#Prayer circle activated

[thatgirl4815]

Gloomy ramble ahead, sorry! The only thing giving me hope right now is that in literally the first millisecond of the extended ep 8 preview, when Ray asks if they can still be friends, he really doesn't look happy. It's not being played as a 'come on now, let's all get along' moment, he doesn't look flippant or sulky or whiny - he looks desperate. I think strangely enough what's got me most down about the Ray/Mew development is that it makes Boston appear to be right about Ray's motivations in ep 6, and yet I genuinely don't think that's why Ray told Mew about the cheating, and I still believe Ray was being honest when he said he didn't expect to get anything out of it, and that in that moment he really was removing himself from the whole equation. So in that respect it feels like a massive step backwards (though I do understand the view that for Ray/Sand to ultimately pan out, this is something that needs to happen, otherwise the spectre of Mew and what ifs would always loom over them). And as much as everyone talks about Ray not sparing Sand a moment's thought as soon as Mew opens up, it's equally true that when Ray is spending time with Sand, he doesn't appear to be giving Mew a moment's thought either, until he's forcibly reminded of him (ending of eps 3 and 5). So is he just super good at compartmentalising? Does he just grab onto any affection offered to him at any given moment? I think the cutting/editing of scenes is making me feel more wary about the outcome than I otherwise would be because I'm feeling acutely conscious of how many eps are left and how much (or little) screentime Sand/Ray (and Sand on his own) have had of late, and I very much DO want them to have a happy (or at least open but pointing that way) ending, and a LOT needs to happen (Ray getting over Mew, Sand's ex, Ray realising how he feels bout Sand and making up for his behaviour, Ray accepting he has a substance abuse problem and wanting (and hopefully getting) help for it) before that can be a possibility, and with the screentime ratio the way it has been, at this rate I don't see how they could fit it all in in a satisfactory manner. But I still want to believe! I'm still holding out for a finale timeskip wherein Sand picks Ray up from rehab and whisks him off to Chiang Mai so the series can end with them sipping non-alcoholic beverages beneath the stars!

I am clinging desperately to the hope that Sand and Ray will be together happily in the end. I do remember one interview/livestream (?) where Khaotung mentioned that everyone will come to terms with their true feelings. So that alone is giving me hope, and I'm going to choose to believe that's in relation to Ray's feelings for Sand.

About Boston seemingly being proven right...I agree with you that I don't think Ray was telling Mew the truth because he thought it would increase his chances of being with Mew (I'm sure that occurred to him, but I don't think it was his primary motivator). Tbh, I think Ray would have survived in the friendzone with Mew, and I think he'd even started to resign himself to it, until Mew opened up that possibility. That's the most important thing in my mind: Mew is the one who brought up the state of their relationship, not Ray. Ray wasn't going to push it until Mew gave him the opportunity to ask if they could be something more.

Another thing giving me hope is as you mentioned; we've seen this dynamic play out pretty often. It's certainly not ideal, but if Ray wasn't in a relationship with Mew at any point, I truly don't think he would ever be able to move on from him. He might come close, but there would always be a part of him harboring that unrequited crush, wondering what could've been. It's interesting to me also that Ray's crush seems to go back to Mew 'saving his life,' when in fact Sand has also saved his life on multiple occasions (different situations, but the effect is similar). I do understand that the situation with Mew 2 years ago lingers with Ray so much because in it, Ray seemed to be making the conscious deciding to end his own life.

And yeah, Ray doesn't look pleased in the Ep8 preview. Not at all. Which begs the question: If Ray really was so head-over-heels for Mew, why would he care who Sand is involved with? I think his possessiveness is about more than just egotism.

I do think Ray is so desperate for affection that it made it easy for him to develop feelings for Sand. But I also don't think that is the only reason why he appears to be all-in on Sand whenever they're alone together. It's a catalyst for those feelings to develop, but I don't think it tells the full story (or at least, I'd like to hope it doesn't).

Finally, this ep seemed most focused on Mew's revenge plot, which might mean that the next ep will be devoted to the other characters. Again, I'm just clinging onto what Khao said about the characters working through their feelings. (But if they do not go to Chiang Mai together in the end, that will be a giant missed opportunity imo haha.)

[reasonablysurmised]

Me, naive, foolish, reading the Dracula Daily updates: Maybe this time Lucy really is better!

Me, upon reading the next day's update: Once again I have been Bramboozled.

[antrea]

[24.03.09] vs. tampa bay lighting

when you just wanna hide

[chirpsythismorning]

I stopped taking redditors seriously when they completely disregarded the parallels between Mike’s monologue in s2 vs. Mike’s monologue in s4. Like… they’re practically the same, but the dissimilarities between them make the overall message extremely obvious: Mike/Will = true love vs. Mike/El = trauma bond.

Then when confronted with evidence, they denied that the scene at Suzie’s house was foreshadowing the blocking of Mike’s monologue in Piggyback (A METAPHOR WITHIN A METAPHOR WTF), but that it was actually only foreshadowing Eddie’s death, and that for me was the last nail in the coffin.

Not saying Eddie’s death couldn’t have been foreshadowed at all (in fact I think the duffers having Eddie’s death loosely similar to that scene, simply by having him choking, was intentional, working as a subversion so people in the fandom insistent on disproving byler could latch onto it and stay ignorant. I mean that’s literally what the monologue itself is intended to do…).

The boombox above Suzie’s ‘choking’ sister?? Suzie’s father coming in terrified to try to help her?? Suzie’s brother coming up to film behind the dads shoulder, like WOW that looked genuine!? Suzie’s brother ‘directing’ the film = Will ‘directing’ Mike’s monologue!? Like?!?!?

After being presented with evidence, how could anyone possibly think that scene parallels Eddie’s death better than Mike’s monologue?!

Fans that don’t want to see byler are having to ignore very basic analysis of what the fuck is actually going beyond just what’s on the surface. And the Duffers are the opposite of the type of creators that intend their story to be taken at surface level. And yet these fans have the nerve to say bylers are delusional?? When they literally have to incorrectly analyze shit because they know the implications of it go against everything they’ve been insisting??

[pennielane]

I might be getting a new job offer on monday!!!!!

[bitchcake]

everybody manifest that i pass my test tomorrow

[theteapotofdoom]

MATTHEW MERCER AS DM ON DIMENSION 20 SHOW LET’S GO I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!

Can’t wait to see who the players are!!!

[bklynmusicnerd]

If there is any time I want the writers to decide to have a storyline to have no fallout, it’s now with Ava and Trina relationship.

I feel you on this so much lol. From a writing perspective, I know the fact that the concept stresses us out so much is exactly why they're interested in going there with that story. From a fan perspective, Trina and Ava is one of the best bonds this regime has written and I need them to be okay in the end.

I will actually take Spencer and Trina arguing over it before a serious Trina and Ava schism. Because Trina did warn Spencer to not get involved in Nik and Ava's mess. Yeah, they need to give us some of that "cheating is okay 😃" writing, so we can surive this. Or maybe Ava can cry amnesia or something.

[mazojo]

[yourthirdparent]

wow, a jason lover blog, rare to find these days, how does it feel to say perfect stuff all the time? love my boy jason <3

it's actually like the best feeling. constantly spewing every thought i have about him has made me much happier than it should. i'm literally stanning jason for clear skin

[thatgirl4815]

Manifesting Ray going with Sand to get his tattoo 🕯️🙏🕯️🙏🕯️

[istanbulite]

weathers windy n grey ~ time for me to go out ✧*｡

[yakamozarda]

I wonder what type of cat mavis will grow into. He is very cuteee

[hotgirlcoded]

AVS ANON LEAFS IN SEVEN 💪🏻🍁

THANK YOU AVS ANON ILY 🫡❤️🙏🏽🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

[startears0153]

♡ Randomly saying ‘I love you’

How they react to you randomly saying those three special words 

ft. Dan Heng, Gepard, Jing Yuan, and Blade

The two of you were spending some time together in a comfortable silence, enjoying each other’s presence while going about your own individual activities.

Looking up from your work, you observe your lover from the distance, watching as they completely engross themselves in task; so much so that they do not even realize your gaze on them.

Suddenly, an idea runs through your head.

“Hey.” You call in an attempt to grab his attention.

“Hm? What is it?” He replies, still not looking at you.  

You pause for a moment, before finally saying; “I love you.”  

Dan Heng 

Upon hearing those three special words spoken from your mouth, Dan Heng freezes almost immediately; the book he was holding in his hands threatening to fall to the cold ground of the archives.

He blinks, once twice, before slowly turning his head, only to find you smiling sweetly at him, looking all innocent as you unabashedly meet his eye. Dan Heng opens his mouth, and then closes it, before finally mustering a quiet, 

“… What?”

“I said,” You repeat, still smiling sweetly at your confused lover. “I love you, Dan Heng.”

Upon hearing those three special words for the second time from your mouth, Dan Heng felt his heart skip a beat as blood rushes to his cheeks.

Clearing his throat, the guard of the Astral Express covers his mouth with his hand in a feeble attempt at hiding his flustered expression. Amused by his reaction, you let out a quiet giggle; something which seemed to agitate your lover even more.

Dan Heng shuts his book close, gets up from his seat and walks towards you. Before you know it, Dan Heng is cupping your cheek, his pair of blue gazing intently into your eyes.

He leans forwards and rests his forehead against yours; his hot breaths against your lips.

“… I love you too, [Name].”

Before you could respond to his words, Dan Heng had already claimed your lips with his; no doubt his attempt at preventing you from seeing the redness of his cheeks.

Though, you couldn’t bring yourself to particularly care when you’re already drowning in his heated kiss.

Gepard 

Severely unprepared to hear those three words spoken from your lips, Gepard splutters incoherent noises and immediately whips his head towards your direction.

Despite already expecting that sort of reaction from your lover, you couldn’t help but snort amusedly at his dumbfounded expression. Gepard, perhaps somehow concluding that you were merely messing with him, clicks his tongue as he averts his reddened face away from you.

“… It’s not nice to tease your lover like that, [Name].” Gepard murmurs, still looking away from you.

“Okay, maybe. But … I meant what I said before, you know?” You take a step closer to him, and reaches to cup his cheek. “I love you, Gepard. I really do.”

At the soft and gentle tone of your voice, at the feeling of your warm hand against his cheek, Gepard finds himself growing weak in his knees as he could no longer keep his gaze away from you.

He turns his head, and felt his heart flutter in his chest at how your smile seemingly brightens the moment your eyes met once more.

Unable to hold back, Gepard circles his arms around your waist and pull you closer to his chest. At this proximity, he knew you would be able to feel the rapid race of his heart, but Gepard did not care.

“I love you, [Name].” He whispers into your ear. “Now and always.”

He kisses your lips, slowly, gently, and tenderly. Again, and again and again.

Jing Yuan 

Though, he was most certain that he heard you correctly, Jing Yuan still turned to study your expression before deciding how to respond to those three special words that escaped your lips like a quiet prayer.

You were gazing tenderly at him, a small yet sincere smile on your lips. It was an expression that threatened to set his heart on fire, that made him feel weak in his knees and reminded him of how he would gladly surrender his everything just to see your smile.

“I love you too, [Name].” Jing Yuan replies, patting his lap while wearing a pleasant smile on his lips. “Come. Join me, my dear.”

Not having any reason to reject him, you walk towards your lover and plop yourself above his lap. Jing Yuan instinctively wraps his arms around your waist, helping you settle comfortably on your new ‘seat.’

Gently pushing away his silver locks, you lean forward and plant a kiss against his forehead.

“I love you, Jing Yuan.” You whisper. “My handsome General.”

“My, my. You sure are affectionate today, my dearest.” Jing Yuan chuckles, leaning closer to your touch. “Is there a special occasion that I’ve forgotten about?”

“No.” You reply. “I just felt like telling you that I love you.”

“I see.” He trails his hand upwards; fingers playfully messing with the locks of your hair. “Then allow me to return the favor.”

The next thing you know, Jing Yuan had already claimed your lips with his in a slow, yet greedy kiss.

Blade 

A moment passes and then another, and now you find yourself in the receiving end of Blade’s usual blank expression; his crimson-colored eyes staring at you with such intensity that would have caused anyone to cower in fear.

But not you, though. You’ve grown too accustomed to your lover’s expressions; you know him too well at this point to associate his intense gaze with anything but an attempt to discern you, to understand you.

Still, considering what led to his intense gaze — you saying those three words oh so randomly — you can’t help but feel flustered at his silence.

“I love you, Blade.” You find yourself repeating. “I just wanted you to know that.”

Blade blinks, once and then twice, and you began chuckling nervously; your face growing dangerously hot.

“Um, well. That’s that. Now, if you’ll excuse me — ah!”

You felt a hand on your wrist, and the next thing you know, you are already wrapped in Blade’s embrace.

One hand behind your head, the other around your waist. Blade’s embrace was both firm and gentle at the same time. He was gentle, as though he was afraid of hurting you.

Somehow, you understood the meaning behind his embrace even without him saying a single word.

“… Its okay. You don’t have to say it back.” You whisper, placing your hand behind his back. “I love you, Blade. Nothing will change that.”

Blade’s hold on you tightens and you swore you felt his hand began to shake. Before you could say anything else, however, you hear him whisper;

“I love you, [Name].”

A surprised gasp escapes your lips and suddenly, you felt Blade’s warm lips against your own.

He kisses you, almost frantically as he attempts to pour all the emotions that he could not express in words in this passionate and heated exchange.

He kisses you, again and again; never wanting to let you go.

A/N: Hehe, this was my first post in tumblr and my first time writing in 2nd pov in a long time. This is a bit different from the things I usually write, but I hope you all enjoyed reading! 

Feel free to like and reblog~! 

[specialagentartemis]

tell me more about classic filk i know a few songs but never got deep into it

Heck YEAH

"Filk" is music (often but not always folk music-style, often but not always song parodies to the tune of famous pre-existing songs) about sci-fi, fantasy, and other fannish topics. Filk circles are popular events at science fiction conventions, and that's really where the genre started. The word "filk" actually arose from a typo in a convention program once, and people just rolled with it ever since!

Some of the most iconic albums in the filk world are the anthology albums "Minus Ten And Counting" (songs about space exploration and the real-life space program), "Carmen Miranda's Ghost" (songs about sci-fi space shenanigans and space ghosts), and "Finity's End: Songs of the Station Trade" (songs set in the world of CJ Cherryh's Alliance-Union novels, and my personal favorite. I've never read any of CJ Cherryh's books, but these songs paint such a vivid world.) "Space Heroes and Other Fools" is another big one, it's more hit-or-miss for me but it's iconic. Other really good and foundational ones are "Divine Intervention" by Julia Ecklar, "Avalon is Risen" by Leslie Fish, and "We Are Who We Are" by Vixy & Tony.

I lean more towards sci-fi and space than fantasy, but fantasy and paganism are huuuugely popular filk topics too.

Some of the most popular names to look into include Leslie Fish (intensely prolific, barely a fraction of her work is on any streaming or music service), Julia Ecklar (famous for her "ose," the filk-world word for sad songs - because they're "ose, more-ose, and even more-ose), Juanita Coulson, Kristoph Klover, Vic Tyler (who just recently died :( rest in peace), Duane Elms, Kathy Mar, Bob Kanefsky, Alexander James (trans, with lots of filk under his previous name as well), Vixy & Tony, and Seanan McGuire. (I like Seanan McGuire's filk music better than her books, hah.) Some other great ones include Cat Faber (most acapella), Astrisoni, The PDX Broadsides, Kari Maaren, and Sassafrass (also mostly acapella. Includes Ada Palmer). Heather Dale, Tom Lehrer, and Jonathan Coulton are kind of honorary filkers too haha.

The best place to get the ones from 80s and 90s cassettes are on the Internet Archive or Youtube; a few filkers who are more currently active have their stuff on Bandcamp.

And I'll leave you with a few of my Favorite Ever filk songs:

"Sam Jones" by CJ Cherryh and Leslie Fish

"Pushin' the Speed of Light" by Julia Ecklar and Anne Prather

"Chickasaw Mountain" by Leslie Fish

"Fire in the Sky" by Jordan Kare

"The Phoenix" by Julia Ecklar

"Freedom of the Snow" by Leslie Fish

"Burn it Down" by Vixy & Tony

"Hope Eyrie" by Leslie Fish, or this Minus Ten And Counting version

"Rocket Rider's Prayer" by Kristoph Klover, Ernie Mansfield, and Cecilia Eng

"Dawson's Christian" by Duane Elms, performed by Vic Tyler or Vixy & Tony

"Somebody Will" by Sassafrass

"Chances & Choices & Fortunes & Fates" by Astrisoni

... my tastes lean sentimental and ose but I swear there's a lot of very funny filk out there too

"Never Set the Cat on Fire" by Frank Hayes (a famous one)

"Banned From Argo" by Leslie Fish (an INFAMOUS one)

"Don't Push That Button" by Duane Elms and Larry Warner

"No More SF Cons" by Juanita Coulson

"One More Ose Song" by B. J. Willinger

everything Bob Kanefsky writes