful panels, Blue delivers the most touching, deeply emotionally packed love story. This is a triumph, a poignant journey about grief and healing, quietly devastating but still full of hope and warmth. If you haven’t checked it yet what are you even doing with your fandom life?

Sometimes it’s Now or Never

This is one of the comics I revisit the most, I adore it so so much. Auror Harry trusting Draco to patch him up after a raid is THE ULTIMATE TROPE and Blue executes it so perfectly. The storytelling is complete and effective, you can feel the trust and tenderness between these characters without needing further background on their relationship. The amount of time I spent looking at those kissing panels, mesmerized at Harry’s silent resolve and Draco’s sweet tenderness as he yields into the kiss… *sigh* peak romance!

1 Portrait:

Silver Trio

The hottest trio you’ll ever see today! I adore the perfect Super Rich Kids aesthetics and the attention to detail here - the earrings, the flawless hairstyle, the A+ cheekbones and unblinking stare, the smooth and hard lines of beautiful, aristocratic and distinctive faces! They look like the ultimate high society models and I’m 👏🏻 here 👏🏻 for 👏🏻 it 👏🏻

Bonus:

Happy Pride Art!

Couldn’t leave this one behind I mean, look at them!!!! They look so proud and happy and comfortable in their own skin it makes me wanna cry every time I see this art. The level of comfort and joy this brings me it’s unparalleled and have I mentioned those badass outfits, Ginny’s hot muscles and *le gasp* Harry’s thighs?? Enough said, RIP me. Happy Pride my friends! 🏳️‍🌈

#happy birthday Blue!!! 💜💙#art reclist

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