#jumpscared me every time. just long enough between each bit that i forgot about the last one. guess thats why its 3 hours

[bmpmp3]

it is interesting how different stories about showbiz try to depict a character as having star power like a common method in audio-visual mediums is music and lighting to try to make a fictional actor's performance in a fictional movie look transcendent (like in Babylon 2022 which I watched the other day) while mediums that don't have the benefit of audio or the moving picture like most comics will have something like a bunch of sparkly screentones all over the place or glitter in their eyes that kinda thing (like too many manga about the entertainment industry to name) but i still have a soft spot for Penguin Revolution's method of just hallucinating wings on everyone

[ricksbowen]

one more time | pt. 4

IN WHICH: a nighttime visit turns into a whole other session.

INSPIRATION: she — harry styles, the less i know the better — tame impala

WARNING: this series will have smut in it and is pretty sexual all around ( read with caution ). there are implications of sex right off the bat, and everyone is 18+ and in their senior year. there’s also family problems mentioned.

pt. 1, pt. 2, pt. 3, pt. 4, pt. 5, pt. 6

The sound of his doorbell going off terrified Ricky in more ways than he wanted to admit.

He had spent five minutes getting ready to answer the door. The metal bat in his hand and the comical hockey helmet he put on were only precautions; who would ring at 12:16 AM? It only had to be a serial killer, and Ricky Bowen wasn’t going to be one of the stupid teens in every horror movie ever.

He was smart. He’d beat them up.

“Okay, Ricky. Just open the door.” Ricky jumped on the balls of his feet, his eyes trailing up to the peephole on his door. He nodded to himself, turning his head to crack it as he continued to hype himself up. “Peephole. Right— peepholes are great,” Ricky muttered, peering through the small hole.

You were standing outside. The rain that was pouring outside didn’t seem to phase you as you stared at the red rain boots you wore.

Ricky’s shoulders slumped ( he totally wasn’t excited for a serial killer to be at his door ) at the sight of you, relief coursing through his veins as he opened the door. Leaning cooly against his doorframe, Ricky managed a smirk past the hockey helmet over his head. “You look glum.”

“And you look stupid— who did you think was at the door?” You retorted, an eyebrow raising in question.

“Freddie Krueger. Jason Voorhees,” Ricky counted the names on his fingers, and even your sadness couldn’t stop the smile that crept on your face. “Hannibal Lector, the live-action Cat in the Hat—“

“You were scared of that movie?” you asked, cocking a brow in amusement. “I should’ve known you were a pussy,” you remarked, laughing softly at the ‘hey!’ he let out. You ducked under his arm, entering his house and shaking the rain from your hair like a wet dog.

“Umbrellas are a great invention.”

“Shut up, Bowen.” You shrugged off your coat, hanging it up alongside the other coats. You knew he was looking at you; rarely did you ever come to his house without a warning. “Stop staring.”

“I’m not,” Ricky retorted, averting his eyes to anything that wasn’t you. He pulled the hockey helmet off his face, shaking the mess of hair he had on his head. He watched you from his peripheral vision, your actions less lively than usual as you made your way to his kitchen. “I’m guessing you didn’t sneak out just for the hell of it.”

“Usually I do,” you answered, eyes darting up and down his pantry for anything edible. You knew you left some chips from the last time you were here. “My parents were arguing again. They were too loud, so,” you reached up for the familiar bag of chips. “I came here.” You didn’t want to get into the details of your parents’ problems. Ricky already knew most of them, from the growing rumors of an affair to your mom’s want to leave both you and your dad. “The only time they can get along is when they’re yelling at me,” you added quietly, almost inaudible.

“Stay as long as you want,” Ricky hummed, coming up behind you and reaching for a box of cereal. You always ranted to him because you knew he understood what you were going through. After everything that happened between his parents in his junior year, how could he not? “I can put on a movie or something.”

“Horror?”

“Sure. We can pick it apart like we always do,” Ricky said with a crooked grin, one that made you smile back. “We are still allowed to do stuff like that, right?”

“Like what?” you asked, making your way to his couch and flopping down on it.

“Normal friend stuff. I mean, we’ve had sex,” Ricky paused, staring up at his ceiling in thought. “Multiple times, In a lot of places,” he turned to the couch where you sat, eyebrows slightly furrowed.

“Your point?”

“Wouldn’t it be weird?”

“It hasn’t been weird,” you stated, sending him a puzzled look. “Has it been weird for you?”

“No!”

“Then what’s makin’ you change your mind?” you pressed further, the overwhelming feeling of curiosity making you ask him.

Ricky let out a sigh, clicking on a random movie. It seemed cliche enough; teenagers lost in the woods. Normally, the most cliche ones were the funniest ones to pick apart. He threw the remote back onto the living room table. “This girl asked me on a date today.”

Your eyebrows raised, surprised at the lack of emotion you had as you nodded. “Who? What’d you say?” you asked with a beaming smile, shaking him gently and making him let out another loud sigh. He picked a random horror movie, not bothering to look at the summary as he put it on.

“Just this girl I got paired up with for science. I went out with her today.”

“And? You can’t just leave it at that!” you pressed on, leaning into him with a cocked brow. Why didn’t he tell you? Usually you’d help him out with everything when it came to date, from what he was supposed to wear to where he was going to take her.

“She sucked; she kept on judging every little thing I did. All the jokes I made?” Ricky sucked in a breath, feigning disappointment. “She took them too seriously. When I said that I’d kill for a burrito, I actually don’t mean it,” he said, trying to keep a straight face as he felt you hit him as you laughed.

“Holy shit, she thought you were gonna kill someone?” you forced out behind bundles of laughter, throwing your head back as more guffaws left your chest. “I’m sorry, it’s just—“ you cut yourself off, a string of uncontrollable giggles following and making him bite back a grin.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, giggles,” Ricky said, words dripping with sarcasm as he looked at you from his peripheral vision. “I hope a jumpscare bites you in the ass,” he muttered.

“Aw, Ricky,” you sing-songed, nudging him playfully with a shit eating grin. “I’m sorry,” you said, your smile anything but sorry. Ricky still refused to look at you, faking the silent treatment and making you sigh. Ricky pulled his eyes away from the movie, setting them onto you and raising a brow.

“Are you really?”

“No, not much,” you grinned, and Ricky chuckled as he shook his head. He felt you move closer to him, putting your head on his shoulder like you always did when you both had movie nights. It was nothing but platonic.

The movie was watched in silence, the beginning dragging on for longer than you liked before the first teen separated from the group.

“She’s so gonna die,” you muttered, head still on Ricky’s shoulder. You felt him nod, eyes focused on the screen, and the music from the T.V picked up. The tension grew along with the devilish idea in your head. Ricky was staring at the screen with wide eyes, goosebumps rising on his skin, and the girl opened the door—

You let out a yelp. Ricky screamed bloody murder.

Ricky’s chest heaved, hand on his chest as he stared at you with frightened eyes. You were laughing, practically falling off the couch in laughter. Ricky swore he saw tears in your eyes.

“Y/N, stop,” Ricky whined, his high-pitched voice only making you laugh harder and clutch your stomach.

“I forgot how easy you were to scare!” you giggled, trying to calm yourself by breathing deeply.

“Please don’t do it again,” Ricky muttered, face burning with embarrassment.

“Or what?” you challenged, the smile on your face contrasting your glum expression moments before. It felt nice to smile, to laugh without having to worry about people yelling at you to stop. Usually, that was how things worked at your house.

Ricky moved closer to you, your smile faltering just a bit at the slightly determined look in his eyes. You knew the game he was playing.

“What’re you gonna do about it, Bowen?” you joked, knowing fully well what you were doing with him. You saw the way he clenched his jaw, and how the movie suddenly sank into the background as his attention was focused on you.

Ricky leaned forward just as you did, your lips pressing against each other. Your hands go to the sides of his head, pulling him down over you as your back hit the couch. Ricky hovered over you, deepening the kiss and making you let out a small moan in response.

He detached his lips from yours before reattaching them to your neck, making you tilt your head back to give him more space. You felt Ricky’s lips go down, his lips sucking a mark right above where your sweatshirt started to cover your skin. You felt him bite down, making you gasp, and you could practically hear him smirk smugly at the reaction.

Ricky’s hands tugged your sweatshirt up in a silent plea for it to come off, shivers running up and down his body when he felt your hands trail underneath his shirt. Wordlessly, you sat up and tugged it over your head, throwing it somewhere in the living room. You lifted your hips, pulling your pants off and revealing the black panties you wore.

Ricky swore he forgot how to breathe.

In turn, you tugged his shirt off, tossing it behind him. You pulled his joggers down, letting out a laugh when his lanky legs got stuck in them. Ricky sent you a sheepish grin, pulling them down his legs as quickly as he could. That too was thrown behind him, and you pushed him back, making his back hit the couch.

You straddled him, listening to the groan he let out when he felt you grind onto him. Ricky was looking up at you through his eyelashes, his mouth slightly agape as he breathed heavily. It was sinful how innocent he looked under you, gazing at you as if you were a goddess on earth.

To him, you were. To him, you had to be the most beautiful person, inside and out.

You looked down at him, leaning down to his neck and attaching your lips to his skin. Ricky let out a whine when he felt you suck in a mark right under his hear, the sound influencing you in more ways than one.

“Protection?” Ricky breathed, eyes shutting tight when he felt you grind down against him again. You were teasing him, the equally teasing smile on your mouth making him melt into a puddle.

“I’m on the pill,” you mumbled, pulling away from his neck and hovering over his dace. Your eyes were hungry and dominating, sending a sense of thrill down Ricky’s spine as he looked back at you with a lustful haze. It was obvious that he was enjoying it, being under you and having you tower over him.

Your hands went up to his neck, fingers wrapping around it as you grinded down onto him. He let out a moan, hips bucking up subconsciously at your movements. Your hand pressed against his throat only spurred him on more.

You pushed your panties aside.

—

The sunlight hit you in the face, making you rub the sleep away from your eyes.

You and Ricky had made it up to his room after having a few rounds on his couch. The stamina you both had was unbelievable, even for Ricky ( who you knew secretly loved working out ).

You opened your eyes, succumbing to the bright light shining through. The cotton white sheets that covered your naked frame brought you warmth, and you gently stretched. Only when you moved did you notice the arms that were wrapped around you, pulling you close to him.

Ricky never did that. He knew that you didn’t like having arms wrapped around you after sex.

You pulled his arms off of you, heart beating rapidly in your chest as you moved to the other edge of the bed. It brought back too many painful memories of him. Ones you never wanted to remember.

“Luka!” you squealed, head thrown back in laughter when you felt the arms that were once sleepily wrapped around you poke you in the stomach. You turned to him, face-to-face with your boyfriend.

“Aw, I never knew you were ticklish, babe,” Luka said, the crooked smile on his face making you roll your eyes. The sunlight that shone through his windows hit him perfectly, showing you the freckles that littered his skin. Your finger reached up, gently touching each of the little kisses of sun that were on his face. You moved your finger between them, connecting them like dots.

“What’re you doing?” Luka asked softly, cerulean blues observing your face.

“Counting your freckles,” you replied, making a smile appear on his face as he pulled you close to him. You turned around, making yourself the little spoon as he held you closer to him.

You moved your legs to the side of his bed, letting them hang off the edge. You let out a shaky exhale, the feeling of Ricky’s hands on your waist burned into your skin. You reached for his drawer, opening it and grabbing a random shirt. You pulled it over your head, standing up and stretching the tension away.

You hated how even the little things reminded you of him.

“Y/N? Are you leaving?” You heard Ricky’s groggy voice ask, his head peeking out from his blankets. His curls were like a bird’s nest, messed up from your hands sifting and roughly tugging on his hair last night.

“No— I can’t do that to you, you know that,” your words were soft, almost pointed towards yourself as you climbed back into bed. You pulled the blankets over you, making sure you kept a distance away from him.

“You okay?” Ricky asked, voice gentle and inviting as he gazed at you. He wasn’t blind to the sudden space between you both, his choice of wrapping his arms around you not even a memory in his mind. You knew he didn’t mean it, that he had always liked holding onto others, but the feeling always left you pained.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” you mumbled, your eyes meeting beautiful hazel ones as he looked at you.

Ricky observed you, taking in the little details. The messiness of your hair. The small amount of mascara that was smudged under your eye. The blooming hickeys he left on your neck that led to unholy placed under his own shirt. The way your eyes drooped because it was too early for you, and how your hair was a mess of tangles thanks to his hands running through them the night before.

Something changed when he looked at you. Ricky’s mouth fell agape at that moment, and something clicked.

He didn’t know what his epiphany was, but he didn’t want to find out.

—

TAGS: @tomshufflepuff​, @myrandom-fandomlife, @softpeteparker​, @sarcarstic-space-weirdo​, @particularcth​, @lifes-a-party-youre-a-boy, @paniniirae, @supersouthy​, @jointherebellion215, @gabyer0309​, @hannarudick​, @broken-from-fandoms​, @complete-trash-101, @ssprayberrythings​, @raven-waheda, @timelordtardis​, @chubby-cheek-calum, @nicole-lynne​, @loserr-likeme​, @whoseblogsthis​, @stxfxniexreads, @cherrydolan​, @allaroundaddict, @of-outerspace​, @blueevelvt, @kitykatnumber, @rocketdolans, @givemebooksorgivemedeath, @80sthottie

[kanene-yaaay]

Vulnerable

Author’s note: 

Thank you all very much for all the support, reblogs, heart and kinds words that you give to me. I can’t call this a christmas gift, but I really hope that you like it and this small oneshot is able to light up your day! ‘w’)s2

Just like all the random ideias this came when I was doing chorus, because, of cooooourse my brain wouldn’t give me a plot when I’m free and with time to write. xDDD

Just a bunch of fluff with all the Light Sides atke caring of Virgil. I love to write these scenarios. sorrey words. No angst today. xP

Warnings, fun facts, random things and stuff:

* Lee!Virgil and Ler!Logan. However, tickling isn’t the main plot this time. xP

* Hmmm… This is a fluff fanfic with liking for tickling. If you don’t like this kind of stuff, please look for another blog, there are plenty of lovelys and fantastic arts in this site!! ‘u’).

* Something around 4000 words. -w-)b.

* Sorry for any spelling, pontuation and grammar mistakes! Any advice is very very welcome!

* Fanfics em português brasileiro (Portuguese Version) ! Thank you so much for reading, my lollipops! Have a wooooonderful day regardless it’s festive or not! Take care of yourself and of your family, friends... Everyone who is dear for you!  Byeioo!~

                   [~*~]

Vulnerable.

 This was a bittersweet word. Maybe a little too much bittersweet. It was that set of letters that provoked a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. That kind of set that if he asked to Logan to define it, would receive a very different answer from the one that he really felt to be the real one.

 Weak.

 He remembers his first days living with the others on the Light Side: spending a lot of time in his room, crackled his fingers with worrying frequency every time he got out from his place and ended up interacting with someone; was always fearful and, when this fear became almost impossible to maintain or hides and someone addressed him a word, the purple lover showed his personality abruptly, with rough and sharp words. The feelings beating, counting the seconds to see how much time it would last until they expelled him from there, because one thing was extremely certain:

 “ – I-I can’t understand. – His voice came out in a mix of tiredness and anger, sparkling almost as hard as his sharp, frustrated look. – Why do all of you still doing this? Why are keeping me here? Why don’t you kick me out? Why pretend that I never did anything wrong?? – His voice stuck in his throat before he could release the main question, that one which made his heart hurt for keep it for so long.

 ‘Why do you treat me like family?’

 - You are an essential part for Thomas’ welfare. – The voice from the logic aspect echoed in the room occupied only by the two sides. In truth, initially it was only for Virgil to be there. However, Logan just settled down a few inches away from the first one, a book in hands and deaf ears for the growl that came from the mouth of the anxious aspect. – Your vigilant and awareness about the reality’s state helps him to keep his two feet on the ground. Something that I am grateful.

 And then he elevates his glare, taking by surprise the pair of brown eyes, which quickly deviated his attention to the wall, before hearing the phrase that let out from the other lips, in a definitely softer tune.

 - None of us is perfect. We never were.

 Virgil felt his body relaxes with relief. Absolutely against his desire.

  He was not like any of them.

 It took a few days for these first reactions to fade little by little. The urge to flee decreased and the frequency he went out increased. He stopped to throw out sharp and rough words to speak less often. He would let himself fall in the steps of the stair and stayed there watching his phone and listening music. Much because it was his favorite hobby, and part because as this he could easily observed (and mot of time unnoticed) the Light Sides interacting.

  “- Hey, easy there. – Warm, loving hands gently held his own, and Virgil controlled his first instinct to retreat and flight, quickly recognizing Patton’s voice and gestures. Was it weird that in such short time he already could recognize each of them? By their voice’s timbre, way to walk, the position they had around him… Would it be weird if some day they knew that he already was aware about of all this? – You will end hurting yourself, son. – As the one who wears glasses spoke, he untangled Virgil’s fingers, since the purple lover was crackling them in five different ways since the beginning of the movie, when he was called to join the Family Movie Night.

 The paternal side has a special skill to utter more than words said, and Virgil felt his ears burn with the blush that hit his face when he realized how deep, delicate and affectionate that phrase was.

 - I am not your son. – Complained in a mix of grumbled and growl that only could be researched and pronounced with a lot of training. Patton laughed and intertwined one of their hands, the other one being free to ruffle the hair strands of the anxious side, who falsely angry puffed, breaking free from the touch.

 - Sure you’re not, Hamilson! – Roman smiled brightly, extremely happy and proud for the reference utilized by the heart’s representation. Logan seemed be the only one who really was paying attention on the movie, and soon Virgil joined him.

 Partly because the plot was really interesting and part because he wanted to ignore the sense of comfort emanating from his hand, which would be totally separated from Patton’s one if it wasn’t for the two little fingers that still tangled. Again, absolutely against his desire.

  And, with the pass (a little more) of time (his own time) he changed from the stairs to the couch and started to do the chores by the morning and not just at dawn, when the others were away or asleep. He also began to smile more from Patton’s dad jokes and the little fights between a Logan without coffee and a sleep-drunk Roman, who didn’t stopped to summon the most eccentrics possible (and impossible) things in the kitchen.

 Virgil began to feel equally comfortable listening to his songs even when he forgot/lost/gave up to find his headphones, and, as a thank you, didn’t complained about the 150 stories and/or performances Roman created based in each one of the lyrics. Even if those didn’t have much of that bitter taste from angst that makes the whole climax even more interesting, in his opinion.

 Just as he felt free to lean against the back of Logan’s armchair, reading over his shoulders when realized that the one who wears tie enjoyed some book about astronomy, since the theories about of how the Universe and everything with it emerged, were too precious to leave the shame kept him from reading.

 The sporadic jumpscares from the logical side as he became suddenly aware about the other’s presence were equally appreciated.

 And, in the end, Virgil relaxed and lowered his guard enough to take a nap when Patton sat at besides him on the couch, either to try ‘just one more!’ of the thousands of handworks that he so much loved, or just to lay down his legs after a particularly hard day on the kitchen. Sometimes he would woke up when the paternal side softly pulled him to rest his head in his shoulder or lap (depending on how much both were sprawled out in the furniture), running his fingers through his purple hair from time to time. Sometimes humming something while working or sometimes let himself lean on Virgil for a small nap, too.

  “Thomas yawed and it might seem, to anyone who watched from the outside, that he covered the other’s mouth, due how suddenly his voice stopped to excitedly fulfill the air.

 - You are tired. – It wasn’t a question. Virgil could not detect the very tone of voice that stuffed his sentence. – You should go to sleep.

 The bed where both were resting shifted a little as the human turned to see the hours before undoing the action until he could stare the purple lover aspect.

 - It’s still early. Logan said that I should stay away from the cellphone for half an hour before bed.

 No answer.

 - Come on… - Thomas replied, his supplicant voice mingled with that puppy eyes that should have been considered a cheating so scandalous until the point to have laws to forbidden them. Virgil began to feel his barriers falling. Damn it. – You know you’re the only one who has enough persistence to keep me from picking up my phone and start to watch animals being cute.

 The one on the hoodie growled.

 - Logan also told me that the yawning is a sign that the body is attempting to stay awake, which means that your theories are so interesting that I am really trying hard to hear any and every bit o-

 - Okay, okay!! – He prevented the other from completing his phrase, covering his mouth and rolling his eyes to the laughter that hit its moments later. – Just, stop with this… sentimental stuff. Urg. – And then withdrew his hand, both turning to face the ceiling of the room, seeing more than could actually explain. – So, where were I? Oh, yes. And that is why, if the aliens remained in the area 51 and it really was in Earth, the time travel…

 …

 And for some time they slept, but, as always, Virgil found himself slightly waking up when he felt the other’s arms wrap him in a firm and affection mixture that had probably taken training and time to research; and, even more surprisingly, the side on hoodie didn’t felt himself pushing him away or sinking to his own room, and yes relaxing and sighing comfortably. Soon allowing his eyes to close and both fall back into the Dream World.

 It took a little longer to feel that he really could lower his guards. Talked more, without fear of being inconvenient, wander by the entire Mental Palace like a lost soul (he was really proud of the amount of jumpscares he manage to get from the family), sporadically visited the others sides  to chat (but only when he was sure that they were in their room and in rare moments, just as he wished it were visits to his own room); and, finally, starting to realize, step by step, memory by memory, fight to fight, discussion to discussion and intern joke to intern joke which Patton’s card, the debates with Logan, the pranks with Roman and the conversation with Thomas mean.

 Which meant being in a famILY.

 Which meant being able to be vulnerable, to be himself, to allow himself to be attacked at any time, by acts or words, just for the simple and liberating fact that none of them would do so, and vice versa. Perhaps happened to exists some bruises, however never really wanting to.

 “- You never showed me your room before. – Virgil uttered, part afraid to bring this subject up, but the other part, the most insistent, being too much curious to let the doubt arrested himself. His feet played, submerged in the water of the small river that crossed this part of the room belonging to the creative side.

- Maybe because you never seemed like a nature lover…? – The prince answered with a touch of doubt, as he wasn’t very sure about his own statement. In the end he shrugged, which was a little weird, since he was floating and keeping himself in the same place between the river flows by an only vine tangled in his wrist.

 - Fair. So, you’re the type that is carried away by the appearances, huh?

 - What!?? – With the fright, Roman almost lost his balance, trying to sit up before remembering that he was in the middle of water and not on a solid surface. For a moment everything became a mess of water being splashed to any and every possible direction, something that would worries the purple side, if it didn’t took more than a few seconds to the creativity side stabilize himself again, staring him as he has been slapped in the face.  – Pardon me?? I am the romantic side! Nothing to me is more important than the soul, the essence, the heart! ~

Virgil was almost sure that it was some flirt in this sentence, which wouldn’t be such a surprise, since it was almost countless all the times Roman flirted with every side who simply happened to pass for him.  The battle between him and Deceit remained as a historical mark in the Mind Palace.

 - Mh hm. – Virgil replied, the sarcasm flying from his tongue with an incredible facility, something that the member of royalty was plenty used to. – Just a sec that I’m gonna be right back after fake that I believe in you.

 - Take the chance and give me my cellphone to call and cancel that intimacy that you think you have with me. – The sharp look released by the one using eyelashes matched with his royal teasing smile. It took a while, as everything else in life, but both finally had researched a point where they knew the limits to play and teasing. Not everything was always clear as water (Ok. Maybe he needs to decrease his time with Patton.) however, one day the two would get there.

 Roman began to suspect when, instead to answer with acid words; the purple lover really got his phone and started to type something. He swam closer to the margin.

 - Hey, Roman. What does “Aqui esta mi numero” mean?

- … Heres my number. – Virgil gave what would have been one last click on the screen of his device, and then, from the prince’s pocket, a sound exploded echoing through all the room.

 - SO CALL ME BABY!!! HEY, I JUST MET YOU, AND IT’S CRAZY!

 The representation of creativity probably would jump something around five feet from the ground if he wasn’t in the river. With clumsy hands and several incoherent half-curses, even more inaudible amid the song and Virgil’s laugh, he took some great time before finally refuse the call, stopping 90% the sound, since the one on hoodie stilled laughing.

 - Ha! Jokes on you, Stormcloud! I do adore ‘Call Me Baby’!

 The purple lover pretended to wipe a tear from his eye, before staring at him with a smirk shining in his face.

 - So, why all the fuzz to hush i- WOW! HEY! – The currents protests was due the vines wrapped his sides, seconds before drop him the water. The prince knew about the other’s swimming skills, so, his only concern was just laughing at his mate.

 - ROMAN! – He emerged, a dangerous look glooming and leading a shiver rand down Roman’s spine and a nervous smile spread over his face. All his expression has an only message: - Run.

 Survive Advice: If the aspect of Fight and Flight tells you to run, you run. Even if you’re in the water.”

  It was about this same time he began to have these dreams, that sweet dreams, which, when you woke up, don’t feel a heavy feeling in the chest but a peace. Those dreams which he would wake up happy, refreshed, ready to open his eyes and feel joy for liking his reality. That kind of dream that was important enough to remember. Most of this kind of dreams involved the three light sides, along with Thomas.

 Due this, there was no way he would leave his room is if he was sleepy. Remus had once confirmed to him that he really did speak in he sleep, and Virgil didn’t wanted to risk the others obtained this knowledge in the most cliche and weird way possible.

 Which would be soooo much easier if Thomas wasn’t going back to the habit of sleeping at F I V E   AM in the days he considered himself on a break.

 Nevertheless, sure, nothing in his existence was easy, was it?

 So, the second the purple lover opened his heavy eyes, he was aware of four thing in the exactly same time:

 1º - He wasn’t in his room.

 2º - A blanket covered him.

 3º - His mouth was dry.

 4º - He had no idea about what time it was.

 Trying to remove the remnants from the nap rubbing his eyes, the representation of anxiety went into the kitchen, soon coming back with a glass of water and sat on the couch, thinking how pleasant his dream had been and that he should soon write down all the details to not forget the butterflies in tummy, which still persisted until now.

 - You talk in your sleep. – It was not a question. It was a statement. Virgil almost dropped his phone, his body paralyzing for a second, the memories running fast and clear through his brain. Soft touches, smiles, that unbearable and yet so good sensation in his skin…

 Laughter.

 His face automatically burned as if he was making a tomato cosplay. With little struggling a look, part relaxed and part nervous, took over his expression.

 - Is that so? Did I said something? – Took a sip of water. It wasn’t cold enough to soothe the heat that still covered his cheeks and not hot enough to dispel the cold in his belly.

 - Affirmative. – Logan adjusted his glasses; putting the bookmarker before close the book and delicacy sets its aside in the coffee table. – Interesting, indeed; and enlightening.

 Curse the day that the one who wears tie began to love mystery books and now liked to talk in codes. Who does he think he is? Yoda?? Virgil almost frowned for irritation, but wouldn’t let himself be carried away by the other’s, who carefully observed Virgil calmly lay in the couch with his phone (turned off, that’s true) in hands, game.

 - I wouldn’t define a dream like that. – Retaliated with a grin. – They aren’t the best example of logic, you know?

 - I do not believe it is more about the dream itself, and yes, what it represents. – It wasn’t his impression, Logan did approached some inches. Virgil’s muscles tensed. – Many times, due being from the human’s subconscious, the dreams can capture things that usually the own conscious mind don’t even realize. Unnoticed memories, ancient facts that seemed been forgotten… - Little break. The representation of Fight and Flight felt the blush increased. He knew. He knew, he knew he knewheknewheknewheknew!! And even worse, he knew that Virgil knew. The purple lover felt a smile starting to struggle to open in his mouth. – Unvoiced wishes.

 The aspect on hoodie jumped from the couch in a millisecond, his mind clouded by the nervousness and euphoria, which started to took over his being just for the unspoken words. Logan knew about his dream. His secret desire that, even being relaxed and adapted and feeling loved around them, he wasn’t told to anyone yet.

 Tickling.

 The aspect of ‘Fight or Flight’ does not trip, Virgil was sure, however, the quickly approaching ground questioned his belief and, when his body collapsed on it and he turned to prevent Logan, realized too late that the said already has sat on his legs, an atypical smile in his face.

 - Don’t. You. Dare. – Half smiling, half defensive. The one on hoodie attempted unsuccessfully to break free, until when those words came out from the other’s lips:

 - Only if you are comfortable with that.

 Maybe it was for the certainty with which this sentence was said, or the affection it represented, or the worry that showed, or even the dream he had before and the chase that made each one of his ticklish spots euphorically tingle with just the thought of fingers wriggling on them.

 Maybe it was even for the sincerity and calm in his glare, as if he had said nothing much. Virgil opened his mouth for some seconds, but no sound came out. His eyes met with the hand on his ribs, the sensation to feeling they still being more unbearable than imagining them moving. His entire face blushed, which he tried to hide on his shoulders.

 - Whatever.

 An amused puff was the only answer from the logic side before his fingers scratched Virgil’s neck, leading the purple lover released a light squeal and pulled his face out of the hiding place, trying to protect the attacked spot. The tickles stopped, which made him open his, almost frustrated, eyes just to find Logan simply wriggling his fingers meticulously in the air, right above his skin, going from a spot to another while spread amount of electrics shivers through his nerves

 - I wonder where I should start the experiment… Should I go up and down? Focus in just one spot? Maybe one per time should be the ideal, since you seem be too ticklish in everywhere… - Virgil began to squirm, stopping in the last second with as a frustrated grumble pushed from his mouth. Knowing the representation of the knowledge and curiosity, these wonders were true. However, the smirk growing in his expression make him doubt about that.

 After sometime, Virgil opened his mouth, ready to ask for him do something (anything!), which showed to be a bad choice, since in that very minute the fingers met his ribs and a quick giggle let out his mouth, didn’t finding any barrier to stop it. The struggle from the purple lover (and, as it seems, tickle lover, too) to escape becoming a little stronger.

 - Nahahahahaha!! Lohohohgan!! – The fingers were making circular motions in the upper ribs. First giving attention to just one, then two, then three then... This before his mind get completely messed and he felt the tem fingers hiking his ribs. – NAHAHAHAHA – Uuuuup. – Wahahahahahahahait! – Dooooown. – NAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAT– Up it goes. – TheheheheheHEHEHEheheHEHEHEheHEHE!! – And now he went up and down and in random patters, focusing in just one side before presenting the same treatment to the other. Virgil hugged himself as tightly as he could, seeking prevent his arms to stop the feeling.

 - This sounds like a good place. – The logical aspect continued, his calm and stable voice being betrayed by his playfully (and a little bit crazy, it’s important to mention) painted grin. His hands stopped, moving away from Virgil and giving him time to take some sips of air and struggle to not melt in giggles that escaped from his lips. Logan held one of his hands, delicately pushing it up. – Nevertheless I ask to myself how it going to be with this so well hidden spot.

 - Lohohohohohgan! Nohoho! W-wahahahahahahait! – His face was bright by how huge was his smile, almost as luminously as the sparkle in his glare. The one who (always)  wears tie (and sometimes a unicorn onesie) slightly ned his head, his free hand entering under the hoodie and giving small light squeezes in each one ribs where he slowly walked by, generating a series of laugh intercalated by squeaks and quick jumps. He tried to free his wrist from the other’s hold.

 - Yes, Virgil? Is there something that you want to tell? – The purple side, who had the blush spread to his neck, just shook his head, without being able (or not wanting to) pronounce anything. His nose winkled and his eyes were lightly shouted down, maybe having the conciseness that the dark made him even more sensitive. ~

 Logan began to trace with an only finger irregular patterns in his armpits, happily watching him curl up a little and put even more effort to lower his arm.

 -Plehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehahahahahahase!!

 - Do you want me to speed up? Alright.

 And then all the five tickler fingers attacked all at once. Scratching, poking, wriggling, drumming and exploring every little piece of researchable skin to tickle from the other.

 - LohohohoGAHAHAHAHAHAHA! NAHAHAHAHAHAhahahahahahahaHAHAhaha!!! – Now, the laughter danced more freely and in a higher flow. Logan keep the tickles for a few more minutes, switching between armpits and upper ribs. Since not know the next step seemed essential to get more shrieks and high-pitched laugh.

 The logic side retreated, letting the representation of ‘Fight or Flight’ finally lower his arm and curl up, the laugh coming back to little sporadic giggles. When he opened his eyes again, Virgil faced a long dark-blue feather millimeters away from his bellybutton. His glare met Logan’s, noticing how equally his expression was with that crazy scientists, and wondering, for that brief moment, how his own expression looked like.

 “Like a light.” Logan would answer if he had the ability to read the other’s mind. “Because it looks like capable to light the darkest night.”

 “And…”

 - NononononO!

 He wriggled the feather into Virgil’s navel, who practically jumped with the sensation that hit without any warning his body.

 “He certainly would be a warning to a thunder, or even the coming storm.”

 All his nerves and instincts were laughing. Virgil was absolutely sure about that while his mind became a messy cloudy of laugh and happy tears accumulating in his eye’s corner. His smile went ear to ear and it was really impressive that Logan haven’t been hurled by the strength which he squirmed. The laugh reverberated in his chest and filled him with enjoy.

  “An adorable storm, indeed.”

 He stopped, because the loud sound could attract the others and the most rational side doubted this was something that the one on hoodie would like to. Give him some more to breath.

 - My gohohohohohohohohohosh… - He still squirming slightly, wiping some small fallen tears. – Yohohohou arehehehehe ruthlehehehehehess, right?  

 - I believe that I was quite carried away by the experiment. – He lifted up the feather, unaware about the electric shivers running Virgil’s spine just by this movement. – I suppose that you enjoy light tickles as well, am I right? Would the neck be a good spot for this?

 Virgil didn’t answered for a few moments, ultimately agreeing with a quick nod, and feeling the other rise from his, now numbs, legs. Logan readjusted himself by his side, letting the feather softly dance on his neck, tracing his jaw, which trembled for the small chuckles that escaped from the said, until this spot behind his ear, which made him release gaps of laughter.

 In the end, Logan got up, going towards the coffee table to recall his book, before coming back together with the glass of water in hands, quickly handing over to the purple side, who still couldn’t erase the euphoric wobbly smile from his face. Seconds of comfort silent permeated between both. Virgil fight against which its representation before breaking it.

 - Thank you.

 Logan blinked, a bit surprised, before nodding, putting the feather in his pocket and letting a small smile took over his mouth.

 - I’m glad for we share this… bounding moment. It was quite pleasant.

 - Seriously?

 - Sure.

 - Well it was… pleasant for me, too.

 Quick smiles. Happy glares.

 - Don’t ever talk about this with anyone! Not even about the dream! – Sibilated.

  - I’m afraid to not know what you’re talking about. – And the one who wears tie left the room, his amusing sentence still floating in the air. Virgil couldn’t help but smile one more time, absolutely against his desire, sure.

 Vulnerable.

 Now he understood the sense that this word could assume when surrounded by the right people.

 Trust.

[pru-sama]

The Stars Between Us [ATEEZ Neighbors AU; Chapter 4]

Pairing: Ateez x Reader [you’ll see in the future ;)]

Words count: 2508

Warnings: no one!

A/n: it's late, yeah, but this month had been so chaotic, a lot of things happen and... I wasn't in my best. This was supposed to be a chapter for Halloween but shit happens. I take this time to write it again but still short. Still I wish you like it~

Halloween. Yes, that time of the year arrived, everyone made plans for that night, it was perfect so they could go out to a party, have a very Fun night with friends and all of that. And what were you going to do? Yes, exactly; stay at your house. Your classmates told you to go with them, the exams were last week and everyone wanted to have fun. You didn’t know if you passed them, no one knew, because they would give the grades the first of November, just after Halloween. Everyone wanted to have a party because of the end of the exams and because they didn’tknow if they passed. Both at the same time.

But it was a little different for you, you were nervous and you knew you would be more nervous at the party. So, you would stay at home, chilling while watching Netflix, maybe eating a pizza. That was how your Halloween night was going to be, and you were perfectly fine about that.

It was a bit different in Ateez apartment, if “bit” means “completly”. They finished all the schedules they had that week at the shows with all the halloween thing in them. That was a bit exhausted, but they finished everything, so Halloween evening and the next day were free days for them. It would be two relax days for them. Except for Mingi. It was the night of Halloween and he was the easiest to scare, so of course the rest of the boys weren’t going to let him rest peacefully.

Since the morning it was a nightmare for him, they woke him up with clowns masks that made him jump in his bed and fall on the floor.

“Shit! Bro, are you ok?” Wooyoung asked at the moment, helping him to be on his feet again. San, Yunho and Yeosang putting out the masks and looking at him with a mix of concern and fum in their eyes.

Mingi looked at them and, when he saw that they were his friends he breathed again.

“Oh god” he said with a tired smile in his lips. It was so easy to scare him but he didn’t care if it was his friends, he believed in them and knew they weren’t going to “attack” him, that they would be with him. But, of course, they were going to have fun, in a friendly way, with him.

“it’s that time of the year” Yeosang sang in a sweet savage way.

“Come on, Seonghwa hyung prepared the breakfast” you added, stilled laughing at Mingi’s reaction while exited the room.

San, with and innocent smile huged one of Mingi’s arm and help him to follow the older, all of them going to the living room like they did every free day.

In the living room the rest of the group put the breakfast Seonghwa had done, like always, but that time he had HongJoong's help for the cooking schedule. Even with that special “wake up” Mingi smiled when he saw the food, it was his favourite! At least not everything was bad that day. Or that’s what he thought just before Jongho jumped from behind, making the taller jump the sofa in front of him and fall on the floor. Everyone there laughed at that while he was recovering from the fucking jumpscare.

This time was HongJoong who helped him to sit properly on the sofa, he had a funny smile in his lips but he wasn’t meaning. Mingi huged his hyung being a bit drama queen, after all they were frienda and that were funny.

“okey, enough for now guys” said HongJoong.

The rest of the group accepted still laughing, but they sit down so they could eat the breakfast.

Mingi pulled apart from the older, thanking him with a calm smile. He breathed in and out. He needed to relax, that was going to be a long day for him, he knows his friends enough to know that they had a lot of pranks prepared for him. Specially Yeosang, his was the worst.

And the day was like that for ATEEZ.

Coming back to your apartment everything was tranquil there, some times you heard Mingi’s screams at the other side of the wall of your living room. They was having a funny time, and that made you happy. You knew how much they worked, even with the health problems. You told them to rest but even Seonghwa froced himself because they wanted to do their best. You hoped they were better.

The rest of the day was like that, you let yourself be a bit lazy because you didn’thave any work to do. And like that night fell. You were in your couch watching a movie with the fried chicken you ordered to tired -lazy- to cook something yourself. Your classmates send a lot of photoes of them at the party in the group chat you had. Group chat you silenced to have the relax day you wanted. You were fine like that, with your winter pajamas on, a blanquet around you, fried chicken and a movie. Everything fine.

Until that moment.

You jumped in your place when you heard a scream from the other apartment and a pair of seconds later you had Mingi in your balcony knocking at the crystal door for his life. It should be funny if it wasn’t that scared you as fuck.

“Oh my God, Mingi” sou said standing up to go to the door of the balcony while he was calling your name. When you opened he hugged you crying how the others scared the shit out of him. The guys put a normal movie to watch, but it wasn’t. It was a prepared video of the star of a movie that had a jumpscare at the end of it, and while he wasn’t lookind they put masks on. When they scared him he just ran for his life to your house.

“This boys…” you said hugging him, patting his back to calm him.

You helped him to go to your couch and sit down on it. He was hugging you like a kid hugging their mother after having a nightmare. He looked so cute like that, even he was tall, really tall, he looked so small in your arms.

“It’s ok Mingi, it’s ok, theres nothing bad in my house.”

At the moment you just said that both of you saw the fucking scaring Pennywise in your balcony with a light under his face. That make both of you scream with all the air in your lungs, hugging each other like the other was a lifeguard. That was a mess that ended in the two of you hitting the floor, still screaming and in each other arms.

“fuck! Sorry guys, I didn’t want to scared you!” you recognised the voice, and when he put the mask off you saw the worried face of San coming in. Just seconds later Yunho jumped the rail of the balcony to enter your apartment.

“Don’t jump the rail!” you heard Seonghwa yell, and you thanked him in your mind for that, you were to shocked to said it in that moment.

“oh my, are you ok?”

At Yunho's question you finally react, hugging Mingi tightly.

“What te fuck guys?! You scared me as fuck, and look at Mingi, just- what the fuck?!” you said, still a bit shocked.

Yunho and San looked at you worried, but San started to explain.

“We promise we didn’t mean to scare you too! We prepare a prank for Mingi and when he ran to your house we followed to see if he was okey…”

“But San forgot to put off his mask” Yunho finished. At his hyung's words San apologized again for that.

They helped you to stand up again, but Mingi didn’t believe them yet. He stilled with his arms around your body, so you sit again in the couch with him. You cared his hair in a protective way, in a way he loved but he didn’t tsayit.

The bell rang, it was the rest of the group you supposed. Yunho cross the room to the other door to open it so they could enter. Just right after cross the door Seonghwa told him again to not jump the rail while the others went worried to you.

“Are you ok?” HongJoong asked sitting at your side, looking at you and Mingi. You nodded as Mingi, who stilled wrapped around you.

“Wait, you are here alone?” Yeosang asked out of nowhere “why aren’t you with your friends?”

You thought for a moment before shrug your shoulders and said “I prefer a night of Netflix and Chill… i don’t want to party today”

“Why you didn’t tell us?” this time was Jongho who speak. He had taken place in the room too.

“well… I didn’t know you were free today and… I didn’t want to bother you if that was the case”

Silent. It was silent after you said that, and the boys were exchanging looks between them before one of them broke the silence. It was HongJoong, sometimes you forgot he was the leader of the group and, even if they weren’t doing anything of work schedule sometimes he taking the leader role.

He cared your back, looking at you with a little cute smile. That’s what you thought when you saw it.

“You never bother us… and you are our friend, like we just entre your house like nothing bothering you, you can do the same if you want. Even if it’s only because you don’t have salt anymore and you need it. Or that we are being noisy and you want to hit us, you can”

“But please if you do it, do it softly, we have enough with Jongho’s strength” all of you laughed with Mingi’s words, Jongho moving his arms to show his muscles.

Again, you were thinking. The truth was that you were a bit bored being there at your own until they interrupted your movie night. It wasn’t even an Horror movie. And all the times you were with them were the best ones, time passed like nothing. Passing the night with them sounded like a good evening for you. So , why no?

“Then… do you had something planned?” you asked carefully, still a bit unsure if the would want.

The one who answered your question was Seonghwa, who shrugged his shoulders.

“Not really, only watch some movies, tomorrow it’s free too”

You smiled at his words.

“Perfect! Then let’s watch a movie here, together”

At that all of them noded with a smile, except for Wooyoung and San that let out funny cheers for the new plan for the night.

The boys went back to their apartment for a moment to take something to eat. They also brang blankets for everyone and pillows for the ones that would be sitting on the floor since your couch weren’t big enough for everyone. You prepared everything in your home for everyone to be comfortable, and with all that and their help it looked like a pajama party.

You had Netflix and for some people misfortune, specially Mingi, you chose to watch an horror movie. You smiled to him and again the tall rapper were by your side hugging you.

“I want to her to hug me too!” Wooyoung said making everyone laught.

“Next time, Woo” you said. He pouted for a moment but laughed a second later.

With all said you started the movie. No one of you had watched it before, so the screams were one next to other. Mingi and you were like the same person, if you didn’t get scared by the movie it was because of Mingi’s reaction. You were a ball of arms, legs and screams on the couch. Both reactions scared the rest of the guys too. That made everything funnier.

But it was late, and at some point of the movie you started to feel tired. It was too much adrenaline in a short time and that made you being more tired. If you were by your own you couldn’t fall asleep. But you were in Mingi’s arms, you felt safe. Before you could do anything you fell asleep in his arms.

He didn’t notice that until he saw you weren’t screaming with him. He looked down at you, and for a moment he forgot about the movie. Despite the terrifying the movie was being he could only see how calm you were sleeping against his body. Also he could notice how beautiful you were when you sleep. He smiled, and the movie wasn’t nterestingg anymore.

Mingi set up the blanket you were using around both of your bodies, moved a little to be more comfortable. He hugged you tightly, rest his head on the back of the couch while yours was on his chest and finally closed his eyes.

Seonghwa looked up when a hand tapped his shoulder, seeing Yeosang putting his finger in front of his mouth like a silence gesture and then pointed to de Couch behind him. He smiled with tenderness, like the rest of the group, at the view of the two of you sleeping together. You were so cute, so cute that they forgot the movie for a few minutes. HongJoong took his phone to take a photo of you that send to Ateez group chat, laughing a little.

“Should we wake them up?” San asked in a soft voice to don’t disturb your sleeping.

They remained silence againg while thinking before Yunho spoke.

“No, let them. It’s not going to be as funny as before… but they are okey like that.” He smiled a little.

With that they continued watching the movie, trying to not be so noisy so you could still sleeping. But little by little they fell asleep one after another.

When the movie ended the nine of you were sleeping together in your living room, the TV was on but no one cared about it. San and Wooyoung were tangled together on the floor with a blanket around them, Seonghwa and Yeosang were like them but less chaotic. Yunho, HongJoong and Jongho were together sleeping calmly. And then You were.

Mingi oponed his eyes, there wasn’t so much light, it was the starting of the sunrise. He was a bit lost of were he was or what was the last thing he did. He looked around seeing everyone sleeping, stopping when he saw you. You were precious, like he thought before joining you in your sleeping. He took a lock that was in your face behind your ear, caring your cheek in his big hand. He was so gentle, like he could break you only by touching you.

He smiled while admiring you, and then closed the eyes again. He was perfect like that, with all his friends with him. With you with him.

He fell sleep again in your arms, happily. That halloween was the best.

A/n: ~son las 5 de la mañana y no he dormido nada~ literally it's 5 am here, I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't fall sleep again so ... Here I am lol. I hope you like it I'm doing this in my phone still in my bed, so I will fix a few thing later.

Again sorry for being late uwu.

—Pru

[anne-lida]

[SPOILER] My Thoughts on “Venom” Movie

So yesterday and today, I (finally!) watched the movie with my mom in flippin' 4DX (but with 2D graphic though). We never watched a movie in 4DX before, but I saved the moment and the money for this movie. ;)

Also, I repeatedly lost parts of my long review seven times. I was losing my patience, my memory, and my excitement each time I had to rewrite my review. So I decided to just make... commentary for my expectations and (stupid) wishes that I posted days ago.

n.b.: there will be so much spoilers after this (hence the title). You've been warned. Plus, there was two types of commentary here: the bold commentary (and most of "My Other Thoughts" part) is from my first watch, the italic is from my second watch.

My Expectation (what I think the movie would be/what would happen in it):

- I can see myself squealing like a fangirl at any random moment in the movie. Probably most of those moments are reference from the comic that I know. XD --> I was so noisy (my mouth almost never closed at the entire movie). I screamed or "aww"-ed like... every five minutes at the rarest? I was sitting on the farthest row from the screen and I saw almost everyone looked behind their chairs everytime I screamed. XD --> still screaming and "aww"-ing, except that no one cared about me. XD

- After I watch it, my thought might be ranging from “omg, I love the movie! I don’t care what they say, but this is the best movie ever!” to “I love the characters, I love the concept of this movie. But may I rewrite the story, please?”. --> it's in between? Like there's still something that should be fixed, but maybe not the story. Maybe it's just the pacing?--I said the pacing towards the end is too fast, my mom said the pacing at the beginning is too slow. Maybe one caused the other. But then we kinda agreed that the time from after Riot bonded with Carlton to the end of the final fight is too short compared to the other part of the movie. I think this could be fixed in some kind of novelization or... what people called for "comic version of novelization". I won't even complain if it will be a 1000 pages novel with story like this. :) --> apparently love comes from understanding and understanding comes from time; I totally forgot about those flaws after watching it for the second time and just took all the goods.

- I think the ending would determine whether I like the movie or not. I have a feeling there’s something great at the end, something… surprising. But if apparently not, my love to the movie (not the comic) might be gone. Also, I think the ending might be–no, must be based on “Planet of the Symbiotes”. --> apparently the ending is much happier than the comic, especially because Anne is not traumatized after biting a head off (at least not traumatized enough to kill herself).

- No matter how many times Venom said that it want to bite people’s head off, I highly doubt that we would see a “solid proof” that a head is actually being bitten off, even before it was announce as PG-13. What I think would happen is… something like this level of violence. We might see Venom opened their jaw, the victim and people around them freaking out, the victim’s body stop moving and thrown away, but… it might be just that. (I might called every “bite your head off” lines as BS) --> I slightly surprised that Venom bit a head on camera. No one's bleeding though. (also Venom is a big hungry boy in general, not because of lacking phenethylamine like in "Venom: The Hunger")

- I have a strong feeling that in the end (probably in the post-credit), Eddie would be thrown into jail (to the prison where he did an investigation that led him to Life Foundation) after all the damage he had done as Venom and he would meet Cletus. Begin the film in the prison, end it in the prison. --> yes, there was Cletus in the one of the post-credit scenes (mid-credit scene, to be exact). But Eddie was just interviewing him, actually (and that's the only scene that took place in San Quentin prison).

- I know that this is impossible, but why I still have a feeling that Spider-Man would appear in this movie, even though I don’t want it to happen? --> yes, he is in the post-credit scene (which is shockingly a clip from "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and almost everyone in the theater were disappointed XD. Fun clip, though). --> my mom refused to wait until this post-credit scene. XD

- I have a feeling that the “Venom” name origin would be either so cheesy or the idea just came out of nowhere. --> it came out of nowhere. It's also the symbiote's individual name and it doesn't make sense to me (also Eddie didn't even question that?). Like if the symbiote is called "Venom", then both Eddie and Venom called themselves as "Venom", doesn't that mean Eddie is also a... symbiote? (this might be my brain farting, but still) --> maybe it's too confusing if the symbiote doesn't have an individual name and too risky to give him other name.

- Someone might be pulling my heartstring at the end. --> "Goodbye, Eddie." "VENOM, NO!" ...and there goes my heartstring.

n.b.: When they lowered the age rating, I tried to lower my expectation, just in case the movie is terrible. But the hype tho. --> I was spoiled from here and there (I was so bad at dodging it). Yet the movie is still so fun to watch that we both agreed to watch it again on the next day. XD --> ...and somehow the movie became much better after the second watch (it's like from 80-85% good to 100%). XD

My Wish (what I want from the movie):

- A flair of chocolate in Venom and Eddie relationship (this version of Venom symbiote needs chocolate real bad). --> not much as I want (just a barely mention), but it's better than none. Plus, me and Venom have a common ground now: Tater tots. --> I might be up to tater tots dipped in chocolate sauce. :d

- At least one soundtrack that I like because it is actually good, NOT because I like the movie it comes from. --> at the early part of the movie, there was "Eddie's Blues" that makes me think this movie will be different than other comic book movies nowaday. I feel like it has that mystery, private-eye movie vibe in it. (somehow it makes me think of "The Wolf Among Us"?) --> "You Belong to Us" is pretty good too. Its happy, slightly jumpy tune became a great refreshment after those tense, ominous, dark music.

- A touching interaction between Venom and the civilian (especially kids and/or women –> maybe with Mrs. Chen? She seems like a lovable side character) --> I don't think there's any (I didn't count Eddie as "civilian" in this case). Yet speaking of kids, the interaction between Carlton and the kids at the beginning made me forget that he's the antagonist :3. Also Maria wrenched my heart. )": --> Eddie is so nice to every woman.

- Please, for the love of God, just for once, let me love the protagonist more than the antagonist. --> I guess I did it? I like how Carlton's "persuasions" made me almost don't believe that he's the villain (especially in his conversation with Isaac), but every time he said "open", it broke that impression. Guess I still love Eddie-Venom duo more.

- This seems almost impossible, but somehow I want at least one song that Venom sang in the comic be featured in the movie? Or maybe a tiny scene with “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” in it? --> no, there was none. --> "I move to San Francisco for you. You are my home." Well, still sounds like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" life to me.

- It might sounds odd and cringey, but guys, there’s a rapper in the movie. Are you seriously not letting him rap even just for the credit? --> same as above.

My Other Thoughts:

- at the entire movie, my sitting position was either way too near to the edge until my mom held me back (afraid that I'm gonna fall off XD) or pressing my back to chair way too hard and I still wished I could press it even further (omg that Riot jumpscare... my poor heart... DX). Also I raised my feet so many times because the wind effect kept hitting my feet each time someone shot or kicked other's legs.

- dear symbiotes, why did you have to land in Malaysia? Dear female EMT whoever-you-are, why did you speak in Melayu? Why this movie is already so relatable in first two minutes?

- what happpen to Yellow (I assume that's its name since the other symbiote is called as "Blue"?) and the rabbit's fate? Did I miss something?

- it might be just me, but something in Carlton's appearance or face makes him seems like a nice person who can't do "angry/pissed off villain" expression. Like he's almost as innocent and curious as the kids that he interacted with. At least until he started to kill people.

- some of the 4DX effects for this movie are not necessary IMO. My chair was vibrating when Anne hit Eddie with a pillow, and I was sprayed (like a big spray) when Eddie picked a lobster and ate it (and it scared me. Twice).

- Idk if it's because of the 4DX effects, but the street chase is so awesome ("It's incredible," said Carlton Drake--seriously, he did say that himself after that scene XD). Also, this is the scene when I slowly leaned to my mom and whispered, "Let's watch this movie again." ;). This is also the point when I felt that this movie is so impossible to be hated.

- although people said that this movie sucks, I think we all still agree that the scene where Venom called Eddie "pussy" because he didn't jump off the building and took the elevator instead is funny/amusing (even though I'm also scared of height and would do the same XD. But seriously, I would rather be called "pussy" and lost my dignity than hyperventilating or getting heart attack and lost my life). --> also the scene when Anne demanded Eddie to go to hospital made the entire theater giggles at the least.

- omg, Venom likes Anne! Venom literally said he likes Anne! Omg, I don't think this OT3 even existed in the comic. :O

- I was about to ask how Riot's journey from Sibu to San Francisco is even possible, but somehow after the second watch I just don't want to ask it? XD

- the moment Venom was separated from Eddie, I immediately thought of "Planet of the Symbiotes" comic and I... gdi, Eddie. :"(

- I was expecting Venom bonded with Mr. Belvedere for some reasons. But of course, Venom is a dog perso--I mean, dog... symbiote?

- am I the only one who see the "making out" scene as an OT3 kiss, instead of just OTP kiss? Like both Eddie and Anne were actually kissing Venom, then Venom was like, "Okay, I had enough. I'll let you both have your moment alone now while I move to my favorite host." XD

- Venom being protective to Anne even when Eddie disagreed with him? Y'all, in Venom: Sinner Takes All, Venom protected Anne only when Eddie ordered him to. But this? What the duck is this movie trying to suggest us?

- "You belong to us, Anne." *me biting my bag, trying to hold back the squeal* oh my God, Venom told her to join the OT3! Three's a family! I can't--oh God. >O<

- I quoted what Venom says (and listed what Venom eats XD) at the scene after the street chase and at the ending, almost didn't lose a beat (because I watched the trailers too much XD).

- how could I didn't expect Stan Lee to be in this movie? (and of course Tom Hardy would pet a dog :3)

- the way Eddie taught Venom how to know the difference between good and bad people is somewhat cute (almost like teaching a kid >< And Venom later acted like a kid when he demanded Eddie apology for calling him "parasite").

- I told you that the movie would be good and enjoyable even without (directly interacting with) Spider-Man. I told you that despite the trailers being dark and edgy, the movie has its own "unexpected cuteness". :)

- when can I buy the DVD or Blu-ray for this movie?

- outside me liking the movie, I watched the movie twice because I was kinda hoping that by buying more tickets would help the possibility of the sequel becomes higher. And honestly, this is the first time I watched the same movie twice in the cinema.

- also I love how the fandom reacted to the movie (especially on Tumblr). You are the best! XD Keep it up, y'all! :D

I think that’s it for now. If there’s anything else that I remember, I would update this post. Maybe.

[bluriginals]

Quest for the Northwest Review

@gfdeepwoods @mysteryseeker

Sorry to keep you waiting!

It's been a long time coming, but it finally came! Not only since the last Blu Blogs (all the way back in March; yikes!) but since I made the promise to provide a review of Quest for the Northwest for a member of its crew (all the way back in June). Now I know what you're thinking and I will tackle these thoughts in order of importance:

1.) What's Quest of the Northwest?

It's the first installment of Gravity Falls: Deep Woods, a fanimatic based series chronicling some adventures in between the normal episodes of Gravity Falls

2.) jesus /march/

yes i know i'm awful

3.) Someone requested you to review their stuff?

i know it's so exciting!

ok maybe none of you were thinking that but i was and it was so flattering and cool and stuffs

4.) Does this have anything to do with the Mystery Hut review?

Only vaguely; MysterySeeker (who I'm assuming is running the project) saw it and thought I was apparently good at this so they asked me to throw some of my...'me' their way.

5.) You promised this review in mid July and it's almost October. What do you have to say about that, HydroPants?

Uuuuuuuuh...there's my ride?

Now in my defense, the first part was released January 16th and the second Hirsch Day and that's a 5 month wait so if anything I'm like, 3 months fashionably early!

Read and weep, boys.

Alright alright, in all seriousness deepest apologies for me taking SO long to get to this. Getting that feedback on time is likely important for whatever you guys are doing with Deep Woods moving forward and it's just plain unprofessional. Really sorry to you all! But enough apologizing, let's get to the review of...

If you haven't already watched it, you should check out part 1 here .

As I stated before, I might not have known about this or looked into without my Mystery Hut review and as I stated there, I was really hyping that project up. Since then I've learned to abolish hopes/dreams and reject happiness, but the thumbnail did give a good first impression. It had a well-crafted quality to it and had been made specifically TO be the thumbnail. This really contributed to my gut feeling that Quest for the Northwest would really be something special. And let me tell you it is DEFINITELY really good. However, rather than talking about it on its own, allow me to spend the entire review judging it not only by its own merits, but by comparing it to Mystery Hut. Naaah, just kidding I'll leave that ol' coot alone. Before I we go in on the story, let's talk about the presentation. Oh my.

Presentation

This presentation is just /amazing/. It's really like taking a step back into Gravity Falls as if nothing's changed (as much as you can in an animatic sense). Starting off with the sound direction, Quest for the Northwest has a distinct element that truly gives it the GF edge any project attempting to emulate the original series needs: the music and audio cues. Brad Breeck's music fills the scenes it needs to and adds to the atmosphere so much. However we aren't dealing with Johnny Test or a 4Kids dub here; the fanimatic knows when to stop talking and deliver some golden silence.

This example from early in the episode where Mrs. Northwest discourages Pacifica from playing with the commoners utilizes sound cues in a way that emphasizes what happens in it

I can't think of a true example of silence off of the top of my head, and it's likely that many scenes use a more lowkey part of the OST, but that works towards the same objective: quieter, more somber moments that appropriately juxtapose the louder ones. It never feels like these silences are too long, awkward, or the result of someone flubbing a line or not being able to think up some dialogue to put in the place of said silence. Speaking of flubbing lines, there's basically none of that: the casting and voice direction are extremely solid. I feel as though some of the people from Mystery Hut (THIS AND TWO THINGS LATER WILL BE ONLY COMPARISONS I SWEAR) may be 'reprising' their roles in Quest for the Northwest (which will hence forth be abbreviated as QftNW) and if they are I gotta give some shout outs to them and the voice director because the delivery and inflections of every line are just right and more. You really get a sense of the emotions and mindset of the characters with every word they say and on the whole the inflections feel very reminiscent of GF. Dipper, Pacifica, Jeff and Preston while not perfect matches are honestly good substitutes and deliver every one of their lines the way you'd imagine the real VAs to. Soos is honestly spot on aside from not being as deep but the real star of the show is Mabel. Though she isn't a near perfect match like Soos, whenever I hear her voice actress speak I can actually feel those Kristen Schaal-isms in her; not just through her dialogue but how she says certain words and just her voice in general. There's even special attention to detail in some places like when Jeff's voice breaks when he's pepper sprayed and in some instances, you can even tell what a character is saying based on their mouth in a single frame.

You can EASILY tell that Jeff's saying something with an 'L' sound, and while you don't have to mark little things like this in boards unless they're really important, I appreciate it a lot.

The only gripes I have with the sound (and they're admittedly minor) is that I feel like Part 1 is a bit quiet, even at max volume and Snadger's hiss audio in part 2 is loud. Like, if you have it at 100% prepare to get that faux jumpscare chord feel. But these really are nothing in comparison to the great sound in this fanimatic.

Upon my first viewing of the episode I was blown away at how well-crafted and consistent the art was. I could NOT believe that there were that many boarders; 4 at most. But I found myself shocked to see a plethora of different artists names flash on screen during the credits (16 to be exact; 4 times as many as appeared). On the second viewing, I was definitely able to distinguish more than 4 styles, but 16 is still WAY more than I'd ever guess. It's just so consistently good, on-model, and expressive, its many artists are able to carry it together with pride.

This shot in particular is really pretty, so I wanted to highlight it :)

Sure there'd be occasional hiccups like Dipper and Mabel's heads being squarshed in some frames or the first portion of Jeff's beast slaying plot but you still get a genuine sense of effort from each and every frame/artist and (Mystery Hut comparison incoming) not ONCE does it ever stoop the low, haphazard inconsistencies and disregard of the Gravity Falls artstyle as Mystery Hut did. In fact, it goes so much further beyond that. Just...take a look.

(Nearly) Every. Single. Face in this project oozes with the Falls. I absolutely loved it and it was a pure joy to look at. Not a second goes where something isn't moving and it's in the best way: each frame is logical and compliments the one preceding and succeeding it. I can honestly imagine so many of these frames transitioning smoothly from one to the other in animation and this level of attention to detail and desire to express a genuine Gravity Falls experience is commendable to say the least.

They remembered dramatic, shading using close-ups and in some shots they even bothered to put in unique towns people that fit the style! Cute!

But the biggest thing of all that propels this to new heights artistically has got to be the understanding of the characters.

QftNW has such a great understanding of Gravity Falls' characters not only in how they talk but equally as important: how their physical body works in relation to other objects as well as themselves.

Dipper's (audience) right hand has such a nice depth to it and the way Pacifica's hair bends on the bench looks like it jumped straight outta the show.

But there's on example that stood out to me above the rest. Just...look at this beautiful  8 frame scene where Dipper and Mabel take off their Pacifica costumes.

Forgot how tumblr shrinks wide images like this, so here: bask in the full glory of these frames!

Whoever drew this is my Super Star, the 1-Up Boy (or Girl). It's on model, it understands how the individual 'pieces' of Dipper and Mabel work (hair, arms, face etc.), it has touches like their changing facial expressions and Dipper turning his hat forward. I just can't do it justice this scene is so /good/. MysterySeeker when you get to this, please give that boarder special shout outs. I love this scene so much aaaaaaaaaah

Alright that's enough gushing about the glorious art and sound. There's one last remark I'd like to make about the presentation. The episode managed to get in a special monochromatic full version of theme which is great, but in the end the episode totaled out to /27/ minutes. Now, if that's what they want to go with that's absolutely fine. Nothing wrong with having your Gravity Falls fan series run a couple over the normal limit. But if they really want to go for that Gravity Falls feeling they should cut 5 of those minutes.

Story and Characters

Quest for the Northwest's basic premise is that Dipper and Mabel decide to go out to a parade being held to honor the election of the holder of the best running gag, Tyler Cutebiker. However upon seeing a miserable Pacifica in the parade Dipper and Mabel (mostly Mabel) callout to her and try to get her away from the parade and by extent her parents. All isn't right however as with Jeff's role as leader being questioned due to his inability to find a new queen, the town's precious princess may find herself in more trouble than she's bargained for. The basic story definitely shows lots of promise, particularly in the idea of having an episode where the Pines twins both interact with Pacifica. But before we really go in on that let me talk about the structural elements that hold up this story.

As stated in the presentation section, the visuals here are on point and they really propel the episode forward with great action based gags, both subtle and dynamic. Jeff rubbing his eyes after being pepper sprayed and Preston's reactions to all of the filthy commoners being near him (Soos especially) added to the scene SO much.

Don't touch me, PEON. And on a similar note...

Don't touch me phone, PEON.

The characters aren't just moving through each scene as lifeless dolls, occasionally making flanderized quips that are supposed to remind you "YUP THAT'S THEM". That wasn't uh, that wasn't supposed to be a Mystery Hut sneak diss either I just wanted to say that the characterization is great. Speaking of that third Mystery Hut diss, it's finally time to get to it as we talk about the characterization. Mabel's characterization is MILES better than it is in Mystery Hut. There she was a spouting faux-Mabel non-sequiturs and generally being a flanderized nuisance. But here? Her dialogue isn't substanceless; it's endearing, and smart, and feels SO Mabel. And being that this is QftNW, it's not just her dialogue. It's her actions. How she moves and the things she does: licking the beard hair twice (and ultimately eating some at the very end), her "balloon sense" in scene 2, picking the cotton candy off the bench when they hear people calling for Pacifica and then sliding next to them when they look behind the wall.

It culminates into making Mabel feel well represented and because she's one of our two protagonists, it's pretty important to have her on point. And that my friends is that LAST you'll hear of Mystery Hut for the rest of this review. Probably ;)

I think that Pacifica was handled really well too! Some fans would've had her be a complete 180 from her appearance in Northwest Mansion Mystery, having her be all nice, and kind, and forcing Padippica down our throats in a way that feels unnatural, Pacifica still retains a lot of her personality. She's clearly only JUST learning to be better person and it's the gradual type of character development that I love to see.

Pacifica says "It's ok, most people are terrible at what they do." and not only is this a funny line but it feels perfect for a kid who's only steadily learning to drop her rich girl tendencies.

Sort of reminds me of the Steven Universe episode "Beta" where Peridot is showing Amethyst and Steven the Beta Kindergarten and making remarks about the gems that emerged there that really bring out her more Homeworld-like habits.

Jeff's pretty well-handled as well. Due to him being more of a recurring character in the series he's got nothing that really stands out but he's still well represented, especially in relation to the show. Basically all of his dialogue feels right at home with him. Though there is one action he takes in the story that particularly stands out, and that's retrying the Norman scheme from Tourist Trapped. I know this seems like the type of thing that'd I normally whine about and call forced reference/fan-pandering, but the way it goes about is such a unique parallel to Dipper and Mabel's encounter. The Gnomes are NOT the smartest creatures in Gravity Falls, so it makes perfect sense for them to double down on such a make-shift plot. It further expands on the parallel by having the plot fall apart very plainly. Him stumbling over his words, dropping the hand, and just coming on too strong coupled with Pacifica not buying it at any point and eventually fighting her way out is a serves as a smart subversion of Mabel's encounter with them, helps advance the plot in a unique direction. On the topic of throwbacks that brings us to Dipper and well...

For the most part I believe Dipper's also himself. At first I was thinking he was being a bit of a downer but honestly, it fits Dipper to be resistant against things like going to the parade. Him not thinking about Pacifica's huge milestone in Northwest Mansion Mystery (NMM) where she disobeys her parents is a little bit harsh but things really go over the edge when after the twins manage to get Pacifica off the float, Pacifica mentions that while appreciative, she doesn't want to be caught with them for fear of more punishment from her parents. Dipper replies to this by saying "See Mabel, she hasn't changed at all. And here I thought you were gonna start trying to break the world's worst chain".

Barring the fact that reprising the "world's worst chain" in the context of demeaning Pacifica comes off as absolutely brutal seeing as the line was such a landmark part of NMM (it was the thing that made Pacifica finally consider a change of heart), it feels very forced. Dipper didn't need to say something that cut so deep AGAIN especially after Pacifica saved ALL of their lives not out of obligation but out of wanting to do the right thing. And that's just the world's worst chain part; the fact that he says she hasn't changed at all? Way too much. And considering that she's just doing something as little as running away from a boring parade and not tricking Dipper into exorcising a ghost it was really unwarranted for him to go nuclear on her like that. Honestly this is the only instance of bad writing in this entire fanimatic. Like, Pacifica not wanting to consistently disobey her hella strict parents again makes sense. Has the Fear of God never been put into this boy by Mr. and Ms. Pines?

But don't let this minor blemish make you think it's NO good. The episode's writing is honestly SO good. And it's referential/injoke humor definitely isn't a hit or miss in most cases. You know, based on the fact that I gave 1 hit example and 1 miss example; I didn't want it to come off as QftNW being a crapshoot when it comes to reference jokes. It's very subtle but you can catch things like 'Dope Dog', an obvious reference to Cool Cat who we all probably know from YMS, Pizza Guy being jibbed YET again,

Shout outs to whoever boarded the first montage too btw

Alex Hirsch's face being on the TV and name somewhere else in the episode, the former Mayor's honorary statue and the fact that it has 2012 on it,

You guys KNOW they would've had to vague the date if this was a real episode.

And best of all Pacifica's response at the end when asked if she wants to visit the shack. If you don't get it, listen to how she responds to Dipper. You'll get it. QftNW is just plain good at balancing the worlds of emulation and fandom. I salute you fair fanimatic.

As you could guess from how much I've gushed about the characterization, the writing is a joy. The jokes are very much Gravity Falls and from start to finish this episode is doing its best to give you that feel when you have GF.

On first viewing this had me /ROLLING/, oh my god. What a great way to start off an episode.

And it keeps this kind of stuff up throughout its entire run. BTW shout outs to one of the guys who said "MS. NORTHWEST" while they were looking for her. This is so random but the way one of them said it honestly sounded like professional VA work. He knows who he is. Alright that's enough goofing around. How do I feel about the actual plot, the meat of the story separated from the writing/art framework? As stated before I truly believe this to be a great fanimatic. Its production efforts are high for a fanmade project and you can just tell lots of love and heart were put into every aspect of it. But if I'm being quite honest, I found the actual plot sort of weak. The writing itself was top notch so that did it a lot of favors but if you take a step back, you realize that not a lot really happens. Like, a lot HAPPENS but not a lot of substance happens. The episode deals with two primary conflicts: Pacifica trying to take a break from her daily routine and avoid her parents and Jeff trying to prove he's a worthy leader. Both are handled in a pretty straight forward manner: Pacifica avoids her parents all day and worries how they'll react, Dipper and Mabel come up with a valid excuse less than half way through the episode; Jeff tries to kidnap Pacifica, fails, the kids pity him and help him out by doing the classical costume farce and all is well. It's lacking the strong character plot (ex. Mabel questioning if she is a good person in Last Mabelcorn, Dipper confessing his crush in Into the Bunker, Dipper and Mabel wondering if Stan is really what he seems in well, Not What He Seems, Soos learning how to deal with girls/the fear of being alone in Soos and the Real Girl etc.) present in nearly every Gravity Falls episode. Even the segments within Bottomless Pit! and Little Gift Shop of Horrors managed to place some significant character plots that easily feel just as strong as the real episode's despite them not actually happening. Here minor conflicts arise, but they're never anything that hard to surmount or quite frankly, that interesting. After letting it sit with me for a while, I realized that

1.) The episode has two montages. Not that having two is some abominable sin they should've avoided at all costs, in fact montage 1 is great for giving an abridged showcase of the kids day together. Montage 2 on the other hand doesn't exist to parallel montage 1 (showing an advancement/decline), or show anything of interest in general. It's just your normal training montage. It has funny jokes but it seems sort of excessive. Montage 2's results are a total flop and result in them having to think up a b plan. The fact that montage 2 is ultimately not important isn't even lampshaded, in fact it's more played as unfortunate with how Jeff nearly cries. I'm not saying that montage 2's failure should've been played for laughs, especially since in episode the failure is punctuated by a gag, just that in the end montage 2 was a bit cliche and unnecessary.

2.) Pacifica's presence in the second half feels sort of extra and as if it's there primarily so we can get more Dipper, Mabel, Pacifica relationship-growing-time fanservice. Which is not to say that is at ALL a bad thing (the bit in the last scene before the credits scene is SO cute and not forced at all I love it), but when you're trying to write a good story, particularly a Gravity Falls one, having a strong central conflict to carry the episode is pretty imperative. One easy example I can think of off of the top of my head? There could've easily been parallels drawn between Jeff and Pacifica and the pressure from the obligations they have to their families. Jeff on his only simply isn't that compelling a character and making him into a compelling character that late into Gravity Falls isn't that beneficial. He isn't locked out of development due to being a recurring character, but having him have his own little arc that ultimately contributes to Pacifica's (a major character) would've been a better choice. There's obviously more than one way to do things, but that's something I thought would've worked out well.

3.) The title "Quest for the Northwest" doesn't reflect the episode's contents. Jeff's easily apprehended by Pacifica so there's no such quest to speak of and it isn't a clever bait-and-switch title like "The Ricklantis Mixup" because Pacifica defeating the gnomes on her own isn't the big bait of the episode, it's just a nice little parallel to Dipper and Mabel's encounter. Had it actually been about Pacifica being kidnapped and Dipper and Mabel going on a quest to save her whilst say, Pacifica decides to help Jeff out of pity after she breaks free on her own, eventually coming into her own as someone who's taking the first steps to being a better person, THEN it could've been called Quest for the Northwest. It would have the double meaning of not only Dipper and Mabel being on a quest to save Pacifica (the Northwest), but Pacifica being dealt her own 'quest' in helping Jeff out. But that's just me spitting out a specific theoretical I liked, there's tons of ways the title "Quest for the Northwest" could've been justified. The episode's plot just isn't one of them.

4.) Last and certainly least, the black eyebrowed Gnome who's clearly trying to usurp Jeff really isn't relevant. He's shown as the leader of this growing insurgence, but all he really does is talk mad game in two scenes and get absolutely destroyed in an admittedly funny scene. He didn't need to be his own character and the gnomes dissatisfaction could've been more properly represented with a mob rather than a man...urr, gnome. But really, this is a drop in the bucket compared to the bigger issues presented in #1 and #2. Had those been more refined this would just be an outlier rather than a cherry on top of a problem cake. A single layer problem cake mind you, but still a problem cake.

But enough of the negative: in the end Quest for the Northwest is a satisfying episode that captures the soul of Gravity Falls magnificently well despite its faults. An absolute must see for Gravity Falls fans, and if you for some reason read this review without watching it, check it out part 1 and part 2 here. There's plenty to see both writing, visual and gagwise that I didn't spoil, and honestly? Not seeing it is a disservice if you like Gravity Falls a lot. Definitely worth a watch. 8/10; MUCH better than Sonic Lost World.

th-that's my thing now guys. any time i give a number rating it's also quantitatively compared to sonic lost world u

Anyway enough of me babbling, if you enjoyed this fanimatic like I, you should check out their tumblr page for updates on whatever they have in the works . Pretty sure the next episode coming is being titled "Deep-Rooted Misunderstanding" so look out for that, cause I know I will! And while you're here, you might as well check out some of the rest of the this blog and see if you find anything you like. Stay tuned because next week, we're going to be talking about Sonic Forces and/or Mario Odysse-- on second thought let me not get back on my bullshit and promise next week, see you guys in june lmfao

[the-sapphire-general]

My Thoughts and Feelings on Final Fantasy 15

Hi guys! As I promised, I decided to make a post about my thoughts and feelings I've had as I played Final Fantasy 15. Before I get into it, there will be spoilers throughout this post of the game and the movie (Kingsglaive). Now let's get started!

Prior to this game, I didn't consider myself a Final Fantasy fan. Sure, I got into Final Fantasy 7 and developed a major crush on Sephiroth, but the truth is, I was a fan of just that game and the compilation. Also, I never played any of them...It's true. lol I didn't play FF7 because there's a remake coming up (and I watched an entire walkthrough online), so I feel no need to play it. As for Crisis Core and Dirge of Cerberus, I had no choice but to watch walkthroughs online. I don't own a PSP or PS2 (the latter was sold a few years back), and that was before I found out about game emulators. So I can play them now (my PS2 emulator sucks, and I want to play DOC, but I can't get the game to run properly >_<). I did see Advent Children though! Anyway, I may have gotten into Final Fantasy via FF7 first, but FF15 is the first Final Fantasy game that I've actually played. I'm a late bloomer, so I got into the series not too long ago. Over a year, I think?? Maybe two? I honestly forgot when I learned about FF7. XD Moving on then. I do know about Kingdom Hearts, which I started prior to getting into FF via FF7, and I'm currently playing through the series. So I was familiar with some FF characters at the time, and I do know them now (Aeris, Cid, Yuffie, Cloud, and of course, Sephiroth) except for Squall/Leon. He's from FF8, so I'll play that one next to get to know him better.

Final Fantasy 15 was a great gaming experience for me. No wonder my friends and boyfriend enjoy the series. They're fun, exciting, have compelling characters, interesting storylines, and there's a lot to do that keeps me intrigued. And Chocobos! They are so cute! I've known about this game months before it came out, and I would have gotten my hands on it when it did, but because of money problems, I didn't get it until a few months ago. I'm glad I finally got it and played it! I've had such a great time along the way, there were times where I really wanted to play, but I was too busy with school or errands or whatever. I was that into it. I think I played over three hours at one point, which is extremely rare for me. I can only manage to play between 2-2 1/2 hours. 

Now that I finished the game, I did some research and took note of people explaining that the story was incomplete or that it was missing a bunch of stuff. I do agree, actually. A lot of stuff took place off-screen. I've heard Square Enix were running out of time, and wanted to release it right away, so a lot has been either cut or left out, such as Lunafreya's own side of the story (really, what has she been doing before Altissia??? I must know!), Cor's own activities (where did he go??)), the events leading to Ignis' accident, and Ardyn's past. I wouldn't say the story was terrible. People exaggerate! I enjoyed the storyline regardless if a lot of content was removed or absent. Lucky for me, my friend even advised me to watch the movie, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy 15 to understand some parts of the game. And I did, so I knew what took place when Insomnia fell. It's all in the movie. In addition, any future DLC can fill the holes in the story and answer unexplained questions. I know I have a lot of them, and one DLC will explain most of them. More on that in a bit. Let's see, anything story-wise...Chapter 13 is the notorious chapter people have been complaining about? I see that this came from longtime Final Fantasy fans. I'm still a newcomer in a way, and I had no problem with that chapter. Except for the jumpscares! >_< I've never played Resident Evil, but I do know a tiny bit of it to realize the chapter had a similar vibe. All in all, the story had me engaged from beginning to end, and the last chapter was the most emotional one for me. I will discuss it shortly in some sections.

I will focus now on the characters. I won't go through every single one of them in great detail, but I will comment on each of them.

Noctis Lucis Caelum: Noctis is a prince unlike one I have personally seen before. He didn't seem to be the typical prince, all proper and stuff. He is a real person besides just being a prince, and very relatable. He has a good heart, but also bottled up a lot of his feelings. I can relate to that. Oftentimes, I tend to do that myself, and like Noctis, I used to be a lively person until I got older and had bad experiences with bullying and such. Also, Noctis didn't want to deal with his duties as a prince and later as a king, but later accepted it even if it meant losing his life. He couldn't cope with things and handle emotional turmoil, and would rather avoid the issues. That's also like me sometimes, so I've noticed a lot of myself in Noctis, and this quote further describes his character. 

"In the Final Fantasy XV Collector's Edition Guidebook, Director Hajime Tabata describes Noctis as having experienced isolation in his youth, and having a fear of losing those close to him. According to Tabata, Noctis's words and actions often stem from a fear of being unable to meet the expectations of those around him, but as a counterbalance he has a desire to please them." 

Source: http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Noctis_Lucis_Caelum

That's me in a nutshell. I always feel like I have to reach expectations, and I want to please them, but I know I can't please everyone. I show it more than Noctis does, but nevertheless we are similar. We also hate vegetables. XD Another character shares similarities with me as well, and he's another one of my favorite Chocobros, and the cutest one. Prompto Argentum.

Prompto Argentum: Prompto is adorable! He's funny, cheerful, and a complete fan of technology. He's playful, sweet, and loves animals, just like me! We're such techno nerds, I love it. At first, I considered our personalities to be different no matter the few similarities we have until I discovered his hidden feelings. I found out about it online because I skipped the cutscene in the game, but Prompto felt like an outcast, even with his own friends. He also used to be shy (the Brotherhood anime confirms this), so he had a lonely childhood. Once I realized all of this, I knew we were more similar that I thought. I always feel like an outcast too, like I don't belong anywhere, not even with my own friends and family, so I understand how he feels. Even more so when I found out he's an MT. Prompto wanted to feel like he fit in, and that's what made me connect with him. Prompto is cute and adorable, but he sure is a deep thinker.

Ignis Scientia: "That's it! I've come up with a new recipe!" That's one of my favorite lines from Ignis. Ignis has a cool and serious personality, and I saw some of myself in him as well. We also wear glasses. XD He's the brains of the group just like how I'm the brains of my group (my boyfriend is intelligent too, but I'm just as important lol). I love his sarcastic comments, and how he acted like a mother towards Noctis. It was hilarious and sweet! Men can be nurturing and motherly, and Ignis is proof. I admit I did my utmost best to keep the entire group safe as I played FF15. You can see the lengths I took just to protect them. Ignis later became the one I wanted to protect a lot when he lost his sight. I was considerate when his pace became slow, and it made me feel like protecting him at all costs. Of course, at the same time, I knew he could learn to handle himself, and he did as time passed. Heck, he saved the entire team from the Malboro! That was badass. Ignis is an example of a character who doesn't let his disability become a burden. It was a respectable portrayal of a blind character. I wish people in real life could do the same and respect disabled people.

Gladiolus Amicitia: Gladio, the man I have done so much fan service throughout my posts for a certain friend of mine. lol Gladiolus is tough on the outside, but cheerful on the inside. As Noctis' shield, Gladio is a loyal bodyguard, despite how I disagreed with him during his arguments with Noctis and his impatience towards him when he's not taking his duties seriously. He meant well, however, but still, no need to give Noct a bad time, especially after he loses his beloved.....More on that shortly. Gladio is the tough guy that expresses his opinions and does his best to keep the team focused on their goal, but like his friends, he doesn't shy away from emotions. Even Gladio had his fears about not being strong enough to protect Noctis. On a random note, I've gotten so many shots of his butt, some intentional and some way unexpected. lol I found it funny, and I saved all those screenshots for my friend and any other Gladio fangirls out there. My friend is madly in love with Gladio, so it was a pleasant treat for her. 

Lunafreya Nox Fleuret: Okay, my feelings as I got to know her went from hating her to later loving her. I blame Kingsglaive for my dislike because Luna barely did anything, so that made me not like her. I wouldn't say she's passive. She is determined to follow her goal to protect Noctis, follow her duties, and do what she must to help him. It was not until I started playing the game that my opinion on her changed. Luna did her own thing outside of the narrative, and I have the feeling she's more capable that how she appears. I mean, Noctis wasn't there when she confronted the gods. We didn't know what she was going through when she left Insomnia. We did manage to see her confronting Leviathan, and just when I think she would be a damsel-in-distress, she uses the staff. Before that, Luna impressed me with his she remained calm even with guns pointing at her. I would have freaked out if I were in her position. I rewatched the movie a while ago, and she does act her own initiative. She's strong-willed and compassionate, I grew to love her...a little too late, story-wise. She does in Altissia because of Ardyn, and I honestly felt more for her than for Aeris (who I didn't like at first, but now I do. But her death hardly made me feel anything.). Just when I start to like Luna, she dies. Now I wonder what she was up to prior to her tragic death. I cried a little when she died, but Noctis took it harder than me. I am officially a NoctisXLuna fan because of the game, and I'm glad they got together in the afterlife.

Gentiana: Gentiana is a mystery, which is why I was (and still am) curious about her. Calm and elegant, I wish I had known more about her. She’s the alter ego of Shiva, which came as a surprise for me. So she wasn’t just a Messenger to the humans from the gods. She’s Shiva! Out of all the gods, she’s the one I like the most. And I kind of ship her with Ifrit (wtf? XD). If she gets her DLC (along with Ardyn, Luna, basically any of the characters in the FF15 survey), I will be so excited!

King Regis Lucis Caelum: He wasn't shown as much, but he came off as a father who deeply cared about his son, and wished for him to find his own way. He cared for his son but didn't have a lot of time to be with him, and had him depart so he wouldn't know what was happening in the kingdom. He died too soon, and I liked him.

Ravus Nox Fleuret: Like his younger sister, my feelings for Ravus started off with not liking him. He sought for revenge against the Caelum bloodline since he blamed King Regis for the death of his mother and Tenebrae being lost to Niflheim, and wanted to become the King of Light to replace Noctis. Despite his bitterness, Ravus cares for his sister, knowing the risks she would take, and tried to protect her while serving Niflheim, but knew she had to fulfill her duties as Oracle. He later accepts her goal, and eventually believes that Noctis is the True King. It was a shame that he died because I grew to like him too. Man, there's so much death in FF15. I wouldn't mind a DLC episode of Ravus.

Cor Leonis: Cor is stubborn, stern, and strict, but watched over them as it was his duty. Like Regis, Ignis, Gladio, and Prompto, he swore to protect Noctis. I liked him, and I wish I could have seen him more.

Iris Amicitia: Gladio's cute little sister. Her crush on Noctis was adorable, but it also hurt because it was unrequited love. I've been there myself. Gladio truly cares for her, and their relationship was sweet. I wish I had seen her after the time-skip. She became a daemon hunter??? They better show that in a DLC. It would definitely give me Devil May Cry vibes like certain battles of the game. Also, I ship older Iris with older Talcott. Maybe they got together. lol

Aranea Highwind: Ever since I first saw her, I took a liking to her free-spirit and sassy demeanor. We could get along real well if she existed. She is a badass during battles! Why couldn't I see her before the final battle???? She's my favorite FF15 girl.

Talcott Hester: He was a minor character, but he was cute. I had fun getting the Cactuars for him, and it was nice to see him all grown up.

Cindy Aurum: She was alright, bright and lively. Her outfit was distracting. Don't get me wrong, she's pretty and I don't have problems with sexy women, but the outfit...I wouldn't wear that, not even for money. XD Nevertheless, her upbeat and friendly attitude makes up for it.

Cid Sophiar: I looked up Final Fantasy stuff and I do know that Cid is a common character in each installment. He's just like Cid Highwind from FF7! But he swears less.

Dino Ghiranze: Dino is a minor character I loved instantly. His passion for jewelry caught my attention, and if I had known about his fate, I would have done all his sidequests before finishing the game. When Noctis returns ten years later to Galdin Quay, Dino's clothes were on the bench. For my own sake, I want to believe that he stripped naked to swim or whatever and when daemons came, he ran off. >_< I want to believe he survived, so please don't ruin it for me!

Nyx Ulric: He's from the Kingsglaive movie, along with Libertus and Crowe, but I felt like talking about him. Nyx is one of my FF15 crushes (besides Ignis, Prompto, and one I will not say yet). Heroic and loyal, he did everything he could to protect Insomnia but later died. The sad part is Libertus never found out his fate. Maybe as time passed, he did.

Libertus Ostium: Like Nyx, he was a great guy who only wanted to fight against Niflheim, but later took a different path when Crowe Altius died.

Crowe Altius: I swear, she did far too soon. I liked her right away! Laid-back and cool, she could have been great if she had remained alive.

And finally, the character I saved for last, my #1 FF15 crush...

Ardyn Izunia: Ardyn...I have so much to say about him and him alone. Ardyn is a complex man, polite and flamboyant, sassy and humorous, and later deranged and cruel. When I first saw him even before FF15 came out, I fell in love. Yes, I loved him even though I knew nothing about him. He instantly caught my attention, and he captivated me even more when I saw him in Kingsglaive, with both his personality and his unique attire, which I'm crazy about nowadays just like Sephiroth's clothes. lol My feelings for Ardyn from the start were "love at first sight". Unlike my other fictional crushes, however, as I progressed in the game, I started to have doubts about liking him. He started off as a guy who seemed to help Noctis and his friends, and I looked forward to seeing him whenever he showed up. But once I made it to Altissia, he went from the sassy man I have loved even before I got to know him to being a ruthless and insane man with a desire for vengeance after what he had endured 2000 years ago. That's right. 2000 years ago. Ardyn Izunia, or Ardyn Lucis Caelum, is an immortal man and a former Lucian king. He absorbed the Starscourge, which transformed people into daemons, and he saved thousands only to be rejected by the Astrals and demonized by a jealous future king. There's a theory that this king is Ardyn's brother, Izunia, which can explain the jealousy thing, but I would rather learn more about Ardyn's past in his DLC episode, which I hope is soon!! I really want to play as Ardyn so badly! Ahem. Sorry about that. Ardyn swore revenge against the Lucian bloodline.

  What does this have to do with my mixed feelings for Ardyn? Well, everything. Ardyn was frighteningly evil, even he scared me on certain scenes. His sassy side became twisted, it just wasn't amusing to see but creepy. He plots revenge for two millennia, he murders Lunafreya, he stalks Noctis and his group on the train leading to Tenebrae, tricks Noctis into attacking Prompto and pushing him off a moving train, kidnaps Prompto, taunts Noctis during Chapter 13, turns Ravus into a daemon, plunges all of Eos into infinite darkness and turns it into a world infested with daemons that kill so many people, creates an illusion of the corpses of Regis, Luna, Ravus, and Nyx when Noctis and his friends arrive to the throne room, and actually wins in the end after Noctis...kills him. The final battle confirmed how insane he was, and that whatever sanity he had was gone. I mean, his maniacal laugh and comments during the fight caught me off-guard. It just shows how everything he had been through screwed him over during those 2000 years. *sigh* I confess that Ardyn creeped me out with his sadistic side and everything he had done, but he also intrigued me. But I also confess that killing him made me cry. Not like bawling, but crying. I really liked Ardyn, and despite my mixed feelings for him, I grew to love him. I love him because he was a compelling villain that managed to succeed in being a great one (like Sephiroth), and I wish I didn't have to kill him. But during his final moments, that daemon-like sound he did right before Noctis ended his immortal existence so he could finally rest in peace made me realize he had to die. He suffered too much, and it had to be done. 

Like Sephiroth, I sympathized with Ardyn regardless of everything he had done. Both characters descended into madness to have revenge on those who hurt them, and were both cruel, cold, and calculating in their own respective ways. Rumor has it that Ardyn beat Sephiroth and Kefka. Now, Kefka comes off as a Joker clone to me from what I've read, so I don't care. But Sephiroth????? I love Sephiroth, and I'm in denial if Ardyn did beat him, mainly because I'm a huge Sephiroth fan. FF15 did a great job developing a complex villain that had many layers in him. Ardyn is the kind of villain I grew to hate, and then later love. He was a broken man that my friend and I both love, and we would have done anything to save him. I know I would because I took his death pretty hard. Call me overemotional, but I don't care. I even heard that FF15 may or may not have a sequel. Personally, I don't know if that's possible. FF15 had a pretty solid ending, albeit bittersweet. Where would it go? Also, who would the villain be anyway??? Ardyn was an amazing villain, and nobody can top him in the FF15 universe. It just wouldn't be the same without Ardyn. Ardyn, you have won me over, and I'm officially one of your biggest fans.

Phew! This has been one of the longest post I have ever done. Final Fantasy 15 is a wonderful game, and I'm glad I played it. I laughed and cried with the characters, I identified with them, the story kept me engaged from beginning to end, and it introduced me to a series that I'm looking forward to enjoying as I move on to the other installments. The Final Fantasy 7 remake won't be released until who knows when, so in the meantime, I'll try out other installments. My FF15 playthrough may be over for now, but there will be more to come with future DLC, and I'm going to do some post-game videos later. I'll see you guys later!

The complete playthrough is right here on my channel. Stay tuned for more FF15 gameplay!

Final Fantasy 15 Playthrough