#gaaaaah why is writing hard

[perpetualexistence]

*looks at how 307 words in the first sea monster post has transformed into 1288 words in the one-shot when I've just hit the halfway mark plot-wise and am still on the first draft*

...Yeah, I think choosing to make the other ones AU posts was the correct decision.

[allthewriteplaces]

Magnolia In May ~ Chapter Two

So I was thinking we could post one chapter every Thursday. Would that be alright? I'm trying to create a consistent schedule, and if you know me, or are anything like me, schedules can sometimes be hard to follow. That being said, I will try my absolute best to stick to it. This is also my first time writing for the Peaky Blinders fandom, so if I get anything wrong regarding certain things, please let me know, also if you want to be added to the taglist, I will be happy to add you. :)

Chapter Summary: Jessie is upstairs keeping her cousins out of trouble while her aunt and uncle speak with the mysterious visitor downstairs, but when adventure comes calling, she must choose between the life she's always known, or taking a chance.

Warnings: None.

Word Count: 3214

Chapter Two

Twenty or so minutes had passed and still no sign of the guest or who they might be. The children all sat quietly and obediently on the floor, reading or playing with toy horses and dolls. Violet, however, was starting to get a little bit fussy by now and was expressing her frustration by tossing her book onto the ground and letting out unhappy noises.

“Shh, Daddy says we must play quietly,” said Alice in a coaxing manner, attempting to hand her back the book, only for the baby to throw it halfway across the room. Considering the fact she was only three months old, she had an impressive throw. She could be a brilliant cricket player when she grew up.

“GAAAAAH!!!!” she screamed.

“Mama doesn’t like it when you scream like that,” said Marie.

Her bottom lip trembled and she looked like she was about to cry. I bounced her on my knee in an attempt to stop her from crying.

“Look what you did, you made her cry,” William frowned.

This made Marie wipe her eyes with the back of her hand.

“I didn’t mean to make her cry.”

“Papa said to play nicely,” Alice tutted, “This is the opposite of nicely.”

“You sound like Mama,” said William, rolling his eyes.

“Good, at least one of us does.”

“It would be easier if it weren’t so boring!” Marie groaned.

“Why don’t we play a game together?” I suggested. That seemed to lighten up the mood a little bit. I got down from the rocking chair and sat on the floor, crossing my legs and holding Violet on my lap.

“Like what?” asked Alice.

“Soldiers!” Henry suggested.

“Dolls!!” Marie said at the same time.

“No way, dolls are for girls,” said William.

Marie was outraged by his comment.

“No they’re not, right, Jessie?”

“Let’s combine both ideas,” I said, not wanting to get into the whole debate regarding toys and societal gender roles today.

Usually, I was always good at coming up with solutions to problems on the spot and this time was no exception. After doing a bit of brainstorming, bouncing ideas off of each other as well as coming up with a beginning, middle and ending, as if we were inventing a story rather than a nursery game, we were ready to get started.

“Wait, do you hear that?” Henry put a hand up.

“Hear what?” asked Marie.

William stood from the floor. “It sounds like wheels scratching.”

All at once, the rest of the kids followed suit and clamoured by the window.

Henry’s eyes widened. “That’s a really fancy carriage!”

“It’s a car,” Alice corrected. “There’s a man coming out of it.”

Marie jumped up and tried to get a good look. “Is he handsome?”

“He’s got a funny haircut,” remarked Henry.

Even as the noise of the kids spiralled through the room, I could hear the front door opening, and a few cheerful voices blending together downstairs, but then as the door shut again, it all went quiet, which only piqued my curiosity further. Who was this person? Were they dangerous? Royalty?

“I wanna go downstairs and see who it is!” William went to the door.

“But Papa said we have to stay up here, remember?” I reminded him, even though I wanted to stand up from the chair, press my ear against the white door or sneak outside to the bannister and listen, but instead, I stayed where I was, doing as I was told, staying in the nursery with the children.

“Yeah, Papa said to stay here,” repeated Marie.

“Besides, they’re probably talking about boring stuff,” said Alice.

“Like money,” William said.

“Money is good,” said Henry, “You can buy fancy cars.”

“And horses.” Marie jumped up and clapped her hands excitedly.

“Can we play our game now?” asked Alice.

“Yes,” I said, “Let’s get started.”

We all sat down on the floor and played for about an hour. Violet had a role in the story, too. It was getting quite interesting.

“Steady, men! The enemy is approaching!” Henry declared.

“Guns at the ready!” William announced, lining up the soldiers.

“Where are they?” I spoke in a deep, manly voice.

“Sir! I don’t hear anything!” Alice whispered.

Violet pointed ahead to the enemy troops on top of a stack of books.

“BAAAAAH!” she hollered.

“Look out!” cried Henry as William mimicked the sound of a gunshot.

“Man down!” Alice shouted.

“Medic! We need a medic! Now!” I called.

“Coming through! Make way!” Marie commanded, moving her doll to where the pretend soldier laid and put him onto the stretcher.

“He has a broken arm!” I said.

“Be brave, soldier. We’ll make you all better.”

Hearing the door opened, we all turned to see Eliza standing there.

“What’s going on here?” she asked, a smile on her face.

“Mama! Look! We’re playing soldiers,” said Henry.

“AAAAAA!” Violet squealed, holding onto one of Henry’s toy horses.

“Jessie, can I steal you away for a moment, love?”

Fixing me with a look, Eliza waved me over to her. The kids’ eyes all shifted to me and I stood up, following her out of the hallway and to her bedroom. As soon as we were inside, she closed the door softly behind her and sat down on the bed, patting the spot next to her in a gesture for me to do the same.

I did what she asked and then folded my hands in my lap. “Am I in trouble?”

She sucked in a breath and shook her head. “No, no, it’s not that.”

Knots formed in my stomach, tightening as her eyes quickly shifted to the brown leather suitcase in the corner of the room against the wall and then back to me. Last time I was in this room, she told me that Albert and David had to go away to France to fight, and that they might not come back.

Did he have to go back again? The thought terrified me. My heart was pounding and my mind was panicked.

“There is a gentleman downstairs,” she said, placing her hands on top of mine and looking down at the carpet, “who wishes to meet you. I said I would need to bring you in here first so that I could prepare you. Make sure your hair is set right. Go and change into those clothes.”

Pointing to the closet, she stood up again. I slid off the bed and walked over, opening the two wooden doors and pulling out the only clothes inside: a long black dress and a white blouse with a frilly collar. “Shall I change here?”

“Yes. Meet me in the hall once you’re finished. I’ll inform the children.”

Nodding, I watched as she left the room and shut the door.

Questions formed in the back of my mind as I came out again and she ushered me down the hall, not saying a word. Who was this man she was speaking of? Was he nice? Was he dangerous? Was he royalty? Did they know him?

Everything downstairs was quiet. I could hear the grandfather clock ticking, which was not something I thought I could hear. Then again, it’d never been this quiet in the house before. Something was definitely not right. I searched Eliza’s face, she was calm.

Finally, as I rounded the corner and peeked into the living room, I stopped in my tracks. Sitting on one of the armchairs and wearing a heavy, black overcoat, was a man who I was positive I had never seen before. Eliza stepped behind me so that I was once again in front of her, placed her hands on both of my shoulders and then, still in the calm tone of voice, said. “That’s Mister Thomas Shelby.”

Shelby. The name was quite familiar to me. My aunt and uncle spoke quite frequently and highly of the family, including this member in particular. I, on the other hand, had not known Mister Shelby like they did, so I couldn’t form an exact opinion on him. From what I knew, he was born into an English Romani family and spent most of his life in the Small Heath neighbourhood of Birmingham. I had never been there before, but Albert had been there a few times.

Up close, I couldn’t deny the obvious fact that he was quite handsome. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a muscular physique. His dark hair was slicked back and it looked like it was shaved at the back and on both sides. The most fascinating part about him though, were his striking blue eyes that crinkled up as he smiled while he and my uncle were engrossed in conversation, and downed the last of the drink clutched in his hand.

“Shall we go in and meet him?” she asked.

Wordlessly, I allowed her to escort me into the living room, though my legs felt like they were made of jelly. The smell of cigarettes hung in the air. Normally, no one was allowed to smoke indoors, it would damage the children’s lungs, but looking around, I could see no ashtrays on the coffee table, so maybe the scent had carried itself into the house.

“Another drink, Thomas?” asked Albert.

“Need to have a clear mind today, ya know?” he said with a slight smile as he set his drink down on the table. His voice was deep and rich and it sent shivers down my spine. He reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a watch.

“Suit yourself.” Albert chuckled and poured some of the tub into the glass for himself. At the same time, Thomas’ eyes turned to me. I could feel myself melting under his gaze, like the sun burning its light into my soul. I could do nothing but stare at him in awe, too stunned to even speak. “Ah, there she is! The girl we’ve been telling you about. Isn’t she a pretty sight?”

“Quite a vision, I must say.” It was as though every word he spoke was some sort of forbidden incantation, enchanting me and enthralling me.

“Come and sit down, sweetheart,” Eliza brought me to the sofa and the two of us sat together. Her hand rested on my knee, which was bouncing uncontrollably, something that always happened when my nerves got the best of me. Today was no exception. No one had given me any clues as to why Mister Shelby was here in our living room. Clearly this wasn’t a social visit, there was still tension in the air, though perhaps I was the only one who could sense it.

Not only that, their continuous glancing, as though they were engaging in some sort of secret code, did nothing to ease the growing anxiety or to loosen the knots in my stomach.

He sat back in the armchair, his imposing presence and commanding figure dominating the space around us. I felt small, like a puny little mouse. His eyes burned into mine and I could feel my heart racing, but I could not look away. I was drawn in by his masculinity and his aura of confidence and power.

“See? I told you he would make an excellent husband,” she said, looking at me. If she had told me that the earth was flat after all, I wouldn’t have been more surprised than I was when I heard her words. I barely knew this man, despite hearing my uncle talking about him. I watched the exchange with growing concern, the sense of foreboding in the pit of my stomach slowly intensifying.

Husband? Was this what the two of them were so tense about? I thought. Am I being tricked into an arranged marriage, with a man I only know by name and by reputation?

Mentally and subtly, I scanned the room for any possible means of escape, the window, the back door, and I tried to plan how I would get past the three of them. Her hand found my back and she rubbed it gently. “Darling, do lighten up! It was only a joke.”

“Look at her, she’s as pale as a ghost!” Albert remarked. I saw a humorous glimmer in his eyes. He set his glass down on the table next to the one that Thomas was drinking from and looked toward the front door. “You think we would marry you off to someone you don’t know?”

“Wow, I didn’t think being engaged to me would be that frightening.”

Even Thomas seemed to find humour in this situation.

Frankly, I didn’t think any of this was funny. Not in the least. I was genuinely scared and fearing for my life and the fact that they were all making a joke out of it was enough to make me want to dig myself a deep hole and bury myself in it. I exhaled deeply, hoping to stay calm, and not get angry.

The sound of creaking wood made all of our heads turn to the staircase. No one said anything for a few minutes, though I could hear a few small voices whisper-shouting for everyone else to be quiet. Shaking her head, Aunt Eliza laughed nervously. “Children, am I right? Speaking of, we were just discussing your qualifications and your experience, Jessie, and the three of us agree you would be a suitable choice.”

“Choice for what?” I asked, confused.

“As a governess,” she clarified. “Albert, where are the papers?”

“In the top middle drawer,” he answered.

“Perhaps you can help me find them.” She fixed him with the same look she fixed me and he stood up, set down his glass and then followed Eliza upstairs, leaving Thomas and I alone in the living room. “I thought I told you all to stay in the nursery!”

“We were bored of staying in the nursery,” William complained.

“We were waiting for Jessie to come back so we could finish playing, but she was taking too long!” Henry added.

My mind was spinning as I tried to take it all in. A governess? For the children of this powerful man, who could easily crush me under his heel without even thinking about it? I wasn’t sure if I should be flattered or terrified.

On the one hand, it was a huge honour and I was grateful for the opportunity. On the other hand, there was something about him that was deeply unsettling. He seemed capable of anything, of good or evil or anything in between. I was at once curious and scared, wary and drawn-in.

He towered over me as he stood, his dark coat looking more like a cape now and I swallowed thickly. He reached a hand into his pocket and pulled out his watch. At the same time, I glanced over at the clock on the wall. It was half-past noon, though the sun had disappeared behind the clouds again, making it seem later in the day than it actually was.

Marie came running into the room and boldly approached with a beaming smile. “Alice was right, you’re really handsome.”

Thomas laughed and knelt down to her level, his eyes glowing with compassion and warmth as he looked into hers.

“Why, thank you, little lady,” he replied. There was a soft, gentle quality about him now, completely different from the dark and brooding aura that he had exuded just moments prior. I could see that he was a man who truly cared about children and had a soft spot for the innocent. It only added to his already staggering appeal. “And who might you be?”

“Marie?” she answered. She was never shy when it came to strangers. This was something that often concerned Eliza, Albert and I, who knew that there were plenty of people in this messed up world who would take advantage of such innocence. But from what I gathered, Thomas seemed harmless and didn’t have any clear intentions of doing her any harm.

“Jessie! Come upstairs and pack your things, love!” Albert called.

Watching the two of them with a fond smile, I moved over toward the bannister and went up the stairs as the other children came down to meet this interesting stranger. I could hear them all laughing as I started packing my bags, as best I could, my hands shaking slightly as the nervous energy in my body built up.

There was an excitement in addition to the fear, like when you’re standing on the edge of a cliff, staring out into the abyss. Deep down, I knew that this was a risky and potentially foolish decision, but there was an allure about it that was impossible to resist. It was like the call of the wild, the tug of the unknown. I had to do it, I had to know what it was like in the depths of this unfamiliar world.

I took a good look around my bedroom, striving to memorise the details of it and commit it to memory: the beige-coloured walls, the cream-coloured sheets, the window-seat where I would spend rainy days losing myself in books. It wasn’t much, but it was comfortable, and it was home.

One last glance and I went down the stairs, still gripping the handle of my suitcase as though someone might snatch it from me. Mister Shelby was waiting for me. My aunt and uncle and cousins all stood in the hallway.

“All set?” he asked as I approached. Even though I was nervous, the warmth of the sun and compassion in his eyes made me feel a little bit more at ease. He extended his hand and I took it, my skin tingling with a rush of electricity as our hands met and I was swept away by the powerful presence that emanated from him.

We stepped outside where a 1921 Ford sat waiting for us, recently washed and quite comfortable by the looks of it. Without hesitation, I climbed inside and settled into the soft, leather seats and I was amazed and impressed by the luxuries surrounding me. I had never been in such a beautiful car, or one that was so comfortable. It was clear that Mister Shelby spared no expense when it came to the finer things in life. I was instantly overcome by a sense of elegance and sophistication that I had never experienced before but couldn’t help but feel at home in, like I belonged here, as if I was finally where I was meant to be.

My eyes darted toward the window as the car drove away and the kids started chasing after us. A smile tugged at my face, knowing they probably wouldn’t get far.

As the kids raced behind the car, Thomas laughed and put the car in drive, speeding off in the opposite direction. But he didn’t completely ignore the little ones; instead, as he sped away, he stuck his hand out the window and waved back, his deep, rich laugh filling the air. It was infectious and I felt myself beginning to giggle, getting caught up in his laughter and his joy. He was like a child himself, a playful and mischievous man with such a zest for life that it was impossible not to fall under his charm.

[yukikorogashi]

bECKYYY !! <3 <3 Why did I follow you ?? well gawrsh. it's been awhile now, but i will never forget the first time i saw your blog and how /immediately/ it gave me such warm and happy vibes. T~T I knew absolutely NOTHING about Itsuki and yet I was so interested to learn more and get to know the writer behind her because you just radiated sunshine that i needed in my life and still do ;; nowadays, there are 10000000 reasons i stay; you're just SO incredible, becky, and ilusm!! <3 no regrets ever

Anonymously or not, why did you follow me? And what made you stay?

Always accepting

   SAMMMYYYY!!! TAT ❤️❤️❤️ Honestly, this should all be said about YOU. YOU who has exuded nothing but the the best vibes, since day one itself! But thank you, truly. Gaaaaah, I’m so happy to have found you through your ATLA blog first, and it’s no surprise how quickly I became one of your biggest fans overtime. Because you just KILL IT with whomever you choose to write for. And regardless of whether I know that character or not, I’m here like “I’M READY! I’M READY!! I’M READY!!!” when it comes to interacting with anyone of them. 

   Like, your son Leo (Wow I almost wrote Leon, but I MEAN-- he’s kind of your son too by this point SO) has been so fun to read and learn about, and like with all your other characters, it’s so clear how much love you put into him. Not to mention the fact that it’s always, ALWAYS so fun developing anything with you. And just how welcoming you make every single interaction (Which makes it extra hard for me to not just-- automatically put all your muses on Itsuki’s mains by this point LOL)! I’m still here wailing over Itsuki and Leo’s potential. And YOU KNOW how I am rn about Kiryu and Ryuu’s friendship auehawue!!! One of the most perfect dang bonds that would TOTALLY happen in their respective games aaaaa!!

   And once again, the same goes to you??? It was just through our first few interactions with one another (And through our long ass tag conversations ROFL!), that I already wanted to get to know the sweetheart behind those beautiful words better. ;; And needless to say I was further blown away by the full force of this warm and bubbly bean! And I’m just so happy whenever you would reach back out in any way? You are always so ready to jump on Discord, or even just comment through here whenever I let out about something, and I appreciate that so, so, so much... And yeah... here we are, with me being blessed with your presence, pal. Even we can’t chat as frequently as we use to (Ah, the adult life). Just seeing your contact on Discord makes me c’: <3. And I always hope you know that I’m sending you all the good vibes I got, forever and always, pal. YOU are the incredible one here, thank you for being you, girl. ❤️

   ALSO YOU GOT ITALIAN THE OTHER DAY? I’M JEALOUS BUT OKAY YOU DESERVE IT AND I HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT.

    HAHA I LOVE YOU TONS OKAY... c-cries...

@badboysupr ❤️❤️❤️

[animemangasoul]

[You Are Wanted Obi-Wan Kenobi fic wring process]

Gaaaaah, why is writing a sensible conversation between Yoda and Qui-Gon so hard!

This is the chapter where Qui-Gon is ment to experience growth and take the first step in learning to be better but I'm having a hard time making Yoda bring forth a convincing argument. Sadly, angry arguments are my strong suit and reasonable arguments are things I've only heard about in myths.

[chaotic-bells]

Louie Tag Game II

The lovelies @quelsentiment and @beau-soleil-louis tagged me the second part of the Louie tag game, which I love it very much. Always love to have an excuse to talk about him and have people who love him just as much.

If he hadn’t been a part of One Direction, what band would you like him to be a part of?

While I've seen some awesome answers... I can't see Louis as part of any other band except One Direction. I think 1D had a very special formula, no matter how much we hated the people who put them together. I don't think Louis would have the same chemistry with anyone else the way he had with the other boys, so I can't picture him as part of the dynamic of any other band.

---- now, purely based on what I want him to sing... I would love if he did something a bit heavier but still very emotional like Silverchair, Neon Ballroom days, Paint Pastel Princess, Do You Feel The Same. Also stuff like The Kooks too, very British, very indie rock, just Louis and a live rock band, you know? Give me stage!Louis with a guitar, please.

If you had to listen to only one song from walls for the rest of your life, which one would it be?

I'll go with my favorite, which is Too Young. I would find a way to listen to the rest of the album, though. Maybe all of us answering this could get together, and while I listen to my song, you would just be around...? And when it's your turn, your choice was a different song, and I would just... hang out with you?

...... I need to find someone who respects Perfect Now as much as I do, because life would not be complete if I could not hear Louis going "my oh my" with that raspy, perfect voice. And when he ends the song with the softest "you're still, somehow, you're perfect now". Why do people disrespect Perfect Now so much? The end of that song is the most emotional Louis sounded in the whole album, don't argue with me. Yes he did brilliant falsettos in other songs, and sounded delicate and passionate and warm and all that. But it is just not the same.

What do you think Louis smells like?

I've seen loads of fan comments saying he smells like baby powder, and I've fully accepted that. I can't really describe it, something like a hint of flowers, baby powder and sweet peppermint from chewing gum. Probably cigarettes too, but not overwhelming.

If you had the chance to ask him only one question, what would it be?

Oh, this is so hard. Yes, I would be very interested in his writing process - but I would ask if we had time to sit down and talk about it, not as a quick question during a meet and greet situation. Also because this is something he talked about in multiple interviews too. I would also not want to ask something too personal, because I don't want to cross any lines or force him into an awkward situation. I think the favorite tattoo one they asked during the meet and greet (and he said Bus1 🥺🥺🥺) is a very good question, and kind of telling, but so easy to dodge and get a random answer...

Gaaaaah... I don't know. Oh! Louis - what are your plans for Lt2? or you know, your label!

Where would you take him to eat, a pizza place, burgers, or something traditional from your city/country?

I really don't see Louis as an adventurous eater. That's not to say he is picky and we definitely tease him a lot for the whole avocado thing, but all of his food answers are really quite safe, like junk food, burgers, etc.

Let's ignore the whole Covid-19 thing for this answer. If we were in Ireland, I would take him to a pub. I live in a town with a LOT of amazing pub food, and he could have his pick of a good burger, or fish and chips, etc. If we were in Brazil, I would take him to a churrascaria (Brazilian barbequeue).

A song from another band/soloist that you would like to be his?

Some Might Say by Oasis.

And last, just post a pic of him, I need more Louis in my life!

....not sorry I cheated.

I'll tag @whatagreatproblemtohave @herefortommo @cheekbonetojawbone @i-am-not-okay--i-promise @28-oops-hi @maybe-i-missyou @promisethatillnevertell @iii-was-stumblin @defenceless-louie @technicallysideacc

[recurring-polynya]

Bleach Sword Beasts Arc Recap: Episode 258

I debated whether to recap this episode, because to be honest, it’s pretty meh. I mean, it’s fine. I have no real complaints with it. It’s just kinda... there. However, my completionist attitude toward Renji ephemera won out, so here we go.

The episode opens with Renji and Zabimaru walking out of a senkaimon while some wokka-chikka music plays, so that’s always a strong start. The first thing that happens that a frog hops by and Hebi screams “A FROG!!”

Uhhhh, I guess they are here to chase down a Sword Beast. It’s clear that Renji and Saru are here for Business, and Hebi just wants to fuck around. He begs to be let off the chain, and they agree, which, as you might guess is a mistake.

You know, just typing this made me realize what is wrong keeps this episode from greatness-- it’s that Renji just sort of puts up with Hebi’s antics with a shrug and some tired dad vibes. How much better would this be if he responded, “Oh SHIT, I love a frog! Er, oh, yeah we got a mission.” If I had written this episode, it would just be one big metaphor for Renji’s ADHD, and that’s probably why no one lets me write anime filler episodes.

LOOK AT THIS SWEET FISH HEBI CAUGHT!!

Anyway, the Sword Beast convinces Hebi that Saru and Renji are like, the man with the exact vibes of a drug dealer in a 1980′s anti-drug PSA trying to offer a kid some goofballs. “Don’t you want to be your own man?” he intones, a phrase which Hebi goes on to echo approximately 50 times throughout this episode.

I honestly need to emphasize that Saru and Renji are not the least bit oppressive to Hebi. Snakeboy literally lets the villain get away twice in 5 minutes, and Saru is like, “I gotta put you back on the leash” and the Renji tells her to let him go after he runs away.

Now that he is his own man, the first thing Hebi wants to do is the same thing every shinigami wants to do once let loose in the World of the Living, i.e., eat a bunch of kombini riceballs.

I guess this is supposed to be funny, they’re playing wacky music an’ all, but my mind went immediately to the fact that Renji spent his childhood in food insecurity.

GAAAAAH, I CAN’T STOP MAKING THIS EPISODE INTO A METAPHOR. RENJI HAS SPENT HIS ENTIRE LIFE FORCING HIMSELF INTO AN EARLY ADULTHOOD, PRIORITIZING TRAINING AND LIVING UP TO THE EXPECTATIONS OF A CLASS HE ASPIRES TO THAT GIVES HIM NOTHING IN RETURN. THE HALF OF HIS ZANPAKUTOU REPRESENTING MARTIAL STRENGTH, FEROCITY, AND DISCIPLINE IS AN ADULT AND THE HALF REPRESENTING SELF-FULFILLMENT, JOY, AND WONDER IS A CHILD KEPT UNDER LOCK AND CHAIN.

Ahem. I’m fine. I’m good.

Hebi gets rice-ball-blocked by Ichigo’s sisters, chases some pigeons, tries to score some raw meat, and lovingly watches some people eat ice cream, before meeting up with Karin and Yuzu again. Karin realizes that he must be some sort of spirit, since Yuzu can’t see him (she notes that he “dressses funny” but somehow never registers the tail) Anyway, she gives him a rice-ball and he follows her home after Yuzu offers to feed him.

It’s time for a moodily lit interlude with Renji and Saru! Renji is completely chill about half his zanpakutou wandering around the Living World, wrecking things, and asks Saru if she’s worried about him. She admits that she’s more concerned about the idea of him acting like a Sword Beast, and Renji replies “Not very honest with your feelings, eh?” What does this mean??? 

LOOK, CAN YOU IMAGINE THE SORT OF DEEP SHIT THE GOTEI WOULD BE IN IF RENJI STOPPED BEING NICE AND DECIDED TO GO APESHIT? BECAUSE YOU KNOW ALL OF THE OTHER RUKONGAI VICE-CAPTAINS WOULD BE WITH HIM?? BYAKUYA WOULD HAVE TO GO PICK UP HIS OWN BURRITO AT CHIPOTLE!! HE WOULD DIE!!! WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE IF WE ALL THREW OFF THE CHAINS OF CAPITALISM??

Anyway, Ichigo wanders up and is like, “hey man, you’re missing half your zanpakutou” and Renji’s like “no big I’m sure he’ll show up” and Ichigo’s like “maybe you should get on that.”

Back to the Kurosaki Clinic! Karin tells Hebi he should hide if Ichigo or Isshin come home, and Hebi is like “Oh, you live with other people, that’s so lame, I’m my own man” and Karin is like “You can’t even feed yourself, you moron, emotional bonds are cool, get over yourself.” It is an absolutely brutal takedown, and it works immediately. NGL, I found it immensely satisfying.

Oh good, it’s time for an uncomfortable metaphor about Renji and Saru being Hebi’s parents!! Thanks, I hate it!! IS THIS A METAPHOR ABOUT SELF-CARE? DOES RENJI INTENTIONALLY PROVIDE THE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR HIMSELF THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED AS A CHILD?? THIS IS VERY HEALTHY TBH, MAYBE RENJI HAS ACTUALLY BEEN TO THERAPY???

Yuzu gives Hebi Ichigo’s flan. They try to play Nintendo and board games, which proves to be an abject failure, and then end up watching some weird stand-up on tv, which Hebi finds fascinating.  Everyone falls asleep by the time Ichigo gets home, so much for hiding from Ichi-nii.

Time out to talk about the fact that someone in this scene should recognize each other. Ichigo’s sisters have met Renji at least twice in non-canon (Sealed Soul Frenzy and the Bount Arc) and it’s highly possible they met him off-panel sometime during the Advance Team Arc. Even if Karin thinks Hebi is referring to some other Renji, it is inconceivable to me that Hebi doesn’t know who Ichigo is. This entire arc seems to presume that the zanpakutou have absolutely no awareness of what goes on outside of a shinigami’s inner world, but we’ve seen Zangetsu manifest and talk to Ichigo, like during his fight with Zaraki. Ichigo and Renji trained for bankai together. Zabimaru was THERE . It’s just extremely stupid to me thta Hebi wouldn’t recognize him when he shows up a little later on.

Back to the episode. Ichigo flicks Hebi in the forehead and asks “What are you doing in my house?” Ichigo tells Hebi that he’s a substitute soul reaper and Hebi feels betrayed and runs away. He immediately runs into the Sword Beast who is like “How do you like being your own man?” and Hebi is like, “it sucks actually, a cute girl I just met taught me that” and they fight. Karin shows up, gets knocked out, it’s looking pretty bad, when Renji shows up to save him and shoot him an Extremely Dad Look that is just dripping with “I’m sorry you lost the soccer game today but you did your best! Let’s stop for McDonalds on the way home!”

Anyway, Saru then heavily implies that they let Hebi wander around like this because they figured the Sword Beast would try to find him again. Wow. WOW. I also want to emphasize that Hebi fought that Sword Beast for a long time and got knocked around pretty hard, wtf were you doing, Renji and Saru?? And also Ichigo, who chased him directly out of the house and then took forever to catch up??

Anyway, Hebi doesn’t seem to care, he’s just happy to be back with his parents master and other half.

Karin wakes up later and is like “Where’s Zabimaru?” and Ichigo’s all like “I definitely do not know anyone by that name” and I wish filler arcs had any continuity at all, because I would love to see this come back to bite them later.

Renji and Zabimaru stand in the sky and stare wistfully at Ichigo’s house for a while (not weird at all, why do you ask??) and Hebi’s like, “yeah, it never would have worked out”, and Renji and Saru respectfully pretend like he had some kind of chance with Karin in the first place and then they all go back to Soul Society, to much more somber music than the wokka chi-wow-wows they entered on.

This episode could have been so much better, but it also could have been so much worse, so I will just take what I can get.

It also had the extremely precious omake where Renji and Zabimaru are Good Pals! ::sob:: why couldn’t the whole episode have just been THIS???

[destiel-love-forever]

6.20: The Man Who Would Be King

The Man Who Would Be King is such a beautiful episode. The writing. The directing. The angles. The imagery. Misha. Fucking. Collins. 

The mention of Sodom & Gomorrah when there were so many other examples they could have given. 

“Two boys, an old drunk, and a fallen angel. The grand story. And we ripped up the ending, and the rules, and destiny, leaving nothing but freedom and choice.” 

“Let me tell you everything.”

The fact that, RIGHT as Cas says he’s going to tell us his story, tell us everything, the very next thing we see is Dean driving in the impala & then Cas dropping in on him to check-in on him. 

Cas telling Dean he can’t go on the hunt with him & Dean saying he understands. “But Cas... you’ll call, right? If you get into real trouble?” && the eye contact, & Cas nodding slightly before disappearing & the way Dean looks around for him in disappointment before staring out the windshield and letting out a deep breath like he’s trying to get ahold of himself. 

Cas & Crowley discussing the ‘obvious erotic value’ of Crowley’s torture discoveries. 

Crowley telling Cas he’s too distracted:

Crowley: “The point is, you’re distracted. And that makes me nervous.”

Cas: “I am holding up my end.”

Crowley: “Ah yes, but is that all you’re holdin’, huh?See, the stench of that impala is all over your overcoat angel.”

&& the GLARE Cas gives him. Just... beautiful. 

The fact that Castiel is once again distracted and having a conflict of interest because of Dean Winchester. 

Crowley referring to Sam & Dean as “those denim wrapped nightmares.” 

Dean defending Cas so damn hard, barely able to even look at Bobby and Sam - & Cas watching Dean try to stay loyal. Dean having a hard time talking. Dean scrubbing that hand across his face like he always does, his eyes going blank and distant. 

“And the worst part was Dean trying so hard to be loyal with every instinct telling him otherwise,” & Castiel never taking his eyes off of Dean as he thinks about this, & Dean looking like he’s about to start crying as we see Castiel right beside him staring, & the way Castiel turns so his gaze never leaves Dean when Dean starts to walk forward. 

Elsworth, the ‘demon counterpart of Bobby Singer’ 

Badass Cas smiting demons & collecting the demon smoke with his hand and shoving it back in Elsworth to smite him too. 

Just the pure sadness in Castiel’s eyes. The helplessness. He’s floundering. 

& Dean pausing when they’re in that room, like he can sense that Castiel is there. 

“Freedom is a length of rope. God wants you to hang yourself with it.”

Dean once again defending Cas, “This is Cas guys... this is Cas.”

& when Cas doesn’t come for Sam’s prayer so Dean says one, because Cas always comes to Dean, but he doesn’t this time & Dean just looks so... confused & hurt. Sam and Bobby looking at Dean with pity. Sam giving Dean that comforting pat on the shoulder. 

Cas revealing himself when they’re under attack (saving Dean first, of course). “For a brief moment, I was me again.” && the way Dean looks at Cas, so relieved, “It’s good to see you Cas,” && Cas looking at Dean - only Dean - & asking, “Are you alright?” & even though Sam answers instead of Dean, Cas keeps his eyes solely on Dean as he continues talking. 

& when Bobby & Sam admit to what they thought, & Cas asks, “You thought what?” (pretending to be surprised) the way Dean nods and says, “I know, it’s crazy right?” (like yeah, babe, I was on your side. I didn’t believe it. I’ve been a faithful boyfriend. Please forgive us.)

Dean’s face when Castiel accidentally says the thing about Superman. The pure betrayal as it sinks in. He tries to smile, he always tries to smile, but he can’t even fake it in the moment. He can’t even look at Cas. Just stares at the ground and nods in realization. 

Then you find out that Cas went to Dean for help but couldn’t get himself to do it. Just stood there watching Dean rake leaves. How often do you think Cas did that? Dropped in on Dean. Watched him with Ben, imagining it was his and Dean’s son instead. Watched him with Lisa, imagining that it could be them one day sitting together on the couch or lying in bed tangled in the sheets. 

Just the fact that Crowley’s hell is literally just waiting in lines. 

Dean drinking in order to get himself through the trap they’re setting for Cas. The look Cas & Dean exchange when the holy oil is set on fire. “You gotta look at me, man. You gotta level with me and tell me what’s going on. Look me in the eye and tell me you’re not working with Crowley.” & Cas lifts his chin and keeps looking and Dean’s eyebrows relax for a moment like he’s relieved, but then Cas can’t say a thing and he has to look away & the way Dean’s face just crumples, & Dean’s choked, whispered, “Son of a bitch.” God damn. & that whole fucking scene. The way Dean and him keep making eye contact. The way Dean keeps staring at him. The way Dean ends up dropping his head and looking at the floor, defeated. 

“When crap like this comes around, we deal with it - like we always have. What we don’t do is we don’t go out and make another deal with the devil. It sounds so simple when you say it like that. Where were you when I needed you to hear it.” 

“I was there. Where were you?” 

& then the flash of him watching Dean rake those damn leaves... just... gaaaaah

“It’s not too late. Damnit, Cas, we can fix this!”

“Dean, it’s not broken!”

& them running out, leaving Cas behind, & just the way Dean stops at that door and looks back at him & the two stare for that second... just... 

(Why do I do this to myself? Why am I re-watching this bloody show AGAIN?!?!)

Cas visiting Dean just like he used to, waking him up and talking to him in the dead of night all alone. The “Hello, Dean” & the “I’m doing this for you, Dean. I’m doing this because of you.” & Dean turns his back. Can’t even look at him. Cas tries talking about free will and Dean starts yelling at him and the two start going back and forth like they’re mid break-up, and Dean begging - begging - Cas not to do it. Begging him to just trust him. & Cas whispering that small, “I’m sorry, Dean” before leaving. 

“So, that’s everything. I believe it’s what you would call a tragedy from the human perspective.” 

Cas once again on a park bench, trying desperately to understand. Trying desperately to get help from his father. Floundering. Afraid. Falling apart. 

[crittre-moved]

it, the conjuring, and the amityville horror!

it - what do you believe in?

that’s hard to say when it comes to religion,, i do believe there is a higher power but idk what specifically that entails. i do believe in ghosts, reincarnation, cryptids, a lot of folk tales, magic, and a few conspiracy theories here and there :>

the conjuring - if you could learn any new skill, what would you learn? 

i DEFINITELY wanna learn survivalist skills. like how to make shelters, how to identify plants and know whether or not to eat them, how to properly use a compass etc. but also things like farming and mending clothes would be cool to know too!!!

the amityville horror - why do you like your favorite book as much as you do?

my favorite book is the night circus by erin morgenstern and i haven’t read it in years but i will tell u that it is so charming and there’s so many things abt it that i love. the characters, the story, the setting, the writing, the complexity.... it is SO good and it’s one of the only books i’ve ever cried at the end just bc it was over gaaaaah ;_; 1000% recommend

[writeforcarat]

Home [Part 2]

—Cat Shelter Volunteer!Wonwoo × Reader (feat. Jun) —Fluff [PART 1]

The next morning, Wonwoo was jolted from his seat behind the reception desk, when he heard the front door open, only to see Jun—his co-volunteer who miraculously recovered from a bad bout of food poisoning overnight—walk into the shelter; the smile that had already formed at the corner of his lips abruptly waning into a pout.

“You okay?” Jun asked. The sudden change in his colleague's expression was too hard to miss.

“Er—” Wonwoo scratched the back of his head, trying to come up with an answer. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that? You had some bad sashimi over the weekend and now you seem fine.”

“Well, I’m still alive, aren’t I? But it looks like you’re not too happy to see me today. Or were you expecting someone else?” Jun asked with a smirk, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.  

“I just didn’t expect you to come in for work so soon. That’s all.”

Jun threw Wonwoo a look of suspicion before heading off to the locker room to leave his stuff.

Falling back in his seat with a sigh, Wonwoo tried his best to divert his thoughts because the truth was, he had been waiting for you. In fact, he pulled an all-nighter just to finish his project, so he could come to the shelter that day and break some good news to you. He couldn’t remember the last time he had been so excited about going to work.

You arrived about an hour later, the signed drop-off form in your hand. Expecting to see Wonwoo, you were quite disappointed to be greeted by an unfamiliar face from behind the reception desk. He was a good-looking young man—handsome, actually—but you couldn’t care less.

“May I help you?” he asked, noticing how you were anxiously looking over his shoulder.  

“I’m sorry—um—I’m looking for Wonwoo.” you said “I’m Y/N. He texted me last night about the cat I dropped off here yesterday.” You placed the drop off form on the desk.

“Ah,” the boy clapped his hands together, then collected the form for filing. “Wonwoo doesn't work here anymore."

"Wait, what?"

Laughing at your bewildered expression, the boy said, "I was kidding. He's at the back. Go have a seat, while I call him.”

“Thanks.” Slightly annoyed, you scooted over to the couches that were exhausted by deep scratches, as the not-so-funny jester disappeared from behind the desk.  

Wonwoo was tending to the cats in the playroom, but mostly looking after the cat you brought in, making sure the other cats don’t bother it. Its injured foreleg had been bandaged by the vet to ensure a speedy recovery.

“Hey, Wonwoo,” Jun called, peeking through door. “There’s a girl named Y/N waiting for you outside.”

“Oh,” Wonwoo’s head perked up, despite trying his best to conceal his excitement. Scooping the spotted white and grey cat he was petting, he stood up to exit the room.

“Last time I checked, people came here to look for cats and not humans like you,” Jun teased, to which Wonwoo responded with a “Shut up.”

“Just saying.”  

Wonwoo found you at the receiving area, flipping through the pages of a pet magazine's back issue. While he did think you looked attractive the first time he saw you (raincoat, wet hair, messed up makeup, and all), he was quite stunned by how beautiful you actually were.

For that day, you deliberately picked the nicest outfit you had—a lavender sun dress, which you paired with white canvas trainers. Although the ensemble was not exactly that special, it was an escape from your usual T-shirt-and-trousers get-up. It also took you a good 30 minutes to fix your hair into a ponytail that looked Pinterest-worthy kind of messy and not downright unruly.

“Y/N,”

You looked up to see Wonwoo, cradling the cat against his chest, walking towards you.

“Oh my, there she is,” you cooed, gingerly taking the cat in your arms from Wonwoo’s. Compared to the last time you saw her, she’s a lot cleaner now and looks much more relaxed. “How is she?”

“After running some tests yesterday, the vet ruled out serious infections and diseases,” Wonwoo said. “So yeah, apart from her sprained leg, she’s perfectly fine.”

“That’s great,” you exclaimed. “Heard that, Kitty? You’re okay!”

Your smile must have been infectious, because Wonwoo was beaming, too. Seeing you overjoyed like that made him inexplicably happy. “And… there’s more good news,” he continued.

“What is it?” You asked excitedly.

“Apparently, Kitty is expecting.”

“Oh my God!” You gasped, the cat stirring in your arms.

“The vet saw it in her X-ray results yesterday,” Wonwoo explained. “We thought we were going to find a fracture or, maybe, something worse, but what we got was something even better.”

“My goodness!” Excitement mixed with disbelief, your emotions were on an overdrive, your brain trying to process the information you’d just received. “She’s going to be a mum?”

“Yes, Y/N, Kitty's going to be a mum!”

You’d be lying if you said that you didn’t want to throw your arms around Wonwoo at that moment, because you did. What you didn’t know was that he felt the same way, too.

Soon enough, visiting the shelter had become part of your daily routine. You’d drop by early in the morning before going to work at the academy. Usually, you’d help out in taking care of Kitty—you decided to name her that, laughing off your lack of creativity—but you didn’t mind looking after the other cats as well. You had even memorised their names and how they looked.

Your presence at the shelter also became the volunteers’ new normal that they even encouraged you to be part of their team—an offer, which you politely declined due to the demands of your actual job. You assured them that you’d help them out whenever you could, though.

Wonwoo was the happiest about having you at the shelter almost every day. Little did he know that aside from Kitty, he was the main reason you visited so often. Together, you’d run errands and chores—some of which he previously did not enjoy doing, but with you around, the tasks he used to hate turned out to be so much more bearable.

You, too, liked spending time with Wonwoo. You especially loved how he’d tuck stray strands of your hair behind your ear as you cleaned after the cats, or how he’d bring you some snacks before you left for work—little gestures that never failed to send butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

One morning, just after refilling the cats’ feeding bowls, Wonwoo finally approached you to ask you out for dinner. The invitation came out as a mumble at first, but when you said you couldn’t understand him, he repeated it, his words loud enough for Jun to turn around and give him two thumbs up. Blood rushed to his cheeks, making him blush in embarrassment.

“I thought you’d never ask,” you smiled and his bashfulness was replaced by elation. You agreed to meet at a restaurant near your academy later that day.

Over dinner, you got to know more things about Wonwoo, like how he couldn’t eat seafood (you ordered pork barbecue and vegetable wraps instead), how enthusiastically he’d geek over videogames, how he’d makes use of puns to make up for his dry sense of humour, and how he’d make this adorable nose scrunch whenever he laughed (okay, you had seen it before, but it was a sight you’d never get tired of).

Everything he did and said were so endearing, and just when you thought you couldn’t find him any more attractive, he’d do something and you’d feel your heart skip another beat.

You capped off that night at a café, your conversations getting deeper and more personal as time wore on. He’d told you about his dream of becoming a singer, which his family dismissed as a waste of time. You'd also opened up to him about why you came to Seoul in the first place.

“I needed a change in my life. A change of environment,” you said, stirring your cup of hot chocolate. “Things back at where I’m from were not exactly working out as planned, so I left to have another start, search for happiness, and, maybe, find a new home, too.”

Your gazes met, and you realised that your eyes were welling with tears. You didn’t want to be a dramatic mess on your first date, but there you were—overwhelmed by bottled up feelings that only Wonwoo was able to draw out from you.

“How about now?” Wonwoo asked softly, taking your hand resting on the table into his. A warm smile formed on your lips at the sight of your hands intertwined. “Are you happy?”

“I think it’s too early for me to answer that,” you glanced back up at Wonwoo, who was looking intently at you. “But right here, right now, I’m feeling so much better... with you.”

Gaaaaah!!! This is my attempt at writing fluff, and I dunno if it’s working at all! Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed Part 2! I wish I get the time to work on Part 3 soon, which would probably the last instalment of this story. NGL, I still can’t believe this turned out to be longer than I thought it would be.

[insertcleverk-projecturlhere]

7 Stories R:B Blaze

My unfiltered reactions. They will be below the cut

THERE’S A LIGHTER AND I’M ALREADY SCREAMING THIS IS GOING TO BE A WILD RIDE

“Hot” YES MIKOTO YOU ARE

IT’S THE ALPHABET BOYS (okay clearly I was not prepared to watch this *at all*)

IT’S LITTLE SARU

Okay that’s fucking cool but aren’t the bullets supposed to just melt before reaching him not bounce off? I’m a minute 35 into this and I already know the post is going to be WAY. TOO. LONG.

Oh okay there’s the melted bullet stuff

KAMAMOTO STAY AWAY YOU’RE NOT FAT RIGHT NOW BUT YOU CAN STILL BE HIT BY BULLETS

Yeah no shit it’s your king did you not see him before?

Okay but honestly why do they need anyone but Mikoto to do anything?

GAH MIKOTO DON’T DO THAT TO YOUR SWORD YOU’RE GOING TO.... yeah we all know what’s going to happen T_T. *THANK YOU* Totsuka.

HE FEELS REISI

OOh who’s this girl? (Other than the one I’ve seen in all the official art)

Okay as much as I hate the green clan I really love their squadmobile in the opening

Pfft. Saru don’t agree that way about your future king. 

EVERYONE LOOKS SO YOUNG AND SWEET AND INNOCENT I’M CRYING

Saru you’re too good for them. You should totally leave XD

ANNA IS SO FUCKING SMOL IT’S KILLING ME

WHO THE FUCK ARE THESE TWO RANDOS GET THEM OUT OF MY BAR 

Aww Mikotoooooo. *10 seconds later* MIKOTO YOU IDIOT YOU HAVE TO KNOW ALL THE PEOPLE IN YOUR CLAN HOW CAN YOU NOT REMEMBER THEM???

NEW MUSIC

HAHAHAHAHAHA HE SPLASHED HIM

Hasn’t been able to blow of some steam, eh? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) That’s about to change

TOTSUKA YOU HAVE TOO MUCH FAITH IN HIM YOU POOR BOY. WAIT. “He’ll do what’s right by us even if it means hurting himself” YEAH THAT’S WHAT HAPPENS ALL RIGHT. 

OOoh we get to see Totsuka in action? And by “in action” I mean “in charge of something that is likely going to wind up needing a stronger clansman’s action”

OMG THE PARK YES! MIKOTO IS ANGSTING SO HARD AND OMG THERE’S A KOALA. REISIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Fuck you gohands for not having him wear his dad-on-vacation outfit.

Mikoto. If this face:

doesn’t say “I’m in love”, I don’t know what does XD

REISI KNOWS WHERE EVERYTHING BELONGS EXCEPT FOR HIMSELF T_T AND NOW SHIRO TOOK THAT AWAY FROM HIM TOO.

I’m sad they cut out the part where he and Seri kick ass *before* he becomes King.

Okay seriously, I know gohands likes to cut costs on the animation, but why did they choose to do it by making everyone’s heads too short?

SHOUTOUT TO THE GOLD KING (I did write “unfiltered” at the top of this, didn’t I? *checks* yep. okay, good)

Okay, exposition, great, let’s get a move on folks, we’ve all seen the show. (Also why was Habari Jin like 5 years old?)

God, Reisi is fucking gorgeous

GAAAAAH THEY’RE TALKING “You sound as hot and stuffy as you look” PLEASE TELL ME THAT THAT MEANS THE SAME THING IN JAPANESE AS IT DOES IN ENGLISH

I’M RIVITED TO THEIR CONVERSATION/LACK THEREOF

Side note: they couldn’t have made his footsteps as he transitioned from dirt to pavement sound different?

THEY BOTH KNOW THEY WON’T GET ALONG WITH EACH OTHER I’VE NEVER SEEN A BETTER START TO A RELATIONSHIP (I’m so proud of how much they grow)

Damn SaruMi make such a great team of threatening with physical violence and then breaking the will with words XD. But Saru... 

WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK ARE THOSE FISH PANTS???

They were such a good teeeeeaaaaam T_T at least they both live to reconcile

Oh look it’s the beginning of episode 1. Oh it’s not? Huh. You could have fooled me because the FUCKING ANIMATION IS THE SAME

Yata you’re a dumbass

TOTSUKA BUTTERFLY!!!!

MIKOTO I WANTED TO SEE TOTSUKA DO HIS THING. ALSO THAT SHIRT IS *WAY* TOO SMALL FOR YOU

TOTSUKA LET HIM DISBAND HOMRA IT’LL BE GOOD FOR BOTH OF YOU, YOU SWEET OPTIMISTIC CHILD. Okay playing the “do it for me” card, Totsuka you’re slick XD

HI REISI! YOU HAVEN’T BEEN ON SCREEN FOR LIKE 10 MINUTES AND I MISSED YOUR SASS

*coughresusedanimationcough*

I’M SCREAMING THEY’RE GONNA DO IT! AND REISI WON’T EVEN DRAW TENROU FIRST

Okay that reflection on Tenrou’s sheath was erotic as fuck.

HOLY FUCK REISI. HAHAHA “minimal effort”, boy, he was just not prepared for you.

I didn’t imagine you’d be crawling on the ground in dirt, but I *am* curious as to how the fuck you got over there when you were clearly the center of that hole that’s there now and were the pressure point causing it so like, how did you get over there and the hole got so big?

YES LET THE BACKHANDED COMPLIMENT FLIRTING BEGIN

FUCK, REISI, THAT RESHEATHING WAS SEXY

Oh Reisi. You think he’s going to let you go that easily now that he’s gotten a taste? You naive boy. 

*coughmorereusedanimation*

YAS REISI LOSING HIS TEMPER

AKIYAMA AND BENZAIIIIIIII

Waaaaayy too much of this movie has been shots of the city from above. Like, at least an entire 60 seconds, and since it’s not under credits that means it’s been WAY. TOO. LONG. 

Reisi comin’ atcha with the megane glare!!

Okay that animation was also reused but I really love it so I’ll let *JUST THAT ONE* slide.

OH MY GOD DRAMATIC BACKGROUND CHORUS MUSIC

Oh Reisi. Don’t make promises you can’t keep, my sweet boy. I know your future, and you can’t keep that one. I’m sorry. 

“You make me bristle”. Is *that* what we’re calling it now? Okay~~

HE KICKED HIM! REISI FUCKING KICKED HIM WITH HIS SEXY BOOT

ICHIGEN-SAMA YOU’RE A FUCKING COCKBLOCK. But I love you.

He put Mikoto out like a candle. WHERE WERE YOU WHEN WE NEEDED YOU TO PUT HIM OUT AT THE END OF SEASON ONE???? T_T_T_T. right. dead. Fuck. T_T

“Yes, we agree to not fight as long as we’re not both horny for it”

Omg the gold king’s laugh is something I didn’t know I needed XD

I’m really depressed now because, well... season 1. 

[survivor-tierradelfuego]

Ep. 11: “Do you all think I am just floating over here with no one?” - Aimee

Amy A

Ben ☹️. I didn’t play too well with him and it was such a good blindside I couldn’t resist. I wish him well and I just have a feeling I’m next to go 

Olivia A

Okay umm we got Ben out but it turns out Kalle gave me a real idol? So I feel weird. The reason we began suspecting her of lying was because Hanuha people knew about Maddison’s safety without power advantage and Kalle was literally the only person who could’ve told them. IDK!!

Aimee

I’m just so tired of crying! Sarah tried to video chat and I just couldn’t. No one knew I don’t think that Ben and I were so close. Gaaaaah I’m gonna miss him so much! He just helped me so much to stay sane in this game. The last thing I need is anyone seeing me as a big hot mess. I can’t catch a break. 

Sarah

From two nights ago.... https://youtu.be/uebz8rVKNbg https://youtu.be/xQyiuiGeEpo

Pedro A

when i actually thought i was at the bottom........THERES EVEN A LOWER BOTTOM...THAT IM IN RIGHT NOW......chille ben screwed us BIG TIME....we were in a great spot..i dont even know what to say at this point

Sarah

Wow. Okay. I didn’t want to be a villain but here we are. I will post a video confessional soon but for now, the plan to vote out Ben actually worked. I called Maddison last minute and explained that Ben and Kalle were tight and were all over the place, playing both sides. Maddison found out that Kalle was a rat and was not being completely truthful and we both agreed on voting Kalle or Ben. We agreed on Ben because we thought Kalle was going to play her idol on herself.... turns out Ben was telling the truth in voting out Kalle to old Hanuha and Kalle actually gave Olivia a real idol. More to come... but for now I feel like a villain ahhh. 

Kalle N.

Well I said that my only goal was to make jury and not go to the FTC so it looks like Ben really helped me achieve that. THAT FOOL REALLY FUCKED ME OVER ON HIS WAY OUT THE DOOR. This is fine. I will never let him forget that I've beaten him twice now and that's all that matters. Did not see this tribal coming at all. Can't wait to get voted out next

Najwah

If I learned anything today is that we tend to read in and over think and make up scenarios in our head. Ben was actually on our side all along? Who would have thought. All the bits and pieces he told us today just didn't add up and Cody said he was different and everyone was just quiet and Ben didn't talk in the group, he spoke to people individually. I don't really understand what just happened but we wasted so much energy speculating lmao. And now where the hell do we go from here? Cody has become so paranoid also. The minute Ben told him that those people will be writing his name he became soooo paranoid wtf. Then he WASTED an advantage and idol at tribal? Just bc he still didn't trust the plan. I'm starting to think that Cody just can't trust anyone or any process. I really think he needs to chill more. Be more low key. Just try to be calm. If you get voted out, it's not like you're going to die or something. It's just a game after all. 

Aimee

Apparently tribe was getting too suspicious of how Ben and Kalle were so close. I still don’t get why I had to be left out of the vote though? Why can’t I get the respect to be told what is happening before the vote, so I have time to process my emotions and have my stuff together a little. https://immunityilol.tumblr.com/post/617448854807298048 Instead I get nothing. I get a call from Sarah right after Ben is voted out. Obviously I can’t answer it because I’m crying and no one knew I was super close to Ben. I’m just so angry right now first Grae now Ben! IS MADDISON NEXT!? FUCK! Like Gah I’m afraid to get close to anyone. But I just love getting to know people. I finally got to video chat with Maddison. Fucking loved it! She is great to talk to and great to have on this crazy skype isolation island. I need some interaction and realness right now. Ok I’m totally drinking. It’s hard enough to process all this nonsense sober. We will see what the next day brings. 

Aimee

Sarah I really don’t want us to end up like this Casanova music video. 😢💔 I guess everyone wants to blindside Aimee as a treat. I hope people got their jollies out of it. 🌟 Allie X - Casanova feat VÉRITÉ https://youtu.be/YpVunjboAWg

Sarah

From last night.... https://youtu.be/EirlyVVXDKk

Sarah

Day 21 https://youtu.be/aYiGStuSKDA

Pedro A

Im afraid Kalle will throw me under the bus...just to stay this week cause shes on the bottom....and im also afraid that maddison and olivia will try to convince kalle to vote me out...instead ....since they are coming for me ...GOSHHH..i hate my life...i need immunity...CAN I LIKE HAVE IT?

Pedro A

okay so im excited to see everyone's answers to this challenge...THIS WILL BE INTERESTING...it will reveal a lot of people real thoughts ..IM READY FOR TEAAAA YALL

Najwah

I enjoyed my day today. I think it's the first time I was fully in the real world in 22 days. I'm playing a reckless game right now. There are so many layers in this game but after last night's tribal and learning that Ben was being legit, I just feel bad. I love Cody but he's definitely a loose cannon and can't play low key. Which is definitely bad for my game. He and Sarah are trying to push me into getting Amy on our side, but our relationship just isn't like that. I don't want to make her feel used. I like her. I really like her a lot. I like Sarah too. And Cody. I want to be friends with all these people IRL lol so I don't want to play against them or lie to them. This game just gets harder every time someone gets voted off tbh but I'm at the point where I feel like "if my plan works, then great", "if it doesn't, then whatever. I get to chill on panderosa and get to sleep more and actually spend time with my family and friends who I've been avoiding since this started lmao" Also, I'd be able to work again. I haven't got much work done urgh. I don't know whether my super idol is real. I'm curious to see what tonight's challenge will reveal. I am not going in with any syrategy

Cody wants to go for Kalle and Pedro coz they voted for him? I don't know, I think that's kinda silly and I'm not about revenge. You have to think rationally. And we have made a few irrational choices of late because people read into things. I still wish Ben hadn't told Cody that everyone was voting for him. That's how so much of yesterday's shit started. I have been so tired since yesterday. Tired of the scheming and overthinking and being paranoid over nothing urgh. Aimee also wants to call me after the challenge. I'm kinda scared tbh. I had a dream last night that Aimee killed me lmao this game is haunting me and giving me nightmares. Honestly, I'd be okay if anyone left wins this game. Okay except Kalle. She's the only one I've not interacted with and she just seems dodge idk. Maybe I'm still thinking about Zack's stupid analysis on people. Anyways. 

Najwah

I'm happy for Maddison tbh. She deserved that. I just want to scream about Cody though? Why did Cody chop Aimee? Wtf. And that made Aimee chop Sarah before she chopped Amy or Maddison. I'm so confused. Ugh. 

Maddison

Apparently I don’t know much about this tribe. Yeet!

Pedro A

Villan of the season?....im honored...but bitter jury?...i didnt like that one..lol

Aimee

I chopped Pedro for Grae. 

I chopped Olivia and haha sorry I got so nervous on here that I just chopped the final chop, even though that was savage as hell... I called her a goat and then chopped her right out of the game. Oops hahahahaha. When I watch this challenge back I look like the C word with a capital C.... And that word isn’t “cartwheel.” I chopped Sarah for the Ben blindside. I chopped Amy for my mental health. I can’t lose Maddison! I’m so sick of being tortured that I truly am running out of fucks tbh. Just chop anyone, whatever. Why do I care...

Aimee

Ohhhh Najwah!!!! Don’t worry about not telling me about the vote or accidentally calling me a goat because you didn’t know the meaning. I think I would make a cute goat. https://nunyabizni.tumblr.com/post/615593098008035328 Love that you think I’m actually “the Greatest of All Time.” I adore you and our friendship 💖❤️💞 luv you girl!!! I know you’re truly being genuine unlike others. I’m waiting for this game to tip in our favor so we can run with it. https://youtu.be/TGwZ7MNtBFU This MV is dedicated towards Najwah after Cody swooped in and stole my final 2 with her. No hard feelings; I have my own stuff to sort out after my man Ben was voted out. I’m pretty confident you have a final 2 with Cody and I love that for you. 🧡💛💚 I’m happy y’all got together and are strong with Sarah. But here I am. Do you all think I am just floating over here with no one? Just not playing the game and grazing my grass over here like a “goat?” They really don’t know how close I was with Ben and they got stupid lucky on that one. I’m not as clueless as you all think... it’s in your best interest to reconsider. Also let’s not skip over the fact that Sarah and I both didn’t get an answer on touchy subjects for “who do you trust the most.” Yeah don’t think I didn’t peep that. 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀 Sarah didn’t put me and I didn’t put her. I put Maddison. Cody had 2 votes. Najwah and Sarah put him. I’m not dense. I guess Sarah is cool with being that 3rd wheel. Loving the fact that apparently no one has been seeing me reaching across the aisle for damn DAYS trying to play with Maddison.... oh honey, oh girl...oh no no ... that was just Ben right? Yeah. My final 2 with Ben is gone so I’m rogue and hoping I can get Maddison as far as possible with me. Also! Just letting you all know I’m not a damn chump. It’s SO OBVIOUS that Cody Najwah and Sarah have a fucking secret chat that they’ve been in since the beginning of all time, which included Zack. You’ve heard it here first folks. Oh and I’ve known this for at least a week or two. The tells are so blatant, but catch me pretending to have no idea. I’m not the goat that you think I am, but I would LOVE you to continue to think of me of a goat and forgettable. If you knew what I was doing I wouldn’t be allowed to get to the end. If I’m on any players radars then that means I am doing a bad job. So, I absolutely loved what this challenge revealed. I know way more than people think I know, but I am playing up the ditzy card hardcore. I would much rather prefer to be a stealthy sniper that people think is not playing. Give me a chance to explain my game in the final tribal and you might regret that. I have been doing all the same moves as Ben and same exact strategy.... he gets called a big threat and blindsided and yet here I am with identical strategy and totally left alone and tbh a little disrespected but that works to my advantage. Perception is not reality! This could be everyone’s biggest mistake and I honestly love it. I just want Kalle and Pedro out tbh. I got my big boobs and my positivity. I’m mind strong and I’m ready to get this. Your lady is never giving up. If you blindside me again it better be me that gets voted out. Otherwise you’re all in a world of fucking trouble... https://64.media.tumblr.com/0389c791f095d54973543b32d4414577/984582d2a107588c-89/s540x810/c10ec7b961de2fd3b693a886ea7385b04ed3d653.gifv

Najwah

I am still tired. LOL. Amy L still hasn't replied to me. I think she hates me right now and I burned the bridge with her, which I'm obviously sad about because it's the only bridge I really cared about? Like she's the only person who I was 100% sure about and we've always respected each others allegiance to their alliances. Anyway. What does it matter now? I'm going to let Cody and Sarah make a plan with this tribal scrambling. Oh Cody said the reason he chopped Aimees rope is because he didn't want her to win immunity again lmao so he rather chops someone in his own alliance wtf I can't get over that fatal mistake. That and playing the extra vote and idol😭😭 ugh and I think people assume I am his goat or something lmaooooo I absolutely adore Cody but I really hope he doesn't mess things up for himself. Sarah wants me to get coins for them to buy an immunity idol. Do I really want to waste 5 coins again on someone whose just going to get paranoid and play it? I don't know. I need to think on it. 

Aimee

Welp I finally told my first lie in this game and hopefully it’s not my demise. I guess it’s my turn to be messy. I’m still coping with Ben being gone. 💔😢😫 Why the nut, did I tell Pedro I want him here. It was definitely too much alcohol and worried if he had another idol I would be the throw vote. Welp we will see if he throws that info all over the island. https://64.media.tumblr.com/d9f98e355c7e9229777fa982551cfd7e/tumblr_nr72mkoPHr1rs8h9do7_250.gifv https://64.media.tumblr.com/d37a2b6f76f83c1beaca2ca2bac6bb72/tumblr_nr72mkoPHr1rs8h9do3_250.gifv I’ve made peace with it though. This lady ain’t stopping, but if this puts me in jury. I’m honestly excited! I’ll finally get to talk to James, Grae and Ben again! And that makes my heart warm. ♥️ 

Pedro A

I'm probably going home tonight....kinda done with this.....I'm exhausted and emotionally drained from this experience.. I just wanna chill...at the end of the day its either me or kalle....so may the odds be in my favor!!

Najwah

I'm nervous about this vote. Apparently Maddison and co are willing to work with us to get Kalle out. I don't know how legit it is but I'm tired tonight and I just think I should do an early vote before people change their minds. 

Amy A.

So we had the game yesterday and there was a question about ‘closest Ally’ and no one chose me. I’m not really bothered about everyone else except NAJWAH. She didn’t choose me! I was the only one who chose her cos her name came just ONCE. Whoever she ended up choosing as her closest ally didn’t even choose her. It’s made me real life sad because I trusted her so much. Honestly, I didn’t even think twice about putting her name down for closest ally. I haven’t even spoken to anyone about tonight’s vote. Idk who I’m voting for but I know it’s not her cos I promised her that. That’s the only reason. Maybe I’m the one going home. I don’t know. 

Maddison

Let’s hope for a straightforward vote tonight with no unforeseen twists!

Aimee

https://youtu.be/m4Z0RN_KhK0 A flow mobz - thrill over fear (feat. luna blake) Omg I couldn’t sleep last night and I just woke up being bitchy about Pedro. I don’t think he actually has anyone besides maybe Kalle. My walls are up and I just want this vote to work in my favor and be Kalle. I hope there are no hard feelings after this game. I just want to get to know everyone during all this covid madness and have some fun. 🌈

[wellamarke]

ULTIMATE PLAYLIST: 2016 EDITION

Woops, it got to be March without me posting these. Here’s a little thing I’ve been doing since 2010, where I make a playlist of my favourite songs from the year. The 2016 list is very Lenka/Ingrid Michaelson heavy, for various reasons (but a big one being that Ingrid’s newest album ‘It Doesn’t Have to Make Sense.’ is one of my favourite albums of all time. The entire record features on this list - that’s never happened before.)

Putting the track listing under a cut because I tend to ramble on!

1. Blue Skies - Lenka “It's gonna be blue skies for you and I, we'll step out of the shadows and walk into the light” In some ways this song doesn’t feel very Lenka-y, being a little bit techno-y with echoes and such, but in all the ways that matter it’s a classic piece of Lenka goodness, uplifting and cutely cutely cute. 

2. Somewhere Out There - Danny Pudi and Donald Glover “And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby, it helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky!” So, if you’ve been following me for any amount of time you probably know that I became utter trash for the show Community this year (like, we’re talking, top 2 TV shows of all time level of trash, I love it so much, I don’t know how or why I lived before it) and especially Troy and Abed and their friendship. They sing this song as a duet to their rat in season 1 episode 10, aka the episode where my soul was finally consumed into Community hell never to return. The whole end section of that episode is a true gift, and it’s overlaid with this song. Which then becomes HORRIFICALLY APPROPRIATE for the two characters later in the show, leading to me just wanting to cry and/or die every time I hear it. So y’know. Top quality stuff. 

3. Another Life - Ingrid Michaelson “It's in the galaxies and all the history books - I think we shared another life, don't you?” A beautiful song to start off the torrential downpour of tracks from this album (I’m not joking, every multiple of 3 on this list is from ‘It Doesn’t Have to Make Sense’. This is serious obsessive business.) 

4. Get Together - Lenka  “Now we're all together and I hope it lasts forever, got my people here tonight” Listen, show me a song that somehow alludes to a group of friends who love each other, and I’ll show you my new favourite song. I can’t. Get. Enough. (If you were wondering what appeals to me about the aforementioned Community, I’ll, er, give you 3 guesses?) 

5. Ampersand - Bittereinder  “Daar’s iets primitief in ’n stem en ’n beat, dis die eerste musiek, dis die voete om ’n vuur” I think this is the first year that Afrikaans has made it as the only extra language (not an Italian track in sight, woops) and this is prooobably the first song that’s ever got on one of these lists that could properly be called a rap, haha. I don’t know what it is about Bittereinder...I don’t usually like anything like this....but... it’s Bittereinder. They own me. 

6. Celebrate - Ingrid Michaelson “This is my throwback song, it’s just like the ones, the ones that we used to know” My my, is this a nostalgia song? Welcome to my favourite songs ever, you rose-tinted bag o’ wistful feelings! 

7. No Harm Tonight - Lenka  “Nothing will harm you tonight, all of your darkness will turn into light”  This song is sooooo beautiful, lyrically and musically and gaaaaah, it’s just so adorable. In a year when I have become even less emotionally demonstrative than ever (I know, but yeah apparently there was room to go further) I have compensated by collecting some of the mushiest songs going. Ya gotta reroute it to somewhere, I guess.

8. Toe Vind Ek Jou - Francois Van Coke (with Karen Zoid) “Ek het genoeg gegee, ek het genoeg geskree, ek het lankal terug geleer, maar nog steeds het ek probeer” AAAAH this song maaan. So good. If you’ve ever read one of these lists or just in general seen me talking about music, you may know I have a bIG weakness for duets, and particularly male/female duets, so, with the added bonus of it being Francois, this was always going to be a winner for me. Such a good song UGH. 

9. Drink You Gone - Ingrid Michaelson “Like a sinking ship while the band plays on, when I dream you're there, I can't even sleep you gone” This song is honestly so painful. Aaah the emotion in the chorus is just, that shouldn’t be allowed in mp3 format. No, Ingrid, stop. (By which I mean never stop.) A deliberate misinterpretation of this song makes it an EXCELLENT and DEVASTATING Karen/Pete song (Humans ship of sadness). She can’t drink him gone, she can’t smoke him out... she can’t eat away the way that he ate her heart out.... because she’s a robot... ha .... geddit.

10. Joni Was Right - Marit Larsen  “Time just sent me off to bed, love was just a word we said, I thought someone would always keep me safe” For obvious title-based reasons, I would have loved this song even if it was three hours of a duck trying to play a harmonica, but as it turns out, it’s my favourite kind of nostalgia-laden, bittersweet lyric and it’s so, so beautiful. Like, Marit Larsen didn’t even have to try to win me here but she still brought this masterpiece. Amazing. (More on the ridiculous levels of coincidence surrounding this album later in the list.) 

11. Grow - Frances  “You know I'm here holding on, tying up your loose ends and your drifting esteem” I can’t remember how I came across this song now... was it a fanvid for something?... but I’m glad I did, because it’s beautiful. You know how my writing is so often in a kind of wannabe hurt/comfort genre? Yeah, my music isn’t all that different. Supportive friendship is such a great concept! The application is... ew.... but the theory’s great. 

12. Hell No - Ingrid Michaelson  “Stop crying, stop crawling, can’t you see that I have stopped falling?” This sooooong has the kind of attitude I strive for, I LOVE it. As much as it’s a rage anthem, it has a positive message about self-reliance and is SO FUN TO SING. That’s an important ingredient for me. (Also, there are lines in it - like the ones quoted - that are scary relatable.) 

13. Roll With the Punches - Lenka “When life tries to knock all the wind out of you, you've got to roll, roll, roll with the punches” Now THIS is the Lenka I have known and loved for so long - she made my first Ultimate Playlist and she’ll probably make my last. But for so long I had only ever heard ‘The Show’, the album I was obsessed with in 2010. This year I discovered, like, 3 other Lenka albums, which was a joy, and this song....SO FUN. SO CUTE. SO SINGABLE. SO LENKA. I can’t say enough good things about it. 

14. Fools - Lauren Aquilina  “I don't want you to go but I want you so, so tell me what we choose” I kind of wish this song had come to me earlier, because it really caught me on the very tail end of its relevance to my life, but then, these things often do. I like having a concise way to look back on things, though, so this works just as well in hindsight as it might have in realtime :D 

15. I Remember Her - Ingrid Michaelson  “Things they fade, things turn to grey. As much as I try to save them, they turn to grey.” Just. I cannot. This song is sooo sad. It might be the saddest one ever to make it to one of these lists, unless I had ‘Song for Josh’ last year, which I think I did, so call it the joint saddest. I mean I guess both subjectively and objectively 2016 was a pretty sad year, so it makes sense. Damn it, Ingrid!

16. Kwaad Naas - Bittereinder “I grew up in the Moot, but my Afrikaans is limited to net ‘n paar woorde” Another awesome bilingual raptastic track from Bittereinder, my loves. This lyric especially illustrates why I love it so much, for I too communicate sometimes in a mixture of Afrikaans and English (usually when trying to Afrikaans and forgetting half the words. Dis ‘n curse, ek kan nie help dit.) 

17. Sad Song - Lenka “Everyone's compelled to look into the mirror when they're crying, but just because your tears are pretty doesn't mean they'll get you by” Oh Lenka, you sound so happy but you talk so wise. I love this song so much, it doesn’t sound like it’s gonna be deep when you hear the general sound of it, but then it is. That’s kinda Lenka’s thing, I guess. The chorus especially is IMMENSELY singable. 

18. Light Me Up - Ingrid Michaelson “Well you’re not what I was looking for, but your arms were open at my door” There are a whole bunch of repetitive lyrics towards the end but my oh my, what a beautiful sound. Just gorgeous. 

19. Morgan, I Might - Marit Larsen “I might have been guilty of thinking one day I'd find myself waking up with you.” Listen, Marit Larsen has always had a timeshare on my brain. I just accept that now. That’s the only way it makes sense that she can write things so exactly right. But she used to be subtle with it, you know? She used to leave the names out, so that I could sleep at night able to tell myself that it might just be a coincidence, that she can’t have actually stolen my diary. But this year? All of that went out of the window. She wrote the sequel to the first song that ever made me go, “damn, somebody gets it”, she splashed that name all over this song, and then she splashed my name all over the album title. Honestly, woman, was it so hard leaving room for reasonable doubt? (At least she had the decency to get the timing a little off, because this isn’t how this is anymore, but it so, so, so was.) 

20. Mr Brightside - The Killers “Jealousy, turning saints into the sea, turning through sick lullabies, choking on your alibis” This song is such a classic but it became much more meaningful to me this past year, mainly because it featured on our group’s roadtrip playlist for Scotland in May, and...yeah, it’s just a #quality song and finally its time has come.  21. Miss America - Ingrid Michaelson  “I am the one who is always singing, louder than the rest, louder than the others” Songs that mention singing are the best songs, okay? I don’t make the rules. However, I wish I could get out of the habit of singing ‘I wanna be Miss America’ instead of the actual lyric, which is ‘I’ll never be Miss America’. I mean, there’s basically no way to get the song’s ethos more wrong. Shame on my tongue’s faulty muscle memory. 

22. When It Comes to Us - Frances (& Ritual) “You and I, we're one too many worlds apart, it really shouldn't work, but it does” Oh what have we here? It’s another male/female duet. Which is a shame, really, because if it was a female/female duet, it would be a really great Nistrid song. But anyway. Beautiful track with beautiful words, yes please stay with me forever thank you.

23. The End of the World - Lenka  “At the end of the world, we will kiss for the last time, and we won't feel the earth collapse into a mess of flood and fire” Listen up, The 100 and other angst-fest post-apocalyptic nightmare shows. This is how you do this. Cheesy and cute and with lots of “aahhh-aahhs”. Get on it. (No, but this song is adorable, truly.) 

24. Old Days - Ingrid Michaelson “Heaven help the ones who fly away, heaven help the ones who have to stay and place the blame” Honestlyyyy, what a haunting and beautiful song. All of the lyrics are just so... atmospheric? Like, in an almost eery way but still so pleasing to listen to. I dunno what it is, but this is a damn fine song from my main girl Ingrid. 

25. Quicksand - Tom Chaplin “Love's gonna leave you broken, time's gonna work you over; you get up, you get up, you keep rolling on” Awww, it’s Keane’s voice but without the rest of Keane! I love this guy, what a pro. Considering that a massive part of my early music life was taken up by Keane, I really haven’t grown out of my love for his voice. Aaanyway. This is actually thematically quite similar to Roll With the Punches. Was it really that hard of a year?! Ha. 

26. Unique - Lenka “No, I don't really make sense, but I know that you know what I mean” Hehe, such a cute song. I want to be Lenka if I grow up.

27. Still the One - Ingrid Michaelson  "We dance in the living room, and we dance to the beating of our blood” Aaaah this song is so great, so singable. This was one of the first ones I fell for before hurtling deep into the abyss of adoration for this album. 

28. No - Marit Larsen “You could give up, I won’t give in, ‘cause where you end is where I begin.” Another beauty from my girl Marit. A little lighter on the coincidences in this one, thank goodness, because I don’t know if I could take another hit, but still solid gold. 

29. We Are Powerful - Lenka “We fell in love on the same dark night, when the moon was high and the stars were bright” Another adorable song, another catchy, catchy tune. Lenka, my love, never stop with your beautifully singable tunes. (When I say singable, I mean both fun to sing and not vocally challenging enough to make me have to swap octaves halfway or sit out the middle 8 because the tune is too crazy. Aka the best kind of music.)  

30. Whole Lot of Heart - Ingrid Michaelson  “I said, "Let's rule this kingdom now, let's live and love and tear it down, to build it up"” Well, when I listen to this playlist in order, I will fittingly be left with the achingly catchy notes of this last Ingrid track in my head once it’s over. By faaar the catchiest of the bunch, this kind of addictive pulsating sound I can’t get enough of. I think this is might be my favourite from IDHTMS, but that changes regularly, so I won’t commit. Suffice to say it’s a fitting song for the end spot, down to the very last ebbing notes. 

.....

Well, that’s it!

I haven’t done the math for every year, but I think this is the most female my playlist has ever been. Only 1/5 of the songs have male lead vocals, compared to the copious amounts of Frank Turner etc that have dominated previous years. GIRL POWER! 

If you’ve actually read this post, I applaud you, and I also worry about your apportioning of time. What should you have been doing instead?!

As always, if you make your own one of these lists, please tag me for the sake of my ego and to give me new songs to listen to, because if we’ve learnt one thing from 2016′s list, it’s that I could do with some variety! ;D