#it's similar to how i feel about ter from 3 will be free when he goes around murdering all my favorite side characters

[vegaseatsass]

I was describing DFF to a friend from CQL fandom and she said New with Non sounded kind of like Huaisang with Mingjue, and it def clarified a lot for me about how I feel about both avenging brothers.

The ends don't justify the means, the cats and children and working class servants murdered along the way aren't erasable casualties in the name of a true justice, and these avengers are fundamentally unhinged, twisted, broken people, not righteous seekers of fairness in the world. But I love that both of them are driven by real desperation and are frantic and messy in how much they need to make their revenge happen at any cost; someone trying to burn the world down in their grief, and actually taking the good parts of the world and themselves down along with their target(s), adds so much texture and dimension to the narrative for me.

I love a justice story and an ethical revenge, but for example w/ The Glory, even though that's for me the best it's ever been done, we still have things like a woman being victim-blamed for her rape and drug addiction as narratively acceptable modes of vengeance. I find something freeing in a story that isn't about punishment and who deserves what, but just about the emotional depths people are driven to by loss and rage and the unfairness of a world with no accountability.

[mejomonster]

while i’m on a thai drama binge, some recs:

1. the gifted

Lots of familiar faces if you watch GMMTV, ensemble show of found family friends made up of kids who’s mutant powers are awakened, as said kids get caught up in the power struggle of the inequality in their school, the perpetuators of the system that awoke their powers and is trying to use them, with gratuitous allegory to make some bigger social commentary. Very X-men esque - particularly if you liked the New Mutants comics, X-men Evolution but want a more mature tone, literally what I’ve wanted from an X-men film/show adaptation for decades. Including a dynamic between Pang and Wave very reminiscent of Professor X and Magneto. Pang is helped by being a bit less ‘I know best’ than Professor X, in part because its a lesson he’s got to learn - that he does NOT know what his peers want enough to choose for them, that he’s better with a group, that just because you could make something Happen doesn’t mean you know what’s Best (and oh the parallels to the perpetuator of the system). There’s intelligent meta out there on this show which I intend to read, and The Gifted Graduation is wholly welcome as its sequel show. If you like Nanon’s acting, mutant premises, shows about corruption that are making a fucking point, this is Phenomenal. The Gifted season 1 is also perfectly self contained if you just want to watch season 1 and wait a while before looking into The Gifted Graduation. I WISH someone had recommended this to me years ago right back when I watched Sotus and was looking into thai dramas more. Also, wow do I love the music and Unique Vibe this show creates.

2. 3 Will Be Free

do yourself a favor and just watch it. Gunsmile, Jennie, Mild, Tay, Joss, Toptap, Pod. its a dream. It has a very specific aesthetic feel, I’ve never watched anything like it but I sure wish there was more stuff like this now and will definitely be checking out future projects with similar elements. You might notice, I really love when shows have a very distinct identity. Neo is a stripper dating a mob boss’s wife, all hell breaks loose when hitmen go to ‘take care of him’ and the wife dies instead. He’s on the run, saved on accident by Shin (mob boss’s son) who he has a history with, and Miw (hostess). Together the three of them go on the run, fall in love, and grow a lot. Very Bonnie & Clyde feel to it, suspenseful and grounded, found family poly relationship at the heart of it all. Better in execution than I could ever manage to describe, you just have to watch it to see what I mean. Well handled character arcs which I won’t spoil. On the flipside of our protagonists is hitman Phon (Max), his best friend and fellow hitman Ter (Gunsmile) who loves Phon a lot, and Phon’s girlfriend who he wants to leave this dangerous life and go build a future with (Jennie). In a way this trio is just as influential to the plot, and I love that the plot centers two very well developed trios that seep into your heart. I fell in love with every main character

3. Not Me

It’s barely out, I’m still reccing it. By far the most impressed I’ve ever been with a bl premise plot, the script is aiming at political and succeeding, the protagonists are vigilantes. There’s a dash of supernatural in what is otherwise mundane grounded reality (one of my favorite premises for stories), White is pretending to be his brother Black to figure out who hurt his brother Black and put him into a coma (hello Comically Bad Secret Identity Shenanigans), character arcs are clearly plotted out and protagonist White is a disaster bi who was raised in privilege planning to work in the Ministry for the good of people, only to realize reality is not as shiny and functional as the life his father’s raised him in. Through living his brother’s life, meeting his brother’s friends, he realizes what’s corrupt and what he can really do to effect change. The entire extended cast is Be Gay Vigilantes and I cannot understate how excited I am to see how this plot plays out. Its got the whole deal: mystery, action, solid characters, grounded plot, political commentary, bi protagonists, Off and Gun in the most serious series I’ve seen them do together and its clear the story is going to show off their skills along with the entire extended cast of solid actors. If your jam is more Manner of Death, History 3 Trapped, Beyond Evil, rather than sugar coated fluffy romcoms, this is going to make the cut. I’m extremely excited to see where this show goes. It is also stylish as fuck - like 3 Will Be Free, it has a Very Distinct aesthetic which makes it stand out just at a glance.

4. A Tale of A Thousand Stars/1000 Stars

Just saw this recently, it already makes it as a rec. This poster is misleading - overall the show’s ‘aesthetic/feel/tone’ is less storybook, more grounded reality very in line with the feeling of Crash Landing On You kdrama. Tian is a rich kid dying from heart issues that’s partying what’s left of his time away recklessly, the son of a man willing to bribe to get his son the heart transplant he needs - the heart turns out to be from a woman named Torfun hit by a car, who used to work in a rural town as a teacher. After Tian’s life is saved, he looks into who’s heart saved him, finds out, and ends up becoming a teacher too to try and live a life worth living the way this woman seemed to. In the process, he works through his own guilt and family issues, figures out what he wants in life, and falls in love with the man Torfun had loved. A lot of the main conflict in this has to do with Tian’s personal guilt - which I won’t spoil, and Tian growing as a person. The majority of the romantic conflict will feel familiar if you’ve seen Crash Landing On You - these are two people from different worlds, an impossible couple that shouldn’t be able to find a compatible life together, that somehow manage to in the end. It is intensely satisfying to watch play out. A lot of the themes of the show are about living a good life, deciding how to live ones life, corruption, trust, lies. It has a large ensemble cast of villagers, friends, family, and all of them feel fleshed out and alive (again very similar to the extended cast of Crash Landing on You). Tian is the most interesting protagonist I’ve seen for a show like this in a while - and while the leads of this do remind me a lot of CLOY’s couple in their dynamic and what they’re going through, the lead characters of 1000 Stars are unique in their own right. Its a simple romance of two people who care, in a world where them being together seems impossible and yet with them, of course they would love each other. 

5. Theory of Love

Look up each episode poster if you have time - each one references a famous romantic movie. If I had to pick a single college setting thai bl to rec, it would be this one. The story is about a group of friends studying film - Third fell for his friend Khai and hasn’t told him for years. Khai is a playboy who goes through girls and frankly takes advantage of Third as an emotional relationship to lean on since his romantic relationships are shallow as a puddle and Third loves him and gives him that emotional support. Third finally is rightfully fed up, decides he’ll tell Khai he loves him. A mess ensues, and includes Khai realizing what a dick of a friend he is, losing his best friend Third, and learning how to be a better friend. First half is Third pov, second half is Khai, this is one of the most angst heavy romances I’ve watched - they love each other, but they both have to grow to get to a place where they can be together. Third has to grow to stand up for himself, and Khai has to grow to treat other people with care. Meanwhile friend Two ends up in a bi dilemma between the crush he has on an old friend and the rival who’s eye he’s caught, and friend Bone ends up crushing on someone it will never work with and learning to make more responsible choices. The entire friend squad goes through their own character growth arcs, all in the midst of a stylish loving homage to so many romance movie references, the characters shooting films and personal projects that serve as parallel to their own lives in fun ways, every fluffy romcom trope you are desperately hoping for all grounded in the most painful case of best friends in love who CANNOT have this happy fluff be their real situation until they fix things, and relatable college experience. Third is gay and that’s covered before the show starts so there’s no coming out necessary, Two is bi and likewise already figured that out in his life so his plot just Unfolds no explanation needed, Khai is bi and he is an absolute mess but god does he grow so much. Sexuality is handled as if characters already figured themselves out (except Khai who honestly Needed to do some self-introspection lol so its justifiably part of his arc). I won’t sugarcoat - this is romcom like 10 Things I Hate About You is, in that there’s heavy moments (and of all the bl I’ve seen this Will cut your heart to pieces if you’ve ever been in a situation like Third, and mend it later after a lot of satisfying hard work is paid off). It looks as saccharine as 2gether but its absolutely not, and you will be crying as bad as Third eventually, until people grow and things get better. Its probably the most tragedy emotionally I’ve seen in a romance, because really, loving a best friend who uses you as a partner but doesn’t date you? That’s painful, and that’s our premise. (Very Jennifer’s Body of Theory of Love lol). Unlike 2gether, its stylish aesthetic is grounded in purpose - them studying film is critical to the setup of pretty much everyone’s storyline and the events that play out. The cute fluff is under-pined by some heavily realistic emotions every character is dealing with. Off and Gun show off just how well they can carry a show together, and the rest of the friend group shine with enough focus that this feels like an ensemble show of friends in film college which again, gives it a very specific identity and feel. Its fun to watch and catch all the references, there’s literally a 10 Things I Hate About You confession on a sports field! Its amazing watching OffGun in a story they can thoroughly flesh out with a pov that lets us see both leads biases, and Two’s side story is so good it won me and most watcher’s main attention (its the most relatable story to my own college experience, nice to just see bi characters living their lives - also its White and Earth which is a dream team acting combo). If you want Friends to Lovers that doesn’t go shy on how angst heavy that situation can get, this is The drama.

6. Dark Blue Kiss*

I highly recommend this. Its not A Favorite of mine, but it is a lovely show and its good enough I still feel like re-watching. The only reason I recommend it with an asterisk * is that the main couple Pete/Kao is from a previous shows Kiss Me and Kiss Me Again. If you’ve seen those shows, Dark Blue Kiss may be more satisfying. I have Never seen the previous shows, so I went into this as a standalone show. A strength of this show is that the main couple Pete/Kao are already an established couple and the issues they go through in this series are largely very grounded situations lgbt people deal with navigating their families and society in a long term relationship. As such, this show feels more like watching a realistic plot then some pulp romance (so more like 3 Will Be Free in tone). Pete and Kao are also a very stable relationship so there’s very little stupid jealousy drama or ‘oh we might break up’ bullshit. It definitely made me want to check out the shows this couple originated in. Another big appeal of this show: the ‘big’ side couple (which is basically the other 50% of the plot) are a realistic take on ‘coffee shop au’ romance. A coffee shop owner (Sun) has a brother, who is friends with a bit of a miscreant Mork. Mork ends up needing help and working at said coffee shop, chemistry ensues. Like the main couple, these two’s sexualities and that affecting their lives is a more grounded realistic approach - Sun just is into men, that’s established before the show and not a plot point, and Mork likes men but not jerks like he thinks Sun is lol. There’s also commentary on external homophobia. This show does a lot to say gay rights, marriage rights, accept your lgbt family members, hate crimes need to be fucking addressed. Due to Sun, Pete, Kao all being pre-established as into men, we start the show with a mostly clearly lgbt main cast which gives this a The L Word vibe in a way, rather than the very ‘college people not sure who they are yet’ that some bl shows main characters start at. The premise also ensures very little college setting, very little school plot. Its about adults living their lives, navigating love. Its got all the charming fluffy flirtatious scenes you want couples to have, along with a grounded atmosphere that makes it feel very kind to real life and not ‘unrealistically saccharine.’ This is the closest to ‘mainly romance genre’ I watch, and it was worth the watch. Its absolutely refreshing to see a realistic setting with grounded feeling characters, having romance in a story caringly told. A bonus, everyone on the main cast is a solid actor if you go on to check out other stuff they’re in. 

7. He’s Coming To Me*

I’m recommending but I have only watched to episode 8, so asterisk * just in case this show suddenly dives in quality. Like 1000 Stars, don’t judge based on the poster - this show is shot in a way that makes me feel its just like... a person living their life if that makes sense? Its not flashy and stylized like Theory of Love or 2gether, its not vibrant neons and dramatic appeal like 3 Will Be Free. It has a slight old-fashionedness to the toning that makes you feel you’re watching the slight past, and goes well with the ghost character who’s 20 years past the decade he died in but that still shapes his personality. They use a lot of 90s songs in this, adding to the mix of old era and newer, and they use very natural colors so it looks more like ‘some real person’s life’ the way the coloring of Sotus did. Everyone’s styled to look like regular people, and so it feels very grounded slice of life. A ghost waits for years until one day a human sees him - he makes friends, and one day that friend comes to see him and offers to take him back home to live with him. The ghost moves in, and they try to solve the question of how this ghost died so that he can move on. In the process, falling in love. I’ve been assured this has a happy ending* (thank goodness! but I have no idea how it will get there). The ghost’s life connects to his friend’s more and more, as they find out how he died. It feels very slice of life in a way these college settings rarely do - because the problems are realistic. The group of friends are going through crushes, wondering what’s wrong with their friends, sports, dating versus friends, family obligation, secrets, grades, life goals. It’s also very ensemble - the side characters feel fleshed out and you’ll be invested in them and the surrounding tapestry of connected lives going on as much as the main romance. And the main romance... Ohm leads as the human who makes friends with a ghost, his character arc is handled very well. This is a supernatural meets mundane slice of life premise, one of my favorites, and it does it superbly well. I wish I hadn’t taken so long to watch this - I wish I’d watched this as soon as I’d finished Sotus years ago. If you liked Cherry Magic, this may be your kind of thing, with a cast of characters you want to love and to grow and be okay, a supernatural thread sparking a very human connection, with a touch of something heavier like (the lightest Touch) of Beyond Evil with whatever is going on with the mystery of how the ghost really died. Its slice of life meets murder mystery all wrapped up in the 90s meets the Now, and a cast of characters coming to terms with who they are and what they want. This show won me over and convinced me Ohm has Solid Range, and the supporting cast is so solid I’m over here rooting desperately for the straight side characters to get together and heal their little hearts. As a bonus, it is a bl show with the Most Solid Justification for so little physical intimacy, since its HARD for a ghost and human to manage to touch, okay? And Yet despite that this couple feel more intimate and comfortable with each other than a number of ALL Human bl romance pairs. I imagine part of that is due to solid acting in this show. Another bonus, like Theory of Love, this show feels very slice-of-life about a group of friends without any of that sad angst, these friends are full of love and good intentions and for the most part manage to make sure things turn out okay. I feel like if you liked Cherry Magic (or any supernatural slice of life premise), you’d like this. It feels like a warm embrace.

[no-its-betty]

long story short – a queer reading

Okay, first of all – this is my interpretation of the song and everyone is absolutely entitled to their own. I’m not saying my view is the right one or the only one, you’re welcome to read this song in any way you feel like, apply it to your personal life, think of toe when you listen to it or literally do whatever you want with it. Feel free to add your own ideas to this post, but please keep it respectful. Just because someone thinks this song means something different than you do, that does not give you the right to attack them. Be nice, people <3

Second of all – this is the first time I’m attempting to do one of these detailed interpretations, so please bear with me.

That being said, I think it’s important to focus on how she uses male pronouns during the verses, but then switches to addressing a “you” in the chorus. It’s similar to what she does in “I think he knows”, where at first glance she is singing about one person, but when you take a closer look, she’s actually singing about two different people.

A really great point that @loversreputation​ just made and where I want to start this post: If someone were to ask Taylor why she didn’t come out after the mess that was kissgate, her reply could look like “well it’s a really long story and a lot of decisions factored into it, but long story short, it just wasn’t the right time for it”, and then this song is the long story. So here we go.

Fatefully I tried to pick my battles Til the battle picked me

Taylor was used to picking her battles, to deciding which sides of herself to show the public. Her image was under her control, until the night that kissgate happened (“til the battle picked me”). Misery Like the war of words I shouted in my sleep And you passed right by I was in the alley surrounded on all sides

I’m sure the aftermath of kissgate must have been terrible and Taylor had trouble sleeping, because she was facing the decision whether to come out now, or whether to deny everything and push herself further into the closet. She felt “surrounded on all sides”, like there was no other way out of it than to start bearding again. The knife cuts both ways

She is able to “slice” the incident out of her life, but in turn she gets hurt as well. If the shoe fits, walk in it Til your high heels break

She starts bearding with Calcium Harvest, because it works with the narrative (“the shoe fits”) and she decides to do it until her high heels break, until she can’t keep up the fancy show any longer. And I fell from the pedestal Right down the rabbit hole Long story short, it was a bad time

She fell from the “pedestal” that she built herself, her public image of her and Karlie being “best friends” was completely falling apart. I agree that “rabbit hole” could be a major nod to Dianna, but I don’t really see how to incorporate this into my interpretation of the song yet. It is also a phrase often used by Kaylors when they describe how they first found out about Kaylor and how they then fell down the rabbit hole of easter eggs and secret messages, so it could also be alluding to that. But, “long story short” (lol) – having to beard and to shut herself back into the closet was a bad time for both Taylor personally and her relationship with Karlie. Pushed from the precipice Clung to the nearest lips Long story short, it was the wrong guy

Taylor was so rushed to make a decision that she “clung to the nearest lips”, aka Calcium. But in the long run she realized that he “was the wrong guy” for this. I won’t go into detail here, but I think we can all agree on the shitshow that was their bearding relationship. Now I'm all about you I'm all about you I'm all about you

Taylor reassures Karlie that even though she had to do what she did with Calvin, she is still “all about” Karlie, and that Karlie is her number one. Actually I always felt I must look better in the rear view

Taylor always knew that one day something like this might happen. It’s her way of telling herself that she should have been more careful and should have double checked the “rear view”, or maybe the audience at the concert to see whether there were any cameras on them. Missing me At the golden gates they once held the keys to

“Golden Gates” gives me major 1989 era feels, like how they partied openly and everything was in full color. Kind of like she sings in TIWWCHNT. The gates could also be a reference to Karlie’s garden gate though (see Cruel Summer). When I dropped my sword I threw it in the bushes and knocked on your door And we live in peace But if someone comes at us This time I'm ready

Maybe for a short while after kissgate happened, Taylor was fighting her own feelings for Karlie; she was unsure how they should go on after that. But she eventually “dropped her sword”, she stopped fighting it and promised Karlie that even though they are now protected by both of their beards, she will be ready the next time, should something like kissgate ever happen again. [Chorus]

I feel like the “long story short, it was the wrong guy” in the second chorus could also be a nod to Hiddleswift, another bearding relationship that brought more complications with it than it actually helped protect Kaylor. The way I see it, the “wrong guys” in this represent her bearding history since kissgate, and how she on the one hand tried to find a beard that would help her protect her true lover, and on the other hand constantly tried to reassure both Karlie and herself that they were fine. No more keeping score Now I just keep you warm No more tug of war now I just know there's more No more keeping score Now I just keep you warm And my waves meet your shore Ever and evermore

This, to me, sounds like Taylor being absolutely sure that she will do whatever it takes to protect her relationship. No more playing games, they’re both in it for the long run, because Kaylor is end game (no this post will not interpret what “happiness” might be about, I’m not ready to go there yet, pls don’t come at me). Past me I wanna tell you not to get lost in these petty things Your nemeses will defeat themselves Before you get the chance to swing

Taylor is talking to her “past” self here, telling herself that everything will fall into place, that the issues with her nemeses (Sc**ter? Jerk? The media?) will eventually be resolved before either of them (Kaylor) even gets “the chance to swing”. And he's passing by Rare as the glimmer of a comet in the sky And he feels like home If the shoe fits, walk in it Everywhere you go

Taylor starts bearding with Toe and he seems like a “rare” find, because he is not known at all and there’s less danger of something in his past coming out that discredits their bearding relationship. She clearly has the upper hand in it and he follows her orders. Bearding with Toe “feels like home”, because it feels safe. Remember that in this verse, she is once again singing of a “him”, whereas in the chorus she is back to “you”, so it’s not the same person she is talking about/to. Pushed from the precipice Climbed right back up the cliff Long story short, I survived Now I'm all about you

The change in the chorus at the end is the first time she doesn’t sing “it was the wrong guy”, but instead she sings “I survived”, because in this regard, Toe is the right guy. He is perfect as a boyfriend for her, because the “we both value a quiet life, away from the spotlight” works so well with him. He could never stir shit the way Calcium did. Long story short, it was a bad time Long story short, I survived

All the beards that led them to where they are now were a “bad time”, bad decisions. But ultimately, in the end, they survived. It was truly a long story (just like this post is), but the outcome was positive. I like to think of this as the other side to DWOHT, the one that is not quite so shattering and heartbreaking, but tells the story of how the world fell apart around them, but they made it out on the other side.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to add your thoughts to this! But like I said, please keep it respectful.

[kathyprior4200]

Alastor, Rosie and Mimzy songs!

  Song 1: “Practically Perfect” by Rosie (mix up of Mary Poppins) 

(Rosie sings)“By the time the fire has burned the restless souls down,

I’ll tell you, yes I can,No matter the circumstance for one thing you shall know,

My character is spite, shine, spic and span,

I’m practically perfect in every way” 

“For demons say

Each sin and misdeed knows no bounds

To hate is great and patently sound

I’m practically perfect head to tail 

If you found a fault, it would be to no avail 

I’m so practically perfect in every way” 

“Both prim and proper, graceful and stern

So passive, at peace yet willing to TURN (briefly goes to demon form)

I’m clean and honest, my manner refined

And I wear hats of the sensible kind

I suffer no nonsense and whilst I remain

There’s nothing much else I need to explain” 

“I’m practically perfect in every way 

Factually flawless, that’s my forte

Uncanny ladies are hard to find

Unique, not meek, great matters of mind

I’m practically perfect, and never soiled

Killing like a villain with victims freshly boiled

I’m so practically perfect in every way

Well those are my credentials

Perhaps you have a few questions?” 

 Song 2: Hell’s version of…“You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”  Alastor’s Shadow plays the Furby organ. Mimzy plays the saxophone as the shadow spirits play drums and trumpets. Alastor and Rosie stand together on stage, Alastor with his staff, Rosie with her pink umbrella over her head  

(Rosie sings) “Hey Hobo Sinner, hey Dapper Winner

You’ve both got your style,”

(Alastor sings) “But brother you’re never fully dressed without a smile!” 

(Rosie sings) “Your clothes may be,”

(Alastor sings) “Beau Brummelly,”

(Rosie sings) “They stand out a mile,”

(Both sing) “But brother, you’re never fully dressed without a smile!” 

(Both sing) “Who cares what they’re wearing

On Maim Street or Sever Row

It’s what you wear from ear to ear!

and not from head to toe…That ma- ah- ah- ters… “

(Rosie sings) “So room and board”

(Both sing, pointing at each other) “So Overlord!”

(Alastor sings) “So long for a while”

(Both sings) “Remember you’re never fully dressed without a smile!” 

(Both sing) “Who cares what they’re wearing

On Maim Street or Sever Row

It’s what you wear from ear to ear!

and not from head to toe…That ma- ah- ah- ters… 

(Both sing) “It doesn’t matter how you dress…

Though you may look the best…

You’re never fully dressed without a smile!”   

Song 3: “Overlord Life” Alastor and Rosie go off to kill demons and make sinners obey their orders.

The song is similar to Moxxie and Millie’s murder love song but more business/platonic  

 (Alastor) “You ready, dear?” 

(Rosie) “Aren’t I always, Alastor?”

They walk outside beside each other along Pentagram City. 

(Rosie sings) “What can we accomplish today?” 

(Alastor sings) “There are pranks to pull, and sinners to slay?” 

(Rosie sings) “Oh, but I need a perm, sharper nails, new dress…” 

(Rosie spots a random demon) (Rosie speaks) “Hey, go away!” (She bares her teeth, eyes glowing and the demon turns to ash) 

(Alastor steps to the side, arm out like a gentleman) (Alastor sings) “By all means, lead the way” 

(They enter the Barber Chop) 

(Rosie sits as she removes her hat and gets her light colored hair done by demons with scissor hands) 

(Rosie sings) “Just a few highlights…oh the purple is too much…” 

(Barber touches Alastor’s tufts/ears)

 (Alastor sings and growls) “If you know what’s good, don’t touch!”

(Barber runs away) 

(Rosie steps up to the counter) 

Demon with ax head:  “That’s 200 souls” 

(Alastor sings) “Ha! No way. Not today.” 

(Rosie sings) “Your soul should be sufficient pay.” 

(Alastor stabs the demon who screams)

  (They walk out of the shop) 

(Alastor sings) “Ugh, I’m so bored” 

(Rosie sings and smiles) “There’s no reason to be when you’re an overlord.” 

(Alastor) “Hell’s a stage, just for me”

(Rosie) “Being influential sure is loads of fun”

 Brief flash: both of them transform into their full demon forms: Alastor with red dial eyes and large antlers and Rosie floating in the air surrounded by pink energy. They scare and kill demons as they laugh. They go back to regular forms and have coffee together by a lake filled with demons with crocodile heads.  

 (Rosie sings) “When you can put up a pretty façade”

(Alastor sings) “Or when you have dark strength of a god”

(Rosie sings) “Life at the top is hectic, sure”

(Alastor sings) “But not when demons make way for us, I assure” 

(Flash as Alastor and Rosie’s faces sing in a background of musical notes and splatters of blood) 

(Alastor sings) “I can hear the jazz and the melodic screams”(

Rosie sings) “Let’s prepare our schemes and pursue our dreams”

(Alastor sings) “That has great appeal. So then it’s a deal?” 

(Green surrounds Alastor)

(Rosie) “No.” 

(Both sing on a stage with flames in the background. Rosie smiles beside Alastor as they sing into their microphones.)

“High levels of praise and power

Sinners flee and brave ones cower

Down in Hell there’s no race to run

When you know you’ve already won

(Brief flashes of Alastor making deals with demons in green light, their souls later being taken away by shadow spirits)

 (Both sing) “With just a deal or demand

All of Hell at your command”

(Brief flash of Alastor toppling previous Gnostic demon overlords, instilling radio towers all around Hell. Rosie making demons sew her clothing and cheer for her on stage) 

(Both sing) “Toppling enemies for land

Have you ever lived a life so grand?” 

We’re the bringers of suffering and strife

Fools and jerks fall under the knife

Here down below, is where you’ll know

That’s the overlord life” 

Alastor and Rosie dance on stage, Alastor twirling Rosie around as the background fades to flames and black before going back to Pentagram City) 

(Rosie sings) “Just don’t go over into Vox’s place…it has wire traps, brainwashing and little space ” 

(Alastor sings) “A techno, with a big ego, such an utter disgrace” 

(Flash of Lucifer, Lilith and Charlie standing on their balcony, the wind blowing their blonde hair gently, all three with stoic expressions.) 

(Rosie sings) “And never disobey royalty. Your second life depends on your loyalty.” 

(Alastor sings) “I suspect their family lore, and I desire more”

 (Rosie sings) “Drinks, fun, murder galore? Or watching Exterminations from behind a locked door?” 

(Alastor sings) “Well, all those things, plus jambalaya from the store. You’re never fully satisfied, even as an overlord.”    

(Both sing) “High levels of praise and power

Sinners flee and brave ones cower

Down in Hell there’s no race to run

When you know you’ve already won 

“With just a deal or demand

All of Hell at your command

Toppling enemies for land

Have you ever lived a life so grand? 

“We’re the bringers of suffering and strife

Fools and jerks fall under the knife

Here down below, is where you’ll know

That’s the overlord life” 

(Rosie sings) “I work at my emporium” 

(Alastor sings) “And I at the auditorium”

 (Rosie sings) “Scrutinizing those who fall below” 

(Alastor sings) “Always ready to put on a show” 

(Roise sings) “Dress to impress” 

(Alastor sings) “The best of the best” 

(Both sing) “That’s the overlord life!”  

  (Rosie sings) “Don’t let your ego get to your head” 

(Alastor sings) “Why shouldn’t I, as I’m already dead?” 

(Rosie sings) “We have power and we seem scary, but there are powerful beings out there, be wary” 

(Flashes to the faces of Lucifer, Lilith, Helsa, Sir Pentious, Valentino, Vox, Stolas, a black spider overlord and a dragon demon) 

 (Alastor sings) “Oh there’s so much more to this” 

(Rosie sings) “Do tell me, what have I missed?” 

(Alastor sings) “A beautiful girl, a charming demon belle…that very princess resides at the Hazbin Hotel.” (

Rosie sings) “That building of junk, full of outcasts and gunk? I imagine the stench there, worse than a skunk. A princess has business in such a place…wow.” 

(Alastor sings) “So who has the big ego now? You can stay for free, it’s all on me. I’m kind of an owner there, you see.” 

(Alastor sings) “I livened up the place, don’t judge it from the outside. My associates Husk and Niffty took their roles in stride. It’ll be entertaining to watch those sinners fail, and more so to befriend and mess with Charlie as well!” 

(Rosie sings) “Swinging with Big Apple’s daughter? Are you dashing to the slaughter? Flirt or hurt, no one messes with her father. You’ll know what Mimzy’ll say. ‘Have you lost your mind?’ Lay a finger on her and he won’t be so kind.” 

(Alastor sings) “Rosie, Mimzy, Niffty, Charlie…you all mean so much to me. I’m a man with a plan that only I understand. Bedazzle Charlie long enough and watch her take my hand. I make new friends, I’m entertained, the hotel gets a great rate, demons take the bait, accept their fate, and soon it’ll be too late.” 

(Rosie sings) “I know you’re very clever, but some ties should not be severed. You want the throne, power you thirst…unless some other demon gets to it first. There are things more valuable than a pearl…do not trade our friendship for that of a little girl.” 

(Alastor sings) “There’s something about her, though I know I’m not in love. She has pyrotechnic powers and thoughts from up above. She sings and dances with a pure heart. Her very presence is a work of art. She’s older than me but that doesn’t matter. There are some with powers to make reality shatter. She even cares for those who first meet her. If she can cooperate, I might not have to eat her.” 

(Rosie sings) “Conflicting feelings in you, for good or bad. Be reasonable and appreciate the live you’ve had. Do what you will, as an overlord would, but pursuing a reckless route might not be so good. Mimzy’ll say, ‘he’s a crazy dapper deer. Sliding up to ladies and making things disappear. Pizzazz with jazz, and a smile on his face. One big mistake and even he’ll know his place.’”

 (Alastor sings) “My friends are of great use and joy in my day, but I don’t have to listen to what others have to say. I’m a radio host, myself I love most, and life gets better when I’m free to boast. You’ve been kind, my dear dame but I must get going. My thoughts and tactics flowing, my broadcasts showing. I’d love to hang with you and Mimzy again. Perhaps a killing spree for three, cause other overlords pain? Don’t get jealous of my friends, you’re all the same to me: beautiful, funny, and amazing as can be! Summoning monsters, shadows, or just humming when bored, afterlife is heaven since I’m an overlord. (in radio voice) “To others I say, stay out of my way, be in my good graces and put a smile on those faces. Hope you enjoyed this song, even if it was long. You will be seeing more of me soon. Until then…stay tuned.” 

 Song 4: “Oh Alastor” (Featuring Alastor, Angel, Baxter, Vaggie, Niffty, Charlie, Rosie, Husk, Crymini, and Mimzy) Seven Deadly sins: Angel Dust: Lust Husk: Greed/gluttony Alastor: Pride Vaggie: WrathNiffty: Envy Mimzy: Gluttony    (Charlie hears slow knocking at the Hazbin Hotel) 

Charlie: “Hey guys… the Radio Demon is at the door!” 

Rosie: “My fellow overlord?” 

Mimzy: “The one and only one?” 

Niffty: “The one I admire so?” 

Crymini: “That freaky showman guy with the shitty music?”

 Angel: “Oh yeah, the delectable strawberry pimp.” 

Husk: “Big fucking whoop.”

 Vaggie holds out her spear. Vaggie: “Don’t let him in, guys. Just stay calm and…” 

(Alastor opens the door, which slams Vaggie against the wall, white hair flattened, her eye twitching.)

 Alastor: “Why hello there, my fellow friends! It appears the newly improved hotel seems to be in order. Ah, and it appears we have several lovely guests joining us!” 

Crymini: “Just came to find a place to crash, nothing more.” 

Rosie: “This place is not half bad, all things considering.” 

 Mimzy: “Does this place have a bar and a stage?” 

Charlie: “Yes it does.”

 Mimzy: “I have a song for you all tonight. A song about…” 

Alastor: “The main character from Hazbin Hotel.” 

Mimzy: “Al, don’t interrupt! And this song is about the main popular character…” 

Alastor:  “Me!” 

Charlie: “No! I’m the main character of the show. The story revolves around me primarily.” 

Angel: “Aw come on. Everyone wants a piece of this spider. It’s no wonder I’m the most feared and popular.”

 Vaggie: “Screw you. I’m Charlie’s girlfriend and supporter. If she’s the main character, I will play an important role, no doubt.”

 Husk: “Yeah, what about us?” 

Niffty: “I’m part of the main cast, too!”

  Mimzy, Baxter, and Crymini; “Us too!”

 Angel: “Pfft. You three didn’t even appear in the episode.” 

Rosie: “Anything can happen. And Alastor is an influential character. Without him, Hazbin wouldn’t exist.” 

Alastor: “Exactly, Rosie! Thank you!”   

(Blitzo and the imps appear) Blitzo: “We get our own episode. And the second one is almost ready! Catch up, motherfuckers!” 

Alastor: “Get back to work!” 

(The imps vanish) 

Alastor: “Now, on with the song!” 

Charlie: “Ya know, we all are equal in this, let’s get along and sing a song about every…” 

 Alastor: “One moment, I need to tell a dad joke.”

 Angel: “Oh shut up!”

 Alastor: “I could if I didn’t open down first.” 

Vaggie: “Ugh!”       

  (Mimzy sings)

“Oh Alastor

The dapper of New Orleans

He takes note of my figure

And loves it when I sing

When he dances and buys me a drink

I get lost in his red eyes, and can’t even think

We enjoy each other’s style

And we’ve known each other a while

Singing or killing I’m ready for more

If I can spend time with Alastor” 

Husk: “Singing wasn’t bad.” 

Niffty: “Yay!” 

Charlie: “Selfish lady.”    

   (Angel Dust sings)

“Oh Alastor

The dark pink pimp walks through the door

That blood red suit, persona galore

But oh how I wanna see more

He wants to see other’s fail

But I’d fail if it mean I’d feel his tail

So tough, but full of red fluff

Deer daddy, I’m at your service

I can suck whatever you’d like

Suck your dick, slap you ass,

Al you get a free pass Anything you want, it matters not

Show me what ya got!” 

Alastor: “Ha! No.” 

Rosie: “Vile vermin spider.”

Charlie (facepalms) 

(Vaggie sings)

“Oh Alastor

You sack of manure

You’re a dick and a prick

And don’t know a moral from a trick

You barge in and manipulate everyone

Thinking it’s all in good fun

You’re a shady self-centered overlord of shit

Go away and quit

You harm my girlfriend, I won’t stand for it a bit!” 

Alastor: (laughs) “Dear, if I wanted to hurt anyone here, I would’ve done so already. You thought I was going to use my creepy voice that time didn’t you?” 

(Niffty sings)

“Oh Alastor

The one who brought me here

His charm and his powers are nothing for me to fear

He’s good looking

I always love his cooking

Sewing dolls, witnessing falls

Seeing poor victims in his thralls

When he uses his tentacles to bring others down

Or summons portals to turn reality upside down

When the shadow spirits come to play

Or when he turns night to day

I made a deal

I’ll just squeal

It’s with Alastor I’ll stay!”  

Angel Dust: “Obsessive fan girl problems, much? Stockholm Syndrome.” 

Vaggie: “Fucking disgusting.” 

(Baxter sings)

“Oh Alastor

What is it about your magic

That if merged with technology would result in an event so tragic?

DNA, nerves, and brain

How much can a demon withstand pain?

Research more, find stuff out

That’s what it’s all about

Experimentation for the greater good

Even if unethical methods are not understood

Land dwellers can’t see what’s beneath their feet

An aquatic lurking, studying in the deep

My tests would be well known

If I could get my subjects alone

Seeing them react

What a comeback

Science and solitude is my home 

Alastor: “Poke and prod me and you’ll see what happens when a fish gets pulled above water.” 

(Baxter backs away)   

(Husk sings)

“Oh Alastor

You’re annoying to the core

Why did I even make a deal with you before?Summoning me against my will

Working for you to “pays the bill”Let me take the money and pot

Go away and rot

Bribing me with booze

Keep telling me I’ll lose

But I always gamble and win

Wipe off that hideous grin”  

Charlie: “Aw, that was precious! I didn’t know Husk could sing.” 

Husk: “Lay off, princess.”  

(Rosie sings)

“Oh Alastor

Associate and friend

Shall we discuss options for territory

Or help demons meet their end?I bring pose and perfection

You bring charm and power

Together we’re a formidable force

The very bravest shall cower

Treat each other as equals

Though you are the stronger one

Watch as citizens stand in their places

Fear and respects on their faces

When our work for the day is done” 

(Crymini sings)“Oh Alastor

You…look like a handsome creep

Can’t stare into your eyes

Then I’ll lose some sleep

Rock and porn are my thing

I didn’t even know I could sing

No one knows much about me

But everyone suddenly likes Crymini

Your music sucks, rock rules, pop drools

Sinners aren’t winners

Hellhounds win the rounds

Today, you stay away, Have a good day, hey!” 

Husk: “What kind of song was that?” 

 (Charlie sings) 

“Oh Alastor

What others say may not be all true

What matters most, radio host

Is what you think of you

I know there is evil inside

You’re shifty, creepy, full of pride

But you are very special too

This hotel is made for people like you

Singing, cooking, full of laughter

You’re not only about greed and merciless slaughter

While you want to see others fall

I know that in you, that’s not all

Moving in your arms during our dance

I was glad I gave you a chance

Whether we stay down here or go up above

The one thing that cannot be stopped, is love” 

(Alastor lets out a low growl, smile falters a bit. Charlie continues.) 

“Alastor, emotions do not make a person weak. In different states, you may find answers you seek. Sadness takes courage, it doesn’t make you a coward. It’s natural for everyone, even those with great power. After the storms come a rainbow, After sadness, an even greater happiness to show. You may think your appearance relates to your greatest endeavor. But even your big grin cannot hold forever.” 

(Alastor sings)  “My parents taught me to always look my best. And without my smile, I’d never be fully dressed. I can’t afford to appear vulnerable to others around me. My fearsome reputation would be ruined, you see. With a grin, you can win, you confidence shines through. Indeed, you look the best with a smile on you.” 

Vaggie: “Stop changing the subject!”  

 (Alastor sings) “So I’m the most popular…”

 Vaggie: “Absolutely not!!!”

 She swipes the spear and Alastor dodges, pushing her away. 

(Alastor sings)“…as you can see…” 

Angel: “Less, talking, more dancing! Or better, yet, stripping!” 

(Alastor sings)“The only one fit to rule Hell…” 

Vaggie: “I’m telling Lucifer!” 

Charlie:  “No, don’t! We’re all equal, unique, and special remember?!” 

(Alastor sings)“…is none other than me!” 

Niffty: “I’m not worthy!”

 Husk: “Fuck you, radio clown. Fuck you all. I’m grabbing a beer.” 

(Alastor sings)“The anticipation is too much for you…” 

Mimzy: “Indeed. Now, let’s party the night away!”

 Rosie: “I…need to get back to work…” 

(Alastor sings)“Our secrets revealed soon…” 

Angel and Vaggie fight after he called her a Bitch Burrito. Vaggie points her weapon at him. “I will kill you.” 

Baxter: “Fascinating interactions. Gotta get back to the lab.” 

Charlie: “Everyone, order! Order in the hotel!” (

Alastor sings)“…But you mortal morsels will have to wait…” 

Angel Dust: “Al, who you talking too?!”

 Charlie: “Wait, Alastor stop! Everyone has to know!” 

(Alastor sings)“…until then…” 

Every character in Hell: *Screams* 

(evil dial eyes and grin)“…stay tuned!” 

The world turned static and then black.      

Song 5: “Hazbin Madness” (From “For His Entertainment” AU)  

(Alastor) “Among the flames and gore

In Hell’s city galore

Radio waves spread wide” 

“We dance along the floor

We’ll show you what’s in store

Here, there’s no place to hide” 

 (Alastor) “Welcome to my Heaven in Hell

(Charlie) Where demons never see the light

Shadow spirits: (Alright!)

(Alastor) With my lovely demon belle

(Charlie) And my gentleman of might

(Both) The realms will all be ours tonight!”

Shadow spirits: (That’s right!) 

 (Both) “Come on out and have some fun

Taking out souls one by one

We’re back in style, dressed with a smile

Embrace our rule, you cannot run”

Shadow spirits: (No one can run from the Radio Demon) 

 (Chorus)

“Come down

(Come down!)

Don’t turn back around

Beware the Hazbin Madness

Our demon army’s abound

 Come down

(Come down!)

Go smile and play

But don’t fight against us

Lest your life slips away” (Hey!)  

(Charlie) “My life was changed by a twist of fate

(Alastor) My heart was battered by gnawing hate

(Charlie) Those who begin with a fresh clean slate

(Alastor) Won’t know their own failure until it’s too late” 

  (Alastor) “Welcome to my Heaven in Hell

(Charlie) Where demons never see the light

Shadow spirits: (Alright!)

(Alastor) With my lovely demon belle

(Charlie) And my chaos lord of might

(Both) The realms will all be ours tonight!”

Shadow spirits: (That’s right!)  

 (Shadow Spirits and possessed characters, clapping)“Hey, hey, say no more!We follow our overlord Alastor!

Hey, hey, say no more!We follow our overlord Alastor!

Hey, hey, say no more!We follow our overlord Alastor!

Hey, hey, say no more!We follow our overlord Alastor!”  

(Chorus)

“Come down

(Come down!)

Don’t turn back around

Beware the Hazbin Madness

Our demon army’s abound 

Come down(Come down!)Go smile and play

But don’t fight against us

Lest your life slips away” (Hey!)

[aaahnaewangjanim]

My thoughts after watching 3 Will Be Free:

I initially planned to finish this series after it finished airing but I forgot lol. After watching it, all I can say is that it was a wild ride!!!

After Leo (Neo's brother) got killed (why????), I started to feel like everytime a new character gets introduced, he/she is going to die eventually. I was like, "No, don't kill Miw's Mom.", "I hope they won't kill Luang.", "Please don't kill PP!!!", etc. 😂

Miw's fearless remarks and humor. Hahahahaha

Mr. Thana accepting Shin's sexuality was the only good thing about him that I can remember. Hahaha

I love how the three of them started as three people with different mindsets that often argue and ended up understanding each other and caring for each other. Awwwww

The colors. The styling. The acting. WOW.

Boss John is such a daddy. Hahahaha.

That whole back story of Shin and Neo was sweet. Neo approaching Shin first shows that he's interested in him (also the way he kinda flirts Shin with eyes while he's posing says something). He seems genuinely happy and free to say anything when he's with Shin.

Mae slowly changing Ter in every episode. ❤

The whole scene where Ter mistook the cute guy in the shop as Luang was funny to me. I don't know why. Hahahaha.

PP is soooo cute! I like the way he flirts with Shin. I won't forget his iconic line--"You look hot na." 😂

Boss John forgiving Miw, and not letting his anger prevail.

That thumbnail where Neo is hiding inside the cart in a 'weird' position will never be not funny. No wonder it has a lot of views. 😂

The conversation at the beach and also, those kisses. That was a bold move from GMMTV. Wow.

I was happy that Mae did not shoot Miw after knowing that she killed Phon.

Shin sacrificing his dream just to protect his best friends is so sad and at the same time touching.

But!!! Neo, unaware of Shin and Mr. Thana's agreement, tried to assassinate Mr. Thana and messed things up again!!!

Mr. Thana misinterpreted the whole incident as Boss John's plan so he killed him. Awww. Another hottie is dead ☹.

Shin overheard Neo and Miw's conversation and it made him feel like an outcast again. He probably knows that they really love him but he seems to have this feeling that Neo and Miw are more compatible, maybe because they have more similarities. I don't know why but I feel sad for Shin. The three of them have proven their love for each other, but Neo and Miw's love towards each other and towards Shin are different. Maybe that's the reason why PP exists 😂. Their conversation at the end with PP says something. Hahahaha

How can I forget? TER WAS KILLED!!! He's starting to change for the better but he was killed immediately? That's one of the saddest moments in the series, but i guess it's bound to happen...

I saw a comment on YouTube saying, "I'm going to kill you but first, watch this PowerPoint presentation". Lol hahahahahahahaha

Guess who's having a sweet revenge? It's Mae! Hahahahaha. Thank you for doing us a favor by killing Mr. Thana. I hope that by doing this, you'll be at least a little happier. 😊

I enjoyed this series a lot, and I hope GMMTV will produce more shows like this in the future! (or a second season maybe?)

[morathicain]

I know these prompts are old but for 100 on the 1-150 drabble prompts post (from like November) with Ter/Mae/Phon? Maybe Ter doing something endearing and being caught?

@bucketsofsomethingorother  THANK YOU so much for your prompt! You can’t believe how happy you made me! :D especially one about Mae/Ter/Phon!

I am sorry it took some time, but here you go and have fun! :)

Series: 3 will be free

Pairing: Mae/Phon/Ter

prompt: Ter doing something endearing ;)

~~~~~~~~

Left unsupervised

Whenever Ter had been coming back from work lately, Mae and Phon had been in deep discussions regarding the diner. The shop was always closed already, but they were still talking about the management and whatever had to be done for the next day.

Whenever they were like that, there was no space for Ter. He knew what was going on, but he was hardly the right person to give his opinion. They didn’t actually need his opinion. All their attention was on the job and only when they had finished their discussion did they realise he was there as well.

 It wasn’t a problem for Ter. He didn’t need them to be attentive around the clock and the diner was important. It was especially important for their relationship, a part which only belonged to them. So instead of interfering or walking away, he watched them from a few seats afar, a cool drink in his hands, silently observing and enjoying the view. Because nothing was as sexy as watching your lovers talk enthusiastically about what they love.

 It became a habit which he barely broke. After a long day it was soothing and relaxing to just sit and calm down while oberving them. Afterwards they would talk and eat and sleep. They were all busy, but since Ter had accepted Mae’s and Phon’s proposal to move in with them, they had at least their evenings and nights together.

 Funny how such routines started, Ter thought as he stared at his lovers. Who would have thought this could happen only a few years ago?

 Ter smiled, but as soon as he really looked at Mae he stopped smiling. She was coughing between talking, appearing more annoyed with this by the minute.

 Without thinking much he stood up and walked behind the bar, getting her a glass full of water. She took the glass with a small nod, but kept her gaze on Phon otherwise. Content with his actions and the way she drank almost half the glass instantly, Ter sat back down again and continued to stare and daydream.

 ~~~~~

 It was only a few days later when he heard Phon’s stomach growl across the diner during their talk. Hadn’t he eaten regularly again? Ter frowned as Phon only put his hand on his belly for a short moment, before going back to the topic he’d so animately discussed seconds later. Even hunger wouldn’t stop him, would it?

 Looking around the diner Ter saw some apples at the counter which were a little snack for the customers. Usually. This time it had to be a little snack for the manager.

Without making a noise he stood up, got one apple and put it on the table at Phon’s ellbow. He didn’t even know if Phon had noticed, but as he sat down again Phon’s hand wandered towards the apple and soon there was an almost soothing crunch to be heard. At least soothing for Ter, who was smiling and observing happily once more.

 ~~~~~

 Phon not eating enough appeared to be a problem. Mae not eating enough was one as well! Who would have thought so? Before moving in, Ter hadn’t realised it was a problem. But now it seemed Mae and Phon were both bad at eating during work and Ter wouldn’t accept it like that!

 So he started putting more apples on their table or getting some pork belly from the vendor around the corner when he came back home. Home. The thought of this as his home was enough to make him feel giddy and buy some sticky rice as well. After another day surrounded by burgers they probably wanted something else, wouldn’t they?

 And so, whenever he had money, time and thought of it, Ter would get something to eat. Just something small since they would eat later anyway, but he’d found out how much longer they were discussing their business when they were hungry. So, in the end it was a win-win.

 ~~~~~~

 The talks they had were usually similar. What had been going on today, what was needed for tomorrow, how were the employees and what needed to be changed, repaired or replaced. Also the menu and shopping needed to be talked about. Both of them were happy when all of it was finished in the evening instead of the morning. They didn’t need long. Maybe an hour. Longer if they were hungry or thirsty. Which had been their usual state of mind in the past, but which had subsided thanks to Ter. And also: Which was the case right now.

 In the middle of his sentence, Phon broke off and looked around: „Where is Ter?“

 Mae blinked several times as if she needed to reconnect to another reality first.

 „Ter?“

 She looked around as well, but their boyfriend was nowhere to be seen.

 „Didn’t he come in earlier? I think he passed us.“

Phon nodded: „I think so, too. But seriously? I’m not sure at all. And even if, where is he?“

 Although they were always focusing on their task at hand, they knew he was with them. They may not react much to him, but hey knew. Especially since he’d started giving them drinks and food. Which he didn’t do now. Which was quite strange.

 „What’s with him? Do you think he’s running late from work?“

 Mae shrugged, but he could see her frown as well: „He would have told us, wouldn’t he?“

 Looking down at their phones they didn’t see any messages.

 „You don’t think he had an accident, do you?“

 Mae pressed Phon’s hand for a moment reassuringly: „No. No, I don’t think so. He’s probably just running late. Or maybe he’s already here and went straight to the apartment?“

 „But why ...“

 Phon frowned even harder now. Ter was like a wild dog. Even if he seemed a bit domesticated now, but he was still wild and unpredictable. Him being away longer couldn’t mean anything, he was sure. Maybe someone he new from old times had seen him and now they were fighting? Or maybe Ter was already bleeding out in an alley?

 „Stop!“

 Phon turned towards Mae with wide eyes.

 „What?“

 „Stop going crazy! He’s changed and you know it. Let’s look for him upstairs first. If he isn’t there we will call him and search for him, I promise.“

 Phon grinned a bit helplessly, but let himself be dragged upstairs into their apartment.

 As soon as they opened the door a subtle smell met their noses. It smelled like herbs and chicken. And it smelled really fucking delicious.

Careful and as quiet as possible did they go towards the kitchen.

 „Didn’t I tell you?“

 There Ter was, standing with his back to them, cutting vegetables, completely concentrated on the meal he was making. Phon’s heart might have exploded a little bit. With a small, quiet „puff“.

  Mae seemed to feel the same as she stared at their boyfriend with a loving smile. Ter didn’t seem as if he would have heard them even if they were a swarm of elephants. Or a group? A herd or was it a flock?

And while Phon was still debating what it was called while staring with growing fondness at Ter, the man turned, looking for some spice or whatever as his gaze met them. And stopped.

 „Hey“, Mae smiled and went forward as Ter continued to stare at them with confusion clearly written in his face.

„Hey“, he responded, „Are you finished already?“

 Phon shrugged and went closer as well, a grin on his lips: „We finished early. What are you cooking?“

 Ter, still a bit confused, turned to look at the pots and ingredients: „Just some grilled chicken with steamed vegetables and rice. The vendor on my way home had fresh beans and my colleague finally got me the chicked he had promised me. Thought I’d start dinner early this time so we can eat as soon as you finish your talk.“

 Phon looked at Mae and met her gaze before both of them looked back at their partner again.

 „That’s really sweet of you, thank you.“

 In all his time with Ter he had never seen this man as confused as right now. And he’d witnessed quite a lot of confusion on Ter’s part.

 „What?“

 Mae repeated her comment: „It’s sweet of you to cook for us.“

 And remember their favourite dishes. Phon would kill for some juicy chicken after all and Mae loved some fresh vegetables from this vendor above else.

 A blush spread furiously on Ter’s face as his eyes went wide.

 „I ... no, I didn’t!“

 „You didn’t? What? Cook for us? Because that’s a bit difficult to deny, sweetie.“

 Phon came closer as well so he could stand beside Mae and stare at Ter with the same, intensive smile on his face. Which seemed to intimidate their lover without end.

 „No. I mean yes, but I was just hungry.“

 „Oh“, Phon nodded, „You’ve been taking care of us for weeks now because you’re hungy?“

 „I’m not, I didn’t plan to. I simply ...“

 Ter broke off, his face as red as a beetroot now as he stared at the floor.

„You simply?“

 „Didn’t think much about it.“

 Mae put a hand under Ter’s chin and lifted it up slightly, so he couldn’t but look at her from below. Which was such an endearing sight, Phon tried to burn it into his memory.

 „For someone who didn’t think much about it, you were quite thoughtful, Ter. Thank you, you’re adorable.“

 „I’m what?“

 Ter’s question came out as a squeak, his wide eyes staring at them helplessly.

 „So adorable!“, Phon added as he pulled Ter into a hug, crushing him against his chest. Or rather crushing himself against Ter’s chest, enjoying his perfect height to cuddle.

 „I’m not adorable!“

 „Better accept it. You, caring for us enough to provide us with drinks and food like this is fucking adorable and we love it!“

 Phon sighed contently as he listened to Mae, his face still buried in Ter’s neck which seemed to be getting hotter by every second now. She had such a way with words, didn’t she?

Ter jerked a bit in the embrace, but finally put one hand on Phon’s back.

 „You like it?“

 Strong arms pulled both men into the next hug, crushing them together even more. Mae kissed one forehead and one cheek as she hugged them with a smile.

 „We love you.“

 „Yes, we do. You’re a treasure“, Phon added with a squeeze.

 They couldn’t see his face, but Ter radiated satisfaction and contentment as he leaned into their embrace.

 „I love you, too“, he responded, „But I’m not adorable!“

 the End

[lozco]

X-Men Gold By Loz Cook

The Pitch

An Emma-led core team of four X-Men sponsored by Landau, Luckman & Lake, and a potentially revolving door of younger student X-men and guest stars.

An alt-universe where IvX happened years ago and ended with all Inhumans and X-men being banished off-world by the world’s main protector: The Sentry.

Former X-Force Villain, King Bedlam who wants to take over the world by introducing the sliver of the 616 Void, that Cyclops had locked away in his mind, into Sentry World’s Sentry.

After IvX, Emma needs a new direction. After everything that happened she needs a back to basics approach to her life. Get back to what she truly enjoys, teaching. Emma is contacted by several individuals.

First, Banshee who has made a deal with the extra-dimensional law firm Landau, Luckman & Lake for some alt-world tech that will help heal his body after the death Seed. He also needs Emma’s help healing his mind after such a horrific experience. The only way he gets the tech is if Emma agrees to work for LL&L, specifically Zoe Culloden for undisclosed reasons. With everything that happened with Cyclops, Emma decides this is as good an opportunity as any to reestablish the gold standard in mutant academics in the post IvX world. She knows the new X- academy/school has moved to New York, but after IvX wants a lower profile and prefers to work with a smaller number of students where she can do her best. Second, Artie and Leech. They are fed up with being treated like kids when they’ve been around for a long time and Artie needs some serious one-on-one tuition to finally develop. And Third, Magik drops off a young girl for Emma to tutor, Bo the young girl found on Monster Island. She doesn’t feel like she can invest herself in another young girl after Sapna’s fate. As part of Emma’s deal with Zoe, she offers positions to X-Men who she believes will aid her in her mission while helping her discover what Zoe is really up to. The team will move into L,L&L’s California High-rise which doubles as a gateway to the Alternate universe: Sentry World and will fulfill certain missions for Zoe. 

The Cast

Emma Frost Last Pitch Week I stopped myself from using Emma in favor of Sage, but Death of X, and IvX has reminded me that Emma’s absence has indeed made my heart grow stronger. Emma should be at least a co lead of the flagship X book. Emma will be the Co-lead of this book. She’ll be the focus of LL&L’s attentions and specifically the mastermind (see below for his identity) behind this particular Alt-world office.

Banshee After being told by Beast that his recovery is going to be slow and possibly years in the healing, Banshee goes to the one person who may be able to help him: the Morrigan. The Morrigan, his daughter Siryn, points him in the direction of LL&L as a means to heal him with other world tech. He is told that if he can convince Emma Frost to front an affirmative action team for the firm, he will get his tech. He convinces Emma who after what happened to Cyclops cannot fathom losing Banshee again. She agrees to front the team as long as he joins her. His arc will focus on healing and reestablishing his relationships with Emma and Forge.

Psylocke Emma approaches Psylocke to be the muscle on her team, impressed with how Psylocke has handled herself pre- and during IvX. Psylocke in turn realizes that she needs a break from everything that has been going on recently in her life. Her battles with Magneto over that team broke down into violence and now she wants a change. She will develop a mentor-like relationship with Artie Maddicks.

Forge The big thing I enjoyed from Lemire’s Extraordinary run was Forge and Cerebra. These two were wonderful and I’m never going to be able to get over the fact that Forge taped Apocalypse’s mouth shut. Forge will continue to be the ultra competent backbone of the team while still trying to overcome past demons and mistakes. He will befriend KidW one of the Alt-world techies at LL&L, who is an alternate version of WizKid.

Leech and Artie Maddicks Leech and Artie have been Marvels eternal moppets for too long. I enjoyed them in FF but feel they have way too much potential for me to ignore them longer. For the purposes of this pitch, I made them teenagers and will develop their characters beyond anything that has happened to them in the past 10 years if not longer. We’ll have a bit of separation of the two also. Emma will take Leech under her wing giving him a level of control of his powers and an ability to direct it, while Artie will get a major power upgrade and will develop a friendship with Psylocke.

Bo I loved Bo’s single appearance from Bendis’s Kitty and Magik adventure. I wanted to age her slightly (anything goes after Secret Wars right) and develop her character and power set. Her powers will be able to breach Emma’s diamond form which will be crucial later in the book. She will befriend the alt-world version of mutant Karasu Tengu.

Villains

King Bedlam – Bedlam was always one of my favorite X-Force villains and he has a natural protection against psychics which makes him a great foil for Emma as they have a history. He is the Mastermind behind everything that happens in this book. All the villains in this book originate from Sentry World and Bedlam is responsible for the Sentries breakdown. He wants to use the Void Sliver to introduce into the Sentry and discredit him, leaving Bedlam and his Hellions to take over as supposed “protectors” as new sentries of Sentry World and in turn rulers. Tarot – Wherever Bedlam goes; Tarot will not be far behind.  Tarot will not be the subservient woman familiar with 616 readers. She will be a sadistic Queen to King Bedlam and will mess with Banshee as he tries to recover. She is Bedlams top assassin and lover, and She has quite an extensive trophy room filled with keepsakes from opponents she, Karasu and KidW have defeated. Karasu Tengu – In Sentry World, The Inhumans and Mutants came to blows much earlier in their history. The Sentry intervened and most of the Inhumans and X-Men were exiled. Karasu was one of the first mutants to take advantage in the new world all but devoid of Mutants and Inhumans, especially X-men. Karasu is an assassin of former X-men villains who might threaten the Hellions.  At first she will be the benevolent Other world projects manager at L,L&L, but will eventually show her true colors. She befriends Bo and makes plans for an aggressive expansion of the trophy room she shares with Tarot to include Earth 616 items. KidW – Like Karasu, KidW (pronounced Kih-dub-yah) is nothing like his 616 counterpart. He is an assassin who has infiltrated L, L&L like the other Hellions and works as tech support. He befriends Forge and the two work on several projects to help L, L&L with their Sentry “Problem.” He has been slowly transforming the Gateway high-rise in to a maze of traps should the occasion become necessary. The Void – The sliver of the Void will reject and destroy Sentry and will look for a new host. King Bedlam will become that host and he will threaten the destruction of the whole world and possibly the 616 world in turn due to the Gateway.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

First Year Summary

Issue 1: It Starts

Emma-Centric issue. We’re introduced to the status quo pretty quickly. Emma’s team is already established and is already living and working out of the L, L&L Gateway High rise in L.A. The Gateway has two halves. Earth 616 half and Sentry World Half.

Emma Mentors Leech. She feels the Void cry out. The X-Men investigate Cyclops Grave and battle a mysterious assailant, Tarot, who manages to contain and evade them all.

Scott’s head is missing from his grave. Emma is obviously enraged and vows to find the culprit.

Issue 2: Human

Banshee Issue. Banshee is having a healing session with Emma. Along with his technology he is starting to feel like himself. He recalls how his daughter got him here after being told his health would be a long time coming.

Emma is called to a medical facility on Sentry world. Banshee, Psylocke and Bo accompany her. We realize that The Sentry is not feeling his usual Self and feels like a part of his mind is missing. This can’t be a coincidence. The only difference in this world is, this Sentry never had the Void and was free to be the protector the world needed. Zoe questions Emma about the remains of the Sentry in 616. 

While in Sentry World they battle members of the Purity group. While fighting, Bo attacks and Emma and Banshee are rendered unconscious. Emma is in her diamond form at the time. Psylocke defeats the remaining Purity Members and Bo.

Issue 3: Butterfly

Psylocke Issue. Psylocke realizes each purity member was a psychic black hole. She thinks that their attacker at Cyclops grave was similar.  She is fixated on the notion of psionic black holes and people stuck in systems of thought and action, unable to change who they are. Can she choose the way of peaceful warrior as opposed to her recent violent streak?

Forge has been doing some research on Sentry world’s Inhuman/Mutant crisis. One of Zoe’s tech Support, a teen named KidW tells him all about how most of the Inhumans and Mutants were forcibly removed off-world after their war.

Psylocke researches Sentry World, and Artie goes with her. They investigate Purity and are attacked by King Bedlam who disrupts their minds and Psylocke’s telepathy has no effect on him. She sends a telepathic message to Emma, but is not sure if it was received.

Issue 4: Hard Equation

Forge Issue. Cerebra alerts Forge that something is wrong on Sentry World and the source of the disturbance is from Psylocke’s last known coordinates. Secretly KidW uploads a virus into Cerebra. She is unable to speak or relay information. Forge get’s Kids help trying to figure out what it is, and Kid says they just have to figure out the equation that fixes it.

Emma and Banshee train with Leech on Directional Power nullification. Power nullification is just one aspect of his powers and is able to negate specific aspects of others abilities making others stronger. He turns off Emma’s Telepathy, making her diamond form harder, heavier, and stronger. He then leeches the diamond boosting her telepathy. Emma hears Psylocke’s  butterfly S.O.S.

Forge recalls a time when he’d felt like he had a virus himself. When he had a ghost box and the fate of the world was in his hands only for it to be taken from him. How he had been abandoned, but then he’d heard a small voice, and it had been a tiny program named Cerebra.

Issue 5: There is a Drum

Emma, Banshee, and Leech race to the L,L&L lab where Forge is trying to fix Cerebra. Forge can’t quite fix cerebra but can use her teleport function. Forge stays behind to fix Cerebra. Emma orders Bo to stay behind. She is too untested.

Emma, Banshee, and Leech battle King Bedlam and Tarot. However they are Sentry World’s Bedlam and Tarot. 

Tarot Attacks Banshee and Leech Emma Fights Bedlam. Both Tarot and Bedlam have tarot cards tattooed across their backs and can manifest multiple abilities. 

Artie awakens and binds and muzzles Tarot. Banshee Strikes out at Bedlam disrupting Bedlam’s tarot and his psychic static. Emma orders him to tell her where Scott’s head is. She can feel the psychic drum of the Void sliver in her mind, even through her Diamond form.

Forge Bo and Karasu Tengu, another LL&L employee, arrive as backup, but Psylocke realizes Karasu has possessed Bo and Bo attacks. This time Emma is protected in her Diamond form and Banshee has evaded the attack. Everyone else is unconscious. Bedlam escapes with Tarot and Scott’s head as Emma Knocks Bo unconscious. 

Banshee and Emma give chase. Psylocke, in Astral form, battles Karasu to protect the fallen X-Men.

Issue 6: The Longest Memory

Each member of the x-men are stuck in a telepathic nightmare influenced by a past traumatic memory from their past. Forge is detonating a nuclear bomb attached to a ghost box. Bo is being abandoned again on monster island. Leech is a living taxidermised exhibit in his dad lab. Leech is stuck in a loop being shot to death next to Annalee his Morlock mother.

Finally Psylocke succumbs and is instantly stuck in a nightmare where she has killed all the X-men and is living in a dystopian future, Old Woman Betsy style.

Issue 7: All Bets are Off

Bedlam and Tarot  race towards the medical center housing The Sentry. Banshee fights Tarot as Emma chases Bedlam to The Sentry’s hospital room. 

Emma is about to defeat Bedlam when The Sentry and Zoe Culloden burst in separating them. Emma tries to reason with The Sentry, but he seems confused and gradually he starts speaking with the crazed mannerisms as Bedlams victims. Zoe meanwhile picks up the container that Bedlam was carrying Cyclops head in. She holds it close to her chest. She is under Bedlams control.

Emma warns The Sentry, but he blasts an energy beam at Zoe disintegrating her and Scott’s head releasing the Void sliver. The Void corrupts the Sentry and the whole floor erupts in a fiery blast.

Issue 8: Real Later Starters

Leech  and Artie break free of Karasu’s telepathy and together sever her connection with everyone. An odd side-effect of Karasu’s mental tampering has awakened Artie’s ability to speak.

Karasu escapes. The team rushes to catch up with Emma and Banshee and the team battle a contaminated and extremely unstable Sentry. Finally Artie manifests a containment unit that puts the Sentry in a coma. Emma Speaks to the Sentry telepathically and he pleads with her that she must protect Sentry World while he is incapacitated and holding the influence of the Void at Bay.

Things go wrong when the Sentry suffers a void induced stroke/heart attack and promptly dies in the containment unit. Emma tries to hang onto the psionic trace of the Void sliver which has definitely not died with the Sentry, but loses all trace of it.

Issue 9: History Boys

The team have to deal with the responsibility of protecting Sentry World now their main protector is gone. Back in his lab, Forge notices newly installed Ghost box tech. The Gateway on the Sentry World Side is built with the same tech.

Emma and Banshee are interrupted by a couple of LL&Ls lawyers, come to talk about the new status quo. It seems that the sentry’s last act was to telepathically make Emma’s promotion binding.

Forge has a flashback to his Karasu nightmare when doors start sliding, and walls start moving. KidW appears and attacks Forge.

Other doors open from other locations in Sentry World directly into the Gateway. The Void has taken on a new host, King Bedlam, and he’s bought Tarot and Karasu with him.

The last three issues will feature some revelations and lessons learned for all characters plus some V.S battles:

Psylocke and Artie v.s Karasu

Forge/Cerebra and Leech v.s KidW

Banshee and Bo v.s Tarot

Emma v.s Bedlam/Void

Emma becomes host to a sliver of the Sentry left behind when he died and uses this power to help each individual on the team.

Banshee has called in Siryn/The Morrigan who saves Pyslocke.

Morrigan v.s Karasu, one crow deity versus another.

Bedlam/Void v.s Everyone. Bedlam activates a Ghost box in the centre of the Gateway base threatening to destroy Sentry World.

A weary Psylocke wakens and with the focused totality of her psionic powers in knife form to bedlams head, Gives bedlam a taste of his own medicine. This gives Emma the opportunity to finally destroy the Void sliver.

Emma is now responsible for Sentry World. She rallies the team to be this world’s protectors. Leech, and Artie become fully fledged members of the team. Siryn sticks around to spend time with her father. Forge rebuilds the Gateway. Banshee and Psylocke agree to stay.

Going forward, X-Men Gold would deal with threats the Sentry hadn’t taken care of, and also the possible return of Sentry World’s X-Men or Inhumans. More Followers of King Bedlam would also show up to cause trouble. 

As we mentioned yesterday, you could win a prize for commenting. In conjunction with MahMuseComics.com, and The All New Wednesday Warriors, comic store Dr. Volts is sponsoring pitch week and is giving away one X-men themed prize to one random commenter each day. So, enter the discussion, ask the pitchers questions, engage them in conversation about the pitch and you could win. Hope you enjoyed X-Men Gold. Tune in tomorrow for  X-Men: Armored CompleX.

X-Men Gold logo designed by the talented Jerrod Pittman. 

X-Men Gold X-Men Gold By Loz Cook The Pitch An Emma-led core team of four X-Men sponsored by Landau, Luckman & Lake, and a potentially revolving door of younger student X-men and guest stars.

[walkonwalkonwithhopeinyourheart]

Barcelona Analysis via /r/LiverpoolFC

Barcelona Analysis

Hi everyone, after a great result and performance yesterday I thought I'd try and shed a bit of light on the challenge awaiting the team during the week. I've watched just about every Barca match for the last decade or so but of course, my observations are not the absolute be all end all, so feel free to disagree or question anything that I say.

*disclaimer I am a Liverpool fan but this article will speak very highly of Barca*

​

At the very least I'm hoping to clarify a few things that may not be instantly obvious.

​

2018/19 Style

This season Barca have reverted back to their fabled 4-3-3, having had much success with a 4-4-2 last season.

Much has remained the same since the late 2000s, with fullbacks playing extremely high, offering width, centrebacks splitting in possession and playing a higher line, with a pivot often dropping between them.

From there, an asymmetric duo in midfield offers shorter and longer passing options.

The front players match the midfield's asymmetry, with a one narrow and one wide forward, coupled by a striker.

​

Possession is still key, they have the ball a lot! Often the idea is to create space between the opposition's defence and midfield. They are particularly effective at overloading the inside left before quickly switching it to the inside right (wonder who occupies that area). As such space then opens up wide right and wide left in the transition, making it difficult for opponents to recover effectively.

This team still loves to play out from the back, however their goalkeeper now is a lot more comfortable launching 40 or 50 yard passes to the flanks should the short passes be going nowhere. However they can still cause so much damage to poorly planned presses with 3 or 4 touches and a Busquets pirouette.

The midfield likes to string what i call 'test' passes together. In that they will pass into areas in which it makes opposition players consider coming out of position to claim the ball but also consider staying put, often they aren't sure and after the 3rd or 4th time they'll push up only to leave fatal space somewhere else. Aside from that though, the midfield won't do a whole lot of 'on-paper' damage, Rakitic aside this midfield isn't in double figures for goals and assists combined.

Their forwards do a lot of switching, from 30 yards and in, the name of the game is 1-2s and you'll normally see opponents squashed into an area smaller than their penalty box yet the net still bulges. The front 3 play close together but the space will either be vertical or horizontal i.e. one will run in behind when the others combine, or one will hug the touchline while the others combine. This is when a midfield linker such as Rakitic or Arthur seals the deal.

​

Personnel

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is in my mind the best keeper in the world. He plays as a sweeper keeper behind Barca's high line and is very comfortable in possession. He is also one of the best in the business at dealing with one on one situations and in terms of reflex shot stopping (seriously - youtube some of the mental things he's done this year).

​

Gerard Pique is having an absolute second coming in defence, playing with his usual swagger on the ball, but also commanding and leading the entire backline. He has been unbelievable since the turn of year; his ability to block shots, deal with crosses and intercept passes into the striker have all improved markedly. Clement Lenglet has slotted in beautifully alongside Pique and his composure in possession is a hallmark of the way Barca want their defenders to play. He also boasts excellent recover pace but can be a bit rash with his last ditch tackles. Jordi Alba continues to be the only world class leftback not named Andy and whilst he rightly receives a lot of plaudits for his attacking dimension, defensively his positional sense and intelligence means he is rarely caught out. Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto have both been used as right backs, with the former offering more defensive solidity but more naivety and the latter able to continue attacks as an auxiliary midfielder, such is his versatility.

​

Sergio Busquets may not be the player of a few years ago but is still integral to how Barca play. Dictating the tempo and creating space out of nothing whilst also covering for his more attacking teammates. Ivan Rakitic has shown no signs of a world cup hangover, which would make sense as he has 5 lungs. He fills the space vacated by the marauding right back and some Argentine luxury player but is also capable of late bursts from midfield and has a mean right foot. Arthur Melo is experiencing a great debut season, with people claiming him to be the new Xavi. The playstyles are similar, but he lacks the Spaniards creativity and people often say he plays with fear, keeping things ticking along but never threatening.

​

Lionel Messi lol. Luis Suarez is playing a strange brand this season, alternating between perfect hattricks to Shane Long. He is, as we know, always a menace, and when his link up play is working well, him and Messi play football from another planet. Ousmane Dembele is still very raw, but his pace absolutely terrifies defenders, he's like bambi with NOS, but he also has two great feet and loves to sell a dummy.

​

Arturo Vidal, Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti, Malcom and Carles Alena all offer a threat coming off the bench.

​

Strengths

This Barca team plays with much more control off the ball than the other iterations. Their centrebacks are fantastic at defending crosses and cutbacks, with the midfield excellent at shielding from deep and forcing opponents wide or into a mistake.

​

Their frontline has pace to burn with Dembele and as such, offer fantastic counter attacking opportunities, plus has a certain fluidity to it in a similar way to Liverpool. Suarez may pop up on the right, Dembele through the middle and as such they are difficult to tie down.

​

Their midfield plays with more verticality, they will be wary of Liverpool's press and it is likely that they will be more direct with their movement and transitions so as to bypass any press.

​

Messi. Yep, him. With the way this Barca team plays, h is able to function on a greater level. He normally drops in to the inside right position (although he will normally start matches on the touchline) and from there it pretty much depends on him. Dembele and Suarez like to alternate between coming short for 1-2s or running in behind, whilst Alba always offers a long diagonal threat. But get too close and all you'll feel is his fart in the wind. He also offers a shooting threat from set pieces and from anywhere inside 25 yards.

​

Patience is a virtue with this team. Quite often they will not hit their flow in the first half of games, instead toying with their opponents, tiring them until the space between players is big enough to strike. This Barca team is extremely clinical (unless Suarez is wearing his second left boot again) and as such, any chances they create will most likely be high in quality.

​

Weaknesses

Their high defensive line is of course, susceptible to longer passes however these must be weighted perfectly to avoiding the onrushing Ter Stegen.

​

Either side of Busquets. Their transitional movement when losing the ball in midfield is poor. Often Arthur and Rakitic are offering pasisng options and as such, if the ball is given away in midfield the space either side of their pivot becomes a lot more glaring.

​

Lack of movement when Coutinho plays has also been a theme this season, as the playmaker often tries to do too much himself. Suarez and Messi have recently stopped making dynamic runs as often due to this and normally this threat will solely be the duty of each fullback.

​

Messi. Weird right? That's not to say the wee man himself is a weakness, but rather in times of need the other players tend to look like deer in headlights, of course it is often Messi who is driving the truck.

​

Where Liverpool Can Profit

It's a stick or twist scenario. Do Liverpool cheat and leave their frontmen high up the field and risk an overload? I feel Klopp will look to use more of a 4-4-2 in defence, with Mane and Wijnaldum/Milner filling in on the flanks. Subsequently a counter attack becomes more of a threat, but how can they get the ball to them?

​

BIG VIRG. Yes he's a mountain, a colossus, a unit, but he also possesses a hugely dangerous weapon. The long diagonal pass. If anyone would like to watch Barca's 4-4 thriller with Villarreal they'll see how their two frontmen both occupied the spaces where the Barca fullbacks would be meaning that there was no need to avoid whatever Barca press there was - instead they played the ball to their frontmen who could combine in those spaces - they found a lot of joy that evening, 4 joy to be exact.

​

Space in the midfield is normally a virtue when playing against Barca, but this Liverpool midfield is capable of playing some lovely one touch football, granted there won't be as much space as last night... a quick transition from winning the ball to attacking can bypass this Barca midfield if done correctly, and Liverpool are one of the best in the world at that.

​

Anfield. Barca's away form has been tentative for the last few years. That's not to say this team lacks belief, they simply play a more pragmatic role when away from home, accepting 0-0s as decent results. Normally they've gone back to the Camp Nou knowing what was expected of them, but that will not be the case in this tie. Anfield however, will be in the know.

​

Summary

Sorry for the long read, it doesn't feel nearly as informative as I had intended it to be but heyho, that's what armchair punditry does to people!

​

If there are any questions on this article or Barca team then give me a shout but hopefully some of you found this useful!

​

P.S they play Levante at 19:45 today but I don't expect their full team to play for more than 60 mins max.

Submitted April 27, 2019 at 06:07PM by AgentGoat via reddit http://bit.ly/2IM31CK

[tortuga-aak]

5 things you do that make recruiters think you’re desperate — and prevent you from getting the job

Sebastiaan ter Burg/Flickr

While you want to show recruiters that you're enthusiastic, you don't want to appear desperate.

It can be tempting to reach out too frequently or reapply for a job you didn't get, but these actions are likely to annoy recruiters. 

You should also refrain from trying to contact them in more than one way, and if they say they'll reach out if anything changes — don't check in with them before six months have passed.

The fine art of communicating with recruiters doesn't come naturally to everyone. On one hand, you want to impress them and be enthusiastic so that they'll consider you for a position. On the other, you don't want to appear too eager or desperate. Still, job hunting often gets stressful, and no one likes playing the waiting game.

When a recruiter is the one person who is able to tell you whether you're being considered for a position, if you landed an interview, or if you actually got the job, it can be very tempting to reach out to them frequently to express your continued interest.

There are definitely times when it's appropriate to check in, but it's very easy to cross into nagging territory if you're not careful. Here's how to know if you're driving the people who can help you land a gig crazy, straight from recruiters themselves.  

1. You've emailed them two days in a row without a response

There's likely a pretty good reason they're not getting back to you. If you've already interviewed or corresponded with a recruiter, don't worry if they don't get back to you immediately. "Each recruiter is most likely managing 50+ active candidates at a time, and it takes time to collect feedback from interviewers and then connect with hiring managers to decide what next steps look like for each candidate in play," explains James Parker, an Employee Recruiting Manager for Glassdoor.

So what should you do if you've emailed a recruiter for feedback or to check in and haven't gotten a response? "Candidates should give at least a two day window before seeking more information on the decision-making process," he says.

2. They told you they'd have a decision Friday, but you're checking in on Wednesday

You might feel like you're being proactive or simply showing how excited you are about a position, but most of the time, when recruiters say they'll get back to you on a certain day, they really mean it. "This can send the wrong message and come across as desperate or too pushy, especially when candidates cold call a recruiter for an update," says Linda Schubert, an Employee Recruiting Manager for Glassdoor.

By all means, feel free to ask when you might hear back, but Schubert says you then have to respect the date the recruiter gives you in response. And if you don't hear back by the date they've given you? "Send a polite and concise follow-up email asking if there are any updates, or if there is anything the recruiter needs from you as the team looks to make their decision."

Sebastian ter Burg/Flickr

3. You reapplied for a job you didn't get

Maybe you think you didn't get a fair shot, or you want a certain company to know that you really want to work there, so you decide to submit your application again. Whatever the reason, when a candidate is rejected from a position and given feedback as to why, it's a pretty major misstep to then ask to be reconsidered the same position (or a similar one) right away. "We love to reconsider candidates, but a reasonable amount of time (6+ months) would need to pass where they could have gained new experience or skills that would make the hiring manager want to re-interview them," Parker says.

If you do get rejected from a job you really want, his advice is to ask for feedback if it wasn't provided, then make an effort to develop skills in the areas needed. "When reapplying at a later stage, candidates should include a cover letter explaining how they have developed the skills that weren't sufficient previously," he adds." If you plan to do this, it's also a good idea to ask the recruiter what the appropriate timing would be to submit another application.

4. You've tried more than one way to contact them

Calling, emailing, and Facebook messaging a recruiter all at once is a serious faux pas. "Sometimes I get the same question emailed, sent through LinkedIn, texted to me, and left in a voice message within the same day from the same candidate," Schubert says. "That doesn't do anything good to help their chances. There is a fine line between being proactive and nagging, and by bombarding a recruiter with messages that aren't essential, you are leaning towards the latter."

It's best to stick to the same messaging medium the recruiter has used to communicate with you before, and if they haven't ever responded to you before, pick one method and wait a few days before trying another.

5. They say they'll reach out if anything changes

If a recruiter tells you that they'll be in touch when they have an opportunity for you or if anything should change in the future with the role you've applied for, it's likely that they are not inviting you to check in with them frequently. "At this point, it is safe to assume you should stop following up with the recruiter," Parker says. "If you are a great candidate, you better believe the recruiter will contact you the very second another role opens. There is nothing wrong with a follow-up email, but if you hear crickets, it's best to cut your losses and move on."

NOW WATCH: This animation shows how terrifyingly powerful nuclear weapons have become

from Feedburner http://ift.tt/2jDBqF3