#but the urge to yap...

[dors-ee]

The more I think about even just the bits of lyrics (the new verse)of the extended version... the less I like it tbh. (I think this is the last time I'll speak about this. But I do feel the urge to get this out. It's LONG, be warned.)

Beyond the surface level, it doesn't make much sense thematically with timebomb I think. Some of it does, on the surface level mostly : siren's call, being attracted to what will cause you to sink/drown... But this is just a repeat of what was established. why add it? just more content to consume?

sea theme for them out of nowhere? (that doesn't fit either mme or timebomb as was established in the show).

Some of it doesn't and goes as far, I think, as contradict some of what was established with timebomb. (religious like devotion, sanctify glorify etc.)

Like it's not just that it doesn't fit with MME, (I have read comments of pple that listened to the whole thing. a lot of people agree with this thought I had/have about it not fitting, and think it really does not fit MME) but even with timebomb in general. It doesn't fit that well. It contradicts what exists a little even I think. And it's i think just more content to consume for the sake of content to consume.

For me this song, since it was announced, I have thought this since it was announced, is a symptom of what's going on with the entertainment industry in general : content vs art, going for money, also creators not doing right by their own creations and not respecting the themes/dynamics/etc. they themseleves established, etc.

I thought it might just not fit -with the rest of MME- that maybe it would be good but just not fit... I had hopes about that let's say. But in the end...

It's... just content to consume, for the sake of it. (Which in itself, content to consume is not a bad thing... but we're getting only that these days. Even what isn't just content to be consumed is pushed to be. Ie : art, for example.). And just content to consume for the sake of it means an increased probability of a lack of respect of the themes, what is established, etc. I think. (why care about respecting your own creation when you can just chug out content to consume for the sake of it and it will still work?).

And... it's without depth when you go beyond the surface I think. Idk if without depth is the word for it, but for me that's how it feels. Unremarkable. Consumed then forgotten immediately. Pretty metaphor, complex pretty lines, direct reference (tell the reference and don't show it like the original did with orpheus and eurydice...) and that's it. I can't say how, I know the original was said in even simpler terms in a way, "the worst is you and I", but for me it carries so much more still. because it works for timebomb i think. It fits with timebomb this verse, said like that "the worst is you and I". In the original everything like the language used, the way they speak, fits with timebomb, Jinx, Ekko.

in the extended version... it doesn't. it's weird. It's... out of place. Too pretty ornamented, in the structure, like purple prose a little.

It doesn't make much sense with its source material and the character/relationship/story it's supposed to be about.

and it doesn't even add to it. it simply repeats it with a theme -sea- that wasn't even there originally. A way of speaking that doesn't fit and is out of place.

And Timebomb did not have the water/sea theme originally. (Jinx and Silco did.). It's thrown in like that, even if it doesn't necessarily fit very well with what was already there. i don't know... again it doesn't feel substantial or that deep and meaningful to me. Not in addition to what we already got. Would it have been there from the start... maybe it'd be better. But here it repeats what was already said, just gives it the pretty form of a metaphor.

It doesn't fit with Timebomb. Feels very superficial, the whole thing. Like... just lretty words and a metaphor added like that just to add something. It doesn't fit, it is wonky, it even contradict things a little...

It all really reads for me as "let's just give them content. even if it doesn't make a lot of sense."

but why care if it's wonky if it works and is consumed as intended?

That's my issue. And why this causes me to be apprehensive for the future. This sets yet another precedent. And plays into larger issues, is part of a bigger landscape that does just that -on another scale, and worst sometimes.- that do not respect their own stories and characters, for the sake of content to consume.

And you'll tell me "well what did you expect?". And before the MV i would have said "nothing. I know what to expect of the industry and specifically riot, and riot with arcane. I have seen s2. So what I expect is : nothing substantial and lack of respect of their own stories/characters/themes".

But the MV, - being, for me, art, and perfectly nailing it about timebomb and the essence of the ship and both characters and where they were in their development and the development of their relationship, etc. - gave me hope for the future of timebomb, if they show up in future installments. I was stupid and naive to hope that for once a story was gonna be good, continued well, I suppose.

Idk. It's just a song I know that, but the issue is in what it represents. The general landscape it goes into. As i said. It's not that much the thing itself, than what's behind it. The thing is wonky, the thing doesn't fit, the thing does go against established stuff, not a lot ok i'll admit it, but a little. It has a pretty varnish "look a metaphor and a mythological reference" but when you go behind it... what's truly there? What does it brings? what does it truly mean? Is it just a pretty repetition?

It's thrown at us "new content!" for us only to consume it. Even if it's not good. Is it awfully bad? no, but it's not really good either. it's... bland. It's pretty. That's... it.

The issue, is in what it could mean for the story, the one of Jinx and Ekko (and the future of it if there's a spinoff, or if they appear in another spinoff.). What will be done with them.

But also... yeah as a symptom of the industry in general. About stories, art, in general.

I really wasn't expecting much for said future, following s2 -and with the general landscape of the entertainment industry, and all the messed up shows, games, etc. of the last few years- that already had squandered its own themes and character development. Tbh I had already planned to skip the spinoffs of Arcane and just get to see the pretty art with social medias. But the MV really gave me a little bit of hope for at least timebomb.

Now... well. I lost the little bit of hope I had gained when I read even just the snippet of the lyrics I read. -And just... just the fact this thing exists as it is. I still find ludicrous the idea to put coldplay on MME. No shade to coldplay, again, but it just... does not fit. The decision to do this in the first place is still nonsensical to me.-

+s2 at it was + the entertainment/art industry in general and the precedents of the last years (5/7 years, a decade others would say)

I'm actually scared about what will be done in spinoffs with them (about the respect of their theme/character development, getting quality stuff with pple trying to do right by their stories, etc.) and starting to hope it won't happen.

My actual first thoughts reading the snippet were " what does this has to do with timebomb? scylla*? the sea theme? this religious devotion thing??? sanctify? glorify? isn't the whole timebomb thing the fact he DID hate her**? did give up on her?? And then one of their important thing is that now they have to relearn to know/love each others in the main universe? the whole forgiveness thing too, learn to accept, etc? it doesn't work thematically the extreme devotion and even kinda contradict what was established with timebomb." (* after some thinking I did get scylla : the monster you are attracted to even if she'll cause you to sink, tries to get away but siren's call, compelled, etc etc. This part works thematically, but could have been its own thing. it's also a repeat of what was already established. so... was it needed? Or was it just... more content to consume? as I already said. i'm repeating myself a little I know. But tbh the sudden introduction of the sea theme threw me off at first. I really was like "the f?"

** yes it's written "hate you" but this is canceled by the rest and the glorify blablabla stuff. It feels thrown here bc it has to be there to go with the rest of the song.)

Then I tried to think "nah. Let it rest a little. don't be too harsh. And it's only one part. And it is pretty yeah. It's technically not bad... idk." But...

No. The more I think about it, and timebomb in general bc like it's one of my special interest, I think about it a lot. The less I like it I think. all that i said above. It's bland. It's pretty. Nothing more to it. Contradicts timebomb a little (religious devotion part.) just... new content for the sake of it. It doesn't fit, doesn't truky bring anything.

But as I said my true issue is more what it means. what it means going forward, and the precedent it sets, for timebomb specifically.

I think the repetition of this concept of her being bad for him, but he can't help it, and the introduction of the new sea/mermaid theme could have worked... if they had been their own thing. Aka : Their own damn song. Developped more, taking the time to give depth, to introduce the new theme, etc. Develop the reference to scylla, etc.

the other stuff... eh. not so much. contradicts too much for me. (as it is with the verse.)

Now, I will admit : maybe in the rest of the new added things (are there others new added things? or is the new verse the only new thing?) there are redeeming qualities in the lyrics. Or it give context to the verse, like the religious devotion thing I dislike so bc it doesn't work with the characters and their relationship and development as they were in the show. Idk. I have enough negative emotions in my life these days. I do not want or need more by going on about this any longer. And tbh... I'm feeling stupid enough as it is to have had some hope and now be disappointed. And for caring so much about what is ultimately just a song and just fictional characters. But that's who I am, and autism with the special interests, so I suppose I just need to own up to that. But I won't drag this further. I'm gonna do the good old "ignore what you dislike and have fun with the rest.". I have lots of projects with timebomb and a lot of fun with art and fanfics, dunno if my mental health will allow any of it to be posted publicly, but I am having fun. And I have positive comments to leave to artists and fanfics I like. And artists and gifsets and analysis I like to reblog. Lots of positive stuff. I'll have fun, then my brain will switch interest and I will still care but not as much by the time the spinoffs will come. (hopefully).

However even if it was the case (context and redeeming qualities with the full lyrics) I still stand by : 1. it does not fit. It should have been its own song, at least. Many pple share this sentiment from what I've seen.

2. it's just... content to consume for the sake of content to consume imo. Which in itself there's nothing wrong with some things being just content to consume... but these days we have mostly nearly only that. And you know capitalism and what it means and entails and thr consequences when giving in too much etc etc.

and all that I wrote higher up about what "content to consume just to be consumed" means and the risks etc.

3. I really have no hope about future installments, the future of timebomb I mean and actually am apprehensive of what will be done in the future. It's not just bc of the song, I want to emphasize that. I had very little to no hope before already. bc of s2, the general landscape etc. what I already said. But the song didn't help.

in conclusion... I suppose?

In general I truly wonder and fears : where are the stories? Where is art going? What are we doing?

Those thoughts have been plaguing me a while... what are we doing? where are we going with medias and stories and art? (and AI is... I don't want to be pessimistic but it is like one of the last nail in the coffin.)

and this is playing into those thoughts. My fears of the future of timebomb are linked to those more general thoughts.

Honestly, I thought when I got into arcane I had found something I would not have to care about seeing the characters ruined after the show. I knew getting into it s2 wasn't great, but I thought it was over after it. I did not know spinoffs were being prepared. I got into it thinking that for once I wouldn't have to fear seeing the stories and characters be -further- messed up. And when i watched and fell in love with timebomb, I was overjoyed thinking that was it. We got this great thing -a bit incomplete yes, and with issues regarding Ekko as a character by himself and his tree and the firelights- and now it's open and free and no risks of it getting ruined.

That is personal tho, I recognize that. And as so the part of my feelings towards further installements that is coming from that are of course my own and subjective. I admit and recognize and take this into consideration when thinking and writing this... very long essay.

also finally : all that is just my opinion and thoughts. My analysis. We can disagree etc.+ english is not my native language and all that.

I still love timebomb a lot. That does not change for now, and is actually what's inspiring all that.

(please forgive weird formatting with upper/lower case, like at the start of sentences or with "I". my phone is dying, it's standing on its last leg, typing with it is incrementally complicated and the new one is taking its sweet time to arrive.)

I will use all of my willpower to not edit this a billion times. I think it should be ok, I've been ruminating all of those thoughts for a while and have edited this a billion times already whilst it was in my drafts. (I tried to keep this to myself, knowing how fandom receives criticism and "negative" stuff these days. Also ANXIETY. But... I think, we're here to share stuff, in my opinion. Fandom is not necessarily just about loving absolutely everything of our source material is what I mean, but about sharing in general, I think. And criticism is not hate. I am not hating. I am criticizing. We can critize stuff. It is actually good to criticize stuff I think. And share around it. We just have to tag accordingly so the people that do not want or cannot handle criticism of what they like can avoid it. Also even if it's not necessarily as easily visible for most as posts like these are -well actually lots of it is... I do reblog stuff I like, with compliments, a lot- I do participate positively too in fandoms. One can do both. Criticize and yet appreciate stuff and be positive about the stuff they appreciate.)

[snail-day]

It’s surprisingly easy to harass your boyfriend while he’s making his after sex tea. He's practically begging for it, with how his loose dark sweatpants hang low on his hips, and how his broad, scarred chest practically begs to be groped.

You creep up behind him, cold palms sliding shamelessly up the warmth of his bare skin, fingertips brushing over old marks from fighting curses and firm muscle. You give a little squeeze, pressing your cheek against the heat of his back and whispering, "Boobies," with another squeeze to follow your giggle.

A low laugh ripples through him. "Pecs, baby," Suguru drawls, voice thick with amusement. You can practically feel the bombastic side-eye he’s giving you, even if he doesn’t turn around yet.

Still, you persist, squishing handfuls of him between your fingers, utterly unrepentant. It’s only when his warm hand closes over yours, large and calloused, that he finally turns.

He looks down at you, all sleepy-lidded affection, the ends of his messy dark hair brushing his jaw. His mouth quirks into a lazy smirk as he leans closer, crowding into your space. "Did I not already fuck you silly enough, pretty girl?" he hums, violet eyes scanning your face. "Mmm? Need me to carry you back to bed and make sure you don't even have thoughts left in that pretty little head?"

You giggle, trying to tug your hand free, but Suguru’s already lacing his long fingers with yours, tightening just enough to make you stumble into his chest.

He dips his head, brushing a kiss to your forehead with aching tenderness, the tip of his nose nuzzling lightly against your hairline. "Silly girl," he murmurs, the words almost a purr, thick with a edge of fondness. His free arm loops loosely around your waist, trapping you there against his chest, enveloping you in his warmth.

"You’re lucky you’re cute," he adds, mouth curling against your temple as he presses another kiss there. "Otherwise, I'd have no mercy."

[angel-fruitcake]

watching supernatural like

[alinamghart]

"Look here, it says that the breeding season of Myconids--"

Gale, never the one to read a room properly. He and Letho might be both magically inclined, but only one of them is a bookworm.

[jealousmartini]

Feed the urge. Make multiple versions of the same dr where you're dating your different crushes. Feed the urge. Make multiple realities and script in that one mfer you love into them, you know you want to. Feed the urge. Script in your favourite fics and drabbles of your s/o into your script and treat them as scenarios. Feed the urge.

[felassanis]

With the way Gortash talks about Durge's Urges (lol) It feels like to me that the characterisation of Durge pre-tadpole being this wholly rabid, acting on impulses constantly, creature rings a little...innacurate.

Gortash is a control freak. This is typical of a Baneite of course (and being raised by Raphael) Having complete control is really important in Gortash's eyes as it's not only his means of garnering power but keeping himself safe. It's also something he clearly respects in Durge. Their ability to control their urges.

Compared to Orin, pre-tadpoled Durge seems to have their shit together. Even the way Durge seems to talk, feels a lot more...straightforward than Orin's language. She speaks like a bloody Malkavian (and I love it) whereas Durge in their codexes and dialogue, speak less in metaphors, less like a child too, even if they still do bear that eccentric tone.

I think this can also be related to the way Durge and Orin were raised. Orin was sired by an abusive, incestuous relationship wherein she was then abused. A delayed...adulthood is quite common in those scenarios. Meanwhile, Durge HAD parents. Adoptive parents of course that they killed if my memory of canon is right. So they had a much more stable upbringing relatively. Accounting for Durge's maturity.

And Gortash has to bind Orin's blade when she takes over as Bhaal's Chosen. Gortash doesn't ever see Orin as an equal, and compares her to a literal dog, because she is so impulsive whereas with Durge. It seems he never saw a need to bind them. They were equals and the levl of control they had over their urges impressed him.

I actually think Durge's inability to properly control themselves after the tadpole is Bhaal punishing them for letting Orin get the drop on them. For falling from glory. Sceleritas comes along to guide Durge to prove themselves to Bhaal..it just feels like a punishment.

Anyway, maybe this is all obvious idk. And I'm not telling anyone how they should write their Dark Urges. Or even say that I think Durge NEVER had an impulse or two go unregulated (something Sceleritas also says) because Bhaalspawn ARE violent. Just that pre-tadpoled Durge probably was far more in control than we give credit for. It also makes their cruelty during their time as leader of the Bhaalists extra evil because...they chose to. It's wasn't compulsed by Bhaal all the time

[kidicaruslover911]

i cannot be the only who believes that Sevika’s face is just so cuppable? like it was made to be held by gentle hands you cannot convince me otherwise

it was made to be held PERIOD.

[jameslongforjimshortforgabriel]

i wish there was a machine that could make cis ppl feel gender dysphoria

[libbys-braincell-loss]

sonic 3 spoilers without context

[tunapesto]

let's fall down together

[thebrainrotsreal]

EVIL MARK, EVIL MARK, EVIL MARK!!! I want to be coherent about this season but please picture me foaming at the mouth and running on the walls. S2 being what if Mark's just like his Dad? Insanity. I love this show. Anyways, AU where an Evil!Mark tries to make Our!Mark worse, and Our!Mark tries to make the other better. Something something confronting your idea of the worst version of oneself. Plus, tweaked black and yellow costume because I saw it and immediately went murder hornet lookin' ass and knew I had to draw it. Evil ass Mark. Horrible. I think he should be dragged kicking and screaming into redemption.

[aureliaen]

Not to be a durgetash stan on main, but I find it really funny the way Gortash, in his 3 minutes of screentime, shows more understanding of Durge and their urges, and more respect towards Durge's divine lineage than your companions, and LI especially, do the entire game.

[sleepymrshmllow]

it's always funny to me when I see some people say that blitzø's expression here looks "tired and unhappy" (basically dismissing this as evidence that blitzø enjoys stolas' company/has mutual feelings)

like first of all.. you're just wrong lol please look closer

is there tiredness in his eyes? yes bc sex exhausts you lol of course he's gonna look sleepy, but that is a genuine smile on his face, a content smile. we all know that underneath that asshole exterior blitzø is a big softie who genuinely does care.

also this is a selfie that blitzø took himself and kept. why would blitzø take a selfie here if he was miserable? that makes zero sense lol

also also this is meant to be a noticeable contrast to the selfies stolas has taken with blitzø that we see later in s2, where blitzø looks visibly disinterested/grumpy. the stark difference between how blitzø feels in private vs around others (esp stolas) is meant to show us just how guarded blitz is when it comes to his relationships.

tl;dr blitzø is genuinely happy in this photo and it's quite literally meant to clue us in on how blitzø actually feels about stolas

[st-hedge]

ONCE AGAIN I’m plagued by thoughts of how similar yet different nier and raiden are!!!!!! So I have to draw them like this cuz they’re my silver haired, insane, false hero boys *throws them at a wall*

[tuituipupu]

a delivery of one (1) dark and very very eepy boye 📦🧸

[fushitoru]

this fanart has changed the trajectory of my life (link)