#and i think this is a good project to embark upon

[thebirdandhersong]

apparently the exhilaration of finishing one project means jump-starting another one

[tosomeonessomeone]

a heart laid bare.

words・ 4.5k /pairings・ non Idol Jisung x reader / genres・fluff / warnings・ suggestive You - Major in literature Han Jisung - Major in music

Professor Lee announced the upcoming seminar on different poetry genres, and to your surprise, you were paired with Han Jisung for the project. 

"Hello," you said, mustering a smile as you approached Han Jisung after class.

"Hi," he replied, flashing a friendly grin. "Looks like we're partners for the seminar. I'm Han Jisung."

"Nice to meet you, I'm [Your Name]," you replied, feeling a bit nervous but also intrigued by his warm demeanor.

"Confessional poetry, huh? It's quite an interesting topic," Han Jisung remarked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Yeah, definitely. I think it's fascinating how poets use their own experiences and emotions to create such powerful works," you replied, feeling a sense of connection already.

Despite the looming deadline, the journey felt exhilarating, filled with moments of discovery and shared creativity. And as you exchanged drafts and ideas, you couldn't help but wonder where this newfound connection would lead, both in your project and beyond.

In the quiet solitude of the campus library, surrounded by towering shelves of books, Han Jisung's voice echoed softly in the dimly lit aisle. His eyes, illuminated by the gentle glow of the reading lamps, held a spark of excitement as he leaned in closer.

"I never realized how raw and vulnerable confessional poetry could be," Han Jisung confessed, his words hanging in the air like delicate whispers. "It's like peeling back layers of emotion, uncovering truths that resonate deep within."

His voice carried a sense of wonder, as if he had stumbled upon a hidden treasure buried beneath the weight of words. You listened intently, drawn to the passion that infused his every syllable, and nodded in silent agreement.

"Yeah, it's incredible how these poets lay bare their innermost thoughts and feelings," you replied, your own voice hushed with reverence. "It's like they're inviting us into the depths of their souls, sharing their joys and sorrows without reservation."

You knew that this late-night study session was just the beginning of a deeper exploration, one that would lead you both to the very essence of what it means to be human.

As you and Han Jisung embarked on your journey through the world of confessional poetry, you decided to dedicate each week to a different writer, immersing yourselves in their words and emotions. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, you gathered in your dorm room, surrounded by the soft glow of lamplight and the scent of old books.

"This week, let's focus on Sylvia Plath," you suggested, reaching for a worn copy of "Ariel" from your bookshelf.

Han Jisung nodded eagerly, settling onto the floor beside you. "Sounds good. Her poetry has always had a way of cutting straight to the heart."

You opened the book to a dog-eared page and began to read aloud, the words tumbling from your lips like a whispered confession. "‘I am terrified by this dark thing that sleeps in me…’"

Han Jisung listened intently, his gaze fixed on the page as if trying to unravel the secrets hidden within each line. "Wow," he breathed, his voice barely a whisper. "It's like she's laying bare her innermost fears for the world to see."

You nodded in agreement, feeling the weight of Plath's words settle like a heavy cloak around your shoulders. "Her ability to capture the darkness and despair within the human soul is truly remarkable."

As the week progressed, you and Han Jisung found yourselves drawn deeper into the labyrinth of Plath's poetry, reading and re-reading her verses to each other late into the night. With each passing day, you uncovered new layers of meaning and emotion, finding solace in the shared experience of exploring the depths of the human psyche.

"And what about Anne Sexton?" Han Jisung suggested one evening, his eyes alight with curiosity.

You nodded, eager to delve into the haunting verses of Sexton's confessional poetry. Together, you opened the pages of "Live or Die," letting the words wash over you like a tidal wave of emotion.

"'Your courage was a small coal that you kept swallowing,'" you read, your voice trembling with emotion.

Han Jisung sat in silence, absorbing the weight of Sexton's words. "It's like she's grappling with her own mortality, wrestling with the demons that haunt her every waking moment."

As the days turned into weeks, you and Han Jisung found yourselves drawn together not only by your shared passion for poetry but also by a growing sense of companionship and connection. The long picnics you dedicated to discussing poetry became cherished moments of shared intimacy, where the boundaries between friendship and something more began to blur.

Sitting on the soft grass under the shade of a sprawling oak tree, you unfolded your picnic blanket, the aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the scent of wildflowers. As you exchanged verses and interpretations, laughter danced on the breeze, weaving a tapestry of shared memories and inside jokes.

"We should do this more often," Han Jisung remarked, his eyes crinkling with a smile. "It's like our own little oasis away from the chaos of the world."

You nodded in agreement, feeling the warmth of the sun against your skin and the gentle rustle of leaves overhead. In that moment, the world seemed to slow to a halt, and all that mattered was the quiet rhythm of your breaths and the gentle cadence of your laughter.

You found yourselves seeking each other out in moments of solitude and solace. Whether it was strolling through the bustling streets of the city, savoring the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee in quaint cafes, or losing track of time in the hushed corners of the library, you discovered a shared joy in each other's presence.

Even as you juggled the demands of your respective majors, you found solace in the moments spent together, learning and growing side by side. Whether it was discussing the intricacies of English literature or unraveling the mysteries of music theory, each shared experience became an opportunity to deepen your connection and broaden your horizons.

One day as you wandered through the corridors, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in hand, your steps led you to the music hall where Han Jisung was scheduled for piano monitoring. With a warm smile, you settled outside the classroom, the familiar melody of his playing drifting through the closed door.

As the minutes passed, you sipped your coffee, the rich flavor mingling with the anticipation humming in the air. And then, as if drawn by an invisible force, you pushed open the door and stepped inside.

There, bathed in the soft glow of afternoon light, Han Jisung sat at the piano, his fingers dancing across the keys with effortless grace. The music swirled around the room, filling every corner with its enchanting melody, wrapping you in its embrace.

For a moment, you stood rooted to the spot, captivated by the sight of Han Jisung lost in his world of music. His eyes were closed, his expression serene, as if he were communing with something beyond the reach of words.

As the final notes faded into silence, Han Jisung opened his eyes, his gaze meeting yours with a mixture of surprise and delight. A shy smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he gestured for you to come closer.

"You heard that?" he asked, his voice soft with wonder.

You nodded, the warmth of the moment enveloping you like a soft blanket. "It was beautiful," you replied, your heart swelling with admiration.

He looked into your eyes with a secretive glint in his eyes. "That piece was part of my self-authored poem," he confessed, his voice tinged with a hint of excitement. "But it's a secret for now."

Surprised by his revelation, you couldn't help but feel a flutter of curiosity. "A secret poem?" you echoed, leaning in closer, eager to hear more.

Han Jisung nodded, a mischievous smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yes, I've been working on it for some time. I wanted it to be a surprise, something special."

In that moment, a wave of warmth washed over you, touched by Han Jisung's thoughtfulness and creativity. "I can't wait to hear it," you replied, your heart swelling with anticipation.

Han Jisung's eyes sparkled with excitement as he continued, "I hope to turn it into a song someday, but I need to find the right melody first. Something that captures the essence of the words."

You nodded in understanding, marveling at his dedication and passion for his craft. "I have no doubt it will be amazing," you assured him, your voice filled with unwavering confidence.

With just one week left until the seminar, you knew that together, you and Han Jisung were ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with nothing but your love for literature and the unshakeable bond that had blossomed between you.

As you huddled together in the cozy confines of your dorm room, surrounded by scattered notebooks and 

half-empty mugs of coffee, the hours melted away in a blur of passionate discussion and shared laughter. 

"We're almost there," you remarked, your voice tinged with a hint of exhaustion but buoyed by a sense of accomplishment. "Just a few more tweaks and we'll be ready for the big day."

Han Jisung nodded in agreement, his eyes alight with determination. "I have a feeling our hard work is going to pay off. This seminar is going to be something special."

And as the first light of dawn painted the sky in shades of pink and gold, you finally allowed yourselves a moment of respite, knowing that the journey you had embarked upon together was far from over. 

With Saturday stretching out before you like a blank canvas, filled with endless possibilities, you couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the adventures that lay ahead.

As you and Han Jisung settled onto the soft rug, bathed in the warm glow of the lamp, a sense of unease settled over you like a heavy blanket. Despite the late hour and the quiet stillness of the room, your mind raced with a flurry of thoughts and emotions, each one more elusive than the last.

"I just can't seem to find the right words," you confessed, your voice barely above a whisper. "I've been trying to write my poem, but it's like the words won't come."

Han Jisung nodded in understanding, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the swirling chaos of your thoughts. "It's okay," he reassured you, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Sometimes, the hardest part is finding the courage to let the words flow."

With a heavy sigh, you closed your eyes, willing the floodgates of inspiration to open. But try as you might, the blank page remained stubbornly devoid of any semblance of poetry, a silent testament to your inner struggle.

"I just want it to be perfect," you admitted, the weight of expectation bearing down on your shoulders like a burden too heavy to bear.

Han Jisung reached out, his hand resting gently on yours, a silent gesture of solidarity and support. "It doesn't have to be perfect," he said, his voice soft but firm. "It just has to be true."

His words hung in the air like a lifeline, guiding you back to the heart of your creativity and reminding you that the beauty of poetry lies not in its perfection, but in its honesty and vulnerability.

And as you leaned against the bed, surrounded by the soft glow of lamplight and the steady rhythm of Han Jisung's presence, you knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, you would face them together, united in purpose and bound by the bonds of friendship and shared passion.

As you looked at Han Jisung, lost in the quiet rhythm of his work, a wave of inspiration washed over you, igniting a spark deep within your soul. The dim light cast soft shadows across the room, enveloping the two of you in a cocoon of intimacy and possibility.

In that fleeting moment, as the world outside faded into oblivion, you found yourself drawn to the beauty of the scene unfolding before you—the gentle rustle of papers, the steady cadence of Han Jisung's breathing, the unspoken connection that bound you together.

With a sense of purpose coursing through your veins, you reached for your pen, the ink flowing like a river of creativity as you scribbled down every word that danced across your mind. 

Each line was a testament to the quiet strength of friendship and the power of shared dreams, woven together with threads of love and vulnerability.

As the words spilled onto the page, a sense of clarity washed over you, like a beacon guiding you home. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, you had found your anchor, your sanctuary—the poetry that lay dormant within your soul, waiting to be unleashed.

And as you poured your heart onto the page, each word a testament to the beauty of the human experience, you knew that this moment would forever be etched into the fabric of your memory—a silent tribute to the power of inspiration, and the transformative magic of connection.

“In shadows cast by evening's gentle hue,

In whispered sighs beneath the crescent moon,

A heart laid bare, adorned with shades of blue,

Confession wrapped in verses' soft cocoon.

Beneath the lamplight's tender, flickering glow,

I trace the contours of a secret flame,

A love that blossoms but dare not to show,

Its petals sheltered from the world's acclaim.

In stolen glances, fleeting moments shared,

A melody of longing softly hummed,

In every line, a tender truth declared,

A symphony of whispers left unsung.

With every word, a silent vow I keep,

In ink-stained pages, where my secrets sleep.”

As you looked down at your words, a moment of realization struck you like a bolt from the blue. Lost in the rhythm of your own thoughts, you hadn't even noticed Han Jisung leaning in, his eyes scanning the freshly written lines with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

His gaze lingered on the page, his expression unreadable, as if he were trying to unravel the secrets hidden within the ink-stained verses. And in that moment, a rush of vulnerability washed over you, like a tide pulling you deeper into the depths of your own emotions.

You felt exposed, laid bare beneath the weight of your own words, unsure of how Han Jisung would receive the confessions woven into the fabric of your poetry. Would he understand the hidden layers of meaning, the echoes of longing that reverberated within each line?

"It's beautiful." he said, his voice soft with reverence.

As you turned your head to look at him, a sudden rush of proximity filled the space between you, your face mere inches from his. The air crackled with electricity, charged with the unspoken tension that lingered between you like a veil of anticipation.

In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still, suspended in the delicate balance of possibility and restraint. Your heart thundered in your chest, the rhythm of its beats echoing the unspoken desires that danced beneath the surface.

His breath brushed against your skin, warm and intoxicating, a whispered promise of what could be. And as you met his gaze, the world fell away, leaving only the two of you locked in a silent exchange of longing and uncertainty.

His deep brown eyes, soft and tender, held a universe of emotions as you slowly turned your head away, a silent retreat from the intensity of the moment. But before you could fully escape, his hand found its place on your cheek, gentle and reassuring, drawing you back to him with a magnetic pull that defied reason.

In the hushed intimacy of the space between you, his lips met yours in a tender caress, a silent confession of the longing that had lingered unspoken between you for so long. The world fell away, consumed by the heat of the moment, as the soft brush of his lips ignited a fire within your soul.

In that fleeting instant, the boundaries that had once separated you melted into oblivion, leaving only the raw vulnerability of shared desire and the promise of something deeper, something more profound than words could ever convey.

As you kissed him back, the world around you faded into insignificance, consumed by the electrifying intensity of the moment. His lips, warm and tender against yours, ignited a fire within your soul, a flame fueled by the unspoken desires and shared dreams that had bound you together.

With each fleeting touch, he drew you closer, his embrace a sanctuary against the chaos of the world. And as your lips moved in perfect harmony, a symphony of longing and devotion unfolded between you, a silent testament to the love that had blossomed in the quiet spaces between books and late-night wanderings.

In the tender pauses between kisses, Han Jisung's voice rose like a gentle melody, weaving the words of his poem into the fabric of the night, each verse a testament to the depth of his love.

"In the quiet whispers of the night," he began, his voice soft and reverent, "Beneath the stars' soft, guiding light, A love was born amidst the pages, Of books that filled our shared spaces."

As his lips brushed against yours, he continued, each word a whispered confession of devotion and longing. "In words penned by poets' hands, Our hearts found solace, made their stands, On picnic blankets, under trees, We shared our hopes, our dreams, our pleas."

With each stanza, the weight of his love washed over you like a gentle tide, pulling you deeper into the depths of his affection. "In late-night wanderings, side by side, Through shelves of books, our love did glide, A silent dance of souls entwined, In the labyrinth of the mind."

And as he spoke, you felt the echoes of your shared journey reverberate through every syllable, binding you together in an unbreakable bond forged in the fires of passion and understanding. "With every verse, a promise made, In every stanza, love conveyed, Through sonnets sweet and verses true, Our hearts found shelter, me and you."

In the quiet sanctuary of the night, Han Jisung's words became a sanctuary, a testament to the beauty of your love and the poetry that had blossomed between you. "And so, my love, in poetry's embrace, I found the home for which I chase, In every line, I see your face, A love eternal, bound by grace."

With each breath, with each kiss, the lines of his poem became etched into the very fabric of your being, a reminder of the magic that had brought you together and the promise of a future filled with endless possibility and unwavering devotion.

As Han Jisung finished his heartfelt poem, his eyes met yours with a depth of emotion that echoed the sentiments woven into his verses. Without a word, you felt a magnetic pull drawing you closer to him, your heart beating in sync with the rhythm of his love.

With a graceful movement, you shifted closer, settling into his lap, your legs on each side, creating an intimate cocoon of warmth and affection. He leaned against the side of your bed, his body molded to yours, as you leaned into him, your breath mingling in the space between you.

In the soft glow of the lamplight, time seemed to stand still as you surrendered to the tender embrace of his lips, a silent symphony of passion and desire unfolding in the quiet sanctuary of the night. His touch was a gentle caress against your skin, igniting a fire that burned with the intensity of a thousand suns.

With each kiss, the boundaries that had once separated you melted away, leaving only the raw vulnerability of two souls bound together in a dance as old as time itself. In that moment, there were no words, no need for explanations or promises—only the silent language of love spoken in the tender brush of lips and the gentle touch of hands.

As the warmth of the moment enveloped you both, you broke the kiss, your heart pounding with a mixture of emotions. With a gentle touch, you cupped Han Jisung's face in your hands, searching his eyes for the truth that lay hidden within their depths.

"I never imagined..." Your voice trailed off, the weight of your confession hanging heavy in the air. For so long, you had danced around the edges of your feelings, never daring to imagine that Han Jisung could feel the same way.

But now, as you looked into his eyes, you saw a reflection of your own longing, mirrored back in the depths of his gaze. In that moment, the walls that had once separated you crumbled to dust, leaving only the raw vulnerability of two hearts laid bare.

Han Jisung's hand found yours, his touch a silent reassurance of the love that bound you together. "I never imagined either," he admitted, his voice soft with sincerity. "But from the moment I met you, I knew there was something special between us."

As the weight of your confessions lifted from your shoulders, a smile tugged at the corners of your lips, unable to contain the joy that blossomed within your heart. With a soft giggle escaping your lips, you couldn't help but hide your face between Han Jisung's shoulder and neck, overcome by a rush of happiness and relief.

His laughter echoed yours, a symphony of shared joy that filled the room with its warmth. In that moment, the world seemed to shrink to the space between you, cocooned in the embrace of each other's laughter and the promise of a future filled with endless possibility.

In that sacred space, you lingered, savoring the sweetness of the moment as if it were the only thing that truly mattered. And as the world outside faded into obscurity, you knew that in each other's embrace, you had found a sanctuary—a haven where the fires of passion burned bright and the echoes of your love reverberated through the silent chambers of your hearts.

And so, you stayed, lost in the magic of the moment, cherishing the precious gift of each other's presence as if it were the rarest treasure in the universe. In the quiet stillness of the night, you found solace in the arms of Han Jisung, your souls intertwined in a dance as old as time itself, bound together by the unbreakable bonds of a love that had transcended all barriers to find its way home.

Who could have imagined that on the day of your seminar, you would walk hand in hand with Han Jisung, fingers intertwined in a silent declaration of unity and affection. As you entered the classroom, a sense of anticipation hung in the air, mingling with the nervous energy that crackled beneath the surface.

Together, you stood at the front of the room, your hearts beating in unison as you prepared to give your presentation. With each passing moment, the weight of the day's events bore down upon you, but you drew strength from the depth of Han Jisung's presence by your side.

As you began to speak, your words flowed like a river, carrying the essence of your shared journey into the hearts of your audience. With every slide, every carefully crafted argument, you felt the resonance of your connection woven into the fabric of your presentation, a reflection of the bond and affinity that had blossomed between you.

And as the seminar drew to a close, you looked out at the faces of your classmates, their eyes alight with curiosity and intrigue. In that moment, you realized that this was more than just an academic exercise—it was a celebration of the depth of your connection, a testament to the power of friendship, companionship, and the courage to follow your heart's truest desires.

As you and Han Jisung took your final bow, applause rang out through the room, a chorus of affirmation and support that lifted your spirits higher than you could have ever imagined. And in the midst of it all, you knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, you would face them together, hand in hand, bound by the unyielding depth of your affection and shared dreams.

As the seminar concluded, your professor stepped forward, his expression one of genuine admiration and appreciation. His voice, filled with warmth and encouragement, resonated through the room, carrying the weight of his words like a beacon of affirmation.

"I must say," he began, his tone infused with genuine admiration, "that was truly an exceptional presentation. The depth of insight, the clarity of thought—it's evident that both of you have poured your hearts and souls into this project."

His words, like a gentle embrace, enveloped you both in a sense of validation and pride. You could feel the sincerity behind his praise, a testament to the impact of your dedication and hard work.

"As educators, we often talk about the importance of passion and commitment," he continued, his eyes sparkling with genuine enthusiasm, "and today, you've exemplified those qualities in abundance. Your exploration of confessional poetry was not only insightful but also deeply moving, a testament to the power of literature to touch the human soul."

With each word, you felt a swell of gratitude and pride rise within you, a recognition of the countless hours spent pouring over texts and crafting your arguments with meticulous care.

"I have no doubt that both of you have bright futures ahead," he concluded, his voice filled with conviction. "Today's presentation is a testament to your talent, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. Congratulations on a job well done."

As the applause filled the room once more, you exchanged a knowing glance with Han Jisung, a silent acknowledgment of the journey you had embarked upon together. And in that moment, you knew that no matter where the road may lead, you would always carry with you the lessons learned and the memories forged in the crucible of shared passion and determination.

As the day ebbed away, the pulsating energy of success gave way to an insatiable hunger, an undeniable craving that drew you and Han Jisung together with an irresistible force. You’ve found yourselves in his dorm room with the euphoria of triumph still coursing through your veins, you found yourselves entangled in a web of desire, each touch igniting a wildfire of passion that threatened to consume you whole.

In the dimly lit embrace of the night, the air crackled with anticipation, charged with the electricity of forbidden longing. With trembling hands and hungry hearts, you shed the layers of restraint, surrendering to the primal urge that pulsed beneath the surface.

His touch was electric, sending sparks dancing along your skin as you traced the contours of his body with a reverence reserved for sacred ground. With each caress, each whispered promise, you delved deeper into the labyrinth of desire, intoxicated by the heady scent of arousal that hung thick in the air.

In the heat of the moment, the boundaries between you blurred and faded, leaving only the raw vulnerability of two souls laid bare in the throes of ecstasy. With every kiss, every sigh, you surrendered to the intoxicating rhythm of passion, lost in the symphony of pleasure that echoed through the night.

In the poetry of your touch and the melodies of your moans, you discovered a language that transcended words, a silent communion of bodies entwined in a dance as old as time itself. And as the night unfurled around you like a velvet tapestry, you reveled in the knowledge that in each other's arms, you had found a home—a sanctuary where the boundaries of pleasure and pain blurred into sweet oblivion, where the mysteries of love and desire awaited exploration with every breathless whisper and trembling sigh.

[lousypotatoes]

heyy! just wanted to say ive read your mukuroxreader n i love it :DD im not really sure if an ultimate!reader would count as an oc, but would it be alright if i request a gundham/gonta with an ultimate florist!femreader platonic imagine where theyre classmates? id also like to request one for hiyoko, mahiru n celestia but if its too much then gundham n gonta will be enough!

Friendship In Bloom - Platonic! Gundham/Gonta/Hiyoko x Female! Reader

Gundham Tanaka

Song Recommendation:

Zombie - The Cranberries

Y/N was in the school garden, looking for some flowers to put in a bouquet. While students were allowed to sit in the garden, her being the Ultimate Florist, she was one of the only people actually allowed to use it.

"What mysterious endeavor doth thou undertake amidst this verdant realm?" said a deep voice from behind her.

She turned around and saw none other than Gundham Tanaka, one of her classmates. She hung around him enough to understand the strange way he talked.

"Hi Gundham," she said brightly. I'm just picking some flowers to put in a bouquet. What are you doing here?"

"I am merely seeking solace before I embark to my next class," he said, sitting on one of the benches. "What mortal being is this bouquet for?"

"No one," she replied. "I'm just making it to pass the time, I might put it in my dorm."

"May I beseech thee with a question, Y/N?" he asked.

"Yeah, sure," she answered. "Ask away."

"Might I implore upon thee, to craft me a bouquet?" he asked, blushing slightly. "'Tis intended as a gift for a soul dear to my heart."

"I'm guessing it's for Sonia?" she asked, smirking slightly.

"Maybe," he muttered, pulling his scarf up.

"Sure, I'd be happy to make you one!" she said. "Any flowers you have in mind?"

"Any blossoms in the hues of white or yellow shall suffice for this noble endeavor." Gundham said.

"Hmm alright," Y/N said. "I'll have it to you by Tuesday at the latest."

"I extend my deepest gratitude to you, Y/N!" he exclaimed, getting up. "Reveal to me the sum of currency that you require."

"You don't have to pay me, Gundham," she waved off. "I'm more than happy to do it for free."

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Of course, anything for a friend!"

Gonta Gokuhara

Song Recommendation:

august - Taylor Swift

"I'm gonna punch Kokichi in his smug little face, I swear," Y/N muttered as she walked through the busy hallway.

She was forced to partner up with him for a chemistry project, and all he did was goof off, making Y/N do the whole thing be herself.

She needed to clear her head, and the only place to do that was the school garden.

As she entered, she was surprised to see that someone was already in it, sitting down in the dirt.

Hearing the footsteps behind him, Gonta turned around, a smile lighting up on his face once she saw Y/N.

"Hi Y/N!" he said.

"Hi Gonta," she smiled, setting down her bag. "What are you doing in here?"

"Gonta just here, looking at all the bugs in garden!" he exclaimed, showing her a butterfly on is finger. "So many, like little friends!"

Y/N giggled, sitting on the dirt next to Gonta.

"I didn't know that you came here, Gonta," she said, picking a tulip. "I've never seen you here before."

"Sometimes, Gonta come here to clear mind," he said quietly. "Nature good for thinking, make mind feel calm."

Y/N hummed in agreement.

"Gonta also come here to look at all bugs." he said.

"That's nice," she said, letting a ladybug land on her finger. "I didn't know anyone else came here but me."

"Gonta started coming here few weeks ago," he said.

"That explains why I haven't seen you then,"

The two of them stayed quiet, listening to the sounds of nature.

"What is that flower called?" Gonta asked, pointing at an Iris.

"Oh, that's an Iris," she said.

"What about that one?"

"That's a hydrangea,"

"And that one?"

"That's a Sakura tree," she said, smiling. "That's what our national flower grows on."

"Gonta didn't know you knew so much about flowers." he said.

"I am the Ultimate Florist after all," she laughed.

"Do you think you could teach Gonta more about flowers?" he asked, his eyes lighting up.

A small smile graced Y/N's face.

"Of course, Gonta. You see that one there? That's a Sumire..."

Hiyoko Saionji

Song Recommendation:

Speed Drive - Charli XCX

"Hey! Y/N!"

Y/N lifted her head up from her desk and saw tiny little Hiyoko walking towards her.

"What do you want, Hiyoko?"

"I need you to pick me some flowers," Hiyoko answered.

"Why can't you do it yourself?" Y/N asked.

"'Cause you're the Ultimate Florist and I know nothing about flowers," she said. "Pretty please?"

"Fine," Y/N said. "What are the flowers for?"

"None of your business," she said, sticking out her tongue.

"Fine, don't tell me," Y/N said, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "What kind of flowers do you want?"

"Anything that's pretty and red,"

"That's not much of an answer but okay," Y/N muttered. "When do you need them by?"

"Tomorrow," Hiyoko simply said.

"Tomorrow!? I won't be able to-" Y/N cut herself off. "You know, fine. I'll get them to you tomorrow."

"Oh yay!" Hiyoko exclaimed. "I knew you'd be able to do it! Bye Y/N!" she said, as she ran out of the classroom.

"Wait! Hiyoko! You owe me-" she yelled, trying to get Hiyoko's attention, but Hiyoko was already down the hallway.

"Five dollars.." Y/N grumbled. "I am way too nice for my own good."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

sorry it took me so long to upload this anon

i was planning on doing mahiru and celestia as well, but it was too much different scenarios to think of

i'm sorry 😭

stay safe and drinks lot's of water <33

xoxo, Izzy

[marengogo]

Silver Lining - What If #7 : Solstice & Equinox

Listening to This is V - As Friday is Tae Day

[Music is a very big part of my life and I’m MOSTLY INCAPABLE of writing without music, so I just thought I'd share what I am listening to while writing this]

🐺 — 🐺 — 🐺—

Hello my Dearest Gurls, Bois and Enbies.

It’s been a while since I made an actual post right? Oh and, for the time being, forget about that chapter 2 post, every time I resume writing it, I think about the present state of this fandom and I get so VEXED that I close the file soon after … so yeah, there’s that So, here I am, wanting to share something I thought of yesterday, something completely delulu but quite fun at the same time. 

AS ALWAYS, before we get off on DeluluLand, here is a message from our conductor *clears voice*: “Good morning, good afternoon or good evening, I trust I’m finding everyone well and ready to embark into this new trip. As today’s destination is particularly delulu and rather wishful-thinking-esque, I highly suggest bringing the toughest, biggest and shiniest tin hat in your possession, as well as your best clown clothes, with you when you disembark. Now, alas, the temperature is undesirable cold, the skies are pretty foggy and the waters are pretty rough, nonetheless, I do hope you still enjoy the journey, godspeed, this was your captain”. 

And now that we are all readily equipped let me welcome you without further ado to:

Jikook Travel Vlog Theory by Marengo! 

This isn’t a discussion about what I think the vlog will contain, but more of when I think it/they might be released, or rather, if I were jikook, which I’m obviously not, hence this being a delulu post, I would do it in the way I am about to explain. BUT FIRST, let’s see what knowledge we currently have available:

CONNECTICUT, JEJU, BUSAN, SAPPORO

Now, we know for a fact that they went to Connecticut and Sapporo to film this vlog, as eventually mentioned by JK on Suchwita. In Connecticut no thanks to an asshole we saw them with GoPros and also on their way to, and from, Sapporo, as always “courtesy” of airport warriors. So we have no doubt about those.

Jeju was a rumor that some k-jikookers had began some time last year, which was shutdown as quickly as it came out, but which, none other than our dear Tae confirmed a few months later when he made his Chuseok post on IG. BUT the question is; is the Jeju trip part of the Jikook Travel Vlog?

Last but not least is Busan. Admittedly, Busan is a super filler, guessed and projected destination as we don’t have any sightings of the both of them together last year. In fact, we only have confirmed sighting of JK with his 97 friends, thanks to a local restaurant. YET, yours truly Marengo feels that there might be something worth looking in there🕵🏾‍♀️. Considering that they are both from Busan, city that they don’t seem to despise, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to think that they would want to add it to their travel vlog … but would nobody notice them walking around the big city of Busan? I highly doubt it. Yet more shocking things have been known to happen, so who knows right?

But Marengo - you might be wondering - what’s with the title of your post then?! … WELL

You might remember the terms Solstice & Equinox from a very distant Science/Geography lesson in your memory, their definitions are not very complex, but do not worry, it is not in my interest to shove my geeky ass upon you today. What you need to know is that we basically use this particular “occurances” to practically determine the beginning of each season. We have 2 Solstice (Winter and Summer) and 2 Equinox (Spring & Autumn), which usually occur, give or take one day around the same time of the year as follows:

WINTER SOLSTICE - DECEMBER 20/21

SPRING EQUINOX - MARCH 21

SUMMER SOLSTICE - JUNE 20/21

AUTUMN EQUINOX - SEPTEMBER 23

… So, if we follow my VERY DELUSIONAL REASONING we would have 4 DATES (or time periods) and potentially 4 DESTINATIONS.

This year's Spring Equinox has been “taken over” by VHOPE so I don’t think that we would get anything, and even though Jin will be back with us on this year’s Summer Solstice, I doubt he would be promoting right off the bat (like ... I would think he would need time to adjust a bit … BUT WITH BANGTAN WHO KNOWS RIGHT???) … Which is why, in my head, the first VLOG would come out around this year’s Summer Solstice and proceed gradually as follows:

SUMMER SOLSTICE - JUNE 20/21 2024: CONNECTICUT VLOG

This was clearly a summer themed vlog, they were on a yacht, we saw their naked backs, thanks to Jimin, basically it screamed SUMMER

AUTUMN EQUINOX - SEPTEMBER 23 2024: JEJU VLOG ??

This was part of Tae’s Chuseok post, which as we know is a fall korean celebration so yeah, basically it screamed AUTUMN

WINTER SOLSTICE - DECEMBER 20/21 2024: SAPPORO VLOG

For those who don’t know Sapporo is known for it’s snow before the beer 🤡. It holds an annual winter festival which unfortunately the boys were too early for but …, so basically is screamed WINTER

SPRING EQUINOX - MARCH 21 2025: BUSAN VLOG ????

I got nothing for you y’all 😬😬😬, I’ve never been to Busan and once again other than being their birthplace, I couldn’t tell you if there’s anything related to Spring in Busan, but who knows, it might be a … beautiful place to visit in SPRING???

As you can see, the Solstices are rather certain, but the Equinox are hella shaky. YET if you think about it, what would be happening SUMMER SOLSTICE 2025? 

ALL THE TANNIES WOULD BE BACK HOME.

… And there you have it.

Now obviously this is all baseless theories, as we have been left to go off on nothing 🤡 and for all we knows they could drop it ALL TOMORROW 🤡 or even make it a weekly thing in May 2025 before they get back to us 🤡.WHO KNOWS RIGHT? THE POSSIBILITIES STILL REMAIN ENDLESS I’m afraid,

If you ask me however, If they did anything other than what I just rambled on, they’d miss out on making this a very instructive and seasonal thing 🙄😒 … BUT, again, THAT’S JUST ME.

Anyways, time to leave DeluluLand y’all, before the wrong people, or worse it’s inhabitants, find us!

Always respectfully yours 💜🫰🏾

Marengo.

[knickynoo]

Headcanons for what Marty and Jennifer are like as parents, and how Doc/his family interact with the kids?

Anon, this is such a late reply, and I'm sorry. I'm making a concerted effort to finally get to some of the asks I've been neglecting.

Also, I'm almost positive that I once made a post of Marty and Jen as parents headcanons, but I must have forgotten to add a link in my pinned post, and the Tumblr search function is useless, so I can't find it. Anyway, I may end up repeating some of what I put in there or even contradicting it, lol.

Of course, I'm going with the improved, happy Jen and Marty marriage timeline for this. So, as parents, they're a pretty united front. They're both very involved in all aspects of the kids' lives from the start and excited to embark on such a wonderful journey for their family.

Being first-time parents and also having twins leaves Marty and Jen utterly exhausted for, like, a solid year or two. They're happy, but they're tired. As such, they're sure to divide up the work, take over for the other when needed, and also rely pretty heavily on family for support. Jen's parents help out a lot, as do George and Lorraine. I can see Aunt Linda and Uncle Dave stopping by a good deal as well to help with tasks around the house or just watch the twins for a little while so Marty and Jen can sleep.

Doc and Clara play a very big role in the kids' lives! Of course! Doc and Clara love those McFly kids!!! Makes me lose my mind to think about. They don't even wait to be called upon or anything; they just show up at the house, announce they're taking Junior and Marlene for the day, hand a home-cooked meal to Jen and Marty, and then leave. Marty and Jen are incredibly thankful for their help, and Doc and Clara love having babies around again.

Doc is like the very chaotic uncle, but in like...the most responsible way. He's got Dad-Mode down pat at this point, and he slips right into it with Junior and Marlene, but he also knows how to let them have some (supervised) wild fun. He plays games that teach them science concepts and lets them help with small projects of his when they're able to do it safely. He also reads lots of Jules Verne to them. Marty definitely calls Doc one day and goes, "Junior and Marlene are playing an elaborate game of Around the World in 80 Days outside. Can I assume this is your influence?" The kids also start digging a giant hole in the yard at some point, and that's how Marty and Jen know they've started reading Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Clara absolutely dotes on the twins every opportunity she gets. They both find such comfort in her presence and love spending time with her. She has a special place in her heart for Junior. On nice nights, she takes Junior and Marlene outside to sit on blankets and look at the stars. She teaches them about the constellations and the stories that go with them.

Okay, this is something I know I mentioned in that other post I can't find: Marty writes individual songs for Junior and Marlene that he sings to them at night. It starts off as something he does to help them sleep at night, but it's a tradition that continues until the kids are much older.

Jennifer likes to involve the kids in as many experiences as possible, so she's always looking for little art classes they can take, museums to take them to, hobbies to introduce to them, etc. She also sets aside days every so often where she just takes one kid along for an afternoon of doing something special with them that align to their interests. Maybe on those days, Marty takes the other kid and does the same.

Lately, I've been thinking about Marty and Jen having a third child at some point and what that scenario would look like. One thing I know for sure is that they would not have an "M" name.

You'd sent this ask in late September, and I ended up writing two Doctober chapters that include Marty, Jen, the kids, and Doc and Clara! I'll link them in case anyone might be interested :) HERE & HERE

Thanks for the ask!

[adamwatchesmovies]

Roger & Me (1989)

Roger & Me is not like other documentaries. It has a point to make and facts to show us but the presentation couldn't be more different from its peers. The film should be a lot sadder than it is but the presentation by Michael Moore (his first picture) so expertly showcases the absurdity of what happened to Flint, Michigan, and the quest he embarks upon is so foolhardy, you can’t help but laugh. 

For generations, General Motors was a staple of Flint, Michigan. The company was the city's primary employer until 1986 when GM chairman Roger B. Smith closed all of Flint's plants. Turns out it was much cheaper to build cars in Mexico. The film chronicles documentarian Michael Moore’s efforts to sit down and talk to Roger Smith about the impact his decision has had on his hometown.

Michael Moore has gone on to become a big name, which makes Roger & Me fascinating to watch in hindsight. You can see the seeds of each of his future projects being sown. On its own, it's equally interesting. Moore knows he has no chance of having a face-to-face conversation with Roger Smith about what he's done to the city. Even if he goes through the proper venues, he wouldn't have a chance. The question is, “Why?”. Is it because Roger Smith is afraid of him? How could he be? He's the Chairman of GM. He couldn't possibly care what a scrappy, dumpy-looking documentarian thinks of him. Certainly, he wouldn't care if he really believes he made the right decision when it comes to Flint, Michigan. Considering how persistent Moore proves himself, there's a part of you that wonders why Roger Smith doesn’t just come out in front of the camera and say so. The thing is, the longer the film goes on, the more failed efforts to show a conversation between Moore and Smith we see, the more the truth becomes apparent: the big boss knows he did Flint dirty. Ultimately, he’s afraid to be confronted about it. That’s more than a little surreal. 

The foolhardy errand Moore sets for himself is funny because a part of you wonders if it might actually happen. There's no way it will because you know the regular joe-looking filmmaker is going about it the wrong way. The humor of this foolhardy quest is counterbalanced by many sad sights along the way. This documentary is prime evidence that Flint, Michigan, was absolutely destroyed by Roger Smith’s decision. Some of what the people we meet have to do to survive feels completely out of place in a country like the United States. It’s unbelievable and disturbing, to the point where it comes back around again to become funny. It almost feels made up that the most successful person we see working in Flint is the Sherrif’s Deputy, Fred Ross. He's always busy at work because he spends most of his time evicting families who are unable to pay their rent.

Roger & Me almost seems too good to be true. By that I mean that if you didn't know better, you'd swear some of what we witness was made up. After GM leaves, the city of Flint tries to recover through tactics that you can’t believe a committee would greenlight. As soon as you hear about each plan that's been cooked up, you know it's going to fail and while that will be unfortunate for the city… it will also be hilarious. It’s like this whole situation did something to these people and sucked out their brains or something.

There are several “lightning in a bottle moments” that make for a great narrative, which is ultimately what makes this film successful, memorable and moving. This is a deeply personal journey that shows you what happened in Flint, Michigan, and why what happened there, could easily happen elsewhere too.

While Roger & Me is sad, the mix of humor throughout is terrific. Your tears become tears of laughter. It's a must-see, particularly because the last line in the film (appearing after the credits) is the best final line I’ve ever seen in a documentary. (On DVD, March 31, 2023)

[ambrosiaheights]

Welcome!

Thank you for checking out the official Tumblr for my original fiction fantasy novel, Ambrosia Heights!

My main blog is @diabolical-blue (extra points if you get the reference to the song that’s from). My old nickname was tied to a previous url, so I guess now you can just call me Blue. She/her, 27 years old.

The content in my writing is tuned to my own tastes; as such, there is little to no swearing, NO explicit sexual content (sometimes mild to moderate suggestive content, including romantic themes), mild non-denominational religious themes, mild religious trauma, and limited violence except for occasional moments of body horror and gore (only like, one or two scenes). Also worth noting is that any romance in this particular story is written entirely from the perspective of an asexual (but not aromantic) main character.

The genre for this story is primarily fantasy and classic-style drama, mixed with a bit of sci-fi and a smidge of post-apocalypse punk (ala a mashup of Fallout, Elder Scrolls, and classic literature such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre).

The target audience for this story is adults, technically "new adult" (18-30). However, as described above, there's little objectionable content that younger readers couldn't/shouldn't read except for some heavy thematic content and a few scenes with moderate to graphic violence.

Click here to read the official WIP Intro masterpost for this project on my main blog!

—🌹—

Here’s a short summary of the story:

While visiting Ambrosia Heights, the old English manor house that belonged to her ancestors, ten-year-old Emmaline discovers a strange, blue-skinned elf child lost in the nearby orchard. After she helps him return to his own world, Emmaline thinks all magic has left her life for good – until an unlikely series of events twenty years later transports her, now thirty years old and disillusioned with her life as an adult, to that very world herself.

Tossed unprepared into an alternate universe filled with magic, monsters, and medieval-era problems, Emmaline’s immediate instinct is to return home through the portal in this universe’s version of the manor. But when she encounters someone she thought she would never see again – the elf child, who has grown up to become a seven-foot-tall blue-skinned behemoth named Gregorius – she feels compelled to stay long enough to help him resolve the treacherous situation he is facing, which she might even be responsible for.

At first, Emmaline thinks her shy, staunchly pacifistic, painfully naïve friend would be lost without her pragmatic support…but she soon finds it will take both of their strengths to navigate the secrets, mysteries, and apocalyptic perils of the adventure they embark upon together.

Art by me (main @diabolical-blue). Uncropped version of the image here

—🌹—

Individual character bios:

Emmaline

Gregorius

Felix (pet)

—🌹—

Progress: As of July 2024, I am currently 93% done writing the first draft of my manuscript (43 out of 46 chapters completed).

[cookinguptales]

I always love a reading!! Your choice of deck. And I've had 'Hangout at the Gallows' by Father John Misty circling around in my head for like a week, if you want a song :)

Sorry for the delay! Had some uhhh stuff! But better late than never, right? lmao

(Three of Cups, Seven of Pentacles, The Fool)

This is a spread of new beginnings -- but ones wisely embarked upon. The Fool is a card famously about innocence, spontaneity, and new beginnings... but it's at the end of this reading.

I think this spread is encouraging you on some new undertaking, but it's also telling you how to prepare for that journey, project, etc. before you get started.

The Three of Cups is a card of camaraderie. It tells you to get involved with your community, your friends, your family, and really depend on the support of those around you. There's no reason to embark on this project totally alone, y'know? There are people who will help you. Maybe they're friends who love you and want to support you with this new endeavor. Maybe they're other people who've done this themselves and can help you along the way. Either way, there's a community that you should draw on before getting started.

Next, we have the Seven of Pentacles. This is a card of financial preparation. (Though, as always, the material resources it's talking about may not be literal money.) The point of this card is to be slow, methodical, and diligent. Make good investments. Look not just at your now but your long-term. Lay all the support work now that you might need in the future. And then, if you've been diligent about all this, your journey will bear out your just deserts.

Putting them all together, this spread is mostly like good! Go forth! Do new things! Have new experiences! But just make sure you don't do them in a foolish way! Reach out to those around you and make smart preparations first!

[midnightraine131]

Pairing: Armin Arlert/Annie Leonhart Minor: - Tags: Fluff, Eventual Romance, Eventual Smut, Teenage Love, Awkward First Times, Slow Burn, POV Armin Arlert, Bottom Armin Arlert, Wet Dreams Warning: R18 - This chapter contains Teen M*st*rb*tion. If you are easily triggered by religions, specifically Christianity and Catholicism, I don't think this fic is for you. I have nothing against these religions and this fic is anything but serious. Summary: They say the most judgmental people are those who attend church on Sundays. Despite growing up in a Christian household, Armin Arlert felt overburdened by the pile of ministry activities assigned to him. So he made a pact with himself to never follow in his father's footsteps and become a pastor. With the goal of saving enough money to persuade his parents to let him move to another state after high school, he started accepting paid essay projects in school in secret. Everything in Armin's busy life seemed manageable until he met Annie Leonhart, a Californian girl whose parents had moved her against her will to Vermont. Upon discovering Armin's secret business, Annie approached him with a unique request- to write love letters for a long-distance lover. To craft the perfect love letters, she would help Armin embark on a journey of firsts— his first kiss, first hug, first date, and first everything in a relationship.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The fall season no longer excites Armin. He has witnessed it every year at the same time throughout his life. He observes as tourists come and go, both before and after the fall foliage. He watches the same hue of brilliant gold, red, and orange leaves falling from the branches of the trees. He sees the same bridge crowded with people, much like bees swarming around a honeycomb.

Then there's Mikasa, who won't stop talking about Halloween decorations in the shop and incessantly browses online for goth dresses she plans to wear.

Bell dings

Next, Eren starts rambling about Thanksgiving food and community activities they could participate in.

"Uhm,"

And the busiest month of the year is approaching because, well, you-know-whose birthday is coming. Although it's not yet December, their church is already holding meetings and preparing for the holiday season.

"Hi."

Armin sighed, just thinking about these activities was enough to make him feel exhausted. Anyway, it's been two weeks since he last saw Annie, and he wonders what she's been up to lately.

"...Earth to you. HEY!"

Armin snapped out of his thoughts, flinching. Involuntarily, he placed his hands on the cashier and looked up at the customer on the other side of the counter.

"Good morning, Ah–" he was interrupted, or more accurately, surprised when his eyes suddenly met hers, a striking blue reminiscent of the spring sky.

Annie frowned at the sight of him, crossing her arms. Her face was flushed, and her porcelain-white skin glistened as if she had been out for a run. She was dressed in her workout clothes: a white tank top that ended just below her ribcage, revealing her well-toned abs over an unzipped windbreaker.

She had caught the attention of all the customers in the shop, particularly the men sipping their coffee. Armin wondered just how much of her skin was exposed this time.

“Can I order now?” She hissed, engaging in a staring contest with him.

“Ah, yeah, sure.” Out of panic, Armin accidentally closed the order app on the tablet, but he quickly reopened it. “What would you like to order?” he asked, sweating as he entered the password incorrectly twice.

"What excellent customer service you have," she commented, stepping forward and looking down at the menu. "I'd like a cup of cappuccino, Belgian waffles with extra maple syrup and whipped cream," she continued, flipping the menu to the next page, "and one slice of Oreo Cheesecake."

"Is this supposed to be breakfast?" he asked, tilting his head and placing his other hand on his waist.

"Well, yeah," she replied, flipping to the next page of the menu. "Are you going to take my order, or should I leave a bad review on Google?"

Armin huffed and rolled his eyes, tapping her order on the tablet. "Is there anything else?"

"That's all."

"$15.50," he said.

Annie retrieved a card from the pocket of her windbreaker, but before she could hand it to him, Armin pointed at the small sign above the coffee bean bottle. "Cash only," he read out loud.

Annie pursed her lips, closing her eyes, and the skin around her nose bridge wrinkled. "Why don't you have an AmEx machine?"

Armin shrugged his shoulders, amused at her reaction. "We're just a small shop in a small town."

"Hey, lady in front, come on! The queue is getting longer!" a girl yelled from behind the line.

He smiled apologetically at the girl. "Just a few more minutes, Hitch. I'll put extra caramel drizzle on your macchiato later." Then, his eyes returned to Annie.

"You promised that, Arlert."

Annie's face turned red. "Fine, cancel my order. Just give me a glass of water."

"Unfortunately, I already punched in your order," Armin sang, turning to the fridge to get a bottle of water. He reached into his back pocket for his wallet. "The total is $17, including the bottle of water. You can pay me the next time we meet." He placed the notes on the cashier and handed her the receipt. "Your name will be called once your order is ready."

He smiled at her, and she took the bottle of water and receipt from his hand. "I'll come back in the afternoon to pay you," she said, then spun around quickly and walked away from the queue to find a vacant table. She made her way to a table near the window.

Armin's smile immediately disappeared when he discovered the source of all the attention from behind.

She was wearing grey yoga shorts that fit her too snugly, emphasizing her perfectly shaped buttocks, and were too short to hide her gluteal curves. Armin's jaw dropped at the sight of her backside.

Hitch stepped closer to the counter, following his gaze. She squinted her emerald eyes when she caught him staring and raised her hand to push his chin up, urging him to close his mouth. "Armin, can you take my order first before you let your hormones run wild?" she raised an eyebrow, shaking her purse to get his attention.

"Yeah, right, right," he said, blinking rapidly and swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat as he take other customers' orders. Occasionally, he would sneak glances at her.

When Mikasa returned from her break, Armin asked her to take over the cashier so he could prepare some orders. He quickly prepared Annie's order, but as he was about to call her name, he noticed some boys looking at her, teasing each other about who would make a move first.

Armin clicked his tongue, feeling a slight sting in his chest as he left the counter and took the tray with Annie's order to personally deliver it to her table.

She was leaning on the table, her chin resting on her hand, and her other arm bent at the edge of the table. She was looking out the window, observing the people outside the shop as they went about their daily lives.

Armin placed the tray on her table and stood next to her, feeling the tips of his blonde strands touching his jaw as he looked down at her.

She looked up at him, the skin between her eyebrows creased. "What now?"

"Annie, how’s your injuries?" he whispered.

“I’m fine now, I guess. My feet don’t hurt anymore.” She ran her fingers towards her knees.

Armin was aware that the boys at the next table were glaring at him. He clenched his hand into a fist before he spoke again, "You know this town isn't like California. You can't wear those kinds of clothes on the streets."

"Why would you care?" She retorted, blinking her eyes slowly as if she was bored with his talking.

"Because—"

"Armin!" Hitch interrupted him. "I'm sorry for breaking your little Cinderella moment there, but I'm still waiting for my order."

"One sec!" he negotiated for a little more time with Annie.

"No, now!" Hitch demanded.

Armin made a sound, as if he was trying to suppress a complaint, but he still turned to go back to the counter. Annie looked down at her orders and noticed two small blue macarons placed just beside her waffle. "Hey, I didn't order these—"

"You don't have to pay me. Consider it my treat today," Armin shouted from across the shop.

Unfortunately, luck was not on Armin's side. Of all the times he wanted to talk to Annie, the shop was packed. The queue had already reached the entrance door, with Mikasa preparing the orders while Armin was stuck at the cashier, taking one order after another.

When he glanced at Annie's table, she rose from her seat, stretching her arms, lifting her already short tank top a bit higher, revealing more of her porcelain skin and gaining the attention of every boy in the shop.

Armin was starting to think she was doing it on purpose.

Why was she so thirsty for attention?

He watched her return the tray at the counter, and she didn't even glance at him as she hurriedly exited the shop and started to jog away.

Armin sighed, his shoulders slumping in disappointment as he continued working. He could have at least asked for her contact number.

Read more

[void-flesh]

how r your crochet squares going!! 💕

Oh my god they are so good thank you. I've worked in art "professionally" for a long time now so I decided I need one creative practice that was a hobby only and crochet is it. I have dabbled in more complicated projects but at a certain point I decided I liked making the same easy pattern over and over in different colors. I think everyone should find a handicraft they like and enthusiastically embark upon being just ok at it

[aldrichibasco]

My semester break was really fun and relaxing. Some people spent this time relieving their stress from their academic work and having a fun vacation. It is one of the most anticipated parts of students' lives because this is one of the most anticipated vacations. Students most likely of our age really crave a vacation, especially those who are really stressed-out during the school days. We are always expecting vacation because we think that we need to have a break, and it is a time for them to relax, hang out, go on a swimming vacation, and engage in other exciting activities with their families. They can do whatever they want and go wherever they want.

Developing a regular sleep schedule was critical to my general wellbeing during the break. I made getting enough sleep a priority, so I stuck to a routine of going to bed at 11 PM, waking up at 9 AM, and taking a short nap from 2 PM to 3 PM. I was full of energy after this routine and eager to take it on each day.

I spent most of the days of my break in our house. I wasn't able to go somewhere else. This is because I'm not allowed to travel around or go around places, so I mostly spent my time with my family, watching movies to keep me busy. I just stayed at our house and enjoyed surfing the internet to communicate with my friends; browsing on Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok; and I also watched movies on Netflix and YouTube videos that kept me entertained during the break. I really enjoyed it because we were free from our stressful schoolwork, activities, projects, and even our assignments. And I also had longer hours of sleep.

On the second day of our short vacation, my family visited our home to spend time with us. At that, short time, my parents drove my cousins and me to the mall, where we went to a few different places to buy food that we could not stop eating and watched a really good movie that we all enjoyed. Every time, we laughed together and embarked on a culinary adventure. Seeing our family again is so fun, even though I will really miss them. But two days later, they went back to their village, or residence. We don't often get to see them or come here to our house because they only visit us on very special occasions.

When January 28 came, we went to church and prayed for my cousin in heaven and abso for my grandpa. Thereafter, we immediately went to the cemetery with my family and cleaned the tombs of my grandfather and cousin because it was my cousin's birthday. We also bought some flowers and candles for them. We stayed there all day, bonding with each other, eating, singing, playing, and much more. We went back home at 6:00 in the evening, and my relatives also went back to their own towns or homes. I also went back to my routine again.

During my free time, I had the pleasure of engaging in social activities with my friends. It was a series (of delightful outings where we explored various locations, including the bustling mall, the renowned fast-food establishment known as Jollibee, as well as the comfort of our own homes. These cherished moments were embedded in my memory as a time filled with unadulterated happiness, devoid of the familiar anxiety associated with my academic endeavors. In recent times, I have unexpectedly found myself spending a significant amount of my free time engaging in the pursuit of video games. This seemingly trivial pastime has, however, bestowed upon me a valuable lesson in autonomy and self-sufficiency. The virtual realms I navigate within have presented me with countless trials and obstructions, allowing me to grasp the essence of perseverance and independence.

As my break was coming to an end, I noticed that I was thinking back on the development and lessons I had learned. I came to see how crucial it is to grow continuously and learn from your mistakes. My motto has changed throughout time, from "I learned from my mistakes, so I decided to make more" to "I do make mistakes, but I never repeat them." This change in perspective represents my dedication to developing personally and taking lessons from every event life has to offer.

And that's how I used my break from school. I gave thanks to God for my semester off. For me, it was delightful, fun, and memorable. I'm hopeful that the upcoming breaks will be more productive, pleasurable, and demanding. It has taught me to make prudent use of vacation time.

We have to use our time generously and wisely. Vacation is a time to relax after a stressful school day, especially when you feel a lot of pressure during the day. You could also use vacations to talk to vour friends abroad, or, let's say, your friends from a different country, or even those friends of yours near your house, but you can't meet each other. That's what I actually did during the break. I had video chats with my friend from Canada and my friend from the US; that was really fun, though. Indeed, during that period, my interactions with my friends were a source of pure bliss. These cherished moments allowed me to momentarily escape the rigors of academia and bask in the simple joys of camaraderie and shared happiness, also by taking on these virtual adventures on my own, I have witnessed firsthand the triumph that can be attained through personal perseverance and self-reliance.

This has extended beyond the realm of virtual reality, permeating into my daily life, where I now approach challenges with a greater sense of independence and self-assurance. In this unexpected manner, playing video games has provided me with an invaluable lesson in navigating the complexities of life.

[lovewithoregrets]

Falling Chapter 1: TeamUp

Prologue

Levi leaned against the brick wall, as he sat on the ground, drinking. The coolness felt good on his back. He took another swig from his beer. It was late. He had sent the scouts to bed and now, now he could be alone with his thoughts. But his thoughts were a tangled mess. He didn’t know if he was going to put his fist through a wall or break down and cry. He wanted to punch Erwin’s stupid face. Maybe I should just break his legs he thought. At least then he couldn’t throw his life away like this. Stupid bastard. Stupid, selfish- 

His drunken fuming was cut short by the sound of familiar voices. It was Mikasa, Armin, and Eren. What are the brats still doing up? Fuck it, I can’t be bothered. He leaned his head against the wall and tried to shut them out. They sounded so damn happy. How could these brats be happy when they were about to embark on such a dangerous mission? Didn’t they know Erwin was putting his life on the line for no good reason? What was there to be happy about? Instead of passing, the three seemed to have sat on the steps, reflecting on life the way kids do when they think they’re all grown up. Levi didn’t care. No tonight. Eren was opining about the power of friendship and how they were stronger together. God this brat thinks he knows everything sometimes. Petra taught him about all that shit and now he's passing it off like it’s his own idea to impress his girlfriend. What a joke. He stopped listening after that. He let himself get lost in his head for a moment before: 

Alright then!” he heard Armin exclaim “Let’s start by finding the sea! I can tell you still don’t think it’s real, Eren. You’ll see, it does exist!” 

“Heh, ok fine. I guess we’ll have to check it out then.” was Eren’s humoring reply.  

Levi heard Armin’s over-excited voice continuing to try to convince his friend that they would explore the outside world and find a bunch of places that Levi had never heard of. It ended with Eren promising to go find the sea. Or something like that. The kids seemed to move on after that and Levi was left with their conversation ringing in his ears. 

God damn these stupid brats and their stupid dreams. God damn everyone and their stupid dreams. He drained his beer and threw his mug against the wall across from him. And God damn you, Erwin Smith.  

Chapter 1

Squad Leader Erwin Smith looked out his office window. The day was beautiful, and he wished he could be away from all the paperwork piled upon his desk. For all his seriousness, Erwin often longed for a world without Titans, responsibilities, and god damned paperwork on days like today. This will all be worth it someday, he told himself with a sigh.  

Watching the activity outside idly, a figure caught his eye. Crossing his view outside was a group of scouts-mainly the new recruits-and among them was... 

Levi 

Erwin paused with his eyes transfixed on the recruit. It had been 2 weeks since that day. 2 weeks since Levi had stared him down with pain and anger in his face. 2 weeks since Erwin had asked Levi to help him save humanity. 2 weeks since Levi joined the cause. From the beginning, the thug had fascinated Erwin. A self-taught ODM user? He didn’t think it was possible. But there, right in front of him was a man not only using the gear but using it expertly. It was a wonderous sight to behold. Since then, Levi had only proved himself more talented than anyone-including Erwin-could have imagined. When he had taken out those titans on that day, everyone had begun to treat him with a great deal more respect. But respect did not translate to trust and several still harbored misgivings of the former criminal-among them their commander. Sure, Shadis respected Levi’s abilities, but he was not sold on Erwin’s “pet project” as he called it. It was fine in the beginning. The commander had been one of Erwin’s most vocal supporters before the expedition. Since that day, however, things had changed.  

“The man is a liability, and no amount of titan killings will convince me otherwise!” the commander had stated earlier that day.  

“But sir-” Erwin tried to interject. 

“You made a bet and for now it’s paying off. I’ll grant you that. But he’s already shown that he doesn’t work in a team. He’s a liability and I refuse to force him on my squad leaders any longer!”  

“Who asked for this?” Erwin questioned.  

“Does it matter?” Shadis shot back. “The other squad leaders have complained that he is difficult to work with and has problems following orders. If my men can’t trust his sorry ass, then that’s all I need to know. He cost me a good Squad Leader and I don’t want to lose anymore.” 

Erwin had calculated his next moves carefully. H was not fully convinced that this wasn’t coming from higher up.  

“I’ll take him” Erwin said firmly. 

“You have other duties to attend to, Squad Leader.”  

“Let him join my squad. I’ll keep an eye on him. The soldiers in my squad trust me enough to trust Levi. Or at least they will have to.”  

“We agreed that the Underground recruits would be handled by others. You’re too close to this to be objective. He will walk all over you and you will let him because he’s talented and you want your plan to work.” 

“With all due respect Sir, I don’t think I am the only one who cannot be objective in this situation.” Erwin knew he was taking a risk, but he also knew that it was his only shot.  

“You forget yourself, Erwin.” Shadis shot back, a dangerous look in his eye.  

“Begging your pardon Commander but I don’t think I am.”  

“And who do you think you are coming in here and telling me how objective I am being? You are a brilliant man, Erwin. I have trusted you with more than I would trust anyone else under me with and you have handled it admirably. Without you, we wouldn’t even be here. However, you’re not infallible. Levi is a blind spot for you. Anyone can see that.” Shadis pointed out.  

“Sir, we need men. Our people are dying with every expedition, and we are losing the trust of the people as well as those who are funding us. Levi is a lone wolf I will grant you that, but he is capable of caring for his comrades and working with others. And you and I both know that he is the best natural-born soldier we have ever seen in our ranks.” 

“And if he doesn’t improve? What then? Hmm?” Shadis crossed his arms in front of his body. “No matter how talented he is, if he keeps getting people killed because he can’t be a teammate, it counts for nothing.” 

“So? We lose more soldiers. And possibly the best soldier we will ever have.” Erwin said matter-of-factly. “Since when has sending people out to their deaths been a problem for you, Commander?” He emphasized the last word pointedly and drew his already imposing figure up to its full height.  

Shadis sighed and looked Erwin dead in the eye. “Fine. He’s your responsibility from now on. But if he becomes a liability and scouts lose their lives because of him, it’s on you, Erwin.”  

“Thank you, Sir.” Erwin nodded and walked to the door of the commander's office.  

“Erwin?” 

“Yes Sir?” Erwin paused with his hand on the doorknob.  

“I want this to work just as much as you do. Your plan is a good one. I just hope it pays off.” 

“Thank you, Sir.” 

And with that, he had left the commander’s office. He couldn’t help but feel a little excited as he left. He had wanted Levi from day one. Shadis’ excuse for not allowing it up until now was weak and Erwin knew it was only a matter of waiting it out to get what he wanted. The commander was a proud man and Erwin had learned over the years to push only at the right times.  

Erwin smiled to himself as he turned back to his work. He would tell Levi personally later, when he got the chance. He was thrilled at the thought of working up close with this extraordinary man. Where others saw a common criminal from the Underground, Erwin saw someone who gave him hope for the future. He was almost superhuman.  

Still, Erwin pondered, does he resent me for making him join the Scouts? He had tried to shrug off this thought for some time now, but it persisted. Erwin had made plenty of people resent him and he knew it. He had never cared before now. But Levi was different. He needed Levi to not hate him. He couldn’t bear the thought of Levi thinking badly of him. He told himself that it was just because of the circumstances of their meeting, but he knew he was lying to himself.  

The moon was bright, and the night sky was clear. It was still early enough in the year that the evenings brought a chill. Levi sat on his rooftop perch as he usually did in the evenings. Out here, he felt closer to Furlan and Isabel. 

It had been 2 weeks since that awful day. 2 weeks since he came face-to-face with true evil. 2 weeks since his world turned upside down. 2 weeks since the only one who had kept him from falling was the one person he had wanted dead more than anything in that moment. Funny how fast things change. They’d laugh if they could see me now. They wouldn’t be able to believe that I actually want to work for the Scouts. Or that I would want to save humanity. Levi could still hear Isabel’s giggle. He knew she would giggle if he could tell her what had happened since that day. What he wouldn’t give to hear her call him Bro one more time. It had annoyed him so much before but now... 

He was brought out of his thoughts by a familiar voice.  

“Ah Levi, there you are.”  

Levi turned to see the imposing figure of Squad Leader Erwin. Levi’s breath caught in his throat unexpectedly at the sight. What were these sudden nerves? 

“Sir.” Levi replied casually. 

“May I join you?” Erwin sat down beside Levi who nodded. “I’m glad I finally found you. I wanted to speak to you about something important.”  

“Oh yeah?” Levi’s pulse quickened and he didn’t know why.   

“Yes. I spoke to the commander today and I have convinced him to let you join my squad.” Erwin began trying to read Levi’s face. It was still tough to read him.  

“Guess It’s my lucky day.” Levi said dryly.  

“The thing is, if you’re going to be on my team, I need to know that you trust me implicitly. I can’t have soldiers who can’t follow orders.” Erwin paused. “So, I need to ask you, do you resent me for bringing you into the scouts? I wouldn’t blame you if you did”   

Levi was taken aback by the question. No one had asked him his feelings on, well, anything. He did what needed doing and people either hated him or thanked him for it-usually the former. He squinted at Erwin trying to read his stoic face. It was as earnest as that day in the rain. This wasn’t a power trip. The squad leader wanted to know.  

“What happened to no regrets?” Levi questioned, keeping a close eye on Erwin’s expression.  

Erwin bowed his head with a smile. “Hmh, well, I don’t regret making you join us if that’s what you’re asking. I think you are a brilliant fighter, and I have said that from the beginning. But that doesn't mean you feel the same.”  

“What does it matter what I feel?” Levi shot back. 

“I maters to me.” Erwin replied firmly.  

“Well, I can’t argue against that stellar logic I suppose.” Levi replied with a sarcastic chuckle. He paused for a moment, looking out over the wide-open spaces below. Do I resent him? He pondered. He turned his gaze back toward the expectant Erwin. Those eyes. Those damn blue eyes. Why do they make me feel so at home? Why do I feel like I can trust him? I’ve never trusted anyone like that.  

“No, I don’t resent you.” He said finally. Erwin looked relieved. “But that doesn’t mean I won’t later.”  

“I am sure that I will have earned it” Erwin replied graciously with a smile and a nod.  

“Tsk” 

They sat in thoughtful silence for some time before Ewin turned to address Levi again.  

“Levi, I think that you and I can do great things together. You are just the soldier we need in this fight for humanity, and I will be honored to fight with you.”  

For the second time that night Levi was surprised at this man’s earnestness. His eyes widened ever so slightly. Erwin's keen eye caught the look. He held out his hand to Levi and said:  

“What do you say Levi? Will you follow me to hell?” 

Levi took his hand in a firm shake. 

“I will, Sir. I’m going there anyway.” 

“Good.” He stood up and turned to go back inside. “Oh, and Levi?” 

“Yes Sir?” 

“Drop this ‘Sir’ nonsense. Just call me Erwin.” 

“Sure thing Erwin.” Levi fake saluted him. 

Erwin smiled and nodded.  

“Good night, Levi.”  

“Good night, Erwin.” 

The night wore on and Levi remained watching it pass, sleepless as ever. But this time he wasn’t fighting personal demons. He played the conversation over in his head, recalling every minute detail of Erwin’s expressions. An excitement, no, giddiness welled up inside him. He tried to push it away. You’re being stupid, Levi, he told himself. He just asked you to join his squad, that’s all. He’s probably just concerned because he blackmailed me into it in the first place. And yet, thoughts that he knew were pointless simmered in the back of his mind, lighting a spark of excitement in him.  

He shook his head at his own foolishness. What a damn idiot you are, Levi 

[lizchillsworld]

Hathor/ Venusian

Origin: Venus

Mission:

 Carrying all of the characteristics of Hathor, Venusian starseeds are here to usher in all forms of love, namely unconditional love. Effectively, this is their collective soul mission aka what they will do together as a soul family on Earth. Their capacity to hold and spread love is unrivaled.

Appearance: 

Many articles report Venusians as six to sixteen feet tall, slender beings with white or blonde hair, blue eyes, coveted facial features, with a mythical, ancient look. A starseed will pick a body based upon agreed soul contracts, its past life lessons, energetic aura as well as its level of consciousness. A Venusian starseed can be thin, fat, tall, short, blonde, brunette, white, black, mixed race, and have dark eyes just as much as light. There are no set features per se. The only common Earth feature I’ve seen across Venusian starseeds is the size of the eyes. Venusians tend to have wide-set, owl-like eyes. Huge, but they carry a warm and gentle energy behind them.

Traits: 

YOU ARE INCREDIBLY LOVING BUT KNOW WHEN BOUNDARIES NEED TO BE PUT IN PLACE.--- Speaking of that polarity, Venusian starseeds are some of the biggest givers on this planet. They hold a great deal of compassion, but they also know when it’s being taken advantage of. They can reign in that love and joy just as quickly as they gave it, though this is often unwillingly, either through being hurt or worrying about being hurt again.

YOU’RE EMOTIONALLY SENSITIVE. — Venusians are skilled body language readers. You can read people like an open book, and notice when something is wrong with someone else even when they say they’re fine.You are very sensitive and empathic in comparison to other people on Earth.

YOU STRUGGLE TO TRUST HUMANS— You’ve suffered a lot of pain and trauma in the past because of how other people have treated you.You’re also hyper-aware of how malicious and cruel humans can be to one-another and so you have a hard time letting new people get close to you.

YOU HAVE A SIDE YOU RARELY SHOW OTHERS—-Venusians are very enigmatic. They’re the dreamers and believers, and with that comes an incredible depth to their soul.You have a side to you that you rarely open up to others, either from a fear of ‘being too much’ or ‘not being enough’. It might feel as though you’re wearing a mask at times.

MENTALLY, YOU’RE VERY POLARIZED—You can sometimes fall into the trap of black and white, all or nothing thinking. Perfectionism springs to mind. At times, you might wonder if there’s something wrong with you, that’s how extreme this line of thinking can feel. 

YOU’RE VERY PASSIONATE— You’re very curious, and when something interests you, you go all out to discover more about it. You likely have multiple projects on the go at once. Your eyes light up when you talk about your interests and passions, and other people notice it. Some may even envy your level of enthusiasm. 

YOU’RE VERY JOYOUS BUT WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK—This is an interesting sign, and one I’m seeing more frequently amongst Venusian starseeds. Venusians are some of the most playful, fun-loving souls you’ll ever come to meet, and yet often they’re worried about how they will be perceived if others were to see the ‘real’ them.

WHEN OTHERS CROSS YOU, THEY’RE GONE FOR GOOD— Out of all the starseed types, Venusians are perhaps the most emotionally sensitive, though this isn’t a bad thing. They know their own divine power and know when it’s time to walk away from an unjust relationship or connection. Once someone has crossed them (often many times), they decide to leave for good. I will add that this is an awakened starseed trait. A soul who is yet to acknowledge their true potential might struggle with this conflict.

YOU VALUE YOUR INNER WORLD MORE THAN THE OUTER— For Venusian starseeds their inner world is rich and full of possibility. They value growth, healing, and embarking on a soulful journey. You spend a good amount of time in reflection, deeply reflecting upon your lived experiences and potential future.

YOU HAVE AN INCREDIBLE CONNECTION WITH THE UNIVERSE— You’re very connected with the inner workings of the universe. You feel as though you and the universe are ‘one’. Never truly separated. You have an unbreakable connection with your spirit guides or soul family, even if you’re not sure who is truly guiding you. You just know there is someone or something guiding you forward on your life’s journey. 

 YOU’RE INTERESTED IN ANCIENT EGYPT — The scriptures, megalithic structures, and old mythology. Ancient Egypt holds a special place in your heart, even if you’re not sure why.You love the intricacies and mysteries that surround this ancient civilization. You might also find yourself drawn to the stories of Lemuria and Atlantis too.

YOU’RE AN OLD SOUL— You feel as though you’ve lived here many times before. You are very mature and wise for your age, likely much wiser than people of the same age. You have an inquisitive, curious mind, can see the bigger picture, and prioritize truth and wisdom over superficial possessions. 

YOU’RE DRAWN TO ALTERNATIVE HEALING MODALITIES— Similar to Pleiadian and Arcturian starseeds, Venusians are incredibly gifted divine healers.You might be drawn to sound and music healing, as well as journaling, reiki, and crystal therapy. You have a naturally soothing presence. 

YOU FEEL DRAWN TO BEAUTY— Venusian starseeds have a tendency to mask reality and everything that seems ugly or displeasing as a way to preserve beauty and harmony in their lives. They notice the magic in the simple things in life, seeing beauty where others wouldn’t.

YOU LOVE EVERYTHING METAPHYSICAL— You have a deep thirst for knowledge, and love discovering new information in the fields of astrology, astronomy, and metaphysics. You’re drawn to the unexplainable and know that there’s more to this world than meets the eye.

YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MUSIC— Venusian starseeds use music as a form of escapism. Music speaks to their soul in ways other people can’t. You use the lyrics of a song to express how you’re feeling.You might even notice some lyrics stand out more at certain times, as though the universe is directly answering your questions.

YOU HAVE A STRONG CONNECTION TO NATURE, ANIMALS & THE PLANET— You’re a spirit that is grounded by the energy of mother nature. You have a deep love for the animals and the environment, wishing you could help somehow. You might dream of living a life that’s connected to nature, rather than in bustling cities. 

 DREAMS ARE INTENSE— Dreams seem very vivid and real to you (almost too real). For many Venusian starseeds, their dream world is made up of many energetic downloads from their guides. Symbols, colors, numbers, synchronicities – you might experience it all. Whilst the messages might not make sense at first, you come to realize over time that it’s the universe speaking with you. It might even feel like you’re having an out-of-body experience. 

OTHER SIGNS MIGHT INCLUDE;

A draw to Venus in particular

A need to embark on a journey of growth and expansion

A deep desire to complete a mission on Earth, even if they’re not sure what that mission is

Natural healer

Hard time committing to one partner or building long-lasting relationships.

Venusian starseeds are what I call ‘reflectors’. Their energy is magnificently bright and their aura is like a shining beacon on a dark winter’s night. Because of their sensuality, light, and joyous nature, they act like a giant mirror to most people, reflecting back what they chose not to see. This triggers all sorts of unhealed wounds within others; jealousy, envy, greed, hatred.  All of which are usually unjust emotions, but then again, the human mind is never truly rational. It’s why I always say ‘you may not be liked, but at least you’re being true to you’. Never dim your light just to fit in with the dimness of others

Because of their magnetic aura, Venusians tend to attract a lot of narcissistic and manipulative people.

May struggle with self-criticism, judgment, and low self-worth.

When things go wrong, Venusians tend to either bottle their feelings or shame themselves, believing they could have done better. This is caused by a mismatch in soul origin energy. In their original dimension, everything was effortless, manifestations were instantaneous. In a world where everything is heavy, dense, and slow, Venusians may struggle to understand that they’re not in full control of every outcome.

Venusians struggle with conflict and knowing how to handle it without feeling low.

[albertonykus]

Doraemon Movie Review: Stand by Me Doraemon (2014)

What is Doraemon? The title character of the Doraemon manga and anime is a blue robotic cat from the 22nd Century who keeps an array of high-tech gadgets in a portable pocket dimension on his belly, and has traveled from the future to improve the fortunes of a hapless schoolboy named Nobita. Although relatively obscure in the English-speaking world, Doraemon is a Mickey-Mouse-level cultural icon in East Asia (and some other regions, too). The Doraemon franchise was a big part of my childhood, and there are still elements of it that I enjoy now.

Doraemon has released theatrical films almost annually since 1980, most of which involve Nobita and his friends (kind Shizuka, brash Gian, and crafty Suneo) getting swept into adventures thanks to Doraemon's gadgets. Despite being of potentially broad appeal to fans of science fiction and animated films, there are very few English reviews of the Doraemon movies, so I'm embarking on a project to write about all the films that have come out so far. Good luck to me…

Movie premise: A retelling of some of the most iconic stories from the Doraemon manga, woven into a continuous narrative and represented using 3D computer-generated imagery.

My spoiler-free take: Unpopular opinion time: I’m not a big fan of this movie. It doubles down on some of the less tasteful elements of the source material, and other than the 3D imagery, it does not stand out much from previous anime adaptations of the same stories.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS AFTER THIS POINT

Review: And now for something completely different! This is a special Doraemon movie that not only has a distinct art style and story structure from typical films in the franchise, but was released independently of the annual Doraemon movie lineup (coming out during the same year as the remake of Nobita and the Haunts of Evil). This approach evidently paid off, because Stand by Me Doraemon is the highest-grossing Doraemon film to date, earning over $183 million at the box office. It and its eventual sequel are also the most internationally accessible Doraemon works—as of the time of writing, they are the only Doraemon movies available on American and British Netflix, and are among the few to have received official English dubbing and subtitles.

All of that probably sets some lofty expectations. From what I’ve seen, plenty of viewers loved this movie. As for me though... to be honest, as someone who was already familiar with the stories adapted into this movie thanks to either the manga or classic anime, my initial impression of Stand by Me Doraemon was that it seemed like a straightforward compilation of stories I knew, except with slightly creepier character designs. Don’t get me wrong; the character models here are far from the worst examples I’ve seen of 2D characters being converted into 3D, but I still found them a bit uncanny. Doraemon’s gadgets, on the other hand, look very good in this film.

Upon further reflection, however, I think there’s more that bothers me about this movie than just the art style. I don’t plan on writing an in-depth analysis, but probably the most obvious flaw with the narrative here is how it handles Shizuka’s role in the story. I’ve made no secret of the fact that the Doraemon franchise can sometimes come across as antiquated if not downright misogynistic in its treatment of Shizuka. (Really, just the fact that there’s only one girl on the main cast stands out as an increasingly archaic trope nowadays. And before anyone points out that I’ve been guilty of this in my own work: yes, I’m well aware of it.) That’s not to say that Shizuka has never been characterized in compelling ways, but the fact that she has makes the sexism all the more jarring. I’m not pointing this out as an excuse to hate on Doraemon (I probably wouldn’t have written 30 individualized reviews for a franchise I hated), nor to suggest that the original manga be considered without its cultural and historical context. However, for a long-running franchise like this, recent works can (and should be) evaluated on how they adapt these elements of the source material based on modern standards.

Those who know Doraemon lore well are likely aware that one of the most dramatic changes to Nobita’s life due to Doraemon’s arrival is that Nobita and Shizuka end up married in the future (whereas originally, Nobita was fated to marry Gian’s sister, Jaiko). There are sound criticisms that could be leveled at how that storyline was written in the manga, but Stand by Me Doraemon performs worse here than the source material in at least one major way: it treats Shizuka as essentially nothing more than a prize for Nobita to win. In this movie, Doraemon makes it his explicit goal to ensure that Nobita and Shizuka get together, with little regard for how Shizuka feels about the whole thing. Meanwhile in the manga, even though Doraemon’s presence results in Nobita and Shizuka marrying, and the marriage is by all appearances meant to be a happy one, Doraemon never to my knowledge claims that this is the specific outcome he is striving for. In fact, let’s take a look at what classic Doraemon’s reaction is when Nobita gets agitated about the possibility that his future might change yet again and he won’t get to marry Shizuka...

(The grammar in these unofficial subtitles isn’t great, but you can probably get the gist. This comes from the 1999 adaptation of “Nobita’s the Night Before a Wedding”. A similar exchange occurs in the original 1981 manga.)

Speaking of the classic anime, I can’t help but feel that most of the stories adapted in Stand by Me Doraemon had already been done justice in previous anime renditions. I found the 1998 adaptation of “Goodbye, Doraemon” and 1999 adaptation of “Nobita’s the Night Before a Wedding” to be more enjoyable than this film, for instance. In “Nobita’s the Night Before a Wedding” (1999), it’s believable when Shizuka’s father appraises Nobita as a kind and compassionate person, because the episode takes the time to show Nobita doing nice things for others throughout. In Stand by Me Doraemon, the same statement is a more difficult pill to swallow.

Granted, an anime episode that can devote all 25 minutes of its runtime to a single storyline is not strictly comparable to a movie that has to fit seven stories into an hour and a half. At the same time, that highlights another limitation of Stand by Me Doraemon. Although Nobita can often be unlikable in the regular series, at least the sheer volume and diversity of stories provide him with opportunities to display other facets of his character, giving his friendships with Doraemon and Shizuka slightly more depth and credibility. Stand by Me Doraemon is tasked with introducing the premise of the entire franchise and constructing a complete arc out of a set of pre-selected, largely standalone stories in the time frame allotted to a standard animated film, leaving little room for asides or tangents that could potentially flesh out the characters beyond their most basic core traits.

At the end of the day, Stand by Me Doraemon is such an atypical Doraemon entry that I cannot truly recommend it as an introduction to the franchise. Simultaneously, its value to hardcore Doraemon fans also seems questionable (though I suspect that many of those same fans would disagree with me there!) given that the stories it’s based on have been adapted multiple times over, often in more satisfying ways. I can guess at a large part of why the movie has been so successful, however: the retelling of classic stories using “modernized” graphics probably appeals especially to those who are nostalgic for Doraemon but haven’t revisited the franchise in a long time, a demographic that most likely represents the majority of the audience in regions where the franchise is popular.

Star rating: ★★☆☆☆

[writerfarzanatutul]

Interview of a real Niqabi ( Is Niqab an oppression?) part 3

Interviewer: What did you think about your religion before embracing this veil? How was your relationship with Allah ﷻ? What did you think about our beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam?

- Afraha: 

Before practicing Islam wholeheartedly, I had a basic awareness of some of its rules, but I held the misguided notion that I would apply them when I became older—astagfirullah, how foolish I was. I used to pray salah but now on a regular basis. I used to pray more vigorously to Allah ﷻ during my exam times. However, even during that time, I harbored deep love and admiration for Rasulullah (peace be upon him).

Note:

Assalamu alaykum [Peace be with you],

I'm reaching out to connect with Muslimah who have recently chosen to embrace Niqab or have embarked on a personal journey to strengthen their faith.

I'm working on a project to share inspiring stories of women who have transformed their lives for the sake of Allah (SWT) [Subhanahu wa ta'ala - Exalted is He]. These stories can serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration for others on their own faith journeys.

If you've recently adopted Niqab or have a story about strengthening your faith, I'd be honored to interview you. Our conversation could be featured in [mention the platform where you'll share the stories, e.g., a website, podcast, etc.].

Together, by sharing these experiences, we can uplift and inspire the Ummah [Muslim community], InshaAllah [God willing].

Please feel free to send me a private message if you're interested in participating.

JazakAllahu Khairan [May Allah reward you with goodness],

Farzana Tutul )