#( VERSE; twin twilight ).

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - I Gave a 10/10 to a BL... me!

Organized, in each category, by ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

Nov 2023 Wk 3

Ongoing Series - Thai

My Dear Gangster Oppa (Thurs iQIYI) ep 4 of 8 - I love this show. I adore Tew's the simple backstory. No frills. No fuss. He got dragged in the way many do and he can kill so they kept him. They aren’t trying to make it needlessly complicated (which is rare for Thailand). That said, the pacing is way tf off, the emotional arc is rushed and then sappy out of absolutely nowhere. Before you ask, the kiss is not at issue, we halfway through they should be kissing, but the romantic life changes - too soon. But I don’t care. Finally, they left us this ep reminded of 2 v important things,

this pair kisses beautifully

in BL all mafia be gay

Fun fun!

Last Twilight (Fri YT) ep 2 of 12 - It's official, I love this. It’s a classic caregiver/bodyguard trope where one of them is opening the other one up to the world, but sweetly. I’m enjoying the softness of JimmySea's take and I hope GMM TV takes its cues from the success of My School President and doesn’t push this particular show into rough or edgy territory. Stay on target GMMTV. Don't mess with my bias again!

Twins the series (Fri GaGa) ep 3 of 10 - Finally, our adorable side couple has emerged! This show remains engaging without losing pace (despite the main couple being slow burn), which is all I want from a Thai pulp, and more I could ask for currently from a sports BL. 

(Note: when I dictate the computer always puts "Thai pope" instead of Thai pulp - this is hilarious to me.)

Pit Babe (Fri iQIYI) ep 1 of 14 - I guess they didn’t strip the omegaverse out of this. Unfortunately, I’m not an omegaverse fan, so I find its presence extremely off putting. (But it’s kind of amazing that somebody finally put one on our screen.) Unsurprisingly, it’s a lot of alpha posturing and hyper masculinity, because that’s what this kind of worldbuilding is an excuse for (lazy writing and lazier characterization). This means I don’t like Babe AT ALL except that he’s smell orientated and a bit verse. Way is lovely tho, because Nut is a great soft screen presence amongst the testosterone haze. 

Middleman’s Love (Fri YT & iQIYI ep 2 of 8 - I’m not gonna lie (when have I ever bothered to lie to you all?) I’m struggling with this show. The sound effects are getting worse. That is not allowed. Still I found this installment slightly more bearable than the last last, probably because there was more of the cast in play and less of Jade being too cringe to live. 

Absolute Zero (Weds iQIYI) ep 8 of 12 - AKA temporal paradox of pain.

My Universe (Sun iQIYI) Friends Forever ep 13 of 24 - Ooo it’s a bit of a teacher/student (coach/player) thing. Linguistic negotiation and kinkification of phi. Also actually kinky. But not consensually. Gonna get dark. Bummer. 

Playboyy (Thurs Gaga) 1 of 14(!) eps - Whines. Must I? Gaga doesn’t have a skip ahead button. Sad sack main characters really do not work for me. But this was better than I expected. I wasn’t expecting much. 

Look: This is helmed by Cheewin (shudder) with screenplay by Den (Only Friends - shudder the second) under Copy A Bangkok (they deserve not my shuddders). It's gonna be a shizz show people. It's Thai dark War of Y style - my least favorites. Apparently, there is meant to be a "plot" but when has Cheewin ever bothered with plot?

On a completely different note does the blond look like that Korean actor/idol from At a Distance Spring is Green & Wanna One to anyone else? Or is it just me? (Park Ji Hoon)

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

A Breeze of Love (Korea iQIYI) eps 3-4 of 8 - I like it a lot. Dongwook is so obtuse and socially awkward and reserved and needy and Dohyun is so gay over and simultaneously wildly confused by this behavior. Fantastic. A bit stiff, even for Korea, btu I'm okay with it since everything else I'm watching right now is decidedly NOT stiff.

I finished it!

Let's Eat Together Aki and Haru AKA Aki wa Haru to Gohan wo - Japan BL movie 1.5 hr

Best friends life together during university - cheerful sunshine loves to cook, grumpy tsundere loves to eat. Aki is a bit manic pixie dream boy for me (not my favorite archetype) but they’re cute and it’s one of those Japanese slice of life pieces like Our Dining Table that isn’t really a romance in fact it’s barely a drama. This isn’t friends to lovers because they’re basically already in a relationship (which everyone around them knows) they just aren’t fucking. I did spend a lot of time worrying that they weren’t eating any green things whatsoever. In the end this isn’t my thing when there’s no kissing at all, and this was a bit too dull even for JBL. Sorry Japan, one cannot trade on cute and cheese alone. I know, you want to. But that's not a BL or a personality. 6/10 

I Cannot Reach You AKA I Can't Reach You AKA Kimi ni wa Todokanai (Japan, maybe coming to Netflix) 8 eps - This classic friends-to-lovers BL is everything Japan does best. Angsty. Emo. Aching. Driven by real thirst. Yamato is deeply in love with his childhood bestie, Kakeru, and has been for ages, unable to hide his ungainly damaging high school need. He wants Kakeru in every way possible and it oozes off of the screen. Kakeru is silly and a little simple, but not frenetic or overly camp about it. He is earnest, and genuinely wants to keep Yamato in his life which means giving a romance (and gayness) a fair chance. We watch him realize his affection and what form it can take in a truly authentic way. This show was impossibly kind to both of its lead characters and I felt honored that I got to watch something so lovely and rare play out on my screen.

I LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS. IT'S SO GOOD.

10/10

Let me be perfectly clear: I have watched 646 BLs and only handed out nine 10/10s.

I talk more about why this one made the cut, here.

It's Airing But...

One Room Angel (Japan Gaga) 6 eps - adaptation of Harada’s manga (which I did not like) about a clerk who's stabbed, nearly dies, and returns home to find an angel waiting for him. With only 5 eps and a good chance this won’t end happy, I'm gonna wait and let you tell me how it goes.

SHADOW (Thai Gaga) 14 eps - I'm not wild about Thai horror (or horror at all) even one featuring Singto and Fluke. I'm holding off on this one and if told it's good I'll binge later.

Beyond The Star (Weds iQIYI) 8 eps - House of Stars meets Boyband. I was NOT impressed. Waiting to be told if I should bother.

What Did You Eat Yesterday Season 2 AKA Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2 (Japan Gaga) 10 eps - I find this series more fun to binge, so I'm waiting until it completes its run.

Next Week Looks Like This

STARTING

11/20 Bake Me Please (Mon Gaga) ep 1 of 6 - trailer here, stars Ohm (of OhmFluke) opposite Guide (bestie from IFYLITA). This looks like an actually gay version of Antique Bakery (play it again, BL). I'm intrigued, it looks HELLA pretty.

11/22 7 Days Before Valentine (Weds ????) ep 1 of 10 - trailer here, horror-esk. Adapted from y-novel of the same name, directed by Tu (180 Degree) stars Jet (Why You… Y Me?). When you want your old love again, but fate sends you a reaper instead. All he can do for you is kill people. I'll likely give this a pass and wait to binge if safe.

11/24 VIP Only (Taiwan Fri Gaga) ep 1 of 10 - Screenplay by Lin Pei Yu (WBL) about a chef who courts a shy writer with spicy beef noodles.

11/25 The Sign (Sat ????) ep 1 of 10 - trailer here, horror-esk, but with a suspense and adult characters. Special investigators who loved each other in previous lives reunite in new bodies. Stars Billy Patchanon (BillySeng) & Babe Tanatat (new). Includes other SCOY favorites as a special investigation team. I may give this a try (depending on distribution) because I'm into the non-horror bits.

11/26 The Whisperer (Sun ????) 1 of 10 - trailer here. Thai horror BL that ALSO involves cheating (what joy is mine). He has dimples (My Ride) but I don't think even that gives me the will. You can tell me how this goes.

11/26 Cooking Crush (Sun YT) 1 of 12 - OffGun are back, trailer here. Adapted from the novel “Love Course! เสื้อกาวน์รุกเสื้อกุ๊กรับ” by iJune4S this is about Prem who runs a not-so-popular restaurant with 2 friends. About to go on a cooking competition with a huge reward, Prem gets involved with Ten, a stressed-out med student who wants Prem to teach him to cook.

Still Coming November BL

11/30 For Him (Thurs ????) ep 1 of 10 - high heat trailer, I suspect iQIYI will scoop this one up. From the people who brought us Unforgotten Night (please no) based on a y-novel, man nursing a heartbreak has a one-night stand, but the other boy didn't want it to end. It looks terribly trashy so I'm in! Maybe I'll do a trash watch?

Nov 2023 line up with screen caps here. Not kept updated.

Original 2023 forthcoming BL master post (see comments, some are inaccurate, NOT KEPT UPDATED).

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

To be fair this was last week but I did get the screen shot until now. (You are Mine)

I Cannot Reach You serving all Japan's favorite tropes plus some very un-Japan decent kisses.

(Last week)

[gothicbarbie]

BL's I'm Watching in December

(From favorite to least)

The Sign - God, I love this series. It has everything for me. BillyBabe have amazing chemistry and I love how their pairing is written. Hate to love is my favorite trope and they do it so well cuz it’s also laced with banter, flirtation and tension. You can see them genuinely falling for each other. And on top of that, we have a really interesting storyline with lots of questions and mystery. The production value of the series is super impressive too.

City Boy Log - Technically this isn’t a BL, but to me it counts. It’s scripted and centers around two BL pairings. I binged the whole thing in a day and loved it. The chemistry between the main duo is just so good and I love how bold the actors are. I also really like the simplicity of how it's filmed, it feels super natural. It’s a very fun watch and I would love to see them get an official series.

Playboyy the Series - Yes, this show has hot scenes (tho I find some more awkward than they are probably intended to be) but I like the series because of the overall storyline. There are a hell of a lot of characters and it can be a bit confusing but I think I am following it lol. I like quite a few of the pairings and plots that are happening and I def. want to know where the show is going to go. There are some great sex positive messages and discussion about consent that are really nice to see too.

Pit Babe - Really enjoying this series. It started very strong and while I find some storylines to be a bit draggy, it’s really fun to get an omega verse BL. I think they could do a bit more with it, but they seem to be slowly moving in that direction. Again, this series has an overall storyline arc that is mysterious and I’m curious to know where it’s headed. I also love the chemistry between Pavel and Pooh.

Last Twilight - I’m not as in love with this series as others seem to be but I still really enjoy it. It’s nice to see a series that sort of starts more with friendship that blossoms into something deeper and I find the plot of one character being the caretaker for the other to be very sweet and also unique. The scenes where JimmySea just touch hands are so powerful so I am loving their slow progression.

Breeze of Love - Binged this whole series in a night, and it was a great. Very fun watch. Weak kissing scene but sort of expected and it didn’t take away from the series much for me because I did like the chemistry of the main pair. I think some things could have been better but I liked it.

Twins the Series - This series can be dumb at times, and some storylines are a bit blasé but overall I am having a lot of fun watching it. I really like the chemistry between the main duo.

Destiny Seeker - This one ended a bit ago but I finally got a chance to watch the series and I loved it. Mostly for the main pairing who were so fun to watch. Have I mentioned I love hate to love pairings?

The Egoist (movie) - Not a series but a movie that I also finally got around to watching. I was loving it, at first. It was fantastic. The chemistry was great and the storyline hit hard. Hated the ending though, so a bit of a warning for anyone that is curious, if you don’t like unhappy endings, don’t watch lol.

My Story - Filo BL’s can be a bit cheesy at times and this one was no exception. I do think it started a bit better than it ended and I had to fastfoward quite a bit of the show, but I did like the chemistry between the pairings and enjoyed watching it.

Cooking Crush - Was unsure of this series at first, and I am not a big fan of cooking type shows, but I think this one is got a lot better starting with ep 2. I have always liked OffGun too and I am enjoying the cutesy moments and stuff at least. So we'll give it a chance to grow.

Unforgotten Night - An older series I am finally getting around to watching. Loved the first ep, then the next few were kind of bland. I didn’t hear great things about it, so we’ll see how it fits in at my end of year ranking (prob. will make the 2024 list tho since I am watching SLOW lol...) but I do really love the premise of the series. More friends with benefits type bl’s please!

The Day I Loved You - Another filo BL that I watched this month and it was quite enjoyable and cute. I liked the first half much better than the second half, it got a bit sad/depressing for me but I still think it was very well done and reminded me of a bit of heartstopper. Would def recommend people to check it out.

For Him - This one is okay, it doesn’t really have much of a point to me right now? lmao. But I think the sex scenes are well done and it’s holding my interest enough to keep watching.

Cherry Magic Thailand - I want to like this one, but something about it is just off for me. I like TayNew but am not in love with them and I think this version is a lot less cute and quirky like the original was. It just feels a bit awkward to me and I find Tay’s inner voice to be a bit silly? I wish it was more serious and sweet and less cringey lol. I also find New’s character to be a bit pathetic considering he is a 30 year old man… I understand it was following the OG SL, but again, I feel like that series just did everythin better lol…. But, I’ll give it a chance.

You Are Mine - This one was alright, I enjoyed parts of it, other parts I found kind of slow. It's def. not going to be an all-time favorite for me, but it was worth watching.

My Dear Gangster Oppa - Love Meen. Love the main duo’s chemistry, they feel natural together. Loved the first episode… but then, I just kinda stopped caring. The whole gangster/mob stuff just didn’t interest me and I found the overall plot of the main pairing to be a bit rushed. Wish they had built that up a tad more. But it was alright.

Brothers the Series - Another past BL that I’ve only seen a few eps of so far, so it’s hard to judge, but it’s okay so far. I do like the chemistry between the main pair and am curious to know where they are going to take things. But I am going very slow with this one.

Sahara Sensei to Toki-Kun - Only seen a few eps of this one and so far I’m, not really that into it. It’s okay and has some cute moments, but I don’t really like the chemistry between the main duo all that much, and I find it quite creepy he has a crush on a teacher tbh… But, we’ll see where it goes. Not one of Japan’s best imo.

VIP Only - This series is okay but I find it kind of boring. I like the main pairing okay, but I’m also not feeling the storyline that much, it’s just a bit bland to me.

7 Days Before Valentine - Sort of interesting premise and I like the chemistry between the angel dude and the main guy (if it’s even going to go there?) but there are some dumb/weird scenes and moments and the storyline is frustrating too. We’ll see what happens.

I Will Knock You - Older series I am finally attempting to skim through but it’s very meh. The chemistry is just okay. The plot is pretty boring. The main guy is a bit of an ass and hard to like right now but I also kinda like the banter? Maybe? IDK.

Middleman’s Love - Wanted to like this series because I like the characters and the chemistry but it’s just been dragging and dragging since ep 1. I didn't expect it to take this long for something to happen between the main two and the main character can be really annoying and frustrating and a bit TOO dramatic. They use him to be funny but he just comes off obnoxious? Bit of a bust for me. The series just doesn’t have a purpose...

Bake Me Please - Don’t like this series at all really. I don’t think the main couple has any chemistry. Ohm’s character is frankly annoying! And their relationship went from 0 to 60 in like 1 scene. I would just stop watching alll together, but it’s got so few episodes that I might as well just finish it.

Tie the Knot - This one is at the bottom cuz I barely remember what it was about but I just remember I skimmed the majority of it lol.

[kingofthewebxxx]

Another verse has been added, yes I can’t stop adding them. Mention in the comments if you would be interested in interacting with this verse

Twilight Verse:

Name: James Moriarty

Species: Vampire

Diet: Human blood

Date of Birth: 3rd December 1822

Physical Appearance:

- Eye Colour: Originally dark brown, now red without the use of contacts

- Distinctive Features: Paler skin, his skin also has a crystalline quality which makes it appear to shimmer in contact with direct sunlight

Abilities:

- Special Powers: James has the ability to reflect the mental powers of others, almost like a mirror. It does not reflect physical abilities. It takes the form of a shimmering mirror that can be seen with enough focus. It is possible for it to be shattered and any power reflection stopped by sheer mental focus. He also has a minor shielding ability, being able to resist mental powers, however, compared to Bella Swan’s it is significantly weaker, and he can only shield himself and perhaps one other person.

Many thanks to both @fangsforhire for making me think about the idea and @wastheheart for the assistance

Affiliations:

- Coven/Pack: None (Nomad)

- Allies: TBA

- Enemies: TBA

Background:

James was born to a middle-class family who all seemed to do well for themselves, it would all be turned upside down when the family home was broken into and his family murdered, he was the only one left alive. Raised by the local orphanage he was eventually adopted by his grandfather who with many bribes sent him to boarding school in London once he was old enough, he saw a chance to gain from James, not a chance to love. Whilst at boarding school although he hated the experience and found it extremely difficult to mix with others he did learn all that he could, he had known from a young age that his grandfather wanted something from him and he was determined to be able to turn it all in his favour, it was only fair. Making a few connections to the wealthy whilst he was there he left with enough to be able to get into a decent job as well as potentially start a business of his own, yet he had other plans.

Having met a rather mean set of twins who had an interest in smuggling illegal goods as well as acting as a service provider to the criminal underworld he had dug his way into their lives and become their best friend whilst feeling nothing for them in return, Jim had always been good at hiding his true feelings and making people see what he wanted them too. Whilst agreeing to help run his grandfather's funeral business which was a debt-collecting business for those who sought to buy what they couldn't afford he also assisted the twins. As time passed the twins wanted to push him out of the deal, wanting more money for themselves. For even thinking they could do this he arranged a boating accident in which they were both stranded in the middle of the ocean and never found. It was soon after this that his life would change forever.

During a visit to his grandfather, he would find his body at the bottom of the stairs, his face frozen in a terrified look. He soon found himself knocked out unconscious, he wouldn’t wake for hours later, a burning bite mark on his hand. Groaning in agony he had crawled slightly around the basement he had been left in, the one responsible for his pain only coming to check on him when he had heard James trying to find the strength to move towards the door. The vampire revealed himself and told him that his grandfather had asked for eternal life in return for keeping his secret and whilst the vampire had promised him this, he had seen how he had treated James, the vampire saw much in common with him and had decided to change him instead. His first kill was brought to him by his creator, and after that, with time they would hunt together, this was how things went on for almost a year, the time when he learned all he needed about the vampire world as well as his gift.

His creator had the ability of being able to make another see his memories of his choosing, James had instead reflected his ability, making him see his own visions whilst James was unaffected, with time he would learn more. Whilst James pretended he was pleased with his new life and played the role of the grateful newborn he was far from it, it reminded him too much of his past, not being given a choice. Knowing he wouldn't have long until his newborn strength left him whilst reflecting the visions of the other he destroyed him before he even realised it, burning the other so they could not reform. Knowing what the other had told of vampire clans, became a nomad, travelling the world, living by his own rules and feeding on any human prey available. Only once has a mortal's blood sung to him, after that experience, he yearns for it to happen again. James prefers to live as far from human civilisation as possible to avoid attention, although from time to time he will be amongst them to either track down prey or to gather information.

[illicit-eclipse]

In twilight's tender embrace, our souls entwine, A symphony of whispered secrets, yours and mine. Beneath the moon's soft glow, we write our story, In verses spun from stardust, boundless and free.

Your eyes, twin galaxies, map constellations, Guiding my heart through cosmic revelations. Each touch, a comet's trail across my skin, Igniting galaxies within, a cosmic sin.

Our love—like auroras dancing in the night, Paints the sky with hues of passion's light. I trace your name in meteor showers' descent, A celestial promise, forever meant.

And when the sun awakens, golden and true, Our love blooms anew, like morning dew. For in this cosmic dance, we find our place, Two souls, celestial, bound by love's grace.

[carriagelamp]

I don't know what to say here this month. February, eh? Hate February, the Thursday of months, I'm just clinging to sanity while I wait for spring. Here are the books that helped me through what is basically a month of overcast skies and fucking winter rain.

Candy Color Paradox v6

Candy Color Paradox is a series I’ve been reading for years now and I’ve really enjoyed how the relationship in this one has progressed over that time. It started somewhat similar to how you’d expect a yaoi manga to start — lots of tension, drama, smut, and some light antagonism between the two main characters who both work at the same weekly magazine. But it’s eased into something that’s really quite genuine. This most recent volume focused entirely on moving in together and all the little complications and insecurities that arise because of that.

Circus of Fear

A 1980s D&D choose your own adventure novel so the quality is exactly what you would expect, but at the very least it was a fun little diversion. Doing a CYOA book with a friend can honestly be a blast, they just feel so silly, and the setting of a magical, vaguely sinister circus is always an enjoyable backdrop. We managed to get a good ending on the second try! So yay! I'd honestly like to read it again and try some of the other routes that also sounding intriguing.

Dungeon Meshi // Delicious in Dungeon v1

Me and my girlfriend started watching Dungeon Meshi because we’d seen so much about it on tumblr lately and wow. Just wow. It really is doing something special and we’re completely enamoured. Since we’re waiting for new episodes, I picked up the first book so we could compare it and the show — it’s really impressive how closely they align! And the art is really lovely, it stands out and not just for it's food glamour shots.

For those who haven't been seduced into watching the anime yet: Dungeon Meshi / Delicious in Dungeon is a DND-style parody in which the adventuring party needs to enter the monster-filled dungeon to save one of their companions who got eaten by a red dragon. They need to get to her and revive her before she entirely digested. However, to hasten their quest (and indulge one of their member’s strange obsessions) they begin to hunt and eat the monsters that fill the dungeon instead of trying to bring food in from the outside. This is 80% a cooking anime and 20% a comedic adventure anime. Book or show, doesn’t matter which, you should give it a try if you haven’t.

Down Among the Sticks and Bones

I really enjoyed the first book of the series, Every Heart A Doorway, and was excited when I found out there was a prequel about Jack and Jill and the world they visited. This can either be read as a prequel or it works fairly well as a stand-alone novella; the story is about twin sisters who have always been forced to fill very precise societal roles by their parents. One afternoon, they stumble across a magical door in the bottom of a chest and venture down into the sinister world of the moors where one sister is taken in by a vampire lord and the other by a mad scientist. The story looks at how the sisters grow and change when apart from each other and their controlling parents. Excellent story, the language is just so enticing.

Midnight Sun

My brother has been watching all the Twilight movies with a couple of his friends. Listening to him bitch about Jacob like it was 2007 reawakened something in me, so after laughing myself sick I had to go and relisten to Midnight Sun. Still genuinely and unironically love this book, it’s pure trash but by god it's my trash. I’m a simple soul.

Odder

I’ve been hearing great things about this book, and it’s hard to go wrong with Katherine Applegate so I was excited to finally read it. This is a book written entirely in free verse poetry about an orphaned otter and her experiences being rescued by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s inspired by a true story (several true stories, actually!) and it's very worth picking up even if you don't usually go for poetry. It's charming and reads very easily.

Old-Fashioned Cupcake

A middle-aged salaryman is feeling worn down by the humdrum nature of his life, which is filled mostly with work these days. This manga kicks off with his coworker suggests that if he wants to deal with the feelings of boredom and aging, then he needs to do something to shake up his life: so he suggests that they “act like a pair of teenage girls” and go to a fancy new pancake shop just because it seems fun, never mind that it’s not something grown men are supposed to do. This manga ended up being pretty darn cute -- it was slow and compassionate and loving -- and it managed to convince me to buy its sequel.

Professor Calculus: Science’s Forgotten Genius

A ridiculous little book I bought on impulse that was nevertheless a lot of fun to read. It’s a tribute to Cuthbert Calculus, celebrating the 80th anniversary of his first appearance in Tintin. It dives into some of the inspirations that went into the character, and also lovingly and cheekily explores some "facts" we know about Calculus as a person… and wildly extrapolates more from there. It was a cute little read for anyone who’s a fan of the series and wants something a little extra.

Return to Oz

I recently rewatched this movie and maintain that I like it more than the original film, sorry. It made me decide to grab the novelization because I’m always a sucker for a novelization <3 This one was pretty solid too, it actually included details that were left out of the film and improve the stories overall cohesion which is always the marker of a good novelization.

Return to Oz takes place several months after the original film, when Aunty Em and Uncle Henry are trying to build a new house and get the farm back in order before winter. Concerned by Dorothy’s continued belief in Oz and her increased insomnia, Aunty Em decides to take her to a doctor who offers healing through electroshock therapy. Yeah, it’s exactly as fucking creepy as it sounds… You get a scary aslyum, a sinister head nurse, being strapped to a hospital gurney, and new baddies that scared the bejeezus out of me as a kid. Anyway, before she can be electrocuted, Dorothy manages to escape back to Oz where she discovers her friends are in dire need of help. It’s like Alice: Madness Returns but from Disney. Go watch this movie.

She Drives Me Crazy

I had very mixed feelings about this book. It’s about high school basketball player, Scottie, who has suffered a bad breakup with her girlfriend who moved schools to play on the opposing basketball team. Things go from bad to worse when she gets into a car accident with her arch-nemesis, the cheerleader Irene. One things lead to another and bada bing bada boom we have a fake dating scheme so that Scottie can get back at her ex.

This book had some genuinely fun moments (I’m always a sucker for a fake dating scheme, and the characters were reasonably fun) but it’s biggest failing is one that I’ve seen more than I like in current queer lit. It just tries so. fucking. hard. to be unproblematic. Like yeah, it’s great to see healthy relationships but it was SO explicit about it. So much therapy speak, way more than feels natural for a conversation or internal monolgue, especially when they’re in high emotions. The “banter” was very scripted. It was a book that felt like it had a laugh track. And while the ending was satisfying enough, it was also… I don’t know. Anticlimactic. We just spent so long tying everything up in a perfectly neat little bow that it really just strolled to an ending that was obvious from a mile away. 

Like look, I get it, we want this to be squeaky clean and beyond reproach, but I have NEVER entered a fake dating story hoping that everyone was going to be really sensible and respectful and level-headed. Fake dating is the slapstick of the romance world, I want some Shakespearean level bullshit, please don’t try to gussy it up for me. Gonna go and rewatch 10 Things I Hate About You or something just to feel things again. Or maybe pop over to AO3, your average fic writer at least understands that when I say fake dating I mean I want something absolutely fucking unhinged and filled to the gill with mutual pining.

So yeah, if you want a sports-based high school sapphic romance: it’s not a bad book. It went down easy, I liked listening to it in the mornings when I needed something light before work. Some bits I even quite enjoyed. But it’s not going to rock your world.

Shuna’s Journey

Well, if nothing else you can really, definitely tell this was done by Hayoa Miyazaki. I’m honestly not really sure how I felt about it. The art was beautiful, and the story was pure undiluted Miyazaki through and through. The narrative was very nice. The story and message was poignant. It was a nice book. I can’t say it’s stuck very heavily in my mind, but I enjoyed reading it. It felt like a precursor to Princess Monoke / Nausicaa, perhaps?

The Witches

The story of one child and his grandmother needing to contend with witches. Not fairytale witches. Real witches. And all their horrible, child-hating ways. One thing I will always love about Dahl is that when he wants to write about something Horrible, nothing will stop him. His villains are truly villainous and the witches are a prime example of that! I loved the description of the witches and their horrible, sinister deeds, especially in the first half of the book. This sure is Child Murder: The Novel! The ending was absolutely not what I was expecting, and I appreciate that. Such a bizarre book.

[randomestfandoms-ocs]

New-Ish ocs

Eve Dearly ( OUAT ) – Henry's twin sister, was adopted before Regina could get both babies, ran away from home and wound up in Storybrooke, the only person other than Henry to age or to realize that time is passing, adopted by Angel Dearly

Gabriel Whittaker / Klaus White ( OUAT ) – Snow's twin brother, Regina tried to have him killed in the Enchanted Forest and he's believed dead but he survived, lost his memories but is sure that if he can just meet Snow, it'll all make sense

Taken in by the Dumas family (Angel Dearly in the Enchanted Forest) and still lives with them in Storybrooke

Ginevra Maroni ( Gotham / The Batman ); x Bruce Wayne – Sal Maroni's daughter, looking to topple her father's criminal empire but has a very specific plan in mind and buts heads with Bruce over how to handle it

Helena Jackson ( PJO, TV verse )

Kirsi Tremblay ( PJO, TV verse ) – unclaimed camper of 5 years, originally from Quebec, sibling dynamic with Luke, unofficial co-counsellor of the Hermes cabin

Livana Gold / Amaris Pan ( OUAT ) – Peter Pan's daughter with a witch from Oz, she wants a child for bloodline magic & Peter basically wanted this child because he thinks if he sacrifices a child's heart from his own bloodline it will extend his own immortality, her mother found out about Peter's plans and went to Rumpelstiltskin for help, they make a deal for a protective charm in exchange for the child's name, the charm is designed that if she's ever in danger it'll bring her to him so he's raising her in Storybrooke, she ages at the same pace as Henry thanks to the charm

Malia Constantine ( Titans ) – bisexual british witch bitch, youngest member of the original Titans, didn't handle the group splitting up well and went a bit off the rails, now running cons to alleviate her boredom

Maristela Carrillo ( Harry Potter ); x Blaise Zabini & Theodore Nott – Slytherin Queen, knows what she wants and is not afraid to take it, stuck in the longest game of romantic chicken in the world with Blaise and Theodore

Michelle Beaton ( Gossip Girl ); x Blair Waldorf – Catherine Beaton's daughter (with Bart Bass, he doesn't know that), goes to the Hamptons with her mom and ends up in New York, Blair enemies to lovers

Veronica Bacall ( OUAT ) – Jessica Rabbit

Zoe Giardi ( Glee ); x Mike Chang – Kendra (Del Monico) Giardi's eldest child, cheerio, not part of the Unholy Trinity but friends with them, interested in trying out for Glee but her mom would hate it (so she convinces her mom that she should join to make sure Uncle Will isn't having an affair), Quinn would hate it (so she convinces Quinn that not only should she join but so should the Unholy Trinity so they can keep an eye on Finchel), and Sue would hate it (so she convinces Sue that the four cheerios should be her spies), but honestly she just wants to vibe

The Witching Hour ( Teen Wolf ) – extensive supernatural/hunter family verse, characters are still being named but currently have 16 characters cast

Originally part of the Calaveras, one man saw a young witch girl about to die in a witch burning, killed everyone who was part of it and then adopted her More defectors joined, not all related but consider themselves a family Hunt monsters, not the supernatural (would hunt Deucalion or Peter, would also hunt Kate & Gerard), take in kids whose families were lost to the supernatural world (supernatural kids whose families were killed by hunters, also hunters whose parents were killed by supernatural creatures, also kids who aren’t either but whose parents died in the crossfire) Travel wherever they’re needed but home base is in Argentina

Unnamed OUAT ocs:

also, recent-ish plot bunnies so I don't lose them all:

Mimi Morton (Glee)

Sutton Reeves (Glee)

Tracy Sinclair (Stranger Things)

Azaria Lynn (Twilight)

Coralie "Cori" Parks (PJO)

[more to come]

[the-monkey-ruler]

Unpopular opinion but I wish six-eared macaque was not one of the four celestial monkeys because monkey king killing him was such a waste. It would have fit the theme better if six-ears was like an actual evil mirror twin or the literal manifestations of darkness in monkey’s heart. Once buddha described the six-eared macaque, he gave him personhood so his death became more jarring I think. I really like the idea behind two monkey minds, the true one eliminating the fake, thus gaining both self reflection and peace. But that becomes awkward when the one that was killed seemed to have a story of his own. Hopefully this made sense sorry it’s a ramble.

I mean I think him being a celestial primate was needed for him to be his evil mirror.

I know its a little confusing but hear me out.

We never get info about the other two monkeys either, we don't know where they came from, if they were made the same as Wukong (made of heaven and earth), or if they were created by other means that give them that special title. What makes them celestial primates? Is it how they are created? Or is it what they did in a past life? Or something they are just capable of great feats in this life?

Hard to say.

But the point is that Six Ears being Wukong's evil mirror is because of this connection. Whatever it means to be a celestial primate could mean that they are connected in a certain that no other species on earth can be created. There are a few theories out there that the reason Six Ears exist is being Wukong created him and that he is a celestial primate because Wukong is one as well and can only create like-him creations. Maybe he is made from Wukong? Maybe is isn't.

But that is explained that they are the same in that regard because they are the same species.

Does that mean that Wukong could have had a hand in creating the other monkeys? Does Wukong have a connection with them as well just as interpersonal as with fighting his own demons as with the Six Ears?

Probably not.

But the point being is that Six Ear is supposed to be "waste" on a certain level because that was such a big feat. That was supposed to be facing the worst parts of yourself and knowing that you could have been better... and maybe they could have as well.

But they didn't. They aren't.

Might being going into a twilight zone-esc verse where Six Ears is meant to be every wrong choice Wukong made, or maybe he was just created out of his mind at some point and he never knew. Either way he could have been just like Wukong with his own story and his own path and make something of his life.

But he is.

He made his choices, each one the same Wukong was given, and he choose wrong.

He is an allegory for the monkey mind, to show that Wukong has reached the next point in his life where he can start true self-reflection, but because this is still a story he can't just be an allegory. He is a still a character in a story. And more than a character he is a villain in this story as well.

It thinks it starts to get a little Author's purpose vs. In-Story purpose (I forget the real literary terms for these but I'm trying) where sometimes we are trying to give too much in-story explanations for something that was seen with more of an Author's purpose point of view.

What I'm trying to say is that while Six Ears is meant to be an allegory he still needs a reason to be on par with Wukong and thus be a celestial primate would give a 1. good connection and 2. good reason to why no other means could tell them apart besides the hearing cat and Buddha himself. In-story they are essentially both of the same built and making and Author's purpose they are the same mind.

[itashiro-writing-corner]

Now Taking more Snippet Requests- Starstruck

So I still have a few others to work on but least I can get a fun theme going for the new set. I will respond to the others before getting to these ones but feel free to send them in. Today's themes is rather simple but oh so much fun to work with. We have the Pornstar AU!

Rules for this AU brand of snippets are simple. The muses are famous porn stars so all snippets for this should utilize this fact in someway. Can be one of their projects they're filming or even meeting some fans or whatever else you can think of. Sadly not all muses will be available for this, but that shouldn't be much of a hinderence here. Go crazy my friends.

Muses involved (Bold are ones I'm most in the mood for writing this):

Neo Politan, Kushina Uzumaki, Android 21, Erza Scarlet, Mirajane Strauss, Cana Alberona, Vorona, Twilight Twins, Ranzu, Phoenix, Raven, Haruka, Shade

Special note: if there are other muses of mine you'd like to see in this setting they'd probably be related to a secondary character for the AU or as a 'fan' of the one who is the star. Other muses from other verses are also welcome as guest stars.

Allowed kinks: Since this is a fun environment for the AU, most taboo kinks are allowed. Aside from the ones involving blood and body waste (you should know what this is) most anything goes.

Gifs: Normal rules apply with gifs. If you have any that you'd like to use, send the link with the scenario description.

[rodolfoparras]

THE LIGHT OF ALEC

In the quiet of twilight's embrace,

Where stars whisper secrets to the moon,

I find solace in your name, Alec,

A melody that dances on my tongue.

Your eyes, twin galaxies of wonder,

Hold constellations I long to explore,

Each blink a comet's fleeting kiss,

Leaving stardust trails upon my soul.

Alec, you are the sun's golden promise,

Warming the frost-kissed edges of my heart,

And when shadows gather, you become

The moonbeam that guides me through the dark.

Our love, a symphony of whispered vows,

Notes written in the language of touch,

Fingers entwined like ivy on ancient walls,

Binding us together, unyielding and lush.

So let the world spin, seasons change,

For in your arms, Alec, I've found my home,

Where love blooms eternal, like springtime,

And our hearts write verses of their own.

- if you see this I hope you sleep well, my prince and have nothing but lovely dreams for I will look at the moon and know that you are somewhere out there may we cross paths in our lifetime

From - Your Future Husband 🤴🏻

Sugar this is a very beautiful poem, if you’ve written it yourself you should 100% pursue this career but I am unfortunately already married to someone 😔🫶🏻

[heartscfvalor]

Verses for Penny

Hogwarts: Ravenclaw student, carries a 9 inch cedar wand with a hippogriff feather core. She loves Divination and Arithmancy, and joins the Hogwarts Choir in her third year. In the Golden Trio timeline, she joins Dumbledore's Army and helps to keep it running during the reign of Tom Riddle; she survives the Battle of Hogwarts. In America at Ilvermorny, she's selected into Horned Serpent. She has a calico cat named Freyja.

Twilight: Was bitten with her family by a rogue vampire who was destroyed by his sire during the American Revolution. The sire took responsibility for the Hardys for a couple of decades, teaching them their ways and of the Volturi and their rules, before leaving. When Fenton met Carlisle Cullen, they all turned to animal blood for survival instead of drinking human blood. Penny's special gift is that she can see someone's lifeline and predict their future, similar to Alice Cullen's, but her gift is limited to one person at a time. Trying to see the future for a group leaves her foggy and disoriented, as the lifelines can get tangled up with each other's.

Demigod/Percy Jackson: Main verse is that she's a daughter of Poseidon, with all of the gifts that her half siblings possess; secondary verse, she is first cousins with Joe Hardy, son of Athena, and a distant relative to Frank, son of Hades. Penny is a daughter of Dionysus, and she resides in Cabin 12 with her elder twin half brothers, Pollux and Castor. She has the ability to create madness in those she touches, and she's an exceptionally fantastic actress. She can also grow strawberries, but when angry the fruit goes rotten in seconds.

[mymanyfandomramblings]

OCs favorite books!

NOTE: I have no wish to constantly clarify that I refer to the 'Gravity-Falls-verse' version of a book/series/author, so understand that every book/series/author referred to here exists to my OCs as the version that exists in Gravity Falls.

Maisie likes fantasy, but she's not a big reader, and doesn't love angst, so she likes lighter fiction in the fantasy genre, stuff like Harry Potter, Deltora Quest, and the Chronicles of Narnia, which are enjoyable, but not huge commitments, the way some of Violet's books are. Maisie enjoys romance, but gets immediately irritable if it takes over the plot. That being said, Maisie loves anything with a family feeling, and she has a great love for Anne of Green Gables for that reason.

Violet meanwhile is a BIG reader, liking high fantasy (the works of Tolkien, Sanderson and Feist are her kinda thing), but also classic literature, particular darker and more gothic stories, like Frankenstein or Jane Eyre (although, she would like it noted that she does not like Wuthering Heights). She's even less interested in romance than Maisie is, and has been known to DNF books if they get too romancey. The worthy exception to this is Pride and Prejudice.

Alexander isn't a hugely read-y kid, but he enjoys funny, fantastical books, like the works of Roald Dahl or David Walliams. He also likes the kind of books about kid detectives, since there's usually codes for him to investigate. Talking animal books also appeal to him.

Ariel, unlike the others, loves the romance genre (and Wuthering Heights, to Violet's chagrin), and loves a good romance, the more dramatic, the better. Unlike the twins, the more tropes that are in a book, the better for her, and the more dramatic, the better. She does however, draw the line at Twilight, unlike her mother who loves it, one glaring difference between the two (Mabel also doesn't like Wuthering Heights, but no-one expected her to).

There you go!

[divineprank]

1, 5, 6, 18

[Munday asks!!!]

1. at what age did you start RPing?

Lemme see... I started RPing thirteen years ago in August 2010. I would have been fifteen years old.

5. is there any other muse in this fandom you RP?

Kinda! I have a brand new Twinrova blog I created a couple of days ago that I'm sitting on because I really want to write for her, and the twins but I'm still not quite sure. Still building the character(s). If I do, I'm definitely going to have three muses: Koume, Kotake, and Twinrova. I think I'll do a Termina verse for them, too! I used to write for Twilight Princess Zelda, back in the long, bygone days. But alas, not anymore! I lost the muse and I never felt like I did her justice, anyways. I had an OoT Link muse, a Cia, and a Majora too! But those blogs literally just collected dust for a few years so I deleted them. I'm afraid that's where Twinrova is headed too. 😂

6. is there any other muse in this fandom you’d like to RP?

My sweet boy, Kafei! ♥ And Japas! I would absolutely love to do a BotW/TotK verse for that beautiful bassist.

18. did you ever play a muse for more than a year?

Yes. Several of them. And many I'm still writing for to this day. 😅 My current longest active streak is 11 years, the blog was created in 2012.

[finalrespite]

Hina’s Character Roll

Updated 21 Nov 2022

Names are presented alphabetically.

ARYA JHAVERI

(she/her) A denizen of Thavnair's jungles, where her tribe came to settle years prior to distance themselves from the Empire. She grew to assume the status of vice captain of the town guard, deftly wielding an alchemically-imbued spear - her efforts to protect the people during the Final Days earning her recognition. Arya acts as a more rational counterbalance to her fiery twin Anisha, who she cares for deeply.

EJI [of the] TORGUD (blog/carrd)

(she/her)  A passionate Xaela from a line of astromancers in her tribe; a dream of falling stars allowed her leave from her lifelong home of the Nhaama Desert. She often makes ends meet through performing, fortune telling and offering jewelry as cherished by her people. Eji is an amiable, charming individual whose ways may be considered eclectic and... somewhat flustering to outsiders, and she knows it.

HINAKO DAIGO (blog/carrd)

(she/her) A Raen priestess who had served as the young master of her shrine (kannushi), she is well versed and at home with the esoteric and otherworldly. After she and her countrymen were forced to flee their Yanxian village and the Empire, she has since traveled far and wide to carry on the spirit of her work - at odds with man and monster alike. Hinako is known to be consistently genial with a warm aura.

MISUZU KURENAI

(they/he/she) While held captive by trafficking brigands, it is said he had awoken a new power within him after coming in contact with the crystallized head of an oni. It had been owned by none other than the Daigo clan of Hingashi, who rescued, subsequently took in and raised the young Miqo’te. Kurenai has grown to be a distinguished member and an adept fighter; He tends to live life one step at a time when not directly representing the clan in Kugane.

RHOYA SONATA

(she/her) A mixed-clan Miqo’te was once but a street rat in Ul’dah who attempted to steal from a foreign scholar. The scholar offered a way out and adopted her, taking her back to Old Sharlayan. There she got an education and took the reins on her life, becoming an archaeologist and explorer with a keen eye for ruins, inspired by early wanderings in the Sil’dihn subterrane. She is also a big fan of contemporary fashion trends.

TAMAMO GOZEN (Mikuzume)

(she/her) A NPC character: The legendary fox Tamamo Gozen is part of great many a tale in Yanxian folklore, among them the story of their bond with the king Shoen. Her devotion to Doma’s people thenceforth came to a head in her act of defiance against the Empire; For better or worse, “Mikuzume” was reborn that day, bereft of many a memory. After crisis was averted following a more recent altercation with onmyoji, the woman has been trying to find new meaning in life.

VISION ONE (Kharaa [of the] Khatayin) (carrd)

(they/she/any) Near the twilight of the Allagan Empire, Vision One was the first in a culmination of a thousand years’ research and the boon of Omega: Highly advanced, highly adaptive synthetic life. The android only relatively recently entered the stage once again after their discovery in Azys Lla. As Kharaa, she has been working to come to terms with Allag’s complicated legacy and also her own personal identity.

[the-navistar-carol]

who is an OC that is near and dear to your heart? What is their story?

The obvious answer that everyone would know would be Kelly “Vacay” Savannah, because she’s the main character of “Aftershocks” and there’s a fairly good chance people would know who I’m talking about. However, the obvious answer is wrong.

Long post ahead lmfao, this is your fair warning.

I will elaborate on any of these characters if someone asks.

From an old writing project I scrapped, the dragon princess Birch and her half-demon girlfriend Twilight mean so much to me. They’re the epitome of crossing every border of perception. Erika Heiden, the woman who grew to love a power that was forced upon her, the one became a storm incarnate — Alessia Rybak, the illusionist who turned from Cold War Soviet spy to an underworld-famous one of six, protecting instead of endangering.

Sakura Arai, the writer who gained her confidence, and Daiyu Cheung, the one who was forced to learn power wasn’t everything.

From the Miraculous RP server, Valérie Levi, for who she became. She was me, in the most human and fulfilling sense of the word, and if she could rise to greatness, I could, too. Jamie Lee, my outstretched hand to every fallen friend, was my reassurance that my actions mattered. Eva Sepal, my self-loathing, became a better person, though that rocky road never let up. She had friends, at the end of it all. Friends who would help. Kacie Lee, my naïvete, was my reassurance that just because I didn’t know something — it didn’t mean I was any less off for it.

To Aidan Fierro, who did his best with what he had; to Nagihiko Fujisaki, who was loyalty in a way very few can be; to Colin Strami, whose patience could outlast the world; to Victor Guzman, whose anxiety was never taken as a joke; to Tina Zaipe, whose trauma was taken seriously.

From my own private and unpublished Star Wars writing projects, Jeena Tika, for standing her ground. Jamille Klaskoll, for pursuing what — and who — she wanted, even in the depths of it all. To Shaari Sandspear, whose occupation as a seamstress became a silent cry for rebellion against slave-masters. To Silja Sykemi, the Clawdite spy who, somehow, managed to juggle optimism, too. I have some snippets that I might post on Ao3.

From my Star Wars RP server set in the Clone Wars, I love Nima Choko wholeheartedly. Nima, whose epithet became one of the matched "Twin Suns," who refused to let a war dictate who she was -- Jedi or General. To Nol Solga, the Shadow who did not lose himself to the Dark inherent to his profession. To Indali Solimar, the Jedi Initiate who has not overcome her fear over her own abilities but gets up anyway. To Luviel Homa, the inexperienced Senator who used connections available to her friends as her own. To Karis Stoclo, she who was taken from her family but made herself a new one. Pix Mitraza, the man who believes himself as no better than his profession -- a headhunter -- and does good anyway. To Bracer, Livewire, Lock, and Burner: clone soldiers, copies by nature, but each all irrevocably different. And Jhati Jessot, the woman who never should have had to become who she is, but also the woman who will make the world her own.

For Aftershocks 'verse, I love Kelly "Vacay" Savannah for how she loves -- without question or doubt. I love Marisol "Floodgate" Carter for how I wish I could do what she does in how she refuses to stand for anything less than her own standards. For Ezekiel "Twister" Morris, when he appears, for being more than his past mistakes.

I could go on about more characters than just these.

But they are all me, when it matters.

[southsideborn]

highly selective and private canon divergent JELLYBEAN ‘JB’ JONES from RIVERDALE

canon divergence:

i write JB as Jughead’s twin rather than his younger sister, she never left Riverdale with her mom because her relationship with her mother is practically non-existent (because of her crappy behavior). JB is younger than Jughead by six minutes, attended Southside high until it closed; reluctantly transferred to Riverdale high where she dropped out close to graduation.

she currently runs the Serpents, and her relationship with her brother is practically non-existent since he released his book.

rules/guidelines

🐍 english isn’t my first language, due to this incorrect grammar and/or spelling might occur at times

🐍 this blog is private, meaning i will only interact with mutuals (with very few exceptions)

🐍 highly selective since i want to keep my dash clean to minimize anxiety

🐍 replies might sometimes take a while depending on muse and energy

🐍 mun goes by Mole and uses she/they pronouns

🐍 mun is 25, JB is in her main verse 18/19 and in post time jump verse 25

🐍 activity varies as i have ADHD, depression and anxiety as well as sleeping issues with affects my energy to be online very much

🐍 i won’t interact with people who haven’t read my rules and i know when someone haven’t

🐍 open for crossovers with other fandoms as long as I’m familiar with the fandom (stranger things, supernatural, the vampire diaries universe, twilight)

🐍 starter calls/open starters tagged with open riverdale rp/riverdale rp is open for non-mutuals to reply to as well

🐍 discord is available upon request for mutuals

🐍 mostly mobile bound at the moment

basic bio | headcanons | stranger things verse bio | older verse | northside raised au |

[anattemptatmeaning]

Attempt at Listing All My Fandoms

those marked with * are my favorites This list is for movies, TV shows, and anime. I'll have a separate post for musical artists.

Arcane

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Bad Times at the El Royale *

Batman

Beef

Better Call Saul / Breaking Bad * (preference for BCS)

Big Hero 6 *

BioShock *

Black Mirror

Blade Runner

BoJack Horseman *

Carmen Sandiego *

Community *

Cowboy Bebop

Cuphead *

Doki-Doki Literature Club

Disco Elysium

DuckTales

Everything Everywhere All at Once *

Fallout

Goosebumps

Gotham

Hunger Games

The Incredibles *

Inside Job

James Bond

Knives Out

Looney Tunes (+ The Looney Tunes Show) *

Mission Impossible

Mitchells vs. the Machines

Neon Genesis Evangelion *

Nimona

OMORI *

Pacific Rim *

Portal *

Promising Young Woman *

Russian Doll

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Shadow and Bone / Six of Crows (preference for Crows)

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Sherlock

Spider-Verse

Tom and Jerry

The Twilight Zone *

Twin Peaks

The Umbrella Academy