#dark always with the dark and the cold

[skankhunt44]

[canisalbus]

[peachykcqt]

all tangled up 🤭

[secriden]

Watching Joong's Hurt Me Please MV with the context of how episode 6 ended and how this is likely a song about Fadel's thoughts and feelings about Style after Finding Out, I wanted to take a deeper look at the lyrics.

I have transcribed the English lyrics on Youtube side by side with a fan translated version (credit: bl_zonee on Twitter) just because there's different shades of meaning between them that I find really interesting and I'm curious which one is the more accurate translation or if both are valid, but just give different nuance. (Perhaps a mutual who understands Thai would be willing to give some insight? *u*)

Verse 1 makes a lot of sense to me: Fadel must be wondering how Style could be so cruel ("unkind" / "heartless") because every instance of Style being honest and asking for honesty in return, all of Style's genuine desperation to bare his heart to Fadel in episode 5 and 6, now looks like a calculated, cruel deception.

And after being so afraid to reveal his secret to Style for fear that it would make Style walk away from him, there's a painful irony in Fadel now wishing Style had walked away before. Because the betrayal hurts so much more now that Fadel has given in to his heart.

The chorus is where the nuance between the translations gets interesting.

The Youtube version seems almost like Fadel is taunting Style, putting up a front that he can take the pain Style is dishing out and more. It's like he's hiding behind the bravado of being able to handle the hurt, and even more.

The MV also depicts Style smiling sadistically after slapping Fadel, as if he's enjoying the pain he's inflicting. Meanwhile, Fadel looks up almost in adoration, a strange softness in his eyes at odds with how cruelly he's being treated. The knowledge of Style's betrayal has turned Style into a monster in Fadel's mind, one which he cannot help but to still have soft, affectionate feelings.

But the fan translation sounds much more hurt and accusatory. Fadel is expressing his pain and anguish much more plainly and "you did this to me" is a line that demands responsibility.

In both translations, though, the last line ("can't get enough" / "enjoying the pain") gives us a hint that Fadel isn't willing to give Style up even now. Despite the pain, despite feeling as if he's simultaneously burning up and drowning, there's a part of him that still wants this. That still wants Style.

Interestingly, as Fadel sings the last line he begins to visibly struggle against the rope tying him to the chair. The soft look vanishes and in place is a determination and shadow that spells trouble for Style. The shock is wearing off and Fadel is starting to fight back.

Verse 2 is where the agony really hits, for me.

In both versions, Fadel recognises the way Style's love was (maybe still is?) precious to him ("your love feeds my soul" / "your love nourished my heart"). But because Style's love is a lie, it's transformed into a weapon ("poison"). It twists Style's love into a source of "hurt" to Fadel.

Which is why I think both versions have a line where Fadel admits that there's a part of him that wants Style to keep hurting him -- or rather, to keep loving him; because these are the same thing to Fadel now -- ("hurt me, make me feel used" / "the more I was hurt the more I enjoyed it") whilst also remaining accusatory ("the more I loved, the more sorrow/I suffered").

The lines about "nothing left to write about our love" / "our story" also feel very pointed and final. A closing of a chapter; a closing of the possibility of their former, uncomplicated happily ever after. Style has nothing left to write (report) back to his superiors (the police) because Fadel's love is already complete and his deception has reached the inevitable conclusion of Fadel being found out/destroyed.

All this happens while we see Style continuing to threaten Fadel with a golf club and an almost crazed expression of glee juxtaposed with flashes of Fadel and Style in much happier times.

Also the fact that this line comes with this scene where Fadel lets Style kiss him despite “knowing” it’s all a lie *sobs uncontrollably*:

The first chorus comes back once and the music reaches a plateau. We are clearly preparing for a drop or a modulation and we get exactly that (twice!) with the second chorus:

Here, both versions converge: Fadel is angry, he's furious. Style hurt him and he's going to repay all of it and more ("you'll hurt [by much more]" / "you must suffer more than I did"). The lyrics tell us that, while Fadel cannot take back the hurt (take back his love), he can certainly ensure he isn't alone in the suffering (this love will also hurt Style).

It is at this part where my heart sank as I realised that Fadel's "I think I love you" line in episode 6 now takes on a much more sinister tone.

Because I think that discovering Style's betrayal was also what made Fadel realise the truth of his love for Style; the very agony he was in was the sign that Fadel's heart was lost to him. But even as it is true, I also think he still made the choice to ruin Style in the same breath. Because if Style could use Fadel’s love as a weapon then Fadel is going to use it (Fadel’s love) to hurt Style too.

A decision was made in this moment, and everything Fadel does afterwards in this scene is deliberate.

There is, however, one piece of hope:

Despite Fadel's expressed fury, what the MV shows us is Fadel breaking out of his bonds, shoving Style back and punching him once and then:

For all his anger, for all his rage, for all his threats of manifold vengeance, what we see is Fadel pressing close and kissing Style; once on the lips, and once on his chest (heart), all while the lyrics makes space for one last plea:

("don't betray me")

For me, its the way the line is shown together with this direct visual parallel between the ignorant Fadel in the past (left) and the Fadel of the present who has seen through Style's deception (right) that I find particularly compelling. Even now, even at the point of Fadel discovering Style's betrayal, there is still hope for forgiveness.

Because Fadel cannot help himself. Because Style made Fadel's bleeding heart whole again; and it beats, it feels, and despite how much it hurts, what Fadel still wants more than anything else in the world -- desperately and simply -- is Style.

[orangerosebush]

Interestingly, Artemis' decision to start wearing suits (and to dress more formally sensu lato) more or less follows the (presumed) death of his father and the mental break of his mother; what we see as Artemis' present-day, default sartorial styling is almost a kind of mourning attire. And, of course, I'm compelled by the many reasons (verging from banal to saddening) as to why Artemis never really stops dressing like this.

[punkrogue]

People: rogue is too morally dark rn i dont like it

Me: you do remember she was raised as a terrorist by mystique and destiny, stalked dazzler with the intent to kill her AGAINST her parents wishes, was present for the moorlock massacre in 616, was stripped molested and enslaved on genosha in 616 and survived a GENOCIDE in this, once lead a xmen shock team that was 50% villains and killed TWO men on international television right?

[myrmica]

princezam's endless ocd nightmare

[writingdevil]

Hii! Hewwo!!! Finally got the courage and an idea to get here haha. First of all I wanted to thank you for Tongues and Teeth. Like, really, big thanks. This fic got me through a pretty bad illness, and I found myself waiting for every new chapter. And, well, of course, it was an indirect reason for me even being here... I really enjoyed reacting on your fic in tags, and that, in fact, gave me the courage and impuls to post my own stuff. As for a prompt... Slay the Princess is happening at night, but rarely someone appreciated the stars. But they still were there. And in post-Tongues and Teeth they are there, too. I just thought it would be interesting to touch some voices' feelings and opinions when they are just stargazing. It could be about any voice really, or any group of voices, maybe you'll even explore them all - I would love to see it anyway :> Have a great day!!!

(Oh my God, you're so sweet! Thank you for liking my fic that much-I never expected people to actually be invested in my story. I'm really sorry that you were going through that illness, but I'm so touched that my story helped you get through it. I always love seeing your reaction to my fics-it's one of the things I look forward too! I love your idea and I hope you enjoy this, and that you have an amazing day!)

(This is post Tongues and Teeth)

It wasn't often that Contrarian liked to be still. He much preferred to be doing something that pissed one of the others-mainly Oppy-off. He liked keeping everyone on their toes, not knowing what he was about to do next-and no, he's definitely still not bitter from Oppy calling him predictable. Why would you think that?

But tonight, Contrarian was honestly happy to just relax with his flock, and stargaze with them all.

He couldn't remember who's idea it had been, probably one of the softer ones like Hero or Smitten, but eventually they all found themselves sitting out on the roofs of their bird houses at night, gazing up at the stars.

Contrarian never noticed how pretty the night sky was. Or did he ever even get the chance to, back in the Construct? Either way,it was nice to just chill out, take it easy, and look up at the stars-

"I don't see the appeal of this."

Well, not everyone felt the same way.

Contrarian chuckled, looking down at Cold,who was lying on his back and staring up at the sky in boredom. Cold hadn't seen the point in stargazing, but had still allowed Contrarian to drag him up here, and he had been silent ever since.

Contrarian had a feeling that Cold wouldn't particularly like this one activity, even if everyone had come out. He leaned back on his hands and asked, "No? You don't think the stars are interesting and cool to look at?"

"They're lights in the sky."

"Yeah, but do you think they're pretty?" Cold hummed in thought, before looking away as he replied, "You could certainly call them mesmerizing, if you were poetic enough." Contrarian snorted, knowing for a fact that Smitten has definitely described the stars as exactly that before.

"Mesmerizing doesn't equal interesting though," Cold quickly added, and Contrarian sighed, sitting up properly to tuck his knees under his chin. "Yeah, I thought you'd say that," he said, hoping to hide his disappointment in his voice.

He wasn't sure if Cold caught it or not, but he shrugged and looked back up at the sky. "It was nice for a few minutes, but it doesn't make me feel much."

"Well not everything has to be about feeling something grand and overwhelming." He caught the flash of surprise on Cold's face, and then Contrarian's smile fell into a regretful frown.

This felt like a weird conversation to have, especially considering that himself and Cold were the known mischief makers of the flock. Contrarian just liked to do things that were fun, and his realm of fun had gotten a whole lot bigger now that they had their own bodies.

Cold was in that same boat, in which he could freely got out and find things to do that could potentially get rid of that numbness in his chest. The two of them spent most of their days discovering every fun thing that they couldn't before, not with that annoying Echo keeping them trapped.

He glanced back down at Cold, only to find him staring up at the sky with an empty look in his eyes. To anyone else, you would think that that was just Cold's natural expression, but Contrarian's been around him long enough to pick up the slight bitterness in his eyes, and he immediately felt bad.

He knew Cold had trouble with going about life without wanting something to make him feel something. He knew that in some ways-getting their own bodies had been harder to achieve that, because now Cold was responsible for everything that his body did.

What he chose to do, to hear,to experience, was all up to him, and sometimes his body and mind couldn't handle it. But the only reason it was difficult, was because the Decider wasn't here anymore. It was easier to want to feel something new, and block out anything that he deemed unimportant, when the situation involved whether to slay another person or not, and the horrifying consequences of it-all while hiding behind another greater being.

Contrarian sighed, then looked around at the other houses near them, and said, "I know this isn't your usual brand of fun and excitement." Cold just hummed in response, still not looking at him. "But I think taking a moment to chill and relax is nice too."

"Easy for you to say," Cold said, "you can be entertained by anything, and boredom can be easily fixed. You're not as...rigid as I am." Contrarian shrugged, looking back up at the stars. "You never know until you try."

Cold huffed in quiet amusement, and Contrarian watched as his wings twitched and spread out and in-a surefire way to tell that Cold was getting restless, and was about to leave.

But Contrarian didn't want him to go. He wanted to be able to enjoy the loud and the quiet moments with Cold, without Cold feeling like it was pointless.

So he squinted up at the starry sky, until he grinned playfully, scooting closer and leaning down to whisper into Cold's ear. He pointed up at the sky and quietly said, "You know, if you squint, you can kinda see Skeptic's grumpy face in the sky."

Cold was confused for a few seconds, before he chuckled lightly, and Contrarian grinned in victory. Cold now had a soft smile on his face as he gazed up at the sky. "You'll turn anything into a joke, won't you?"

Contrarian giggled, leaning away from the other bird now. "Yeah, why not? Nothing's fun if everything's so serious all the time."

"But eventually even clowns get tired at telling jokes all the time."

Contrarian froze at Cold's empty words, before quickly turning to face him, and his heart twisted in guilt-something that didn't happen a lot, at the subtle sad look on Cold's face.

He thought Contrarian was getting bored of his own ways? He thought that stargazing meant that he was getting dull?

Contrarian would be offended if he didn't think this wasn't deeply hurting Cold, no matter how much the icy one would try to deny it. He thought that he was losing the one flockmate that could understand the way he thought and operated, leaving him an outcast in his own flock.

That wouldn't do.

Contrarian sighed loudly, then casually threw an arm over Cold's shoulders, which meant that his body was half bent down to even manage that, and even then, his arm was actually just circling the top of Cold's head.

He stayed in that position for a few minutes, until Cold eventually asked, "What are you doing?"

"I'm just-taking the moment in."

There was a small pause, before Cold then asked, "What do you mean?"

"Well," Contrarian began, "it's such a nice night out, and it's rare that we're all doing something that isn't eating or having a meeting. I just wanted to take this moment in."

"Why would you bother with 'taking it in'? You could have moments like these all the time, and they'll just replace the last memory."

"Yeah," Contrarian agreed, "but nothing's gonna beat the first time you went stargazing with your whole flock." There was a fondness in Contrarian's voice that had Cold looking up at him curiously, but Contrarian took that moment to look up and around at the rest of his flock.

"There's just something-special, about moments like these, and it makes you want to stay there for as long as possible."

Contrarian's gaze went straight to Hero, who was giggling as he watched Hunted preen Stubborn's wings, and the preening appeared to be making Stubborn sleepy, to the point that he was struggling to keep his eyes open while laying on his chest. Hero smiled at them fondly, and started to pet the feathers on Stubborn's head.

Contrarian smiled at the sight, then his gaze drifted to the far left of them, where Smitten and Skeptic seemed to be utterly transfixed by the display of stars in the sky. Contrarian watched as Smitten excitedly pointed up at the sky, blurting out what was sure to be some sappy, poetic mess ,looking over at Skeptic with pure glee in his eyes.

Skeptic actually looked quite calm and relaxed in this moment, matching Smitten's passion with a more calmer enthusiasm, gesturing up at the night sky and talking just as much as his counterpart was.

It was funny to imagine the conversation they must be having-a mix of lovey-dovey mush and innocent curiosity-but it also sounded very sweet.

"What's the point of dragging out something special?" Cold asked, "It's just going to make the moment boring more quickly." Contrarian made a noise of uncertainty. "I don't think so. There's always something interesting to pick out."

He glanced over at their right, where Paranoid and Oppy were huddled close, talking quietly to themselves-probably the most unexpected and fascinating friendship to come out of this whole thing.

Paranoid-or Jitters, as Oppy loved to call him-was hugging himself for comfort, and had an anxious look in his eye as he spoke to Oppy, who was giving him his full attention, completely ignoring the illuminating sky above them.

Then Oppy smiled, in a way that Contrarian knew was hard for the other to easily do without fear, and softly draped his wing around Paranoid's shoulders, who's tense body instantly melted at the gesture, face wiped clean of stress, as he instead smiled and gave Oppy a grateful look.

Contrarian's attention was quickly snatched by the duo not too far away from them-Broken and Cheated. Broken had tucked his knees under his chin and looked to be in complete awe at the stars above him, and Contrarian wondered if he had found a new love to worship and submit to.

But then he saw the way that Cheated's attention was in no way on the stars-but instead on Broken. He was resting his arm on his knee, his cheek in his hand, and he had the most fond and lovestruck look that Contrarian has ever seen-that he truly believed that Cheated could give Smitten a run for his money.

He giggled and finally looked back down at Cold, who didn't seem so upset anymore, but instead was struggling to understand Contrarian's words. "I don't get it," he finally admitted, and Contrarian made a quick, sweeping gesture at their flock and said, "I'm just saying that-maybe this moment isn't for right now."

"What?"

Contrarian sat up properly again, and Cold was quick to copy him, determined to understand. Contrarian looked back up at the twinkling stars and said, "Maybe this moment is purely to look back on, to remember the soft times that made you happy. Maybe-maybe these are moments to make you feel warm in the future, whatever that may be."

Contrarian quickly glanced at Cold, suddenly feeling embarrassed at having talked so much without it sounding like a joke. "I-I just like the thought of that as well. At being able to sit still ,and still have good memories to look back on, with the rest of you weirdos."

He refused to look back at Cold, just waiting for the other to poke fun at or dismiss what he said. He couldn't decide what would be worse.

But then Cold hummed softly, scooting closer to nudge him with his wing. "I suppose," he quietly said, and Contrarian risked a quick look, "that you can sort of see Skeptic's grumpy face."

Contrarian froze, before he burst out laughing, and he even heard Cold's light laughter join in.

It ended being a perfect memory for Contrarian to cherish forever.

[diskusaurus]

My biggest issue in Epic the Musical is Odysseus, actually. In this essay, I will....

[varpusvaras]

Fox in plushie socks?

Anything that keeps him warm. That man looks like he has terrible circulation. Give him the socks. He needs them AND he looks adorable. A win-win for all of us but mostly him.

[lockandkeyblade]

Tell us more about Light being cold & Darkness being hot?

Okay so it's just, idk why I'm so enamoured by this concept, but at the end of the day it comes down to-

Both Light and Darkness must have the capability to burn. They burn, with opposing forces.

And Light is really rigid. Light is people like Eraqus who shove their understanding of the universe into a box and then shove their students at that box and say "this is the universe". Light is very unyielding, it doesn't bend. Inflexible.

So ice, cold, it really fits, doesn't it? Because it's hard. In extreme circumstances it makes something almost concrete. But at the same time, it can also be so, insanely fragile. Breakable. It can burn, and it can melt.

And with Darkness, Darkness is chaotic. It doesn't really pick and choose, it tears through everything. It is, at its worst, a wildfire. Burning through everything and anything without the slightest remorse. What it leaves behind is simply remnants. The End of the World. Bones. Fragments. An ashen graveyard.

Light being cold and Darkness being hot really plays off what I believe these elements are representative of, as well... at their worst. Because I like to think of Light as Stability when it's at its best, while Darkness is change. They give the foundation of life, really. Growth.

At their worst, however? Stagnation and Chaos. Frozen in time. Burned away without reason.

So anyway that's why Light is cold and Darkness is hot to me c:

[coridallasmultipass]

HAPPY 413! Here's more of the [non-Sburb AU] Filipino/multiracial Striders I write and draw. Bitter melon was on sale in the store, so I bought a ton, and I was like, 'How can I make this Homestuck content?' Lol. I like the taste, but I thought it would be funny to have Bro bully Dave into eating it as a punishment for being a sneaky vegetable-hating teen. (Good thing Lil Cal is always there to keep an eye on him when Bro is out.)

Idk, mostly wanted to draw the food, bc bitter melon looks so fun when it's sliced like that.

Bro and Dave are both trans men.

Image text below cut:

[Dave walks in on Bro cooking. Lil Cal is seated at the table already.] Dave: the fuck- what are you cooking Bro: Ginisang ampalaya. Heard you're not eatin' your veggies. Dave: cal... fuckin snitch Bro: HEY. Dave: seriously what is that alien dick Dave: ugh its all bumpy too Bro: Bitter melon. It tastes like cucumber skin, but has a better texture. Dave: fuckin gross Bro: What, are you a fuckin' pussy? Too white to try pagkaing Pilipino? ["Filipino food"] Dave: damn right if it involves warty dick-cumbers Dave: aint filipino no more Dave: gonna have to hog the white genes on this Bro: Here. Prob want some cock sauce on that. [The food has crisp bitter melon, melted tomatoes, and scrambled eggs.] Dave: ugh do i have to eat it Bro: Yes. [Everyone is seated at the table. 'Cock sauce' is Sriracha because of the rooster on the bottle.] Dave: oh its not bad Dave: ... [The bitterness sets in.] Lil Cal: HAA HAA Dave: is this even edible Bro: Sure is. [Bro eats it normally.] And if I hear you're not eating your vegetables... Well, I'll just have to cook more of the same thing dad used to make me. There's enough to last all week. Dave: ...fuck Bro: Eat up. It's healthy. Dave: please dont make me eat this Dave: ill eat any other vegetables ok? just not this Bro: That's what I wanna hear. But you're still finishing this one. For throwing out all that food. Dave: ugh END.

[aerodaltonimperial]

At my last therapy session my therapist looked me in the eyes and was like Katy I think you need to be taking more Vitamin D and I was like what shit I'm just taking one pill isn't that like the daily value and he was like yeah you need A LOT more so now I'm taking QUITE A FEW pills every day and I can't tell if a week of the DRASTICALLY INCREASED DOSAGE is helping or if stepping away from being so involved in fandom is helping or if this was all a two-week crash due to my perimenopausal hormones that's fading but the good news is that I actually felt quite a bit better today. 💚

[septemberkisses]

oh lord please give me the strength to bear these cold winter months and study for my end sems at the same time. amen.

[vampucci]

‼️Mutual Aid‼️

Just trying new things with the title formatting. My young friend Latasha has been fighting her hotel cleaning job for her first paycheck because of a processing error on their part and is still waiting for her pay to come through. She got a new job in the meantime and she’s been getting help from me and a classmate for her other bills. But her electricity just shut off again and I’m tapped out from a couple emergencies and from my own needs. It’s $88 total.

She’s still in an almost-stable position, negligent managers and landlords have been holding her back. As usual anything at all helps her make it to the finish line:

Venmo: LatashaSmith63112

Cashapp: TashaaDenisee

[ghostie-girl]

the memories we made will always have a sacred place in my heart, all i hope is that your doing well