twi-liight

[arijackz]

PICK A CARD: What Will Your FS Admire Most About You?

⚤ “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.” - Pablo Neruda

Disclaimer: This is a general reading, take what resonates. This is a gender-neutral reading, disregard any pronouns that do not apply to you.

p1 → p2 ↙︎ p3 → p4

✠ Pile One ✠ (King of Cups,Page of Cups,The World,7)

✧ Cards went wiillldddd. You stir up so much emotion in this person, it’s crazy. Your heart chakra is front and center here. You are picture-perfect harmony and universal love to your spouse. Your love can’t be contained, you love them, your friends, your favorite mug, worms out in the rain, strangers, the moon, and all the stars in the sky.

✧ All I see is a wide-ass smile, the biggest, wateriest eyes, and full cheeks. Your spouse thinks you’re sunshine-incarnated.

✧ This will sound corny, but your heart and love for the world and all its diversity make you appear angelic; God’s gift to humanity. The emotional depth you have is nothing shy of divine. Your ability to understand and reconnect your person with their inner dreamer makes you irreplaceable in their eyes. 

✧ I feel like your future spouse had to navigate around a lot of emotionally stunted people who left scars that prevented them from forming healthy relationships. Your empathy and desire to make space for peace and unity in this world give them hope that true love is alive and they are the lucky son of a bitch who gets to call an angel, theirs.

✧ I smell salt and hear waves. (I bet you’re tired of the cheesy poetry but HEY, me and your boo are OBSESSED with your energy) You truly are as beautiful and powerful as the seven seas.

✧ You know the Ouroboros, and how it's sometimes depicted as a snake wrapped around the oceans, holding onto its tail to keep the world together? Yea, that. To your future partner, you hold the key to their world. You add so much color and vibrancy. You turn over their inner ocean and awaken so much repressed child-like wonder within them.

✧ Wow. Your spouse loves the depths of you.

✧ Check for water placements, signs, and houses, in your natal chart. Some of you have insane intuition and have clairsenses. Clairaudience to be specific.

✧ Some of you are active in charities or aspire to make a difference in society. Maybe you’re into esoteric practices or anything else metaphysical.

✧ I even have a few philosophers here. Okay, KANT! (somebody please get this joke)

She Excites the Seven Seas

✠ Pile Two ✠ (Ace of Pentacles,8oW,The Emperor rev., “I Want”)

I love the kind of woman that will actually just kill me

✧ Of course, you don’t have to be a woman but that TikTok sound SCREAMED at me. Your future spouse is lowkey intimidated by you and they love it.

✧ You have big dreams. Big plans. But most importantly, a million and one ways to get you where you need to be. Your ability to say “I want this,” and then actually go out and GET it?? Your spouse is like the meme that goes “I’m a little scared, but I’m turned on.”

✧ I also see that you’re unconventional. If people have been doing whatever you want to do a certain way for years, you'll find ways to do it differently, just cause. You’re a true trailblazer. Your self-conviction is so damn alluring. Even for the people who struggle with insecurity sometimes, once you get over that hump and decide that you desire something, you fucking get it. Your partner sees you like magic. They are impressed by just how quickly your desires are set in motion for you. They feel that you are powerful and bring a great deal of power to them from just being in your proximity.

✧ You are also the “I don’t take shit from nobody” type. Not from strangers, not from your friends, your family, not even from your partner. In their eyes, you know your worth and have a strong self-foundation that nobody can tear down. There is genuine admiration and respect here. I even get the “I want to be like you when I grow up” mentality.

✧ There is a speediness to you they find very attractive. Either the way you behave, speak, or just stress about time, your pacing holds a special place in their heart. (or maybe, despite all of your responsibilities, you manage to find stillness in the chaos and slow down when necessary)

✧ The way you speak drives this person wild. It's like your voice narrates their thoughts and is the source of all of their arousal. Do with that information what you will...(don't be cruel, you make this person so nervous).

✧ I shuffled through a playlist and E-GIRLS ARE RUINING MY LIFE!! by Corpse came on and one of the lyrics goes,

She just look into my soul with them Shinigami eye Coke in my nose and a blade on her thigh. Man, I think this girl is really trying to plan my demise

✧ Yea, you put the fear of God into this person, but in a good way! Your presence can be chilling sometimes. Fire energy for sure. There are definitely people here from pile 2 of my first pac, “What are your most alluring qualities?”, check that out if you want to.

✧ Okay, this energy has me needing to take a LAP, bye.

"Man, I Think This Girl Tryna Plan My Demise"

✠ Pile Three ✠ (10oW, 9oW)(no other cards wanted to come out, real stubborn)

✧ Okay so, this feels specific?... and maybe even a lil off topic but I feel called to say this

✧ I sense that you and your person are psychically connected and share the mutual feeling that the two of you are meant to cross paths. The both of you have gotten your fair share of fuckery in this lifetime and this union feels like divine justice.

✧ This sounds a little fucked up, but you guys flourish amid trauma. Dark energy alchmaziers. You best wield your potential while you’re going THROUGH it.

✧ You had to “die” and bury yourself a dozen times to get where you are today.

✧ You are a very evolved individual. Throughout your life, traumatic events and relationships have forced you to bear a lot of weight on your back and it’s like the pressure has forged you into a diamond. With each curveball life threw at you, you stood tall and pushed to make something of yourself, proving your worth after a lifetime of strife and instability.

✧ Scorpio/Capricorn and 8th house/10th house placements. (check midpoints).

✧ A lot of you have tense shoulders, upper back, shoulder, and neck pain from the unease and anxiety your body carries. You have insomnia and may even struggle with nightmares.

✧ This person you’re coming into union with is so healing.

✧ This is something the both of you broke down and prayed for on your darkest days. This is a true partner, the soul that kept yours warm when the world was so cold. You had to put your dreamier side on the back burner to survive. This person will make you feel safe to dream again.

✧ I don’t have anything specific to say because you and your person feel so secretive  You two recognize each other’s pain and are the only people you guys trust. Like not even lil ol’ me can really get through to y'all. Y’all ride AND die for each other, in this life and the next.

✧ If you’re into astrology and already have a feel for who this person is, check your guys’ composite chart. Strong Scorpio energy here.

✧ Coming into union with this person will feel like a wish fulfillment.

✧ (short pile, it felt like a quick message for those of you who feel this connection telepathically. This is probably a secondary choice.)

"I Want To Caress The Piece of Me Within You"

✠ Pile Four ✠ (Queen of Wands, 9oP rev., 7oP, 4oP rev., the high priestess, queen of cups, “I will”)

✧ You’re a bad bitch, truly. Your fs isn’t calling you a bitch, buuuttttt she a baddie, she know she a ten! She a baddie with her baddie…. wait a minute…

✧ You may not have a lot of friends? You keep your circle tight-knit because you have been deeply hurt in the past and you guard your peace fiercely. For some of you, your home life was quite tumultuous and you struggle with financial security and inner happiness. It seemed like the world did not want you to feel good about yourself or succeed.

✧ Do you know that viral display of a deer’s ribcage with a spear through it, and how even though an attempt was made on the deer’s life, he managed to survive and lived for years after that event; all while still growing bone marrow with a giant fucking spear through its ribcage?

✧ “A close encounter with a hunter left the deer with several broken ribs and part of an arrow embedded in its body. Remarkably, the animal survived, and bone grew around the shaft and arrowhead lodged in the creature's side."

✧ "The deer lived with the arrow inside its body until years later, when another hunter killed the animal, cut the deer open, and discovered its amazing secret…As the tough tissue formed over the arrow, it acted as a splint for the damaged rib cage, strengthening the deer's injured body.”

✧ I highlighted some words that needed emphasizing. That’s how your partner sees you. They are in complete awe of the resilience and sheer tenacity you hold. They look at you and can’t believe the person before their eyes. The troubling history you usually try to hide from your romantic partners is exactly what allures this person. 

✧ You won’t ever lay on your belly and cry about life passing you by. You aren’t the type to victimize yourself and “woe is me” your way out of self-improvement.

✧ You are quite ambitious and aim to push forward, even if the odds are stacked against you.

✧ I get the message that some people in this pile have struggled with self-harm over the years. Your partner wants to kneel down and kiss your scars like a white knight, and vow to protect you emotionally and physically for as long as you’ll have them.

✧ The spear-deer imagery is so interesting. The deer represents virality. It is a symbol of piety, gentleness, devotion, and fertility. Especially with the queen of wands, the high priestess, AND the queen of cups, you provide profound love, passion, and insight to this person. However, even as a deer, you are quite badass???

✧ You are as gentle as a strand of hair but as strong as wool. Dainty but unbreakable.

✧ They have no desire to infantilize you because they know you are already your own greatest warrior. But they don’t want you to feel that you have to fight alone. Whatever burdens are on your plate, they take away as much as possible because they want to be a piece of the paradise you fight for.

✧ This is meant to be a short pac, a Tumblr post won’t do the unbelievable strength in your character much justice. Just know that your fs is so fucking in love with you and wants to spend their life by your side because of just how awe-struck they are by you.

✧ I mean c’mon… will YOU ever forget the story of the coolest fucking deer in existence??

"I Yearn To Be the Name You Call Out in Victory"

[sugar-grigri]

Neither Denji, Yoshida nor their author can achieve normalcy

Let's look at Chainsaw Man as a narrative whole. There's no point in an author dealing with a subject that's already been dealt with, except to say something additional: so what does this chapter tell us?

Entitled "Normal Life", the chapter refers directly to Denji's previous dream: a normal life became Yoshida's offer to push him to stop being Chainsaw Man.

Fujimoto knows that you've understood that Denji intends to go beyond normality. This is something we learned from the whole of Part 1: normality had already been used by Makima to manipulate Denji. Here, things seem redundant, as Yoshida follows in the footsteps of the former antagonist. On top of that, while Denji was communicating and showing a certain emotional vulnerability, he's being sexually assaulted?

Why this chapter? Why tell it like it is? Fujimoto doesn't seem to initiate anything new, worse, erases his own developments.

The answer is easy, and Fujimoto gives it to us: this chapter is frustrating because it consciously shows you that he's incapable of writing and describing a normal life.

The first few pages serve to show that Denji is incapable of living anonymously and incognito when his environment permanently gravitates around the figure of Chainsaw Man. Denji literally finds himself in a fight to his detriment, and is punched in the face in the name of his heroic identity. Back in the face.

The second page serves to show that Denji can't achieve this so-called normativity by his past, by who he is, but above all by the way he's perceived by society and his guardians. He doesn't have a normal past, so how can he achieve a normal present? The others don't see him as lambda, so how can he become one?

The third thing that will prevent Denji from achieving this normal life is the man who intends to offer it to him: Yoshida. In his equally unconventional present as a demon hunter. He tells him explicitly: he has no idea what a normal high-school student does. Normal he isn't, since a normal high-school student is a professional cover for him.

Denji and Yoshida perceive a normal schoolgirl, that is, the ordinary life of a schoolboy, as something projected and unattainable. Just like the love of a hug is unattainable for Denji and Makima. Yoshida and Denji are distanced from it by this abnormality embedded in their daily lives: a demon.

Yoshida's assertion that the world won't end without Chainsaw Man also loses its meaning. Granted, Chainsaw Man isn't the only one to eradicate demons. But who will save the world?

How can a boy whose family includes a demonic little sister, and a demonic dog who is both his heart and his family, find his way in this normal life other than by being isolated?

In this empty room, doesn't it seem more like Chainsaw Man is deliberately isolated? Trapped in this normal life he can't quite fit into. Whether it's because of his identity as Chainsaw Man, as Denji, whether it's because Yoshida offers him this girl who looks like a demon who literally followed orders to sleep with him, this sex-obsessed boy?

Why abruptly cut off Denji's realization that he's in a bad way? With this demon-like girl sexually assaulting him? Why does this ending seem so abrupt?

Because what Fujimoto is indicating is that he's not capable of writing a normal life for Denji either, that his writing will never be gentle, that his character will never be able to give himself up in appropriate, normal circumstances: that a trauma will always resurface.

Whether it's the demon that prevents him from accessing the life projected before him, or the demon that brutally cuts him off from his confessions by attacking him. Fujimoto confronts his own hero, who no longer knows what to do?

Make love? In a world populated by demons? In a world crawling with Chainsaw Man? With an author unable to depict a normal life without brutally interrupting it, frustrating his own reader?

The normal life we'd all like Denji to have: neither he, nor the man who offers it, nor the man who writes it, will give it to us.

[wangxianficfinder]

In the mood for...

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1. Hi. Thank you for the last itmf, the recommendations made me cry. Again thanks to the hard work of the mods.

Right now for itmf I'm looking for fanfics where Wei Wuxian says "fuck it" to the cultivation world and everyone think "Good riddance" just to end up regretting. Extra points if LWJ goes with him or call out everyone. Similar to "The Line Between Good and Evil" by Dandelion_sama ( Really good fic) @anime-trash-parody

you've heard that melody before by Stratisphyre (M, 65k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Hurt/Comfort, Memory Loss, POV Multiple, Multiple Canon Character Deaths, Depictions of depression, Light Dom/sub, Somebody Lives/Not Everyone Dies, Twin Prides of Yúnmèng Dynamics) maybe? people don't say "good riddance" b/c he cast some sort of blanket amnesia spell, but they SURE DO REGRET IT

wide enough and wild by impossibletruths (E, 64k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Getting Together, Canonical Accidental Baby Acquisition, Families of Choice, References to Depression, Happy Ending, I Swear To God I’m Giving Them A Happy Ending, Overzealous Use Of Imagery, Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Well Except WN But He Was Already Dead So, Fix-It of Sorts) he does go back

The Line Between Good and Evil by Dandelion_sama (G, 34k, wangxian, Canon Divergence, What-If, Rebirth, Time Travel, kind of Mass Reborn, reverse uno, Canon-Typical Violence, WIP)

The Best I Can by Zephyr (ZephyrAndTheSilverfish) (T, 26k, LJY & WWX, wangxian, WWX talking to his donkey, Canon Divergence, Light Angst, Drama, Recovery, Coming of Age, Secret Identity Fail, Friendship, Rogue Cultivator LWJ, Road Trips, POV Multiple, Happy Ending)

focal, filler, and line by bosbie (T, 26k, wangxian, canon divergence, flower shop au, fluff, hurt/comfort, pining, falling in love, WWX is not recognized in Dafan mountain, slice of life, WIP)

🔒 My Reason To Live by HeloSoph (Not rated, 3k, LSZ & WWX, Post-First Siege of the Burial Mound, Child LSZ, He's actually a Wei..., Suicidal Thoughts, Not Cultivation world friendly, Not JC friendly, not NMJ friendly, not LQR friendly, not JGS friendly, YLLZ WWX, WWX Deserves Better, And this time... he knows this..., A-Yuan is the best boy, Parent-Child Relationship, Parent WWX, BAMF WWX, wwx and a-yuan leave the BM..., WWX Leaves The Cultivation World, and they set on a journey to find a new home...)

And They Have Escaped The Weight of Darkness by cosmicmilktea (T, 10k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Amnesia, Memory Loss, Grief/Mourning, Implied/Referenced Sexual Assault, Screw the Cultivation world tbh, The Lan precepts deserves better, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Falling In Love, domestic life, Social justice boyfriends wangxian, Happy Ending)

Home isn’t Where the Heart is. by Hauntcats (Not Rated, 7k, WangXian)

Lay my body down by tawaen (M, 48k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Time Travel, Rogue Cultivator WWX, Eventual WangXian, No Golden Core Transfer, Not Cultivation World Friendly, Canon-Typical Violence, Not Jiāng Chéng Friendly)

( 🔒 but I'm not in charge of sorrow (so please don't ask me when) by Tavina (M, 75k, NHS & NMJ, NHS & OCs, LXC & NHS, Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Passive Suicidal Ideation, Found Family, Unconventional Families, Families of Choice, Post-Canon, Post-Guānyīn Temple Scene, What’s a Reconciliation Anyway?, Internalized Acephobia, Depression, Mental Health Issues, An Absolute Boatload of Nie OCs, Background characters and relationships, Intergenerational Trauma, the Horrific Persistence of Memory, NHNS Needs a Hug, NMJ is dead even when he's alive, JGY is also dead but like you get the impression he used to be alive, Sometimes 'just walk out' IS the answer, Non-Chronological, lots of people are dead in this fic and this fic is about why it's not okay) If you’d like another character doing the same thing, ie fucking off and leaving the cultivator world )

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2. Helloooo, can I have for the next ITMF some fics with something like ghost WWX? I know there's a tag but I've seen some fics where the authors don't tag them with that, and some where he's not actually a ghost (more like a memory or apparition?) that shows up randomly in the cultivation world. Both work for me (just no JC bashing please!). Thank you! @jiangclaritybell

🧡 Ghosts Shouldn’t by ShanaStoryteller (Not Rated, 15k, WangXian, Grief/Mourning, Canon Divergence, Angst with a Happy Ending)

asymptotic by chinxe (T, 26k, wangxian, Canon Divergence, Angst with a Happy Ending, Slow Burn, Misunderstandings, Pining, for 20+ years as per the course with lwj)

🔒 The Time Traveler's Soul by mondengel (Not rated, 2k, wangxian, time travel, podfic by flamingwell)

🔒 scatter and sunder by silversshadow (T, 15k, XuanLi, WangXian, Temporary Character Death, Canon Divergence)

Teatime with the Dead by Winxhelina (T, 6k, wangxian, Ghost WWX, Love Confessions, Kisses, Happy Ending, Fluff and Angst,bGhost City)

one good thing by Yuu_chi (T, 26k, WangXian, Modern AU, Ghost WWX, Angst and Humor, Angst with a Happy Ending, I swear there really is a happy ending, And an alarming amount of rabbits, [Podfic] One Good Thing by jellyfishfire)

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3.

Are there any fics which feel like this?

Or where wwx feels like this?

Thankyou very much

Also all these arts are by Ibuki Satsuki @constellationdks

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4. Hi! I’m looking for fics where wwx cries in the middle of the night and lwj comforts him and vise versa maybe they woke the other up bc they were sobbing. Wangxian hugs and having emotional intimacy each other. Thank you!

hunters seeking solid ground by Attila (E, 23k, WangXian, Canon Compliant, discussion of canon character death, Hurt/Comfort, Nightmares, bed sharing, Getting Together, Yearning, Literal Sleeping Together, Really Excessive Amounts of Hurt/Comfort) here's a GREAT fic that's all about that

hold me close by gentil-minou (Flyingsuits) (E, 13k, WangXian, Post-Canon, Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Established Relationship, Porn with Feelings, Emotional Sex, Grief, Mental Health Issues, Additional Warnings In Author's Note, Character Study, Masturbation, Oral Sex, Anal Sex) If I may plug my own fic, there's a scene where lwj wakes from a nightmare and cries and wwx comforts him

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5. inmf lwj whump. the heavier, the better. happy ending appreciated, but not necessary. Physical whump is nice, but ain't picky. Thank you for the hard work! @jawla-mukhi

Stained With Blood and Tears by FaramirsBlessing (G, 63k, wangxian, LXC/JC, Hurt/Comfort, Heavy Angst w Happy Ending, Hurt LWJ, Doctors & Physicians, Chinese medicine, Medical Procedures, Major Character Injury, Injury Recovery, Pet Names, People cry, Bedside Vigils, nobody dies tho, Sad WWX, Night Hunts, Post-Canon, JC is a good brother, Poisoning, Forehead Kisses, Hair Braiding, Hair Brushing, WWX loves his husband's hair okay, Cuddling & Snuggling, Delirium, mix of novel and series, so much hand holding, Chaste Kisses, resentful energy, the juniors ship all the adults, they are the humor in this tbh, PTSD, Перевод на русский | Translation in Russian)

New Perspective Series by mrcformoso (T, 35k, WangXian, Angst, Hopeful Ending, Fatherhood, Regrets, Flashbacks, POV LWJ, LWJ-centric, Canonical Character Death - WWX, Pining LWJ, LWJ Has Feelings Lán Zhàn | Lán Wàngjī Needs a Hug, Character Development, Dead WWX, Introspection, LWJ is Bad at Feelings, Character Study, Regretful, LWJ Breaking Toxic Cycles, Canon Compliant, LWJ in Seclusion, Post-LWJ in Seclusion, Child LSZ)

a buried and burning flame by otherhippo (hippopotamus) (T, 17k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Canon-Typical Violence, Canonical Character Death, Implied/Referenced Torture, Kinda dark?, Angst with a Happy Ending, does it count as bedsharing if theres...no bed, Imprisonment, Hurt/Comfort)

Across the street to another life by danegen (M, 99k, WangXian, Modern AU, unleashed au, Family Fluff, Set in America, Hurt/Comfort, Past Child Abuse, Addiction, Crime, Amnesia, Ableist Language, another fridged mother, POV Alternating, past wwx/ofc, past wwx/omc, Medium parent YZY, A-Yuan is wwx's biological son, Musicians, Happy Ending)

����the map of days by everythingispoetry (M, 20k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Permanent Injury, Recovery, Disability, Parenthood, Character Study, Thirteen Years of WWX's Death)

Alter by Solmae (E, 162k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Drama & Romance, Slow Burn, Canon-Typical Violence, Rape/Non-con Elements, Gang Rape, Forced Prostitution, PTSD, Top/Bottom Versatile | Switch WangXian, Explicit Sexual Content, Sexual Slavery, Angst with a Happy Ending, Implied/Referenced Torture) LWJ is kept as a sex slave by the Wen sect

hold me close by gentil-minou (Flyingsuits) (E, 13k, WangXian, Post-Canon, Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Established Relationship, Porn with Feelings, Emotional Sex, Grief, Mental Health Issues, Additional Warnings In Author's Note, Character Study, Masturbation, Oral Sex, Anal Sex) LWJ struggles with WWX's death, even after WWX's return

Lan Yuan's War by BurningTea (G, 196k, WIP, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Time Travel, Angst, Sick LWJ, Hurt/comfort, Eventual Happy Ending)

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6. itmf fic where wwx cheats on lwj

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7. itmf fics about granny wen! any fics about granny wen being a bamf, or being the (grand)parental all of our favs desperately need. looking for feel good fics. some angst is okay, but a happy ending is a must. ty all!

Lay my body down by tawaen (M, 48k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Time Travel, Rogue Cultivator WWX, Eventual WangXian, No Golden Core Transfer, Not Cultivation World Friendly, Canon-Typical Violence, Not Jiāng Chéng Friendly) Not sure if this counts as it's not really about Granny Wen, but she does become sect leader of the Wen Remnants in this & mingles with other sect leaders at a discussion conference

Granny Knows Best by The_Snarkivist (T, 5k, OYZZ/WN, JL/LSZ, Getting Together, Fluff, Accidental Elderly Acquisition, More OYZZ content in 2022 agenda, WN Centric, Let WN Be Happy Agenda, Happy Ending, fast burn, Granny does know best, POV WN, Post-Canon)

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8. hii how are you? I'm in the mood for a fic where either wwx or lwj go incoherent (sexually maybe) and the other takes care of them.

thank u sm for ur work and time!! @mercurygirlwt28

To Know, To Be Known Series by cqlorphan (E, 38k, WangXian, PWP, Bottom LWJ, Top WWX, Cock Warming, Multiple Orgasms, Marathon Sex, Under-negotiated Kink, Porn with Feelings, Aftercare, Dom/sub Undertones, Established Relationship, sex tears, gratuitous use of names, Begging, this is actually...really soft, Kink Discovery, Post-Canon, Switch WangXian, Cock rings, Rimming, Edging) Lwj definitely goes incoherent a few times!

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9. Please recommend some wangxian mafia au/ dark wangji modern au fics . Moreover Mafia wangji is so hott🥵 @itzweiwuxian

🔒🧡 Rule Number One: Never get attached. by KizuKatana (E, 130k, WangXian, Modern AU, A/B/O, Criminal underworld AU, Fluff and angst, Crime boss LWJ, Rouge criminal genius WWX, Explicit Sex)

to give a snapdragon by suton (T, 1k, WangXian, Modern AU, Mob, Dark LWJ, Minor ZhuiYi, Ambiguous/Open Ending) Short but sweet!

luminous by azuresummer (E, 50k, WIP, WangXian, Dom/sub, Dom/sub Undertones, Dominant LWJ, Submissive WWX, Modern AU, Merpeople, A/B/O Dynamics, Dark LXC, Dark LWJ, Possessive LWJ, Protective LWJ, Crime Boss LWJ, Omega WWX, Siren WWX, Merperson WWX, Hurt WWX, WWX Whump, Precious WWX, Spoiled WWX, WWX Has a Fear of Dogs, Hurt/Comfort, Panic Attacks, Nesting, Scenting, Power Imbalance, Obsession, Kidnapping, Organized Crime, Mild Gore, Minor Character Death, Excessive Amounts of Tenderness, Pining LWJ, Dark WangXian)

We do have a Mafia / Cop / Detective / Thief comp if you haven't checked it out yet ^^

how to be a heartbreaker by sweetlolixo (E, 105k, WangXian, Modern AU, Sugar Daddy LWJ, Sugar Baby WWX, Dark WWX, Dark LWJ, Pining LWJ, Possessive LWJ, Crossdressing WWX, Seductress WWX, Eventual Happy Ending, Dirty Talking LWJ, They Do Fall In Love and there’s Fluff, Dark!Wangxian, Power Couple, Off the Charts Sexual Tension, Size Kink, Daddy Kink, degradation kink) lwj darker in the 2nd part of this, this one is real good too. 2nd part has ambiguous ending.

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10. Hello! I'd like to make a request for the next fic finder- it's not necessarily itmf, more like "does it exist?" Crossover with tgcf, but focusing on a Guzi and A-Yuan friendship? I've only ever seen 2 artworks (both from the same artist). And I've tried searching, but no luck, does anyone else know if such a story exists? Or is too niche a request? Thank you ❤ @theladypeartree

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11. Hello! I'm in the mood of a fic where Wwx feels hurt/insecure about Lwj not burning paper money to him while he was dead. @annebaneriddle

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12. Hi! For ITMF, could you recommend me a fic where WWX collect children and become their father figure/mentor? I want MXY is one of those children if you can but other is fine too. I prefer if its not modern AU, except if it was modern with cultivation/magic. Thank you! @idontknowwhattowriteforusername

❤️ Seen and not heard by eatmyass (E, 51k, wangxian, case fic, no sunshot, kid fic, dadxian, strangers to lovers, found family, LWJ pov, pining, fake/pretend relationship, first time, falling in love)

Attempting the Impossible by Ariaste (T, 36k, WangXian, JC & WWX, Post-Canon, Yunmeng Bros Reconciliation, Adoption, Family Fluff, Kid fic, Family drama, Fluff, [PODFIC] Attempting the Impossible by Ariaste by lunatique)

🔒and having a marvelous time by varnes (E, 108k, WangXian, Yúnmèng Siblings, Sound of Music AU, (i know!!! i know. stay with me on this.), Slow Burn, Mutual Pining, Family Feels, spies to lovers???, Protective Siblings, Sometimes You Just Want Your Dads To Admit They're Your Dads, Angst with a Happy Ending)

~*~

13. I'm looking for niche au fics! The more obscure the better: I've previously encountered figure skating, amish, cave diving, and surgeon aus. No WIPS please :) @mostergreentea

Into the Depths by elytchaeke (T, 47k, WangXian, Modern AU, Cave Diving, Slow Burn, not that slow, Speluncaphobia, Claustrophobia, Descriptions of Corpses, Drowning, Minor Character Death, Minor Violence, Sharing Body Heat, The Inherent Eroticism of Wordless Communication, Corpse Handling) cave diving fic that op is talking about

The Amish AU by bufflehead, goofs_n_gaffs (T, 13k, WangXian, XuanLi, Modern AU, but they're amish, Crack, Not taken seriously, Slurpee Acquisition, Cloud Recesses Study Arc, Cloud Recesses Shenanigan, rated h for hector, pitchforks, References to Shakespeare, Cultural Appropriation, of the amish, Fishing, Buggies, Violence Against Chickens, Bad Cooking, Goose Metaphors, First Kiss, Party Host JW) amish fic that op is talking about

Always Be Closing by betts (E, 32k, WangXian, QingXian, Modern AU, America, Office, Kid Fic, Drunken Kissing, Semi-Public Sex, Sexting, Divorce, Falling In Love, Bank Robbery, Secret Relationship, Co-workers) commercial lending au

🧡 Faire thee well by Scrippio (T, 77k, WangXian , ChengQing, XuanLi, 3Zun, Modern AU, Renaissance Faire, Mutual Pining, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Slow Burn)

[Podcast] New Year, New Pod! jellyfishfire, kisahawklin (G, 2.5-3 hrs, Modern AU, Streaming, MP3, Cold Read, Trailers, Recommendations) @kisahawklin and @jellyfishfire did a great podcast recommending various fic and podfic where MDZS cast have unusual (for them) occupations. I bet a bunch of these would scratch your itch!

there is no limited dimensions by Stratisphyre (M, 122k, WangXian, NieLan, MianQing, WN/Other(s), Star Trek Fusion, Canon-Typical Violence, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Assumed Character Death, Minor Character Death Tags on Each Chapter, references to non-con, references to canonical slavery, (The Orion Syndicate is just really bad okay?), bizarre space mpreg, Implied Future Pairings, Implied NHS/Others, POV Multiple, Accidental Child Acquisition, Found Family, Implied Future 3zun, Genius WWX) Star Trek AU (you don't need any familiarity with star trek to read)

Waiting for Spring Series by thievinghippo (E, 225k, WangXian, Modern AU, Sports, Baseball, Switch WangXian, mentions of past emotional abuse, slight angst, Happy Ending, Pining, Masturbation)

Creatures of Emotion by thievinghippo (E, 33k, WangXian, Modern AU, Rimming, Phone Sex, Blow Jobs, Office Sex)

light a lantern (and guide me home) by xuanxuanwo (ostentatiouslyrealistic) (T, 63k, WangXian, Moth WWX, Witch LWJ, Tea, Plants, Mountains, Loneliness, Curses, Curse Breaking, Melancholy, Friendship, Romance, Angst with a Happy Ending, Thunderstorms, Fluff and Angst, Minor Character Death, Memories) mothxian/witchji!

Wei Wuxian Makes a Wish series by natcat5 (M, 119k, wangxian, major character death, underage, madoka magica au, modern w/ magic, time travel, high school au, body horror, self-harm, angst w/ bittersweet ending, time loop, mental instability, suicidal thoughts) incredible madoka magical au

🧡🔒 Night of the Living History (an edutainment special!) by Aerlalaith (T, 51k, WangXian, Modern with Magic, Workplace Relationship, Fluff and Humor, Museums, living history, Some Plot, Slice of Life, Injury, a minor haunting) living cultivation history museum au

🧡 A Knight in Shining Armor by thievinghippo (G, 6k, WangXian, Modern AU, Single Parent WWX, Fluff, Meet-Cute)

Falling to the Rhythm by Selenay (E, 128k, WangXian, Modern: No Powers, Dance, Strictly Come Dancing Fusion, Ballroom Dancing, Dancer!WWX, Violinist LWJ, Pining While Dancing, Oblivious WWX, Gratuitous Costume Descriptions, Gratuitous dancing descriptions, Slow Burn, [Podfic] Falling to the Rhythm by semperfiona_podfic (semperfiona))

Covered in Bees by ScarlettStorm (T, 8k, WangXian,Modern AU, Beekeeping AU, Meet-Cute, Comedy, Fluff, Bees)

🔒some things go forward by everythingispoetry (T, 73k, WangXian, Modern AU, Hospitals, Teenage Drama, Slow Burn, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Happy Ending)

Wei Wuxian’s Home for Lost Creatures by Stratisphyre (G, 22k, WangXian, Modern with Magic, Fusion, Fluff, Single Dad LWJ, Near Drowning, injured animals, First Meetings, Falling In Love)

as if you were a mythical thing by daltoneering (M, 17k, WangXian, Historical, Science Fiction, Magical Realism, Steampunk, Getting Together, Fluff and Angst, Light Angst, WWX Master of Clocks)

🧡 Yiling Salon: Hair, Nails and Piercing by TriviasFolly (T, 22k, WangXian, Modern AU, hairstylist AU, WWX owns a salon, Hairstylist WWX, 5+1 Things, Fluff, Experimental Style)

C’est toi pour moi by eatmyass (T, 49k, WangXian, Jab We Met AU, Modern AU, Strangers to Lovers, travelling, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Sharing a Bed, Fluff, Slow Burn, Pining, POV LWJ, Endgame WangXian, All Is Not As It Seems, No cheating whatsoever!, Paris: the city of hate)

🧡 don’t threaten me with a good time by livinginaworldofnoise (G, 60k, WangXian, Modern AU, Great British bake off AU, Script format, Fluff and Crack, Reality TV, Social media)

Welcome to the Great Gusu Bake Off! series by BlackWiresOnHerHead (G, 59k, Modern, College/University AU, The Great British Bake Off AU, Humor)

💖 Pentimento. by orange_crushed (E, 73k, wangxian, modern, college/university au, art conservation, museums, pining, not actually unrequited love, angst w/ happy ending, misunderstandings, smut, major character injury, hospitalization, hurt/comfort, past incarceration, forgery)

always on my mind series by sami (E, 41k, wangxian, LWJ/Others, LWJ & JYL, Modern, references to past LWJ/others, references to past WWX/WQ, Family, Sexual Tension set in the early 90s, Grief, Erratic Gay Superstar Musician LWJ, life is what happens in the in between, Fluff, Children, Pregnancy, not mpreg, Parenthood, Music Videos, LWJ's Gremlin Tendencies, WWX's Gremlin Tendencies, Drag, Daytime Television, Bitches Get Things Done, fictional daytime talk shows, Q&A, Slice of Life, Awards shows, any resemblance between OCs and real people living or dead are coincidental I swear, Communication, and how LWJ is bad at it, LWJ's weirdly wholesome kink inclinations, LWJ's aggressively artistic musical career, References to Major Character Death, Celebrity stuff, Superstar musican LWJ)

🧡 I Don't Want to Debut! by countingcr0ws (G, 56k, wangxian, Modern, Reality Show, Idols, Celebrity, Social Media, Epistolary, Romance, Fluff, Footnotes, Kissing, Poetry, Podfic Available)

You're Home, I'm Home by Pip (Moirail) (E, 8k, WangXian, Modern AU, Ice Skating, Olympics, Falling In Love, Anal Sex, Rimming, Unsafe Sex, Creampie, Ice skater LWJ, Hockey player WWX)

down by the water by astrolesbian (E, 60k, WangXian, Slow Burn, Modern AU, Friends to Lovers, Surfer LWJ, Surfer WWX, Loneliness, complicated family relationships, mention of drowning, but no actual drowning is described, fluff and smut and angst, Reconciliation)

~*~

14. itmf fics set during the cloud recesses study arc, with wwx and lwj exploring their sexualities with each other... basically having sex which is underage, but wholeheartedly consensual and wholesome. just the vibes being them excited cause they really like each other but its their first times, so they want to be careful. bottom!lwj preferred, or with neither topping or bottoming.

~*~

15. itmf lwj being held hostage or used as blackmail

Alter by Solmae (E, 162k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Drama & Romance, Slow Burn, Canon-Typical Violence, Rape/Non-con Elements, Gang Rape, Forced Prostitution, PTSD, Top/Bottom Versatile | Switch WangXian, Explicit Sexual Content, Sexual Slavery, Angst with a Happy Ending, Implied/Referenced Torture) (link in #5) Alter works for this request as well since LWJ is being held prisoner to ensure LXC's good behaviour

the field meets the wood by astronicht (T, 7k, WangXian, BAMF WWX, slight whump, Ritualistic Self Harm, Canon Era, Tang Dynasty style, Blood Loss, Blood and Injury, salt economics, Post-Canon, [Podfic] the field meets the wood by semperfiona_podfic (semperfiona), [podfic] the field meets the wood by jellyfishfire)

~*~

16. Hey, here after a long time. Hope you guys are doing well.

ITMF everyone simping over Wei WuXian. Something like Touch That Body, (It's Not Mine) @tinyfoxpeach

~*~

17. heyy there thanks for your hard work! do you have any fic recs on wangixan post canon married life that's basically fluff? or any fics that wwx is injured or sick and lwj gets worried, protective and looks after him? thanks in advance! :) @aquiver-heart

small mercies by mellowflicker (E, 11k, WangXian, Post-Canon Fix-It, as in wwx doesn't walk away but stays to take care of his zhanzhan, Chief Cultivator LWJ, Getting Together, Domestic Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Switching)

the lives of birds by bleuett (E, 15k, WangXian, Post-Canon, Domestic Fluff, Gardens & Gardening, Fluff and Humor, Family Feels, Established Relationship, Anal Sex, Rimming, Blow Jobs)

As You Like It by cosmicmilktea (T, 8k, WangXian, Chief Cultivator LWJ, Food as a Metaphor for Love, Tea, Finding out preferences, Childhood Memories, Yunmeng trio feels, child rearing, Post-Canon, Very Very Light Angst, Fluff) Such lovely married wangxian. Wwx researching and helping lwj learn what is to his taste (literally, as in tea and food)

~*~

If you didn’t get an answer to your ask here, don’t forget to make use of @mdzs-kinkmeme and MDZS KINK MEME on Dreamwidth. Authors actually do use them for ideas. You may get what you order!***Your prompt doesn’t have to be kink! Fluff, crack, whatever - it’s all good!***

[ilyareads]

short books recs (under 200 pages)

1. Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa

This book follows Sentaro, who runs a dorayaki stall, and his friendship with Tokue, who makes killer sweet bean paste. It is a heart-warming and endearing story that brings you comfort. I love the friendship between Sentaro and Tokue, especially seeing how it develops. The ending feels a little rushed. I kind of wished it was longer. Kind of sad. I cried. 10/10 would read again.

2. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

The Funiculi Funicula cafe provides a time-traveling service, and the book, divided into four parts, retells different characters' experiences traveling in time. I always associate time-traveling with angst and regret, and this book has just that. I love how each part explores different relationship dynamics, so the time-traveling experience varies for each character. Very heart-warming, but very emotional as well. Cried a lot. It's a series but you don't have to read other books. But if you want more info on the cafe and the characters' backstory, then I highly recommend reading the other books.

3. Heaven by Mieko Kawakami

This book revolves around two students, who are victims of bullying. Due to their shared struggle, a friendship blossoms between them. The depiction of bullying and its impacts is raw and authentic, the story providing the perspectives of both the victims and the perpetrators. It was a rage-inducing but thought-provoking read.

4. The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

This book follows Nana the cat as he embarks on a road-trip with his owner, Satoru. Now, cats are my absolute weakness. I love cats. I WOULD DIE FOR THEM. Which is why reading this book was hard and painful. The writing is witty, since it is written from the perspective of a cat. The plot itself is kind of predictable, but it doesn't make it any less painful. Tldr; Shredded my heart into pieces. Cried so hard, I couldn't breathe.

5. Almond by Won-Pyung Sohn

The story follows the main character, Yunjae, who suffers from a rare condition called Alexithymia that essentially makes him unable to feel emotions. Due to that, he couldn't understand social cues so people shun him. The development of the story centers on the people Yunjae are going to meet, and how his relationship with these people develops. The ending felt a little anticlimactic, but I loved it nonetheless.

6. Eartheater by Dolores Reyes

The unnamed protagonist can locate missing people and find out their fate by eating dirt, so people seek her to know the fate of their missing loved ones. It was definitely an interesting read, with elements of magical realism in relation to the protagonist's ability. It is also an intriguing depiction of femicide, a reflection of a system that continuously fails women. I felt rage for the women failed by the system and the sufferings they had to endure at the hands of hateful men.

7. A House is a Body by Shruti Swamy

This book is a collection of short stories, which is a raw and authentic depiction of what it is like being human. I enjoyed certain stories, while some left me utterly confused. The narratives are enticing and poetic, so despite some stories not hitting that hard, I enjoyed the writing.

8. The Vegetarian by Han Kang

After having a bizarre dream, Yeong-Hye declares that she is turning vegetarian, and this sudden change concerned her family. I made the mistake of thinking that this book is merely a depiction of what it's like to be a vegetarian. HELL NO. It utterly deviates from my expectation. I could only describe the book as bizarre and spooky, in an unconventional way. It depicts the complexity of the human mind when the contraint of societal expectations is disregarded.

[proudfreakmetarusonikku]

I think an interesting thing about c!Prime that often doesn’t get mentioned a lot is that they’re both very unconventional ways to depict an abuser and an abuse victim in media, but ways that are both more common than you’d think and often go unnoticed due to our ideas of the perfect victim and abusers as one dimensional monsters.

Tommy is a troubled teen, one who lashes out and is abrasive and has mental health issues. He's a prick sometimes! But that makes him vulnerable, and in real life, so called “problem children” are at extreme risk of getting abused and often there are legal means to do so because society itself encourages it. There’s entire schools dedicated to “fixing” troubled teens, and they basically legally kidnap and abuse kids for years and it goes overlooked because people think they deserve it. Neurodivergent children even in regular schools are frequently abused as punishment for being disrupted. Psych wards, unfortunately, still often employ abuse especially towards disruptive patients.

And Dream is genuinely acting out of some messed up form of care. His idea of a big happy family is genuine, and he wants to make Tommy a part of it. In his own head, he’s helping. And a lot of abusers genuinely believe their own lies when they say that they’re helping! Abusers aren’t all malicious, monstrous one dimensional evil, and thinking so is how a lot of abuse gets overlooked. It’s easy to excuse abuse if you think it’s not abuse if you love someone. Abusers can be kind and loving people, because abuse is based off a mindset of entitlement and superiority that anyone can develop if things go unchecked, even people who are empathetic and caring.

And Tommy isn’t demonised for being a “problem child”, while Dream's motivations don’t make him any less monstrous and he’s portrayed undeniably as an awful person because no matter how much he cares in a very messed up way he’s still deliberately hurting someone! And I just think that’s interesting and important. Breaking out of the stereotypical depictions of abuse helps people recognise it, because no one is a perfect victim and no one thinks of their abuser as an uncaring monster, at least while they’re actively under their manipulation. Being able to see outside that helps you recognise your own abuse, and that’s genuinely invaluable.

[touchoffleece]

I guess this is technically an Anti Wyler ship post, but about the Addams and their values:

I've seen some people say "Wednesday would date or be ok with Tyler because she herself performed autopsies, tortured her younger brother Pugsley", and other macabre things referenced or depicted in past Addams Family shows, and it strikes me as ironic and worrying that these people are misinterpreting what The Addams Family Show and characters countered in pop culture/society. Just because these characters like the dark, unexpected stuff, doesn't mean they are ok with murder, or that the Addams lack morals. They have them, they just don't follow conventional means or thought processes.

'They're creepy and they're kooky Mysterious and spooky They're all together ooky The Addams family...' 'Neat Sweet Petite...' 'Strange Deranged The Addams family'

Even counting the final verse of the theme song, nothing there says anything about actually being what they appear. Society views them as "Strange" or "Deranged", they may seem "spooky" to visitors (people unused to them), but they aren't as first impressions would imply, as the "Neat, sweet, Petite" line reminds us.

I think a part of this comes from the show also not fully being like the past adaptations where The Addams (despite contrasting conventional societal norms of what we think a "loving" family should look like) at their core were a loving goofy family, and challenged and disproved the conventional nuclear family. These type of people miss the point of who the Addams were, and that they were and are suppose to be the rep for the people labeled "oddballs/freaks" of society. Just because they are different doesn't mean they are pro murdering innocent people, and to say Wednesday would be ok with murder (when even despite that lacking feel of satire towards the conventional from this adaptation of the Addams the show itself has Wednesday working to stop and solve these murders all the while guided by a spirit called Goodie) makes me chuckle in disbelief. I think part of why Enid and Wednesday together drew so many people is that it captures and reminds us of that unconventional love, that quirky love, we got from the past adaptations when we visited the Addams Media, but that is detracting from my "Wednesday Addams is not ok with murder, nor is her family" rant.

[redheadlesbianfreak]

I’m really glad that people in the TMNT fanbase have finally started calling out the insistence that 2012 Splinter is irredeemably abusive. As well as how the criticism comes across as racist. The way the character is depicted in the show versus the way he is often depicted in fan content is like night and day. I’m open to different fan interpretations, but I’ve seen an insane amount of fans confidently state that he’s canonically abusive. And this is one of the worst misinterpretations of canon I’ve ever seen in fanon.

2012 Splinter was raised in Japan, and seems to take on a more East Asian style of parenting. He’s stricter with his sons, but usually when they put themselves or their brothers in danger. However, I would say that he’s far more gentle and understanding than anything else. And I would like to clarify that reasonably disciplining your kids and teaching them right from wrong is not abusive. That’s what it means to be a parent. Never correcting misbehavior is another form of abuse, one that borders on neglect.

Another thing to consider is that he’s in a very unique situation. Splinter and the turtles are mutants. They will never be accepted by society and will always be seen as monsters; he knows this. He teaches his sons how to fight so they can defend themselves in a world that will try to hunt them down and kill them. He has nightmares about his sons dying. The show explores the terror he faces as a parent, which is something he’s already experienced with the loss of his daughter and wife.

Splinter is devastated and relieved to find that Miwa is alive. He loves her as his daughter, but that doesn’t mean he no longer sees the turtles as his sons. He views them as being his children just as much as his biological child. He clarifies this to Leonardo. The reason I love TMNT so much as a franchise is because it’s one of the few pieces of media that explores familial love within an adopted family. And TMNT 2012 constantly reiterates that family can look unconventional and does not need to be bound by blood.

Splinter is a realistic depiction of a parental figure. Most parents in media are either abusive or perfect with no in-between. Splinter is the type of parent who tries his best but still makes mistakes. In real life, there is no such thing as a perfect parent. Even the kindest parents are going to make mistakes from time to time. But my favorite thing about Splinter is that he almost always owns up to his mistakes. Rather than doubling down or pretending he did nothing wrong, he admits his wrongdoing and apologizes. And that’s way better than a lot of parents.

I don’t want to get too personal, but I grew up with several abusive adults in my life. I know firsthand what it’s like to experience very violent abuse at the hands of an adult. It fucked me up and I’m still recovering from it. Pretty much none of those adults ever admitted wrongdoing or grew as a person. In their eyes, they were always in the right and I deserved what I was getting. I would’ve loved to have a patient and kind adult in my life like 2012 Splinter.

Abuse looks different for everyone, and I don’t want to imply my experiences are universal. But as someone who did grow up in that environment, it’s upsetting to see people blow Splinter’s actions out of proportion in order to validate their dislike of a him. To me, it feels like fans are using the abuse as a tool to make their opinions look morally correct. As a writer, I understand making alternate universes to amp up the angst potential. But insisting that fanon is canon is where I draw the line, especially when it comes to willfully misinterpreting a character.

[tobiasdrake]

AA4-2, Investigation Day 1, is such a unique investigation day. One thing the Ace Attorney brand has always excelled at is shaking things up with introductions to its cases.

Sometimes it's simple. Someone comes to the office and goes, "Hey man there's a murder will you defend" and the attorney goes "Yeah man I got you" and then we're off to conduct our trial preparations.

But other case introductions are more... unconventional. Given the circumstances, 4-2 has no choice but to be an oddball.

The Wright & Co. Law Offices don't exist anymore and, having just successfully sent his boss to prison for murder, Apollo is obviously fucking fired from Gavin & Co. So. Even though Apollo is licensed to practice law, there is no law office for a prospective client to walk into.

Which means we gotta get creative with three odd jobs in place of a typical crime investigation.

Three seemingly unrelated requests that all seem more like police work than attorney business. This sure is a weird way to introduce the second chapter of a lawyer game. The first time I played this, I was very confused and spent much of the chapter wondering when the lawyering was going to kick in. Much like how Apollo feels.

This chapter's introduction is very off-putting. Intentionally so, but I do wonder if the extremely unconventional nature of this setup is part of what alienated the player base.

Guy Eldoon, incidentally, is a pretty significant piece of Ace Attorney lore that doesn't quite come across in the American version. In the original Japanese, Maya's "burger" obsession was an obsession with "ramen". They localized it into burgers to try and make the game American back in AA1.

The series has been paying the price for the decision to localize ever since, as it's had to wind itself increasingly in knots to try and explain away how aggressively Japanese many parts of it are. One of the consequences of that decision is that Guy Eldoon loses his punch.

The reason Eldoon's Noodles is such a big deal is because this is the noodle vendor that Maya was getting all that ramen from. Her burger supplier, if you will. This man's family legacy of noodle stands is a critical piece of Ace Attorney lore, but he and his stand are also so obviously noodle-designed that it'd be impossible to try and call it a burger grill. So the bit just. Broke.

Without that vital piece of context, funny jokes like this simply don't land.

HA! It's funny because Maya is fucking obsessed with burgers ramen so of course Phoenix had a tab back in his attorney days!

Meanwhile, not to be left out, Trucy's here with the references to the good ol' days as well.

She is absolutely Phoenix's kid. She's absorbed his talent at being pedantic incorrectly on the topic of ladders.

In any case, these three seemingly unrelated events are fairly trivial to solve, but they begin to weave together the complicated tale of a bizarre and inscrutable crime spree last night that sees even the local yakuza family hit.

What makes this investigation really interesting from a creative standpoint is that all of these seemingly unrelated errands come together in the end to paint a picture of a single crime.

But. What makes it frustrating from a player standpoint is that until you become aware of that, it just feels like you're running around doing pointless errands. Ultimately, I like the idea of this case introduction more than its execution.

It ultimately becomes a huge relief when an actual client finally makes themselves known. Courtesy of Trucy having shrewd yet amoral business sense.

Trucy do not sell our services to the yakuza thank you

Too late. We're mob lawyers now. Now we get to defend this dipshit.

I particularly love Bad Badger there on his shirt. This wannabe gangster is running around wearing a cartoon mascot of a stereotypical Crime Dude as depicted in police propaganda. That's like self-identifying as the archnemesis of McGruff the Crime Dog.

I genuinely can't decide if he's trying too hard or just the right amount of hard. It's such a perfect combination of gangster edge and childish dipshit. I love his shirt so much.

In any case, once the hurdle of the opening errands is cleared, we pick up our two new additions to the game's principle cast. First being our rival prosecutor Klavier Gavin.

Gavin's intro is a little gross, gotta say. I like Gavin's role in the plot, but they're going for this suave rockstar aesthetic. He's both the "rockstar" of the court who vanquished legendary attorney Phoenix Wright seven years ago and literally a rockstar.

To that end, we see him (24) flirt with Apollo (22)...

...which is fine. But he also does it with Trucy (15).

Gross thing to call a minor, dude. Godot was a weird creep too but at least he didn't hit on underage girls. So this isn't a great first impression to the game's main plot-important rival.

Fortunately, it's quickly followed up by the triumphant return of Ema Skye, who was retconned into existence just two years before Apollo Justice's release to tease her presence in the new status quo. She immediately endears herself by being equally grossed out by Gavin.

The thing I really like about All Grow'd Up Ema is that her personality's changed from the girl we knew in Rise From the Ashes. She's still Ema where it counts.

(Hahahahaha look at it! That's it! That is the burger joint! Serving ramen, ramen, ramen, and rice ball! I bet you Maya's favorite was probably the ramen, medium grilled with tomatoes and lettuce.)

Still a determined forensic analyst at heart. But it's been nine years since last time we saw her, and she was only 16 years old when we knew her before. People change a lot between 16 and 25, so it'd be weird if she was still the same ol' Ema through and through.

Ema's here to be our new Detective Gumshoe. But the wide-eyed optimism of youth has been replaced by jaded bitterness at a career path that hasn't been so glamorous as she once imagined.

And one that has driven her to a newfound snacking habit. This is a character trait I adore. It reflects the classic stereotype of the whiskey-addicted detective worn down by life and with no more fucks to give, except her drug of choice is chocolate.

Incidentally, I had to take so many pictures of this woman eating to get that one frame where she pops the Snackoo into her mouth that now I feel like a total creep so let's move on.

Point is, Ema's new disgruntled attitude is a lot of fun, and makes for a sharp contrast against the easygoing and carefree nature of Dick Gumshoe. Though she becomes less hostile and combative with Apollo and Trucy once she learns who they are....

And though her attitude improves tremendously any chance she gets to whip out her forensic tools....

Her demeanor towards her actual job remains sour. Though we do get some explanation as to why.

With Gumshoe, the joke was always just dunking on his salary for fun. Haha, Gumshoe screwed up and now the prosecutor's angrily cutting his salary! He has to subsist on cup ramen! LOL

Which can be aggravating as a "running joke" if you know what it is to be poor.

That's not to say there wasn't more to Gumshoe's character. He was a good-natured nice guy with a tendency to miss subtle details. He liked giving his all for his "team" even though the prosecutors rarely appreciated him, but he also respected the defense and even put himself into physical danger to protect them from violence multiple times.

Gumshoe was a great character, and he will be missed.

Ema's point of friction with her job is a lot more character-driven. Because we had time to get to know her back when she was wide-eyed and optimistic, we can feel it when she expresses that this is a waste of her talents. She should be in a lab doing DNA analysis on a bloodstained knife, not picking it out of dirt and putting it in a bag for the prosecutors' office.

Ema is a welcome addition to this new cast.

With all that sorted out, there's just two characters left for the investigation day to introduce. Since we're mob lawyers now, thanks Trucy, we gotta meet the mob. We met Little Plum and her sword-concealing sweeping broom earlier. But we also need to meet the head of the yakuza with a distinctive Godfather look about him.

And our client, the ever-rebellious Wocky Kitaki desperate to make a criminal name for himself.

Though our time with them is brief, it quickly becomes apparent what our biggest conflict of this trial is going to be: Our dumbass client wants to go down for murder, because he is a child of a criminal culture who feels like he has something to prove - despite his family's efforts to convince him otherwise.

Wocky reminds me a lot of Ron DeLite. This is hardly our first time at the defense stand having to battle our own stupid client who's all too eager to confess - Something that, in actual case law, wouldn't be a thing? Like. If your client wants to plead guilty, you can't stop them. But Ace Attorney takes extreme artistic liberties with the law.

(Remember that one time when Phoenix's client fired him in the middle of a case, and for no clear reason he was allowed to remain in the courtroom and continue defending her anyway? Good times. Also, hi, Ema!)

But the difference is that Ron was a gentleman thief and Wocky's a teenage wannabe gangster, so the difference in temperament is palpable.

All in all, this investigation is... meandering. While a fun idea in theory, chasing down all these errands can easily leave the player just... waiting for the plot to start. There's a lot of busywork here, right down to Ema making you leave the crime scene to go talk to Phoenix so that you can come back and talk to Ema only this time she's cooperative.

The Kitaki family are a fun set of characters once they're introduced. Eldoon's Noodles is a significant piece of Ace Attorney lore if you're familiar enough with the non-localized version to catch it. Ema's return is a lot of fun. Trucy's charming and likable. But the connective tissue between all these things needed work, I think.

[goodluckclove]

I spent a long time avoiding Breaking Bad. I knew it was good - prestige television and the like. It just. Felt like a lot?

But Riley got me to watch Better Call Saul around the time we first started dating because I found out it starred Bob Odenkirk and I'm big into Mister Show (my love for improv and sketch comedy is vast and gross and the reason why I met my wife). I was crazy into it. It took me a while after that, but Riley brought up checking out the original show (The Bad as we Hardcore Fans call it) and I agreed to check it out.

So imagine my surprise when, after hearing so many assholes on the internet talk about how Badass and Cool Walter White was for like ten years, I realize immediately that he is probably the biggest loser in that era of television.

For those of you unaware, Vince Gilligan's Breaking Bad follows family man and resigned high school chemistry teacher Walter White. He is diagnosed with lung cancer and proceeds to spend five seasons of TV barely able to do a single crime without fucking it up. Walt fumbles pretty much every step of the way and is shocked when there are consequences to his actions, even though he does no research and makes a point to do all his worst felonies in the same dedicated Crime Hat.

I hate this hat. This hat is so, so dumb. While I fully think that the vitriol against the character of Skyler White (Walt's wife) is absolutely unfounded and a lot of her behavior is justified within the context of her being a super pregnant mother whose cancer-ridden husband starts acting unstable - the one fault I have with her character is that she saw Walt walk in with his New Crime Hat and didn't immediately burst out laughing. The hat sucks. On multiple occasions Walt is recognized and prevented from doing Crimes purely on the basis of someone recognizing his Crime Hat.

"Oh it's a reference to the French Connection" - yeah man and I bet Walt did that on purpose because he is absolutely insufferable and terrible at crime.

Legitimately every other character in this show, none of which are characterized for their Sick Crime Skills, are better at crimes than Walter White. They make better alibis. They're more thorough. They have - you know - skills and capabilities. Eventually a baby is introduced and I bet that baby could distribute meth better than Walter White.

I am not immune to depictions of toxic masculinity that people accidentally consider cool. When I was 13 I made my sister help me record a shot-by-shot reenactment of Paul Allen's death scene from American Psycho where I played Patrick Bateman. I still remember most of the monologue.

But honestly. Honestly? I cannot figure out why so many people found Walter White cool. I cannot see it and I feel like I'm going insane. I keep asking Riley to confirm that at one point he was like a prototypical Joker figure in culture. This reverence is unfathomable to me. Not only do I not see Walter White as a cool guy, I'm nearly certain the writers and directors and Bryan Cranston himself don't think he's cool.

Riley called him an antihero but I argued for that to be accurate he'd have to exhibit behavior that could be considered heroic in an unconventional sense. I'm midway into season four and I haven't seen do anything that wasn't based in ego at best.

I feel tempted to think that the Mandela Effect is real and my reality split from a prior one where people thought Walter White was awesome and would be willing to spend Human Currency on a silicon mask of what is essentially just a middle aged white man. No other explanation makes sense.

Anyways it's a really good show. Fantastic performances all around, including Aaron Paul's portrayal of Jesse which is actually way more sympathetic and nuanced than the memes online at the time made it sound. Writing is great, acting is great, the directing is a little on the nose sometimes with the Symbolism but it's pretty thought out. Very fun watch.

[shadowfear-art]

Regarding Diamond's backstory, how did he get from 'Yes sir, I'll have her home by 7' to 'Your daughter calls me Daddy too'

(I tried to do this as an ask, but I couldn't include images, and they were necessary for my point)

(Lol fair)

And lol again

TW for quick depiction of self harm.

Well after the escape of the lab the trio were obviously homeless for a while.

However after finding temporary shelter Diamond's immediate consern was feeding his kids, he had temporary solutions for this but overall for him to get something more nutritional he needed to get it from is from the cities populace.

Unfortunately Birb dad isn't humanoid enough to pass as a suit nor did he have the innate ability to shape shift, not that he was going to let it stop him.

So...

"If humans would bleed for a change in appearance then the same could be done for me. In theory."

Piece by piece throughout about two months (I'm being generous), as Ingo and Emmet slept, Diamond would use unconventional means to reshape himself. Damaging his face so when it healed it be soft and malleable, trying to will it into a specific shape over and over again.

When daytime came he'd look for means to sustain his family until his transformation is complete.

[pealeii]

what is tuck everlasting i know that akb was in it and there's a family and they're like immortal or smth???? and it had a criminally short broadway run cos hamilton idk. i'm considering getting into it. feel free to infodump!! (i'm not too worried about spoilers)

OH I AM CRYING THANK YOU

Yes, Tuck Everlasting is a musical about a family who drank from a spring that made them immortal, and a young girl who meets them. It’s about the value, beauty, and importance of life, and that it matters because it ends. This ties into the family being immortal because life is not life if you are stuck in immorality. It is amazing!!! This musical illustrates it in such beautiful ways - but the most poignant is a ballet at the end that goes through all the aspects pf a life - highs, lows, birth, death. It is heartbreakingly powerful and simply gorgeous.

But it doesn’t even stop there. The script is also so funny and witty like (“Nothing hurts us!” “Not physically anyway.” | “Came here as fast as we could!” “Fast as molasses…”) And there’s this whole song about how you can’t trust men in yellow suits and it’s genuinely the funniest thing I have ever heard.

And the characters!! It has one of the most genuine depictions of a family - including an old married couple who still finds joy in their relationship! It also has autistic deputy boy. Need I say more.

And also the rest of the soundtrack are BANGERS. It has this wonderful folksy sound, with fiddles and unconventional percussion, and it also goes a little hoedown at times. And I am a SUCKER for dance breaks, and this musical is not short of them. From beautiful waltzes, to jazzy swing, and bombastic flips - all equally fun and impressive.

And it’s true the cast is wildly talented! It’s kinda crazy how much variety of skill they got. You have Broadway legends like Terrence Mann and Carolee Carmello, fresh faces like Sarah Charles Lewis and Michael Wartella, strong male actors like Michael Park and Robert Lenzi, and a subset of bway actors I like to call Newsies - Andrew Keenan Bolger and Ben Cook. (Also Jeremy Jordan and Mike Faist were possibly going to work on this show!!)

Honestly I could go on for years…unLIKE ITS BROADWAY RUN I WANT JUSTICE

[mybeingthere]

Gary Bunt paints a man and  his best friend who are together, keeping friendship in the English countryside. Touching and a little sad. 

Gary Bunt’s journey has been an unconventional one. Born into a working-class Kentish family, he always loved painting and poetry but was obliged by circumstance to seek a less creative living. “At 16 you had to get a job and bring home some housekeeping,” says Gary from his home in Rotherfield. 

“That was the way I was brought up, and further education would have been considered an extreme luxury.”Instead, while pursuing a career in the building trade, he opted for private study, with particular focus on some of the great 20th century British painters: Christopher Wood, the Nicholsons, Stanley Spencer. He taught himself to paint in an impressionist tonal style, always fitting it in around his work commitments until in 1999 Gary went home to his wife and told her he wanted to make a go of the painting. All was going well until, in the same week as his first solo show, he was diagnosed with cancer and was seriously ill for 18 months. 

“I sailed pretty close to the wind and I was reminiscing, thinking about my childhood, my children and my marriage. As soon as I could paint again, it was those things I started to paint,” he says. Remarkably, his style changed entirely, settling on the naïve rural whimsy now so beloved of collectors.“My work is based around what I would call typical British country life and it has all evolved around things I grew up with and still love to this day,” says Gary. 

“The village I live in, Rotherfield, is almost like going back in time 30 years. There’s still a really lovely sense of village life. I try to impart that feeling with the paintings.” The old man depicted in Gary’s paintings is, he says, an avatar for himself and his father, but many see in him their own loved ones. “People are reminiscing about their own lives through my paintings. I think a lot of people find them a form of escapism. I have seen people walk around my exhibitions and laugh at a painting, and then cry at the next one. It seems they are going on an emotional journey, and that really moves me. I think that’s why the paintings have had the success they’ve had.”

https://www.artnet.com/artists/gary-bunt/sussexlife.co.uk

[jgroffdaily]

Excerpts from an interview with Ben Aldridge at the Hollywood Reporter, including reference for the first time to Jonathan taking Ben and Abby Quinn to his father's farm in Lancaster for a weekend during filming.

Decades from now, when you’re reminiscing next to a crackling fireplace, what day from your Knock experience will you likely recall first? 

You’re making me emotional.

Your co-star Abby Quinn said the same thing. 

(Laughs.) There were so many beautiful days and difficult days. 

Abby’s answer involved a trip with you and Jonathan to his Pennsylvania hometown.

Yeah, mine would be the same highlight. We went and stayed on Jonathan’s dad’s farm. It was midway through the intense shoot, and we had this beautiful weekend away, riding horses and just escaping the cabin for a little bit.

(Photos posted by Abby: @abbyquinnya)

On rehearsals

"But yes, those two weeks [of rehearsals] were totally key. Jonathan and I had an instant rapport, and Kristen is just this magical little human..."

Night’s notes can be pretty unconventional at times. For instance, he famously told Anya Taylor-Joy to cry her character’s tears instead of her own, and it changed her whole perspective on acting. Did a particular note of his stick with you as well?

He gave that note to me once, actually. I heard him give it to Jonathan and perhaps Nikki [Amuka-Bird] as well. It’s a really interesting note, and it’s very impactful. What he kept on repeating to me and Jonathan — and probably even more to me — was “play the love.” ... It just really hammered home an emotional call for both me and Jonathan, and before a take, I’d look at him and Kristen and think, “I love you.” And that really infused into the scenes.

Night would say to Kristen a lot, “Just think the thoughts,” and he meant the thoughts of the character. He was coaching her so much, and for Jonathan and I, it was kind of like learning to act again. We were like, “We should heed some of this advice.” As an actor, you can take shortcuts sometimes, but Night doesn’t really allow for that. He sees everything, and he really wants you to be connected to the moment and the character. I’m someone who uses music to prepare quite often, and I really had it in my head that I would be using music on the side of this set to get to that level of stuff all the time. So I made this playlist called “Anxiety Inducing Music.” It was weird stuff, but it also had some intense classical music. 

So I was listening to some music on the side of the set, just after the fight with Rupert [Grint], and Night quietly came up to me and said, “I understand why you’d want to use music right now, but I really just want you to use the script. Use Andrew to get you there.” He was like, “Relying on other people’s art to inform your own art isn’t always the way forward,” and that’s the first time I’ve ever heard that.

Night's approach

“Of anything I’ve ever watched with me, it’s the most I’ve been like, ‘Oh my God, the director has made me look like a movie star,’” Aldridge tells The Hollywood Reporter. “So that was a very exciting thing. Everything he does is with purpose and thought behind it.”

[thursdaygarbageday]

**Title: The Neighbors of Harmony Lane****Chapter 1: The Unconventional Trio**

In a vibrant little neighborhood known as Harmony Lane, there lived two and a half neighbors: Max, a bubbly artist; Lucy, a sharp-witted librarian; and their pet parrot, Quibble, who, well, couldn’t quite be counted as a full neighbor but made up for it with his colorful antics.

The three resided in a cozy cottage adorned with a blue door and bursting with flowers, where laughter seemed to seep from every crack and crevice. Their bond was forged in the fires of friendship and an unshakeable belief that life could be a delightful dance of humor and companionship.

One sunny morning, as Max set up his easel in the front yard, he called out to Lucy, flitting around with a book in hand. “Hey, Lucy! What do you call an alligator in a vest?”

“A what?” she asked, looking curious.

“An investi-gator!” he grinned, splattering his canvas with vibrant colors.

Quibble perched nearby, ruffled his feathers, and squawked, “Get it? Investi-gator! Heh, heh!”

---

**Chapter 2: Society of Laughs**

The charm of Harmony Lane extended beyond their cottage into the neighborhood. The residents believed that laughter could heal the soul and strengthen community ties. Inspired by this ethos, Max, Lucy, and Quibble began hosting a weekly “Joke Night” in their backyard, inviting everyone to share their quirkiest jokes and quotes.

On one such evening, as twinkling fairy lights hung overhead, the neighbors gathered around. Max kicked off the festivities: “What’s orange and sounds like a parrot?”

Lucy chimed in, “I don’t know, what?”

“A carrot!” Max laughed heartily.

And with that, the laughter flowed like a bubbling brook. Each punchline danced through the air, creating a symphony of joy. Lucy shared her favorite Joe Pesci quote: “You’re gonna mess with me? You’re messing with my whole family!” The crowd erupted, loving the energy of camaraderie it inspired.

---

**Chapter 3: A Community United**

As the weeks rolled by, the neighborhood bond deepened, and the Joke Night became a cherished tradition. People would gather not only to share their humor but also to discuss the challenges they faced. It wasn’t long before they decided to address a pressing issue: the park had fallen into disrepair.

Sitting around the picnic table one evening, Lucy suggested, “What if we combine our efforts to fix it up? We can call it ‘Harmony Park’ and make it a place for everyone to enjoy!”

Max nodded enthusiastically, “And we can decorate it with art! Imagine a mural that showcases our community spirit!”

Quibble flapped his wings, chirping, “And add a sign with jokes!”

With laughter fueling their plans, the neighbors banded together. They organized workdays where everyone pitched in, painting benches, planting flowers, and even installing a small stage for performances.

---

**Chapter 4: The Heart of Harmony**

On the day of the grand reopening of Harmony Park, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. The community members filled the park, sharing laughter, joy, and stories. Max unveiled a mural depicting their neighborhood’s history with whimsical elements and jokes woven throughout.

Just before the official ceremony, Lucy stepped up, holding a microphone. “Welcome to Harmony Park! Remember, folks, laughter is the shortest distance between two people. So let’s keep that going!”

As Quibble perched on her shoulder, he added, “Heh! And remember, when it rains, look for rainbows; when it’s dark, look for stars!”

A wave of laughter washed through the crowd, and amidst the smiles, the neighbors realized they had created more than just a park—they had nurtured a home where love, joy, and humor thrived.

---

**Epilogue: Living in Harmony**

Years passed, but the spirit of Harmony Lane never waned. The cottage with the bright blue door remained a beacon of friendship, humor, and togetherness. Max continued to paint, Lucy wrote stories that brought smiles to all, and Quibble learned new jokes to entertain them every day.

As Joe Pesci once humorously put it, “I’m not saying I’m the best, but I’m pretty darn good.” And that’s exactly how they felt about their little harmony—a blend of love, laughter, and community that made every day brighter than the last.

And so, on Happenstance Lane, the neighbors thrived, proving that with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of love, anything was possible.

[themovieblogonline]

Top Ten Catholic Horror Movies To Watch If You Loved The First Omen

Catholic horror has always been the genre that delivered the best of scary experiences. Whether it's the creepy 70s classics or a modern take on the church, religious horror movies can be reliable to creep you out like nothing else. With the release of the critically acclaimed prequel of the classic The Omen, it makes sense if you want to continue this kind of cinematic journey. So get on the ride with these skin-crawling movies to watch if you're a fan of this genre. The Exorcist (1973) The lives of two families are intertwined by a demonic entity. When an actress begins to see violent changes in her daughter, she calls in a priest for help. However, the priest questions his faith when his mother falls ill.  This masterpiece is unquestionably one of the best attempts at projecting the fearful side of religion. The very concept of a demonic child is chilling to its core. The Exorcist laid the ground for the future of horror by horrifying innocent children which was further used in many works. It also instills fear by showcasing a powerless priest. 2. The Prophecy (1995)  A detective is set on solving a murder case. What could go wrong? Well, when he sees eerie visions of angels preparing for a war, he knows that the case isn’t as simple as he imagined.  Original in its conception and thoughtful in its genre, The Prophecy explores the depths of faith and good vs evil in the most chilling way possible.   3. Prince of Darkness (1987)  There are weird things in people’s basements, but when Father Loomis cleans out the church basement, he finds a can with suspicious green liquid inside. Upon further investigation with a professor, the sludge turns out to be Satan’s vengeful spirit.  4. The Conjuring (2013) When a family moves into a new house on a farm things are anything but peaceful. With strange occurrences haunting their lives, they decide to call in paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren to help them. Soon, they would uncover the disturbing history of the farmhouse house. The characters in The Conjuring were so powerful that they left an indelible mark on the horror movie. The fact that it is based on real-life events, makes it even more terrifying. The meticulous details and real investigation files bring the realness to the film that makes it timelessly admirable. 5. The Devils (1971) Taking place in the 17th century, The Devils is about Father Grandier, who is notorious for his controversial opinions on religion and sexuality. When a vengeful Cardinal vows to ruin Grandier’s reputation, things take a deadly turn as Satanism is involved. The movie remains one of the most iconic attempts when it comes to unconventional horror. The historical grandeur and exposition of power make it delve deeper into the human mind, all the while plaguing our dreams. 6. The Sacrament (2013) The Sacrament is a found-footage horror film that depicts the quest of a reporter who goes into a deep secluded place to rescue his sister, a recovering alcoholic, from a cult. Things seem pretty straightforward until he meets the unhinged cult leader. The way this movie explores psychology and blind faith will always stay ‘sacred’ to me. 7. Saint Maud (2019) Obsession with anything can lead to deadly outcomes, even if it’s saving lives. Saint Maud is about a religious nurse, who seems to be fixated on saving the soul of her patient on the verge of death. The religious elements of the film come smoothly together with mental illness and denial that blows all of our minds away. 8. Carrie (2013) Be careful of who you bully. Carrie, a sheltered high-school girl, is tormented by bullies at school and by her mother at home. When she finally snaps, she unleashes deadly telekinetic powers. What makes this one special is the less-recognized role of religious extremism in causing detrimental effects on children and how bad it can get. 9. The Exorcist III (1990) A series of murder investigations, presumably the works of a serial killer, leads a detective down an unsettling path. Things are more deadly and sinister than he ever anticipated. The good ole classic that does not need to be told about. The dark side of religion and themes of faithlessness are what make The Exorcist III one of the best horror movies of all time. 10. Immaculate (2023)  An American nun, Cecilia, goes to the Italian countryside to join a convent. However, things take a horrific turn from the get-go and she’s forced to come face-to-face with the sinister evils lurking within the borders. She must save herself from the tormenting clutches before it’s too late. A modern take on the religious theme. Immaculate satisfies the need to get back to the classic themes with plenty of scary moments and intriguing characters. These horror movies are a must-watch whether it’s the creepy season or not. Picked up from your favorite genres, they will give you unforgettable jump-off-your-couch moments. 

[myfrenzi]

The Evolution of Rom-Coms: Modern Love Stories on OTT

The Evolution of Rom-Coms: Modern Love Stories on OTT

Hello, friends! Who doesn’t love a good old romantic comedy? They’re like a warm hug for your heart. And guess what? Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms are serving up some of the best movies on OTT in the rom-com genre. So, let’s dive into the world of modern love stories and explore how they’ve evolved over time.

Rom-Coms: The Heart of Feel-Good Entertainment

Romantic comedies, often called rom-coms, are a delightful blend of romance and humor. They make us laugh, swoon, and root for love. These movies are like a cozy blanket on a rainy day, and OTT platforms have made them more accessible than ever.

From Classic to Contemporary: The Rom-Com Journey

Rom-coms have come a long way from the classic boy-meets-girl formula. Here’s how they’ve evolved:

1. Modern Relationships

In today’s rom-coms, love doesn’t always start with a chance encounter. Characters meet through dating apps, at work, or in unusual situations, reflecting the realities of modern dating.

2. Diverse Love Stories

The best movies on OTT showcase diverse relationships. Love knows no boundaries, and rom-coms now explore LGBTQ+ love stories and intercultural relationships with heartwarming authenticity.

3. Complex Characters

Modern rom-com protagonists are more than just clichés. They have depth, quirks, and relatable flaws that make them feel like real people, which adds depth and authenticity to the story.

4. Unconventional Endings

Not every modern love story ends with a grand wedding or a passionate kiss. Rom-coms now explore the idea that love can be complicated, messy, and that happiness comes in various forms.

What to Watch on OTT: Must-See Rom-Coms

Now that we’ve covered the evolution, let’s talk about what to watch on OTT:

1. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018)

This movie explores the love letters a girl wrote to her secret crushes. It’s sweet, relatable, and celebrates the awkwardness of teenage love.

2. “The Half of It” (2020)

A modern take on the classic Cyrano de Bergerac story, this film beautifully portrays the complexities of friendship, love, and self-discovery.

3. “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)

It’s a glamorous ride into the world of a young couple and the challenges they face when one of them comes from an incredibly wealthy family. It’s a visual treat with a big heart.

4. “Palm Springs” (2020)

This movie offers a fresh twist on the time-loop concept. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and explores the idea of finding love when you least expect it.

Why Rom-Coms Matter

Romantic comedies may seem light-hearted, but they serve a crucial purpose. They remind us of the beauty of love, the importance of laughter, and the value of human connection. In a world often filled with stress, rom-coms provide a much-needed escape.

Wrapping Up

Romantic comedies have evolved to reflect the diversity and complexity of modern love stories. They offer us laughter, tears, and a reminder that love, in all its forms, is a beautiful thing. So, the next time you’re browsing through your favorite OTT platform, consider indulging in one of these heartwarming rom-coms.

FAQs

Can I watch rom-coms with my family? Many rom-coms are family-friendly, but some may contain mature themes. Always check the content rating and reviews to ensure it’s suitable for your family.

Do rom-coms always have a happy ending? While many rom-coms end on a happy note, modern rom-coms sometimes explore different kinds of endings, emphasizing personal growth and self-discovery.

Are there classic rom-coms available on OTT platforms? Yes, OTT platforms often offer a mix of classic and contemporary rom-coms, providing a wide range of choices for viewers.

Do rom-coms portray realistic relationships? Rom-coms can vary in how they depict relationships. Some aim for realism, while others embrace the charm of cinematic fantasy. It depends on the specific movie or series.

Can I find rom-coms in languages other than English? Absolutely! OTT platforms offer rom-coms in various languages, allowing you to explore love stories from around the world.