#we are in the same boat hehehe <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[inkykeiji]

I love when you add in those little slips of reader calling touya-nii baby or babe!!! ive been with my bf for a long time and we honestly rarelyy say babe lmaoo we both have long Italian first names and we consider our nicknames cute and fitting but he’ll call me baby when I’m rlly upset and need his comfort

aw anon!!! thank you for sharing this with me!! <3 i totally get that!!! because this little detail was actually taken from my own experiences; i very rarely call my boyfriend ‘baby’, i usually only end up using that term of endearment when he’s having a rough time. so i gave tnii’s reader that lil quirk too hehe ( ˃̶ω˂̶ ૃ) because touya just seems like the type to i dunno just like ??? not be ‘baby’.

i think canon dabi uses ‘baby’ liberally though

[fitzrove]

I went to see the Kaunas State Musical Theatre production of Elisabeth !!!!!! This was a super inventive and atmospheric non-replica version that I really enjoyed, so I’m writing down some rambly review thoughts down below.

(^ not the rudolf i saw - saw him as slutty lucheni kssk)

TL;DR - excellent production, very pretty, weird in thought-provoking ways. They never go the easy route on anything, it’s a dark fairytale!!! (Btw usually when people say that they mean it’s hot elisatod romance but I don’t mean that XD)

Table of Contents

1. Stage design / sets

2. Costumes

3. Orchestra and singing

4. Ensemble choreographies

5. Characters, relationships

STAGE DESIGN / SETS

RATING: 9/10

First of all - oh my god am I refreshed by a new production not looking like Schönbrunn/Vienna 2012 or like a bad copy of the Vienna original. In Kaunas, the whole colour palette is gothic, muted and dark, with lots of golds, browns and faded blues accented with red, white and gold light. We shift from scenes that look like a faded 19th century painting to dark ones with high contrast (the latter especially in the scenes with Death).

Instead of a file splitting the stage, there’s a kind of “ring” lit up at the edges (which changes colours) that lifts up to create an upper level, and descends to make a pool/mirror. There’s frameless mirrors on the walls, and the floor of the stage - to my knowledge, installed specifically for Elisabeth - can look wet or reflective depending on the scene. Characters sometimes see themselves in the mirror as they look at the floor. I’m not sure I’m explaining this properly but it looks really cool, I don’t really see many new productions go back to the ‘artifice’ and unreality themes reflected in the original set so it was cool to see!!! And of course, prop mirrors carried by the characters also sometimes appear.

There’s a screen at the back of the stage (above where the ring goes) that can be used for projections, and it’s used sparingly but to great effect. Often it’s just a black generally “wet” or fabric-y texture; during both Schattens there’s a misty grey graveyard that looks really cool; Hass is red; during Kitsch Lucheni has no props but we see funnily quick zooms into dinner plates with pictures of the Imperial family on them. It integrates very well into the more solid parts of the set!

Other solid setpieces include Death’s boat (a simple, non-ornate design out of a metallic-ish material with mysterious writing on it) that descends from the ceiling to take people away (no carriage here). It’s complemented by three similarly shaped vertical golden pieces, also with writing on them, which appear in scenes with court power dynamics present.

There’s also a big dark oval thing that appears a few times as a sort of threat from Death/to emphasise his presence. I like the boat more than the pieces, maybe because I don’t fully understand what the pieces mean heheh. I guess it adds to the “unknowable” vibes which I do enjoy, the set is generally very non-literal and symbolic which is cool. The movable parts of the set are extremely versatile: the same four dark pillar blocks can be used for almost any scene (coffee house, Boote in der Nacht, IGNM…) and fit it well, and Elisabeth’s coffin (seen in Prolog) becomes her bed (or some side table she was lying on as a prank XD) and then a garden table.

Another very visible part of the production are the portrait faces !! Members of the ensemble hold up historically accurate pictures of Elisabeth’s relatives (including Rudolf heheh…) with light-up edges during Prolog and Sinking World, which then change into a billion portraits of Elisabeth (which Lucheni can’t stand to see) at the point of each number when they sing her name. I like it so much, it was one of the things I knew about this production that made me interested enough to want to go watch it!

COSTUMES

RATING: 8/10

Disclaimer - I am a historical accuracy hater when it comes to Elisabeth costumes. Firstly, exact reproductions are creatively boring; secondly, it’s not the point of the show; thirdly, in many cases it’s simply not possible for theatres to put excessive resources into a costume seen in one or two scenes in a single show. State-owned repertory theatres in smaller countries reuse like crazy!! So that’s a disclaimer to start with hahaha. I want costumes to look good and make sense, not compare them to irl pictures ksksks.

I really liked Kaunas Elisabeth’s portrait dress, which also served as her Hungarian coronation dress :D It’s like a golden sparkle explosion sksks, which stands out very strongly from the rest of the stage and the simple brown and black dresses of other ladies present - it gets the point across. In general, Elisabeth is the only really colourful member of the cast with her white nightgown, dressing gown and (historically accurate xD) black and white ribbon outfit, which emphasise her uniqueness and isolation; she also wears a completely black outfit towards the end. Rudolf (both adult and child) and Franz Joseph have identical faded blue (coat) + light cream/white costumes (pants), which are SO much better looking than the overly saturated bright cyan things we’ve been seeing in some recent productions skkss.

I was initially sceptical of Death’s outfit (he never changes it save for covering up his tits with a scarf/towel thing when he’s playing doctor sksk) because it looks a lot like the pleather Schönbrunn outfit I don’t like :-D But it’s actually constructed completely differently!! The way the leather jacket falls makes it have more work uniform/ferryman vibes, and then for some slutty reason he has pants, a corset (?) and no shirt underneath XD I think it works, man chest is not my favourite aesthetic but it’s distinctive and fits the storytelling…

LOVED Lucheni’s outfit!! :D To me it’s meant to be basic and everyman-y and it definitely was here, BUT it’s lined with red everywhere inside (and the soles of his shoes are red too), and for reasons that will become apparent later, that made me insane. Also leather pants slay xD

Additionally, I really liked Sophie’s outfits and the Frau Wolf’s salon costumes, with golden hoop skirts that were open at the back. I especially liked the outfit of Frau Wolf herself omg, it’s a Prussian (I assume akaksk) uniform coat draped over the bodysuit+skirt combo that the girls wear. Looks so cool and I really like the idea and symbolism of that! also the frau wolfs I saw were really hot in their role skskksks, special mention here also to Elisabeth’s chief lady-in-waiting on the second day because dommy mo---

At first I was a bit annoyed at some of the ensemble costumes for lacking individual details (the ones in Vienna 92 have so much going on), but tbh the uniform look they went for with them (especially concerning colour palette) really emphasised Elisabeth’s isolation from the court and ordinary people, so I liked that. I guess I appreciate the outfits for how they come together to create the show, even if the individual ones aren’t crazy pretty to me or anything hahah. Although the ones for Elisabeth’s ladies-in-waiting had amazingly pretty bodice/corset parts!!

ORCHESTRA AND SINGING

10/10

I liked the orchestra, it was definitely more of a full “opera house” type sound which I find nicer than musicals with less-than-3-people “bands” lol. Sounded good!! A special note must also be made about the fact that the KSMT seems to cast more flexibly than bigger productions, which is great. I don’t like it when every performer has the same musical theatre/pop combo voice which is too common rn lol, it just seems boring to me. But we got a lot of fuller/lower female voices (than there usually are in musicals) and more operatic male voices in both leading roles and the ensemble, which made for a more interesting overall sound. It wasn’t too operatic either, just the right balance I think.

The soloists were seriously impressive!! Some crazy long notes in Schatten 1, an insane IGNM reprise opt-up from Elisabeth… I really enjoyed the performances despite not understanding any lyrics heheh.

ENSEMBLE / CHOREOGRAPHIES

7/10

I saw the show twice and didn’t like some of the ensemble choreographies first lmao. It’s a very operatic style of directing - the only “proper” dancing is Elisabeth and FJ waltzing, and a “Death’s shadows” dance group that accompanies him in a few numbers - with lots of simple, repeated arm and leg movements, either synchronized or in “waves”. For some songs it fits really well because of the melody - the coffee house scene and Hass come to mind, both were well done - but in others like Alle Fragen I was skeptical upon first viewing.

In Alle Fragen specifically there’s lots of extremely repetitive, non-synchronised crossing themselves, chest-beating (mea culpa), kneeling, etc. At first I found this a bit kitschy/weird, and didn’t really like it. However, I changed my mind when I visited a church the morning before show #2 and actually saw two guys do the exact same thing upon entering it!!!!!! It’s a reference to actual self-blessing rituals, at least among Lithuanian Catholics, which seems really inventive heheh - making a localized reference the main target audience would really notice/understand !!! So upon second viewing, I ended up liking it.

CHARACTERS AND RELATIONSHIPS

Probably the most important aspect heheh. In the two shows that I saw, Franz Joseph, Elisabeth, Sophie and several ensemble members were played by different performers each day, but Rudolf, Death and Lucheni were the same each time. Gonna ramble about each character one by one I guess kskssk.

The two Elisabeths I saw (Marija Arutiunova and Gabrielė Bielskytė) were very different!!! Gabrielė was a more “traditional” Elisabeth, a bit melancholy from the start and becoming further so as the story progresses. I enjoyed her performance a lot and her vocal performance was flawless. Marija, on the other hand, I was concerned about at first because she’s SO enthusiastic (almost annoyingly hahah) in “Wie du”, practically bouncing off the floor hahah. But that actually ended up working really well. A common worry people have about newer Elisabeth productions is that she comes across too innocent and Disney Princess-y; from the first number I was afraid that would happen, but to my surprise, that was not at all the case. She plays a really strong character arc and the Elisabeth of act 2 was practically unrecognisable to me from Elisabeth in act 1. She was so full of joy and life at the start and her environment just sucks all of that out of her!!! It’s such a cool way to play it and I ended up really liking that.

They do a really clever thing in “Prolog” and “Wie du”. Prolog has Elisabeth’s body on top of a stone coffin under a white sheet, as a setpiece. At the start of Wie du we find out that it was Elisabeth herself the whole time - she emerges from beneath the sheet and spooks her dad lmao. Something something symbolism and smooth scene transition XD

Much like Marija’s Elisabeth characterisation, I was also skeptical of the Elisatod in this production at first XD Especially with how Marija played it - again, enthusiasm. The blocking between them is occasionally very POTO music of the night skksks. BUT (as a known hater of romantic elisatod skks) the touchiness actually worked for me because of how Death was portrayed (more on that later) and also because of how their relationship played out.

Elisabeth, as a teenager, seems fascinated by death as some romanticised adventure (one among many other adventures to be had) - she’s not afraid of it, finds beauty in it, etc. A very realistically adolescent point of view, also present in Der Letzte Tanz (though it’s much less gentle this time)!! But by the time her first child dies (Schatten 1), it dawns on her how horrible and cruel and unfair death (Death?) can be - and this is perfectly portrayed by Death handing her a knife in this scene and acting as if it’s totally normal and he’s helping her somehow. She’s completely broken down and distraught while holding it and snaps out of it when FJ comes up to her and hugs her. Such a strong turning point!! And he offers her the knife several other times. Overall I really see this as a symbolic relationship (my favourite type), Death is not at all “some guy” but a personified concept that Elisabeth has a constantly changing relationship to.

Also - the prologue and the prelude to DSF (whenever the judge is speaking) have a young Elisabeth (literal child actress) coiling the “red string of fate” around her hands, mouthing along the judge’s lines. So neat!! In the prologue, Death descends in his boat because she slowly pulls him in (he’s holding the string in his hand). And right before Lucheni goes to stab the older Elisabeth, the child stops him by laughing in his face… mm crunchy symbolism >:) he’s haunted heheh

Death himself (Egidijus Bavikinas) is a weirdo XD I called him “silly rabbit” at intermission and the name stuck aksksksl. He’s good at his job (quite kind to people when they die) but doesn’t really get most human concepts even though he sings Rondo and says in the prolog that he loved Elisabeth ksks. He’s a bit outraged/genuinely surprised when Elisabeth marries FJ, and genuinely perplexed when Elisabeth doesn’t kill herself despite repeated friendly suggestions skksks. He doesn’t seem ever to do cruel things intentionally, he’s just there to put people on his boat (except Rudolf for some reason skks). I think my interpretation of him might be slightly impeded by not understanding the lyrics - he just seems aloof (in a neutral, non-mean way) even at moments when I know he’s singing stuff like “you love me more than you love your husband” hahah. But yeah, I think he’s fine, he sings well and is occasionally unintentionally funny which entertains me enough.

Lucheni is a SLUT xD Martynas Beinaris normally plays Rudolf but has apparently been mainly Lucheni for quite a bit now, and I had him as Lucheni both times. I guess the right word is “flamboyant”, very energetic and with lots of flair, it was always a great joy to watch him go. I liked the way he says “Death” in the prologue skls, seems a bit obsessed… And of course, I can’t not mention the ending of the show!!!!!!! Elisabeth and Death get into Death’s boat together, it starts to lift up, and slowly we see that Lucheni has hanged himself with the red thread of fate that binds the two, and his last act is to reach up towards the boat, eternally unable to join them…………. the symbolism… gay repression... or something… love it!! (Reminder that Lucheni has red all over the more hidden parts of his costume… red inner linings of the coat, red soles… the gay repression interpretation writes itself skskls. Obsessed)

Franz Joseph is there adlskks. He was very good both days, I liked a moment the second day (with Raimondas Baranauskas) between him and Elisabeth when they almost hold/touch hands after Rudolf dies :’) and he was very excited to hang out with Elisabeth kssk, he’s just giggling and running around in Bad Ischl which was pretty fun (though he puts on the imperial mask pretty quickly after).

The FJ and Sophie relationship was soo well drawn! There was a symbolic thing where he gets dressed in the lead-up to “Jedem gibt er das seine” - attendants do the rest, but she puts white gloves on him as she tells him to be cold and hard. In Bellaria, he angrily takes his gloves off and throws them on the floor; Death picks them up and wears them to lead her offstage, perhaps as a form of comfort? Really cool!

Rudolf (Jurgis Jarašius) is my meow meow… he takes one big swig of a wine bottle during the song right before Schatten 2 and then falls facedown on the floor and has to be picked up by Death (indirectly - Death makes his shadow angel people put their hands all over Rudolf to do group bondage on him two separate times skslls, yay xD). After Schatten he falls on his face again and FJ walks up to him singing to him (Rudolf I’m so angry with you) and looks vaguely disappointed WHILE RUDOLF IS STILL LYING ON THE FLOOR and Rudolf has to slowly get up while FJ disapproves kskslsl. He has big fluffy hair and he’s gay but doesn’t want to know what that is and is vaguely scared of it skksks, just has weird obsessive feelings about tits out leather coat man (he stares a lot and tries to run to him, leans in as if wanting to get closer, but Death keeps rebuffing him and tossing him away skks). The todolf is weird and indirect in this production, there’s a quick kiss that lands somewhere in the cheek-lip area ksksks and a repeat of the head-hug/caress that Death does to Elisabeth. It’s weird and freaky and kind of cool lmao. After Rudolf shoots himself, Death closes his eyes for him, which is a pretty sweet moment. Also on the second day he was rage-weeping during Spiegel which I really like.

The Mayerling staging in this production is great!! After Spiegel, Rudolf tries to run out of the room but is blocked by a mirror (held by one of Death’s shadows); he tries again, but one by one the mirrors surround him from all sides and he’s just stuck in this small narrow space with nowhere to go, just forced to face himself over and over. Very piercing and accurate allegory for mental illness!!! Enjoyed. Put him in the torment nexus heheheh

I guess that’s all of my most important thoughts… :D Will add if I think of something else!

[themulitipurposechannel]

Hello!

I LOVE your story!!! CJ having healing Ninpo is so genius and it’s making my brain run wild with possibilities!

Are there any tidbits you’d like to share about the au? Also could you possibly explain what happened with CJ aging due to Ninpo (in the latest update)?

(No need to answer any of the questions if you do not want to)

AWESOME COMIC, AWESOME STORY, AWESOME ART!!! I can’t wait to see more!!!

Hope you have a great day ^-^

BDJDHDHDHDHD Aww dude stop you have no idea how happy this makes me 😭 I’m so so so happy you love my au!! 💗💗💗 I love the concept of Casey with healing powers! He’s has a temper but I still think suits him so well given how protective he is as a person ahah!! And I’m so glad there are ppl out there who agree with me too! But Hehe yesss join me join me in my healer!Cj brain worms hehehe

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Hmm since you asked bout the aging(and that’s a little complicated) I’ll answer that first. So I can’t go into too much detail cuz that will spoilers for a comic and some other art that will explain everything! ..Maybe😂 But I will say this. Cj unlocked his Ninpo when he was 10 he was fine, he was aging normally. Till a certain incident happened when he was 11 and well.. we all know what happened next, freshly baked trauma and he aged a couple years forward overnight plus some extra long term injuries (that I will go into later).

The good news is that as long as he doesn’t push himself like that again he will be aging mostly linearly again? But the damage has alr been done 😅. But anyways, after the incident, he never pushed himself like that again. One, cuz the Hamato fam would never allow it and Two, cuz the recovery period is so long/bad (cuz Cj is no master and worse he’s a literal child unlike Mikey who was in his early 20s when the cursed Aging started) no one can afford for him to be knocked out of commission like that again. It makes him wayy too vulnerable.

Post-incident, at his worst he has only aged a few days forward but cuz that’s so small no one except Master Michelangelo (cuz he’s a mystic master and cuz he’s also in the same boat) can tell the difference. Plus it’s so negligible it doesn’t technically matter.

But long story short, pulling himself tgt from that incident physically and mentally took loooonnng time haha. But as you can see even now it still leaves its scars haha and probably always will.

.

As for any other tidbits? Oh gosh where do I start ? Ahh there is just so much to say! Ok update wise I’m actually working a PMV for Healer!Cj so if I go quiet for a while that’s why. Idk how long it’s gonna take but I’m excited to show some sneak peaks along the way lol. This is my first time doing something like this so here’s to hoping it goes well!

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Lore wise: although Cj does have a subway car in the lair. Once he gets more settled in he actually bounces around quite a bit. Boy was not meant to stay in one place for too long. While he does spent most of the week at the lair cuz the underground is familiar too him, he will spend 3-4 days crashing on the couch at April/Casey’s apartment. And on a rare blue moon he’ll give Draxum a heart attack 😂 by breaking into his apartment and sleeping on that old man’s couch. After a while it becomes their own little inside joke 😂. Draxum tries Cj-proof his apartment using mystic or otherwise and Cj makes it a point to still try and sneak in.

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And the surprise of no one. In this Au, Uncle Mi is Cj’s favourite uncle. Sometimes second pesudo dad. But mostly on accident by a very sleep deprived Cj.

.

I have plans for P!Casey to eventually develop Ninpo a few years down the line. But I can’t think of any powers for her so if ya’ll got any suggestions pls fire away.

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And oh P!Leo is gonna permanently need a leg brace. Sometimes on rlly rlly bad days, he will need to use a crutch (not that he ever does cuz he’s wayy to stubborn) but you get the picture.

Raph’s eye is permanently gone, Donnie and his shell will heal but bro will have chronic back pain for life plus certain parts of his shell where the tendrils dug into the thickest are now numb cuz ya know, nerve damage from being literally ripped out the technodrone. Mikey will need to wear compression gloves but his shaking gets significantly better over time. So he draw but he still needs to every two months or so he can get pretty bad flareups which are jsut Oof.

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Good news is April is fine aside from a broken arm during the invasion that will heal. Splinter was surprisingly not that badly injured just a few pulled muscles here and there. And Cj is Obvi fine too aside from a minor concussion that he got prior to time traveling. Which to him was basically nothing. The reactions by everyone else was hilarious and a major culture shock for Cj. Turns out his apocalypse pain scale was drastically different to their normal not apocalypse pain scale.

It was hilarious the gang were like: “you’ve running around taking care of us a lot. Are you good?”

Cj: “yup all fine. Just a few bumps and scrapes”

8 Hours later..

Cj: “It looks like everyone’s settled? Great. I’ll go grab painkillers for my concussion now.”

Them: “I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU WERE GOOD!?”

.

Long story short no one escaped the failed invasion unscathed :’D but also whoops sorry for the long ramble 😅 this kidna got away for me 😂

[valleynix]

Ohhh my daysss.

I’ve been reading and rereading Sanguineous ever since you posted the first chapter and when I found out you were writing more and that it wasn’t going to be a one shot I FUCKING CHEERED. I won’t lie I definitely felt that it was going end very tragically, like yes i expected that but did i expect you grabbing a bat and hitting me repeatedly with that ending? ERMM NO??? I wanted to be in denial so every time Cassandra and the Hunter would interact like I really tried to convince myself they’ll be happy but that looming dread Miranda brought to the story was 🥹🥹

LIKE why couldn’t my pookie Cassandra just get a happy ending😢😢 Miranda when I catch you!!!

On another note, ever since I joined this fandom (I’m like 3 years late but we won’t talk about that) I have been indulging in a lot of content for the Dinitrescu’s and I must say your works are my absolute favourite. Being a silent reader is more my style but holyyy your works had snatched me out of that. Seeing how some people write for them had made me sort of picky with the content I interact with and I won’t even lie that when I got into the Dimitrescu’s, Cassandra was not my favourite just based on what people were writing about her but damn the way you write her made me do a complete 180 and turned her into my favourite. IM SUPERR excited for what you have planned for Daniela because I will be tuning in🤞🤞 Sorry this had turned into a yap fest but I had to get it out🥹

GNAWING at the bars of my cage rn because of this ask omgomg. this is so sweet and just made my day so much better :’)

the good thing is that Sanguineous was always meant to be a “long” story; it was a one-shot at first because i worried i wouldn’t want to continue it and it could’ve been left as a simple one chapter story where you never know what actually happens.

HEHEHE. idk if you’ve read any other stories of mine aside from Sanguineous, but i do have a record for writing really angsty endings so far 😭 although… i dunno. yes, the Sanguineous ending hurts, but there is hope in the subtext!! and Tether of Souls/Grave of Sin is also an angsty ending but there is hope to that one, as well. so… mayhaps not all is lost with your hope that Cassandra and the Hunter will eventually reunite and have their happy ending, even if it’s in another life :3

speaking of joining the fandom late… i want to continue to write for people like you and for those still lingering in the fandom despite the lack of hype for RE8. i was in the same boat when i first started writing several years ago where i kinda hated a lot of the characterization of the Dimitrescus?? and then i was like. i’ll just make it myself LOL. but i want to continue writing in this fandom so those who join late or those who continue to be a part of it years later have something to read and interact with that may be to their liking.

(i have also gotten several comments/asks saying the same thing about Cassandra. i’m so glad i’ve turned people into loving her the way i do :33)

i did actually start writing the Daniela story today and i think you (and everyone else interested) will like it!!!! i wrote down a lot of the lore and such last night and spent part of my break learning about a bolt-action rifle to have the Best Realism when it comes to the MCs weapon of choice. i dunno if their personality will mesh well but it’ll be all right :D

ANYWAYS. i love yap fests. i actually was walking around work all frustrated and huffy and getting this ask brought me so much joy, so, thank you ❤️ i’ll always listen to any yap fest >:)

[boyslit-moving]

bimgo time and since my inbox is closed and needs to stay like that so i don't get overwhelmed, if u want to send message/reply/rb to ask about a ship u may <3

and u can ask me to give u a ship too 💜 sometimes i miss when ppl rb from me if tumble doesn't tell me what the post *is* in the notif

ANYWAY!!!!! ty @laseratingfist for asking about my most succulent and deeply rooted brainrot <333 their dynamics and potentials are so crunchy and chewy and delightfully layered to me, they are so fun to play with for aus and cannon compliant universes... i think the only way i don't ship them is strictly platonic but i could absolutely be convinced

and with a rarepair i can't honestly be too picky, but the good news is we are all in the same wonderful little boat. and now i have an idea for childhood friends au hehehe

[abigail]

This post of yours reminded me of the fig passage from the bell jar ! Honestly I relate to this feeling so much, I want to be everything at once but at the same time feel like I’m going nowhere 🫠 This feeing will pass for us all, hopefully ! 🌷✨

omg I haven’t read bell jar properly in forever (aka I’m gonna reread it next hehehe) but yes !!!!! that’s literally it that’s how I feel honestly 😭 I’m sorry you’re in the same boat as me with it too, I truly hope that we all ‘figure it out’ (I’m saying that phase a lot lately and I’m not even sure what it means anymore but like.. u get me lol) <3 sending love and strength to you and others who can relate <33 hugs hugs

[hyunochillic]

okay okay okay this is gonna be weirdly specific but I’ve got my sister who’s 7 and she’s literally my best friend. we do everything together and i trust her more than most of the adults im friends with. Her favorite things are sleepovers in my room

But I hate having her sleep with me (especially in my room) for one reason and one reason only- my anxiety gets so bad that I can’t sleep. I’m just worried about like if she wakes up or there’s an emergency and I’m not able to fix it yknow??

well this is night two of no sleep and she’s in my room rn and i’ve got work in 3 hours lmao so long story short my request is a fluffy micah yujin with an (preferably fem, but idc) mc in the same boat. maybe he comforts her or just talks them through it but fr i’m so tired but my body won’t sleep and I just wanna feel heard yknow?? if this is too specific don’t worry about it!! thx babes :))

So i tried my best to understand this!!! It took me a while so ye enjoy this!

The first thing micah noticed when he stayed over you sort of kept checking on him while you two slept

The next day you were fine

At night

You checked on him worried

After a few nights micah had enough so he got up from the bed you moved to him "micah whats wrong??" You asked a lil panicked

"angel...why do you keep checking on me every night everytime?" He held you hand you and him stayed quiet for a while until you broke the silence "its just....i dont like you sleeping next to me not that i dont like you!! Its just..i think something might happen without me knowing and helping you i cant sleep at all thinking something would happen to you im sorry" you said he looked at you then he hugged you "you dont have to worry about me angel i promise i'll be okay i mean i got abs i can beat a robber up!" He joked at the end you hit him "not the time.." you said "sorry sorryy! Heheh i tried to not make you cry now cmon lets go to sleep i'll be alright" he held you tight that was the night you finally had a relaxing rest. You loved this idiot so much

[zu-is-here]

Oh hi Zuz!

How are you doing ?

-bulle

Blue!! (*'▽'*) *hugsss* So nice to see you again! <3

Oh I'm doing great (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵) What about you?? How was your week? And the main thing I forgot to talk to you about last time— how was your trip to Paris?? *w*

UPD:

Same here (ówò)♡ Awww so you were attacked by Yuri on her own birthday too! >:D She's such a sweet bean indeed I can't ;w; Also thank youuu!! (〃ω〃)

You're such a hero Blue! *^* You're doing amazing (úwù)☆ What kind of work is this? What do you have to do there? Even if it's just for two weeks and well-paid, please have a good rest!╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

Oh lucky you! *0* Subway nearby is a really good choice, you don't have to worry about the road anymore <3 Moving seems hard but in fact you'll quickly adapt, trust me! (ùwú) I used to think I couldn't live without my family but now I'm not ready to give up my freedom, be prepared to enjoy it >:D (I'm always here for you if you'll ever need some talk ♡)

And your apartment! \(//∇//)\ They're so cute and cozy!! How many square meters are there? One doesn't need much to be happy <3 And what a stunning view with a balcony you have! (*'▽'*) Awwwsome place ☆

BLUE CATCH HER!! (*ﾟ∀ﾟ*)

Blue's moving to study there (๑>◡<๑)☆

By all means! (๑>◡<๑)♡ A few years ago I was living in France but in Nice, Cote d'Azur, and one day we went to Paris and oh my god it's so beautiful and noisy (in a good way) there! (*⁰▿⁰*) I wish I came back one day <3

The work is stable and so m'lady is heheh (ùwú) Every day is a little fun! xp Out city is preparing for a naval parade *w* Have a nice week!╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

@bluepalleteuniverse Awww I'm intrigued by your gift to her! (人 •͈ᴗ•͈) And by her to you too oh boi <33

WOW that's so cool! *0* Aesthetic & atmosphere in the work are important (ùwú) Pfff being New is really useful ;D Abs lucky you with such a comfortable schedule! (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵) Is it your last week on work btw?? Take care there╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

And good luck to you with furnishing your apartments! (*'▽'*) It's really nice there *^* OH so you're right from the North?? The towns on the outskirts are indeed nicer and safer, but the capital offers so many new opportunities, acquaintances and impressions! I keep my fingers crossed for you <3

That's the spirit! ᕦ(òwó)ᕤ☆

Not that I'm a big fan of boats but our City-on-Water is considered the sea capital of Russia so all the main celebrations with ships take place here (*ﾟ∀ﾟ*) Is your birthtown famous for something? *^*

[donvampiro]

Finally decided on what to ask for 😊 Was gonna request angst just because of your latest posts but I’ll spare you for now

May I request for Shanks with a fem. reader that he have a crush on? One day he decided to casually ask her what her type (of men) is, so he can see if he had a chance/can change himself. The reader decides to tease him by “singing” parts of GUY.exe (by SUPERFRUIT). We’re assuming he doesn’t know the song and thinks she’s just answering in a singsong voice (◡‿◡ ) At the end, she’d reveal it was just a song, of course. I would feel bad for any men that feels like they have to live up to such high expectations XD

If you know the song, that’s great (๑>◡<๑) If not, then that’d be another new song that I’ll be introducing to you. Hopefully you like it ♪(๑ᴖ◡ᴖ๑)♪

Bonus point if you can guess who I am (๑•͈ᴗ•͈) I’ll be really sad if you get it wrong ( ´ ･ ⌓ ･｀)

Birthday Anon ! got shivers through my spine every time i read your messages/requests ngl. you're so sweet (>///<) maybe angst next time? hehehe

here we go again with a song! yaaaahhh we seem to both have the same passion for music, don't we? this time, i know the artist, but i didn't know this song! a discovery again, and it's thanks to you again! Thank you (^w^) i love this little electro inspiration. it's not really what i listen to overall, but the prod is truly cool, it gives energy.

as for your identity, Birthday Anon... got an idea. but... i'm so afraid of being wrong, omg i don't want you to be sad, it would break my heart istg (T_T) since idk if you want me to write it in this post, i'll send you (i hope!) a message. please forgive me if i get it wrong. i'm just so awkward argh

OH YOU. SHANKS. MY FIRST SHANKS REQUEST. I'M EXCITED. BUT ALSO SO APPREHENSIVE. i love hiiiimmm he gives off such comforting vibes uuuuhhhh ANYWAY let's start! i hope this scenario would meet your expectations as much as possible <3

[insert JK's 'let's get it!']

MASTERLIST - Welcome

***

'we'd always get along'

Shanks x fem!reader

Nothing.

Nothing was happening on the boat.

… For the moment, anyway.

It was weird. And, to be honest, you found it a bit boring at first.

Usually there was always something to do, something to say, something to plan, someone to talk to, someone to laugh with. A presence, an action, a way to feel alive. But there, at this very moment, nothing was happening.

So you were contemplating the sea, thoughtfully. You could have thought about what you could have done to get rid of this boredom, but the aforesaid boredom made you tired. It was better to enjoy the shapes and colors of the sea.

Leaning against the hull, your mind was blank, you were just standing here, enjoying the moment and humming some notes that came to your mind, following the rhythm of the waves.

That was pretty restful, actually.

It was then that you felt a large hand patting your back.

'Ah, here you are, (y/n)! i was looking for you.'

A bit surprised, you froze for a second, silent, then you eventually turned around to this voice calling you.

It was Shanks, your captain, smiling at you cheerfully.

That too was restful. And heartwarming.

So you smiled back at him, still a bit lost in your thoughts.

'yes, what's the matter?'

Shanks looked around him. His expression was neutral.

'Nothing in particular', he let out.

You frowned, confused. After all this time spent in his crew, you knew Shanks pretty well. Thus you could see that his behaviour was ... strange. Red haired Shanks was not someone who troubled himself over codes nor the gaze of others (plus there was no one here rn??); he expressed his opinions freely, and when he had something to say, he got straight to the point. So what ? What did he have to tell? To tell you ?

'ah, really? i thought you wanted to talk to me, i mean, your sentence suggested that. looks like i was wrong, then.'

You went back to your contemplation of the seascape, picking up your little song again. You had no intention of being mean in saying this, but your tone had probably been a bit curt, so Shanks felt like he had annoyed you - which made him panic a little, for a moment.

Because, of course, Red haired Shanks was not someone who troubled himself over codes nor the gaze of others, but... when it came to you... It was another story.

Your captain had always been very protective towards you, without imposing himself excessively though. As well as he could always rely on you, you knew you could always rely on him, just like any member of the crew. However, Shanks was still very present. You still felt his eyes on you, a little sidelong look, an attentive gaze, whatever, a still difficult to decipher gaze insofar as it mixed concern and benevolence.

You felt his finger pressing against your cheek, in a small movement, to catch your attention again.

'hey, don't react like this. take it easy! i do want to talk to you. it's just that there's no specific reason... i like to talk with you. that's all.'

The smile stretching his features had faded a bit, but was still there. You could see some sort of embarrassment on his face, but it was very diluted by the happiness that seemed to fill his eyes.

You nodded, silently. Taking place next to you, Shanks leaned on his elbow on the hull too.

'you're pretty calm today', you noticed.

– 'shouldn't i?'

You shrugged.

'i don't know. up to you.'

– 'sea is peaceful too. i understand you're looking at it. it's calming.'

Shanks was staring at the sea, a soft smile on his lips.

'i'm wondering something about you, (y/n).'

– 'i'm listening.'

He turned to you, and his smile widened, unveiling his teeth.

'tell me, (y/n). what's your type of men? what kind of men do you like?'

His question took you aback for a second. Wow, that was asked bluntly. Then you remembered it was Shanks : straight to the point, we said.

You rolled your eyes, humming a little as you pretended to think deeply about the question. But another idea occurred to you.

'so?', your captain asked.

– 'i know what i want, don't worry. i got very specific criteria.'

– 'oh la la ~ tell me then. i'm curious.'

His voice was slightly tinted by mischief, but you were determined to shut him up with this idea of yours. And most of all, you wanted to see what his reaction might be facing this.

'well', you started, 'first, i'm looking to emotional stability.'

Shanks nodded.

'nice car, a CEO, and almost just as smart as me.'

Shanks didn't nod. But he kept listening (very) carefully, as you kept talking.

'but financial security is also important. you see, a doctor, a model, a man of possibilities...'

Your captain craned his head a bit, waiting for more informations. Well, at least, informations he could really relate to. Because, as for now... that's a bad start. 'Emotional stability'? Being smart? He was pretty sure he checks the box. But 'financial security'... he wasn't a doctor, nor a model... Shanks had started to feel a little nervous – but didn't let anything show through.

'how does your « man of possibilities » look like, (y/n)?'

– 'six feet tall and super strong. we'd always get along! Kind, and ain't afraid to cry, or treat his momma right.'

Shanks was falling for the way you were singsonging, and amazed that you manage to make all these words rhyme so casually. Plus, he was a bit reassured : he rather fulfilled the criteria that you had just mentionned. Almost six feet tall, super strong, being kind, treating people right,... that's what he does, uh? Then you two would always get along? He hoped so.

His smile, which had faded a little, was suddenly back at this mere thought. Shanks was still a little concerned though, as the first criteria you broached seemed to be essential, however he was insecure. About him fulfilling them. Or, rather... about him not fulfilling them.

'ah, that's well thought out, indeed... what else?'

You grinned at his tone, cocking an eyebrow. He was trying to remain teasing, but you could clearly hear his hesitation. Because you knew him well.

'i need a man who don't get jealous unless i want him to...'

– 'that's hard! you're very demanding, (y/n).'

You didn't raise his comment, however, inside, you couldn't help but laughing at the cute image of Shanks being jealous. Even if you don't really have an idea of how he'd express his jealousy. Was your captain likely to be jealous, by the way? You've never seen it. Anyway...

– '... a gentleman to take care of me in the bedroom.'

– 'really? how?', he smirked.

– 'romantic love, but keep it rough.'

Shanks' smile intensified, and a chuckle slipped out of his lips. « I can do it », he thought. But he kept that thought silent for now.

'that's a bit contradictory, don't you think so?'

– 'am i asking too much?'

You winked. But, of course, he didn't get it. He didn't get it since the very beginning, actually. Shanks obviously seemed to not know the song you were « singing » to him for quite a while now.

'to be honest, yes, i think you ask too much.', your captain replied with a faint smile, looking away.

– 'yeah, they say « Expectations are too high and you'll never find a guy like that ».'

– 'well, unfortunately, you won't find him here for sure.'

You could feel, behind that smile, the frustration inhabiting your captain. He looked a little tormented. And you understood him, thus you were going to stop playing with him. Or, at least, with his heart. After all, who can meet all of these criteria? Who can fully be someone's ideal type, someone checking all the check boxes? No one. Loving is also knowing how to make choices and compromises. Knowing how to accept the other, not to impose unnecessary changes.

You were staring at Shanks who was back looking at the see. He let out a thoughtful sigh.

'wanna know what's my ultimate criterium, Captain?'

He looked up at you.

'ultimate criterium?', he repeated, seeking to understand.

– 'ultimate criterium, yes. THE criterium, the one that would be the real key to have my heart.'

A soft smile reappeared on Shanks' face as he was coming closer to you.

'sure, tell me. who knows, that might interest me.'

– 'i'm looking for a man who treats me mighty fine.'

He stared at you, surprised.

'is that so?'

– 'well... yes? seems logical.'

– 'is this your ultimate criterium?'

– 'yes.'

– 'okay.'

His smile widened.

'maybe i'm your ideal type, then.'

It would be lying to say that his voice hadn't made you shudder. Now it was time to counter the offensive.

'oh, you know, all of those criteria are just from a song!'

Shanks froze.

'a song?'

– 'yeah, that's not my own opinion, i mean, of course i don't need a model and so on.'

You weren't sure what reaction to expect, but what you got was a loud laugh.

'wow, (y/n), you got me there! well done!'

You were sporting a small, satisfied smile. Yes, you got him. But...

'but that doesn't take anything away from what i've said.', he continued, 'because if this was all just a song...'

He came closer, still smiling.

'… maybe i am indeed your ideal type?'

[bizarrescribblez]

haiiii its you know who hahahhahahahahauuuu for ur recent ask game >:,) 3 (GUSH), 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, and 16 x)

Omg I wonder who this is 🤨🤨🤨 perhaps THE wife of the Riddler herself?? But WAAHGH TYSM for sending a bunch I’m so excited…. :,3

3. how do the other characters generally feel about your self insert?

OMG ok so I won’t go into extensive detail cuz I literally could but hmphs lemme thinks ok so. Jim Gordon/Commissioner Gordon is me pops :) my padre!!! So we’re very close despite me not actually being his kid, y’know.. like even when I find out who my FR parents are I don’t really care cuz he’s my dad.. Bruce and I have been childhood friends since I like to think middle school/after his parents died, so (not to be Mary Sue-ish) we’re also pretty close and other than Alfred I’m pretty much the first to figure out/him tell me his Batman since we both fight crime.. Selina and I don’t meet till the events of The Batman but we’re very tight and most likely keep in touch after she leaves Gotham.. Me and Ed are really in sync too since we have similar interests and ofc he’s dating my bestie so he’s honorary bestie :) and I like to imagine me and Officer Martinez also knew each other as kids so unintentional trio of him, me and Bruce!

4. would you be considered a main character, side character, villain, or something else?

HMMM I think overall I’m pretty much a side character :) especially in The Batman and most likely only tag along whenever Bruce and Jim are together cuz padre hehehe..

6. does your self insert have any pets?

I haven’t thought about pets yet :)) I’d really love her to have an astrological critter she had since she ended up on Gordon’s doorstep.. kinda like how Hercules had Pegasus in the Hercules movie.. so many a space looking bun bun…

10. how do the other characters feel about your self insert and f/o's relationship?

Omg this is such a good one.. me hopes you don’t mind I do Before Two Face + After Two Face huhuhu cuz it sounded fun..

[Before Two Face!]

I feel like Bruce and Jim (and Ed too tbh) (actually everyone of you think about it) are on the same boat about feeling on the fence about it. Mainly cuz he’s a politician and running for mayor so they’re all pretty sussed out especially after everything in The Batman where literally anybody could be hiding something .. but I feel out of everyone Bruce would be the least H about it especially since he probably helps fun his campaign.. me thinks … Gordon is just concerned dad who doesn’t want me to get hurt and Ed is Ed he hates politicians UFGFDFDGGG

[After Two Face!!]

It’s safe to say that . Yeah if Bruce and Jim weren’t more concerned for me this is ultimate levels of concern. Tbh I don’t think either of them other than Ed and Selina (and my bff :3) know I’m dating him at that point since.. failed mayoral stuff —> mob boss now so I wouldn’t want Harv getting caught or sent to jail…

11. what kind of outfit(s) does your self insert wear?

Omg.. I can literally send a bajillion outfits omg

Ok update I picked a lot so :)

As you can see… ayo why she ourple.. also very pastel-y and space themed :)

12. how would the fandom view your character?

Omg that’s a hard question yet I love questions like this.. tbh I feel like people would think she’s OP or overpowered even tho all she can do is float… and draw powers from the stars.. like y’all she’s less OP than Superman 🙄 boutta make her weakness everything but kryptonite.. or they’d say she’s a rip off of Roxanne from Megamind cuz I’m hero/news reporter hehehehuhu

16. freebie! name a fact about your self insert you want everyone to know.

AAAA I don’t think I have a fact on the spot.. but she’s pretty sailor moon inspired like her hair/space aesthetic :) that is all

[jerichomere]

MBS EPISODE EIGHHHHT

weak. I hate to say it but I could feel it in my heart from the start. It had good moments but this episode just didn’t bring it home. I’m going to break this up into my usual notes and then some general evaluation. Notes: What is the deal with curtain and food? He has so many weird scenes with meals.. there’s probably some hidden meaning here but I don’t know what it is And they didn’t get to chuck-root the school :((((( Constance? Wants to pour acid on curtain’s feet Haha I liked Kate’s little “Nyoope” when the recruiters found her Martina redemption and the fighting tetherball team, sure Jackson and Jillson get even more unhinged. they terrify me We got Kate yeeting Constance up the tower, but her bucket had a built in rope motor somehow WE GOT KATIE-KAT but we didn’t get Sorry it took me so long And Milligan’s still moody instead of joyous Go Constance, break the thing, yay Number Two and Rhonda had some real shippy energy in this episode and PLEASE they are SISTERS Two more close profile shots of curtain in this episode, one where he is physically shorter than Milligan but dominating the interaction, and one where he’s physically looking down at Reynie but Reynie’s getting to him. Reynie has a heart to heart and curtain passes out. That’s different. Sticky even said, “it’s anger” and he was like “no, it’s vulnerability” oooooookay then. The whisperer is not an intercom/loudspeaker. sheesh. So the kiddos leave and the twins talk, resolving nothing, then curtain escapes REYNIE AND MISS PERUMAL NO COMPLAINTS HERE *sobs* Kate and Madge at the end <3 Constance refuses adoption!?!?!?!??! And no age reveal obviously rip Sticky’s family redemption he’s going to the totally not made up Boatwright Academy now Mr Benedict is like, I love you all, no snowball fight, the end. SIKE Curtain, SQ, and a totally real engineer lady are on a BOAT. You know, I felt bad for the engineer this whole series, as she is portrayed as kind of doing the technical work hoping it’ll be used for good, while curtain abuses its practical application, but her mood really shifted in that last scene. She was like heheh hey guy that I know is definitely is evil, howabout this mysterious blueprint... are they really trying to set up the sequel. Some tree branches will have to get pretttty bent.

Evaluation: keep reading! (sorry it gets long)

To recap what I’ve said from the start, I think the casting is fantastic but the tone is wrong. The darker, more saturated filter, the isolating camera shots, and very understated music make things colder and stilted. This is a constant throughout the whole series. The book was warm, messy, and full of charm, which I didn’t feel watching the show.

characters were.. compromised? Mr B starts off with a LIE about test winners going to Boatwright Academy. That undermines EVERYTHING he does from then on. “Regrettable but necessary” DOESN’T cut it. He’s also just so anxious and jittery instead of his gentile, kind, strong book self. Just from the show, they didn’t frame his genius very well. He seems more like a fool. Not really confidence-inspiring. In the same way, Being directed to cheat is one thing, but Reynie should NOT have lied to SQ to manipulate him into seeing the forest or whatever. Yeah reynie felt bad about it and SQ called him on it, but this is like the core values of our protagonist team, the strong love for truth. Also, I feel like in the show Reynie’s leadership isn’t highlighted. Like, everyone else has their thing but you almost wonder why he’s framed as the main character. The girls got bonding and the boys got bonding but there was hardly opportunity for him to really bring the team together into a cohesive unit Also, as much as I love Number Two’s life of crime (because it’s funny), she too should have that love of truth, but instead regularly does unlawful things. AND they never explained her eating, and even stopped having yellow clothes :( Additionally, the side story of her and Rhonda’s friction (entertaining I suppose) also really changed the character dynamic. In the book, the adult team was unwavering and wise, a sturdy basis for the perilous missions of the children. But their internal strife, while adding drama, makes them seem unreliable and less absolutely good and trustworthy. And I think trust and integrity are key parts of the book’s solid narrative. Constance’s refusal of the adoption felt wrong too. She was like, “Respectfully decline, but. I’ll stick around here.” I think they were trying to keep going with her contrariness, but it just comes across as foolish pride? Constance is a LITTLE GIRL. She DESERVES a FAMILY. SHE DESERVES A LOVING PARENT (and two wonderful sisters). Yeah family doesn’t have to be by blood OR lawful paperwork, but her actions in this scene really just. cuts off the feels at the knees. We KNOW she’s strong and independent but that doesn’t mean she HAS TO BE or even necessarily WANTS to be all the time. Over the course of the series we see her warming up to people, a kind word here, a little smile there, but this adoption refusal is.. harsh. Then we’ve got Sticky. Yes, he struggles with the comfort of the whisperer. And he overcomes it. BUT in one of the earlier episodes, they had him fighting with the team, defending the whisperer, dismissing his friends... and I count this as betrayal. It may be extreme on my part, but I think he went too far. The Society is the Society. In the book he bested his fears for them and with their support. Yeah he desperately wanted to just give in but he had PRINCIPLES and knew why he couldn’t. His honor, his responsibility to stop curtain, and his loyalty to his friends got him though. But in the show he just dumped them. And then was like, oh oops jk I’m back. (I knowwwwww the book has the privilege of being able to explain characters’ thought processes and emotional states, while shows have to work with more tangible actions and words but stilll I did not Like That) And finally, curtain wasn’t smart. He had hired people doing all the work. He just used it to his ends. Less evil genius and more manipulating creep. But this? I’m more ok with. As an villain, he got the job done. But this makes him less of a foil for Mr Benedict and more of an antagonist, if that makes sense. In the book they never knew each other, but were both alone in the world and greatly smart, and they chose verrry different paths. Whereas in the show he and B were always kind of opposites, warring in motivation and method from the start.

Let’s talk about the boss battle (such as it was). I said it was weak and I meant it. The book is heart pounding. There is so much going on, and so many people in play, the narration jumping all over the place in real time, all culminating in that clash at the top of the tower. Now, the show... the highs weren’t the highs. It felt more like checking off story points. Kate and constance outside - check. Resist the whisperer to stall for time - check. Milligan reveal - check. Reynie starting to figure out narcolepsy triggers - check. Constance shouting then you are the greatest fool of all - um, no, that didn’t happen. Constance defeating the whisperer - check. Curtain escapes - check. We got zero action. No good fights. I know Emmy Deoliveira is a kid and I’m not mad at her for not being able to do action sequences or run with Constance piggyback. But there was almost no physical conflict on-screen, and that’s Kate’s real time to shine. Also they had Number two and Rhonda in the tower ready to fight and then they just didn’t. All this build up for nothing. Furthermore, and I think this is the biggest problem, there was no momentum. Yeah they cut from scene to scene, but the music and tone cut scene-to-scene too. So there was like, dramatic music, Kate’s ready to fight! Get hyped! and then cut to absolutely silent, mr curtain staring at someone. feel mildly disturbed. and then cut to Rhonda and Number two being friends and ready to fight! Aww! And yay! Get hyped! And then cut back to Sticky sitting in a chair, dead silent. It goes on like this. The music, the urgency, should have carried throughout, building in intensity and desperation as the kids come together and curtain unravels more and more and then BAM! curtain down and OH NO! the whisperer and finally Constance’s “I... DON”T.... CARE!!!” and then the madcap escape from the island. Watching, I just couldn’t get swept away. Storywise, they tied it all up and logically it made sense but the emotional culmination just wasn’t there. It was over and done too quick. It fell flat. I didn’t feel the struggle, the suspense. And then they gave us a fabricated Mr B and Curtain conversation that didn’t really help anything. And then the falling action had some nice moments but as I mentioned, the things with constance and sticky kind of made it feel less relieving, joyful, and sweet. I know a snowball fight is elaborate to set and film but I would have loved to see it.

Final thoughts I can’t help but love the kids. I’ll say it again, I sure liked this casting. And for all the changes they had to make, the original central plot was there, and most of the characters were recognizable even with all the alterations. So I did have problems with some of that underlying integrity, as well as the overall tone and execution, but I also laughed at the little funny things, jammed to the title theme, and was excited to see this, my favorite book in the world, get more recognition. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to adapt a work of prose into an audiovisual medium, and considering how outlandish the book sometimes got, they gave it their best shot. I didn’t love it but I can recognize the accomplishment. In terms of faithful and well-made adaptations, on a scale of Percy Jackson to Harry Potter, I’d give The Mysterious Benedict Society a 6.5/10.

[rainstormfes]

Attack on Titan S4 Ep6

Ya know... i thought i wouldnt make another one of these but OH WELL EP6 OPENED UP MORE THINGS ABT THIS AMAZING STORY SO I’M MAKING ANOTHER POST TO RANTTTTT

So again SPOILER WARNING I’m gonna be talking about Attack on Titan: The Final Season Ep6

FIRST OF ALL can i just say the war hammer titan LOOKS SO FRICKIN COOLLLLLL like that is the coolest frickin ability BY FAR THAT WE HAVE EVER SEEN

Eren’s hot.

Ok but also i just wanna comment on the fact that he’s changed SO MUCH like PHEWWWW the character development is amazing. He went from such an energetic kid to this stoic, always analyzing, ‘i have no choice’ man and it gives me SO much whiplash.

Mikasa’s hot

Jean glowed up and is now hot

Floch’s hair isn’t that weird spiral thingy i’m proud 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

MY BBY GIRL SASHA IS HOT BUT ALSO BBY WHO HURT YOU YOU’RE SO MELLOW NOW :((

Whatta glo up connie Y E S 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

ok THE PARALLELSSSS this ss alone holds the same vibes as eren on the boat in 845 and he was swearing he’d kill every last titan. GOSH YES I LOVE THESE PARALLELS SO MUCH.

This part hurt my heart so much bc we know that THIS ONLY HAPPENED. BECAUSE THE MARLEYANS WANTED TO RETAKE PARADIS FOR DUMB RESOURCES so they were like ‘AIGHT LETS GO KILL EVERYONE ON PARADIS’ and then that just triggered the chain reaction of the walls being broken down and eren’s rage being sparked etc etc like i imagine none of this wouldve happened if they WEREN’T GREEDY. I mean sure grisha might’ve done smth if wall maria’s first breach didn’t happen but it wouldn’t have had as much of an influence as wall maria’s breach had

Oh yea ALSO i’d like to give ayaneru (gabi’s seiyuu) a special mention cause the scream gabi let out around the time when udo was getting trampled and it was just settling in that zofia and udo were dead was executed SO. WELL. The TERROR in her voice was *chef’s kiss*. (weird sentence but seriously her scream along with the screen showing eren just perfectly juxtaposed the situation. Eren’s gone through this shiz before. Oh he knows what every single child that’s being orphaned right now is going through. But GOSH DANG IT HE HAS NO CHOICE CAUSE ALL THE PARADIS PPL WANT IS FREEDOM AND THEY’RE NOT GONNA GET IT UNLESS THEY LITERALLY STOP EVERYONE TRYING TO GET IN THEIR WAY BUT THE PEOPLE GETTING IN THEIR WAY ALSO HAVE THEIR REASONS AS WELL)

I LIKE THIS FRAME A LOT. LOOK AT THEM. THEY’RE ALL GROWN UP. THEY LOOK SO HOT. WOW 😍

O H ?

THE MANS HAS ARRIVEDDDDDD

Gosh he looks so hot. I love how he’s called by name probably cause zeke, pieck, and reiner were like ‘YALL BEWARE OF THIS GUY AIGHT’

aND I KNOW everyone’s made connections to mikasa wearing eren’s scarf still and levi wearing the og survey corps cape to represent erwin and every single life they ever lost in the walls BUT GOSH DANG IMMA PUT IT HERE CAUSE IT DESERVES TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED. GOSH. AND NEXT EP LEVI IS GONNA FIGHT ZEKE AGAIN I AM SOOOOOO READY FOR LEVI VS BEAST TITAN PT2

Oh yea also, I just love the added detail of basically everyone using the interior police 3DMG equipment that was “specifically designed to kill humans” along w the thunder spears. BUT THEN LEVI USES THE OG 3DMG EQUIPPED W ONLY SWORDS CAUSE HE AND HANJI ARE THE LAST REMAINING OG SURVEY CORPS MEMBERS AND TO SEE HIM REPRESENT EVERYONE THAT HAD TO BE SACRIFICED TO MAKE IT TO THE MAINLAND IS JUST *CHEF’S KISS*

THIS. T H I S FRICKIN SCENE. Porco’s like ‘what?! these humans know i’m a titan right? they know that and yet they’re coming to kill me?!?!’ MY GOSH YES OFC THEY ARE.

All humans learn to adapt to their environments (i’d like to believe) faster than any other species on this earth AND GOSH DANG DUMPING HUMANS IN A PRISON FILLED WITH TITANS THEY’RE BOUND TO LEARN HOW TO DEFEND THEMSELVES EVENTUALLY. As eren once put it, the survey corps are made up of a bunch of weirdos. But that’s what their world needed. Weirdos brave enough and stupid enough and curious enough to want to figure out how to kill titans and figure out their certain quirks and behaviors.

Totally understandable how, if s4 was released first, we would see the paradis ppl as demons bc titan killing humans?! That’s never been SEEN in Liberio or all of the continental mainland for that matter. ITS JUST SO FUNNY TO SEE HIM FREAKING OUT like that’s what DECADES of living with titans has done for the humanity within the walls hehehe.

ALSO i bet the rest of the titan shifters are gonna be like ‘wtf’ seeing LEVI (who is one of the shortest among them) WIELDING BASICALLY TOOTHPICKS in their eyes. O H my gosh i really wanna see more reactions from the titan shifters cause it’ll be HILARIOUS. Their minds being absolutely blown after only believing that the only thing that can kill titans is other titans is just so funny. YALL’S HIGHER UPS WERE THE REASON THEY EVEN ADAPTED IN THE FIRST PLACE BC THEY WERE FORCED INTO THAT HELL AND NO WAY DID THEY JUST GIVE UP.

And ofc this beautiful frame. I personally absolutely frickin love the cgi that they implement. IT LOOKS SO COOL AND EVERYTHING from the TITANS to the 3DMG just looks AMAZING

Gosh this episode, again, reinforces the idea that both sides are fighting for their own justified beliefs. Like ofc i wanna root for the paradis ppl and honestly they kinda deserve the victory after so long of just losing countless and lives and hope. Liberio and marley in general hasn’t faced that kind of loss yet. Like all theyve ever fought is PEOPLE. Imagine fighting against an enemy that is SO much more powerful and unpredictable than you. BUT on the flip side on the mainland, everyone still has loved ones they dont want to lose. And eldians are still highly persecuted as well so they have also fought to win favor with the marleyans and not get killed for the shallow reason that their ancestors killed many people and that they should take responsibility for that. For example falco (and his brother) is trying to protect their family and the girl that he likes. And gabi herself is probably being held on high expectations cause she’s related to reiner. Everyone has their struggles. It’s just... whose side do you want to be on?

Anywaysssss cant wait for ep7 :3

[cafedanslanuit]

HAHAHA YES!! I imagine Porco being like that too! My best friend and I have this self-insert college AU where Porco is also my best friend and I’m with Reiner and whenever we fight or get into an argument, I’d tell him and he’s half listening because he’s my best friend, but the other half of him is like “heheh I got dirt on Reiner >:)” 😂

And to add to your discussion about self-insert.. yes I do it too. I agree it’s a form of self-care and it’s something I like to wander into from time to time, especially when I’m feeling down or stressed.

self shipping is self care and i'm happy we're all on the same boat <3

LMAOO i love you college au (that's my favourite type of au actually). porco is like okay im listening because i'm supportive but the next time he's talking/fighting with reiner you just know he's ITCHING to say something like "well this is why your gf made you sleep on the couch the other night"

[krenbotvt]

What The Fans Of (Almost) Every Scarecrow Design Are Like Just by Surveying Rogue Tumblr for Approx: 5 Months. (Not in any particular order. Also this is a meme.)

Year One: You probably needed a childhood to relate to/needed a justifiable reason to stan one of Gotham’s biggest criminals. (but if your childhood involves being half-eaten by crows i am VERY concerned)  BTAS: The gateway drug Scarecrow. You’re probably a gremlin, and also really like the Dork Squad(tm)  TNBA: He’s under-appreciated, and you know this very well, but you’re also thankful that you get some of the coolest artwork of your favorite spooky boy. (Also the voice. 11/10 you want him to read sleepy hollow to you.) TAOB: You are one of the only 3 living fans of Adventures Of Batman Scarecrow, but you give absolutely no shit. You love that uncanny valley, near on clown-like scarecrow, and i feel bad for you, because you’ll probably never get art of them. Super Friends: I...Wow. Y’all really do exist... Galactic Guardians: YOU GUYS ACTUALLY EXIST TOO??? BATB: JAZZY. You like his hat, and his voice. You also probably enjoy a lot of older scarecrow designs as well. You get sad because you wish there were more content.  The Batman (TV series): PFFT HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (But seriously though, you poor, poor things...There, There...) Assault On Arkham: AA Scarecrow in an otherwise good movie. Basically, you’re sad he didn’t get more screen-time. At this point, just stan: Arkham Asylum: ABSOLUTE GOBLIN OF A HUMAN. One of the gateway drug Scarecrows that lead you to The Rogues fanbase in the first place. You either love the serious artwork of him, love him drawn/written as a gremlin, or are STILL offended by his lack of footwear. Either way, you adore him and will remind everyone of it. Arkham Knight: OH FUCKING BOY. This can go one of two ways. 1.You love his writing (or don’t, but still stan), his poetic dialogue and his voice, and you also love how much he hams up the fear factor. You probably adore every artwork of him you see, and you REALLY love reading any fan-written material of him. You have many headcanons, and probably have googled A LOT of stuff to make them more genuine.  Or 2. You are very, VERY horny... (But as a good friend once said, “these are not mutually exclusive.”) Nightwing And Robin: Aw, y’all are so cute! Here, have some tea with the SF AND GG Fans, I think they have Earl Grey over in the CORNER OF IRRELEVANCY. (But I feel bad for y’all too.) Unlimited: BEEF BOY. You’re either in the group of people that love Scarecrow designs that use scythes, or you like how strange, yet fun his appearance is. Most art of him is super colorful too. There aren’t very many of you, but the amount of you that I’ve seen seem like super cool people. You all probably also enjoy the next one: Batman/TMNT: You knew the movie was a wild ride from start to finish, but you love it. You probably also like birds (I know, really obvious.) There aren’t many of you, but you like the idea of a corvid-like Scarecrow, and you wish for more. Or...You may be a furry that also likes DC stuff, and that’s ok too! We too also oddly love that weird ass cobra joker anyways.  Salecrow: You love his rhyming (which is arguably the best thing about him), but are also annoyed by the fact that most content of him use the same 3 images every time. You’re probably in the same boat as all the other scarecrow fans that genuinely want a proper medieval themed version of him. If you write/draw him, you’ve googled endless nursery rhymes. Its like Dr.Seuss up in this bitch. Also, them hands. Blackest Night: Chances are you’re still amazed that your favorite bag-headed master of fear even HAS that thing. You REALLY want him to wear that damn ring again, and will probably pay an arm and a leg to see it happen in a form of animated media. You also have very interesting artwork/writings of him. And your head canons are outlandish, but in the most fun way. (Seriously though, Hatter with a ring, huh...) Injustice: You either love the concept of The ScareBeast, or you’re here for the fact that hes voice by FREAKING ROBERT ENGLUND. Admittedly, you probably aren’t all too good at fighting games, but you still insta-lock him despite that.  The Dark Knight: Cillian Murphy portrays the character rather well, but you either are unnerved by his strangely dreamboyish face, or would wish for a slightly older actor. But!!! Despite all that!!! You love him, and probably still quote “WaNnA sEe My MaSK???” (Although I see some of you get absolutely tired of that lol) I don’t see any loyal fans of him, but everyone seems to agree that he’s not too shabby (heheh... shabby...) Gotham (Tv Series): ...Hello? Where are you guys? I KNOW you exist! Show yourselves! Jokes aside, you either love him or hate him. Live action scarecrows seem to be a hit or miss for some.  Harley Quinn (Tv Series): Softies. You adore everything about him. His dialogue, his humor, his very surprising accent, and his, albeit a stretch, questionable sexuality implications. Most art of him is very wholesome and good, probably because you’re STILL not over...Well... Maybe its better if I not mention it (all fans of him are the “If I see anything happen to them I’ll kill everyone in this room and then myself” meme.). Detective Comics: Hroo Hraa, my friends. Hroo Hraa. Whether it’s his “Queer grasshopper leaps” or his strange laughter onomatopoeia, you can’t get enough of his antics. Nothing beats a classic, and the fact that there are still many of you that are fans of him makes me smile. New 52/Prime Earth: One of the few scarecrows that greatly changes his childhood, but you welcome the idea of it. He’s a very unsettling looking guy, but you’ll remind everyone that his writing makes up for it. He’s mostly treated like a semi-C tier villain in the continuity, but every time you see him you’re like “!!!!!!!”.You most likely have a list of every issue he appears in so you don’t have to suffer, and your heart still breaks when you read the scene with him and that one girl. (He said he was sorry, guys.) Batman:Hush: 2 and a half sweet and savory minutes of this guy, only for him to get kicked in the face? Nay, Nay, you say! A crime, you holler! You go to your keyboard to tell your friend about how good his character design is, and how well animated he was, but alas they say “that’s nice, bud.” Blast it all... The Lego Batman Movie/Lego in general: Our boy at his most gremlin. Sure, you know this is a 99% children’s medium, but that doesn’t stop you from smiling like a dummy every time you see him. He’s funny, he’s delightful, and he has... a weird obsession with planes? What is it with them and putting him in planes? Maybe he got a pilot’s license before he attended university? What a smart little block person!  Obviously, I left out quite a few here, but these seem to be the most popular. There are SO many comic renditions of him, so It’d take my forever. (My poor fingies already hurt!) But please enjoy this silly little thing :’] 

[kitanoko]

tdmm mafia AU part 2

Note: Here it is!! I enjoyed writing this part HEHEHE. (More notes at the bottom)

A step out the door to the luscious garden was a step back to reality. Momo immediately lets go of his hand; the act was over for now. Without realizing it, the toll of acting as if they’ve known each other for years was getting to them. Todoroki gestures for her to sit at the swing near the porch. She fidgets with the cold rusty chain between her fingers. It was a breezy night, very nice and relaxing, a huge contrast to how it is inside.

Wow, she thinks, 3 weeks passed by in a heartbeat.

Momo had to admit she’d somewhat grown to like to talk to Midoriya, grown to know when to laugh at Bakugou’s antics, and grown to…

She looks at the man standing in front of her whose face goes back to his usual stiff expression. He’s admiring the moon.

“It’s probably a good time to let you know what’s going on.” He begins and rubs his neck out of habit. Todoroki turns to face her and notices her slight shiver. Momo was busy kicking the pile of rocks under her feet when he walks over the swing and places his coat around her shoulders. She jumps slightly at the surprisingly caring gesture and nods a thanks. He wasn’t that much taller than her but his aura feels so much more powerful. His shadow freezes her in her place.

“I was talking to the woman earlier because…she was an informant.” He continues. Momo’s jaw go slack and was about to ask something but decides to listen instead.

“I’m working with the Federal police to get Shigaraki arrested once and for all.”

Momo was shocked at the news; doesn’t that mean Todoroki was in trouble as well? After all, they’re both criminals; one may have outdone the other but nonetheless…

Her thoughts stop and a tug plucks at her heartstrings.

Todoroki’s deep voice resonates through her once again, something she’s still not used to, and she feels what it was that had made people so afraid of him in the first place. He was emotionless and blunt – not like at the party. He was a good actor.

Momo grows solemn.

Todoroki had to do what his life had set for him and she was just one of the obstacles that he had to overcome. It reminded her again how their façade had to end sooner or later.

After all, they were from different walks of life. So different that to her, they might as well be from two ends of the universe.

“And this is why I need to know what you were doing there on the night of the incident. You still haven’t said a word about it.”

Momo straightens and fixes the coat around her. They were still acquaintances. It felt wrong to trust him but also she had owed him twice for her life. She takes a deep breath.

“I was there to find clues for the whereabouts of my father. I had someone who’s been investigating for me, and I had to be there to see for myself.”

She gulps. “And…I saw him, on Shigaraki’s boat.”

Todoroki’s eyes widen.

“Your father works for Shigaraki?”

That somehow made her blood boil. His accusing tone. As if her father was just as dirty as the rest of them. Momo stood up instinctively, standing in front of Todoroki with an air of defiance. Thanks to her heels, she was leveled with him.

“My father is a well-respected man. He would never ever work for the mafia!”

Todoroki’s lips thinned and pulls his raven black tie a little to let a bit of air in his lungs. It was clear to him what she had meant.

“Then how do you explain his presence on his boat? At Shigaraki’s side?”

“I don’t know but I will find out!” Momo wanted to tear up now, but there’s no way she’d show him her weak side. She didn’t want to look at him and turns around, hands tight and numb.“I haven’t seen him for years. For 15 years to be exact and if you had a smidge of human decency, you’d understand how much I want to know! If I could give anything…”

She sits back down and clenches her teeth. How dare he, she thought as she gripped harder on the hem of her dress – if she could, she would give anything to have her parents back.

Todoroki stays silent for awhile and Momo realizes. From the side of her peripheral vision, she sees him hover over her, a hand on her shoulder. The sparkle on her fake engagement ring catches her attention and she sighs.

The ring was beautiful – platinum regal setting with a teardrop emerald and diamonds all around. There was significant weight to it, and she remembered the night when Todoroki casually handed it to her right before she had gone to bed. It wasn’t a romantic gesture but it made her wonder how and where he got the ring. She could only hope it wasn’t stolen property or contraband of some kind. She sighs again.

“Why…” her voice was barely audible, “why are you letting me stay with you. Why don’t you just let me go home. It’s been three weeks, I’m sure things have died down now. The engagement…” Momo’s voice slows, “it’s easy to just tell others you’ve separated from your fiancee, I’m certain. And I can go back to being a preschool teacher. Wouldn’t me living with your guards outside be the same?”

Todoroki’s hand on her shoulder doesn’t let go. She felt as if he was thinking how to organize his words in a proper way. Momo was utterly puzzled. Why did it seem like what happened to her mattered at all to him.

“I want to do something right for once. To pay for my father’s sins, or the sins of my family. I want to have a new life, an honest life. I saw you on the pier and I knew I couldn’t let another innocent life end in front of me.”

Momo closed her eyes. “So I’m just one of your pet projects. One of the things you check on your bucket list.”

He twitches a finger. “No, that’s not what I meant.”

“Todoroki,” her voice regains its gentleness, “It’s strange how you treat me. Like I’m a friend. It confuses me. One day you treat me like you own me. Telling me how I can’t go back, telling me what’s best for me even though I’ve just met you. And the next, you’d make me feel almost…special.”

Momo stops abruptly and stands up, right fingers gingerly twisting and pulling out the ring she had worn on her left. The way his eyes squinted told her he wasn’t sure what she was trying to say.

“Here,” The girl says and gives him a small but melancholic smile. He holds out his hand and the ring, still warm, rocks a bit in his palm as Momo drops it back to its original owner. “I’m done. I’m returning home tomorrow and I hope you respect my wishes.”

~~

The way back was quiet. They didn’t speak a word to each other and the first thing Momo does when she goes home is curl in her bed like she had done the first week she was here. She had nothing to pack, nothing that she needed to take. Tonight would be the last night here, and then she’d be able to see her friends again. Aizawa had been worried sick, calling her often, and Momo would talk to him whenever she had her phone. She knew the three had checked her call history but they didn’t seem to care. She had agreed with Aizawa to only take action if she hadn’t called for over 2 days She squirms on her bed and held her blanket tight. How great would it be, Momo thinks, back to popcorn and movie night with Jirou, and back to seeing her students again.

She remembers Midoriya telling her to not worry about her job; they have people working in the school board, fabricating just the right story so they’d allow her to go on sabbatical. Not that she was worried about her income, it was just overall fulfilling for her to teach and raise the next generation.

Momo ponders if she’d miss Midoriya and Bakugou and after an hour of just laying there, Momo drifts off to sleep and dreams of her parents.

~~

“Yo two-face, where’s ponytail?!” Bakugou yelled as he kicks open the door to Todoroki’s office. Todoroki rubs his temples and the blond notices the ring sitting inside the jewelry box, opened in front of the mafia boss.

Bakugou cocked a brow and stuffs his hands in his pocket, noticing the silence. Not even a grunt from Todoroki. Strange.

“She fcking said she wanted to learn how to make late night snacks and I got all the ingredients ready, don’t fcking tell me she went to sleep!”

Still nothing from Todoroki. The mafia boss just closes his eyes and stashes the ring back. The drawer remains open and he thumbs the rim of the mahogany wood. Todoroki could see his glock resting in the deep crevice of the drawer.

Bakugou turns around and holds the door open a bit. “YO,” he booms, “DICKU, COME HERE. HALF-N-HALF’S DYING.”

“WHAT?” Midoriya scrambles in, face in horror but relaxes when he sees Todoroki sitting there. “Oh. Okay you scared me for a second, Kacchan!”

Bakugou snickers and shoves the door closed after Midoriya enters.

“I’m not dying,” Todoroki finally speaks.

The green-haired man strides over to the desk. “You okay, Todoroki-kun? You seem troubled. If it’s about the next operation, we –“

“Momo’s leaving tomorrow.”

Both Bakugou and Midoriya exchange glances.

“Leaving? What the fck? It’s Dicku’s lame ass jokes scaring her away isn’t it.”

“What, stop blaming me, Kacchan!”

Todoroki takes a sip of his whiskey and slams it down unknowingly. His friends stop their back and forth bickering and could feel Todoroki’s irritated gaze.

Bakugou was the first to break the silence.

“You were staring at that ring. What happened tonight.”

It sounded unusually levelheaded coming from the hothead.

“Momo and I had a discussion and she said she wanted to go home. It makes sense, after all, we can’t keep her prisoner forever. I just thought that I was doing the right thing.”

Midoriya rests his arm on his desk. “Todoroki-kun, you were doing the right thing. We know you’ve been wanting to change things around here. Walk on the right path for once. But it makes sense for her to get her life back. We can send bodyguards to watch over whenever she needs.”

The white and red haired man tenses his shoulders and his expression stones. “I know.”

Bakugou’s alarming red eyes bore into his.

“If you know then why are you grieving as if she fcking got murdered.”

“I’m not grieving.”

“Ya you fcking are. You do know that she’s not your actual fcking fiancee right? Don’t tell me you want to live the lie, or have you fallen that hard. She’s a normal otherwise annoying woman who laughs when she shouldn’t and fcking for fck’s sake can barely cook instant noodles.”

The vein on Todoroki’s neck pulses and Midoriya holds a hand in front of him as if to stop whatever his friend was going to do next. Todoroki wanted so badly to explain himself.

“We’ve become something different. Something I’m not sure of myself, but it’s not the same as it was. Momo felt unique. She wasn’t scared of me, of us. Her fear came from knowing she wouldn’t be able to return to her friends.”

Todoroki wanted to go on but it was like a lump had lodged in his throat. The whiskey still lingered and the heat was getting to him. He needed to cool off before he punches something.

Bakugou was not having it. He crosses his arm as if to invite him to tear him apart. “You know I’m right, you fcking moron. She’s a ticking time bomb waiting to get lured out by Shigaraki. You can either fcking tell her how you’ve become a wuss for her or you can watch her go. I’m gonna head out, you can sleep on it.”

And with that, Midoriya and Todoroki watch Bakugou stomp out, the halls echoing. The green-haired man sends his friend a sympathetic gaze. Todoroki hated the burn in his chest. He was so used to snapping his fingers and getting whatever he wanted. But somehow, this was totally new.

Before Midoriya could say another word of encouragement, Todoroki crashes back down on his chair, head aching. He eyed the contents beside him once more and slams the drawer to a close.

Notes: I really like the idea of bakugou and momo being friends, I’ve always wanted him to teach her how to cook. Momo always relied on take-out or Jirou’s cooking; she tries but fails a lot. And also here you can see how todomomo isn’t really working out; I wanted them to sorta struggle, you know? Momo was attracted to his looks but with him overall, she’s not so sure. She was semi-jealous of him talking to another woman but it was more so because of all the attention he’s given her recently. Happy to hear your thoughts!

[malgal7777]

Hiking with Tracy 2021:  Weekend 3, the Lost Weekend

As I went back to re-read my blog I noticed I had cut off my WHOLE weekend of 4/17!!  This is my 20 mile walk from the Emeryville Marina to the Richmond Marina and back via the Bay Trail along the water & Hwy 80.  So let me try to reenact my journey!

The theme of this hike was “Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart, you just gotta poke around” - Once again I tip my hat to the great Jerry Garcia.  Not sure if you all figured it out, but I love Jerry.  I came to the Bay Area to follow the Grateful Dead’s music and I never left.  

This particular hike was absolutely beautiful.  I wish it wasn’t so I can mix this blog up, but sorry folks, you live in a beautiful area.  Even along a dirty highway, there are things of beauty all around you.  Take for example this hike, wildflowers everywhere.  Even popping out of the sidewalk.  I'm reminded of Jeff Goldblum’s character in Jurassic Park...”Life refuses to be contained...it just finds a way”.  And sure enough, Sunflowers out of the sidewalk!

Since I was next to a highway, I went with headphones this time around.  One of my positives during this pandemic is my rekindled love for music radio stations.  I love listening to a radio station and I definitely have my favorite DJ’s. My personal favorites this past year were:  WWOZ - a local New Orleans station; KCSM - a Bay Area jazz station and KXT - out of Dallas, TX.  These stations literally kept me sane during the lockdowns.  I highly recommend them, especially if you’re cooking, doing chores or working in the garden. 

This particular morning I went with WWOZ.  And what a good decision that was.  Ron Phillips was spinning his favorite Saturday morning tunes and I was going down the road feeling BAD (as in good)!  Irma Thomas, Anders Osborne, The Subdudes and a little known singer/songwriter out of New Orleans, Chris Smithers.  If you get overwhelmed and about to burst...stream Chris Smithers “Let it Go”.  So funny.   Anders Osborne is a name my friends have been trying to get me into for a long time.  And I’m a bozo, definitely missed the boat on this one!  From his new album, try this song:  Welcome to Earth.  

Ok, so I digress!  Back to the walk.  In one of my last posts, I mentioned the people I meet.  Well this am was a doozy!  As I was grooving to the sweet sounds of the Crescent City I was approached by a group of ladies.  They had a question for me:  What’s more important in a relationship:  Love or Economics?  My first response was “Wow, you ladies don’t mess around for a Saturday morning!  Going deep on me”.  But, because I’m me, I had an answer. Now usually I would have said Love, Love, Love.  Hands down right?  But they caught me at a weird time.  I have been obsessively thinking of a comment I overheard from another group of ladies while doing my Diablo hike.  One of them had commented “I have no desire to marry just for love.  Forget that, I need to be economically stable”.  My reaction was pity for this poor girl.  I literally felt sorry for her.  The more I thought about it (obsessively for two weeks) I came to realize, she didn’t necessarily say she wasn’t going to work, she just wanted someone with their shit together and would contribute to their family being comfortable.  What’s wrong with that?  Is being comfortable taboo now?  So when my Bay Trail friends asked me, that’s how I answered.  Love was great but there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be comfortable, isn’t that love after all?  I obviously made one of the women very happy.  She loved it.  The other two nodded and smiled, they were on Love’s side.  So we said our goodbyes and I felt like I had gotten a weight off my shoulders.  As I was walking away though...I asked myself...But didn’t YOU marry for love?  And sure enough, I did.  Bob & I didn’t have a pot to piss in.  And while we’re not the Rockefeller's, we’re comfortable enough for us.  I love him dearly and love has to be the basis that you build your financial future upon.  If you don’t have that, it get’s ugly when $$ is involved.  The best part of this moment was that song “Welcome to Earth” was playing as I was coming to this realization and the last line is literally “Love is always the answer”.  The Universe works in mysterious ways!  But, where were the ladies...I wanted to change my answer??!!  No where to be found.  Man, I blew it.  I would now obsessively think about this for the next 20 miles. Told you I was a bozo. 

By this time I had reached The Albany bulb.  A Bay Area gem to the north of Golden Gate Fields.  There’s a great beach and then it jets out into a peninsula which is covered with art installations all over.  I’ll talk more about that later, since I came back on Sunday to finish my 25 miles. This morning though I watched a group of swimmers about to enter the freezing bay waters, no wet suit mind you!  CRAZY and No Thank You!  Brrr.   Next Stop, Point Isabel, dog heaven.  A large open spaced off-leach dog park.  I go there all the time.  If you have a dog, you should take them.  They will love you even more than they already do. 

Now past Point Isabel is where the trail gets interesting.  You start to wander away from the highway and are now among the prettiest beaches and marshes. It’s an interesting view of the Bay Bridge and you can no longer see the Golden Gate Bridge as you veer north of it.  You now start to come upon single family homes along the trail.  You’re instantly reminded of Cape Cod.  A ocean view from Richmond, CA.  The best part is once you see this neighborhood you know you’re close to the marina.  And sure enough, I turned the bend and there in front of me was the Ford Assembly plant, my 1/2 way point.  But, it’s a very cruel joke.  You see the plant across the opening of the marina, it’s literally right there!!  Then the realization hits you in order to get to it you need to go around the WHOLE marina.  And as you continue to walk and go around another bend, the sidewalk gets longer and longer and longer.  The Richmond Marina is HUGE. Lovely though.  Large green spaces with people doing yoga;  a ladies bootcamp class along the water; boats coming and going from the marina and two pretty cute restaurants also along the water.  

I finally made it to the Ford Assembly Plant and now Richmond Ferry Terminal.  The assembly plant hosts seasonal events, we’ve been to the women’s roller derby ones.  Nothing like watching tough chicks bully each other on roller skates.  Then there are a few businesses strewn throughout the building.  Dolls Kill, which I believe is a clothing business for those on the freakier side of the spectrum.  And Mountain Hardware!  Quality clothing for the outdoorsy types.  I should have gone in and gotten a windbreaker.  The wind was pretty brutal.  

The best part was of course the Rosie The Riveter museum.  A museum dedicated to the women that left the kids at home and joined the workforce to help build ships during WWII.  This whole area was built for the war effort.  Richmond grew from 25,000 to over 100,000 within three years!!!  Can you imagine?  How does any town build the infrastructure needed to maintain that population?  Grocery stores?  Clothing? Schools?  Highly recommended.  It’s a suggested donation, so don’t be cheap, donate.  You won’t be disappointed.  I once brought Charlotte and a couple of her Girl Scout troop there to meet a real life “Rosie”.  She told the girls her story and it was of course about LOVE!  The trials and tribulations of her and her partner as he was fighting in the war and she was here making the ships that would keep him safe.  Man, where were those 3 ladies!!  

The way back was pretty much the same. I made it!  Now onto Sunday, 4/18. The Albany Bulb!  A Bay Area gem.  Bob & I have been coming here for years.  Way back when it was a landfill full of broken concrete slabs and rebar.  Some artist types took it upon themselves to start living there.  They kept the concrete slabs and rebar and started to make installations out of them.  Giant sized figures;  rows of wooden paintings; mazes and one guy even built a concrete castle along the water facing the Golden Gate Bridge.  Best real estate in the Bay.  They exemplified the phrase “one mans trash is another man’s treasure”.  Of course the stuffed shirts got wind and kicked them out.  But gave the stuffed shirts an idea...Hey, why not make a park out of this dirty unused lot?  Duh.  So before you harass your kid for taking art classes, remember it’s usually the artists who push the rest of society in the right direction.  

It’s also a great place to bird watch and now the wildflowers are a blooming, so it’s quite serene.  If you’re looking for some inspiration, this is the place for you.  

So my posts/weeks are a bit out of order.  Oh well!  It’s my blog and I’ll create chaos if I want to!  

I’ll end on this note:  Love is ALWAYS the answer. 

So sponsor me (hehehe):  https://runsignup.com/tracyalbert/Donate