#and i also being in my hometown is something that makes me happy. it may change and no longer feel quite like home but its still familiar

[keepingupwithzaynmalik]

Zayn Malik speaks on new music, home city Bradford and identity: 'I'm a very Northern man'

Zayn Malik has given an exclusive interview with the Big Issue, which goes on sale this week to support vendors experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

In it, he talks about his new album due to be released in May, Room Under the Stairs, and how his thoughts have turned back to the place he spent his early years before he became famous with One Direction.

Zayn’s latest single, “Who I Am”, was released last month. Asked about its message, Zayn said: “I’m reflecting on the way that I approach situations rather than necessarily a correlation to what my original identity is. It’s just growth as a human being. I’m a man, you know; that’s what I’m talking about.”

Zayn goes on to consider how his childhood, growing up in the Yorkshire city of Bradford has influenced his life.

He said: “I do remember being really young, probably seven or eight years old, and deciding that I wouldn’t spend my entire life in my hometown. I wanted to do something unique and worthwhile.”

“My original nod towards the start was that I wanted my parents to have a better house. We lived in a rented property our whole upbringing and I wanted to give them a better quality of living. So that was the original intent behind it, and then when I got to about 17 or 18, I wanted to forge my own path, write my own story and go out and see the world.”

The interview arrives as Zayn becomes an ambassador for Bradford City of Culture 2025.

Zayn said: “For Bradford to get some kudos or spotlight on them is something I’m happy about, and if I can encourage that in any way, then I’d love to be a part of it.”

Zayn also explains how over time he has realised and come to value his northern identity.

“I always initially knew how much Bradford had influenced me, even when I came to London to do The X Factor. I was instantly introduced to many different characters that I had not come across before and quickly realised that my personality and the way I am is very Northern.

“Now as a 31-year-old man, after living in America for ten years, I’ve definitely come to terms with the fact that I’m a very Northern man, which heavily influences my personality and decision-making on a daily basis.”

In a special edition of Big Issue, Zayn has assembled a range of voices from Bradford to share how the city has also shaped their lives. Contributors include Steven Frayne aka magician Dynamo, award-winning producer and artist Nia Archives as well as teachers, school students, an NHS nurse and more.

VIA BIG ISSUE U.K.

[viviennevermillion]

Domestic Headcanons

notes: I survived my colonoscopy and I'm back in full power. @lxvebun, here's your ace content!

contains: character x gn!reader, set during 4th year internships

characters included: ace trappola, trey clover, leona kingscholar, malleus draconia

word count: 2.6k

warnings: spoiler for what leona's hometown is called ig

You and your friends were more than curious about what the internships in your 4th year held in store for you; given that there were so many options all over the world. But there was more to worry about than just finding a place to intern at. Finding a place to live at while you were abroad was also a concern. Since Ace, Deuce and you were all interning in the Queendom of Hearts, you had decided to open a flatshare together.

Needless to say things were chaotic from the start but surprisingly manageable. Guess Riddle raised them well, you thought and chuckled. 

You were sitting on the couch with Ace, watching a new series he wanted to check out on the streaming service the three of you decided to share. He had an arm wrapped around you loosely and you were snuggled up against his chest; both of you silently enjoying the show and each other’s presence.

That got disrupted when Ace heard Deuce making a bit of noise in his room, suggesting that he had woken up from the nap he decided to take after work and was likely going to make himself some dinner. Ace reached for the lighter under the living room table and grabbed a couple of candles from the cupboard, placing them on the table and lighting them. He removed the flowers from the vase on the table and put the vase down on the floor. When Deuce opened the door of his room, his first sight was Ace holding the flower bouquet in front of you, kissing your hand gently and both of you being surrounded by candles. Quite the romantic atmosphere.

“Uhm…uh…sorry if I was interrupting something”, Deuce scratched the back of his neck awkwardly and walked into the kitchen, leaving you two alone in the living room. “May I ask what exactly that was supposed to be?”, you raised an eyebrow and Ace gave you a smirk. “I plundered his stuff in the fridge. Didn’t want him to nag me about it”, he chuckled and pressed a kiss to your lips. “Just how many times exactly have you used me as an alibi to bother and / or annoy Deuce?”, you sighed. “A few times”, Ace shrugged and pulled you into a hug again.

If you can cook, go ahead and teach Ace. He may complain about chores sometimes but as time passes on and he gets used to not living in his parents’ house, he’s happy to learn from you and make dinner with you. He doesn’t feel confident enough in his cooking skills yet to make something for you on his own without accidentally setting the kitchen on fire, but he prefers cooking as a shared activity with his partner anyway.

He and Deuce will fuck up with household appliances. Like, it’s not like Ace never did chores before, there were plenty at home and at Heartslabyul, but he never used a washing machine and a dishwasher before and you facepalm the first time you see him and Deuce standing around helplessly in the kitchen with the floor flooded in water and foam because one of them thought it was a good idea to put dish soap into the dishwasher and the other one didn’t object. 

“Okay, which one of you?”, you put your hand at your hips and sigh. “Me but I had doubts and Ace said ‘this is for cleaning dishes, how bad can it get, really?’”, Deuce sighed.

Sharing your first living space with Ace is just 9 months of figuring out the magnificent ways of adulting. 

And managing money. Ace is one of those guys who never looks at the prices at the grocery store and just picks the thing that looks the most appealing. 

You always fall asleep in his arms at night, now that Riddle can’t stop you from sneaking into Ace’s room.

He’ll be there when you had a stressful day at work and the two of you figure things out together, giving each other subtle affections throughout the day before finally relaxing in each other’s arms as the sun sets.

Listen, starting out while living with Trey during your internships is literally the best option out of all of these boys. Man has his life figured out at least when it comes to having stability and adulting skills.

Take-out food is something you get rarely while living with Trey. He always stops by the grocery store or a market after work and brings fresh ingredients back home. He’d be happy if you like cooking and baking with him, because he loves to make his food himself and sees it as a bonding experience if you join him. It doesn’t matter if you’re good at cooking or not, Trey is a good teacher and he’s happy to show you.

He has a Magicam account but pretty much the only thing he posts there is pictures of food he cooked. So he’s super proud to show off what you made together.

Loves when you wrap your arms around his waist from behind while he cooks, leaning your cheek against his back. He gets to do something he loves and has your affection along with it.

Trey is a simple man. Sometimes he brings home a bouquet of flowers for you but otherwise his affection shows in much more idle moments; when he jokes around with you if you mess up in the kitchen or when he lends you one of his hoodies if you’re cold. Trey’s love for you shows in the goodbye and welcome home kisses before and after every day at your internships. It shows in how he’s actively looking for ways to make your temporary home more comfortable; picking up plants or little decorative items when the two of you are going out and asking you if you think it’d be a nice addition to your flat. 

He already has a bunch of succulents and other small plants put everywhere on window sills and shelves to make your place more comfortable.

He doesn’t say it yet because he doesn’t want to get too ahead of himself but he’s loving this lifestyle with you and he’d love for you to continue living together after graduation. 

Trey always listens to your wishes for what you would like to eat for dinner and he somehow finds a way to make it happen, even if the recipe is super difficult. “You really don’t have to, Trey”, you insist and reach for his hand. He squeezes your hand in his and presses a kiss to your forehead. “It’s not a problem…I admit this is a little harder than I thought it’d be, but if it’s going to make you smile, it’s worth every effort”, he insists and gives you a loving smile. “Just seeing you every day makes me smile more than enough”, you reply and kiss his lips softly.

Trey runs a hand through his hair awkwardly. “Aw, come on, you know you fluster me when you say stuff like this”, he chuckles and blushes. “I know”, you smirk and pull him into a deeper kiss, wrapping your arms around his neck, “that’s the plan.” You whisper against his lips, pressing soft, appreciative pecks to them repeatedly while you can see Trey blushing even more. “I have a dinner to cook, y/n”, he sighs and gives you a loving hug before returning his attention to the ingredients. 

Trey is super easy to move in with. He can adapt easily and communicating with him about who does what chores around the flat works super well. Trey is husband material and it definitely doesn’t take you long to realize it. Living with him is super comfortable and reassuring; knowing that whatever the day throws at you, there’s security and love in the happenings of mundane daily life.

Living with Leona has its upsides and downsides. 

You get to be picky with where the two of you move because Leona is a prince and therefore has quite a lot of cash to spare, so not being able to pay your rent isn’t something you would have to worry about. 

Leona drives you to work every morning before he goes to his own internship place at the edge of Sunrise City. The way he leans over to the passenger seat to press a kiss to your lips every morning without fail, sometimes not being able to get enough of your lips and repeatedly pulling you into another kiss could make you melt into his arms right then and there and you just wish you had 10 more minutes to spend with him. Or 20. Or just a whole day while you’re at it. Leona knows this and does this on purpose. It boosts his ego, knowing you miss him while at work and are looking forward to seeing him again. 

He wouldn’t admit it but he loves just getting short text messages from you during your breaks and knowing you’re thinking about him. Instantly brings a smile to his face. 

He also picks you up from the internship on the way back if you don’t have your own car. 

Leona isn’t one for cooking so you two usually get takeout food, which in Leona’s case means like, a bucket full of nothing but meat if you don’t stop him. Lovingly calls you herbivore everytime you order something with vegetables.

He knows where to get good food in Sunrise City and he never misses with his restaurant choices.

Given that you’re his lover and he actually without a doubt enjoys having you around, he has no problem showing you around the city; taking walks with you through the parks during sunset. 

Leona will likely hire someone to do the household chores as he doesn’t want to do them himself, on some days his depression would be actively preventing him from getting things done and he also would never want to burden you with doing everything for him. 

Nevertheless, being around Leona can sometimes demotivate you from taking care of your own responsibilities. He pulls you into his arms to cuddle and this can be the start of a spiral of procrastination if you’re not careful.

Leona doesn’t really care how you decorate your flat as long as nothing bothers his strong sense of smell or is in such bright colors that it hurts his eyes. He’s one of those guys who drive to the furniture store with you and just have no opinion on anything except for the bed because the quality of his naps must not be impacted. With everything else, if you left him alone, he’d just look at the shopping list, reads that you need a lamp, a small bathroom shelf and a carpet and he just grabs the first things that work, even if they don’t fit together. So you better go with him. 

“Do you think the shelf with the dark wood would fit better in the living room or should we take the white one?”, you ask and Leona just shrugs. “As long as our stuff fits on it and it doesn’t fall apart”, he leans on the shopping cart and his tail swishes back and forth idly, “we can throw a coin if ya can’t decide.”

Leona loves having you sleep in his arms at night but chances are you already did that at Night Raven College regularly, if not all the time. 

Chaos is also a form of adventure!

Seriously though, Malleus is so sweet and always eager to help and he’s so excited that he gets to live with you during his internship and explore the city you intern in with you but this man is not in any way equipped nor prepared for normal modern adult life.

First off, you get takeout food everyday because Malleus repeatedly fries the kitchen appliances with his magic on accident and you already dodged a bullet by getting a small house from his wealth as a royal because if you got a flat with him, the neighbors would be complaining so hard about the frequent power outages caused by the confused fae prince with adjustment issues.

Before you move in together, Malleus excitedly tells you that he has found a building that would be perfect for the two of you to share. He shows it to you and you raise an eyebrow. “Malleus, this is a 40 minute drive away from my internship place, why does it have to be this one specifically?”, you raise an eyebrow and he frowns because you didn’t notice. He points at the gargoyles on the roof and you bury your head in his chest. “Oh my god, Malleus, was this your only criteria?”, you sigh.

Malleus wanted to contribute to finding a place for the two of you but you can bet he’s not going to check the internet. No, he hires a real estate agent and “are there any buildings with gargoyles we can rent or buy?” was indeed one of his first questions.

Anyway the two of you have a technology room that Malleus doesn’t go into and it’s insulated with magic-blocking material. This is where you charge your phone and spend time at your laptop or keep any other electrical devices. 

Malleus takes the train to work everyday and he fucking loves public transport. You’re so fed-up with screaming kids on the bus and people listening to the Twisted Wonderland equivalent of TikToks on speaker on the train but for Malleus this is like, the most fascinating thing ever.

He also loves the mall and large grocery stores. They have so many everyday items he has never seen in Briar Valley. 

To celebrate moving in together, you told him to just pick whatever interests him at the grocery store, the first time the two of you went there. You spent 3 hours in that store and you had to explain to Malleus that some of the frozen food he picked is not supposed to stay frozen. He also buys 5 different kinds of ice cream.

He makes you a pretty ice cream cup with the one Riddle gifted him for his birthday and presents it to you proudly.

Whenever he’s in deep thought, you’ll find him sitting on the roof with the gargoyles, looking over the area. “You know…”, you sit down next to him and he instantly pulls you close to him, partly because he missed your affection but also because he wants to keep you safe and secure, “you were right. This place has a nice view.” You turn your head to him and kiss his lips gently.

Malleus is absolutely thriving with the fact that he gets to live with you and spend his days with you without his retainers present because Silver and Sebek are still at NRC. He’s so affectionate with you and makes the most of the fact that the two of you have some time to yourself without Sebek frantically looking for him.

Malleus loves to fall asleep in your arms at night. It took a bit to figure out how to make that work with his horns and him being almost 2m tall, but Malleus Draconia is a little spoon and he doesn’t care if you can only hug his upper body, he’s sleeping in his beloved’s arms and that’s that.

[sunflowervoltwentyeight]

Happy 28th! Here is my January 2024 fic rec, organized by word count, from longest to shortest. You can view my other fic recs here. Enjoy!

It's Fine To Fake It 'Til You Make It ('Til It's True) by sunflouwerhabit / @sunflouwerhabit (150k)

Harry Styles @HarryStyles_KE hi again! so, i wanted to apologize one more time for the whole “helogogjs good gksdjid” thing, and also say that i didn’t just accidentally open your DM’s when i wasn’t paying attention earlier. i sort of had a question about a tweet you posted yesterday? like. the whole “rent a boyfriend” thing? is that something you were serious about? and if so, how does one come to hire you to be their boyfriend? i’m, um, asking for a friend

*****

Harry dreads an impending visit to his hometown, where he’ll be forced to reunite with a newly engaged ex-boyfriend, a childhood best friend turned near stranger, and a family who never understood just how desperately he needed to leave.

In the midst of it all, a ludicrous Twitter proposition brings him to Louis.

(Almost) Exes-to-Lovers (Series) by nonsensedarling / @absoloutenonsense (93k)

Been Waitin' (After Weekend After Weekend After) (3k) Louis and Harry meet at a laundromat. Part 1 of (Almost) Exes-to-Lovers When the Trouble Comes (89k) The Queens Trafficking case is the biggest one of Louis’ FBI career so far; eleven reported missing girls all disappeared under a similar set of circumstances. Louis has done everything he can to try and solve this case over the last nine months… while also absolutely ruining his marriage. Harry has been co-host of Banter at Breakfast for five years, and finally has the opportunity to create his own radio show with the network. Unfortunately, it comes at a time where Harry’s thoughts are consumed with his impending divorce from his (caring, loving, infuriatingly thoughtful) husband of eight years. Harry and Louis have both been willing to lose themselves in their work… but are they willing to lose each other? * Or a story of (almost) exes-to-lovers. Part 2 of (Almost) Exes-to-Lovers

And Down the Long and Silent Street by whimsicule (86k)

The year is 1881 and if you’re alone in this world you might as well be dead, because starving dogs have no mercy.

Or: Wherein Louis and Harry are on the opposite ends of the social ladder, but their paths still cross on the filthy streets Louis calls his home. The odds are staked against them from the beginning, and even more when Louis' past finally catches up with him.

Baby Steal My Heart Away by Snowy38 (61k)

Louis headed into the hall, seeing the Moses basket right away.

"Wah-wah-wahhh!"

Was that...

Fuck.

It was. It was a baby! A loudly crying, clearly unhappy-actually properly distressed baby. It was already red in the face and--

Why was there a baby?

He looked up and around, palm flattening to his forehead to push his scruffy hair away from his clammy skin, checking he wasn't being punked.

Light Me Up, Put Me on Top by CuckooTrooke / @larrydoinglaundry (24k)

Harry takes Louis back to Northern Europe to experience his first Nordic Christmas in their beloved cabin, surrounded by nothing but peace and snow. So much snow.

Short "spin-off" to 'Love is a word, you gave it a name' universe. Takes place after the second part of the main story, but before the final epilogue.

Part 3 of love is a word, you gave it a name

No One Like You by myownspark (19k)

Dear Niall,

I was glad to have the chance to talk with you again at the AHA conference. Your idea that the Musee D’Orsay Tomlinson painting is in fact not a self-portrait is an intriguing one, and I may have discovered something that will have a bearing on that theory.

Some background: as you may remember, I’ve been researching for a book I’m writing about Harry Styles. I’ve been in communication with Styles’ last living descendant, who is in possession of a trunk that her family believed to have belonged to Styles himself. It held some personal items she presumes to be his, including two unmounted paintings and a small collection of letters.

Upon spending the last few days in Provins studying these items, I believe there to be a connection between Tomlinson and Styles, and I would very much like your opinion.

Are you up for a trip to France?

Sincerely, Liam Payne

Where Liam and Niall are art historians discovering the truth about two nineteenth century painters on opposite sides of an artistic divide.

[crow-stars]

❝LET'S GO ICE SKATING❞

❦summary; ice skating can be such a fun time, though that may depend on whether you're new to the rink or have a bit of experience under your belt. ♪the characters in this story; savannaclaw; leona kingscholar, ruggie bucchi, jack howl, gn!reader ✎word count; ~626 words ❀what do the ghosts say?; ambiguous, school trip to an ice skating rink, falling chatacters, first times on ice, mentions of climates in respective twst characters homeland, fun times ☛the author's notes; nothing to note... ☪look at the catalogue?

❛LEONA KINGSCHOLAR❜

❀ Leona would not come on the ice willingly

❀ Convince him please

❀ It would be really hard to get him onto the ice because he does not want to go ice skating 

❀ If you do manage to get him on the ice, congratulations! Now you have to convince him to move.

❀ No, I’m serious, even if he gets onto the ice, he won’t be moving. 

❀ Like, he’s just standing there, hands in his pockets and that usual stare on his face

❀ Now, I don’t think Leona has ever really encountered ice since he lives in the Sunset Savanna

❀ Though it does get really cold at night in savannas I think, so he would be used to the cold

❀ Leona would be the type of person to wear short sleeves during the cold seasons and say it’s not cold enough

❀ Anyways, I think he’d hate ice skating 

❀ Leona would definitely prefer to be inside than out here on the ice 

❀ You will have to drag him along with you to get him to actually move around on the ice

❀ And after like thirty minutes he says he’s tired and will get off the ice with you in tow

❀ You wanted to keep skating?

❀ Too bad, you’re going back to the dorm home with Leona and will be drinking a hot cup of hot choccy

❀ But I think that would be nice too

❛RUGGIE BUCCHI❜

❀ Okay, I think he’d enjoy ice skating actually

❀ I think Ruggie would actually kinda like ice skating 

❀ Like, he’s going so fast, look at him go! 

❀ Half the time he’s like “look at me!” and tries to do something, and fails 

❀ He doesn’t take it against him and he’s quick to get back up to try again

❀ I think he’d be one to try to encourage you to join him as well

❀ It’s cute, to see him being all giddy and stuff. 

❀ Please watch him, he’ll get so happy and a happy Ruggie is adorable. 

❀ I think he’d actually really like ice skating due to the fact that he didn’t have many opportunities for leisure back home and it doesn’t snow in the Sunset Savanna

❀ Imagine him rambling about wanting to take the kids from his hometown ice skating oh my gosh 

❀ Ruggie would definitely want to come back again, but this time somehow manage to bring the other kids to mess around on the ice

❀ He wouldn’t mind going one on one, but Ruggie would probably wanna bring others along

❀ And, afterwords, you can treat him to hot chocolate, hehehe

❛JACK HOWL❜

❀ Like Trey, he knows how to ice skate 

❀ Except, this time, he does it not only out of necessity but for himself as well

❀ He has two younger siblings, so he has to make sure that they aren’t breaking their noses on the ice  

❀ But I think he also wanted to learn from like an exercise standpoint 

❀ Like, I don’t know what bones or muscles you exercise during ice skating, but Jack definitely wants to exercise those 

❀ I looked it up, you’re exercising your legs

❀ Anyway

❀ I definitely think that ice skating would be a nice freetime activity for Jack when time and weather permits

❀ So Jack is pretty stable when it comes to being on the ice

❀ Even Ace won’t be able to drag him down

❀ I like think that Jack would like pick one of his friends up and skate around with them in his arms

❀ Picked up from under the arms and held up like a cat

❀ Jack would probably be off doing his own thing on the ice 

❀ Though if you or any of his friends are having trouble on the ice, Jack would probably skate over to help

❀ He would definitely give tips on ice skating if you want

[natsuki208]

My (not so long) Appreciation Post for Jean Kirstein!

(Sorry friend, but this definitely includes spoilers so you can’t read it)

When I first started watching AOT I didn’t really thought much of Jean, but once I started reading the latest chapters of the manga at the time (and because of JM pics) he began to grow on me.

He’s started off as an insecure kid who wanted nothing to do with the titans and just live his own life quietly. The Military Police was his only option in his mind and only entered the cadets to become qualified to join (Eren calls him out on this for not wanting to use these skills to fight)

I’m smug and I know it ;)

All of that changed once his hometown of Trost was invaded. He and the other cadets were forced to jump into battle against the titans and he was scared out of his mind.

He may have led the charge to the Armoury, and aided to take out the titans roaming there, but he still didn’t felt cut out to be a leader type - until a certain someone close to him shares inspiring words of how being weak makes him relatable and easier for others to look up to. Words from a boy who believed in his potential from the start.

Look at my boys!

This lead to his traumatising reaction when he found Marco’s corpse after the battle. Someone who believed in him is now long dead, and Jean felt horrible to see his body burn away with other poor souls who lost their lives to the titans.

Jean didn’t wanna leave Marco’s memory in vain, so he decided to give up on his selfish goal and do the right thing by joining the Scout Regiment - still scared as hell even during the ceremony.

The night he watched his soulmate burn.

Throughout the series, we see him grow even more into a admired character by the others, Armin and Eren respect him a lot and even Levi and Hange to a degree. And I will say this: he’s the only character I feel wasn’t completely ruined in S4.

He’s now a lot more confident in his position and is titled commanding officer, with still rough flaws, but at least smart enough to know that Eren was planning something when ‘lying’ to Armin and Mikasa. He keeps everyone on the right track to fight against titans and the yeagerists, as with good leadership qualities should.

Not just in the looks department.

Surely he was almost tricked by Floch to give everything up once more, but he’s grown pass that with still holding onto the memory of Marco. During the final battle, he was the one who nearly finished off Eren by blowing off his head. As much as I didn’t like Connie this season, he still acknowledged that all of them made it through thanks to Jean.

Now with being an ambassador, he’s still taking lead to change the world alongside Armin and the others. In conclusion, he’s one of the most human characters in this series - I can see why he was Isayama’s favourite for a time.

Happy Birthday again to the majestic stallion.

Okay, I give in. He’s also handsome as hell.

🐴 ✨✨

[9800sblog]

hi jes! how've u been? i hope everything's fine as u read this.

may i request a "things/characteristics that might be a turn off or deal breaker for ateez"? i hope u haven't done something like this before hehe

thank u in advance and have a great day <3

-🪽

ateez deal breakers

based on tarot, a little difficult to interpret as they don't talk openly about relationships, take it with a grain of salt

seonghwa

4 of swords, the hierophant reversed, king of swords

dependence, people that need him to boss them around, that need him to be in control of the relationship, like someone who wouldn't make the first move or high demand people. stuck in their ways, close minded, negative, too introverted (isolated, lone wolves, etc), people that stay lied down in their room all day, people that sleep too much, people that worry too much and would complain and need him to be super nice. not being spontaneous, defensive, controlling and scared.

hongjoong

(he seems super busy these days, cards were jumping and my head and eyes started feeling heavy and my body tired 😮‍💨)

ace of cups reversed, the devil reversed, 6 of cups reversed

I don't think he likes people that are very experienced in relationships. he honestly might have a specific person in mind or just a really reaaaally specific type, so if you're anything different from that, you're just not his person. if he can't see himself being friends with them, having a friendship before and beyond a relationship. someone that doesn't wanna have kids. it honestly feels like he's looking for a soulmate so if you're not them, there's just no hope for you.

yunho

knight of pentacles, 5 of cups reversed, page of pentacles, bottom of the deck: the star

co-workers, other idols, celebrities (basically anyone he couldn't run from if they broke up). doesn't want someone that has just started their career or college students, he's done a lot in his life and he wants someone to match him. he doesn't wanna fix anyone or save them, he just wants someone he can chill with, so no negativity, hard work, pessimism, anyone that would bring his spirit down, he doesn't want to be "the energizer" of his relationship, that's his JOB. he also wants someone that can be around him often, so you can't travel/wander too much; doesn't want people that sleep around and/or just wanna hook up with him, he wants commitment.

yeosang

(always in such a good, lighthearted mood, it's energizing)

2 of wands reversed, temperance reversed, 10 of swords reversed

a wanderer spirit, his job is already so demanding and fast paced, he wants someone that will stick and, again, not travel too much. no patience, he doesn't like to be yelled at. someone that moves too much, doesn't chill, loud, etc. the 10 of swords is making me think of physicals, he prefers athletic builds, so people that don't work out, get tired easily, weak in general wouldn't be able to keep up with him and his preferences/hobbies.

san

2 of swords, 5 of pentacles, page of cups, 6 of pentacles

literally people that leave him out in the cold, don't share their thoughts and feelings with him, keeping secrets. someone that is too decisive, don't ask his opinions and inputs on things. san has changed a lot over the years, he may not want someone that met him before that, he'd feel stuck, so people from his hometown, childhood friends, trainees, other idols and people that his friends recommend may be totally out of question. he'd prefer someone in the same level of fame as him, he doesn't wanna do "charity work" (for lack of better words) or worry of gold diggers and would feel nervous if the other person was more famous.

mingi

(such a happy and innocent dude he's so cute so cute)

page of swords, wheel of fortune reversed, 7 of cups reversed

I could make a very lengthy post just about what mingi doesn't like, he's VERY picky. destiny plays a huge part for him, so basically every characteristic that doesnt match his idea of his soulmate is a deal breaker. but also (even platonically), people that are too nice to any and everyone like it's their job (literally the page of swords), wild, independent, party people, superficial, immature (in his terms). doesn't like people that aren't interested in soulful subjects and/or practices, people that don't think of the future (spontaneous, careless, etc.), or don't study. people that think/dream small, can't see beyond their physical reality, don't support his fantasies, people stuck in reality (he daydreams all the time and loves to dress up as anime characters in real life). etc etc etc there's a lot more coming through, but this is a good sum up, I think .

wooyoung

7 of wands reversed, 4 of wands, 5 of swords reversed

people that get offended easily, he does playful banter even with his mom, so someone too serious doesn't work with him. maybe people that pursue him are a deal breaker, he may like the chase. someone that gets along too well with his friends (he's said he doesn't think men and women can be friends without feelings). "boring" people that don't like to bend the rules sometimes.

jongho

(jongho never gives me permission to read for him, unless I'm totally 300% available so that's a hint)

justice reversed, the world, the empress, ace of wands reversed

impulsive, reckless, hasty, self critical and judgemental of him, unfair/full of prejudice. someone that is too similar to his friends and/or their partners. too independent and in control, don't need him, also doesn't want someone that has a hectic schedule or travels too much, because he takes it slow and steady.

[a-jaded-mirage]

Blue Beetle and El Paso

I would be lying if I said that I was not disappointed by the canonical home of Jaime Reyes being changed both in the movie and in recent comics. However, I would also be lying if I said that I absolutely detested the movie for whatever reason. I enjoyed the movie for what it was and what it meant to the Hispanic and Latinx communities. It is a huge deal, and I think it was done well. Going back to my original point, it is hard to be disappointed when it feels as though I am not missing out on much when Blue Beetle's relationship with El Paso was never done true justice anyway.

The West Texan Mexican-American experience is hard to fully encapsulate into one solid thought or idea. I can confidently say that the approach DC had in most iterations of the comics, cartoons, recent movie, and other forms of media always toned the experience down and made it a duller aspect of his story. I can not recall even a single time when El Paso was brought up or portrayed in a way that was recognizable to an El Pasoan across any of the aforementioned media. It always felt disconnected and out of touch, but I still held it close to my heart because it was something alluding to home.

In a way, I am happy that Blue Beetle is now from the fictional (emphasis on that) Palmera City, because it reiterates that heroes can only be super in Hollywood when they are superficially placed in a cookie-cutter big and flashy city. All I really have to say to that is, good for them. They did what they needed to in order to reach a wider audience. I am sure that the payoff for the corporate powerhouses at the end was worth it even at the cost of individuality. Come to think of it, my mind cannot really conjure up any mainstream superheroes that operate in any desert long term. Any time spent in the less "glamorous" parts of the Southwest is almost always smaller plot-driving settings that act as a stepping stone for bigger heroes and not as a home.

Anyway, all of this is to say that I understand why they did what they did with the setting. I even still happen to think the entire production team did a great job, but that does not stop me from wondering what could have been at any point in Blue Beetle's recent history if someone had used the beauty, culture, and complexity found uniquely in Sun City far more productively. There was so much more potential than the oftentimes vague and noncommittal nods given to the setting. It just was not utilized to its fullest potential, and if that would have been a continuous theme, then I am glad that they are no longer working with it.

Shifting to something less ranty, I absolutely suck at drawing. I am a STEM person through and through, but that did not stop me from visualizing all of the things I would have loved to have seen portrayed in a Blue Beetle story while experiencing being a teenager in El Paso. He was my absolute favorite superhero because he was one that I saw every single day in my hometown, and there were several things I felt he would have enjoyed doing.

For example, we have a ton of high schools. If I had to narrow down the ones I think Jaime Reyes would have attended, I would probably say my top three picks would be: El Paso High School, Bowie High School, or Austin High School. An interesting custom that schools in El Paso have is placing the first initial of a myriad of our high schools on the mountains. They are huge and visible, as well as a testament to our school spirit and pride. The Top 10 percent of most of our graduating classes wear different colored gowns at graduation than the rest of their peers, which is something I was told was not a common occurrence in most other states.

Homecoming is a huge deal, and people will buy, make, or sell Mums and corsages. It is kind of difficult to explain to people from around the states who may not be entirely familiar with what it is, but it is an old Texan tradition that is typically shared between sweethearts (dates) on the last day of Homecoming spirit week. It is something that a lot of people go all out for, and plenty of pictures exist on the internet of the various ways that they can be customized. I always thought it would be cool to see what Jaime Reyes would do for his Mum.

Prom is pretty much Prom wherever you are in the States for the most part, and ours are held at some great venues in the city, so there is not much more to say about that part of the high school experience. As far as colleges go, some of the most popular for teenagers at El Paso high schools to apply to are UTEP, EPCC, TTU, Texas A&M, and any of the other UTs (UT Austin, UT Dallas, and UT San Antonio to name a few). There are even several private universities like Rice, Baylor, and Trinity to name a few more. Hell, a lot of us even go to schools like NMSU in what is essentially our sister city of Las Cruces, there is also UNM, ASU, U of A, and CU. There are so many different choices for universities that are realistic and in the general area that Jaime absolutely could have chosen to apply to and attend. I think that seeing him initially as a Junior or Senior in an El Paso high school, and subsequently watching his transition into a college student in the city or elsewhere while grappling with his powers and responsibilities as Blue Beetle would have been so fascinating.

As far as places that it would have been nice to see him interact with at some point, it would be easier to just give a general list of my favorites. I wish that the following places could have been incorporated into the Blue Beetle story at some point long past: Chico's Tacos, Franklin Mountains State Park, Transmountain Road, Downtown, The Plaza Theater, Cielo Vista, The Fountains at Farah, Sunland Park, the Outlet Shoppes, Rosa's Cantina, Southwest University Park, Don Haskins Center, Concordia Cemetery, Scenic Drive-Overlook, the El Paso Star, Hueco Tanks, San Jacinto Plaza, St. Patrick Cathedral, any farmer's market or swap meet, any of our museums (Art, History, Archeology, Border Patrol, Science, Chamizal), the Coliseum, Ardovino's, Orange Cow, Burrito House, Bowie Bakery, Lucy's Cafe, any of our dulcerias, as well as literally any of our regional and national recreational chains. Obviously, there is so much more, but all of what I listed could have definitely been used for something whether it be a fight with a villain of the week, or opportunities to flesh out Jaime's character more socially and individually. That, and it tickles my funny bone to imagine the Teen Titans trying something like Chico's Tacos for the first time.

Unrelated, Jaime would totally listen to Khalid.

Naturally, there are so many other locations in surrounding cities and states that easily could have been used as well for any plot points that would have added even more Southwestern charm. I mean, part of New Mexico's tourism schtick is literally aliens (Roswell), and the scarab is in fact an alien now. However, for the purposes of this, I focused on El Paso. That is really all I have to say about all of this, if you stayed for my entire rant I appreciate it. If not, I totally understand, and I really just wanted to put my thoughts out into the world and write this love letter to my home city.

I love that Blue Beetle is now further into the general public's eye, and that his character means something for the entire extended community. He now has room to change, grow, and evolve from what he was before in a way that is far more defined by the expectations for a mainstream hero. Even if the El Pasoan Jaime Reyes can only exist truly in my mind, it is an okay price to pay for a narrative that touches my heart specifically. I am most certainly not a writer, so I hope that the next time we have a hero from El Paso, some of my city's charm can truly be done justice. After all, the only person who can characterize an El Pasoan correctly is an El Pasoan.

[nerdraging4point0]

Since we're all wrapping ourselves up in the cozy coat of Chris Cerulli, and we've all seen those hot Cherry Bomb dancers on stage with him, what would Chris do to reassure you that he only has eyes for you - because if my man was up on stage with those girls in those outfits, I would be incredibly proud but also a teeny bit insecure.

Is this a "head cannon"? 🤣

Cozy Coat of Chris Cerulli-Nice tongue twister there lol Chris is a flirt. It’s part of his charm. We air signs are notorious for being flirty, witty, and charming. It’s part of the subscription-those that can’t handle that have a problem handling us.

However, Chris knows where his loyalties lie. The first time the dancers were introduced to him he put on the charm making them feel more at ease and comfortable with the costume choices he has picked out for this tour. The first time you saw the dancers in their costumes your heart sank to the pit of your stomach.

While you knew they were just dancers it still set you on edge-but you did your best to hide it. Sitting through the performance you watched as they took their place on stage. The song started and they began to move, it was all fine until at one point during the song Chris bent on one knee looking right at a dancer who playfully touched his face-careful not to smear his makeup. Another dancer at his back playfully walking her fingers up his back.

Your mouth went dry, the feeling that an invisible hole had just been made in your abdomen causing a slight breeze to run through you made your skin go clammy and your hair stand on edge. Those thoughts you always kept in the back of your head locked away in a vault about how Chris was attractive and famous, he could have any girl he wanted, so why of all that would he have chosen you? Began to surface again. You drew deeper into your hoodie that you’d gotten at the merch table as if you could hide all the insecurities in the soft cotton fabric. It’s late when the show ends and the band and crew are still riding the high of their first sold out show, in their hometown no less. Tomorrow they would play in Pittsburgh loading on the bus in just a few short hours-he’d begin a long string of months on tour. A long string of months with those dancers performing at every show. Chris can tell when something is up. Especially now. The high that everyone was on they were loud and excited while you were withdrawn and quiet. When he pulled you into his side you only half heartedly returned the affection, still keeping your arms crossed over your chest.

“You know seeing you in my merch always makes me happy.” Chris mused, trying to lighten your mood a little bit. “Better than a goth playboy bunny?” you’d snap back. And there it was. Chris knew in that moment exactly what was bothering you. He knew the insecurities that you’d had, but after dating for so long he assumed they’d gone away. What was that saying again? Old habits die hard.

Does it upset him that you’re still insecure about yourself and where you stand with him? Maybe a little. Does it bother him more that he didn’t see it coming after he’d weighed all the pros and cons of having backup dancers on stage? Absolutely. He’d planned the costumes, the stage set up, the choreography, all things that he felt would make for a great show but wouldn’t be to suggestive or to much. And when something like your reaction came to his attention he realized that he may have made a huge error.

As a workaholic he spent months planning this out, every second of the 2-hour show where he was center stage planned out and overseen by him in every way. He couldn’t change it now, he couldn’t adjust now, the show was what it was. It was the band’s collective ideas and thoughts; it was everything they had hoped for a Motionless in White tour.

Realistically he is a Libra. His biggest red flag is he is self-absorbed and can’t really process others’ emotions when it comes to his own projects. BUT in the light of the event at hand there is only one thing that he can say that would make it better.

He proceeds to explain to you that two of the dancers are friends, one of whom is engaged to Ryan. The others all have boyfriends of their own. The one single dancer, she’s gay. It’s not much but it is the realness of the situation. “Besides, there is no one else I’d rather see sitting on my couch patiently waiting for me while I’m hyper focused on my work. Nobody who knows me so well that she has food delivered to the warehouse when I’m working late and forgot to eat that day. Nobody who is so proud to see me work that she acts like it’s her first concert every time.”

It’s not the ‘baby I love you and only you’ ‘no one could ever replace you’ response you were looking for. But the fact that he notices all the little things you do for him was enough to make you realize that despite everything you had his heart and he had yours.

[giacos12]

It was never your fault {Luis x Reader}

first I wanna say thank you for 70 likes on my last Luis story! 🥹 I genuinely didn't expect that! I hope you guys enjoy this one as well!(even though it's pretty sad).

Also, I was thinking about making a Leon x Reader x Luis story! Lemme know what y'all think!!! 🫶

warnings: angst so much angst, Luis (canon) backstory, a little slow in the beginning(sorry) spoilers for RE2 and RE4, sad story with happy ending :)

////////////

After the events back in Spain, you didn't think you would keep contact with the three amazing people you met. Even though the events that went down over there affected you all mentally, you all were there for each other and kept your heads up.

Leon was pretty busy most days. He's a pretty important person with an important yet dangerous job. He'll occasionally call you from here and there and he'll even stop by for a cup of coffee in the morning.

Ashley was the first to ask for your number when you all arrived to safety. Both of you stood by each other nonstop during Spain, she wasn't gonna let that be the end of it. Constant texts, laughs, dinner dates, and even meeting the president from time to time. You couldn't ask for a better friend.

Then lastly, there was Luis. With nowhere to go, he asked if he could stay with you. You knew Luis was a smart man, and with his degree he could get back up on his feet in no time. Oh boy... he certainly got back up alright. And you helped him... you guys even started dating because of it!

You couldn't ask for a better partner. Luis showers you with love, affection, and the very occasional gifts. He quite literally adored you. Of course you spoiled him too when you could, nothing but a smile on his face everytime you did so. The relationship was literally you two being lovey dovey.

Another thing you appreciated about the relationship was how open you both were with one another. Well, it was mainly just you opening up about things. Your childhood, your work, past relationship, etc. Luis never said anything about himself, he mainly just listened... until today.

"Mi corazon... may I speak with you?" Luis knocked on the bedroom doorframe, a hint of sadness in his voice. You smiled, nodding at him and patting the bed next to you. He sat down, holding your hands as he did so, "Mi amor... I feel guilty about something." Luis frowned.

You tilted your head, "What do you mean, Luis? Go on, I'm all ears." With a gentle squeeze from you, Luis started talking,

"I haven't been completely open about my past. I'm scared that you'll hate me or find me disgusting for what I've done," you frowned at his statement. Why was he talking like that. It was concerning to say the least, "I used to work for a... terrible company."

"Umbrella. That's why Leon was so iffy around you the first time around..." You sighed.

"Yes... sadly. When I was young, my grandfather died in a house fire. He used to write in a journal about me. He always said I was a smart boy. When he died... I fled away from my hometown. I went to school and I got my degree. Umbrella noticed my work and asked me to work for them. I was ecstatic... I thought I would finally be helping people, helping the world." he faintly smiled at his last sentence, soon turning into a scowl,

"I was wrong... So wrong. The things that me and my crew were doing... was monstrous. I created horrible monsters. When I realized how shady the company was... I left. I refused to be apart of something that hurt others... I never wanted to do that, but I did."

Sighing, you moved a piece of hair away from his face, placing it behind his ear, "Luis. You left Umbrella, that's all that matters. You didn't know what you were—" "Mi Vida... that's not all..." "What?"

Luis shook his head, the hair behind his ear covering his face again, "When I left Umbrella, I went back to my hometown. That's when I met Saddler. He also noticed my work and he led me to a lab where I could do research and develop on the plaga. That damn parasite was my doing. I was tricked again, and I was pissed about it. I was working for a damn cult..."

Tears were falling from Luis' eyes, but he dared not show it. He crossed his arms, looking away from you, "So many people died because of me... So many people got hurt... Including you. I can never forgive myself for being apart of these things. Lo siento, mi amor..."

Your heart ached. Luis sounded so broken. You placed a hand on his shoulder only for him to flinch at your touch.

"If you don't want to he with me anymore I completely understand..." Luis sniffles, your heart breaking even more,

"Luis... It was never your fault."

"What...?"

"What you've been through, it wasn't your fault. All you wanted to do was bring good into the world. Just because you were taken advantage of by awful people, that doesn't make you one of them. It's not your fault..." You placed a hand on his cheek, turning his face towards you.

Sob. All Luis could do was sob. He wrapped his arms around you, crying into your chest. All you could do was rub circles along his back and shush him gently.

His sobbing eventually stopped. He laid ontop of you, calm breathing admitting from him.

You quietly whispered to him, "I love you so much, Luis."

"I love you too, mi amor"

[waltwhitmansbeard]

20. holding your face in their palm as they smile widely before kissing you, for the physical gestures prompt

20. holding your face in their palm as they smile widely before kissing you

The world may be ending, but if it is, the Nein's gonna get one last party in. Trent Ikithon is dead, or gone, or banished, or whatever, and Artie is working his magic to fix Caleb's hometown, and Jester is engaged. She can't stop grinning as the people of Blumenthal flow in and out of Caleb's magical tower, everyone leaving far more inebriated than they entered. No one really knows what the celebration is for—some guy they've never heard of summoned this terrifying monstrosity and they didn't die, and also there was a dragon, but it was okay?—so Jester tells anyone who asks that it's her engagement party, because, well, it is!

She actually hasn't had much of a chance to see her betrothed since he popped the question. She's been too busy sending her hamster-sized unicorns and illusory duplicates around the town, filling the place with explosions of color and more than enough mischief to make up for the horror of the fight that crashed through their streets so early in the morning. Besides, Beau and Yasha have been razzing Fjord since the big moment, leaving him blushing and stammering as they half-force whiskey down his throat.

Jester loves him like this, silly and happy, so different from the guy she met with someone else's accent and a debilitating fear of being known. Now he's a pirate, looking like something off of the cover of one of the smut novels Caleb sends her from time to time, and he's hers. Quite the catch for a girl who once could only dream of romance from the walls of her bedroom.

"What are you doing here?"

Jester turns, and there's Artie, looking harried and annoyed. She figures there's somewhere else he probably needs to be right now, what with the whole moon fiasco, but she's so glad he's here. "What? I'm just trying to help." She waves her hand, and one of her duplicates dances over to a group of kids with a large plate of food cooked up by some of Caleb's mystical cats.

"No, I mean, why aren't you drooling all over your fiancé?" He layers with the word with all manner of suggestion.

She scrunches her face. "I don't know! We just had this really big fight, and it was, like, really traumatic for Caleb, and also this town got crushed a lot, so...I don't know! It didn't seem like the moment."

"Jester, I'm not going to lie to you." He leans down, and Jester gets up onto her tiptoes to hear him whisper, "I don't know what the fuck is going on."

"No, me neither!"

"Like, things seem bad, right?"

"Really, really bad."

"And not to knock my own abilities, but I think I'm going to be of...limited use in whatever comes next. If, that is, anything comes next, and we're not all doomed to oblivion or whatever..." He flaps his hand generally in the direction of Ruidus. "...this means.

"So go!" He gently shoves her by the shoulders toward Fjord. "Go be silly and in love. I mean, I'll probably survive whatever this is, but who knows how much time you mortals have left! Go be with your slutty sea captain."

"He really is slutty," Jester whispers conspiratorially. "I didn't even ask him to wear his shirt like that, he just does it now."

"No complaints here."

"Of course not, look at him!" Jester rocks up on her toes again to kiss Artagan's cheek. "Thank you, Artie."

"Anything for my favorite."

Jester bounds across the main floor of the tower to Fjord, whose green skin is tinged red with alcohol. "Jester!" he booms, abandoning the glass Beau'd just shoved into his hand to swing his arms out wide. "There you are!"

"Here I am!" She stops right in front of him, and her stomach swoops low as his broad hands come to cup her face. "You seem like you're having fun."

"More fun now that you're here." Then, grinning ear to ear, his tusks gleaming in the lights of Caleb's arcane lights, he kisses her, and he tastes like whiskey and sugar and seawater, and despite the looming unknown coming for them all, Jester has never been less afraid.

[kae-luna]

🌃//Writeblr Intro//🌃

Hello! Welcome to my corner of the internet. I am Kae Luna. You can call me Kae or Luna. I am pretty new to Writeblr, so please bear with me.

╮ (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.) ╭

(Banner made with canva)

🌊About My Writing🌊

✨Genres: sci-fi, fantasy, supernatural, action, drama, psychological, LGBTQIA+

✨Subgenres: dystopian, cyberpunk, biopunk, solarpunk, post-apocalyptic

✨Common themes: diversity, anti-capitalism, female empowerment

Links🌐

Since I like both anime art and storytelling, I'm planning to make light novels. Some of them may be short stories, standalone novels, or series. :3 Going to put some of them on Wattpad and Tapas.

I try to balance unique settings with complex characters.

🌊About Me🌊

I've been writing and drawing since I was little. And before I could write, I would tell my mother my story and she'd write it down for me. I've always had a crazy imagination. When I was a tween, I got into anime and manga, so I learned how to draw in that art style.

I am 25, queer-romantic asexual, and feminine-presenting nonbinary. I identify as both a girl and a demi-boy. You can refer to me as she/her, he/him, or they/them. I don't mind. I'm also white and have ADHD, dyspraxia, anxiety, and depression that prevents me from getting a "real" job.

I'm pretty shy and anxious, but once you get to know me, I may say some weird stuff and dad jokes. I'm a big nerd and simp as well.

I am also a Vtuber, but made this alt identity since I didn't think my work would fit that persona.

🌊About My Blog🌊

Here I am going to post about my WIP stories and some of my art. I will also reblog others' art and writing. Many aesthetics, fandoms, and other stuff may be reblogged as well with tags if it inspires my work.

Here I hope to find more creators to connect with and find some epic creations. Feel free to message me if you'd like, though I am kinda shy. :3

I am okay with:

✨Asks

✨Tag games

✨DMs. I'm happy to make friends. :3

🌊My Likes & Favorites🌊

✨Aesthetics/genres: vaporwave, cyberpunk, pastel, eco punk, nature, grunge, post-apocalyptic, solarpunk, steampunk, fantasy, LGBTQIA2S+

✨Movies: Alita: Battle Angel, Ultraviolet, Aeon Flux, Spider-Man 2, Howl's Moving Castle, Black Panther, The Matrix

✨Shows: Doctor Who, Stranger Things, Umbrella Academy, The Witcher

✨Anime: Death Note, Attack on Titan, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

✨Games: Skyrim, Baldur's Gate 3, The Sims 4, Minecraft, Fallout

✨Cartoons: Aeon Flux, Batman The Animated Series

🌊WIP(s)🌊

Ultra Drive - Intro Post | Directory Post

Links: Wattpad | Tapas (coming soon)

✨Genre(s): sci-fi, cyberpunk, action, drama, psychological, dystopian

✨CWs: government stuff, pandemic mention, gore probably at some point

When AlexiKa was a child, her world was changed forever when her family was forced to immigrate to the imperial city of Venicula after the Ebony Plague - caused by mysterious eumalyptus spores - infected her home town. Now a young adult, she works as a courier (and secretly an anti-corporation activist). When going on a delivery, she accidentally uncovers dark secrets and ends up infected with the same Ebony Plague that haunted her hometown as a child. But when she survives the illness and instead develops superhuman abilities, she joins a mutant resistance group to fight against the Veniculan Empire, the Gaia Corporation, and other mutants with immoral goals.

Adventures in Alsteria - Intro Post (coming soon!)

Links: N/A

✨Genre(s): fantasy, comedy, slice of life, action, adventure, LGBTQIA+

✨CWs: None ATM? Violence probably?

A trans femboy wood elf named Nel finds the homeland of his people - the rain forests of Falinor - and goes on an adventure to form a guild of adventurers! Still kind of in the vibes stage I guess, but I have some ideas formed for lore and characters. :> Something more cute and lighthearted for me to write in contrast to Ultra Drive.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't have much that I can share at the moment due to much of my writing being lost (school assignments or lost on old computers) or attached to other identities. I also had a looong writer's/art block.

[november-rising]

The Bear: Season One, Episode Six - Ceres (opening scene)

Last Train Home continues to play on repeat in my mind. It's worth it as it's led me to an episode I didn't pay much attention to outside of this opening scene.

It all begins with Mikey, Ritchie, Nat, and Carm cooking. Mikey is executing the Berzatto Sunday recipe with such ease. It's lovely watching the Berzattos (+ one Jerimovich) packed together, calm, listening and taking time to be with one another.

Mikey is telling such a tale that winds and weaves. With all of my observations. With all of my notes and what I will share. No matter what- it should be noted that his ability to story tell is captivating.

I remember watching this the first time and being enthralled. There's no other term for it. As he speaks, I thought that he can remind anyone that there are simpler times all the while coloring life just enough for it to seem fanciful if you just try - just reach a little more for it. Mikey is providing amusement, entertainment and fun. Mickey knows how to tell without saying anything.

Michael Berzatto was the bond that made the family stay together.

He is doing his thing, talking, laughing, engaging everyone. And he brings up the Ceres statue. The mythos of Ceres is briefly recapped by Mikey. Who Ceres was isn’t important. What’s key is Mikey sharing a moment in his life that is without strife and hardship (Yes, I know he was high but it sounds like a "happy" high story as opposed to some horrors I'm sure the family doesn't mention ever again). He's connecting the history of their hometown with his life. Truly, that in and of itself, is otherworldly.

I believe that anything his shares tends to be cherished with these folks. I say this because, even though everyone knows he uses, Mikey holds many secrets. He probably doesn’t show too much of himself for a plethora of reasons which I could write about endlessly for days. (And I may one day...)

So, during this Sunday dinner prep, Mickey is being Mickey. He’s attentive and as bright as they know him to be before addiction took hold of him. Everyone is savoring this moment. Because, who knows when he’ll be this lucid or sober again?

*Side note: It’s interesting that Mickey knows the bars “traders” (Wall Street traders I assume) frequent. I wonder how that played out in his life. The company created and connected to the tomato cans, perhaps...?*

Someone who tends to be pushed to the side is Nat. I noticed her, particularly when she responds to Mikey with:

“You and your fucking stories."

She sees. She knows. She also feels left out.

She’s stuck at the sink while the older men are reminiscing about some bullshit and Carmy is drinking it all in.

Mickey taunts Nat, saying she could have come with (Mikey and Richie to wherever) to which she says she wouldn’t. I believe her. She’s been the one to keep Donna at bay. She’s been the caretaker. She is the quintessential parentified child. Sugar knows better than to spend time with Mikey and Richie. 

This is the family:

Mikey setting up adventures.

Ritchie co-signing, hanging out on the sidelines.

Sugar cleaning the mess everyone is making.

And Carmy, looking in awe at his big brother - his savior. Carmen is shown waiting to be utilized and jumps that the chance when told. 

Michael: "Hey Carmy, do some parm."

Carmen: "Yeah, I got you. I got you."

To bring this back to the Ceres statue story, it's about something built in the name of being the pinnacle of design based in the classics. That statue was commissioned to be a landmark and a wonderment. But, as time marches on, life evolves and grows. The city around it grew and achieved taller architectural designs/building.

Ceres is stone carved with no face. It has no lasting identity other than history. Same as Ceres. She’s history. 

Same as Mikey.

Everyone around him grew. His façade was exposed to be blank, nothing, masking such history, pain, strife and togetherness just like Ceres.

Mikey only has the past.

And then there's the final puzzle piece from a different box that is Richie. The overall understanding within me, as I watch Richie share that his outgoing VM message as Goddess of Agriculture, is that he’s the historian of the family/friend group. That was his purpose before it all went to hell with Bear on that bridge.

All-in-all, we see Natalie and Carmen smiling, making the kitchen home. Michael and Richard providing the accents and anecdotal purpose. 

An absolutely beautiful moment.

[vogelmeister]

actually having a massive dilemma bc of eurovision this year and its both ethical and personal. basically last year i went "ava you need a hobby" and i was like "goud is my hobby" and then i was like "something else ava" and so as my new years resolution was to get back involved in my drama society at uni. i miss performing so much. they had auditions for their first spot but i literally couldnt audition as there was no role for me and also i was in my hometown that weekend of auditions and had a concert the other night.

anyways they announced auditions for the open spot (which realistically funnily enough is where i'd pitch goud if i were to pitch goud but sometimes i feel i'll never be confident enough in myself to do that bc it is a very personal work to me at its core. also i'd need a co-director and i almost dont trust someone else with directing these characters) and i flipped through the thingy and what do you know? i can make auditions and there is a role for me. unfortunately i looked at the show dates and it happens to be a certain week in may.

with talk on the town of boycotting eurovision because of israel (which i do not support israel being there i always found it odd bc they arent europe and thats big words coming from an australian) and the ebu flipping around until the song deadline on whether or not to ban them, i have found myself less enthusiastic about this year compared to others. i was talking to someone about how israel (or the not finnish blue and white flagged place) basically is the elephant in the room hindering this, but even so, i only have a handful of entries i really put on repeat (netherlands, croatia, finland) from this year. so the whole situation is affecting my excitement for the event, and you'd think this would make it easier but its not. bc it still is my favourite event of the year and while i can participate in everything to do with the season, to do this and then not watch the finale is a waste to me. so now im at a dilemma with what to even do bc i'd love to be on stage again but it comes at a cost, and i'd love to watch eurovision but it also comes at the cost of a certain not finnish blue and white place being there.

so like, i made a list but this is somehow worse. bc like, i feel like i dont win either way.

watching it

i won't feel depressed bc eurovision is important to me and boycotting it will probs mean sacrificing a huge part of my mental health

i already have watching plans with someone

people in my life know me as the eurovision girl and will ask me about it / i hate being vocal like this (i think its bc people wont take me seriously and i struggle to articulate thoughts regardless especially in situations like that)

joost klein / i already know half the songs anyways

i will feel shit because of israel being there (i have already boycotted KAN and the entrant and their song regardless of what happens)

boycott

i'll probably still feel depressed bc its my favourite event of the year

if i dont watch it i can audition for the play and performing makes me happy just as much as eurovision/ i havent performed since pre amsterdam

can always watch later, however not the same and may get spoiled

anyways

thanks.

[dancing-to-architecture]

I'M BACK? I'M BACK!

40 - Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced?

So happy to have an album that isn't going to be torture to get through. Almost every track on this album is on *at least* one playlist of mine.

Purple Haze-

An absolute monster opening riff leading into one of the better songs of all time.

So, i know i have Unusual Opinions regarding music and musicians, and one of my stronger ones that I have is that Jimi Hendrix was very likely bi.

"Hold on now!" come the cries of the boomers. "prove it! Prove that the always flamboyant, immaculate, WAY ahead of his time, extremely fashion-forward and highly passionate rock star who tragically died young might be bi!".

To which i say: "did you even hear a word of what you just said?" He straight-up says "excuse me while i kiss this guy" and the entire English-speaking world collectively went "no, no, that's not what he said, he said... Kiss... umm... the sky! Yeah, that totally makes sense!".

Except i used to have a live recording of this song where he very clearly said "while i kiss. that. guy." Keeping in mind that this was before Freddie Mercury or David Bowie could sit down for an interview and say something like "I'm openly bisexual, i fancy both men and women, to roughly the same degree." and the interviewer would then immediately say some dumb shit like :"yes, but why are you gay?"

In short: Jimi was bi, most music magazine interviewers are crap, they have been crap for a long time, bisexual erasure happens TODAY, so of course it would have happened 50 years ago, deal with it.

Manic Depression-

I absolutely love this song. Also, and more distressingly, I also absolutely relate to this song.

The solo is insane, the riff work is phenomenal, and the bass and drums are perfectly in the pocket. (Also, for what seems like a fairly simple drum beat, it's MUCH harder to keep that constantly-shifting time signature in your head than one would think.)

Hey Joe-

Is this the best song about "murdering your cheating spouse and then fleeing the country" ever written? I think so.

I mean, I'd put the Dixie Chicks' "Goodbye, Earl" up there, but I don't think she left her hometown after the murder.

At any rate, a psychotic psychedelic R&B classic.

Love or Confusion-

An anthem for all the autistic folks out there like myself who genuinely can't tell if a person is actively flirting with them or just being polite.

May This Be Love-

I will always be in favor of daydreaming like a lazy-minded fool.

Much more mellow than the earlier songs on the album have been, but Jimi still works in some outstanding guitar noodling.

I would bet money this song was an influence on Incubus's "Aqueous Transmission".

I Don't Live Today-

The biggest goddamn mood on the album, and how I feel almost every time I'm made aware of The News.

The Wind Cries Mary-

Another absolute classic song. Sad but beautiful.

Kurt Vonnegut's lament: "So it goes..." in song form.

When I was young, (for some reason) I thought he was referencing the Virgin Mary. Now, I think she might have just been more of "the one who got away".

Fire-

People of a certain generation and a specific level of culture will likely associate this song with Tia Carrera.

Either way, this song melts faces. The drummer is a goddamn maniac on this one.

Third Stone From The Sun-

I've never listened to this album on acid, but this song seems perfect for that exact mindset with the trippy, heavily-distorted vocals.

It kicks ass, though, don't get me wrong.

Foxey Lady-

People of a certain generation and a specific level of culture will likely associate this song with Dana Carvey wearing a flannel shirt tied around his waist.

(Look, if you haven't seen Wayne's World, you owe it to yourself to do so.)

Are You Experienced?-

The last line of this one (not necessarily stoned but beautiful) always made me figure that "being experienced" is a shibboleth for anything from "you smoke trees?" to "DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE MACHINE ELVES?!"

and damn do I love the backwards drumming.

Stone Free-

Okay, Jimi, I'm pretty sure they DID realize they "were the ones who's square". That's why they would stare at your bizarre marching band leader outfits. (I'm absolutely Not knocking his bizarre marching band leader outfits, I honestly wish I had the panache to pull that kinda shit off.)

51st Anniversary-

Man, between Stone Free and this one right after, I'm guessing Jimi didn't think much of marriage, huh?

Idk, as a happily married man, this one just doesn't click with me.

Highway Chile-

This very easily could have been me after the army, if I had had a car that actually worked.

Can You See Me-

This one rings a bit hollow after all the earlier "yeah, baby, I'm out of here, see ya never, no strings on me" songs, just saying.

It rocks, nonetheless. Also maybe the only time "aww, shucks" had been uttered in a song that still goes this hard.

Remember-

See directly above, except the aww shucks part.

Red House-

And this one, right at the end, proves the hollowness of the last two broken hearted songs in my eyes.

"Girl left while I was gone? Welp. Fuck it, her sister was cute."

A monster of a blues track, regardless. One of my favorites, and that solo is INSANE.

Favorite Track: This is a tough one. A close race, but it's Purple Haze by a nose.

Least Favorite Track: Remember. It's barely about the girl in question! It's about the bird that won't sing and the dumped dude who won't eat because he has the sads.

Sorry about the long time since last time, full disclosure I got thoroughly addicted to a podcast called Kill James Bond, wherein three trans people discuss (and frequently skewer) the poster boy for toxic masculinity. It's fantastic.

[deerinstinct]

Ok so my insane posts two nights ago were about this. THE BIG ALKAKUREI FINALE EVENT. As you can hear here it made me feel dizzy. I’m so so excited because the premise of having them swap leaders means soooooo much potential for interactions I’m so thrilled. If the name is a reference to the movie that makes it so transgender to be honest I’m sure Matrix is a word that existed before The Matrix though. The expressions here are so good I feel crazy. The leader-swap is SUCH a good premise. The outfits… aaah… so good.

The matching Amagi 5☆ of my dreams… I knew they’d be the 5☆, but I didn’t expect them to match!!!!! (＞_＜。) I feel crazy. Something about the art direction for all of these cards is also just very very good.

Ai-chan is one of the 5☆ which I was hoping for i’m sooo excited. I wonder what exactly she means, by “why did you have to change like that?” After all, they are narrative foils and have so much substance in the main story, especially with how Aira essentially served as his saviour in a sense; reminded him what truly matters. She is like if Rinne were untainted, if he had been saved before it was too late, if his love for idols remained pure. It could be something silly though, but for videos like these the quotes don’t match the CGS, & the CG IS SO SILLY. She wants Hiro-kun back so badly. I understand why she would be against the unit leader swap literally calling herself an anti but I am excited to see what will come from it.

For Mayoi & Rinne too, with their seemingly matching CGS & discussion of the Amagi village. Which, since HiMERU is on a bus, it would be exciting if they go to their hometown, but I am afraid of how they will handle it if that is the case—their track record has been… not good. Not egregious, but bad. So I am nervous, since people say this. I hope there will be no micro aggressions from the cast for 0 reason, sad as it is to have to say. It is realistic ignorance, but it doesn’t hold value at all, and there are real people with ainu blood who play the game. To anyone, really, it is uncomfortable to experience. The story itself is already rather anti-indigenous in it’s messages of them being backwards & something to escape from. But… I won’t be a pessimist because of it. They could be normal. In fact, it could even be sweet...

There is so much potential for growth… it’s so brilliant. I’m excited, I am keeping my hopes up for this event. Despite the value of !! Era being lesser at times for preexisting units, & the fact they could have done better for the new units it brought to the table in the last 4 years, I’ve found everything so interesting nonetheless… the main story, the side pieces to go with it, obbligato, it is good. Speaking of obbligato; as I had said on twitter, “I’m actually really glad there seems to be no Kaname action because I would much rather it have been in a different big event or Crazy:B specific event to give him the focus he deserves & make it hurt more since there’s already so many characters to give focus to in alkakurei.” Some may not agree with this, but I love Kaname, and I am crazy. So I want it to be done right, for this reason, even if others would take any sliver they can get. I simply do not agree.

I am still very happy with HiMERU’s 5☆. In love with it. Unfortunately he looks very cute, like a beautiful woman of some sort, with a cute tiny little blue sticker on his laptop that looks just like Kanamy…?! One may say Kohaku gave it to him. But he has eyed cute things in the past, in a store. His expression in the bloomed is very beautiful… it looks very authentic, not like the role of HiMERU he plays, but something more real from the depths of his soul. The Tojou within him, something unnamed yet real.

I really love this Tatsumi card because he’s like we’ll resolve everything like we always do while looking so very frazzled. Distressed. I love when handsome young men are distressed. Things are happening to him, and he still sits so politely, so lady-like. It is wonderful. Tatsumimi.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Kohaku smile so wide. It’s so Mamaful, isn’t it? And who he is talking to is most definitely Hiiro, someone he had no connection to other than through his friends. It’s exciting.

AND THEN THE MV DROPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF WRITING THIS & I SQUEALED. NIKI & TATSUMI DUET. AMAGI HUG IN REALTIME. Aichan exuding her adorableness onstage like no other. The kohaku aichan highfive. The part with the lanterns and the shutting off of the artificial lighting, their stage illuminated with the love of their fans, the sweat dripping down their faces, the emotions in the songs! It’s amazing. It really killed me. I was not disappointed for a second. Mayoi, HiMERU, everyone else, were very cute. Aaahuuhhh…

[theambitiouswoman]

hello! just wanted to ask your view on something

so.. last month was my birthday, it was on june 1st. i have several close friends and i always make sure i have a gift for them ready before their birthday. i was in my hometown (im in college and i live in the uni dorm w my friends) so i cant celebrate it with them

until now, only 2/5 of them gave me gifts (very late gifts but im still grateful). i mean i dont beg for them to give me gifts but you know, i put an effort for them so i hope that they'll put an effort for me too

not only that, in the middle of my tight schedule i spare my time to make them my favorite pastries BECAUSE OF COURSE I LOVE THEM AND WHY WOULDNT I PUT ANY EFFORT FOR THEM? but still, they act like they didnt have time to wrap my gifts or even THINK ABOUT WHAT GIFT SHOULD THEY GIVE TO ME. ive told them several times that im sad and i dont like this behaviour, they said sorry but nothing has changed still

even when i ask them to accompany me eating somewhere they didnt reply to my texts or reply very late. i just dont feel that they are good friends and i dont feel that they can communicate well. they werent like this before. they act busy AS IF im not busy too.. like, ma'am objectively im busier than them, like really

what do you think about this situation and what do you think should i do? love you ❣️

Happy belated birthday to you 💗💗💗

I think it's understandable to expect reciprocity and appreciation from your friends, especially when you make an effort to celebrate their birthdays and show them you care.

It's possible that your friends might be caught up in their own lives and responsibilities. This shift will also cause a change in the relationship dynamic that you are accustomed to.

If you've already talked to them about this and they haven't shown any improvement, it might be worth reevaluating the dynamic of your friendship. True friends should be able to communicate and make time for each other, even amidst busy schedules. Decide whether their behavior is indicative of a temporary phase or a now permanent pattern. If it's an ongoing issue, I humbly think you might need to assess whether these friendships and take steps to figuring out what role you want those friendships to continue to play in your life.

It's very possible that you guys may have outgrown each other. People grow and change over time, and sometimes friendships that were once close and strong can naturally drift apart as people pursue different paths and interests. Friendships like any relationship, can evolve and change.

In your situation, if you feel that the dynamics of your friendships have shifted and that you no longer have the same level of connection or shared interests, it could be a sign that you've outgrown each other. It's natural for friendships to evolve and flow, and it doesn't mean that either party is at fault. Sometimes, people simply change, and their priorities and interests diverge.

It might be worth considering whether it's time to find new connections with people who align more closely with your current values and interests. After all, you can not force someone to treat you how you want to be treated. And you can't continue to feel hurt for not having your efforts reciprocated.

Remember that change is a normal part of life and as you continue to grow and evolve, your social circles will change as well. Embrace the opportunity to meet new people and form new connections that are more in line with who you are now. It's all part of the journey.

Trust your instincts and do what feels right for you <3 Prioritize your own happiness and well-being in choosing the friendships that will better your life.